WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 1998

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According to Peter, Christians have become "a chosen race" so that they may declare the good works of God. Peter is writing to encourage and strengthen the faith of the early Christian communities who were facing persecution and hardship. He reminds them that they have been chosen by God to be a special people, a holy nation, and a people for His own possession. This means that they have a unique role to play in the world, which is to proclaim the goodness and love of God to those around them. By living out their faith in word and deed, Christians can be a powerful witness to the transforming power of God's grace and love. Therefore, Peter encourages them to remain steadfast in their faith and to continue to declare the good works of God, even in the face of opposition and persecution.

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In the Epistle to the Romans, it is explained that Jesus died as a result of our trespasses. This means that his death was a consequence of the sins committed by humanity. However, his resurrection was for the victory over death. This means that Jesus conquered death through his resurrection and showed that death is not the end. The victory over death has a significant meaning for Christians. It means that they can have hope for eternal life because Jesus overcame death. This is a central belief in Christianity and is celebrated during the Easter season. The resurrection of Jesus is also seen as a victory over sin and an affirmation of his divine nature. In summary, while Jesus' death was a result of our sins, his resurrection was for the victory over death, which gives hope for eternal life to believers and affirms his divine nature.

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Circumcision featured prominently at the first Christian Council in Jerusalem. The Council was called to address the issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to be circumcised and follow Jewish law in order to be saved. Some Jewish Christians believed that Gentiles needed to follow Jewish customs and practices, including circumcision, in order to be considered part of the Christian community. However, other Christian leaders, including Paul and Barnabas, believed that salvation was a free gift from God that was not dependent on observing the law. At the Council, Peter and James spoke in favor of accepting Gentiles without requiring them to be circumcised, and the Council ultimately agreed that Gentile believers did not need to follow Jewish law in order to be saved. This decision was a significant moment in the history of Christianity, as it opened the door for the gospel to be preached to people of all nations and backgrounds, without the requirement of following Jewish customs.

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Peter suggested building three booths on the site of the Transfiguration to make their wonderful experience of Jesus' glory exclusively theirs. Peter, along with James and John, had just witnessed Jesus' transfiguration where His appearance was transformed into a glorious and radiant state, and Moses and Elijah had appeared beside Him. Peter wanted to build three shelters or booths, one for each of them, so they could stay on the mountain and keep the experience to themselves. However, this suggestion was not in line with God's plan, which was to reveal Jesus' glory to all people, and so Peter was corrected by a voice from heaven.

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According to the book of Exodus in the Bible, when Moses brought the people of Israel out to meet God on Mount Sinai, the Mount was wrapped in smoke because the Lord descended upon it with fire. This is described in Exodus 19:18, which says, "Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire." The smoke was a manifestation of the Lord's presence and power, indicating that the Israelites were encountering the holy and awesome presence of God.

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Jesus replied to the disciple who said "I will follow you, but let me first say farewell to those at home" by saying, "No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God." This means that anyone who wishes to follow Jesus should do so wholeheartedly, without any hesitation or turning back. Just like a farmer who ploughs a field, he must keep his eyes focused ahead and not look back. Jesus was emphasizing the need for complete dedication and commitment to the cause of the Kingdom of God, and not allowing worldly distractions to hinder one's walk with Him.

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Hosea, a prophet in the Old Testament, called on the people of Israel to return to the Lord by steadfastly loving God. He compared God's love for His people to the faithful love of a husband for his wife and criticized Israel for their idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. Hosea urged the people to turn away from their sinful ways, to repent, and to return to God's path of righteousness.

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Solomon's marriage to foreign wives had the effect of turning his heart away from God. According to the Bible, he started worshiping their gods and building altars for their idols. This led to his downfall and eventually, the division of the kingdom after his death. So, the correct option is "his heart was turned away from God."

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St. John referred to Jesus' miracles as signs because they convey the acceptance of Jesus as the Son of God, faith in Jesus as the means to eternal life, desire to proclaim Jesus to others, and proofs that the Kingdom of God has come. However, they do not convey the demand for more signs, as John emphasizes the sufficiency of the signs that Jesus had already performed. The signs were meant to inspire belief and faith in Jesus, not to compel or coerce it through an endless display of miracles.

