Class 8 English Bible Study PDF

UNIT I BIBLE STUDY Lesson 1 Early Prophets (Nathan, Elijah, Elisha) (Bible Passages: 2 Samuel 7, 12; 1 Kings 17-21; 2 Kings 1-9) Learning Objectiv...

UNIT I BIBLE STUDY Lesson 1 Early Prophets (Nathan, Elijah, Elisha) (Bible Passages: 2 Samuel 7, 12; 1 Kings 17-21; 2 Kings 1-9) Learning Objectives: To learn about the ministry of prophets and their role as messengers of God. Also, to learn to live in active relation to God and to tell others about God’s mercy as well as judgment. Verse to be Memorized: “Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, with trembling kiss his feet, or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled. Happy are all who take refuge in him” (Psalm 2: 10-11). Teaching Aids: Chart showing the periods of the kings of Israel, the Holy Bible, a map of Israel, Prayer Book (Pamapakuda) and the Service Book of the Holy Qurbana. Introduction Who are the Prophets? What is their role in society? Can you name some of the prophets you have come across in the Old Testament? Moses, Samuel and Nathan are familiar prophets in the Holy Bible. There were several prophets during the time of kings, who functioned as the ‘spokesmen of God.’ Some of them wrote down their prophecies. They are the writing prophets. However there are many others the early prophets-Elijah and Elisha, who never wrote down their prophecies. The books of Kings in the Holy Bible tell us about their ministry. When the kings who were to be the ambassadors of God, sometimes disobeyed the will of God, the prophets admonished them, and told them about the dangers of acting contrary to the ordinances of God. Today let us learn about three of these prophets. The Lesson Nathan, Elijah and Elisha were three prophets lived and prophesied during the tenth and ninth century BC. 9  Prophet Nathan The name Nathan means ‘He has given.’ Nathan lived in Israel in tenth century BC, during the reign of king David. His ministry started when David was thinking of building a temple for Yahweh (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicle 17). Nothing is recorded regarding the early life of Nathan. He is first seen appearing before David with a message from God. Later he became the official warden of the kingship of David and his successor Solomon. Though David was not given permission by God to build the Temple, he wrote hymns to be used in worship. David was encouraged by Prophet Nathan (2 Chronicles 29:25) to do this. When King David committed a deadly sin, Nathan confronted him with a story, which is one of the beautiful descriptions in the Holy Bible. He daringly pointed to the king that he was living in a grievous sin, and thus led him to repentance. Psalm 51, which we recite daily, is the song of repentance composed by David at that time. God continued to speak and act through Nathan. Accordingly, he initiated steps to anoint Solomon as the next king. This was done with the secret parlance of Bathsheba, wife of king David, because, Adonijah, another son of David was plotting to become the successor to King David (1 Kings 1:11-45). Nathan is considered as an important prophet, who gave the messages and commands of God to the people, and to the rulers. His life and prophetic ministry show how a messenger of God should speak and act without fear or favour. Prophet Elijah The name Elijah means ‘Yahweh is my God.’ He lived during the time of King Ahab (Ninth century BC), who ruled in the Northern Kingdom, i.e. Israel (the united kingdom of Hebrews was divided into Israel and Judah, after the death of King Solomon). A description of the life and ministry of Prophet Elijah is available in the first two chapters of the Second Book of Kings. Prophet Elijah had to confront Ahab, one of the cruelest Kings of Israel (1 Kings 17). Ahab was one who often acted against the will of God. Elijah prophesied that there would be drought and famine in Israel for three years. Ahab became angry with Elijah for this prophecy, which did come true. To escape the wrath of the king, Elijah went hiding, and dwelt by the brook of Cherith. There was famine in the land. There, a widow used to feed Elijah, because she got enough provisions as a result of a miracle performed the prophet. After three years, the prophet presented himself before the king. He offered sacrifice on Mount Carmel challenging the prophets of the Baal, the false god. Yahweh accepted the sacrifice of Elijah; and the prophets of Baal were stupefied. That day, Elijah proved that Yahweh is the only God. Following this Elijah prayed for rains, and God answered his prayer. The prophets of Baal were annihilated (1 Kings 18). 