Bible Study Lesson:

Mark 10: 46-52

• Jericho: ‘Fragrant’, 15 miles from Jerusalem.
• Jesus was going to Jerusalem for the Jewish feast of Passover
• Bartimaeus, this is the only place where name of person who is healed by Jesus is mentioned!
• Double meaning of Bartimaeus: Greek – Honorable man, Hebrew Heir or son of unclean, spiritual blindness.
• Popular theology among Jews was, blindness is punishment from God for sin, see (John 9:34) Blind man with Pharisees. (Check out, Jesus heals the disabled man at Pool of Bethesda)
• His name possibly can mean son of blind man.

Q. What do you think about Bartimaeus?

• Poor, beggar, one of many beggars on the road to Jerusalem, did not own much, his only possession could be his garment
• Dejected, downcast, desperate, and yet bold, persistent, hopeful, sincere in his request

Q. What was his response when he heard about Jesus? What did he know about Jesus?

• He began to call onto Jesus, shout a loud. He was persistent.
• He must have heard about Jesus, his miracles, healing, his claims, teachings
• He must have believed that Jesus can heal him

Q. What does title ‘Son of David’ mean to Jews?

• Promised Messiah, One who is to come from the lineage of King David
• See John 7:42, Mat 21:9, Isa 35:5

Q. What was crowd’s response?

• Twofold, first they rebuked him, and then encouraged him!

Q. What did he do when Jesus called him?

• He threw his coat, his garment, his only possession, which may come on his way to reaching to Jesus
• Old garment of self-pity or self righteousness, old self
• He was ready to get rid of anything that comes on his way

Q. Why did Jesus ask him question?

• Very unique feature of Jesus’ ministry
• It is to confirm his faith, public proclamation of his trust in Jesus (Jesus asking, do you really believe that I can heal you)
• “What do you want Jesus to do in your life?”

Q. What can we learn from Bartimaeus?

• His faith – Jesus can heal him
• He showed his faith by actions
• He was persistent in his call to Jesus
• He followed Jesus thereafter.

Application:

• We all need healing; it can be physical or spiritual. Jesus can heal us, but we need to come to him, put our trust in him.

“To see beyond the present is Wisdom, but to see beyond possible is Faith.”More Bible Studies:

• Jesus Heals at the Pool of Bethesda | John 5:1-15
• Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12
• Jesus and Beelzebub – Mark 3:20-30 | Bible Study
• John the Baptist in the Wilderness – Matthew 3:1-12
• Jesus Heals the Leper – Mark 1:40-45 | Bible Study

Jesus Heals the Blind Man – Bartimaeus – Mark 10:46-52 | Bible Study is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Manuscript bible study method:

This method is one of the most effective way of studying bible. You can really dig deeper into the word of God and find treasures. In the next few paragraphs, I will show you how to use Manuscript bible study method. I am not very strict in following the method and have modified it a bit. I have been blessed in my quiet time and personal bible study (check out: How do do your Quiet Time). I hope and pray that this may be useful to you.

Things you need:

• Wide-margin manuscript of biblical book (You can print the bible passage with wide margin on both sides, if you don’t want to write in your bible.)
• Colored pencils or pen
• Bible dictionary (If available) (Free Bible Study Resources Online)
• Bible concordance (If available)

Observation:

• Look for and write down: (Highlight with different colors)
• Read the passage 2-3 times as you start marking.
• Repeated words and ideas (Assign different colors, symbols)
• Repeated themes (’Son of God’ etc)
• Contrasts
• Metaphors
• Key words such as ‘therefore’, ‘but’, ‘then’, ‘because’ etc.
• Setting of writing or event
• Time of day, month or year
• Characters
• Cause and effect
• Use Bible dictionary when words, places or peoples identities or customs are unclear.

Interpretation:

• Make connections
• Write down your ideas
• Ask yourself why the author decided to tell the details
• Feel free to draw lines, arrows between different words
• Find out the main message of the passage
• Give few interesting titles for the passage

Application:

• How can you apply what you have learned in your daily life?
• How can you relate to the event or teaching in the passage?
• There can be many applications depending upon the passage you are studying. I will post some of my manuscript bible study. This is the basic method for the manuscript study, you can also add many more things to it.

