Lesson 1:
The Apostles' Ministry in the Early Church
Module 11. The Period of the Apostles } Timeline: Year AD 30–62 } Acts of the Apostles
“Vision & Teaching of Fernando Jiménez”
1. 📖 Introduction & Context
The apostolic period (AD 30–67) marks the dynamic expansion of the church after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the apostles became witnesses of Christ’s resurrection and took the Gospel from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and eventually to the Roman world.
This period was foundational for Christian theology, worship, and mission. The apostles endured persecution, performed miracles, and proclaimed Jesus as the crucified and risen Messiah. Among them, Peter emerged as the leader in Jerusalem, James as head of the church, and Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles, carrying the Gospel throughout the Mediterranean.
2. 🕰 Timeline
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4003 AM (c. AD 33): Ascension of Jesus and Pentecost (Acts 1–2).
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c. AD 44: Martyrdom of James the son of Zebedee (Acts 12:1–2).
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c. AD 49–50: Jerusalem Council resolves Gentile inclusion (Acts 15).
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c. AD 60–62: Paul imprisoned in Rome, writes prison epistles.
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4053 AM (c. AD 67): Martyrdom of Paul in Rome under Nero.
3. 🎯 Learning Objectives
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Explore how the apostles laid the foundations of the early church through preaching, teaching, and mission.
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Understand the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the church’s witness.
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Reflect on the legacy of the apostles in shaping Christian doctrine and global mission.
4. 📖 Right Exegesis – Teaching to Correct
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The Spirit empowers witness: Acts 1:8 defines the apostolic mission as Spirit-filled testimony “to the ends of the earth.”
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The church is built on apostolic teaching: Acts 2:42 highlights doctrine, fellowship, and prayer as central to early Christian life.
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Gentile inclusion was God’s plan: The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) affirmed that salvation is by grace, not the Law.
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Persecution advances the Gospel: The martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 7) scattered believers and accelerated mission.
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Paul’s conversion reveals grace: From persecutor to apostle, Paul became the model of God’s transforming power.
5. 📜 Grammatical & Linguistic Context (Key Hebrew/Greek Words)
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Apostolos (ἀπόστολος) – “Apostle”: One who is “sent out” with authority.
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Pentekosté (πεντηκοστή) – “Pentecost”: Feast when the Spirit was poured out (Acts 2).
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Ekklesia (ἐκκλησία) – “Church”: The gathered community of believers.
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Evangelion (εὐαγγέλιον) – “Gospel”: The good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
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Synodos (σύνοδος) – “Council”: Gathering for decision-making (e.g., Jerusalem Council).
6. 📖 Bible References (with Key Verses)
Main Passages:
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Great Commission & Ascension: Matt. 28:18–20; Acts 1:6–11
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Pentecost: Acts 2:1–4
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Growth of the Church: Acts 2:14–41
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Martyrdom of Stephen: Acts 6:8–15; 7:54–60
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Conversion of Saul: Acts 9:1–19
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Jerusalem Council: Acts 15:1–29
Key Verses:
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Acts 1:8 — “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
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Acts 2:42 — “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
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Acts 9:15 — “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”
7. 📝 Homework / Revision
Visuals:
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Map of Paul’s missionary journeys.
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Illustration of Pentecost and the outpouring of the Spirit.
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Chart of the apostles: names, fields of ministry, and martyrdoms.
Quiz (5 Questions):
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What role did the Holy Spirit play at Pentecost in launching the apostolic mission?
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How did persecution help the church expand beyond Jerusalem?
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What was the theological significance of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15?
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Why is Paul called the apostle to the Gentiles, and what was his impact?
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How does Acts 2:42 describe the priorities of the early church?
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Lesson 2:
Paul — Apostle to the Gentiles & His Epistles
Module 11. The Period of the Apostles } Timeline: Year AD 30–67 } Acts of the Apostles
“Vision & Teaching of Fernando Jiménez”
1) 📖 Introduction & Context
Saul of Tarsus—Pharisee, student of Gamaliel, and Roman citizen—met the risen Christ on the Damascus road (c. AD 35) and became Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.
