encourage one another

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SESSION 6

ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

The Point Encourage people in their relationships with Christ and one another.

The Passage Acts 11:19-26

The Bible Meets Life New parents certainly love their infant children, but they want to see them grow and mature. That child cannot grow without the assistance of the parents and other caring adults. It’s the same regarding our growth as Christians. We need each other. We have the opportunity to challenge and encourage others to grow spiritually and be all they can be in Christ.

The Setting Following the stoning of Stephen, the believers in Jerusalem faced increased persecution. Many scattered to various parts of the world. Some ended up in Antioch, the administrative center for the Roman province of Syria, 300 miles north of Jerusalem. Antioch was a busy port city, a center for luxury and culture, and home to a wide assortment of people. Its cosmopolitan population presented the scattered church an exciting opportunity to spread the gospel.

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What does the Bible say?

Acts 11:19-26 (CSB) Greeks (v. 20)—”Greeks” literally translates “Hellenists.” This term describes the people who identified themselves with Greek culture, customs, and language. The term sometimes would have referred to Grecian Jews but here means Gentiles.

Now those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.

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But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. 20

The Lord’s hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 21

News about them reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch.

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When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And large numbers of people were added to the Lord. 23

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Then he went to Tarsus to search for Saul,

and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

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THE POINT

Encourage people in their relationships with Christ and one another.

GET INTO THE STUDY

10 minutes

DISCUSS: Invite your group members to

Notes

discuss Question #1 on page 53 of the PSG (Personal Study Guide): “When have you seen something go viral?” Allow

TIP: This is the last of the six-week study. Be sure to offer group members a time to review and share what God has taught them through this study.

time for each person to respond. SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 54): Until recently, not many people were familiar with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, which is an incurable, progressive, muscle-weakening disease that ultimately ends in death. Then the ice-bucket challenge emerged in the summer of 2014. People were challenged to pour a bucket of ice and water on their heads to raise awareness of ALS and encourage donations for research. Thanks to videos being posted on social media, the idea went viral. By the end of 2014, few did not know about this fatal disease. The ice-bucket challenge shows how something exciting can spread quickly SAY: “The early Christians did not need an ice-bucket challenge to motivate them to share Christ. They had a message of life they were eager to share. In the Book of Acts, we meet a man named Barnabas who accepted the challenge to follow Christ and then encouraged others to do the same.” GUIDE: Call attention to The Point on page 54 of the PSG: “Encourage people in their relationships with Christ and one another.” PRAY: Transition into the discussion with prayer. Thank God for His Word and the guidance it provides to grow deeper in our faith.

PACK POSTER: Pack Item #6 “Cities of Acts 11” poster

PLAYLIST PICK: “The Cause of Christ” By Kari Jobe

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10 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE Acts 11:19-21 (CSB)

Notes

Now those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 19

READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Acts 11:19-21. SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGES 55-56): In the earliest days of the Christian church, two characteristics stood out: It was a movement among Jews and it was largely confined to Jerusalem.

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All that changed, however, when Stephen was killed (Acts 7:58–8:1). The Jewish leaders had been growing increasingly hostile toward the Christfollowers, which led to Stephen’s death.

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After Stephen’s death a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem. As a result, believers scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. While we might think they were simply running for their lives, they took with them the gospel of Christ. “Those who were scattered went on their way preaching the word” (8:4).

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Initially, the early Christians shared the gospel message with other Jews. All that changed in Antioch when some believers didn’t just go to their fellow Jews; they “began speaking to the Greeks also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus” (v. 20). Gentiles, or non-Jews, heard the gospel message.

»» ALTERNATE QUESTION: What about these verses do you find encouraging?

As a result, large numbers of Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.

LEADER PACK: Bring your group’s attention to Pack Item #6, “Cities of Acts 11” poster, to give a geographical understanding of this passage. DISCUSS: Question #2 on page 55 of the PSG: “Why do we sometimes shy away from certain groups of people when sharing the gospel?” TRANSITION: God’s hand was on the church at Antioch and it was growing.