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When Moses brought the people of Israel out to meet God on Mount Sinai, the Mount was wrapped in smoke because the Lord descended upon it with fire. In the book of Exodus, it is recorded that when God came down on Mount Sinai to give Moses the Ten Commandments, the mountain was enveloped in a thick cloud, with lightning, thunder, and the sound of a trumpet. The people were afraid and asked Moses to speak with God on their behalf. The smoke and fire on the mountain served as a visible manifestation of God's power and glory, and it demonstrated His holiness and the importance of obeying His commands. This event was a significant moment in Israel's history and set the stage for the establishment of the Mosaic covenant between God and His people.

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The reason why Sanballat and Tobiah were displeased when Nehemiah delivered the King's letters to the governors beyond the River was because someone had come to seek the welfare of the children of Israel. Sanballat and Tobiah were enemies of the Israelites and did not want anyone to come and help them. They were afraid that if the Israelites were strengthened, they would become a threat to their own power and influence in the region. Therefore, they were opposed to Nehemiah's mission and tried to hinder his efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

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In this passage, "the cup" refers to Jesus' impending death on the cross. Jesus is praying to God the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane, asking if there is any way for Him to avoid the suffering and death that He knows is coming. This moment is significant because it shows Jesus' humanity and His willingness to submit to God's will, even though it will involve great pain and sacrifice. Ultimately, Jesus goes to the cross and dies for our sins, demonstrating His love for us and making a way for us to be reconciled to God.

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Ezekiel was sent to speak to the people of Israel who were described as impudent and stubborn. This means that the people were difficult to persuade and often acted defiantly towards God's commands. They were not willing to listen to God's words, which caused Ezekiel to have a difficult task of convincing them to change their ways. Despite this, Ezekiel remained faithful to his calling and continued to preach to the people, hoping that they would eventually turn away from their stubbornness and return to God's path.

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Paul admonished the Philippians to manifest the virtue of humility by counting other people as better than themselves. This means that they should not think of themselves as more important or superior to others, but should instead show respect and honor to those around them. By counting others as better than themselves, the Philippians would be able to live in harmony with one another, putting the needs of others before their own. This is a key aspect of humility, which is an important virtue in the Christian faith.

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In his teaching in Colossians on inter-personal relationships in a household, Paul stressed the reciprocal nature of member's duties. He instructed husbands to love their wives and not to be harsh with them, and wives to submit to their husbands as is fitting in the Lord. He also instructed children to obey their parents in everything, and fathers not to provoke their children, lest they become discouraged. In this way, Paul emphasized the importance of mutual love and respect in the family, and the responsibility of each member to contribute to the well-being of the others.

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In his support for obedience to the governing authorities, Paul's view was that the authorities were exercising power consistent with Christ's rule. Paul believed that all authority ultimately comes from God, and that those in positions of authority have been put there by God for a specific purpose. Therefore, to resist those in authority is to resist God's appointed order. Paul did not believe in absolute power or repressive or discriminatory authority, but rather in the principle of submitting to those in positions of authority as a way of submitting to God. However, Paul did not mean that Christians should obey authorities if they were commanding things that were contrary to God's laws or principles. In those cases, Christians should obey God rather than man.

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God directed Moses to appoint Joshua as his successor. In the book of Numbers, God commands Moses to take Joshua, son of Nun, and lay his hand on him and commission him in front of the whole assembly. God also promised to be with Joshua, just as He had been with Moses, and to help him lead the Israelites into the promised land. After Moses died, Joshua became the new leader of the Israelites and led them across the Jordan River and into the land of Canaan, just as God had promised.

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Jeremiah reminded the people of Jerusalem of their devotion to God during their youth, their love as a bride, and then condemned them for changing their glory. In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet laments the sinfulness and rebellion of the people of Judah, who had turned away from God and embraced idolatry and other sins. He reminds them of their former devotion to God and their love for Him, comparing it to a bride's love for her groom. However, he then condemns them for changing their glory, which likely refers to their turning away from God and embracing sin. Jeremiah urges them to repent and return to God before it is too late, warning them of the coming judgment if they continue in their rebellion.

