WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 1999

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The miracle of feeding the five thousand by Jesus showed him as a man who could use what he had for the interest of others. He saw that the people who had come to listen to him were hungry and he used the five loaves of bread and two fish that were available to feed everyone. This act of kindness and generosity showed that Jesus cared about the people and was willing to use his resources to help them. It also demonstrated his power and compassion, and gave people a glimpse of his divine nature.

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Ahab, who was the king of Israel in Samaria, married Jezebel.

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In Matthew's account of the annunciation of the birth of Jesus, dream played a significant role in the action of Joseph. According to the Bible, Joseph was engaged to Mary, but when he found out that she was pregnant, he planned to break off the engagement quietly. However, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and explained that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and that he should still take Mary as his wife. This dream helped Joseph to understand that the child was special and that God had a plan for him. It also showed Joseph that he had an important role to play in God's plan. So, dream played a significant role in Joseph's decision to take Mary as his wife and raise Jesus as his own son.

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Paul told the Philippians, "Not that I seek gift, but I seek the fruit which increases your credit." This means that Paul was not seeking gifts from the Philippians, but rather he was interested in the spiritual growth and development of the Philippians. Paul wanted the Philippians to understand that giving gifts was not the only way to please God, but it was important to bear fruit that would increase their spiritual credit. In other words, Paul was emphasizing the importance of developing a strong relationship with God and living a life that reflected their faith.

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Elijah called for a contest between him and the worshipers of Baal to demonstrate God's power over the Baals. In this contest, both Elijah and the prophets of Baal prepared sacrifices and called upon their respective gods to send down fire from heaven to consume their offering. The prophets of Baal prayed and danced for hours, but their god did not answer. Elijah, on the other hand, called upon the Lord God of Israel and immediately fire came down from heaven, consumed the sacrifice, and licked up the water in the trench. This showed that God was the true God and that the power of the Baals was nothing compared to Him.

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When the Sanhedrin threatened to kill the apostles for defying them, Gamaliel advised that they be left alone for God to judge. Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, argued that if the apostles' work was of human origin, it would fail, but if it was of God, then nothing could stop it. Therefore, he suggested that the Sanhedrin should not take any action against the apostles, but rather let them be and let time reveal the true nature of their work.

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According to the biblical account in Numbers 13-14, Joshua and Caleb were two of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. The other ten spies returned with a negative report, stating that the inhabitants of the land were too strong and the Israelites would not be able to conquer them. However, Joshua and Caleb had a different attitude and believed that with God's help, they could defeat their enemies and take possession of the land. The quality that distinguished Joshua and Caleb from the other spies was their absolute trust in God, which gave them the courage and faith to face the challenges ahead.

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The phrase "poor in spirit" comes from a biblical passage in which Jesus is giving a sermon, and he is talking about who will inherit the kingdom of God. "Poor in spirit" means someone who recognizes their spiritual poverty, who recognizes their need for God, and who humbly depends on God for everything. It does not necessarily refer to being poor in terms of material possessions, but it can mean that someone who is poor in material possessions is more likely to recognize their spiritual poverty and dependence on God. So, the correct option is: "poor in worldly possessions yet rich in faith."

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According to Paul, the difference between the Philippian church and other churches was that it was the only church that supported him financially. In the New Testament book of Philippians, Paul expressed his gratitude to the Philippians for their partnership in his ministry, saying that they were the only church that had provided for his needs. This support allowed him to continue spreading the gospel and establishing churches in other places.

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In the book of Acts, it is said that Saul was breathing threats and murder against the disciples of Jesus, and went to the high priest to ask for authority to arrest all those who belonged to the Way, which was the name given to the early Christian movement. Therefore, the correct option is "pick up at Damascus all who belonged to the Way."

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In the second account of creation, man was not allowed to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This tree was located in the midst of the garden of Eden, and God had commanded Adam not to eat its fruit. However, the serpent deceived Eve, and she and Adam both ate from the tree, leading to their expulsion from the garden and the introduction of sin and death into the world.

