Saemoonan English Bible Study

Purpose of English Bible Study Study the Bible in English. Study English through the Bible. Focus on; Proper pronunciation Scripture reading/comprehension Listening/speaking/conversation

Time table 8:30 Praise time: 2 ~ 3 songs 8:40 Greetings and Announcements 8:45 Psalm Reading and Prayer 8:50 Lesson - Bible reading - Verse memorization - Today’s Phrase - Conversation - Lecture - Discussion - Pop quiz 9:45 Lord’s prayer 9:47 Dismissal song

NIV Bible Study Class Learn God’s Words through the NIV Bible Text –NIV Bible 1984 version (Latest ver. 2011) –Rev. John Macarthur’s Commentary Home pager : Membership fee: 10,000 won for 6 months, voluntary. Beginning English study in English with Elliot at 9:50AM. Please attend English Worship Service at 11:30AM ~12:30, in the same room as NIV class.

Organizing members Teachers: C. Justin Lee, Hong Bong Kim Team Leader: Hong Bong Kim General Secretary: wanted! Associate Secretary: wanted! Treasurer: In Hye Kim Advisor: Kye Hee Lee Contact: –C. Justin Lee: –Hong Bong Kim:

Greetings

Today’s Announcements Fall picnic yesterday. Bible Memorization Festival : 11/24 –Mandatory verse (1) Ephesians 6:13-17 or (2) Acts 1:3-8 –Free verse: ~ 1 min. 11/10 prayer: Jung Hee Pyo, 136: 16~26. Membership fee: 10,000 won for 6 months, voluntary. Download and listen to John MacArthur’s sermon in our home page, Beginning English study in English with Elliot at 9:50AM.Beginning English study in English with Elliot at 9:50AM. Please attend English Worship Service at 11:30AM ~12:30, in the same room as NIV class.

Ephesians 6:13~17 13.Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14.Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15.and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16.In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17.Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Acts 1:3-8 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 6 So when they met together, they asked him, 'Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?' 7 He said to them: 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'

Today’s New Members

Apostle’s Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell, The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; The Holy Catholic Church; The communion of saints; The forgiveness of sins; The resurrection of the body; And the life everlasting. Amen

Today’s Psalm Reading by Sung Mo Yang Psalms 136: 1~15 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. 4 to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. 5 who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. 6 who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. 7 who made the great lights-His love endures forever. 8 the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. 9 the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever. 10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever. 11 and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever. 12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever. 13 to him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever. 14 and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever. 15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever.

Today’s Prayer Prayer by Sung Mo Yang

This Week’s Verse The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty men were involved in this plot. (Acts 23:12-13) (Nov 3)

Next Week’s Verse Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, 'Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.‘ (Acts 23:23-24) (Nov 10)

Today’s phrase We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. We have taken a solemn oath not to ____________ until we have ___________________. (Nov. 3.) I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. I found that the accusation had to do with ___________________, but there was no charge against him that deserved _________________. (Nov. 10.)

This Week’s Conversation (11/3) A: Commander. I have something to tell you. B: What is it you want to tell me? A: The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. Don't give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. B: Oh, really? Why do they want to do that? A: They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. B: I see. You can go now. Don't tell anyone that you have reported this to me.

Next Week’s Conversation (11/10) A: Did you know that God works in many different ways? B: Sure. I know that God will accomplish through miracles. A: Yes. But sometimes God works not only through miracles but through providence. B: What do you mean? A: God will plant important people at different places at different times to get His plan accomplished. And that’s God’s providence. B: I see what you mean. I have experienced such God’s providence many times in my life. A: Me, too.

Today’s Reading Acts 23:12~35 12 The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, 'We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.' 16 But when the son of Paul's sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, 'Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.'

Today’s Reading Acts 23:12~35 18 So he took him to the commander. The centurion said, 'Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.' 19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, 'What is it you want to tell me?' 20 He said: 'The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. 21 Don't give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request." 22 The commander dismissed the young man and cautioned him, "Don't tell anyone that you have reported this to me."

Today’s Reading Acts 23:12~35 23 Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, 'Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. 24 Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.' 25 He wrote a letter as follows: 26 Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. 27 This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. 28 I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. 29 I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment.

Today’s Reading Acts 23:12~35 30 When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him. 31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. 32 The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. 33 When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. 34 The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, "I will hear your case when your accusers get here." Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod's palace.

