NAME: OJELABI SIMEON OLUWAPELUMI

STUDY GROUP QUESTIONS (6TH- 12TH MARCH 2023)HOW TO READ YOUR BIBLE
IN A SIMPLE WAY (VOLUME 1): CHAPTER 1

1. What is the origin of italicized words in the Bible?

Explanation

The Bible is a collection of 66 books, including Genesis to Malachi, which are known as the Old
Testament, and Matthew to Revelation, which are known as the New Testament. Understanding Bible
language is an important part of studying the Bible. The original texts of the Bible were written in three
languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek. Genesis to Malachi were originally written in Hebrew,
while Matthew to Revelation were originally written in Koine Greek. Aramaic was mostly spoken but not
written, and historically, it was the language that Jesus spoke. To translate Genesis to Malachi into
English, those books were first translated into Greek, which is known as the Septuagint. The Septuagint
was then translated into Latin and finally into English.

When the Bible was translated into English, it was important for the translators to capture the original
meaning of the text as closely as possible. However, sometimes they encountered words or phrases that
didn't have a direct English equivalent, or whose meaning was ambiguous. In those cases, they had to
make a choice about which English words to use that best conveyed the intended meaning.

To make it clear to readers that these words were added by the translators and not part of the original
text, the translators chose to italicize them. This helps readers to understand which words were added
to help clarify the meaning of the text.

For example, in 1 Corinthians 12:1 in the King James Version, the word "gifts" is italicized, which
indicates that it was not in the original text, but was added by the translators to convey the meaning of
the passage.

In summary, italicized words in the Bible were added by translators to help clarify the meaning of the
text and to convey the intended message as closely as possible. They are an important tool for Bible
readers to understand which words were part of the original text and which ones were added by the
translators to help convey the meaning in English.
2. The scriptures refer to both Old and New Testament. Accept of refute
with explanations.
Explanation

In the books of the Bible, we have:

- Genesis to Malachi

- The Four (Synoptic) Gospels (Mathew to John)

- The Book of Acts

- The Epistles

Notice,

Luke 24:25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have
spoken: Vs 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? Vs 27 And
beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things
concerning himself.

From Jesus' explanation, we have Genesis to Malachi which he referred to as the scriptures. Note that,
as at that time, the four (synoptic) gospels and the epistles had not been written, so, when the term
"scripture(s)" is seen in any Bible text, it is in reference to Genesis to Malachi only.

Let's examine this in detail;

GENESIS TO MALACHI

The books of Genesis to Malachi are referred to as the Old Testament books of the Bible. We, therefore,
must understand the content of these books.

Observe, Jesus' words concerning "the prophets" and "the scriptures" in Luke 24; Luke 24:25 Then he
said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Vs 26 Ought not
Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? Vs 27 And beginning at Moses and all
the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Vs 44 And he
said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things
must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms,
concerning me. Vs 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might. understand the scriptures,

Peter also spoke concerning "the prophets" and "the scripture" 1st Peter 1:10 - Of which salvation the
prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto
you: Vs 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify,
when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

2nd Peter 1:19 - We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed,
as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts Vs 20
Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. Vs 21 For the
prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by
the Holy Ghost.

It's important to note that the word "prophecy" denotes specific statements made by prophets that are
recorded in the Old Testament books of the Bible. We may therefore confidently conclude from Jesus
and Peter's statement that "the scriptures" referred to everything from Genesis to Malachi.

Also, Paul explained in Romans 16:26;

Romans 16:26 - But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the
commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
Notice, the word “manifest” which implies to make it visible; Also, it is a loud acclaim.
Thus, when Paul said “…by the scriptures of the prophets…” he was referring to what God promised,
which was first spoken by the prophets and then written or documented (from Genesis to Malachi).

Let us observe Jesus’ teachings;

Firstly, recall that Jesus taught his disciples from the Old Testament Books. Likewise, in many of his
teachings that were documented, he made several references to the Scriptures.

Some Examples are:

Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders
rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our
eyes?
Mark 14:49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be
fulfilled.

John 10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be
broken;

Hence, Jesus taught from the scriptures (the Old Testament Books).

3. Jesus deliberately taught his disciples using parables. Accept or refute this
with adequate explanation.
Explanation

Matthew 13:3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to
sow;

Why was this so?

Jesus explained in the latter verses.

Matthew 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
Vs 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the
kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. Vs 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he
shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
Vs 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not,
neither do they understand.