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According to the Bible, the walls of Jericho collapsed because God had given the city to the Israelites and instructed them to march around the city for six days with the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, the Israelites were to march around the city seven times, blow their trumpets, and shout. When they did so, the walls of Jericho collapsed, allowing the Israelites to conquer the city. Therefore, it was the divine intervention of God that caused the walls to collapse, not because they were too fragile or due to any decree made by Joshua.

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In the healing of the leper, Jesus' words show that he respected the Jewish Law. In Mark 1:44, after healing the leper, Jesus told him not to tell anyone, but to show himself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for his cleansing. This was in accordance with the Jewish Law, which required a person who had been healed of leprosy to present himself to the priest for examination and to offer sacrifices. Jesus' words and actions indicate that he respected the Law and came to fulfill it, not to abolish it.

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God decided to tear the kingdom from Solomon and leave one tribe for him because he had turned his heart away from the Lord. Solomon had started out as a faithful and wise king, but over time, he began to accumulate wealth, power, and wives, which led him to turn away from God's commandments. He started worshipping other gods and idols and engaging in practices that were forbidden by God. As a result, God decided to punish him by taking away most of his kingdom and leaving only one tribe for him to rule over, as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. Therefore, the correct option is: "turned his heart away from the Lord."

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Jeremiah proclaimed that God's word in his mouth will be like fire that will devour the people for their false claim of innocence. In other words, Jeremiah's message from God would be like a fire that would expose the people's sins and hypocrisy, which they denied, thinking that they were innocent. God's word would be like a fire that would bring judgment upon them, just as fire consumes everything in its path. Thus, the people were warned to repent and turn from their evil ways before it was too late.

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In the parable of the mustard seed, Jesus teaches that the blessings of the kingdom of God are available to all people everywhere. The parable compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed that starts as a tiny seed but grows into a large tree that provides shelter for birds. This illustrates that the kingdom of God may seem small at first, but it will grow and provide blessings for all people. The parable emphasizes that the kingdom of God is not limited to a certain group of people but is open to everyone.

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Peter and John were arrested and imprisoned by the Jewish leaders because they were proclaiming Jesus' resurrection. The Jewish leaders were threatened by the spread of Christianity and did not want this message to continue being shared. Peter and John were seen as leaders of this movement and were therefore arrested to prevent them from spreading this message further.

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In this passage, "due time" refers to the time when God will choose to exalt those who have humbled themselves under his mighty hand. It is not specifically referring to the end of the world, Christ's resurrection, or time of retirement, but rather to the time that God has set aside for this particular act of exaltation. It could happen in this life or the next, but it is ultimately up to God's timing and discretion.

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In the book of Acts in the New Testament, the seven deacons were appointed by the apostles to take charge of administering relief to the widows in the early Christian community. The apostles wanted to ensure that the needs of the widows were being met fairly and efficiently, and so they chose seven men to oversee this task. The deacons were chosen based on their good reputation, wisdom, and fullness of the Holy Spirit. They were seen as servants of the church, serving the needs of the people, and helping to maintain unity within the community.

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When God threatened to punish anyone who sinned, Moses proved his leadership qualities by atoning for the sins of the people. He interceded on their behalf and pleaded with God to forgive them. He also punished those who had sinned and reprimanded them for their wrongdoings. Overall, Moses took responsibility for the actions of his people and showed compassion and humility in his leadership.

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Elijah accused Ahab of troubling Israel because he had been unfaithful to the Lord. According to the Bible, Ahab, the king of Israel, had allowed the worship of idols and false gods, which went against God's commandments. Elijah, a prophet of God, condemned Ahab's actions and warned of the consequences that would follow if the people did not turn back to God. The troubles that Ahab brought upon Israel were seen as a punishment from God for his disobedience.

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According to Luke, Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem because he predicted the fate that would befall the city. Jesus lamented the fact that the people of Jerusalem did not recognize the time of their visitation and rejected the message of peace that he had brought to them. He foretold the destruction of the city and the temple, and the suffering that would be inflicted upon its inhabitants. Jesus wept out of compassion for the people and the city, and for the judgment that was to come upon them.

