A Gentle Ramble Through the Bible - Evers Bible Class

                                       The Pastoral Epistles (Part 2)We wrap up the series by looking at what the author of the Pastoral Epistles has to say about Church governance and household governance. We give some thought to both the roots and the fruits of these teachings. We track everything on an Pastoral Epistles Scorecard and then talk about what we think and how, therefore, we should approach these books.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                       The Pastoral Epistles (Part 1)1&2 Timothy and Titus are called “The Pastoral Epistles,” and it's easy to see from the writing style that they are all written by the same person. We'll look at how the content of the epistles dovetail (or don't) with Paul's travels as related in his authentic letters and in Acts. We examine some of the things the author says about himself and ask ourselves if this is something Paul would say about himself. Then we take a birds-eye view of the author's diatribes against false teachers. The author paints an alarming picture of their effect on the Christian communities. If the author wasn't Paul, was he himself a “false teacher”? We track everything on an Pastoral Epistles Scorecard and then talk about what we think and how, therefore, we should approach these books.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                      Ephesians (2) & 2 ThessaloniansWe finish up Ephesians and move on to 2 Thessalonians. We're spiraling downward in terms of Pauline authenticity. 2 Thessalonians takes a very different view of the End Times than that taught by Paul. Paul saw the coming of Christ as imminent--any minute now, don't make plans, don't get married, etc. But the writer of 2 Thessalonians says a “man of lawlessness” will be unleashed upon the earth and will set himself up as “God” before Jesus even shows up. Yikes! We track everything on our Ephesians Scorecard and our 2 Thessalonians Scorecard then talk about what we think and how, therefore, we should approach these books.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                      EphesiansEphesians is a lot like Colossians, but more extreme. Even fewer scholars think Ephesians was written by Paul. You'll see why. The author tends to start from something Paul might have said but then blasts it upwards into a great, big, cosmic vision of kingship and domination. This, perhaps more than any other book, may have planted the seeds of Imperialism in Christianity. We track everything on an Ephesians Scorecard and then talk about what we think and how, therefore, we should approach this book.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                     ColossiansThe author of Colossians purports to be Paul, but scholars are divided (roughly 50/50) as to whether this is the case or not. In this class we take a look at the material in question and compare it to Paul's other letters. We track everything on a Colossians Scorecard and then talk about what we think and how, therefore, we should approach Colossians.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                    Summary of Paul's Theology (Part 3)TRIGGER WARNING from Pastor Gayle: In the presentation I briefly explain why I think 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 is taken out of Paul's context and used inappropriately in the Church's historical response to suicide. I only mention suicide briefly during the presentation, but it struck a chord with the class and there was some tender sharing and vulnerability during the discussion afterwards. I believe the discussion would be very healing to anyone who has experienced trauma related to suicide or severe depression, but if you are in a place where any discussion of the topic is painful to you, you may want to skip the discussion part of this video. We cover the very last point in Paul's theology: Salvation, the Second Coming, and the Day of the LordThere may be a surprise or two in here.Special Class Handouts:Handout-Summary of Paul's TheologyHandout-Expanded Summary of Paul's TheologyA free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                    Summary of Paul's Theology (Part 2)In this class we cover the next three main points in Paul's theology:How Israel and Gentiles share in Christ (and therefore how to adhere to the Law)The work of the Holy SpiritThe function of faith and how the faithful liveSpecial Class Handouts:Handout-Summary of Paul's TheologyHandout-Expanded Summary of Paul's TheologyA free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                   Summary of Paul's Theology (Part 1)Paul makes seven main theological points in his writings. We cover the first three today:God's overarching intent for humanity--the essence of the Good NewsThe purpose of the LawThe significance of Jesus--his life, death, and resurrectionSpecial Class Handouts:Handout-Summary of Paul's TheologyHandout-Expanded Summary of Paul's TheologyA free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                  Philippians 1&2, End of ActsPaul is shipwrecked while being transported to Rome for trial. Because of him the entire crew, the soldiers and all the other prisoners survive the shipwreck. When Paul arrives in Rome he is kept under guard but continues to be well-respected and is allowed to preach and teach to visitors. It is during this imprisonment in Rome that he writes another letter to the Philippians (what we