Observe that Jesus’ statement in Matthew 13:13 was a quote from the Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 6:9-10.

Isaiah 6:9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed,
but perceive not. Vs 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their
eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and
convert, and be healed.

Why did Jesus use the word "mystery or mysteries" in Matthew 13?
 Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of
the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given (It was also used in Mark 4:11 and Luke 8:10).

The word "mystery" or "mysteries" was translated from the Greek word "musterion". It is derived from
the Greek word "mueo" which means "be explained", or "to explain". Thus, "mystery" implies something
that needs explanation. Observe that Jesus' explanation in the above texts (Matthew 13:11, Mark 4:11,
Luke 8:10) was different from his explanation in Luke 24. It is necessary to state that Jesus taught his
audience in those texts with parables, however, he taught differently in Luke 24.

Therefore, the use of the word "mystery" will be a word relative to certain people or circumstances.

It is important to note that just like Jesus, Paul also used the words "mystery" or "mysteries" in
reference to the Hebrew texts (Old Testament books of the Bible) in his letters.

Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of
Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning
of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Colossians 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made
manifest to his saints:

This was clearly referring to the Old Testament books (the mystery/ the scriptures). Therefore, things
(events, activities, personalities, statements made) in Genesis to Malachi ought to be explained.

Observe, very closely two other words that Paul used in his Epistles about the scriptures (the mystery).
These are the words: "hid"/ "hidden" and "revelation" used in the following texts:

1st Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God
ordained before the world unto our glory:

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning
of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Colossians 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made
manifest to his saints:
Ephesians 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: Vs
3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Vs 4
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Vs 5 which in other
ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and
prophets by the Spirit;

Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of
Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, Vs
26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of
the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Notice Paul referred to the scriptures (Hebrew Texts of the books of the Bible) as mystery. And he
referred to his epistles as the “revelation of the mysteries.” Consequently, Paul refers to his writings as
the revelation of the scriptures;

Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of
Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

The word “revelation” was translated from the Greek word “apokalupsis”; which implies what is
revealed or what is made known. It means to put light on a surface, to lighten. The word “revelation” is
not creative, rather, it is informative.

Also, in Romans 16:25, the word “secret” which was translated from the Greek word “sigao” was used
by Paul.
This implies a tone and not absolute silence. The word was also used in (1st Corinthians 14:28, 30)

1st Corinthians 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak
to himself, and to God. Vs 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his
peace.

Furthermore, notice Paul’s use of the word “hid/hidden”,

Colossians 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made
manifest to his saints:

1st Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God
ordained before the world unto our glory: Vs 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had
they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
The word “hid” was translated from the Greek word “apokrupto” which implies it does not want to be
seen, to conceal.

4. Your disciple has asked you concerning Colossians 1:26 and 1st
Corinthians 2:7 asking why God has to hide things from believers.
Explanation

1st Corinthians 2:1 And 1, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of
wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. Vs 2 For 1 determined not to know any thing among
you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Vs3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much
trembling. Vs 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in
demonstration of the Spirit and of power: Vs 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men,
but in the power of God. Vs 6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the
wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

In context (by reading and observing the paragraph), observe that the focus of Paul’s message is Jesus
Christ and him crucified.

He had explained earlier in 1 Corinthians 1:18-22 that the preaching of the cross (which saves) is the
power of God.

1st Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which
are saved it is the power of God.

He further taught that the wisdom of God is the preaching of the cross, which the “wise of this world”
refer to as foolishness.

1st Corinthians 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the
understanding of the prudent. Vs 20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of
this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? Vs 21 For after that in the wisdom of
God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them
that believe. Vs 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

Notice; the word “foolishness” will be descriptive of man’s perception of the preaching of the gospel.

Observe Verses 23-26 of Chapter 1;

1 Corinthians 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks
foolishness; Vs 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and
the wisdom of God. Vs 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is
stronger than men. Vs 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh,
not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

Thus, the wisdom of God or the hidden wisdom in context was referring to the preaching of Christ Jesus
which is the power and the wisdom of God. What Paul explained as "foolishness" is man's attitude to the
preaching of the gospel which is his UNBELIEF. Therefore, the hidden wisdom is located in man's
unbelief. The unbelief is what hides the wisdom of God from man. In essence, the unbelief is from man,
which is his response to the gospel. Thus, God does not hide information, rather, it is man's refusal to
receive information (of the gospel), which warrants Paul's use of the word "revelation" to explain how a
man receives. It is hidden because of the state of a man's heart. In other words, the reason why it is
hidden in him is because that man (who is yet to believe the gospel) is in darkness. The hiding is a
function of man's unbelief/ choice. Invariably, it is "hid" because man could not see; yet God did not
conceal. Recall Jesus statement in Matthew 13;

Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, BecauseIt is given unto you to know the mysteries of
the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. Jesus said this because the knowing (of mysteries) is
because they had believed.