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The parable of the Lost Sheep illustrates the joy in heaven over a sinner that repents. In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a shepherd who leaves his flock of 99 sheep to search for one that has gone astray. When he finds the lost sheep, he rejoices and calls his friends and neighbors to celebrate with him. Jesus uses this parable to illustrate how much God loves each and every one of us, and how He rejoices when a sinner repents and returns to Him. It shows that no matter how lost we may feel, God is always seeking us out and welcoming us back into His loving arms. The parable teaches us that we should always be willing to seek out and help those who have strayed from the path of righteousness, just as the shepherd did for his lost sheep.

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Abner and Ishboshet parted ways due to an accusation on a fault concerning a woman. The exact nature of the accusation is not clear, but it led to a rift between Abner and Ishboshet, with Abner eventually defecting to David's side.

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Paul recommended to the Romans that Christian attitude to others with regard to the gifts of the Spirit should be to not regard others as inferior. In his letter to the Romans, Paul teaches that each Christian has been given different spiritual gifts by God, and these gifts should be used to serve and bless others, rather than to elevate oneself above others. Paul encourages the Romans to exercise their gifts with humility, love, and selflessness, and to view others as equal members of the body of Christ. He emphasizes that the gifts are given by grace, not earned by merit, and therefore should not be a source of pride or division within the church.

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God created light in the firmament of the heavens so that it might illuminate the earth and the heavens. The earth was formless and void, and darkness covered the face of the deep. By creating light, God brought order and clarity to the universe, separating the day from the night and allowing life to flourish on earth. The light also serves as a symbol of God's power and glory, illuminating His throne and revealing His divine purpose to humanity. Without light, the earth would be a dark and lifeless place, and we would not be able to see or understand the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

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In his metaphor of the body and the functions of its different parts, Paul in Corinthians emphasizes the individual's duties. Paul compares the church to a human body and stresses the importance of each member carrying out their unique role for the health and growth of the entire body. Just as each part of the human body has a specific function that contributes to the overall well-being of the body, so too should each member of the church fulfill their role for the common good. Paul emphasizes that the members of the body should not boast about their own importance or look down on others, but should recognize that they are all part of the same body and that each one is necessary for the proper functioning of the whole. Thus, the emphasis is on the duty of each member to contribute to the body and not on individual rights or independence.

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According to 1 Corinthians, the significance of the resurrection of the dead is its assurance of life eternal for the children of God. This means that those who have faith in Jesus Christ and are saved will have the hope of eternal life after death. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is seen as a precursor to the resurrection of all believers who have died. It is a sign that death does not have the final word, and that there is hope beyond the grave. This assurance of eternal life gives believers the strength to endure hardships and persecution, and to live a life that is pleasing to God.

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God directed Moses to appoint Joshua as his successor. In the Book of Numbers, chapter 27, God tells Moses to go up to Mount Abarim and see the land of Canaan that he will not be allowed to enter. Moses then asks God to appoint a leader to succeed him, and God chooses Joshua, son of Nun, to take over after him.

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During the trial, Pilate asked Jesus "Are you the king of the Jews?" Pilate was trying to determine if Jesus was a threat to Roman rule, as the Jewish people were under Roman occupation at the time. Pilate may have also been trying to discern if Jesus was claiming to be a political leader, which could have further agitated the already tense situation. Jesus' response that his kingdom was not of this world likely reassured Pilate that he was not a threat to Roman authority, but Pilate ultimately gave in to the demands of the Jewish leaders and ordered Jesus' crucifixion.

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Owing to Saul's rejection of the word of the Lord, Samuel told him that God had rejected him as king over Israel. Saul had disobeyed God's commands and had gone his own way, rather than following the path that God had set for him. As a result, God had withdrawn His favor from Saul and had chosen someone else to be the next king. This was a severe punishment for Saul, who had been appointed by God to lead the people of Israel. It shows the importance of obeying God's commands and following His will, rather than pursuing our own desires and ambitions.

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St. Paul's prayer for the Philippians was that the God who inspired them to send him gifts would surely supply all their needs. This means that Paul prayed that God would provide for all the needs of the Philippians, just as they had provided for his needs. In the letter to the Philippians, Paul expresses his gratitude for their generosity towards him, and he assures them that God will supply all their needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. This is a message of hope and encouragement for the Philippians. The prayer of St. Paul shows his concern for the welfare of the Philippians and his faith in God's provision for them. It also emphasizes the importance of generosity and giving as a way of supporting those who are doing God's work. Overall, Paul's prayer for the Philippians demonstrates his deep commitment to their well-being and his trust in God's care for them. In summary, St. Paul's prayer for the Philippians was that God would supply all their needs, just as they had provided for his needs. This prayer shows Paul's concern for their welfare and his faith in God's provision for them.