Check out How to Study Your Bible: The Lasting Rewards of the Inductive Method

More Bible Studies:

• Inductive Bible Study Method: How to Guide
• How to Do Quiet Time – Time Alone with God
• How to Lead Small Group Bible Study Effectively
• Over Half a Million Page Views
• How to Lead Small Group – Practical Suggestions

Manuscript Bible Study Method is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Lesson:

Luke 19: 1- 10

Q. What can you learn about Zacchaeus?

• Chief Tax Collector, Rich!
• Jew, Short, Corrupt
• Sinful (Luke 19:7), Not a reputed man, often ridiculed or hated among the Jews

Q. Meaning of ‘Zacchaeus’?

• Clean, pure (CCEL)
• What an irony, his name meant clean and pure, but he was one of the chief corrupted man in Jericho!

Q. Why did Zacchaeus come to see Jesus?

• Must have heard about this Rabbi.
• Must be desperate to see Jesus (Not every one climbs a tree to see Jesus!)
• He would have just wanted to have a glance at this Jesus.
• He did not expect Jesus to be his guest!

Q. What did his actions tell about his need/desire to see Jesus?

• We all know about his desperation in climbing a tree. But we often miss a rather insignificant act just before that.
• Luke 19:4 – “So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.”
• He RAN ahead and climbed the tree. He made an effort to run ahead and climb the tree!
• He prepared himself for the most clear view of Jesus. He made an initial effort to see Jesus without any hindrance or obstacle. He set aside all the ridicule or mockery he might receive from people.
• I strongly believe that this simple and insignificant act tells a lot about his heart. He was ready to receive Jesus, into his home and his heart!
• Many people were in that crowd. They would also have heard about Jesus, they also came to see him. They might have a glimpse at this famous miracle-worker. Many would have gone home, missing the view, thinking, “may be next time, I would see him.”
• But Zacchaeus prepared himself to see Jesus. He made an effort. He did not give up.
• If you long to see Jesus, if you are ready for Jesus, Jesus will definitely notice you!

Q. What is very striking observation in V. 5?

• Jesus called him by his name ‘Zacchaeus’, Jesus knew him by his name even though he never met him before.
• It was not Zacchaeus, who invited Jesus. It was Jesus, who invited Zacchaeus!
• All he needed to do was to receive it.
• And he did so with grateful, joyful heart.

Q. What was people’s response?

• Grumbling, complaining
• Guest of a ‘Sinner’!
• They did not see, what Jesus could see.

Q. Where prompted Zacchaeus’ generosity?

• Change of Heart also reflects change of attitude and actions.
• He accepted the fact that He had cheated others. He confessed his wrong doings. But he paid them back what was required by the law. (Exodus 22:1, 2 Sam 12:6)
• He could have given four times, he had taken according to the law and that should be enough.
• But He first gave half of all his possessions to the poor! (That is a lot of money.) And from the remaining, he paid for his wrongdoings. It shows the overflowing joy, love and generosity.
• Jesus did not even tell him to do so. It came so naturally from the change of heart.
• In previous chapter, Luke 18:18-30, we see another rich ruler, a man of high regard, respect in the society, a religious person. But he failed to know who Jesus really is! What a pity that he could not leave his riches, when Jesus told him to do so. (Luke 18:23)

Q. What was Jesus’ proclamation?

• “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
• Zacchaeus was saved by his faith in Jesus Christ, just as Abraham. (Romans 4:13, Romans 5:1)
• Jesus proclaimed his mission on the earth, “To Seek and Save the lost.”

The Story of Zacchaeus and Jesus is one of the most fascinating and dramatic stories in the gospels. It is a story of Jesus reaching out to neglected and despised of the world.

Jesus is ready to be your guest in your home and heart, are you ready to accept his invitation?