1 Kings 19 records that Elijah was threatened by King Ahab and his wife Jezebel. So the prophet hid himself. He was fed miraculously by God. Then he hastened to Horeb, the Mount of God, fasting for forty days. God spoke to Elijah on Mount Horeb. It was on this 10 mountain, that God entered into a covenant with Moses. On his return to Samaria, Elijah anointed Hazael as king of Syria, and Jehu as king of Israel. He also appointed Elisha as his successor, as directed by God. It is seen that Elijah interfered once again when Ahab confiscated the vineyard of Naboth (1 Kings 21), Isabel got Naboth killed; then Ahab seized the vineyard. God punished Ahab for this murder. Apart from being a heinous act, it was against the Law of Moses which said that one tribe should not lay claim on the land belonging to another tribe. The last recorded incident associated with Prophet Elijah is in 2 Kings 2. The Prophet was taken into heaven in a whirlwind by God, while he was on the banks of river Jordan with his disciple and successor Elisha (2 Kings 2:12). Elijah was one of the two humans who never died, but was taken to heaven, in the body; the other is Enoch (Genesis 5:24). Prophet Malachi wrote that prophet Elijah would be sent by God before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5). Prophet Elisha (BC 850-800) The name Elisha means ‘God is savior’. Elisha was the disciple and successor to Prophet Elijah. While Elijah was travelling, found Elisha plowing the field of his father Shaphat (1 Kings 19); He threw his mantle upon Elisha, as a sign of calling him and accepting him as his disciple. Later, when Elijah was taken up to heaven, Elisha asked for the double of his master’s spirit. As Elijah was being taken up, Elisha received his master’s mantle, as a symbol of his status as a prophet (2 Kings 2:13-14). The ministry of Elisha continued through the reign of the kings Joram, Jehu, Jehoahaz and Joash of Israel. While Elijah liked to live in caves, Elisha chose to live in sub-urban areas. Convinced of the holy stature of Elisha, a rich woman of Shunem prepared a small dwelling for him while he passed by. However, it was his home in Samaria which was more important to him. Elisha was full of wisdom; he performed several miracles; and he lived with his disciples. He used to visit the worship centers at Bethel, Gilgal, and Mount Carmel. The details of the ministry of Elisha are recorded in chapters 2-9 and chapter 13 in the Second Book of Kings. The activities of Prophet Elisha were varied and numerous. They could be catalogued as follows: Elisha was always accessible to the common people. He came to the help of the people to solve their problems. Some of such incidents related to his personal life are the following. Elisha purified the harmful water in the spring in the city of Jericho, by adding salt into it (2 Kings 2:19-22). The prophet resurrected the son of the woman of Shunem, who had prepared a small dwelling for him (2 Kings 4:18-37). He nullified the poisonous effect of the stew/porridge served to the disciples of the prophet at Gilgal (2 Kings 4:38-41). He healed leprosy of Naaman, who was the commander of the army of the King of Syria (2 Kings 5:1-9). At the Prophet’s word, the axe that had fallen into the river was regained, to the great relief of the disciples of the Prophet (2 Kings 6:1-7). 11  In the social and economic realm, the Prophet miraculously increased oil in the house of the widow (2 Kings 4:1-7). He increased the quantity of loaves of barley bread (2 Kings 4:43-44). Again, he restored the field of the woman of Shunem to her (2 Kings 8:1-3). He interfered in the political realm also. He anointed Jehu instead of Hazael as King of Israel (2 Kings 9:1-7). He provided water miraculously to the allied forces of Israel when they set out to fight the Moabites (2 Kings 3:4-20). He revealed to the King of Israel the location where the forces of Syria encamped (2 Kings 6:8-12) and rescued Israel from the terror of Syria (2 Kings 6:13-7:20). He prophesied, while on his death bed, that King Joshia would defeat the King of Syria (2 Kings 13:14-19). The punishment of Gehazi, the disciple of Elisha, for his greed is a notable incident. Another significant incident is the resurrection of the dead body which was put into the grave of Elisha (2 Kings 13:20-21.) This incident supports the Church’s teaching regarding the power of the relics of saints. Hymn Sleeba Namaskaram Evening Prayer Kolo, Prarthippeen Sleehanmare... Pray for us Apostles to Him Who chose you That schisms and disputes cease in the-Holy Church See, heretics surround her on every side To conceal the faith which you proclaimed-unto her May Your truth-be a crucible Which refines-her words like pure gold May priests in victory praise Him who-magnified her. Let Us Pray Lord, make us fearless to speak the truth always and never to retract from it in the face of trials and difficulties. Teach us to intensify our prayers when we encounter difficult situations, to trust in You, and to cling to You. Amen. Resolution We shall show courage to speak the truth and act accordingly. We shall never be tired of praying. Let Us Think 1. What is the role of a prophet? Who authorizes him to speak? 2. What is the meaning of the name ‘Nathan’? 