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THE POINT

Encourage people in their relationships with Christ and one another.

Acts 11:19-21 Commentary Encourage anyone and everyone to follow Christ. Verse 19: Luke traced the backstory of the Spirit’s movement in Antioch to the stoning of Stephen when the persecution of believers intensified. Believers scattered, settling in faraway cities in Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, all in predominantly Gentile lands. Phoenicia mainly encompassed the seacoast area of Syria. Cyprus, an island situated off the coast of Asia Minor, had a large Jewish colony. Some of the believers from Jerusalem came to Antioch, a major city in the Graeco-Roman world. Everywhere they went, they began sharing the gospel. As the refugees came to new places, these believers quite naturally witnessed at first to Jews only. They would have found it odd that the gospel would have had any relevance for non-Jews, so likely would have found it unnatural to share the gospel message with anyone else. Verse 20: Those refugees who journeyed farthest north arrived in Antioch. There, some of them took the bold step of “proclaiming the good news” to Gentiles. Luke offered no clues as to the identity of these itinerant witnesses beyond calling them “men from Cyprus and Cyrene.” Later he would identify five prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch, including “Lucius of Cyrene” (13:1), perhaps one of those who brought the gospel to Gentiles in Antioch. The recent experiences in Jerusalem would have suggested a more cautious approach, yet they cast aside all restraint to preach the gospel to everyone who would listen. Finally the gospel broke the shackles of religious tradition and became good news for all people. Verse 21: Because of the believers’ bold proclamation, the gospel exploded in Antioch. “The Lord’s hand” referred to God’s power as He enabled Gentiles in large numbers to believe and turn to the Lord. The verbs “believed” and “turned” summarized the response of faith, because faith demands turning to the Lord Jesus. God sovereignly overruled the Jerusalem persecution by scattering believers to distant places. Despite being displaced, God worked in their lives and gave them grace to endure hardship as they proclaimed the good news of Jesus. God overruled any temptation these believers might have had to blend in and adapt to the intoxicating culture of Antioch. God stirred them to witness and preach the gospel and caused the first Gentile church to be born. And, God chose a cosmopolitan, morally corrupt city like Antioch to become the missionary center of the gospel movement. In this secular, pagan environment, common Christians told the simple gospel message of Jesus and forgiveness as God’s free gift. They took this gospel and shared it with pagan Gentiles, who also experienced the power of God for salvation.

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10 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE Acts 11:22-24 (CSB)

Notes

News about them reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And large numbers of people were added to the Lord. 22

READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Acts 11:22-24. SAY: “The early church had the leadership it needed in Jerusalem, so they sent Barnabas to Antioch to ensure the church was teaching and growing as it should.” SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 57): Once in Antioch, Barnabas saw that God was at work, he rejoiced, and he encouraged these new believers.

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His real name was Joseph, but he had such a habit of encouraging others he was renamed Barnabas, which is from two Aramaic words meaning “son of encouragement” (4:36).

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Earlier in the Book of Acts, when other disciples wanted to keep a young believer named Saul of Tarsus at arm’s length because of his past persecution of the church, Barnabas stepped in. He reached out to Saul and encouraged the church in Jerusalem also to accept him (9:26-27).

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In Antioch, Barnabas “encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts” (v. 23).

ALTERNATE QUESTION: What are some practical ways we can help each other grow in our walk with Christ?

DISCUSS: Question #3 on page 56 of the PSG: “Who has made a spiritual investment in your life?”( NOTE: Be prepared to share about someone who has impacted your Christian walk. Your transparency will encourage others to share.) DO: Instruct group members to complete the activity on page 58 on their own. If time allows, invite volunteers to share their responses aloud. GOD’S GRACE AT WORK: When you think about Acts 11:22-24, what captures your attention? Describe, list, or sketch your response.

