THE RESSURECTION

Readings and study from 1 Corinthians 15

Golgotha: Tradition holds that Jesus was crucified here.

There are several doctrines about the Resurrection taught in 1 Corinthians 15 that are misunderstood or completely absent in many other Christian churches. 

The Crucifixion by Carl H Bloch

Read 1 Corinthians 15 and answer the following questions in writing:

1.   Who was “the firstfruits of them that slept” and what does that phrase mean?

Paul documents that Jesus Christ is the firstfrutits of the Resurrection. Christ was the first mortal to rise to immortality, restoring his perfect soul to a perfected body, and live again after death.  “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming” (1 Corinthians 15:21-23).

He is Not Here, by Walter Rane

In the New Testament Student Manual, chapter 40 explains some relevant Jewish traditions: “The law of Moses dictated that when the yearly crop harvest began, each farmer was to dedicate his first sheaf of grain as an offering to the Lord in acknowledgment that He is the source of all blessings (see Leviticus 23:9-14; Deuteronomy 26:1-11). Paul drew upon the image of “the first of the firstfruits of thy land” (Exodus 23:19) as he described the resurrected Savior as “the firstfruits” of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23; see also 2 Nephi 2:8–9). Just as farmers’ firstfruits were the earliest of many crops to be harvested, Jesus Christ was the first of all beings to be resurrected, thereby opening the way for all of the inhabitants of the world to similarly be raised from the dead.

He is Risen, by Del Parson

“Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles confirmed Paul’s glorious teaching that everyone will be resurrected:

‘When the Savior rose from the tomb, He did something no one had ever done. He did something no one else could do. He broke the bonds of death, not only for Himself but for all who have ever lived—the just and the unjust [see John 5:28–29].

‘When Christ rose from the grave, becoming the firstfruits of the Resurrection, He made that gift available to all. And with that sublime act, He softened the devastating, consuming sorrow that gnaws at the souls of those who have lost precious loved ones’ (“Sunday Will Come,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 29).”

2.     Who are listed in these verses as being witnesses of the Lord’s Resurrection?

1 Corinthians 15:5-8 Paul lists Peter (Cephas) and the twelve, 500 brethren, James (the half-brother of Jesus), all the apostles, and finally himself as witnesses of the resurrected Christ.

3.     According to Matthew 27:52, who else have been resurrected?

According to Matthew the saints who had already died rose from their graves and appeared to many.

Matthew 27:52-53: “And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”

4.     According to what Paul taught in these verses, who else will be resurrected?

Paul teaches us that all—who like Adam are mortal and will die as Adam died—all, every one, will be resurrected.  “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming” (1 Corinthians 15:22-23; see also John 5:28–29; 2 Nephi 9:21–22; Alma 11:42–44; D&C 29:26–27).

Go Ye Therefore, And Teach All Nations, by Harry Anderson

From the New Testament student manual we learn, “President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) taught that the universal nature of the Resurrection is a manifestation of God’s justice:

“No person who has lived and died on this earth will be denied the resurrection. Reason teaches this, and it is a simple matter of justice. Adam alone was responsible for death, and therefore the Lord does not lay this to the charge of any other person. Justice demands that no person who was not responsible for death shall be held responsible for it, and therefore, as Paul declared, ‘As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive’” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 2:274).

5.     Some of the Corinthians did not believe in the Resurrection. What did Paul use as evidence of the Resurrection that was common practice then but today is literally nonexistent in the Christian world outside the restored gospel?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches and practices proxy baptism for those that have died without this ordinance that Christ modeled and taught as essential for salvation and exaltation.

Temple baptismal font at Oquirrh Mountain, Utah temple

 In 1 Corinthians 15:29 we read that the saints in Paul’s time also practiced proxy baptism for the dead: “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?”