More Bible Studies:

• Shriveled Hands – Jesus Heals on Sabbath – Mark 3:1-6
• Jesus’ Genealogy in the Bible – Matthew 1:1-17 | Bible Study
• Rich Young Ruler and Jesus | Mark 10:17-27
• Woman with Alabaster Jar and Jesus – Luke 7:36-50
• The Parable of the Great Feast | Luke 14:15-24 | Bible Study

Zacchaeus and Jesus – The Guest of Sinner is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Guide:

• Luke 9:10-17
• John 8:1-14
• Matthew 14:13-21
• Mark 6:32-44

Background of the Miracle:

• “Feeding the 5000″ is the only miracle recorded by all four gospels.
• Disciples came from their mission, they were tired and hungry, did not have time to eat. They needed rest.
• Jesus just heard about the death of John the Baptist (Mat 14:13). (Ministry of John the Baptist)
• Jesus wanted him and his disciples to withdraw from the crowd so that they can have some rest.
• They headed to Bethesda, by boat to discourage crowd from following them. (Check, Jesus healed disable man at Pool of Bethesda)
• They were trying to get away from them.

Bethesda – Fisherman’s House:

• Bethesda – meaning “Fisherman’s house”, it was home of Philip, Andrew and Peter.
• Mini vacation on weekends!
• Crowd was all in need, physical, emotional, spiritual. They sought teaching and healing, they were already gathered at the place, before Jesus arrived.
• Mark 6:34 says that he had compassion on them because they were life sheep without shepherd.

How do we respond when they invade our privacy?

• So many times, when we are tired and weary, under stress, and people come to us in need, and we try to avoid them. They come with hope of getting something, to share or to have fellowship. Are we available to their needs.
• Jesus had compassion on them; he welcomed them not out of duty or obligation, but out of love and care.
• Think of an incident, when you are so tired and need rest, and your friend comes and you start thinking “oh, no, how do I get rid of him?” you don’t have to go too far to find such situation.
• Jesus as a caregiver, first to his disciples and then to the crowd.
• Jesus taught them about the kingdom of God, healed them (for hours). (The Beatitudes – Poor in Spirit – Kingdom of Heaven)
• Jesus must be teaching well, that crowd did not disperse in the evening; they were too engrossed into listening to Jesus.
• Think of church meeting, when preacher goes little above time, and people start looking at their watch, start dispersing.

“Give them something to eat”

• Crowd are not worried, disciples are. It’s like they come and tell Jesus, “its time to close, let them go.”
• Jesus reply is startling, “give them something to eat.” – What!
• Are you crazy, 5000 men, women, and children. We don’t have enough money to feed them. It is like a eight month’s wages, thousand of dollars, are we going to use all that for feeding them one meal?
• Think practically, let them go. Jesus’ ways does not seem practical at times.
• See, Judge 6-7: Gideon’s army of 300 men winning against 150,000 midianites.

“What do you have?”

• Jesus asks another question, “What do you have, go and see?”
• Boy with five loaves of bread and two fishes
• How can few pieces of loaves, fishes feed the 5000?
• Totally inadequate, impossible to feed, but this is all they had.
• Jesus prepared them for Miracle – All were hungry, he didn’t want chaos, disorder, shoving, pushing. He wanted to organize, order.
• Another example of miracles in orderly fashion, our God is organized.
• Disciples don’t understand, why is he doing that? However, confused they are, they followed what he said.
• So many times, he wants us to act in faith, though it may sound foolish or silly.
• Jesus did not do miracle first and then told them about organizing crowd.
• Prayer of thanksgiving – most important part of miracle
• Giving thanks to father, not credit on himself, but exalting God the father. Thanking and blessing God.
• He then broke them and distributed them.
• Five thousand people, it must have taken few hours to do that.
• All were fed and satisfied.

Jesus’ final assignment for his disciples:

• Jesus’ final assignment for his disciples, “go and gather broken pieces.” To make them realize that God’s provision is more than adequate. (He in fact, later on reminds them about it in Mark 8:19)
• Profound impact on disciples, all gospels have account of it.

Why this miracle?

• This miracle created a problem for Jesus’ ministry.
• In was Lesson of discipleship for his disciples. (Seven Conditions of Christian Discipleship)

“What do YOU have?”