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Ezra was a scholar in the study of the Law of Moses. He was a priest and a scribe who helped to lead the Israelites back to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity. Ezra was well-versed in the Scriptures and the Law of Moses, which he studied and taught to the people. He played a vital role in the restoration of the Jewish community and their religious practices, which had been disrupted during their exile. Therefore, we can conclude that Ezra was a scholar in the study of the Law of Moses, not the history or politics of Persia, nor the religious law of Hammurabi.

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The statement made by the centurion during the crucifixion of Christ was a confession of fact. The centurion, who was a Roman soldier, witnessed the events that took place during the crucifixion, including the darkness that covered the land and the earthquake that occurred when Jesus died. As a result of what he saw, he recognized that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, and he made this declaration.

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Christians must regard their persecution as a true test of their faith in Jesus Christ. This means that the persecution they face should be seen as a challenge to their faith, and an opportunity to prove their commitment to Christ. The Bible encourages believers to persevere in the face of persecution, just as Jesus did, and to trust that God will reward them for their faithfulness. In this way, persecution is not something to be feared, but rather an opportunity for Christians to grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with God.

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God remained faithful to His covenant with Abraham when He removed Sarah's barrenness and she bore Isaac. According to the Bible, God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, and this promise was passed down to his son Isaac. However, Sarah was unable to have children, and they both grew old waiting for God's promise to be fulfilled. But God remained faithful and eventually blessed them with a son, Isaac, who would carry on the lineage of Abraham and fulfill God's promise. This act of faithfulness by God showed that He keeps His promises and is always faithful to His covenant with His people.

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The lesson of the parable of the seed growing secretly is that the kingdom of God grows independent of the will of men. In the parable, a man scatters seeds and they grow without his knowledge or intervention. Similarly, the kingdom of God grows on its own, without human effort or intervention. This teaches that it is not up to humans to determine the growth and success of the kingdom of God, but rather it is a divine process that occurs on its own.

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The eating of the scroll before Prophet Ezekiel was an indication that he must digest what is inside the scroll before communicating it to others. In other words, he needed to internalize and understand the message from God before he could deliver it to the people. It was a symbolic act of taking the word of God into himself, and thus becoming a vessel for God's message to the people. This act demonstrated the seriousness of the task of prophesying and the need for prophets to be fully invested in their role as God's messengers.

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According to the Bible, when Jesus gave up the ghost, several events took place, including the tearing of the temple veil, the shaking of the earth, and the splitting of rocks. Additionally, it was recorded that the tombs were opened, and many dead saints rose again. However, God did not speak from heaven to confirm the divine sonship of Jesus at that time. The verse in the Bible (Matthew 27:50-54) that records the events that took place when Jesus died mentions the other events but not the one about God speaking from heaven. Therefore, we can conclude that God did not speak from heaven to confirm the divine sonship of Jesus immediately after he gave up the ghost.

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Isaiah called upon the people of Israel to come to the Lord with holiness and social justice. This means that he was urging the people to live pure and righteous lives, while also caring for those who were vulnerable and marginalized in society. Instead of focusing solely on external religious practices like prayers, offerings, and sacrifices, Isaiah emphasized the importance of inward transformation and outward action that reflected God's values of love and compassion. Therefore, he encouraged the people to approach God with a willing heart, humbly submitting to His will and seeking to do what is right in His sight.

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Paul believes that spiritual gifts are given for the edification of the body of Christ, which refers to the collective or corporate life of the church. In other words, these gifts are not just for the benefit of individual members of the congregation but for the betterment of the church as a whole. They are meant to strengthen the church and help it function effectively, as each member uses their spiritual gifts to serve one another and build up the body of Christ.

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In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that he who judges others is like one who neglects the log in his own eyes. This means that a person who is quick to criticize and judge others should first examine their own faults and flaws before pointing out the faults of others. Jesus was teaching that humility and self-reflection are important qualities in individuals and that we should not be quick to condemn others without first examining ourselves.

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Paul teaches that the law, which was like a custodian or guardian to lead people to Christ, has been superseded by faith in Jesus Christ. In other words, the law was given to show people their need for a Savior and to point them to Christ. But now that Christ has come and fulfilled the law, believers are no longer under the guardianship of the law, but are saved through faith in Christ.