know as the first 2 chapters of the book).After this, we don't really know what happens to Paul. The Book of Acts ends. Some sources trace him to Spain but others say he is beheaded in Rome.We cover: Acts 28:10-31 Philippians 1-2A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                  Paul's Trial, Philippians 3&4, PhilemonGovernor Felix never gives Paul a full trial. He lets him sit in jail for two years. Paul takes the opportunity to write several letters.Paul is still there when Governor Festus arrives to relieve Governor Felix of duty. Festus can't figure out what to do with Paul. He has a trial that goes sideways in a hurry and Paul appeals to bring his case before the Emperor, as is his right as a Roman citizen. Festus knows he needs to appease the Jewish High Priests and religious leaders, but he can't figure out what charges to bring against Paul but he's got to send him to Rome anyway now that Paul has appealed to Caesar.We cover  Acts 24:24-28:9 Philippians 3-4 PhilemonA free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                  Riot in JerusalemOver the strenuous objections of all those who love him, Paul persists in returning to Jerusalem in spite of the danger. He delivers the contributions he's collected for the church, and they advise him to make a public display in the Temple of how devout and law-abiding he is.The plan backfires spectacularly. Instead of appeasing the Jewish faction, Paul's appearance in the Temple causes a riot. He is arrested and sent north to Governor Felix in Caesarea for trial.We cover Acts 22:1-24:23.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                 Romans (Part 7)Paul is very clear about what it looks like to live as a true Christian. We need to paste his list on our mirror!He's never been to the church in Rome and is making plans to come see them as soon as he takes the contributions he's gathered back to the suffering church in Jerusalem.In the meantime, he sends personal greetings to a ton of folks in Rome, including a female deacon and a female apostle.We cover Romans 12-16.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                    Romans (Part 6)Keeping Paul's overall context in mind, we dive into passages where Paul explains how, in his opinion, God's chosen (elect) people (the Jews) ended up opposing Jesus Christ. And how God worked that to the blessing of the Gentiles. But lest we Gentiles become arrogant, Paul makes it quite clear that in the end all of Israel will be saved, regardless.He says God lumps us all together in our disobedience and uses it to show his great mercy on us all.We cover Romans 9-11.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                   Romans (Part 5)Paul devotes this central part of his letter to his grief over the Jews of Israel who do not believe in Jesus Christ and to his joy over those who do. It's easy to get lost in the weeds when he uses words like “predestination” and “election,” but if we put them in context then those seemingly random words start to make a lot more sense.And it helps to make sense of how Paul uses Jacob and Esau as examples. This part of the letter spans chapters 7-11, so today we take a peek at the ending of the section so we know where we're heading--kind of like looking at a map before setting out on a trip.We focus especially on Romans 9.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com. 

            Romans (Part 4)We're hitting the “steep” part of Romans now. Paul's theology is beginning to get uncomfortable. (Yeah, I know, it's already been steep. I told you that Romans is the Mount Everest of the New Testament.) He smack-talks the Law and the flesh. He keeps saying the Law is good, but what he says about it sure doesn't sound good.And what he says about the flesh sounds just as bad. This is one of those passages we will need to wrestle with in our breakout groups and on our own. Then, for the first time, Paul begins to talk about predestination and election. There's more about that next week, but we do some interesting excavation in Greek that sheds new light on these words.We cover Romans 7-8.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

 Romans (Part 3)Paul has something of a reputation for anti-Semitism. We hit a few of those passages today. We look at them through the lens of Paul's deeply held Jewish roots and his understanding of the role of the Law.We also talk about works vs grace. And we discover that the Greek word for grace is charis, literally the charisma of God. That opens up a whole new vista of what “grace” might mean for us.Lastly we examine what Paul might mean when he talks about Jesus dying for the benefit of the wicked and reconciling us to God. There's a lot to unpack here.We cover Romans 3:27-6:23.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