Drawing of the earliest Christian baptismal font ever discovered, constructed about A.D. 240 in a house-church in Dura-Europos, Syria. Above the font was a painting of a shepherd carrying a sheep on his shoulders to join a flock of sheep at pasture. Beneath the font was a small depiction of Adam and Eve taking the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The art suggests that for these early Christians, baptism represented being rescued by the Good Shepherd and brought into the fold of the Church. The art also preserves the memory of Paul’s teachings that Jesus Christ overcomes the effects of the Fall of Adam (see 1 Corinthians 15:21–22, 45–49; Romans 5:12–21).

6.     What did Paul teach about the differences in resurrected bodies?

 Paul teaches that not all bodies are the same either before or after the resurrection. Each is raised to immortality and will have all the happiness they are willing to receive.

Verses 35-54 of chapter 15 carefully delineate and explain differences of ‘flesh,’ “All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:. . .

It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. . . . flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye . . . the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

7.     How does knowing this help to explain God’s justice and mercy?

Scriptures and prophets teach that God wants us to be happy. He wants us to have the most happiness possible. That is called joy. He wants to give each of us joy - real, lasting happiness. We are his children! Paul illustrates using the example of a seed that becomes a whole and fruitful plant.

The student manual states, “Paul taught that the resurrected body differs in glory and quality from the mortal body. To illustrate this point, he spoke of planting “bare grain” and eventually harvesting a whole plant or “body” (1 Corinthians 15:37–38). The planted seed typifies the mortal body, which, after death and burial, will come forth in the Resurrection as a glorified, immortal body. The Savior taught a similar analogy in John 12:23–24. Paul highlighted this distinction in another way when he referred to the “natural body” that is buried at death and the “spiritual body” that is raised up in the Resurrection.”

The New Testament testifies about the reality of God's son, Jesus Christ, and about their great love for us. They really do love every single person, and they are trying to tell us in the scriptures how to find and have real happiness. Scriptures are the instruction manuals for joy.

There is a plan, whereby every person can obtain all the happiness they want, and we are promised that we will live eternally in happiness. Sometimes I ponder how to be happy, and occasionally I post such ponderings. In ‘Printers and Procedures’ I describe some impressions I had.

 I also link there to Jeffery R Holland’s life changing 32 minute dissertation, Living After the Manner of Happiness devotional.

The testimonies in the New Testament about Jesus Christ showing us examples of how to follow God's commandments—Christ living the 'instructions for joy'—are enthralling. If you haven't read it lately it is a great book. I highly recommend it.

8.     What additional insights do you gain about the celestial kingdom from Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4?

This section of the Doctrine and Covenants explains that we must have accepted the “new and everlasting covenant of marriage” to attain the celestial kingdom and live in the way God lives. This covenant is available in the temples built by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4

“In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees; And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into . . . the new and everlasting covenant of marriage . . . And if he does not, he cannot obtain it. He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase.”

Salt Lake, Utah temple by Clarence Ames

9.     What does 2 Nephi 9:6-9 tell us would have happened to all of us had there been no resurrection?

2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon explains God’s merciful and glorious plan whereby Jesus Christ rescues and saves all of Heavenly Father’s children from the sins and errors that cause them to “become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself.”

In the October 2007 General Relief Society Meeting Thomas S. Monson said we live in the time described in chapter 9, and, as prophets do, instructed us regarding how to conduct ourselves in this time of upheaval and chaos. He quoted 2 Timothy 1:7-8 from the New Testament—“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”— and gave 3 specific “goals” to comfort, strengthen, and guide us as we “study,” and “pray earnestly,” and “serve willingly.”  Prophets often reminded us to avoid fear.

Near Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada - hope can pierce even the most heavy or dismal clouds LL

10.  What words from 2 Nephi 9:10-13 describe feelings of gratitude for the Resurrection? ​

I love 2 Nephi. It is one of my favorite books of scripture. I love the clear explanations about God’s love for humanity, and of his merciful plan as well as the abiding love and vicarious sacrifice his son, Jesus Christ. Sometimes I feel like shouting the words of Verse 10 as Jacob glories, “O how great the goodness of our God,” and verse 13 which reiterates the praise, “O how great the plan of our God!”