Providential Protection Part 1 (Acts 23:12 –23:35) The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty men were involved in this plot. (Acts 23:12-13) Providence: divine guidance or care

This passage finds Paul in difficult circumstances. – He has been falsely accused, beaten, arrested, imprisoned, and plotted against. – Yet God will deliver him—not by a supernatural miracle, but by His providential ordering of circumstances. Paul’s situation closely parallels that of another man of God, David. – He, too, was treated unfairly and plotted against—only to repeatedly experience God’s providential deliverance. – David first appears in the biblical record in 1 Samuel 16, when he was anointed king in place of the disobedient Saul. – Many years would elapse, however, before he began his rule. – During much of that time David was a hunted outlaw, pursued by the insanely jealous king whom he had loyally served. Introduction

David’s association with Saul began when he was providentially chosen as court musician (1 Sam. 16:14– 18). – His skillful harp playing brought comfort to the tormented king. – As a result, Saul loved David greatly and made him his armor bearer (1 Sam. 16:21). – Soon afterward, David rescued Saul and Israel from their perennial enemies the Philistines. – Fearlessly accepting the challenge of their champion, the giant Goliath, David killed him in single combat (1 Sam. 17:17–51). – The dismayed Philistines were then routed by the Israelites (1 Sam. 17:52). – Saul rewarded David by making him commander of the army (18:5). Introduction

But Saul’s admiration for David soon turned to suspicion and jealousy when David received higher acclaim than he did (1 Sam. 18:6–9). For the rest of his life, Saul sought unsuccessfully to kill him. After failing to personally kill him (1 Sam. 18:10–11), Saul demoted him and banished him from the palace. He hoped that David would die in battle against the Philistines (1 Sam. 18:17, 21), but David’s skill and triumph in battle won him even higher esteem (1 Sam. 18:30). Saul then ordered his servants to put David to death (1 Sam. 19:1ff.). Introduction

Only the intervention of Saul’s son Jonathan (1 Sam. 19:1–7), his daughter Michal (1 Sam. 19:11–17), and his mentor Samuel (1 Sam. 19:18–24) saved David’s life. – But from then until Saul’s death in battle against the Philistines, David was a hunted fugitive. Throughout that difficult and dangerous period, David remained loyal to Saul (1 Sam. 24:2ff.; 26:2ff.; cf. 2 Sam. 1:1ff.) and experienced God’s providential protection (1 Sam. 23:14, 24–28; 28:1–2; 29:1–11). Saul’s death did not end David’s troubles. The northern tribes rejected him as king in favor of Saul’s son Ish-bosheth (2 Sam. 2:8–9). Introduction

It took several years of civil war for David to unite the entire nation under his rule. And even after his ascension to the throne, he faced other severe difficulties. In the most heartbreaking betrayal, his son Absalom led a revolt against him in which his trusted counselor, Ahithophel, and his nephew Amasa were involved. No sooner had that revolt been put down than another broke out (2 Sam. 20:1ff.). Yet, throughout David’s difficulties as king, God providentially protected him. Introduction

As the apostle Paul sat in his cell, he may have reflected on David’s experiences. Perhaps the words of Psalm 56, penned when David fled from Saul to the Philistine city of Gath, came to mind. 1 Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me; all day long they press their attack. 2 My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me in their pride. 3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? 5 All day long they twist my words; they are always plotting to harm me. 6 They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, eager to take my life. 7 On no account let them escape; in your anger, O God, bring down the nations. 8 Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll-are they not in your record? 9 Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. 10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise- 11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 12 I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you. 13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. Introduction

That psalm expressed David’s confidence in God’s care for him, despite the aggressive oppression of men. Paul, too, had recently experienced difficult circumstances. – His attempt to conciliate the Christian Jews at Jerusalem (21:20ff.) had ended in a riot—one in which he was nearly killed. – His attempt to defend himself before the angry mob who had seized him in the temple also ended in a riot (21:27ff.). – His appearance before the highest Jewish court had ended in chaos. – And although accused of no crime, Paul remained in the custody of the Romans. Introduction

As He had in past times of discouragement (18:9; 22:17– 21), the Lord Himself appeared to Paul (23:11) to console him, commend him, and give him hope. He promised Paul that he would not be killed in Jerusalem but would live to testify someday in Rome. The Lord further strengthened Paul’s hope in that promise by providentially delivering him from a plot to murder him. This narrative passage contains no doctrinal truths or practical exhortations; it merely recounts an event in Paul’s life. Yet no passage of Scripture could more clearly illustrate the providence of God. Introduction

God’s providence is His sovereign control over and ordering of natural circumstances to accomplish His will. It is also illustrated clearly in the Old Testament in the book of Esther, where God providentially protected His people, Israel, from their destructive enemies. God’s dramatic, providential deliverance of Paul plays out in three scenes: – the plot formulated, – found out, – and frustrated. Introduction

The day after Paul’s appearance before the Sanhedrin, some Jews, frustrated at seeing Paul escape with his life, formulated a plot to murder him. They bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. That oath showed the seriousness of their intentions. The Greek text reads, “They anathematized themselves” (cf. Gal. 1:8, 9), thus invoking divine judgment if they failed to carry out their oath. They probably spoke words to the effect of “May God do so to us and more if we eat or drink anything until Paul is dead”. The Plot Formulated (12-15):