• Off course, our resources are way inadequate to the need of this world. But we are to bring what we have to him. And put it into his hands.
• He will in turn, bless them and place them into your hands back, multiplied, more powerful than you can ever imagine.
• Too often, we are overwhelmed by the need, and give up, questioning adequacy of God.
• When we see the world, we are stunned by the need all around us and whole world, people are deserting God, so much of pain, and suffering, persecution, hurt, wars. And we realize that our resources are very limited. We can not help due to lack of resources.
• Jesus is looking for people who are ready to believe, trust him, who are willing to bring whatever little they have. (instead of complaining or stepping back)
• God’s provision is more than adequate. Are we ready to trust him, believe that though task is immense, Our God is more than sufficient.
• All we need to do is to bring our resources, gifts, talents, time, energy, and he is going to bless them and multiply them. (Discover your spiritual gifts)

Also Check out: Against All Odds: God’s Math Doesn’t Need to Add UpMore Bible Studies:

• Jesus Calming the Storm – Bible Lesson
• Bible Study Updates from BibleSEO
• Miracle of Jesus at Cana Wedding – John 2:1-11 | Bible Study
• Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12
• Jesus Heals at the Pool of Bethesda | John 5:1-15

Feeding the 5000 | Bible Study is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Lesson:

• Mark 4: 35-41
• Matthew 8:23-27
• Luke 8:22-25

How do you feel if you are in one of these storms in the sea? How will you react to the situation? Where would you go for help? Let us look at what the disciples of Jesus reacted in such a life threatening storm.

Q. Mark 4:35 starts with ‘that’ day. Which day is he talking about?

• The day started with chapter 4, when Jesus started teaching the crowd. He taught them lots of stories and parables and performed many miracles.
• At the end of the day, Jesus and his disciples would be tired, needed rest. They went into boats for rest. This was often the case to find rest, so that crowd cannot follow Jesus. (Mat 14:13)

Sea of Galilee: is 680 feet below sea level and surrounded by hills.

Q. What did Jesus tell his disciples?

• “Let us go over the other side.”

• Surely, they did not expect the miracle, by their reaction after Jesus calming the storm. (Mark 4:41)
• They assumed that they are all going to die.
• Angry and frustrated to see Jesus sleeping – “Don’t you care, if we die?”! (Questioning God – Psalms 13)
• Is he insane? How can he sleep in such a situation?
• There seems to me, two storms raging – one in the sea of Galilee and the other in the hearts of disciples!

Q. What did Jesus do? What were disciples’ reaction?

• Jesus calms the Storm and the sea.
• He got up, rebuked the wind and the sea!
• “Quiet, be still.”
• Jesus demonstrated his power over the wind and the waves – over the Nature. (also check, Jesus feeding five thousand)
• I suppose, it was wind and wave’s time to be terrified!
• At once, there was a complete calm.
• Disciples might be wondering, was that a dream? What has just happened?
• They were shocked and terrified, even more than before!

Q. What can you learn about the nature of Jesus here?

• Mark 4:38 – He was tired – Man.
• Mark 4:39 – His power over nature – God
• He was God and Man both. (This is the greatest mystery of all!)

Q. Why did Jesus ask, “Where is your faith”?

• Because he told them, “Let us go to the other side.”!
• Fear is the absence of faith and trust.
• It was a powerful discipleship lesson. (7 conditions of Christian discipleship)

Q. What was disciples’ response?

• “Who is this”? – Not mere teacher for sure. (Mark 4:38)
• “Who can command the wind and the wave?”
• “Who can calm the storm and the sea?”

Bible Study Lessons:

• We may not go through the physical storm as the disciples did. But we all have been through many other storms in our own lives like sickness, loosing job, failures, personal weakness, death of loved one, accident, depression, hopelessness…, where we feel helpless.
• We may think or feel like God does not care. He is sleeping. He is not answering our prayers.
• But thank God that Jesus is in our boats! He is in control. (Captain of our boat)
• We need to completely trust him. (This is a lot harder to do that to say.)
• I have been through many storms in my personal walk (sailing) with Jesus, and I have seen his faithfulness and power at work in due time. I have learnt not to doubt, but to completely trust him.
• I have learnt not to be afraid but totally rely on his power and promise in the storms of my life. (I have not completely succeeded yet, I must say!)
• We may think that Jesus is a teacher, leader, speaker or great man… But it is when we realize his true identity, we can entrust him our whole life.
• You may have heard the famous Story of Tight rope Walker:

A tightrope walker amazed a crowd of onlookers by successfully walking across a rope which stretches across the mighty Niagara Falls. After his performance, the performer asked the crowd, “How many of you believe that I can carry a man on my back while walking the tightrope across the falls?” Many of the people in the crowd enthusiastically raised their hands. Then the performer asked another question: “Which of you is willing to actually let me carry you across the falls?” Of course, not a single person volunteers!