 Romans (Part 2)Paul throws us in the deep end here. Romans is densely packed with theology. Don't worry. We take it in bite-sized chunks.He talks about the value (or not) of being a Jew as opposed to being a Gentile. Paul has deep roots in the Law but he sees it now as something that pointed to Christ--something fulfilled in Christ.We join Paul as he reflects on how the sin offerings under the Law showed God's justice and righteousness in the same way Christ did, but with Christ, God's righteousness and justice are revealed even more brilliantly.We cover Romans 2:1-3:26.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                   Romans (Part 1)Paul is nearing the end of his 3rd Missionary Journey. As he turns south towards Corinth, his heart yearns to continue westward to Rome to meet the church of believers that has formed there in the heart of the Empire. He can't go to see them quite yet, so he writes a letter that is widely regarded as his Magnum Opus--a sweeping statement of his theology. We discover that, as usual, Paul's words are controversial. Four hundred years later, the Early Church Fathers quite literally spill blood as they fight over what it means for Jesus to be both divine and human and whether the Holy Spirit is part of God and Jesus or not. And, of course, there's the big clobber passage in Romans 1 that has been used to bash the LGBTQ community. We discover this passage actually applies to us all equally.​We cover Romans 1.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                  2 Corinthians (Part 3)We finish our series on 2 Corinthians today. Paul spends some time talking to the Corinthians about what it means to be a cheerful giver. The idea that he might get to Corinth and they won't have gathered a collection for the poor in Jerusalem, or even worse, that he'll find some of them unchanged and unrepentant gives him pause.There's a sort of break in thought after Chapter 9. Perhaps he was interrupted and wasn't able to get back to the letter for a bit. In the meantime, it's pretty clear that someone has brought news of so-called “super apostles” showing up in Corinth and bad-mouthing Paul. You can imagine Paul's reaction! It's here that he talks about his “thorn in the flesh.”We cover 2 Corinthians 7:5-13:14.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                  2 Corinthians (Part 2)Paul is in the middle of his letter to the Corinthians. He wants to make sure they understand that he and the other apostles are just men--jars of clay--and subject to all the hardships that go with that.And yet, Paul regards these hardships as nothing. He sees his body as nothing more than a tent. Transient. Impermanent. He wants the Corinthians to see themselves as being “in” Christ's death, and as ambassadors of the Good News that God is not holding anyone's sins against them.We take a look at what this means and at what might shift if we take Paul's advice.We cover 2 Corinthians 4:1-7:4.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                 2 Corinthians (Part 1)Paul is ready to leave Ephesus, and that's good because they are ready to kick him out. There's a huge riot because Paul is converting so many idol-worshippers that it's impacting the sales of paraphernalia and trinkets feeding off the worship at the temple of Artemis.Paul heads out towards Macedonia and on the way meets back up with Titus, who is carrying news from the Corinth. You can imagine Paul's immense relief when he hears the Corinthians have finally repented and are back on track. Paul immediately sits down to write a joyful letter to them. In the part we read today he tells them the veil has dropped from their faces and they are gazing at the Lord. The view is still not perfectly clear--it's more like a reflection in a mirror--but it's enough to transform them. We talk about that in our breakout groups.We cover 2 Corinthians 1-3.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                1 Corinthians (Part 7)We wrap up 1 Corinthians today. Paul continues with his strong words about the chaos in the worship gatherings the Corinthians have. They've been blessed with an abundance of spiritual gifts of the Spirit, but they're trying to shout over each other. Are you getting the sense that the Corinthians have a problem with self-importance? It is in this context that Paul addresses women who are utterly derailing the worship service with their questions. He talks about how the law says women should be silent in the churches. The problem is, the Mosaic Law doesn't say that. So what is Paul talking about?On top of that, some of the Corinthians apparently don't believe in resurrection. The Corinthian church is confused, and Paul is horrified. It boggles his mind that they would worship a risen Messiah and at the same time say they don't believe in resurrection. You can bet he's got some strong words about that. And in the process, we get another glimpse into his developing theology.We cover 1 Corinthians 14-16.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                1 Corinthians (Part 6)The Corinthians are a clique-ish group. Some are rich and some are poor, and they obviously don't mix.The “Lord's Supper” is a literal meal but everybody brings their own food and they don't share! It's not even a potluck. Paul is horrified. He says they are sinning when they do this and, as far as he's concerned, that's why some of them have fallen ill or died before Jesus comes back. (We, of course, have a different perspective on this after 2000 years.)The Corinthians also have questions about the gifts of the Spirit. Don't we all? Paul gives them a terrific answer. It's one of the most famous passages in all of Scripture. We cover 1 Corinthians 11:17-13:13.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                1 Corinthians (Part 5)Paul addresses two huge issues the Corinthians are having. It was a thing back then to be invited by your patron to dine at the local god or goddess's temple. Can Christians eat in a pagan temple? And leftover meat sacrificed to these gods and goddesses was sold at a discount in the market. Can Christians buy food sacrificed to idols?And what about women praying or prophesying in church? Should they have their heads covered or not? We carefully walk through Paul's logic and arrive at surprising results.We cover 1 Corinthians 8:1-11:16.