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Hosea's message was that unfaithful Israel should return to the Lord for spiritual revival. Hosea was a prophet in the Old Testament who was called by God to preach to the people of Israel, who had turned away from God and were living in sin. His message was that they needed to repent and turn back to God in order to experience spiritual renewal and restoration. Hosea used the metaphor of a broken marriage to describe the relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing that Israel's unfaithfulness was like that of an adulterous spouse. Therefore, Hosea urged Israel to abandon their idolatry and sinful ways and to return to God with sincerity and humility.

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In the book of Galatians in the Bible, Paul is referring to the idea that before Christ came, people were living under the law and were like children or slaves to it. However, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save people from the law and adopt them as His own children. This means that through faith in Christ, people are no longer bound by the law but are set free to live as children of God, adopted into His family and filled with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the correct option is "adopted as sons of God".

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Paul did not mention that fathers should emulate their children as one of the roles of members of a Christian family. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul outlined the following roles in a Christian family: husbands should love their wives, wives should be submissive to their husbands, children should obey their parents, and fathers should not provoke their children to anger but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. The emphasis is on mutual respect and submission within the family, with each member fulfilling their respective roles.

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God's promise to Abraham and his offspring for a glorious future was tied to his faith and the generosity of God. In the Bible, God promised Abraham that he would make him the father of many nations and that his offspring would inherit the land of Canaan. This promise was not based on any works of the law or any personal merit of Abraham, but rather on his faith and trust in God's goodness and generosity. Despite Abraham's doubts and anxieties, he believed in God's promise and obeyed his commands, which ultimately led to the fulfillment of God's promise through his descendants.

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Paul told the Philippians that although Christ Jesus was in the form of God, he did not claim equality with God but was a model of humility. In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul encourages the Philippians to imitate Christ's attitude of humility, who, despite being in the form of God, did not cling to his divine privileges but instead emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant and humbled himself by dying on the cross. Paul is urging the Philippians to have the same mindset as Christ and to consider others as more important than themselves, which is the essence of humility. Therefore, we can conclude that Christ Jesus was a model of humility according to Paul's teachings, not servitude, glory, or honesty.

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The parable of Lazarus and the rich man teaches all of the following except for the idea that the lot of the ungodly is infinite happiness. In the parable, Jesus tells the story of a rich man who lived a life of luxury and a beggar named Lazarus who lay at his gate, covered in sores. Both men died, and Lazarus was carried to Abraham's side in heaven, while the rich man was sent to Hades, where he was in torment. The parable teaches us that our actions in this life have consequences for our eternal destiny. It confronts us with our duty in this life, and it emphasizes the finality of death as far as human destiny is concerned. Therefore, the parable does not teach that the ungodly will experience infinite happiness, but rather that there are serious consequences for how we live our lives on earth.

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According to the Jewish faith, non-Jews can share in God's promise to Abraham and his descendants by upholding the faith of Abraham. This means that non-Jews can become righteous and follow the teachings and beliefs of Abraham, which include the belief in one God and the importance of leading a virtuous life. It does not necessarily require non-Jews to obey all the laws like Abraham or to convert to Judaism. Rather, non-Jews can achieve righteousness and be considered righteous in the eyes of God by following the moral principles and values that Abraham embodies.

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According to Paul, the believer in the Lord Jesus is said to be "dead to sin". This means that the power of sin no longer controls or dominates the life of the believer, and they are no longer enslaved to it. Instead, they have been made alive to God and are able to live a new life, free from the bondage of sin. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers have been set free from the power of sin and can now live according to the righteousness of God.

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(a) The concept of 'Giving' in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 8-9)

Paul taught the Corinthians about generous giving, using the churches of Macedonia as an example. In a severe test of affliction and extreme poverty, the Macedonians overflowed in a wealth of liberality, giving beyond their means and even begging earnestly for the favour of taking part in the relief of the saints. They first gave themselves to the Lord. Paul urged the Corinthians to excel in this grace of giving as they excelled in faith, speech and knowledge.

