The Christ Commission Ch 8

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary reason for Matthias' early morning excitement?

He planned to go for a morning walk.

He looked forward to dining with Joseph's guest. (correct)

He expected to hear a rooster crow.

He wanted to see the collection of sculptures.

What does the term 'peri-style' refer to in the context of Joseph's villa?

A dining hall exclusively for guests.

A sleeping quarter.

An outdoor area surrounded by columns. (correct)

A room filled with scrolls.

Why did Joseph believe he was not violating the Second Commandment?

He had received permission from the priests.

He thought the Commandment did not apply to sculptures.

He was merely a patron and not the creator. (correct)

He believed only artists could create images.

What type of artistic works did Joseph have in his collection?

Sculptures, scrolls, and paintings. Signup and view all the answers

What was notable about the flowers in the peristyle?

They were collected by Joseph over many years. Signup and view all the answers

What did Peter initially think when asked about his mother-in-law's health?

He was confused and startled. Signup and view all the answers

What was Matthias’s primary mission in his conversation with Peter?

To investigate the fate of Jesus's body after burial. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Peter's reaction when Matthias asked about the miracle involving his mother-in-law?

He responded defiantly, challenging Matthias's perspective. Signup and view all the answers

What did the narration imply about Peter’s physical appearance?

He had a robust and muscular build. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Peter’s description as 'the rock'?

It suggested stability and strength in leadership. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jesus mean by referring to the Pharisees and Sadducees as a 'wicked and adulterous generation'?

They were hypocritical in their beliefs and actions. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred when Jesus and his apostles were near Caesarea Philippi?

Peter declared Jesus to be the Christ. Signup and view all the answers

What request did the Pharisees and Sadducees make to Jesus during his preaching?

They demanded a sign from heaven. Signup and view all the answers

How did Jesus respond to Peter's declaration about his identity as the Christ?

He praised Peter for the revelation from God. Signup and view all the answers

What warning did Jesus give to his apostles after confronting the Pharisees and Sadducees?

Do not let their doctrines influence your beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence did Jesus foresee when he instructed his apostles about his impending suffering?

Peter would try to dissuade him from his path. Signup and view all the answers

What must be present for one's heart and soul to be open to God according to Peter?

Faith Signup and view all the answers

What did Peter claim he assured Jesus during their final conversation before his arrest?

He would never desert him. Signup and view all the answers

What was Peter's reaction to Jesus wanting to pray in the garden?

He felt worried for Jesus and preferred Bethany. Signup and view all the answers

What prophecy did Jesus make to Peter concerning the rooster?

He would deny Jesus three times before it crowed. Signup and view all the answers

How did Peter describe his feelings about the memories of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus?

They are no longer drenched in sorrow. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion did Peter reach about Jesus' actions during the last week leading up to his arrest?

Jesus wanted to provoke the authorities to arrest him. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jesus mean by 'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me'?

To endure suffering and prioritize spiritual commitment. Signup and view all the answers

What was Peter's understanding of miracles?

They are acts demonstrating God's power that defy natural laws. Signup and view all the answers

What was Peter's response to why Jesus may not have openly declared His Messiahship?

His life was already in jeopardy; announcing it could hasten His end. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Matthias question Peter about the miracles performed by Jewish leaders?

To highlight that Jewish miracle workers never claimed to be divine. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion did Peter reach about the nature of miracles?

They demonstrate God's presence but don't confirm a person's identity as the Messiah. Signup and view all the answers

What did Peter recognize about the intentions of the Pharisees and Sadducees towards Jesus?

They aimed to discredit Him and challenge His authority. Signup and view all the answers

What marked the difference between Peter's belief in Jesus and the views of the other apostles regarding His messianic identity?

Only Peter recognized Jesus' words as powerful without the context of miracles. Signup and view all the answers

How did Peter view the relationship between miracles performed by Jesus and His identity?

Miracles were secondary to the teachings and presence of Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

What did the centurion request from Jesus?

To heal a servant who was sick Signup and view all the answers

What specific phrase did Jesus use regarding the centurion's faith?

I have not found so great a faith in Israel Signup and view all the answers

How did Jesus respond when the apostles woke him during the tempest?

He asked if they had no faith Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for the woman with the issue of blood?

She was made whole due to her faith Signup and view all the answers

What did Jesus proclaim before curing the two blind men?

Do you believe I can do this? Signup and view all the answers

What lesson did Jesus teach after cursing the fig tree?

Have faith without doubt Signup and view all the answers

Why was Jesus unable to perform miracles in Nazareth?

They were familiar with his background as a carpenter Signup and view all the answers

What did Jesus say regarding the faith of the apostles when they failed to heal the lunatic youth?

Your faith is lacking Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor did Jesus use to illustrate the power of faith?

As small as a mustard seed Signup and view all the answers

What was Peter's reaction to Jesus mentioning faith multiple times?

He felt ashamed Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Setting

The story begins at Joseph's villa, located on the side of a hill and comprising two octagon-shaped wings.
The upper wing contains sleeping and dining quarters.
The lower wing houses a "cultural center," including a sculpture collection, a library filled with scrolls, and a collection of paintings.
There is an eighth room in the lower wing which remains closed and unexplored.
The rooms surround a peristyle, an open courtyard filled with desert flowers.

Peter's Arrival

Matthias, a Roman scribe, meets Peter, one of Jesus' closest apostles, at the villa.
Peter has come to bid farewell to Joseph before traveling back to his home in Capernaum.