From Antioch he launched three missionary journeys across Cyprus, Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Greece, planting 14 churches and writing 14 Spirit-inspired letters that anchor Christian doctrine (grace, justification by faith, union with Christ, life in the Spirit, the church as one new people—Jew and Gentile).
Arrested, tried, and taken to Rome, Paul ministered under house arrest and, by tradition, was martyred under Nero (c. AD 67). His epistles shaped the theology, worship, and mission of the early church—and still do today.
2) 🕰 Timeline
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4007 AM (c. AD 35): Conversion of Saul (Acts 9).
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AD 46–48: 1st Journey — Cyprus & South Galatia (Acts 13–14).
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AD 49–50: Jerusalem Council — Gentile inclusion by grace (Acts 15).
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AD 49–52: 2nd Journey — Macedonia & Achaia; Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth (Acts 16–18).
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AD 53–57: 3rd Journey — Ephesus focus; writes key letters (Acts 19–21).
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AD 57–62: Arrests & imprisonments; to Rome under guard (Acts 21–28).
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4053 AM (c. AD 67): Martyrdom in Rome (tradition).
3) 🎯 Learning Objectives
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Trace Paul’s life from conversion to martyrdom and how his mission expanded the church among the nations.
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Grasp central doctrines in Paul’s letters: grace, faith, the cross, the Spirit, and the one people of God.
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Apply Pauline teaching on holiness, unity, and mission to contemporary church life.
4) 📖 Right Exegesis – Teaching to Correct
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Justification by faith, not works of the Law: God declares sinners righteous through faith in Christ (Rom 3:21–26; Gal 2:15–21).
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Grace creates a new humanity: Jew and Gentile are one in Christ; the dividing wall is broken (Eph 2:11–22; Acts 15).
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Union with Christ is the center: Believers die and rise with Christ; identity and ethics flow from this union (Rom 6; Gal 2:20).
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Life in the Spirit, not the flesh: The Spirit empowers sanctification and mission (Rom 8; Gal 5:16–25).
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The cross is God’s wisdom and power: Christian ministry boasts only in Christ crucified (1 Cor 1:18–2:5; Gal 6:14).
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Church order & love: Gifts edify the body; love is the “more excellent way” (1 Cor 12–14).
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Hope sustains mission: Suffering refines; resurrection hope anchors perseverance (2 Cor 4–5; 2 Tim 4:6–8).
5) 📜 Grammatical & Linguistic Context (Key Hebrew/Greek Words)
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Apostolos (ἀπόστολος): “Sent one” with Christ’s authority.
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Ethnē (ἔθνη): “Nations/Gentiles,” Paul’s primary mission field.
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Charis (χάρις): “Grace,” God’s unmerited favor that saves and sustains.
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Pistis (πίστις): “Faith,” trusting reliance on Christ.
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Dikaiosynē (δικαιοσύνη): “Righteousness,” God’s gift in justification.
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Pneuma (πνεῦμα): “Spirit,” the indwelling power for holy living.
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Ekklesia (ἐκκλησία): “Church,” the gathered people of God, one body in Christ.
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Koinōnia (κοινωνία): “Fellowship/partnership,” shared life and mission.
6) 📖 Bible References (with Key Verses)
Main Passages
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Conversion & Call: Acts 9:1–19
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1st Journey: Acts 13–14
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Jerusalem Council: Acts 15:1–29
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2nd Journey: Acts 16:6–40; 17–18
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3rd Journey: Acts 19–21
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Core Epistles: Romans 1–8; Galatians 2–3; 1 Corinthians 1–2; Ephesians 2–3; Philippians 2; 2 Timothy 4
Key Verses
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Acts 9:15 — “He is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles…”
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Romans 1:16–17 — “I am not ashamed of the gospel… the righteous shall live by faith.”