And chapter 10 reminds us: “cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life” (2 Nephi 10:23). And I remember these doctrines when things seem hard, and hold onto them. Friday—In the Dark

PAUL'S VISIT TO ATHENS

Choice 3: Acts 17. Paul’s Visit to Athens

New Testament readings Acts 9; 13-18

The apostle Paul journeyed many miles throughout the middle east and Europe to proclaim the sure witness and testimony he had - he personal saw the resurrected Jesus, knew he lived again, and that because of His sacrifice all mankind may likewise live.

1.  Review Acts 17:1–5, 10–15. Write a description of the different ways in which people responded to the message of the gospel. What phrase in these verses describes what the people of Berea did that the people of Thessalonica did not do that helped them more readily accept the gospel? Read 2 Nephi 32:3; 33:10; Alma 31:5 and explain in writing how our daily study of scripture affects so much else of what we think and do. (See scriptures and links below post.)

      The Jews in Thessalonica “which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.” These non-believers not only did not accept the teachings about Jesus, but they actively fought to prevent anyone else hearing or believing, even to the extent that when they found out that Paul and Silas were in Berea they “came thither also, and stirred up the people.” In contrast, the Jews in Berea were “more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” Acts 17:1–5, 10–15.

      In this passage, the phrase “searched the scriptures daily” distinguishes the difference in devotion to God that the people of Thessalonica and Berea had. The phrase, “with all readiness of mind” also indicates a desire for knowledge and an open willingness to not only find truth but to accept and act upon it when changes are needed in life style or attitudes. Seeking to know truth by actively studying the scriptures and searching for true principles there brings us nearer to God and helps us to have his spirit with us. This helps us discern and understand what we hear and study.

2.  Review Acts 17:16–28 and the institute student manual commentary for Acts 17:18, “What Are Epicureans and Stoics?” (p. 266). Briefly summarize the beliefs of the Epicureans and Stoics.

The Epicureans believe the world and man exist “by chance” and are “without purpose or design.” They also believe that Gods, if they exist, aren’t involved with the “lives of humans” and claim “happiness [is] found in the absence of cares and pain and the enjoyment of pleasures in moderation.”

Stoicism is much the opposite and claims “all things were created, ordered, and set in motion by divine reason” and that man is “endowed with a spark of reason and should seek harmony with the divine order of things, overcome passions, and live a moral and upright life.”

Ruins of the Erechthelon, a Greek temple built in the late fifth century B.C. on the Acropolis in Athens. Paul would have seen this and many similar temples and religious shrines in Athens.

      Read the institute student manual commentary for Acts 17:15–34, “What Was the Significance of Paul’s Visit to Athens?” (p. 266). Then write your answers to the following questions:

·       What gods did the Athenians know and not know?

The Athenians believed in many Gods and in an effort to offend none, even unwittingly, they had an alter to the “Unknown God.” Paul came and declared to them the God they did not know: Jesus Christ. He “did not recite Jewish history or scripture as he typically did when teaching Jewish and God-fearing audiences (see Acts 13:16–41). Instead, he taught the Athenians by establishing areas of common ground and trying to lead his hearers from those points to true points of doctrine that were contrary to tenets of Greek philosophies and religions” (Student Manual, p.315).

·       How do 2 Nephi 9:28–29 and Colossians 2:8 relate to the practices of the Athenians?

2 Nephi 9:28–29

28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.
29 But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.

Colossians 2:8

8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Both these scripture passages describe the state of those that don’t seek truth, and won’t apply it in their choices, and lives, when they happen on it. The people in Athens were filled with pride in their ‘knowledge’ and spent all their time trying to learn some new thing just to talk about it, not to apply or live good ideas. They were no longer really seeking truth, they were seeking to build up their own vanity, pride, and social status.

The Areopagus (Hill of Ares), an outcropping of rock about 377 feet (115 meters) in height. Some Bible translations refer to this as Mars Hill since the Greek god of war, Ares, was equated with the Roman god Mars.