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Cyrus, the king of Persia, proclaimed that he had been charged by the God of heaven to build a house in Jerusalem. This was because the Jewish people had been exiled to Babylon and their temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed. The God of heaven had inspired Cyrus to allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple. This was prophesied by the prophet Isaiah, who referred to Cyrus by name over a century before he was born. So, Cyrus was fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah and was being used by the God of heaven to accomplish His plan for the Jewish people.

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The Jews persecuted Jesus after he had healed the paralytic at the pool of Bethsaida because Jesus claimed to be the son of God.

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According to Matthew's account of the Mission of the Twelve, Jesus instructed his disciples to restrict their work to the lost Sheep of the house of Israel. This means that they were to focus on preaching and ministering to their fellow Jews and not to the Gentiles or Samaritans.

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The Jewish leaders opposed the Early Church because the believers preached Jesus Christ crucified. The Jewish leaders did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah, and they saw the teachings of the Early Church as a threat to their authority and to the traditional Jewish beliefs. The fact that the believers performed miracles and wonders and ate with Gentiles only added to their opposition, as these practices were seen as contrary to Jewish law and custom. The appointment of deacons was a response to the practical needs of the growing community and was not a specific reason for the Jewish leaders' opposition.

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The gathering of twelve baskets full of broken pieces after the feeding of five thousand indicated that nothing was to be wasted even when the supply was ample. This story is told in all four gospels in the Bible. Jesus fed a multitude of people with just five loaves of bread and two fish, and after everyone had eaten their fill, there were twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish fragments. This abundance of leftovers was not only a miracle, but it also demonstrated Jesus' message of not wasting resources and being good stewards of what is available. The gathering of the fragments was also a reminder that nothing is insignificant or useless, and that God can use even the smallest things to accomplish His purposes.

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(a) Paul's teaching on the need for order in society (Romans 13:1-7)

Paul taught that every person must be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgement.

He explained that rulers are not a terror to good conduct but to bad. The one who does good has no need to fear the authority, for the ruler is God's servant for his good. But if a man does wrong he should be afraid, for the ruler does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer. For this reason one must be subject, not only to avoid punishment but also for the sake of conscience.

On the same grounds Paul said that citizens should pay taxes, since the authorities are ministers of God attending to this very thing. He concluded with the summary: "Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honour to whom honour is owed." In this way order, peace and good government are maintained in society.

(b) Four ways a Christian can show that he is a responsible citizen

• By obeying the laws of the land and respecting constituted authority, so long as they do not conflict with the law of God.
• By paying his taxes, rates and dues honestly and promptly for the running of the state.
• By living peaceably and honestly, avoiding crime, violence and corruption, and promoting justice and unity.
• By contributing to the common good, such as participating in community development, voting responsibly, praying for leaders and helping the needy.

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The first anointing of Saul by Samuel (1 Samuel 9:1-10:1)

Saul, the son of Kish, a wealthy Benjamite, was a handsome young man, taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. The donkeys (asses) belonging to his father were lost, so Kish sent Saul with a servant to look for them. They passed through the hill country of Ephraim and other districts but could not find the animals. When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul suggested they return, lest his father stop worrying about the donkeys and begin to worry about them.

The servant told Saul that there was a man of God (Samuel the seer) in that city who was highly respected and whose words always came true, and suggested they consult him about their journey. As they went up to the city they met young women who told them the seer had just come for a sacrifice at the high place.

Now the LORD had revealed to Samuel the day before, "Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel." When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, "Here is the man of whom I spoke; he it is who shall rule over my people." Samuel told Saul not to worry about the donkeys, for they had been found, and hinted that all the desire of Israel was on him and his father's house. Saul modestly replied that he was of the smallest tribe of Israel, Benjamin, and his family the humblest.