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THE POINT

Encourage people in their relationships with Christ and one another.

Acts 11:22-24 Commentary Encourage others to grow in their walk with Christ. Verse 22: The news of large numbers of Hellenists, or Greeks, coming to Christ reached the “mother church” in Jerusalem. As the church of the apostles and their direct link to Jesus, the Jerusalem church naturally would have shown interest in the happenings in Antioch. The early believers had not fully foreseen the implications of the Holy Spirit’s activity among Gentiles. They almost exclusively directed their efforts to reaching Jews. The news about what was happening in Antioch created a considerable stir and prompted church leaders to dispatch someone to investigate. They sent out Barnabas. As a Levite and a native of the island of Cyprus, Barnabas’s sympathies would have likely been broader than those of Judean-born Jewish believers. Barnabas had previously shown “bridge-building” characteristics (9:27). He had proven his ability to see both sides of an issue and to find middle ground for the two sides. Verse 23: Upon arrival in Antioch, Barnabas rejoiced as he witnessed the grace of God in action. He encouraged all who had come to faith in Christ, both Jewish and Gentile believers. The word “encouraged” included a wide range of assurances that would inspire and strengthen, including admonishing, advising, warning, and comforting. Barnabas urged them to “remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts.” He did not tell them they needed something more because they had received from God all they needed. He urged them to remain faithful to the Lord and to do it intelligently and with purpose of heart. The Greek here means, “according to a set plan.” They should not come simply to enjoy the fellowship, the great worship services, and the excitement of knowing the Lord. They needed to learn purposefully more about the Lord, to seek the knowledge of God in Jesus Christ through the Word of God. Verse 24: In describing Barnabas, Luke painted the spiritual profile of the kind of Christ-follower everyone would do well to emulate. He emphasized three characteristics. First, Luke called Barnabas a good man, a term he used only one other time, in his description of Joseph of Arimathea (Luke 23:50). “Good man” meant his character was righteous and above reproach. Second, Luke said that Barnabas was full of the Holy Spirit, meaning the fruit of the Spirit was evident in his life. Third, Luke described Barnabas was as a man full of faith, meaning he acted upon what God said. Barnabas took God at His word and trusted the Lord unquestioningly. Because of his sterling example of character and faith as a man full of the Holy Spirit, the believers in Antioch had all the stimulus they needed to continue to reach even more followers for Christ as evidenced by the large numbers of converts increasing rapidly.

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10 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE Acts 11:25-26 (CSB)

Notes

Then he went to Tarsus to search for Saul, 26 and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and

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taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Acts 11:25-26. SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 59): The church in Antioch was growing. As a result, Barnabas needed help—and he knew whom he wanted: Saul.

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We don’t know a lot about Saul during this time, but it was likely that, for about ten years, he was preaching in Syria and Cilicia, the area of his hometown (Galatians 1:21-23).

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So Barnabas “went to Tarsus to search for Saul” (v. 25). Saul was not a novice to ministry. He had been preaching and teaching, but now Barnabas brought him to Antioch to help with the church. Together “they met with the church and taught large numbers” (v. 26).

DISCUSS: Question #4 on page 57 of the PSG: “When have you been challenged to leave your comfort zone as a disciple of Christ?” SAY: “One of the greatest ways to encourage people to serve and minister is to let them work alongside us. Jesus did this with His twelve apostles; Saul (later called Paul) would do it later with others such as Silas, Timothy, and Luke.” ALTERNATE QUESTION: What opportunities exist in our church for serving and encouraging others?

DISCUSS: Question #5 on page 59 of the PSG: “What are some advantages of doing God’s work together?” TRANSITION: Together, Barnabas and Saul equipped the believers in Antioch to scatter the gospel across many cultures. ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): Display a set of Lego® building blocks and attach them one by one to build a foundation for a large structure. Explain that when we encourage others, we build them up. Our words and actions have the power to strengthen others. When we do, we encourage them to develop a strong foundation of faith in Jesus.