Matthew 13:15 “…. In hearing, they will not hear… lest they believe (understand) and be converted…”

Therefore, believing (faith) is the access to revelation. Faith will imply a non-reliance on one’s senses or
perception.

In Matthew 13:17 For verily I say unto you, that many Prophets and righteous men have desired to see
those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have
not heard them.

It can be said that the issue in the Old Testament was the state of their heart, and not that God hid
things from them. It was/is man that is in darkness. Man did the hiding via his unbelief.

Note further Paul’s statement in 1st Corinthians 2:9;

1st Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the
heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.

He quoted from Isaiah 64:4, that is, it was not known at that point (the Old Testament) but became
known in the Epistles.

Hence in Romans 16:26;

Romans 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the
commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Recall, the word “manifest” implies to make it visible, it is loud acclaim.

Therefore, Paul spoke of revelation as an explanation of the mystery.

Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few
words, Vs 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Vs 5
Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy
apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

In a mystery, the truth will be hidden amongst other words. However, in revelation, the truth is made
known.

5. Explain how the Old Testament books are to be read now.

Explanation

Observe 2 Corinthians 3;

2nd Corinthians 3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: Vs 13 And
not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the
end of that which is abolished:

The phrase "plainness of speech" refers to boldness to speak without hindrance. Paul here makes a
comparison between the New Covenant and Old Covenant (which had shadows hence was not plainness
of speech.)

2nd Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken
away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ.

However, this does not preclude efforts at reading through the Old Testament books of the Bible. The
issue oftentimes will be how it is read. Paul identifies a veil on men's minds when they read it. A veil
implies that something is not disclosed or an information is shielded. It is trite to state that Paul
extensively taught and preached from the Old Testament (the scriptures).

Therefore, a Bible student must read everything as one book. However, the challenge will be how the
Old Testament Books are to be studied.
2nd Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Vs 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly
furnished unto all good works.

The term "profitable" implies advantage, purpose or to make to suit a purpose. Hence, Paul says that
the set of writings’ advantage or purpose is for doctrine.

The word “doctrine” implies an explanation or teaching. Thus, the elements of the explanation will
include reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness.

Therefore, Paul an apostle of Christ, gave very instructive definitions of the study of the Old Testament
in 2nd Timothy 3:15-17;

2nd Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make
thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Vs 16 All scripture is given by inspiration
of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Vs 17
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Observe Verse 15
Paul goes further to explain verse 15 in verse 16; that is, Timothy knew the profiting of the scriptures. At
this point, he could only have been referring to the Old Testament books of the Bible because the New
Testament books of the Bible were not put together at this time.

He had earlier Instructed Timothy in 2nd Timothy 2:2

2nd Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit
thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Timothy had leamed from Paul and he was
to commit the same (what he was taught) to faithful men. Thus, the Old Testament Books are inspired
of God and profitable, that is, they have the advantage or usefulness of doctrine.

Observe a phrase in Verse 16 “…and is profitable for doctrine….”

The word “for” implies a destination, a journey or a goal. Hence, the study of the Old Testament Books
has a destination or a goal.

Again, recall the word “doctrine” implies an explanation or teaching.Therefore, doctrine (teaching) will
be to instruct and what the teaching does is that, it is for reproof (which is persuasion). So, the teaching
of the Old Testament books will birth persuasion in the believer.
Likewise, teaching will include correction (translated from the Greek word “epanorthosis”) which implies
to restore men and teaching will also instruct in righteousness.
Therefore, the Old Testament Books are for Christian living. And spiritual growth because spiritual
growth was taught from there. The danger of not heeding the call to be diligent is what Peter referred to
in- 2nd Peter 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things
hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other
scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Thus, Paul obviously had an insight into the Old Testament Books, which implies he understood them
and taught skillfully from them by explaining them in Christ Jesus. Hence, his instruction to Timothy in
2nd Timothy 2:15;

2nd Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Recall, the word "rightly dividing" implies properness or
carefulness.