He set before them the supreme example of Christ, "who though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." He taught the following principles of giving:

• Giving should be according to what one has, not what one does not have; the willing gift is acceptable according to a person's means.
• It should be planned and ready beforehand, so that it is a willing gift and not an extortion.
• "He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."
• Each person should give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, "for God loves a cheerful giver."
• God is able to make all grace abound to the giver, supplying his needs so that he may be generous, and giving results in thanksgiving to God.

(b) Two ways a Christian can provide relief for the suffering of others

• By giving material and financial help such as food, money, clothing and shelter to the poor, the sick and the needy.
• By offering personal service, care, comfort and encouragement, and by supporting charitable and relief works of the church.

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How Paul proved that Christians are children of God (Galatians 3:26 - 4:7; Romans 8:14-17)

• Paul taught that in Christ Jesus we are all children of God through faith. It is faith in Christ, not the works of the law, that makes a person a child of God.
• He pointed to baptism: as many as have been baptised into Christ have put on Christ. In Him there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus.
• He argued that those who belong to Christ are Abraham's offspring and heirs according to the promise.
• Paul used the illustration of an heir who is still a child: while under age he is no better than a slave, kept under guardians until the time set by the father. So too, before Christ came, people were enslaved under the law and the elemental principles of the world.
• But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
• As proof of this sonship, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. The very cry of the Spirit within believers testifies that they are God's children.
• Paul concluded, So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. In Romans he adds that all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God, and that the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.

Thus Paul proved Christian sonship by faith in Christ, by baptism into Christ, by the redemption and adoption accomplished through God's Son, and by the inward witness of the Holy Spirit who cries, Abba, Father.

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(a) The main features of the covenant between God and Abraham in Canaan (Genesis 17)

• When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless.
• God promised to make His covenant with Abram and multiply him greatly, making him the father of a multitude of nations.
• God changed his name from Abram to Abraham, meaning father of many nations, and later changed Sarai to Sarah.
• God declared the covenant to be everlasting, to be established with Abraham and his descendants after him throughout their generations, promising, I will be their God.
• God promised to give to Abraham and his offspring the whole land of Canaan as an everlasting possession.
• God required Abraham and every male among his household to be circumcised as the sign of the covenant. Every male was to be circumcised at eight days old; the uncircumcised would be cut off as one who had broken the covenant.
• God promised that Sarah would bear a son, Isaac, with whom the covenant would be established, though God would also bless Ishmael and make him a great nation.

(b) Two lessons from the event

1. God is faithful to His promises. He binds Himself by covenant and fulfils His word even when it seems humanly impossible, as with the promise of a son to aged parents.
2. Covenant relationship demands obedience and holiness. God required Abraham to walk blamelessly and to keep the sign of circumcision, showing that fellowship with God carries obligations.

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The story of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36)

• About six days after Peter's confession (Luke says about eight days), Jesus took Peter, James and John, his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart to pray.
• As Jesus prayed, He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun and His garments became dazzling white, whiter than any launderer could bleach them.
• Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus. Luke adds that they spoke of His departure (exodus) which He was to accomplish at Jerusalem.
• Peter, not knowing what to say, for they were terrified, said, Lord, it is good that we are here; let us make three tabernacles, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.
• While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.
• When the disciples heard the voice they fell on their faces, terrified. But Jesus came, touched them and said, Rise, and have no fear.
• When they lifted their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
• As they came down the mountain, Jesus charged them to tell no one the vision until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. The disciples then asked why the scribes said Elijah must come first, and Jesus explained that Elijah had already come (referring to John the Baptist) and they had done to him as they pleased.

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(a) Jonah's message to the Ninevites and their response (Jonah 3)

• After Jonah was delivered from the great fish, the word of the Lord came to him a second time, commanding him to go to Nineveh and proclaim the message God gave him.
• Jonah obeyed and went into the great city, which was a three days' journey in breadth.
• He began by going a day's journey in, and proclaimed: Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.
• The people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least.
• When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
• The king issued a decree that neither man nor beast should eat or drink, that all should be covered with sackcloth and cry mightily to God, and that everyone should turn from his evil way and from the violence in his hands.
• He hoped that God might turn and relent so that they would not perish.
• When God saw their works and that they turned from their evil way, He relented of the disaster He had said He would bring, and He did not destroy them.