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Galatians 2:20 — “I have been crucified with Christ… Christ lives in me.”
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Ephesians 2:8–9 — “By grace you have been saved through faith… not by works.”
7) 📝 Homework / Revision
Visuals
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Map: Paul’s three missionary journeys + route to Rome.
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Timeline: When/where Paul likely wrote each epistle.
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Diagram: Jew & Gentile “one new humanity” (Eph 2).
Quiz (5 Questions)
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How did Paul’s conversion reshape his mission to the Gentiles?
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Summarize Paul’s teaching on justification by faith and its pastoral implications.
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What decision did the Jerusalem Council make, and why did it matter for Gentile believers?
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How does union with Christ (e.g., Gal 2:20; Rom 6) ground Christian ethics?
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In what ways do Paul’s letters (e.g., Romans, Galatians, Ephesians) continue to guide the church’s doctrine and mission today?
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Lesson 3:
Peter & John — Apostles in Jerusalem
Module 11. The Period of the Apostles } Timeline: Year AD 30–67 } Acts of the Apostles
“Vision & Teaching of Fernando Jiménez”
1) 📖 Introduction & Context
Peter and John stand as two of the most prominent leaders in the early church. Both were fishermen from Galilee, personally called by Jesus, and included in His inner circle. Peter is remembered for his bold leadership, powerful preaching, and pastoral exhortations in his letters, while John is remembered as the “beloved disciple,” whose writings emphasize love, truth, and the divine nature of Christ.
Together, they formed the backbone of the Jerusalem church, confronting the Sanhedrin, performing miracles in the name of Christ, and shepherding the early Christian community through persecution and growth. Their epistles, written later in life, continue to guide believers with encouragement, theological depth, and warnings against false teaching.
2) 🕰 Timeline
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4003 AM (c. AD 30): Peter preaches at Pentecost — 3,000 converted (Acts 2).
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c. AD 33–44: Peter & John minister in Jerusalem, facing opposition from the Sanhedrin (Acts 3–5).
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c. AD 64–68: Peter writes his epistles; tradition holds his martyrdom in Rome under Nero.
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c. AD 85–95: John, in Ephesus and Patmos, writes his Gospel and epistles.
3) 🎯 Learning Objectives
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Explore the ministries of Peter and John in Jerusalem and their enduring influence on the early church.
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Understand the central teachings of their letters: perseverance in persecution (Peter) and love and truth in fellowship (John).
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Reflect on how the witness of Peter and John models courage, leadership, and intimacy with Christ for today’s believers.
4) 📖 Right Exegesis – Teaching to Correct
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Christ the only Savior: Peter declared, “There is no other name… by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Salvation is exclusively in Christ.
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Living as God’s holy people: Peter calls believers “a chosen race, a royal priesthood” (1 Pet. 2:9), urging them to live set apart.
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Love as the mark of true faith: John insists that those born of God must love, for “God is love” (1 John 4:7–8).
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Truth and discernment: John warns against false teachers who deny Christ’s incarnation (1 John 2:18–23).
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Hope in suffering: Both apostles emphasize perseverance through trials, pointing to Christ’s return and ultimate victory.
5) 📜 Grammatical & Linguistic Context (Key Hebrew/Greek Words)
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Petros (Πέτρος): “Rock,” the name Jesus gave Simon, symbolizing stability and foundation.
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Agápē (ἀγάπη): Self-giving, divine love — central to John’s theology.
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Epistolē (ἐπιστολή): Letter written with apostolic authority to instruct and exhort the church.
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Pneuma (πνεῦμα): Spirit — the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in their ministry.
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Alētheia (ἀλήθεια): Truth — for John, inseparably bound with Christ’s identity.