Are you willing to entrust your whole life to Jesus?

More Bible Studies:

• Feeding the 5000 | Bible Study
• Jesus and Beelzebub – Mark 3:20-30 | Bible Study
• Jesus’ Disciples Names: List, Meaning and Occupation
• Questioning God – Psalm 13
• Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12

Jesus Calming the Storm – Bible Lesson is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Lesson:

• Mark 10: 17-27
• Matthew 19:16-27
• Luke 18:18-27

Q. What can we know about the rich ruler from these passages?

• Young man
• Very rich (Luke 18:18)
• Ruler, respected in society
• Sincere, very well mannered
• Religious Jew from his childhood
• Seeker, enthusiastic, willing and eager to learn (Mark 10:17)
• He had a great question to ask. After all, what can be a better way than to start a conversation with the question about Eternal life!
• This was not the only time, Jesus was asked this question. In Luke 10:25-37, One of the teachers of the Law, asked similar question to Jesus. However his intention was to test and trap Jesus. (check out – Authority of Jesus questioned by Teachers of the Law)
• This rich ruler had no such hidden agenda, he was sincere in his request.

Q. What can we infer from his question about eternal life to Jesus?

• He presumed that there is an ‘eternal life’ and it is worth receiving or inheriting!
• Jews always believed that one can be justified and saved through their works according to the Law. So, he assumed that he can do something to inherit the eternal life.
• He was sincerely following all the commandments form childhood (according to him), but he still wanted to be assured of his destiny.
• There is a deep conviction in all of us, that there is an eternal life; and it is to be greatly desired. King Solomon has put it in Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes 3:11:”He (God) has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Q. How did he address to Jesus?

• He called him, a “good” teacher/master. It was a common title used by the Jews to call their religious leaders or teachers, meaning – “most excellent”. The expression (’Good’) was used to show the reverence or respect to the teacher.

Q. What did Jesus answer?

• First, he dealt with his address, “why do you call me good?”. In Matthew, the question is little different from Mark and Luke, “Why do you ask me about what is good?”
• Jesus’ intention was not to deny his divinity. Jesus was not saying, “I am not God, so don’t call me good, which applies only to God!” (Many people, especially Muslim scholars, have falsely used this verse to disprove Jesus’ divinity.)
• Secondly, he did not intend to say that everything else is bad or evil, and one should not use word “good” except for God!
• His intention was to raise the standard with which God measures ‘goodness’. This was not the only time, he raised the bar. In his sermon on the mount, he told his audience, that according to God’s standard, even an anger could be as grievous as murder and lustful eyes are as sinful as adultery. God judges not only by the external actions, but the motives and intent of heart also. (Matthew 5:21,22,27,28) Our standard of goodness falls far shorter than absolute Good, God is and desires.
• The rich ruler was convinced that he had followed the Law from his childhood, but in a moment, Jesus showed him that he was guilty of Greed. (Exodus 20:17). He loved money more than following God, and in that sense, he was guilty of breaking the first of ten commandments. (Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before me.”)

Q. What was man’s response?

• He went away sad. He choose to hold on to his earthly treasures and security.
• Jesus loved him for his question and zeal. (Mk 10:21) But he did not call him back or lower his demands for discipleship. (check out Seven Conditions of Christian Discipleship)
• (I strongly believe that Jesus was testing his heart, and if he would have repented for his love for money and failures, Jesus would have accepted him.)
• He had a choice to accept his shortcomings, but he rather decided to went away, sad.