3. Name the king of Israel whom prophet Nathan led to repentance? 4. Why did Nathan show haste to anoint Solomon as king? 5. How is Nathan significant as a prophet? 6. What is the meaning of the name, ‘Elijah’? 7. Name the who king ruled in Israel during the ministry of Elijah? 12 8. Name the mountain which Elijah climbed to escape from the King? 9. Who did Elijah appoint as his successor? 10. What were the mighty deeds of Elijah during his prophetic ministry? 11. Describe the ‘God-experience’ that Elijah had on Mount Horeb? 12. What is the importance of the incidence of a dead man coming alive, while touching the bones of Prophet Elisha? 13. Taking the ministry of Elisha as a model, try to identify the significant aspects of prophetic ministry. 14. What is the meaning of the name ‘Elisha’? 15. What was Elisha engaged in when he was called to be a disciple of Elijah? 16. Who was the woman who prepared a small dwelling for Elisha? 17. Name the places of worship that Elisha used to visit? Activities 1. “You are the man.” Who said this and to whom? Try to find out from the Old Testament. 2. It was mentioned that two individuals, including Elijah never tasted death; name the other person (Ref. Hebrews 11:5 and Genesis 5:24). 3. Find out a prayer in which both Moses and Elijah are referred to. 4. Prepare a chart showing the major miracles performed by Prophet Elisha. 5. What was the role and influence of Prophet Nathan during the rule of King David? Substantiate in the light of important incidents. 6 Identify three most important actions of Prophet Nathan as the Prophet of God. 7. What was the prayer said by Elijah, while he was offering sacrifice to God on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18: 33-37)? This prayer of Elijah is repeated by the celebrant in the Holy Qurbana. Can you say when is this prayer said? Further Reading Day Morning Evening Sunday * 2 Samuel 7 Monday 2 Samuel 12 1 Kings 1 Tuesday 1 Kings 17 1 Kings 10 Wednesday Psalm 51 1 Chronicles 17 Thursday 2 Chronicles 29 1 Kings 19 Friday 2 Kings 1 2 Kings 2 Saturday 1 Kings 21 * 13  Lesson 2 Division of Israel’s Kingdom (1 Kings 11 & 12) Learning Objectives: To understand that God shall punish those who act against His will; and He may remove that person from his positions of honour. Also to understand that it is not God’s intention to destroy the disobedient, but to give an opportunity to correct oneself. To internalize significance of this; fact and to redefine one’s concept of God and His intentions. Verse to be Memorized: “If you will listen to all that I command you, walk in my ways, and do what is right in my sight by keeping my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did, I will be with you, and will build you an enduring house, as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you” (1 Kings 11: 38). Teaching Aids: A map of Israel during the reign of David and Solomon, the Holy Bible, the Book of Common Prayer (Pampakuda) and the Service Book of the Holy Qurbana. Introduction We studied the covenant made by God with king David. The unity and integrity of the kingdom deteriorated as king Solomon failed to rule the country respecting the commandments of God. This lesson describes the circumstances which led to the division of the kingdom. The Lesson King Solomon ruled Israel from 961 BC to 922 BC He was rich, powerful and wise. His rule was considered as a golden period for Israel. However, Solomon went against the commandments of God. He accepted wives from the neighboring countries (2 Kings 11:1-4). He turned away from the paths of David and worshipped foreign gods. He did not follow the ordinances of God. Because of this some people in the kingdom rose against him. For instance Hadad from the royal family of Edom turned against Solomon. Hadad was living in Egypt escaping from David, when David conquered Edom (1 Kings 11:14-22). God made Rezon, King of Zobah turn against Solomon (1 Kings 11:23-25).The officials of Jeroboam too turned against the King (1 Kings 11:26-40). However, none of these people could defeat Solomon. The country was divided as God gave up Solomon; and internal strife started in the kingdom. Prophet Ahijah said that these things happened as per the will of God. Following the death of king Solomon, the people assembled at Shechem to elect Rehoboam, the son of Solomon as king. Jeroboam also went there along with a group of people. They demanded that the tax rate be reduced as the people were facing 14 difficulties due to the economic policies of the country. Rehoboam asked for three days’ time to take a decision. Meanwhile he discussed the matter with elderly people who were the advisors of his father, and also young friends who were his new advisors. The elderly people said that the pleas of the people should be listened to; but the youngsters advised the new king to reject the demands of Jeroboam and his group and assert himself. The king accepted the immature and rash views of the young