6) 📖 Bible References (with Key Verses)
Main Passages
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Peter’s Pentecost Sermon: Acts 2:14–41
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Healing of the lame man: Acts 3:1–10
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Peter and John before the Sanhedrin: Acts 4:1–22
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Epistles of Peter: 1 Pet. 1:1–5; 2 Pet. 1:3–11
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Epistles of John: 1 John 1:1–4; 4:7–12; 2 John 1–6; 3 John 1–4
Key Verses
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Acts 4:12 — “Salvation is found in no one else…” (Peter before the Sanhedrin).
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1 Peter 2:9 — “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood…”
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1 John 4:7–8 — “Beloved, let us love one another… for God is love.”
7) 📝 Homework / Revision
Visuals
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Map: Jerusalem (Temple, Sanhedrin) and Ephesus (John’s later ministry).
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Timeline: Peter’s leadership, martyrdom, and John’s later writings.
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Illustration: Peter preaching at Pentecost; John writing in Patmos.
Quiz (5 Questions)
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How did Peter and John demonstrate boldness in Jerusalem, and what impact did it have on the early church?
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What are the main themes of Peter’s epistles, and how do they encourage believers facing persecution?
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How does John’s emphasis on love and truth shape Christian identity and fellowship?
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What is the significance of Peter’s declaration in Acts 4:12?
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How do the writings of Peter and John continue to guide the church in doctrine, holiness, and unity today?
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Lesson 4:
Apostolic Expansion & Theological Conflicts
Module 11. The Period of the Apostles } Timeline: Year AD 45–70 } Acts of the Apostles
“Vision & Teaching of Fernando Jiménez”
1) 📖 Introduction & Context
After the ascension of Jesus, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost empowered the apostles to fulfill the Great Commission. From Jerusalem, the Gospel spread rapidly into Judea, Samaria, and eventually the wider Greco-Roman world, just as foretold in Acts 1:8. Thousands were converted, miracles confirmed the message, and churches were established across diverse cities and cultures.
Yet growth brought both opposition and tension. The apostles endured arrests, floggings, imprisonment, and martyrdom, proving that the advance of the Kingdom would always be contested by earthly and spiritual powers. At the same time, the early church faced doctrinal and cultural challenges: How should Gentiles be integrated? Was observance of the Mosaic Law required, or was salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone sufficient?
The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) marked a decisive turning point. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the apostles and elders affirmed salvation by grace through faith apart from the works of the Law, establishing pastoral guidelines for Gentile believers. This preserved both the freedom of the Gentiles and the unity of the Church.
A) Five Major Early Church Heresies
1. Judaizers
Key figures: Opposed by Paul (Galatia)
Error: Salvation requires faith in Christ PLUS the Mosaic Law (circumcision, Torah observance).
Core issue: Grace vs. Law
Biblical response: Galatians, Acts 15
Denied justification by faith alone.
2. Gnosticism
Key figures: Early Gnostic teachers (e.g., Cerinthus)
Orientation: Greek dualism (spirit good, matter evil)
Error: Jesus was not truly human; salvation through secret knowledge (gnōsis).
Biblical response: John, 1 John, Colossians
Denied the incarnation and the goodness of creation.
3. Docetism
Related to: Gnosticism
Error: Christ only “appeared” to have a physical body.
Core issue: Denial of Jesus’ real humanity and suffering.
Biblical response: 1 John 4:2–3
Undermined the reality of the cross.
4. Antinomianism
Key figures: Misuse of Paul’s teaching
Error: Grace eliminates moral responsibility.
Orientation: Lawlessness under grace.
Biblical response: Romans 6, Jude
Turned grace into license to sin.
5. Early Christological Errors
Key issue: Who is Jesus fully?
Errors included:
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Jesus only divine, not human
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Jesus only human, not divine
Biblical response: Philippians 2, Colossians 1, Hebrews 1
Forced the Church to define orthodox Christology.
2) 🕰 Timeline
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4003 AM (c. AD 30): Ascension and Pentecost; birth of the Church in Jerusalem (Acts 1–2).
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c. AD 35–48: Expansion into Judea and Samaria; conversion of Cornelius; Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 8–13).
