The ministry of John the Baptist 1 study
From the second to the third Passover festival 3 studies
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week 3 studies
Peter's ministry 2 studies
The ministry of John the Baptist
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PER040
The results in Jerusalem
Pericope 40 analyses the results of Jesus’ first preaching in Jerusalem during Passover in the year 30, according to John 2:23–25. Although many believed because of the miracles, Jesus remains reserved about this superficial faith, based on spectacle rather than sincere repentance. John emphasises Jesus’ divine ability to know the human heart. The article identifies two key points: the extended stay in Jerusalem and the divine nature of the Messiah’s discernment.
John 2.23-25 (King James Version) :Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the second to the third Passover festival
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PER115
Jesus the Messiah rebukes several towns
Jesus rebukes the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum for their failure to repent despite the many miracles performed in them. He compares them unfavourably with the pagan cities of Tyre, Sidon and even Sodom, declaring that those cities would have repented. This passage emphasises responsibility in proportion to the revelation received and the eternal stakes of rejecting the Gospel.
Mark 2.1-12 (King James Version) :And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER116
The disciple’s personal relationship with his Lord
Pericope 116 explores the personal relationship between the disciple and his Lord through Matthew 11.25-30 and Luke 10.21-24. After condemning the unbelieving towns, Jesus rejoices that the humble understand his word where the wise fail. He affirms his divine sonship and invites all the weary to come to him, promising rest and gentleness under his shared yoke, in contrast to the burdens imposed by the Pharisees.
Matthew 11.25-30 (King James Version) :At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER126
The unclean spirits
This article explores Jesus' teaching on unclean spirits, highlighting the importance of true conversion and the presence of the Holy Spirit in preventing a spiritual relapse after deliverance.
Mark 1.23-26 (King James Version) :And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week
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PER229
Reminder of the massacre of the Galileans by Pilate
Pericope PER229 (Luke 13,1-5) recounts how witnesses of a Pharisee's meal confronted Jesus about the massacre of Galileans by Pilate. Jesus refuses to see in it a divine punishment and calls for personal repentance, also citing the fall of the tower of Siloam. He teaches that death is the common lot of all, and that only repentance opens the way to the Kingdom of God.
Luke 13.2-3 (King James Version) :And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilæans were sinners above all the Galilæans, because they suffered such things?I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER230
The parable of the barren fig tree
The parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13.6-9), reported only by Luke, illustrates God’s patience and the urgency of conversion. Jesus warns that every disciple who bears no spiritual fruit risks judgment, while emphasizing that God grants an additional time of grace. This text follows on from Luke 13.1-5 and carries a twofold message: a solemn warning and divine mercy.
Luke 13.1-5 (King James Version) :There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilæans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilæans were sinners above all the Galilæans, because they suffered such things?I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER234
Lament over Jerusalem
The Lament over Jerusalem (Mt 23.37-39; Lk 13.34-35) shows Jesus weeping over the holy city, a few days before his Passion. Through the metaphor of the hen protecting her chicks, he expresses rejected divine love, condemns the murder of the prophets and announces the desolation of the Temple, while leaving open a hope of final reconciliation.
Psalms 48.1 (King James Version) :Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.Notefor: or, ofKing James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Peter's ministry
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ADA008
Three thousand people convert
The article deals with the conversion of three thousand people following Peter's speech. It highlights the challenges for the young church, the importance of the work of the Holy Spirit, and the renewed meaning of Christian baptism.
Romans 6.3-4 (King James Version) :Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA010
Peter's second speech
The article explores Peter's second great speech, following Pentecost. Peter, accompanied by John, preaches in Jerusalem after the healing of a lame man, stressing Christology, repentance and the prophecies of the Messiah. The speech has an impact on the community but meets with opposition from the religious authorities.
Deuteronomy 18.15 (King James Version) :The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org