Thus, one must be careful in handling scriptures. It is clear that there is wrong handling of the Old
Testament books which was why the Pharisees and Scribes were often called to question by Jesus about
their use and understanding of the Old Testament Books. Thus, it is seen why Jesus, Paul and the other
Apostles quoted from the Old Testament Books (the scriptures) of the Bible in all their Letters. This is
because, they made reference to the words

6. The 4 gospels are good to be relied on solely upon for doctrine. Accept or
refute with adequate explanations

Explanation

The first fact to note about the four gospels is that they are documented narratives of the birth, earthly
ministry, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. The focus is on the humanity of Jesus. Notice in this
instance that, there are usually four accounts of the same events and so in the bid to understand any
event, the multiple accounts are to be read together in order to understand the complete appraisal of
the events in view. Therefore, the four accounts are for the purpose of corroboration.However, there is
clear evidence (via Jesus' words) that Jesus had many things he did not say.

John 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

This would imply that Jesus's teachings in the four gospels were restricted because of the capacity of his
audience to receive them.Based on the above, the four gospels cannot be solely relied upon for
doctrine, rather they are to be studied alongside the Epistles.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not
speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak and he will show you things to come,

Notice, he said "when the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide into all truth". In other words, the things
he (Jesus) taught were not fully explained. Nevertheless, the epistles contain further explanations on the
teachings of Jesus.

Paul attested to this fact in his letter in 1 Corinthians 2;

1st Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the
heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Vs 10 But God hath revealed
them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. Vs 16 For who
hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Therefore, the four gospels are the documented physical evidence of God in humanity (often referred to
as the incarnation of Jesus).For instance (Prophecies concerning Jesus' incarnation):

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a
son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out
of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of
old, from everlasting.

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it
shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

The four gospels document the fulfillment of these prophecies.

Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the
prophet, saying, Vs 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call
his name. Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Now, the incarnation (God becoming man and dwelling amongst men) goes beyond his birth to his life
which authenticates his humanity. To be the incarnate one, he must have been tempted, hungry, slept,
anointed, wept, tired, studied the scriptures, etc.

Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into thewilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the
poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering
of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Hebrews 4: 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Thus, the "Four gospels" give a physical account of Jesus' incarnation, his death, burial and how people
saw him after he rose from the dead. Thus, the four gospels are the physical (eyewitness) accounts of
the life of Jesus.How about the words of Jesus in the Four Gospels?In John 16, Jesus himself gives us a
lead.

John 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Vs 13 Howbeit when
he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but
whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. Vs 14 He shall glorify
me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. Vs 15 All things that the Father hath are
mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Here is what we see: Recall that there were many things Jesus could not say to them because his
audience could not bear them. It was not that he did not know them or lacked the ability to say them.
He could not say those things because of their understanding.This readily explains to us why Jesus spoke
severally in parables (Matthew 13:8). It was because of the present state of his audience at that time.
Jesus taught them by explaining that he will further show (reveal) things to come to them.

Now, recall in Luke 24;

Luke 24:25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have
spoken: Vs 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? Vs 44 And he
said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things
must be fulfilled, which were written in the l law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms,
concerning me.

All that Jesus was to accomplish by his death, burial, resurrection and consequent ascension were
prophesied in the scriptures. Hence, the Spirit of truth revealed the scriptures to them.Therefore, the
revelation Jesus was teaching about was not a personal revelation. He was referring to the revelation of
the Scriptures about or concerning his death, burial, resurrection and his ascension.

These are "...the sufferings of Christ and the Glory that should" (1st Peter 1:10-11).

These were the same things that Jesus took quality time to explain to his disciples after he rose from the
dead.

Luke 24:25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have
spoken: Vs 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? Vs 27 And
beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things
concerning himself... Vs 44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I
was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the
prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Vs 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might
understand the scriptures, Vs 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to
suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.

Now, Paul gives an insight in 1st Corinthians 2, by explaining the words of Jesus said to his disciples
(John 16:12-16).

1st Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the
heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Vs 10 But God hath revealed
them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

The statement "as it is written" shows Paul was quoting from the scriptures (Genesis to Malachi).Recall
we explained earlier that, Paul quoted from the book of Isaiah.