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c. AD 49–50: Council of Jerusalem settles the Gentile controversy (Acts 15).
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c. AD 50–57: Paul’s second and third missionary journeys; churches founded in Macedonia, Achaia, and Asia Minor (Acts 16–20).
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c. AD 57–62: Paul arrested in Jerusalem; trials, imprisonments, and epistles from captivity (Acts 21–28).
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c. AD 64–70: Neronian persecution in Rome; major conflicts in Galatia and Corinth addressed by apostolic letters.
3) 🎯 Learning Objectives
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Trace the apostolic missionary expansion from Jerusalem into the Greco-Roman world.
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Understand the key theological conflicts regarding law, grace, and the identity of God’s people.
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Appreciate how apostolic decisions and epistles safeguarded the Gospel and preserved church unity.
4) 📖 Right Exegesis – Teaching to Correct
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The Gospel is universal: The mission extends to all nations, not only Israel (Matt. 28:18–20).
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Justification is by faith: Salvation is not achieved by works of the Law but by faith in Christ (Gal. 2:16).
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Gentiles in Christ: Mosaic Law is not imposed; only minimal pastoral requirements are given (Acts 15:28–29).
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Church in mission and holiness: Growth required discipline and correction (1 Cor. 5; Gal. 1:6–9).
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Persecution does not hinder the plan: Opposition often accelerated the spread of the Gospel (Acts 8:1; 13–18).
5) 📜 Grammatical & Linguistic Context (Key Words)
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Εὐαγγέλιον (Euangélion) — “Gospel / Good News”: the proclamation of salvation in Christ.
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Πίστις (Pístis) — “Faith”: the means of justification and the Christian life.
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Νόμος (Nómos) — “Law”: the Torah; at the center of debates over Gentile inclusion.
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Ἐκκλησία (Ekklesía) — “Church / Assembly”: the new covenant community of Jews and Gentiles in Christ.
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Σύνοδος (Sýnodos) — “Council”: a gathering to discern and decide doctrinal issues (Acts 15).
6) 📖 Bible References (with Key Verses)
Main Passages
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The Great Commission: Matt. 28:18–20
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Expansion to Judea and Samaria: Acts 8:1–25
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Conversion of Cornelius: Acts 10:1–48
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Paul’s first missionary journey: Acts 13:1–52
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The Council of Jerusalem: Acts 15:1–29
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Doctrinal conflict in Galatia: Gal. 1:6–9; 2:11–16
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Problems in Corinth: 1 Cor. 1:10–17; 5:1–13
Key Verses
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Matt. 28:19–20 — “Go and make disciples of all nations…”
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Acts 15:28–29 — “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…” (decision for Gentiles).
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Gal. 2:16 — “A person is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.”
Highlighted Persecutions
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Peter and John arrested: Acts 4:1–3; 5:17–18
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Stephen, the first martyr: Acts 6:12; 7:57–58
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Great dispersion from Jerusalem: Acts 8:1
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Paul persecuted in multiple cities: Acts 13:50; 14:5–6, 19; 17:5, 13; 18:12–13; 21:27–28
7) 📝 Homework / Revision
Visuals
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Map of apostolic expansion (Jerusalem → Judea/Samaria → Asia Minor/Macedonia/Achaia).
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Diagram of the Council of Jerusalem: problem → debate → decision → letter to the churches.
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Timeline of Paul’s missionary journeys and doctrinal milestones (Galatians, 1–2 Corinthians, Acts 15).
Quiz (5 Questions)
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Why was the Council of Jerusalem crucial for the unity and identity of the Church?
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How does Galatians 2:16 summarize the heart of the Law–Grace conflict?
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In what way did persecution (Acts 8:1) paradoxically advance the mission of the Church?
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What did Acts 15:28–29 establish for Gentile believers, and why was it pastorally wise?
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Identify two problems in Corinth or Galatia and explain how the epistles corrected them to safeguard the Gospel.
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