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THE POINT

Encourage people in their relationships with Christ and one another.

Acts 11:25-26 Commentary Encourage others to serve Christ. Verse 25: Barnabas quickly assessed that he needed help to ground the great number of new believers in Antioch in doctrine and practice. He knew exactly whom he needed for the job, so he went to Tarsus to fetch Saul. Choosing the former persecutor of the church was radical, but Barnabas knew Saul’s background and leadership were exactly what was needed. Barnabas had a significant influence on Saul’s early life as a believer (Acts 9:26-30). However, as many as 10 years had passed since that time. Saul had returned to Tarsus. In those intervening years, the Holy Spirit taught Saul many lessons. Barnabas was convinced this former persecutor turned preacher was right for the task ahead in Antioch. Verse 26: When the Holy Spirit had Saul prepared for the assignment in Antioch, He sent Barnabas to Tarsus to find Saul. When he found him, Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch, ready for a lifelong ministry that changed the course of human history. Barnabas and Saul “met with the church and taught large numbers” of people. They taught the believers in Antioch intentionally and systematically for a whole year. Surely they taught them the foundational truths about God, the uniqueness of Jesus, what it meant to follow Jesus, and about the character of God and the sinfulness of man. They must have pointed to the sufficiency of Jesus’ substitutionary death on the cross, the necessity to believe that Jesus is the only way to eternal life, and about the urgency of eternity because all people will either spend forever in heaven or forever in hell. Furthermore, they equipped the believers in Antioch to scatter the gospel across cultures. In a cosmopolitan city like Antioch, they would have had the opportunity to influence the world with the gospel. So Barnabas and Saul likely discipled the believers in being able to communicate humanity’s problem—sin, and being able to talk about God’s provision—His gift of salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Want to dig deeper? We recommend reading the article “Cyrene” in the Summer 2017 issue of Biblical Illustrator. Previous Biblical Illustrator articles “When God Scattered His Witnesses” (Spring 2011), “Antioch of Syria” (Spring 2006), and “Tarsus” (Spring 2015) relate to this lesson and can be found on the CD in the Leader Pack or can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at www.lifeway. com/biblicalillustrator. Look for Bundles: Bible Studies for Life.

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5 minutes

LIVE IT OUT SAY: “We are surrounded by people who need encouragement. What will you do

Notes

to encourage others to grow in Christ and serve Him?” GUIDE: Lead group members to consider the responses to the Bible study listed on page 60 of the PSG.

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A word of thanks. Do you have a network of people encouraging you in your faith? Write their names down this week and be purposeful about thanking them individually.

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A word of encouragement. Take time this week to encourage someone in their walk with Christ. Make a call, write a note, or come alongside the person you know who needs a word of support.

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A relationship of encouragement. Do you currently have a relationship with a mature Christian friend in which you both encourage each other to deeper discipleship? If not, begin praying now for this kind of relationship and be on the lookout for someone God provides.

Wrap It Up
 SAY: “The early Christians knew they had a life-giving message to share and so do we. Accept the challenge to be a Barnabas and watch to see how God chooses to use you for His kingdom. Whom can you encourage in the faith this week?”

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JONATHAN, A FORGOTTEN HERO BY JOSEPH BECKLER

Jonathan is a hero whom we tend to forget in the midst of Israel’s unfolding history. First Samuel, the Old Testament record that captures Jonathan’s story, brilliantly tells about Samuel, Saul, and David. Yet, woven into the story line of these prominent leaders, we find Jonathan, the son of King Saul. Readers might describe his life with terms such as courage, loyalty, military skill, submission, and bravery. At other times, though, he appeared frustrated, hurt, and angry. Although his story is not the main theme of 1 Samuel, Jonathan was a crucial and strategic part of God’s plan for Israel. Who Was Jonathan? Jonathan’s name literally means “The Lord gave.” He was Saul’s oldest son. His mother’s name was Ahinoam. His brothers were Abinadab, Malchishua, and Ish-bosheth. His sisters were Merab and Michal. His son was Mephibosheth.1