The scene is tragically reminiscent of Jesus’ death. Both Jesus and Paul were Jews, preachers of the gospel to their people, and guilty of no crime. Yet both were plotted against, both stood before a confused Sanhedrin, and both were prisoners in Fort Antonia. Paul truly shared in “the fellowship of His sufferings” (Phil. 3:10; cf. Gal. 6:17). The Plot Formulated (12-15):

Luke relates that there were more than forty who formed this plot. – They knew they could not depend on the Romans to execute Paul, since there was no capital crime with which to accuse him. – Nor did they dare risk another speech by Paul, fearing he might sway public opinion to his side. – Therefore, they decided to take matters into their own hands. – More than forty men were needed, because Paul would be heavily guarded by Roman soldiers. – That many of the conspirators would no doubt be killed in the fracas speaks of their fanaticism (cf. John 16:2). The Plot Formulated (12-15):

Having many take part in the plot would also serve to deflect any blame away from one individual. To ensure the plot’s success, the conspirators needed the aid of the Sanhedrin. They approached the chief priests and the elders who, being Sadducees, would be more eager to help. Significantly, the scribes, who were largely Pharisees like Paul and had recently defended him, were excluded. The conspirators first informed the Sanhedrin of their intentions, saying “We have bound ourselves under a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul.” The Plot Formulated (12-15):

Then they mentioned the Sanhedrin’s part in the plot: “Now, therefore, you and the Council notify the commander (the tribune, Claudius Lysias) to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case by a more thorough investigation; and we for our part are ready to slay him before he comes near the place.” That the conspirators assumed the Sanhedrin’s leadership would take part in a murder plot says much about the very apparent corruption of Israel’s highest court. Nor did the Sanhedrin disappoint them (v. 20). The Plot Formulated (12-15):

With so many conspirators involved, the plot could not be kept secret for long. – In God’s providence, the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush. – This is the only specific reference in Scripture to Paul’s family (except for possible references in Rom. 16:7, 11, 21). It raises many questions that cannot be answered with certainty. – What was Paul’s nephew doing in Jerusalem, since the family home was in Tarsus? Was he following in his uncle’s footsteps and studying to be a rabbi? Since Paul’s family had apparently disinherited him when he became a believer (Phil. 3:8), why did he care what happened to his uncle? Had Paul’s sister or nephew become Christians? The Plot Found Out (16-22):

How Paul’s nephew heard of the plot is also not known, but when he did, he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. – Paul had not been charged with a crime, so was merely in protective custody. – He was therefore permitted to receive visitors. – Knowing the danger of such plots from experience, Paul immediately called one of the centurions to him and said, “Lead this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him.” The Plot Found Out (16-22):

The centurion took Paul’s nephew and led him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to lead this young man to you since he has something to tell you.” Out of respect for Lysias’s rank, Paul communicated to him through one of his centurions. That the centurion immediately did what Paul asked shows the respect the apostle’s Roman citizenship commanded. The Plot Found Out (16-22):

The commander was desperate for any information that would help him decide what to do with Paul. – Therefore he gently took Paul’s nephew by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?” – The boy was undoubtedly very excited and intimidated by his surroundings, so Lysias took him aside to speak with him privately. – He also realized that the information was confidential, since it had not been revealed to the centurion. – The boy then accurately informed Lysias of the details of the plot: “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Council, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more thoroughly about him.” The Plot Found Out (16-22):

Thus, in God’s providence, Lysias learned of the plot before the Jews even approached him. – Paul’s nephew then urged the Roman commander not to give in. The Plot Found Out (16-22):

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Lysias took immediate action. – First, he let the young man go, instructing him, “Tell no one that you have notified me of these things.” – If the conspirators realized their plot had been uncovered, they would undoubtedly have abandoned it and formulated another. – And if that one were not discovered, Lysias reasoned, Paul might be killed. – Further, if the Jews did not know that he knew of the plot, they could not question his motives for sending Paul to Caesarea. – Then he took the necessary measures, without imagining he was carrying out God’s providential protection of Paul. The Plot Found Out (16-22):

Providential protection in your life. Discussion

Today’s pop quiz Who was the key person to find out the plot to murder Paul? – Paul’s sister. – Paul’s brother. – Paul’s niece. – Paul’s nephew.

The Lord’s Prayer Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)

Today’s Prayer Topic Pray for providential protection.

God will make a way Where there seems to be no way He works in ways we cannot see He will make a way for me He will be my guide Hold me closely to His side With love and strength for each new day He will make a way.... He will make a way