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                1 Corinthians (Part 4)Paul has a lot more to say to the Corinthians--some of it in response to a message they send to him with a bunch of their questions.Paul focuses on the physical body in this part of his letter. He talks about sexual immorality, about marriage, and about treating your body as a holy temple.But some of the most interesting and fruitful bits spring from his admonition that “You are not your own. You were bought with a price.” We use our backpack tools on that one--with very surprising results.We cover  1 Corinthians 6:12-8:13 Matthew 19:3-12A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                1 Corinthians (Part 3)We hit 1 Corinthians 6:9 this week--one of the most famous “clobber” verses in the Bible. It's one of those verses often used to bludgeon each other and to exclude each other from fellowship with other believers. We use our backpack tools to determine whether this is Paul's intent and to see how his words might have landed on Roman ears. There is a strong divide within Christianity over how to interpret this passage. We try to do it carefully and respectfully, using historical context and linguistic context as well as taking a look at the witness of the prophets in the Hebrew Bible. Above all, we consider the words of Jesus and his advice to “look at the fruit.”We cover 1 Corinthians 6:1-11.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                                1 Corinthians (Part 2)Paul is writing a scathing letter to the Corinthians. They are in serious danger of losing their way entirely. At this point there is not much to distinguish them from the unbelievers and idol worshippers they live among.There is an overlay of puffed-up, prideful self-importance that is endangering the church. Everyone is all about themselves--and the more extreme they can be, the better.Paul isn't having any of it! He absolutely sticks a skewer into their pride over someone who is sleeping with his father's wife. Paul says, “Not even the unbelievers think that's a good idea!” We spend our breakout time talking about Paul's recommendation that they immediately expel this person from their midst.We cover 1 Corinthians 3-5.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                               1 Corinthians (Part 1)Paul is ready for another missionary trip, this third one being more ambitious than either of the other two. He leaves from Antioch in Syria and heads overland through Galatia where he picks up his trusted porter and messenger, Timothy.They wander through Asia Minor until they reach the huge metropolis of Ephesus on the coast of the Aegean Sea. On the way they either establish or visit many churches, including the seven listed in Revelation.Paul will end up staying in Ephesus for three years. His ministry is powerful there, but as news comes to him about his other churches he dashes off letters--sometimes letters of praise, but mostly letters of correction. We hit the first set of letters today.We cover  Acts 18:24-19:10 1 Corinthians 1-2; 5:9; 16:12A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                              1 Thessalonians (Part 2)The Thessalonians have lots of questions. They're not feeling particularly sure-footed in their faith. Paul writes to tell them that God wants them to be holy. That's a tall order! But he goes on to give a list of what that entails, and the list makes a lot of sense.Then Paul addresses the elephant in the room--the fact that believers, including some of the Twelve, are dying! Where is Jesus? Why hasn't he come back?Paul's answer is, “He is! Any minute now. And the dead will rise to be with us to meet him. But things are not going to go well for unbelievers. Their ruin will fall on them unexpectedly.”In our breakout groups we wrestle with what happens to unbelievers and where it is that we should stand in all this.We cover 1Thess 2:1-16, 4:1-5:27 and Acts 18:18-22.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                              1 Thessalonians (Part 1)Paul, Silas and Timothy spend a year and a half in Corinth. And while they are there, Paul becomes desperate for news from the new church he left back in Thessalonica. He tries several times to go visit them but is prevented “by Satan” so he finally sends Timothy instead. When Timothy returns with news that the Thessalonians are thriving, Paul bursts with relief. He sits down and immediately pens a letter to them.And in this letter some of Paul's theological petticoats begin to show. In this class we focus on his assertions that Jesus will come “with the holy ones” and that Jesus will “rescue us from the coming wrath.”We cover 1Thess 1; 2:17-3:13.