(b) Two lessons that could be drawn from this story

1. God is merciful and ready to forgive those who truly repent. When the Ninevites turned from their sins, God spared them, showing that sincere repentance brings pardon.
2. Genuine repentance must lead to a change of conduct. The Ninevites not only fasted and prayed but turned from their evil ways and violence, proving that true repentance is shown in action.

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(a) Why a new covenant was established in the time of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

• The Lord declared that the days were coming when He would make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.
• It would not be like the covenant He made with their fathers when He took them by the hand to bring them out of Egypt.
• The reason was that the people had broken that former covenant, though God had been a husband to them. The old covenant, written on tablets of stone, had failed because of Israel's repeated disobedience and unfaithfulness.
• The new covenant would be inward and personal: God would put His law within them and write it on their hearts, not merely on stone.
• Under it, He would be their God and they would be His people. There would be a direct knowledge of God, from the least to the greatest, without needing every man to teach his neighbour.
• Above all, God promised, I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more. The new covenant was therefore established because the old one had been broken and a deeper, heart-based, forgiving relationship was needed.

(b) Two consequences the Israelites faced for breaking God's covenant

1. Defeat, destruction and exile. They were conquered by their enemies, Jerusalem was destroyed, and the people were carried away into captivity in Babylon.
2. Loss of God's favour and protection. Because of their unfaithfulness they suffered God's judgement, hardship and the withdrawal of the blessings promised to a covenant-keeping people.

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(a) The Lukan account of the annunciation of the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38)

• In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to Nazareth in Galilee.
• He came to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David; the virgin's name was Mary.
• Gabriel greeted her, Hail, O favoured one, the Lord is with you. Mary was greatly troubled and wondered what kind of greeting this was.
• The angel said, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. He announced that she would conceive and bear a son and call His name Jesus.
• He would be great and called the Son of the Most High; God would give Him the throne of His father David, and He would reign over the house of Jacob forever, of whose kingdom there would be no end.
• Mary asked, How will this be, since I have no husband? The angel answered that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High would overshadow her; therefore the child would be holy, the Son of God.
• Gabriel gave her a sign, telling her that her relative Elizabeth had also conceived a son in her old age, for nothing is impossible with God.
• Mary responded in humble submission, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. Then the angel departed.

(b) Two ways the Lukan account differs from that of Matthew

1. The recipient of the announcement. In Luke the angel appears to Mary and announces the birth to her, whereas in Matthew the angel appears to Joseph in a dream.
2. The manner and setting. In Luke the announcement is made before conception by the named angel Gabriel in a waking visit; in Matthew it is given after Mary is found to be with child, through a dream, to reassure Joseph and tell him not to divorce her.

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(a) How Gamaliel saved the apostles during their trial by the Sanhedrin (Acts 5:33-40)

• When the apostles boldly declared that they must obey God rather than men, the members of the council were enraged and wanted to kill them.
• Then a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honour by all the people, stood up in the council.
• He ordered the apostles to be put outside for a while, then addressed the council, urging them to be careful what they intended to do with these men.
• He cited two historical examples. Theudas had risen up claiming to be somebody and gathered about four hundred men, but he was killed and his followers scattered and came to nothing.
• After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census and drew people after him, but he too perished and his followers were dispersed.
• Gamaliel then gave his famous counsel: Keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them, and you might even be found opposing God.
• The council was persuaded by him. They called in the apostles, beat them, charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. Thus Gamaliel's wise counsel saved the apostles from death.

(b) Two qualities that can be attributed to Gamaliel

1. Wisdom and prudence. He reasoned carefully from history and gave sound, balanced advice rather than acting in anger.
2. Tolerance and fairness (open-mindedness). He was willing to let matters be tested by time and by God, showing moderation and respect for the possibility that the movement might be from God.