Samuel brought Saul and his servant into the hall, gave them the chief place among about thirty guests, and set before Saul the choice portion of meat which had been reserved for him. Afterwards Samuel communed with Saul on the housetop, and early the next morning saw them off. As they reached the edge of the city, Samuel told Saul to send the servant on ahead so that he might make known to Saul the word of God.

Then Samuel took a vial (flask) of oil, poured it on Saul's head, kissed him, and said, "Has not the LORD anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? You shall reign over the people of the LORD and save them from the hand of their enemies." He then gave Saul signs to confirm his appointment.

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(a) The events that led to the statement "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you" (John 5:1-15)

Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. By the Sheep Gate there was a pool called Bethesda, having five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame and paralysed, waiting for the moving of the water, for it was believed that an angel troubled the water at certain seasons and whoever stepped in first was healed.

One man had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew he had been in that condition a long time, He asked, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered that he had no one to put him into the pool when the water was stirred, and while he was making his way another stepped down before him. Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." At once the man was healed, took up his bed and walked.

That day was the Sabbath, so the Jews accused the healed man of breaking the law by carrying his bed. He replied that the one who healed him had told him to do so, but he did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn in the crowd. Afterwards Jesus found the man in the temple and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you." The man then went and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

(b) Two lessons from the story

• Faith and obedience bring healing and wholeness. The man was restored when he obeyed Jesus' command to rise and walk, showing the power of Christ over long-standing affliction.
• Sin has consequences, and gratitude should lead to holy living. Jesus warned the healed man to sin no more, teaching that those whom God restores must turn from sin lest a worse condition come upon them.

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(a) What led to the selection of Matthias as one of the apostles (Acts 1:15-22)

After the ascension of Jesus, about a hundred and twenty believers gathered in Jerusalem. Peter stood up among them and reminded them of Judas Iscariot, who had been numbered among the twelve and had shared in their ministry, but who had guided those who arrested Jesus. Judas had bought a field with the reward of his wickedness and there met a terrible death, falling headlong so that his body burst open; the field became known as Akeldama, the Field of Blood.

Peter explained that the Scriptures had to be fulfilled, quoting the Psalms: "Let his habitation become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it," and "His office let another take." Because the number of the twelve apostles had been broken by Judas's betrayal and death, it was necessary to choose a replacement so that the full number would be restored to bear witness to Jesus. Peter set the qualification: the man must be one who had accompanied them during all the time the Lord Jesus went in and out among them, beginning from the baptism of John until the day He was taken up, so that he could be a witness with them to the resurrection.

(b) How the selection was conducted (Acts 1:23-26)

The assembly put forward two men who met the qualification: Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. They then prayed, saying, "Lord, you know the hearts of all; show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside." After the prayer they cast lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. He was therefore enrolled with the eleven apostles, completing the number of the twelve.

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(a) How Jesus described Himself to the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-26)

At Jacob's well in Sychar, Jesus met a Samaritan woman who had come to draw water and asked her for a drink. In the conversation He revealed Himself to her in two ways:

• As the giver of living water: Jesus said, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, Give me a drink, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." He explained, "Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
• As the Messiah (Christ): When the woman said, "I know that Messiah is coming... when he comes, he will show us all things," Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he." He also revealed Himself as one who knew all about her life, and taught that God is spirit and true worshippers must worship the Father in spirit and in truth.

(b) Two ways the teaching applies to Christians

1. Christ is the source of eternal, spiritual satisfaction: Just as ordinary water only relieves thirst temporarily, only Jesus, the living water, can satisfy the deepest needs of the soul and give eternal life; Christians must therefore come to Him to be spiritually satisfied.
2. True worship must be in spirit and in truth: Worship is not tied to a particular place or race; Christians are to worship God sincerely from the heart, guided by the Spirit and the truth, rather than relying on outward forms and locations.

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(a) How Joshua was selected as Moses' successor (Numbers 27:12-23)

The LORD told Moses to go up to Mount Abarim to view the Promised Land, reminding him that, because he and Aaron had rebelled against God's command at the waters of Meribah, he would not enter it but would be gathered to his people, as Aaron had been. Moses then prayed to the LORD, "Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation... that the congregation of the LORD may not be as sheep which have no shepherd."

