The beginning of the ministry in Galilee 1 study
From the second to the third Passover festival 3 studies
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week 2 studies
Peter's ministry 6 studies
- 7The miraculous deliverance of the apostles
- 8The search for the prisoners
- 9The appearance before the Sanhedrin
- 10The intervention of the Pharisee Gamaliel
- 11The surprising reaction of the apostles
Word of a Friend 1 study
The beginning of the ministry in Galilee
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PER067
The feast given by Levi
Matthew, also called Levi, holds a feast to mark his calling by Jesus. This banquet highlights Jesus' inclusive mission, as he is welcomed by those who are often rejected. The event is recounted in the Synoptic Gospels and symbolises Matthew's impact on those around him.
Matthew 10.1-4 (King James Version) :And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the second to the third Passover festival
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PER080
The choosing of the 12 Apostles
Jesus chooses twelve disciples from among his followers and gives them the title of apostles, a Greek term meaning ‘sent on a mission’. This choice, made after a night of prayer, corresponds to the number of Israel's tribes. The Twelve receive authority to heal and proclaim salvation, forming the foundation of the future Church. The article explores the term's etymology, Jesus' prayer, the question of his omniscience and the case of Judas Iscariot.
Mark 3.13-19 (King James Version) :And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:And Simon he surnamed Peter;And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER081
The mission of the 12 Apostles
The article analyses the mission of the twelve apostles according to Matthew, Mark and Luke, highlighting the Jews' priority in the plan of salvation and the instructions Jesus gives for proclaiming God's kingdom.
Matthew 10.5-15 (King James Version) :These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.And when ye come into an house, salute it.And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER083
Warning about coming persecutions
Jesus warns his disciples of future persecutions, revealing the spiritual and difficult nature of their mission. This teaching, based on Matthew's Gospel, aims to prepare the apostles for the spiritual and physical challenges of ministry.
Matthew 10.24-42 (King James Version) :The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week
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PER186
Teaching the disciples about the influence of the Pharisees
Jesus warns his apostles against the pernicious influence of the Pharisees, symbolized by the “leaven.” Matthew and Mark relate this teaching during a crossing toward Bethsaida, where the disciples have run short of bread. Jesus points out their lack of faith, inviting them to grasp the spiritual import of his words beyond material concerns.
Mark 8.14-21 (King James Version) :Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER266
The reward of the apostles
The article explores the rewards of the apostles according to the Gospels between Hanukkah and Passover. Jesus travels to Jericho and near the Jordan, healing and teaching, notably raising Lazarus. These actions provoke a hostile reaction from the religious authorities.
John 10.22-23 (King James Version) :And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Peter's ministry
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ADA020
The miraculous deliverance of the apostles
This article examines the miraculous deliverance of the apostles (Acts 5.19-21) in Jerusalem in the spring of 33. Arrested by the high priest and the Sadducees, the apostles are freed from prison by an angel during the night. Luke relates this miracle with restraint, stressing its theological significance and its parallels with the Old Testament. The angel entrusts the freed apostles with the mission of announcing in the Temple 'all the words of this life', an expression referring to the message of salvation in Jesus Christ.
Daniel 6.21-22 (King James Version) :Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA021
The search for the prisoners
Analysis of Acts 5.21-26: after the miraculous deliverance of the apostles, the Sanhedrin discovers the empty cells. Luke highlights the perplexity of the religious authorities, the embarrassment of the captain of the Temple and the fear of a popular reaction. Despite the inexplicable, the religious leaders persist in their opposition and order a second arrest, illustrating God's sovereignty over all human opposition.
Acts 5.12-16 (King James Version) :And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA022
The appearance before the Sanhedrin
Exegetical study of Acts 5.27-33, which relates the appearance of the apostles before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. Faced with the accusations of Caiaphas, Peter declares with confidence that obedience to God takes precedence over obedience to men, and announces that Jesus, crucified and risen, is exalted as Prince and Savior to grant repentance and forgiveness to Israel. A foundational episode of the apostolic mission.
Acts 5.30-31 (King James Version) :The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA023
The intervention of the Pharisee Gamaliel
During a session of the Sanhedrin in the spring of 33, the Pharisee Gamaliel steps in to calm the Sadducees who want to put the apostles to death. By a pragmatic argument drawing on the precedents of Theudas and Judas the Galilean, he persuades the council to adopt a wait-and-see position. From Luke's perspective, his words illustrate a central theme of Acts: the work of God cannot be stopped by men.
Acts 5.34 (King James Version) :Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA024
The surprising reaction of the apostles
After being flogged by the Sanhedrin, the apostles react in a surprising way, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. Far from being discouraged, they continue their ministry every day in the Temple and in the houses, teaching and announcing the good news. Luke shows that persecutions, far from stopping the Gospel, paradoxically contribute to its progress.
Romans 16.5 (King James Version) :Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA025
The appointment of the Seven and the organization of the early Church
Acts 6,1-7 relates the first internal crisis of the Jerusalem Church, linked to the unequal distribution to the widows. To remedy it, the Twelve propose appointing seven men full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom. This foundational decision distinguishes the ministries while affirming their complementarity, and is accompanied by remarkable growth of the nascent Christian community.
Acts 1.13 (King James Version) :And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Word of a Friend
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PDA007
The Resurrection
The article examines the resurrection of Jesus, a key event of Christianity. The women's visit to the tomb and the apostles' initial unbelief in the face of this extraordinary event are highlighted. The author explains that God continues to speak to people in various ways, but that humanity often chooses to ignore these spiritual messages.
Job 33.14-17 (King James Version) :For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.Notehe…: Heb. he revealeth, or, uncoverethNotepurpose: Heb. workNotefrom perishing: Heb. from passingIn a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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ANN008
The Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew is the work of the apostle, a former tax collector from Capernaum, chosen by the Twelve to record their collective testimony. He seeks to show…
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ANN022
The choosing of the apostles
This article explores Jesus' choice of the twelve apostles, highlighting the symbolic importance of the number twelve. It details the careful selection of the apostles and the impact…
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ANN032
Judas Iscariot, One of the Twelve
Judas Iscariot, famous for his betrayal, is examined in this article, which explores his selection as one of the twelve apostles and the theological implications…
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ANN047
Origins of the 12 apostles
The appendix ANN047 studies the origin of the twelve apostles on the basis of the four canonical lists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts). It analyzes the convergences and divergences between…
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ANN094
The apostles' staff and sandals
The article explores the divergences between Matthew, Mark and Luke on the mission of the apostles, highlighting the linguistic nuances and the difference in audience. Matthew advises against…