Life Applications:

• So often, when we read this passage, we ask ourselves, “does Jesus require such a strict call for all the Christians?” We often try to lessen the demands and cost of christian discipleship. But this was not the only time, Jesus asked his disciples for such radical call. in New Testament, we find numerous accounts of people leaving all behind, for following Jesus.
  • Luke 5:11 – Peter and Andrew left everything to follow Jesus
  • Luke 5:27-28 – Matthew (Levi), the tax collector left everything. (He must be rich!)
  • Luke 19:1-10 – Zacchaeus (Again, rich tax collector), gave bulk of his wealth to the poor and needy. (Even without Jesus asking!)  (Jesus and Zacchaeus – The Guest of Sinner)
  • Acts 2:44-45 – First Christians sold everything and gave it to the needy.
• Not only, first century Christians, but Christians throughout the history have gladly given up their family, home, country, careers, even their own lives in following Jesus.
• This is a Radical Call. Perhaps, the mandate for voluntary poverty is not for all, but the readiness to forsake anything and everything that can hinder ‘following Christ’ is for every Christian.
• What are the things, God is asking you to give up for him?

More Bible Studies:

• Definition of Theodicy: God and Suffering
• What does Bible say about Atheism?
• Shriveled Hands – Jesus Heals on Sabbath – Mark 3:1-6
• The Scribes Questions Jesus’ Authority – Mark 11: 27-33
• Christian Discipleship: Definition | Cost of Discipleship

Rich Young Ruler and Jesus | Mark 10:17-27 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

BibleSEO (Bible Study Exposition Online) website has recently, reached small, but important milestone. According to google analytics, BibleSEO has now been viewed over 500,000 times. Launched in September 2008, BibleSEO offers free Bible study lessons for personal bible studies or small group.

• During past one and half years, it has grown from few page-views to more than 75,000 – 100,000 page-views per month.
• BibleSEO has now more than 1900 RSS subscribers and 1700 email subscribers. (Sign up for free bible study updates via Email or RSS)

• It has been viewed by people from more than 200 countries.
• BibleSEO has more than 1300 followers on Twitter.
• Recently, we has started Facebook Fan page. Click here to Become a Facebook fan.
• Last year, BibleSEO was announced Runner-up for the ‘Best Christian Blog’ category in the ‘Christian Web and New Media Award, 2009‘.

It’s been a great year and half, and we hope that next 12 months will be even better! Please share your comments or suggestions.

Thank You.

Here are some of the early bible studies.

• Life of Moses: Bible Character Study
• How to do Quiet time
• Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh
• Jesus heals at the Pool of Bethesda: John 5:1-15
• Woman with Alabaster Jar and Jesus: Luke 7:36-50
• 9 Ways God speak to His People
• Manuscript Bible Study Method
• Leading Small Group Bible Study
• Jesus heals Paralytic Man: Mark 2:1-12

More Bible Studies:

• Bible Study Updates from BibleSEO
• Exclusive: Christian Web and New Media Award 2009 Runner Up
• How to Lead Small Group – Practical Suggestions
• How to Lead Small Group Bible Study Effectively
• The Life of Moses: Biblical Character

Over Half a Million Page Views is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

The Greek word of Disciple is ‘mathetes‘ meaning ‘learner’ or ‘follower’. The word means accepting and following the views and practices of the teacher. Apart from a large following of people, Jesus chose twelve disciples during his earthly ministry. The lists are given in Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:13-16 and acts 1:13. The original twelve disciples are also called the ‘apostles’ (Greek – ‘apostolos‘ meaning ‘one who is sent out with a special commission as a fully authorized representative of the sender, like an ambassador’. This article lists the names and meaning of these apostles and their occupations.

1. Peter: (Greek: Petros meaning ‘Rock’) – Peter was one of the most prominent of the 12 disciples, a natural spokesperson and the leader of the early Christian church. His original Hebrew name was Simon, a common popular Hebrew name. Jesus gave him a name ‘Kephas‘, Aramaic name. John translated into it Greek ‘Petros‘ meaning Rock. (John 1:42 – “you will be called Cephas.”) Peter was native of Bethsaida (John 1:44), brother of Andrew, lived in a fishing town, Capernaum. (Mark 1:29) He was fisherman by occupation on the Sea of Galilee. He was married man. (Mark 1:30, 1 Cor 9:5)

2. John: (Meaning – God is gracious) John was originally the disciple of John the baptist (John 1:35), and he was introduced to Jesus in John 1:35-39. He was the brother of James and Son of Zebedee. He lived in Capernaum in Galilee, most probably native of Bethsaida. He was fisherman on the sea of Galilee with his brother and father. (Mark 1:19-20). He was one of the three disciples, closest to Jesus, with others being Peter and James.