·       What false gods do people worship today that causes them to forget the true and living God?

Anything that detracts from obedience to the principles Jesus taught and has revealed through the prophets, both ancient and modern, can be a ‘god’ that causes us to forget Heavenly Father and His son. If our focus and attention is on possessions, such as houses or cars, appliances or technologies, or even secular topics of study these things become our gods because they are what we spend our time and energy focused on.

In the Miracle of Forgiveness, Spencer W Kimball teaches that false gods or idols include “everything which entices a person away from duty, loyalty, and love for and service to God.” What really matters is the desires of our hearts. President Kimball continues, “Whatever thing a man sets his heart and his trust in most is his god;” (chapter 14, Teachings of Spencer W Kimball). We learn in the Book of Matthew “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21.) Our hearts should be turned to the Lord, as should our every desire and focus.

3.  Study Acts 17:26–27; Deuteronomy 32:8; institute student manual commentary for Acts 17:26, “Was Paul Teaching About the Premortal Existence When He Spoke of the ‘Times Before Appointed’?” (p. 266). Most of the Christian world does not believe in a premortal life. Write a paragraph supporting the principle of a premortal life as taught in these verses and the words of President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973).

      Deuteronomy 32:8 tells about some of God’s activities before specific nations of people existed on earth. “When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.” From this verse, and the words of Moses and other prophets we know that the children of God that are born on this earth existed before their lives here. President Harold B. Lee explained further:

      “… may I ask each of you again the question, ‘Who are you?’ You are all the sons and daughters of God. Your spirits were created and lived as organized intelligences before the world was. You have been blessed to have a physical body because of your obedience to certain commandments in that premortal state. You are now born into a family to which you have come, into the nations through which you have come, as a reward for the kind of lives you lived before you came here and at a time in the world’s history, as the Apostle Paul taught the men of Athens and as the Lord revealed to Moses, determined by the faithfulness of each of those who lived before this world was created.” (CR, Oct. 1973, p. 7.)

4.  Review Acts 17:28–29; Romans 8:16–17. Write two or three paragraphs about the doctrine taught in these verses and how it helps us better understand the true nature of God. Include in your writing an explanation of what difference it makes to understand that we are God’s offspring and not just His creation.

      Acts 17:26-27

 24 God that made the world and all things therein . . .

26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

      Romans 8:16–17

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

      Every person on earth, is a child of our divine Father in Heaven. He loves us deeply and provides commandments to help and bless us to find and have all the happiness possible to find and have. He has created the world purposefully to assist us to become like he is. How do I know these things? I have asked God. And as Paul taught in Romans, “The Spirit  beareth witness with [my] spirit.” I am His daughter. I know it!

      I also witness the truth of the following verse, that “he [God] be not far from every one of us.” If we seek him we can find him. One of the first ways we can seek our Father is to just talk with him every day, morning and night. He is listening. He will answer, but I sometimes must wait to feel what He wants me to hear. I must “be still and know that [He is] God” (Psalms 46:10) and trust Him, as a child trusts a loving and kind father. I have such a father. I am grateful for the way he has modeled the love Heavenly Father has for His children.

      As a child of God, as an heir of His promised blessings, I am entitled to be like him, and be glorified so I can live with him.. Through obedience to the guidelines, the commandments, God gives I can change my imperfection to be perfect even as Jesus commanded us to be (Matthew 5:48), and as he showed us through his perfect example. I must have faith on His name, and I must accept the grace of his Atoning blood in my behalf. Then I become, as Paul teaches, an “heir of God, and joint-heir” with Christ.  

5.  According to Acts 17:32, record how the people responded to Paul’s teachings of the Resurrection. Write a paragraph using other scriptures from the Topical Guide that support the doctrine of the Resurrection.

      Some of the people mocked, but others wanted time to consider and think about what they had been taught and to hear more again later, and verse 34 tells us that some believed Paul’s teachings and followed him. 