Isaiah 64:4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither
hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.It was
written. They saw it, heard it, yet they couldn't understand what they saw, read and heard. Their hearts
couldn't understand it!
 This is similar to Jesus' words in Matthew 13:17. Vs 17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and
righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear
those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Furthermore, notice in context of 1 Corinthians 2:7, Paul referred to the wisdom of God in a mystery and
in Verse 10: he said;"...God has revealed it to us by his Spirit"

The first question is: What did God reveal by His Spirit? Verse 16 For who hath known the mind of the
Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. God revealed (by His Spirit) the mind
(the understanding/revelation) of Christ which was hidden in the scriptures! Thus, Paul here was also
not referring to a personal revelation but the revelation of Christ.Paul used that same word "revealed"
in another letter he wrote to the Church at Ephesus.

Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few
words, Vs 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Vs 5
Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy
apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

Notice, again from the above texts; Verse 3: Paul called his letters the revelation of the
mystery(scriptures). Verse 5: now revealed unto his holy Apostles and Prophets.The revelation of the
Spirit in context was not referring to a personal revelation to individuals. Paul was rather referring to the
epistles; that is, the letters of the Apostles.The epistles (letters of the Apostles) therefore are the
revelation, of the mystery (scriptures) that is, Genesis to Malachi

Note:The four gospels are what can be termed "journalistic accounts" as they are documented as
narratives. Thus, variations will be observed in time, places, number, and even words quoted in the four
accounts. Therefore, in studying an event from the four gospels, it becomes necessary to study all the
four accounts of the same event in order to get the precise (wholesome) knowledge of the event in
view.However, just the same way that the scriptures (Genesis to Malachi) must be explained from the
Epistles, the words of Jesus in the four (synoptic) gospels must be subjected to the same scrutiny with
much diligence.
7. Where did Luke get his accounts from seeing he was not present with Jesus?
Explanation

Luke was part of the disciples of Jesus, which means he was an eyewitness also.

THE BOOK OF ACTS

Who authored the Book of Acts?

Acts 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

The primary "audience" of the book was Theophilus.What did the author mean by the former treatise.
The word "treatise" is a word that was translated from the Greek word "logos". It implies a message; a
subject of discourse that is, an account. What account was the author referring to? Notice he mentioned
Theophilus; thus implying that the former treatise or account was written to the same person. Aside
from that instance, Theophilus was mentioned only one more time in the entire Bible in Luke 1.

Luke 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to
write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

We can therefore say that; Luke was the author of the book of Acts. This implies that, he also
DOCUMENTED everything written therein. He did not make all the statements neither was he involved
in everything that transpired in the book. It was an account! That said, Where did he (Luke) get his facts
from?Luke 1:2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and
ministers of the word;It is evident therefore that the things he wrote in this account were delivered to
him, by eyewitnesses from the beginning of the ministry of Jesus until he died, resurrected and
ascended into heaven. Who are these eyewitnesses that is, ministers of the word that Luke referred to
here?

1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,
which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; Vs 2 (For the life was
manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with
the Father, and was manifested unto us;) Vs 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you,
that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son
Jesus Christ.

John 21:24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that
his testimony is true. Vs 25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they
should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that
should be written. Amen.

2nd Peter 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the
power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.These eyewitnesses
were the apostles of Jesus. Hence, Luke's account (about the earthly life of Jesus) and the book of Acts
are eyewitness accounts. Hence, the events that happened in the entire book of Acts can be seen as a
narrative. A narrative is to retell or report a story or connected events that happened.Thus, the book of
Acts can be seen as a retelling or a report (documentation) of events that happened, which Luke
received from eyewitnesses or reliable sources. Thereafter, Luke puts together the details in a written
form to Theophilus. This, therefore, implies that we cannot base our doctrinal analysis solely on the
book of Acts. This approach can lead to error because many a times, a narrative does not contain the
explanation. The author simply gave either an eyewitness account of the things he saw or reliable
information received from (a) witness (-es). We can, therefore, say that the book of Acts is a historical
material where we find a documentation of events and scenes. This means that, it is also a material
where we can find patterns of how things happened and evolved in the Church after Jesus' ascension.

This implies the following:The book of Acts should not be taught solely as a material for doctrine, that is,
teaching or explanation. It must also be corroborated by the Epistles.This means that we will have to
read the epistles (the revelation/ explanation of Christ) to understand the events in the book of Acts.
Recall that, this is the same approach for understanding the books of Genesis to Malachi and the four
(synoptic) gospels.

The Book of Acts: Eyewitness accounts of Jesus' resurrection and ascension.

It is an eyewitness account of events that happened in, to and through the Church after Jesus'
resurrection.