The LORD answered, "Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand upon him." God gave these instructions:

• Moses was to set Joshua before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation and commission him in their sight.
• He was to lay his hands upon Joshua and invest him with some of his own authority, so that all the people of Israel would obey him.
• Joshua was to stand before Eleazar the priest, who would inquire for him by the judgement of the Urim before the LORD, and at his word the people would go out and come in.

Moses did as the LORD commanded: he took Joshua, set him before Eleazar and all the congregation, laid his hands upon him and commissioned him, as the LORD had directed.

(b) Two previous associations of Moses and Joshua

1. Joshua was Moses' minister (aide/servant) and led Israel's army in the battle against the Amalekites at Rephidim while Moses held up his hands on the hill (Exodus 17:8-13).
2. Joshua accompanied Moses partway up Mount Sinai and was with him in connection with the receiving of the law; he was also one of the twelve spies sent to search out the land of Canaan, and, with Caleb, brought back a faithful report (Exodus 24:13; Numbers 13-14).

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(a) Jonah's experience as he fled from the presence of God to Tarshish (Jonah 1)

The word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness has come up before me." But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish, in the opposite direction, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, found a ship going to Tarshish, paid the fare, and boarded it to escape his mission.

The LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest, so that the ship threatened to break up. The mariners were afraid and each cried to his own god, and they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and was fast asleep. The captain came and rebuked him, "What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call upon your god!"

The sailors cast lots to find out who was responsible for the calamity, and the lot fell on Jonah. On questioning him, he confessed, "I am a Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land," and admitted he was fleeing from the LORD. The men were terrified. As the storm grew worse, Jonah told them, "Take me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you; for I know it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you." The men first tried to row back to land but could not. Finally, after praying to the LORD not to hold innocent blood against them, they threw Jonah into the sea, and it ceased raging. The men feared the LORD greatly and offered sacrifice. And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and he was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

(b) Two lessons from Jonah's flight

1. No one can escape or hide from the presence of God. God is everywhere; Jonah's attempt to run from his mission was futile because God pursued him even on the sea.
2. Disobedience to God brings trouble, not only on the disobedient person but on others around him. Jonah's flight endangered the lives of the innocent sailors; obedience to God's call is therefore the wiser and safer path.

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(a) What Peter meant by calling Christians a "chosen race" (1 Peter 2:9-10)

Peter told the believers, "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." By "chosen race" he meant that Christians are a people specially selected by God, just as Israel had been chosen in the Old Testament. They are set apart as God's own possession, called out of the darkness of sin and ignorance into the light of salvation through Christ.

He explained that once they were not a people, but now they are God's people; once they had not received mercy, but now they have received mercy. As a royal priesthood they have direct access to God and offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Him through Jesus Christ. As a holy nation they are to live pure lives, distinct from the sinful world, and to proclaim by word and conduct the praises and mighty works of God who saved them. Being chosen is therefore both a privilege and a responsibility to live holy and to bear witness.

(b) How Peter expected them to behave towards civil authorities (1 Peter 2:13-17)

Peter urged them, for the Lord's sake, to be subject to every human institution, whether to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. He said it was God's will that by doing good they should silence the ignorance of foolish men. Though they were free, they were not to use their freedom as a cover-up for evil, but to live as servants of God. He summed it up: "Honour all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the emperor." Thus Christians were to be loyal, law-abiding and respectful citizens.

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(a) James' teaching on partiality (James 2:1-13)

James warned that believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, must show no partiality. He gave an illustration: if a man with gold rings and fine clothing enters the assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and they pay attention to the well-dressed man, saying, "You sit here in a good place," while they tell the poor man, "Stand there," or "Sit at my feet," then they have made distinctions among themselves and become judges with evil thoughts.

He reminded them that God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom promised to those who love Him. Yet they had dishonoured the poor man, even though it is the rich who oppress them, drag them into court and blaspheme the honourable name by which they are called. James taught that they should fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbour as yourself." But if they show partiality they commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors, for whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. He urged them to speak and act as those who will be judged under the law of liberty, for judgement is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy, yet mercy triumphs over judgement.

(b) Two effects of partiality in society

• It breeds injustice and oppression. When people are favoured or despised because of wealth, tribe or status, the weak and poor are denied their rights and the guilty escape punishment.
• It causes division, hatred and disunity. Partiality destroys trust, provokes resentment and quarrels, and breaks the peace and love that should bind a community together.