He Is Not Here, by Walter Rane

      Job 14:14 asks, “If a man die, shall he live again?” and then witnesses that a “change” will come, and that he intends to be waiting and ready to answer when the Lord calls him. All the prophets of the Old and New Testaments, testify that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and now lives. They testify that our mortal bodies can be resurrected just as he is. (See 1 Sam. 2:6; Isa. 26:19; Ezek. 37:12; Dan. 12:2; Matt. 27:52–54; Acts 26:23; 1 Cor. 15:23; Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:5 and many others). 

      Each of us has to find our own sure knowledge of this truth. We find it by turning to the scriptures and seeking His word there. Then, through prayerful pondering, the sweet assurance that we will live again will enlighten and lift us above mere hope and belief to knowledge. We will know. “We shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection” (Romans 6:5). Many in the New Testament saw him, talked and walked with him, and ate with him after his resurrection. 

A typical meal in Bible times, consisting of fish, flatbread,
grapes, nuts or seeds, and wine

 Our spirit will be with our “body of flesh and bones, never again to be divided” (Bible Dictionary: resurrection), just as Christ's is. Then we will rejoice in heaven, and live again with our Father in Heaven.

THE MARTYRDOM OF STEPHEN

New Testament Readings Acts 1-8, 10-12

Acts 7. The Martyrdom of Stephen

1.    Review Acts 6:6–8 and Acts 7:51–60. Then respond to the following items:

Acts 6:6–8 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Acts 7:51–60

51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.

59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

·       Write a summary of Stephen’s last words and what impressed you about them.

Stephan, even though falsely accused and being stoned to death, witnessed that he saw the Jesus with God, his Father. He not only continued to be steadfast in his witness of the divinity and power of Jesus, but he also modeled his last words after the words of Christ on the cross saying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:24). Stephan said, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:60).

·       What do we learn about the Godhead from these verses?

God the Father and Jesus Christ are two distinctly separate beings.

2. Compare Stephen’s death to Abinadi’s in Mosiah 17:7–20. List how they were similar. What impact do their final testimonies have upon you?

In both instances a large group of powerful leaders purchase, present, and pronounce guilt based on falsehoods, and they die a martyr’s death. They boldly summarize and explain key doctrines of the gospel as they witness of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. They did this so effectively because they were ‘filled with the Holy Ghost.’ This blessing is available to all of God’s children if they seek that witness as commanded. I have been obedient in seeking the ordinances and blessings of covenants with Heavenly Father through the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ. Through proper authority and the laying on of hands the gift of the Holy Ghost can have power and effect in my life and choices.

Stephen	Abinidi	Scripture References
Set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on [him].	he went forth among them, and began to prophesy, saying: Behold, thus saith the Lord, and thus hath he commanded me, saying, Go forth, and say unto this people, thus saith the Lord	Acts 6:6; Mosiah 11:20
full of faith and power	Touch me not, for God shall smite you if ye lay your hands upon me, for I have not delivered the message which the Lord sent me to deliver; . . .the Spirit of the Lord was upon him;	Acts 6:8; Mosiah 14:3,5
leaders unable to resist the wisdom and the spirit of his words	asked to recall words	Acts 6:11; Mosiah 17:8
Did great wonders and miracles among the people	the Lord delivered him out of their hands.	Acts 6:8;  Mosiah 11:26
arose certain of the synagogue disputing	they took him and carried him bound before the king, and said unto the king: [and his priests]	Acts 6:9; Mosiah 12:9
rehearses gospel in summary including Law of Moses and Messiah	rehearses gospel in summary including Law of Moses and Messiah	Acts 6:8-Acts 7; Mosiah 12:33-Mosiah 17
bore witness of Jesus Christ	redemption cometh through Christ the Lord	Acts 6:14; Mosiah 16:15
they suborned men . . . false witnesses	priests lifted up their voices against him, and began to accuse him	Acts 6:11,14; Mosiah 17:12
accused of blasphemy, speaking against Law of Moses, and God	thou hast said that God himself should come down among the children of men	Acts 6:11,13; Mosiah 17:8
accused of changing customs,	thou hast said that God himself should come down among the children of men	Acts 6:14; Mosiah 17:8
they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.	thou hast spoken evil concerning me and my people	Acts 7:59; Mosiah 17:8
accuses them of wickedness and killing prophets as fathers had	accuses them of iniquity and curses them	Acts 7:51-53; Mosiah 17:15-19
Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.	they shall stand as a testimony against you	Acts 7:52-53, Mosiah 17:8
leaders stirred up the people	priests lifted up their voices against him, and began to accuse him . . . Therefore the king was stirred up in anger	Acts 6:12; Mosiah 17:12
all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.	if ye slay me ye will shed innocent blood	Acts 6:12; Mosiah 17:10
cried with a loud voice	he cried unto them, saying . . .God execute vengence	Acts 7:60; Mosiah 17:19
Lord Jesus, receive my spirit	O God, receive my soul.	Acts 7:59; Mosiah 17:14
the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.	his face shone with exceeding luster, even as Moses’ did while in the mount of Sinai, while speaking with the Lord.	Acts 6:15; Mosiah 14:3,5
Saul repents and becomes Apostle Paul	Alma repents, converts, and becomes prophet	Acts 8; Mosiah 17