3. James: (Greek Iakobos – the English word for Jacob meaning Israel or He Who Supplants His Brother). James was son of Zebedee (Mark 4:21), elder brother of John (Mat 17:1), by occupation, fisherman with his brother and father at the sea of Galilee, in partnership with Peter and Andrew. (Luke 5:10). He was the first disciple (apostle) to be martyred. (Acts 12:2)

4. Andrew: (Greek – Andreas, meaning ‘Manly’, man), brother of Simon Peter, son of Jonas, like his brother, lived in Capernaum, fisherman by occupation. He brought Peter his brother to Jesus. (John 1:25-42)

5. Philip: (Greek Philippos, meaning ‘Lover of horses’). He was a close friend of Andrew and Peter, a native of Bethsaida (John 1:44). Jesus called Philip near Bethany where John the baptist was preaching. (John 1:43) He persuaded and brought Nathaniel to Jesus. (John 1:45-51)

6. Bartholomew: (Greek – bartholomaios meaning Son of Talmai) He is mentioned in all four lists of the apostles. There is no other reference to him in the New testament. Nothing much is known about him.

7. Thomas: (Greek – Thomas from Aramaic – te’oma meaning ‘twin’) Also called ‘Didymus’ or ‘the Twin’ (John 11:16, 20:24, 21:2). When Jesus appeared to the the apostles after resurrection, Thomas was not present. Later on, when disciples told him, he could not believe them, until Jesus showed himself a week later. (John 20:24-29). His occupation is unknown.

8. Matthew: (Greek – maththaios - meaning ‘gift of Yahweh’) also called ‘levi’ (Mark 2:14, Luke 5:27). He was a tax collector by occupation. Jesus called him to be one of his disciples, when was was at a tax office. (Mat 9:9, Mark 2:14). He is ascribed as the author of Gospel according to Matthew.

9. James, the son of Alphaeus: one of the apostle of Christ. Nothing much is known about him.

10. Thaddaeus: He is mentioned in two of four lists of Jesus’ disciples. (Mat 10:3, Mark 3:18). The other two lists is also variously called him Jude of James, Jude Thaddaeus, Judas Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus. Nothing else is known about him apart from his names in two lists.

11. Simon the Zealot: Another disciple of Jesus. a member of a party later called ‘Zealots’ (Matthew 10:4, Mark 3:18)

12. Judas Iscariot: The disciple who betrayed Jesus. His last name ‘Iscariot’ is from Hebrew word ‘Ish Kerioth‘ meaning ‘a man from Kerioth’, a place in the south of Judah (Joshua 15:25). He was a treasurer of the group. (John 12:6, 13:29). After his betrayal of Jesus, he was grieved for his actions, and committed suicide. (Matthew 27:5). He is always mentioned last in the list of apostles.

Check out: Conditions of Discipleship According to Jesus

More Bible Studies:

• Jesus Calming the Storm – Bible Lesson
• Miracle of Jesus at Cana Wedding – John 2:1-11 | Bible Study
• Christian Discipleship: Definition | Cost of Discipleship
• Feeding the 5000 | Bible Study
• Jesus Christ – The Cornerstone of the Church

Jesus’ Disciples Names: List, Meaning and Occupation is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Trinity: Definition and Meaning

• Trinity is a theological term to define and describe three-fold doctrine of God; God the father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
• Bible does not contain a word for ‘Trinity’, but the concept of Triune God flows throughout the bible from the Old testament to the New Testament.
• Trinity is a mystery, beyond human comprehension or understanding. It is reflected through scriptural revelation only. It is not an idea from philosophical reasoning.
• Biblical definition of Trinity is that
  • God is One in three distinct persons.
  • Each of the person is God (not a part of God).