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What we know about Jonathan starts with descriptions of military courage in 1  Samuel  13. Being the king’s eldest son, Jonathan received leadership responsibility for half of the military troops, with Saul keeping the other half under his leadership. Jonathan took his troops to attack a Philistine garrison (or governor).2 This attack initiated a showdown between Israel and the Philistines. First Samuel 13–14 records Saul mustering the Israelites for war and then waiting with a sense of hesitancy. Jonathan, however, appeared anxious and ready to attack. Despite the military weakness of Israel’s troops, Jonathan saw God as the giver and taker of military victory. While contemplating a two-man assault on a Philistine outpost, Jonathan proclaimed to his armor bearer, “Perhaps the Lord will help us. Nothing can keep the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few” (1 Sam. 14:6).3 Scripture reveals that Jonathan exhibited trust and confidence in his God. This was in contrast to his father Saul, who seemed uncertain and insecure towards God, especially on the battlefield.4

Below: Tel Bethshean, which is where the Philistines brought the bodies of Saul and his sons to the temple of Ashtaroth.

Jonathan, being a courageous warrior, was likely an underlying reason for much of Saul’s military success.5 As well, Jonathan’s military skill and courage certainly influenced his approval of David. Jonathan was impressed with the warrior stamina of this young man, who defeated Goliath with faith in God and a sling. David, unlike Saul, was a man who understood that God was the conqueror of Israel’s enemies. This, no doubt, resonated with Jonathan, who knew that the Israelites’ battles hinged on the Lord’s power.6 Why Didn’t Jonathan Assert His Right to Be the Future King of Israel? Jonathan’s role was complicated by the fact he maintained loyalty to Saul, his father and Israel’s king. At the same time, he loved and protected David, whom Saul perceived to be his chief political threat. King Saul tragically lost God’s blessing (see 15:26), and he was certainly concerned that David threatened Jonathan’s succession of kingship. In an argument with Jonathan, Saul confirmed this fear when he cried out, “Every day Jesse’s son [meaning David] lives on earth you [meaning Jonathan] and your kingship are not secure” (20:31). Jonathan saw things differently. He appeared to be at peace with David’s destiny as the next king. To understand this, one must reach back to the battle scene at Michmash (see 1 Sam. 14). After Jonathan and his armor bearer successfully raided a Philistine outpost at the pass of Michmash, Israel’s enemies were thrown into confusion. Saul, zealous for a victory, called down a rash oath on his soldiers, saying, “The man who eats food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies is cursed” (v. 24). Unaware of this oath, Jonathan ate some honey as he pursued the Philistines. Later, when one of Israel’s soldiers revealed that an Israelite had violated the oath, Saul vowed to keep his promise—namely to kill the man who had violated the oath . . . even if it were his own son! When the king discovered that Jonathan had unknowingly broken the oath, Saul intended to