NO MIRACLE

Jesus healed many people.

Why not me?

A lame man may have had this question.

The man is described in Acts chapter 3.

Verse 2 records "And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple."

How is this possible? 

Do you ever feel like you wait at the "gate" of the temple, and even at heaven's door for a miracle that is not forthcoming? 

Was this lame man not at the temple gate when Jesus was?

Acts is the record of the things the apostles did after Christ's death. Jesus Christ, resurrected, ministered to the apostles 40 days. Acts chapter 1 describes how Jesus returned to heaven.

Acts 3 tells how the lame man was healed at the temple by Peter and John, sometime later, AFTER Christ's crucifixion, and resurrection, ministry, and return to heaven. Acts 4: 22 tells us "the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed."

FORTY years of age?
Where was he when Jesus came and went from the temple?

While Jesus lived on earth the blind saw, the deaf heard, the lame leaped by His power and miracles. Through his name and power, the rotted flesh of lepers "came again like unto the flesh of a little child" (2 Kings 5:9), and of even greater significance sins were forgiven—washed completely away, and forgiven.

Mathew 11:5 tells us, "The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the  lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them."

We know from many sources, and specifically from Matthew 21:14 that "the blind and the lame came to [Jesus] in the temple; and he healed them."

How is it then that a 40 year old man, lame from his mother's womb, "laid at the gate of the temple daily" was still at the gate of the temple when Peter and John came?

The story (Acts 3: 4-13) tells us: 

"Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

"And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.  And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

"And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.

"And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus . . . ."

Peter witnessed that this man was healed so that the people could receive a sure witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ, and that His power and gospel remained on the earth.

Prophets teach us to go to the temple when we are troubled, to seek peace and healing there. As we wait at the temple praying for a miracle do we have faith and trust like this man apparently had?

Do we trust God?

Can we accept His omniscience?

Especially when we feel we have been bypassed?

Even when miracles happen for all around us?"

Particularly when we have cause to question: "Why not me?"

FDREL 212 NEW TESTAMENT EPISTLES & LETTERS

Religion classes continue as part of my degree. This semester it has been a year since I studied the 4 Gospels of the New Testament in FDREL 211.

I will continue, this semester, to study the New Testament, the life of Jesus Christ, and the lives and testimonies of his apostles. As before I have 'Student Choice' assignments to complete and blog.

Studying scriptures provides a 'lens' on life. It keeps problems and promises in perspective. 

So much to learn and know as I attempt to ferret out 3 principles each week, and discuss them with classmates. I may also memorize scriptures (or review others already memorized).

Ready, Set, GO!! 

The first week is Acts 1-8, and 10-12.