Non-biblical View of Trinity:

• Trinitarian view of Godhead in bible balances unity and distinctiveness of persons of God. If one of these characteristics is compromised, we find non-biblical view of Trinity.
  • Christian Polytheism: If one only emphasize on the distinctiveness of God, it reflects three Gods, with different roles. (This may be similar to Hinduism concept of ‘creator’, ’sustainer’ and ‘destroyer’.)
  • Unitarianism: It only focuses on the unity. According to this view, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are placed in the lower categories (less divine) than God the father.
• Both of these views undermines the biblical doctrine of Trinity.

Trinity in the Bible: Old Testament

Before we can understand the triune God, we need to understand progressive revelation of God. God did not reveal His plans, purpose or Himself in one time and place, but they were progressive in nature. Trinity was not fully known or understood in the Old Testament. However, there are many references, which alludes to the unity and distinctiveness of Godhead.

Distinctiveness of God:

• Gen 1:1-3 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”
• Gen 1:26 – “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image…”
• Gen 11:7 – “Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”

Unity of God:

• Deut 6:4 – “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”

Creation:

• Ps 33:6 – “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.”
• Proverbs 3:19 – “By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place…”

Revelation and Salvation:

• Ps 107:20 – “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”

Trinity in the Bible: New Testament

• In New Testament, the concept of Trinity is more clear and distinct without violating ‘oneness of God’.
• For the first disciples, Trinity was more than a philosophical concept.
• They were with Jesus, God in flesh.
• They saw Jesus, his extraordinary claims, his miracles, his prayers to God the father, and his ultimate victory over death.
• They witnessed Jesus ascending into heaven.
• They experienced the incoming of Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and there after.
• John describes Jesus as the ‘Word of God’ in the Old Testament. (John 1:1-4)
• Jesus himself affirmed the Trinity.
  • John 14:16 – “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.”
  • John 15:26 – “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.”
  • Matthew 28:19 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,…”
• Baptism of Jesus: Mat 3:16-17 – “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
• Paul – 2 Cor 13:14 – “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
• Peter: 1 Pet 1:2 – “who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”

Practical but Imperfect Analogies for understanding Trinity:

Time:

• Past
• Present
• Future

Space:

• Length
• Width
• Height

Matter:

• Solid
• Liquid
• Gaseous

These are some of the practical, but imperfect analogies of the biblical doctrine of Trinity. Many of us may not agree with using such analogies or ideas. But, these practical examples can help us understand the mystery of Trinity. However, we must recognize that it is a mystery, which we cannot completely comprehend, with our finite minds. And we need to trust in the revelation of God through His words.

Please feel free to share your comments, ideas, or disagreements.

More Bible Studies:

• Who is the Holy Spirit: Bible Doctrine
• Joseph in the Gospel of Matthew – Matthew 1:18-25 | Bible Study
• Beatitudes: Blessed are Poor in Spirit – 8 Part Series
• The Sadducees and Jesus – Question about Resurrection
• Jesus Christ – The Cornerstone of the Church

The Doctrine of Trinity is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Beatitudes: Meaning

The word ‘Beatitudes’ in not found in the english bible. It comes from the latin word ‘Beatus’, which means happy or blessed. It is usually referred to the eight state of blessedness, Jesus preached on the sermon on the mount, recorded in Matthew 5:3-12. Some what similar list is also mentioned in Luke 6:20-23. However, these two list of beatitudes differs a bit from each other.

Matthew 5:3-12:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Luke 6:20-23:

Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.

Following are the list of 8 beatitudes, discussed in details.

Part 1: Blessed are Poor in Spirit

Part 2: Blessed are those who Mourn

Part 3: Blessed are the Meek

Part 4: Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

Part 5: Blessed are the Merciful

Part 6: Blessed are Pure in Heart

Part 7: Blessed are the Peacemakers

Part 8: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness

More Bible Studies:

• Blessed are the Peacemakers – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 7 of 8
• Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness – Beatitudes Bible Study | 4 of 8
• Persecuted for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study – Part 8 of 8
• Beatitudes: Blessed are Poor in Spirit – 8 Part Series
• Blessed are the Meek – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 3 of 8

Beatitudes: Meaning and List is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide