Étude 1 sur 4 · Le différent du Maître avec ses frères

  1. Étude 1 : Le différent du Maître avec ses frères
  2. Study 2: The return and waiting of the disciples
  3. Study 3: The choice of Matthias
  4. Étude 4 : L’essor remarquable de l’Église primitive

From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week

  • PER207 The disagreement between the Master and his brothers

    John 7.3-9 recounts the tension between Jesus and his brothers before the Feast of Sukkot (October AD 32). Not understanding the messianic mission, they urge him to show himself publicly in Jerusalem. Jesus chooses caution, aware of the risk of arrest. Mary keeps in the background. This episode, found only in John, illustrates the family's incomprehension of the divine nature of Jesus, as the conversion of his brothers takes place only after the resurrection.

    Acts 1.14 (King James Version) :
    These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Peter's ministry

  • ADA004 The disciples' return and wait

    After the ascension of Jesus (May 12, 33), the disciples return to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a "Sabbath day's journey" away. They gather in an upper room, probably the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, and devote themselves unanimously to prayer, together with the women and the family of Jesus. This period of waiting foreshadows the characteristics of the nascent Church.

    1 Peter 5.13 (King James Version) :
    The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA005 The choice of Matthias

    Analysis of Acts 1.15-26, which recounts the election of Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot. Peter, the natural spokesman of the disciples, bases the need for this replacement on the Psalms. The apostolic criteria are specified: to have followed Jesus since his baptism and to be a witness of his resurrection. Matthias is finally designated by lot after prayer, restoring the college of the Twelve, a symbol of the twelve tribes of Israel.

    John 21.15-19 (King James Version) :
    So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA018 The remarkable growth of the early Church

    The ADA018 article comments on Acts 5.12-16, describing the growth of the early Church in Jerusalem in the spring of 33. The apostles perform miracles publicly in Solomon’s Portico, the Church grows in numbers, men and women alike, and the apostles’ reputation grows among the people, despite a fear aroused by the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira. The passage establishes a strong parallel with the ministry of Jesus.

    Acts 9.36-42 (King James Version) :
    Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Further reading
  • ANN018 Jesus’ brothers and sisters

    The article explores the identity of the brothers and sisters of Jesus, a theological debate influenced by Catholic and Protestant interpretations. By examining the Gospels, it highlights…

  • ANN040 Mary, the mother of Jesus

    This article discusses Mary, mother of Jesus, highlighting her role in the Gospels and the evolution of her veneration throughout Christian history, despite…