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                              Thessalonica, Athens & CorinthPaul, Silas and Timothy continue down the Via Egnatia to Thessalonica where Paul's preaching lands him in hot water again. They are smuggled out by night to Berea where Paul still cannot seem to keep his mouth shut. He preaches everywhere, no matter the danger. This time when trouble hits, they have to split up. Silas and Timothy remain in Berea while Paul is taken to Athens. He has a crazy encounter with the famous Areopagus and then heads to Corinth where he gets a job while he waits for Silas and Timothy to join him.Together they establish a new church of believers in Corinth. But Paul is worried. Frightened even.We cover Acts 17; 18:1-18 (and Psalm 91 in the discussion).A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                              The Church at PhilippiBarnabas wants to take his nephew John Mark along on their second missionary journey, but Paul absolutely refuses, saying J-M “deserted” them last time. They disagree so vehemently they end up splitting up. Barnabas takes J-M and sets sail to Cyprus, while Paul teams up with Silas and heads towards Galatia by land where they check up on the new churches there.On their travels, Paul has a vision of a man begging them to come to Macedonia, so they head there straightaway. They find open hearts in Philippi, especially in Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman, and they stay there until Paul loses his temper and gets them in trouble with the authorities.We cover Acts 15:36-16:40.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                             Wrapping Up GalatiansPaul tries everything he can think of to convince the Galatians not to fall back into the Law. He tries a pretty unique argument, making the distinction between “seed” singular and “seed” plural, saying the singular version in the Abrahamic Covenant refers to Jesus. Interesting idea and we look to see if his argument holds water linguistically.His point is that God's covenant of blessing and grace preceded the Law! He tells them the Law was simply put in place to act as a guardian until the coming of Jesus.And he doubles down by saying those under the Law are slaves like Hagar's child, Ishmael, while those under grace are free like Sarah's child, Isaac. These are strong words, worth looking at a little closer.We cover Galatians 3:23-6:18.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                             Trouble in AntiochPaul and Barnabas are back in Antioch after their missionary journey to Galatia. Peter comes for a visit and mingles with all the new believers--Jews and Gentiles alike. All is well until some Jewish believers show up from Judea and insist that all Gentile believers must be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses. Even Peter and Barnabas are swayed, but Paul is horrified. He calls Peter out, and Peter returns to Jerusalem.The believers in Antioch cannot decide what to do, so they send Paul and Barnabas and others to Jerusalem to consult the leaders there. Meanwhile, Jewish believers are making the same case for circumcision to the new believers in Galatia. Paul writes the Galatians a letter, warning them not to fall for this.We cover     Acts 15:1-35    Galatians 2:1 thru 3:22A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                             Journey Thru GalatiaBarnabas and Saul are sent by the church in Syrian Antioch to preach the Good News far and wide. They, along with Barnabas' young relative John Mark, head out for Galatia.Along the way they meet with great success and with great hardship. John Mark throws in the towel, but Barnabas and Saul persist. Gradually, Saul begins to take the leadership role and from this point on is called by his Roman name: Paul.A near-death experience leaves its mark on Paul for the rest of his life, including what he later calls his “thorn in the flesh.”We cover: Acts 13-14 2 Corinthians 12:2-10A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                            Peter and CorneliusPeter, along with James the brother of Jesus, is the clear leader of the new church. In this story he has an epiphany that leads him to the household of a Roman centurion named Cornelius. Jews aren't supposed to associate with, go in the houses of, or eat with Gentiles such as Cornelius. But the Lord tells Peter to do all these things.Peter's choice shifts Christianity for all time.We cover Acts 10-12.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                            Saul Sees The LightSaul is a young, zealous Pharisee, passionate about the Law of Moses and the authoritative oral traditions that now surround it. He sees the folks proclaiming that Jesus is the Messiah as a direct threat to everything Judaism stands for. He is passionate about stamping this threat out, and we find him on the road to Damascus with orders in his pocket giving him the authority to capture both men and women and bring them to trial.Saul's plans go awry when Jesus shows up in a blinding light. The world, and Christianity itself, will never be the same.We cover Acts 9.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                            The Ethiopian EunuchWe run into the “Angel of the Lord” this week. The angel of the Lord is not just a regular messenger-type angel. This phrase is used in the Bible to identify the Lord showing up in human form at some particularly important juncture in the history of Israel. Often the angel of the Lord appears as an important man, but sometimes it is just an audible voice. Either way, it is always a significant event.So why did the angel of the Lord orchestrate a meeting between the disciple Philip and the treasurer of Ethiopia who had traveled 2300+ miles to Jerusalem?We cover Acts 8.