Peter's Story

Peter describes how Jesus healed his mother-in-law from a fever, which had resisted other remedies.
Peter explains that Jesus was often harassed by the Pharisees and Sadducees, who demanded signs as proof of his power.
Peter recalls how Jesus, after confronting the Pharisees, took his disciples to Caesarea Philippi, a gentile city far from the authorities.
There, Jesus asked his disciples who they thought he was. When Peter declared Jesus to be the Christ, Jesus was both shocked and pleased but swiftly chastised Peter for speaking out.
Jesus then revealed that he would go to Jerusalem, suffer, and be raised again on the third day. Peter, hearing this, denied that these events would happen.
Jesus rebuked Peter for being "a hindrance and an offense" to him and said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me."

The Question of Miracles

Matthias probes Peter about Jesus' miracles, asking how he would define a true miracle.
Peter describes a true miracle as "a demonstration of God's unlimited power, and it usually runs contrary to the laws of nature as we know them to be."
Matthias then explores both Jewish and Roman history, asking whether Moses, Elijah, Elisha, or Daniel were considered to have performed miracles. Peter confirms that these figures did perform miracles, and concedes that they did not claim divinity or messiahship by virtue of these miracles.
This leads Matthias to question why Peter named Jesus as the Christ based on miracles, if miracles were not considered a defining trait of the Messiah.
In response, Peter emphasizes that Jesus' words alone made him superior to any prophet; however, Matthias feels that the Pharisees and Sadducees constantly challenged Jesus to perform miracles, thus suggesting that a sign was needed to prove his authority.

Jesus and Faith

The text explores the importance of belief in the teachings of Jesus. It emphasizes the theme of faith as a crucial factor for healing and receiving miracles.
Jesus emphasized the power of belief through his words and actions. He cured the centurion's servant, calmed the stormy sea, and healed the woman with the issue of blood, all attributing their cures to their faith.
Jesus' hometown, Nazareth, lacked faith in his abilities and remained unaffected by miracles.
Peter's perspective on miracles evolved. Initially focused on the strength of Jesus' faith, he later recognized the role of God's power working through faith.

Peter's Actions and Regret

Peter's denial of Jesus after his arrest is presented as a pivotal moment, marked by remorse and self-reproach.
The night of Jesus' arrest, Peter declared his unwavering loyalty, only to deny him three times before the crowing of the cock.
The cock's crow served as a symbol of Peter's betrayal and triggered a moment of realization and intense regret.
Peter experienced a physical and emotional breakdown after his denial, finding solace in sleep and dreams.

The Night of the Arrest

Jesus' arrest occurred in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he was surrounded by a large group of temple guards, Pharisees, Sadducees, and Roman soldiers.
Judas, a follower of Jesus, betrayed him by leading the authorities to his location.
John and Peter were also initially arrested with Jesus.
Peter and John followed the arresting party to the houses of Annas and Caiaphas, the high priests, where Jesus was subjected to questioning.

Peter's Journey After the Arrest

Peter and John were eventually released from custody by the guards.
Peter, burdened by his betrayal and exhaustion, found himself at the house of his sister, Mary, with help from John and Joseph of Arimathea.
Peter was informed of Jesus' death by John. He expressed profound sorrow and despair, wishing for death himself.

Key Figures

Jesus: The central figure, known for his teachings about faith and miracles.
Peter: One of Jesus' closest disciples, known for his initial loyalty and subsequent betrayal.
John: Another of Jesus' disciples, who remained loyal and comforted Peter after his denial.
Joseph of Arimathea: A wealthy man who was a secret disciple of Jesus, helping to bury his body.### The Empty Tomb
Mary Magdalene tells Peter and John that Jesus' body has been taken from the tomb
John is the first to arrive at the tomb and reports that it is empty
Peter enters the tomb and sees the sheet, spices, and the napkin that had covered Jesus' head
John is reassured by the empty tomb and says "Now I believe"
No soldiers or guards are present at the tomb

Doubts About The Resurrection

Matthias, the historian, expresses skepticism about the resurrection
He questions why the body was not taken without unwrapping the linen and spices
He suggests a possible conspiracy to fool the people
Peter is upset by the accusation that the disciples made up the resurrection

Jesus' Miracle

Matthias asks Peter how Jesus could have proven himself if he were truly the Messiah
Peter claims that Jesus performed the ultimate miracle by allowing himself to be crucified and resurrected
Peter believes that the state of the tomb was a sign to the people
Matthias is confused by the logic but accepts the possibility of a miracle

The Disciples' Fate

Matthias has spoken with other disciples: James the brother of Jesus, Matthew, and James the son of thunder
Matthias asks Joseph of Arimethea if he believes the disciples would risk their lives for a lie
Joseph asks Matthias if he could live a life based on a lie, then if he would die for a lie
Matthias admits that he would not die for a lie
Joseph then reveals the known fates of the disciples: James, Matthew, and James the son of thunder were all martyred
Peter will be crucified in Rome

Pilate's Shadow

Joseph of Arimethea agrees to take Matthias to meet with Caiaphas, the high priest
Matthias can ask questions but must keep them private
Matthias notices a black-hooded man following them and accuses Caiaphas but Joseph reveals it is actually Pilate, the governor, observing them
Joseph states they will meet Pilate eventually, or he may meet them first.

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Description

Explore the intriguing setting of Joseph's villa and Peter's poignant recollections of Jesus in this quiz. Dive into the details of the villa's architecture, the cultural center, and the significant moments from Peter's experiences with Jesus. Test your knowledge on this powerful narrative and its context.