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(a) God's intervention on behalf of Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-18)

• After Elijah had slain the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel, Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him. Afraid, Elijah fled for his life to Beersheba and went a day's journey into the wilderness.
• Exhausted and despairing, he sat under a broom tree and asked to die, saying, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life. Then he lay down and slept.
• God sent an angel who touched him and said, Arise and eat. Elijah found a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water at his head. He ate, drank and lay down again.
• The angel came a second time, touched him and said, Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.
• Strengthened by that food, Elijah travelled forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.
• There he lodged in a cave, and the Lord asked, What are you doing here, Elijah? Elijah complained that he alone was left and they sought his life.
• God told him to stand on the mount. A great wind, an earthquake and a fire passed by, but the Lord was not in them. After the fire came a still small voice (a low whisper), and in it God spoke to Elijah.
• God reassured and re-commissioned him, telling him to anoint Hazael king of Syria, Jehu king of Israel, and Elisha as prophet in his place, and revealing that He had reserved seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed to Baal. Elijah was thus not alone.

(b) Two lessons about the nature of God from this story

1. God is caring and compassionate. He tenderly provided food, water and rest for His discouraged servant and did not abandon him in his despair.
2. God is present in gentleness, not only in dramatic power. He revealed Himself in the still small voice rather than in the wind, earthquake or fire, showing that He often works quietly and patiently.

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(a) Why, according to Peter, Christians should rejoice in spite of trials (1 Peter 1:3-9)

Peter praised God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused believers to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He gave the following reasons for rejoicing even in the midst of trials:

• Christians have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for them, and they themselves are guarded by God's power through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed.
• The trials, though painful, are only for a little while and are necessary; they come so that the genuineness of their faith, more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be proved and result in praise, glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
• Suffering purifies and strengthens faith, just as fire refines gold.
• Though they have not seen Christ, they love Him and believe in Him, and so rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and full of glory.
• They are obtaining the outcome of their faith, the salvation of their souls, which is the sure end of their hope.

(b) Two virtues Christians should manifest to show their joy

• Faith in Christ, remaining steadfast and trusting God even in the midst of suffering.
• Love for Christ and for one another, together with patient endurance and holy living.

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The resurrection appearances of Jesus in St. Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 28)

The empty tomb and the appearance to the women.

• After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
• There was a great earthquake, and an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. The guards trembled and became like dead men.
• The angel told the women, Do not be afraid; He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. He invited them to see the place where He lay and told them to go quickly and tell the disciples that He had risen and was going before them to Galilee.
• As they ran with fear and great joy to tell the disciples, Jesus Himself met them and said, Greetings. They came, took hold of His feet and worshipped Him. Jesus said, Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.

The report of the guards.

• Some of the guards told the chief priests what had happened. The priests bribed the soldiers to say, His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we slept.

The appearance on the mountain in Galilee (the Great Commission).

• The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had directed them. When they saw Him they worshipped Him, but some doubted.
• Jesus came and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
• He commanded them, Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
• He gave the promise, And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

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(a) Paul's teaching on resurrection (1 Corinthians 15)

• Paul reminded the Corinthians of the gospel he had preached: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again on the third day.
• He listed the witnesses of the risen Christ: He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve, then to more than five hundred brethren at once, then to James, to all the apostles, and last of all to Paul himself.
• He argued that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then preaching is vain, faith is vain, believers are still in their sins, and those who have died in Christ have perished. If our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are of all people most to be pitied.
• But he affirmed, Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. As in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive.
• Paul explained the order: Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming those who belong to Him. Then comes the end, when He hands the kingdom to God, having destroyed every rule and authority, and the last enemy to be destroyed is death.
• On the nature of the resurrection body, he used the picture of a seed which must die before it comes to life. The body is sown perishable, in dishonour and weakness, a natural body; it is raised imperishable, in glory and power, a spiritual body.
• He declared, Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. At the last trumpet the dead will be raised imperishable and the living changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. This mortal must put on immortality, and then the saying will be fulfilled, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting?
• He gave thanks to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, and urged believers to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

(b) Two reasons why the resurrection of Jesus is of great significance to Christians

1. It is the foundation and proof of the Christian faith. The resurrection confirms that Christ's death conquered sin and that His claims are true; without it, faith and preaching would be empty.
2. It guarantees the believer's own resurrection and eternal life. Because Christ rose as the firstfruits, Christians have the assurance that they too will be raised to immortal life and share in His victory over death.