The ministry of John the Baptist 2 studies
The beginning of the ministry in Galilee 3 studies
From the second to the third Passover festival 2 studies
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week 4 studies
Peter's ministry 2 studies
The ministry of John the Baptist
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PER029
The ministry of John the Baptist
The article examines John the Baptist's role in preparing for Jesus' coming. Appearing in Matthew, Mark and Luke, John baptises and preaches in the Judean wilderness. Regarded as Christ's forerunner, he never claimed to be the Messiah. His teachings prepared the people to welcome Jesus, the royal Messiah.
Luke 3.1-18 (King James Version) :Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judæa, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER042
The return to Aenon south of Galilee
This article explores Jesus’ return to Aenon after Passover, highlighting the complementary ministries of Jesus and John the Baptist. John, the only evangelist to document this phase, emphasises the relationship between their ministries. Through this episode, the article shows that their roles were harmonious rather than competitive, each playing an essential part in the divine plan.
John 3.22-24 (King James Version) :After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judæa; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.For John was not yet cast into prison.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The beginning of the ministry in Galilee
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PER045
From Judea to Galilee
Jesus leaves Judea for Galilee after John’s arrest, not out of fear but to begin his ministry fully. This marks a transition towards Galilee, where he receives a more favourable welcome.
Mark 1.14-15 (King James Version) :Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER049
Arrival in Capernaum in Galilee
The article explores Jesus’ ministry in Capernaum, his base in Galilee, frequently mentioned in the Gospels. The town, where several disciples lived, served as the base for his Gospel activities.
Matthew 9.1 (King James Version) :And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER061
The disciple's dedication
The article explores the dedication of Jesus' disciples, examining the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. It discusses the challenges and trials involved in choosing to follow Jesus, the Messiah's spiritual discernment, and the disciples' family obligations. Set in Galilee, it highlights the impact of Jesus' innovative ministry.
Luke 9.57-62 (King James Version) :And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the second to the third Passover festival
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PER079
Many healings in Galilee
Pericope 79 recounts the many healings Jesus performed in Galilee, around Capernaum, in AD 31. Faced with crowds from all over Israel, Jesus heals the sick and proclaims salvation, asking for discretion. Matthew connects these events with the prophecy of Isaiah 42:1–4 and sees a Trinitarian revelation in them. His growing fame contrasts with the increasing opposition of the Pharisees, jealous of his influence on the people.
Isaiah 42.1-4 (King James Version) :Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.Notesmoking: or, dimly burningNotequench: Heb. quench itNotediscouraged: Heb. brokenHe shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER160
Jesus the Messiah's compassion for the crowd
Pericope 160 analyzes Matthew 9.36-38, where Jesus, in Capernaum, is deeply moved with compassion for the crowd, “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” The Greek term “splagchnizomai” expresses a visceral compassion that moves Jesus to teach, heal and feed, in contrast with the indifference of the religious leaders. This compassion becomes a model for the disciples.
Matthew 9.37 (King James Version) :Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week
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PER185
Return to Bethsaida
This article examines Jesus' return to Bethsaida after his confrontations with the Pharisees, highlighting his intention to give priority to faith over fruitless discussions.
Matthew 16.5 (King James Version) :And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER198
The Messiah Jesus announces his death again
Jesus announces to his disciples his imminent death and resurrection. This moment marks the end of his ministry in Galilee, where he avoids the crowds to prepare his disciples. References to Matthew 17.22-23, Mark 9.30-32 and Luke 9.43-45.
Luke 9.43-45 (King James Version) :And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER262
Teaching on divorce
The article discusses Jesus’ teaching on divorce, drawing on the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. It places this teaching in the chronological context of Jesus’ ministry between Hanukkah and Passover, offering an in-depth analysis of the spiritual implications of his teachings beyond mere legal debates.
Luke 18.35-43 (King James Version) :And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER269
The request of Salome, the wife of Zebedee, for her sons
The article deals with Salome’s request for her sons and Jesus’ geographical journey. This account takes place in February AD 33, during Jesus’ journey from Jericho to Bethany. The event highlights the tension between human understanding and the prophecies. Jesus announces his imminent death in answering Salome, revealing the spiritual values of the kingdom of God.
Luke 19.1-10 (King James Version) :And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.And, behold, there was a man named Zacchæus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchæus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Peter's ministry
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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 6.4 (King James Version) :But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA026
The arrest of Stephen
The article analyzes the arrest of Stephen (Acts 6.8-12) in Jerusalem around AD 34-35. Although appointed among the Seven, Stephen carries out a remarkable apostolic ministry. His witness provokes the opposition of Hellenistic Jews who, unable to refute him, resort to false witnesses to bring him before the Sanhedrin. Luke highlights the parallels with the trial of Jesus and the gradual extension of the persecution to the whole Church.
Acts 5.17-18 (King James Version) :Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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ANN003
The birth and ministry of John the Baptist
This appendix studies the birth and ministry of John the Baptist through the Gospel of Luke. It introduces his parents, Zechariah and…