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kill him; but the Israelite soldiers protested, preventing Jonathan’s death. But the curse of Saul was, nonetheless, never lifted from his son. This curse, in Jonathan’s mind, was an indicator of his father’s lack of credibility as king. As well, this curse affected Jonathan’s capacity to envision himself as a future king.7 Marked by the curse, Jonathan knew that another was destined to be king. This is evident in the scene of 1  Samuel  18:3‑4 where Jonathan gave David his robe, belt, bow, and sword. These gifts were markers of Jonathan’s status as a prince.8 Giving them to David was a sign of Jonathan bestowing the political right of kingship on David.9 In Jonathan’s story we see an increase in his loyalty and love for David. At the same time, the level of estrangement between himself and his father also increased. Jonathan, on two distinct occasions, pleaded for David. At one point, his petition succeeded (see 19:1‑7). But on the second occasion, Jonathan angered his father to such a degree that Saul not only tried to kill him but also issued a second curse on Jonathan: “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don’t I know that you are siding with Jesse’s son to your own shame and to the disgrace of your mother?” (20:30). In so many words, Saul humiliated and hurt Jonathan, saying he was a “bastard”!10 Ironically, Saul, who desperately wanted Jonathan to be king, was the very one who consistently cursed his son and pushed him away from kingship. What Was Jonathan’s Legacy for Israel? To the very end, Jonathan lived a complicated life. He loved David, God’s anointed one, who was destined for kingship. At the same time, he stood loyal to his father, who hated David! This allegiance to family and Israel ultimately carried Jonathan to the battlefield one last time, along with his father and brothers. At Mount Gilboa, Jonathan was slain in a battle he probably knew, like his father, would be his last (see 1 Sam. 31; 2 Sam. 1). David’s very own lament for Jonathan shows a deep

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sense of gratitude for his lost friend (2  Sam.  1:17‑27). David sang a lament for both King Saul and Jonathan, called “The Song of the Bow.” Though the lament is for both men, the song clearly concludes in honoring Jonathan.11 David sang: How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother. You were such a friend to me. Your love for me was more wondrous than the love of women (vv. 25‑26). Ultimately, Jonathan’s legacy was his willingness to pursue what was right for the future of Israel. He was wise enough to recognize that self-preservation was not his chief aim. Instead, he saw David as God’s anointed and wanted God’s best for Israel’s future. Indeed, such heroes are easily lost in the story as larger, more important characters outshine them. But we must not forget Jonathan. His love, courage, and loyalty helped Israel come into its own golden age, as David took the throne. 1. Omer J. Hancock, “Jonathan” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, gen. ed. Chad Brand, Charles Draper, and Archie England (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 1505-1506. 2. See 1 Samuel 13:4 footnote on use of “garrison” in Holman Christian Standard Bible. 3. All Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. 4. P. Kyle McCarter, The Anchor Bible: 1 Samuel (New York: Doubleday, 1980), 242; Ronald F. Youngblood, “1 and 2 Samuel” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992), 662. 5. Youngblood, “1 and 2 Samuel,” 660. 6. Observe the similarity between Jonathan’s words to his armor bearer in 1 Samuel 14:6 with David’s words in 1 Samuel 17:37. 7. McCarter, The Anchor Bible: 1 Samuel, 252. 8. Youngblood, “1 and 2 Samuel,” 707; See also McCarter, The Anchor Bible: 1 Samuel, 305. 9. This was in contrast to an earlier scene where King Saul offered armor to David (see 1 Sam. 17:38-39). David refused Saul’s armor, but he didn’t refuse the gifts from Jonathan. Jonathan, slated in his family line for kingship, knew he was not the future king. The prince’s robe belonged to David. Jonathan affirmed through his gifts an understanding that David would rightfully be the next king. See Youngblood, “1 and 2 Samuel,” 707. 10. Ibid., 724. 11. David would show honor to Jonathan long after his death. In one way, he kept his word to his deceased friend by protecting and caring for Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. As well, David had the bones of Saul and Jonathan moved to the land of Benjamin, the land of Saul’s father Kish. Such an act was to honor the former king and as well as to honor Jonathan. “Jonathan” in Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, ed. F. F. Bruce, R. K. Harrison, Ronald Youngblood, and Kermit Ecklebarger (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1986), 591. This is an edited version of the article by Joseph Beckler that originally appeared in the Spring 2008 issue of Biblical Illustrator magazine. Each quarter Biblical Illustrator offers in-depth articles and information that support our weekly Bible study lessons. You can subscribe to Biblical Illustrator by going to www.lifeway.com/biblicalillustrator, by using your church’s quarterly literature order form, or by calling 1-800-458-2772.

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