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                            The Story of StephenThe apostles and other leaders such as Stephen continue to be harrassed by the religious leaders in Jerusalem. But things turn ugly now. Apostles are flogged, and Stephen becomes the first believer to be martyred.Stephen's words at his trial take us on a flyover of the story of Israel. His words are worth hearing--both for their content and to honor his courage.We cover Acts 5:12-7:60.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                            Ananias & SapphiraThe religious leaders are very upset when Peter and John heal a lame man in the Temple and tell the people that Jesus is the Messiah and that he's risen from the dead. They arrest Peter and John, but they can't really do much more than that because everyone saw the healing with their own eyes. Meanwhile, the believers, who have gone from a small group of 120 to more than 5000, are pooling their resources. The rich give enough that everyone has all they need. But then, one married couple decides to keep a little extra for themselves. It does not go well.We cover Acts 4:1-5:11.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                            PentecostThe Jerusalem community of 120 believers is filled with joy in the weeks following Jesus' resurrection. For nearly six weeks, Jesus has walked and talked and eaten with them. Then, suddenly, just a week ago he left! He ascended into heaven, and angels had told them he'd come again the same way he left.It's been a crazy week, and now the big festival of Pentecost is here. The believers are gathered in a house when suddenly they hear a mighty wind and what seems like flames of fire descend on their heads. They are filled with words they do not know but cannot keep inside.As they spill out into the streets, praising God in foreign languages, people from all over the Roman Empire understand them! And this is just the beginning.We cover Acts 2-3.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                            ChoosingIn "Pentecost & Persecution" we'll hang onto our hats as the disciples face a whirlwind of blessing and tragedy. The story is told in "Acts of the Apostles" which is Luke's sequel to his gospel. But do we really know who Luke was? For that matter, do we know who wrote any of the gospels?The short answer is no. We take a moment in this first class to look at how the books of the New Testament were chosen--who chose them and why they chose the ones they did.Then, as we begin the story, we catch up with the disciples. Peter is emerging as a leader. They are a person short, so we listen in as they choose a replacement for Judas.We cover Acts 1.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                           The ResurrectionThis final class in the "My Time Has Come" series is all about differences. The four gospels writers tell four different stories of the resurrection each including different characters and events. We look at each one in turn, noticing Mark's abrupt ending, Matthew's guards, Luke's walk to Emmaus, and Peter's raw responses.We look at “The Great Commission” in Matthew, the “Ascension” in Luke, and read two different versions of how the disciples receive the Holy Spirit in power.And these aren't the only differences--Jesus' resurrected body is definitely different.We cover    Matthew 28:2-20   Mark 16:5-8   Luke 24:4-53   John 20:2-10, 18-31; 21A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                          In the TombJesus is crucified the day after Passover. It's a Friday, and since the Passover Festival lasts a whole week, the next day is a High Sabbath. It is imperative to the religious leaders that the bodies of the men crucified not be left over the Sabbath. They ask and receive special permission to have their legs broken to hasten their death so the bodies can be removed before sundown. But when the soldiers get to Jesus they don't break his legs because he's already dead. This makes a lightning connection in John's mind with the Passover lamb whose bones must not be broken.Jesus is quickly entombed and as far as we know, nothing else happens until he is resurrected on Sunday morning. So why do people think Jesus went to Hell in the meantime?We cover    Matthew 27:56-66; 28:1   Mark 15:42-47; 16:1-4   Luke 23:50-56; 24:1-3   John 19:31-42; 20:1, 11-17A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                         The CrucifixionJesus is too weak to drag the crossbar of his cross to the hill of execution so a passing traveler is dragooned into carrying it for him.He is stripped naked, and his wrists and feet are nailed to the cross. As the soldiers argue about who gets which bit of his clothing, other people jeer and mock Jesus. “If you are the Messiah, save yourself!”As Jesus dies, he mumbles the first line of Psalm 22, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” It sounds like God has withdrawn himself from Jesus in his hour of greatest need, but using our backpack tools we discover this is not the case at all!We cover    Matthew 27:32-56   Mark 15:21-41   Luke 23:26-49   John 19:16-30   Psalm 22A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                        On Trial Before Herod and PilateIt is the early hours just after dawn. The religious leaders have condemned Jesus to death for blasphemy, but for a public crucifixion they need Roman authority. They bind Jesus and take him to Pilate, the governor of Judea. Pilate can't find any reason to crucify Jesus, but upon discovering he's from Galilee Pilate sends him to Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, who is in Jerusalem for the Passover. Herod can't get a thing out of Jesus either.Meanwhile the religious leaders are whipping the crowd into a frenzied, bloodthirsty mob. When the religious leaders tell Pilate, “He has declared himself King, and if you do not sentence him you are no friend of Caesar's!” Pilate is backed into a corner. He must quell this riot. He must be seen to support Caesar. So he acquiesces and condemns Jesus to death by crucifixion.We cover    Matthew 27:1-31   Mark 15:1-20   Luke 23:1-25   John 18:28-40; 19:1-15A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                       On Trial Before The Religious LeadersAfter they finish the Passover meal, Jesus and the disciples make their way to the Garden of Gethsemane at the foot of the Mount of Olives, just across from the Temple gates. There, Jesus tells the disciples to be alert for trouble is coming, but they cannot keep their eyes open. Jesus prays in agony, wrestling with his feelings about his torture and crucifixion. This is not where he wants to go.Meanwhile, Judas Iscariot has alerted the religious leaders where Jesus can be found, and they send a contingent of soldiers to arrest him. Jesus stops the ensuing violence and is taken to his trial at the hands of the religious elite. It is here, finally, that he tells them openly that he is indeed the Messiah, the Son of God.Peter, in fear for his own life, denies ever even knowing Jesus. When the rooster crows he is overcome with remorse, remembering that Jesus had told him he would fail in this exact way this very night. We cover    Matthew 26:30-32; 36-75   Mark 14:26-28; 32-72   Luke 22:24-30; 35-71   John 18:1-27A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                      The Last Supper (Part 3)At the conclusion of the Last Supper, Jesus explains that the disciples can't do this by themselves. They are like branches on a vine. They have to stay connected to the vine in order to bear fruit.Jesus reviews the really important stuff:I am in the Father. You are in me. We have to all stay together.You can do this even though I am about to go where you cannot see me anymore.Love each other just like I have loved you.If you do this, the world will hate you and persecute you.But don't worry, I'm sending you a helper, an advocate--the Spirit of Truth (the Holy Spirit) to guide and teach you.And always, always, know you can ask me for anything you need as you go along and I will give it to you, for the Father has given me everything and I freely give it to you.Be at peace in this. And then he prays a blessing over his beloved friends. We cover John 15, 16, 17.A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                     The Last Supper (Part 2)We are in the middle of the Last Supper. Jesus talks about leaving the disciples, and he says they cannot come where he is going. Peter wants to know why he can't go too! After all, he'd die for Jesus. But Jesus tells him, “You'll disown me three times this very night.”Even though they cannot come with him, Jesus tells the disciples they know the path. The words Jesus uses to explain all this are based on the "patronage model" of relationship that was prevalent throughout the Roman Empire. We use this lens to unpack some of Jesus' words.Then he says, “Don't worry. I will come back, and in the meantime, my Father will send another Paracleton to you--the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit--to be with you forever. This Paracleton will teach you all things, and will remind you of all I have said.” We cover   Matthew 26:33-35   Mark 14:29-31   Luke 22:31-34   John 13:31-38; 14:1-31A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                    The Last Supper (Part 1)On the day the Passover lambs are slaughtered, Jesus and the disciples gather in an upper room where they can share the Passover meal.The disciples are still arguing over who's the greatest so Jesus takes on the role of the humble foot-washing servant to show them how they must be from now on. He gives them a new commandment: Love one another like this!It is while they are eating this meal that Jesus passes around some unleavened bread and calls it his body, broken for them. And he has them all drink from a cup of wine calling it his blood, being poured out for many.Judas is unable to bear it any longer. He leaves to betray Jesus. We cover   Matthew 26:1-29   Mark 14:1-25   Luke 22:1-23   John 11:55-57; 12:1-11; 13:1-30A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

                   Prepare & Keep Your Eyes PeeledJesus has been crossing verbal swords with Pharisees, Herodians, and legal experts. Now the Sadducees pile on with a trick question about the resurrection. Jesus sends them packing with their tail between their legs.Jesus says, “Don't be like those guys. Look at that widow who put in the last two coins she had to live on. Her gift is worth more than all the gifts of the rich men.”Then Jesus sits his disciples down and tells them straight up how bad the situation is. They can expect to be beaten and killed. Jerusalem will be destroyed. Then the Day will come when the “Son of Man” comes in power. It's a lot to take in. Jesus tells them he doesn't know when it will happen--they simply need to be prepared and keep their eyes peeled.We cover   Matthew 22:23-46; 23:1-12; 24:1-35; 25:1-13   Mark 12:18-44; 13:1-37   Luke 20:27-47; 21:1-38A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.