advisors; and after three days he conveyed his decision in very harsh words (1 Kings 12:1-15). The people became very angry and went away shouting against David and his family, and saying that David and his family had not done anything good for them. Then, king Rehoboam sent Adoram to meet the people as his representative; but the people stoned him to death (1 Kings 12:16-20) the tribes of Judah and Benjamin made Rehoboam their king and the remaining ten tribes accepted Jeroboam as their king. Thus the kingdom was divided into two. Rehoboam reached Jerusalem to attack it, but God stopped him at Samaria, telling him not to fight his own brothers (1 Kings 12:21-24). Jeroboam’s kingdom came to be known as Israel (the Northern country). The capital of Israel was Samaria. Rehoboam’s country came to be known as Judah (the Southern country). Its capital was Jerusalem. It is obvious that the wrong economic policies, and lack of obedience to God led to the division of the kingdom. Hymn Post Gospel hymn, Nibiyanmarum jaathikalodevan... We remember the Prophets and Apostles, Who preached the Good News of Christ To all nations of the earth; We remember the Virgin The saints and the faithful dead And the just ones who triumphed; The martyrs and confessors Who received crowns of glory; May their prayers be our fortress. Let Us Pray Merciful God, enlighten us with Your wisdom. Lead us in the way of Your commandments. Give us the wisdom and humility to remember Your greatness and mercy and be grateful to You. Help us to listen to others sympathetically, and always search for Your will. Amen. Resolution We will never deviate from the will of God. We shall never forget the blessings of God. We praise God for His goodness. 15 Let Us Think 1. Write the notable characteristics of king Solomon. 2. Find the sin committed by Solomon defying the commandments of God. 3. Find the punishment meted out to Solomon by God. 4. Who were the leaders who rebelled Solomon? 5. Name the prophet who met Jeroboam on the way (1 Kings 11:29-35). 6. The elders and youngsters advised Jeroboam on the question of tax. Whose advice did he accept? Do you think it was a wise decision? 7. Name the tribes which accepted Rehoboam as king? Activities 1. Write the verses. The Lord said to Solomon, “...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................” (1 Kings 11:11-13) 2. Answer the following by referring to 1 Kings 11 and 12. i) What made Solomon worship foreign gods? ii) Who were the leaders who rebelled against Solomon as willed by God? iii) What was the difference between the advice given by the elders and that by the youngsters to Rehoboam? iv) What did prophet Ahijah say about the troubles in the kingdom that led to its division? Further Reading Day Morning Evening Sunday * 1 Kings 11:1-8 Monday 1 Kings 11: 9-22 1 Kings 11: 23-25 Tuesday 1 Kings 11: 26-30 1 Kings 11:31-40 Wednesday 1 Kings 11: 41-43 1 Kings 12:1-5 Thursday 1 Kings 12: 6-10 1 Kings 12:11-20 Friday 1 Kings 12: 21-28 1 Kings 12:29-33 Saturday Deuteronomy 7:1-4 * 16  Lesson 3 King Josiah who Cleansed the Temple and Lived according to the Law of God (2 Kings 22:1-23:30) Learning Objectives: To make students understand that God will save those who obey His commandments from perdition. To help the students to live according to God’s commands. Verse to be Memorized: “Listen to my voice, and do all that I command you. So shall you be my people, and I will be your God” (Jeremiah11:4). Teaching Aids: A map of Israel, Prayer Book and the Service Book of Holy Qurbana. Introduction Josiah was a king who did what was pleasing God. He became king of Judah at the age of eight. Josiah ruled for 31 years (BC 640-609). Let us learn about king Josiah. The Lesson Josiah was the son of Amon and Jedidah. The chief priest during the time was Hilkiah and the principal secretary (court secretary) was Shaphan. In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah sent Shaphan to Hilkiah the chief priest with an order to repair the Jerusalem Temple. As the work was going on, Hilkiah discovered the Book of Law in the temple and handed it over to Shaphan. Shaphan read the book to Josiah. The king understood that the words in the book are from God. He humbled himself and repented before God. He sent some people to prophetess Huldah to know God’s message through the book. The prophetess informed that God will punish Jerusalem, but this would happen only after his death. After listening to the Book of Law, Josiah destroyed all the idols and worship places of foreign gods in Judah and burned them. He destroyed the place of worship at Bethel and the tools used for worship there. He took out the bones of the dead from the tombs and burned them on the places of sacrifice to make it impure. However, Josiah kept one of the tombs safe which belonged to the unknown prophet who prophesied against the places of sacrifice in Bethel (1 Kings 13:2-32). Then Josiah asked the people to observe Passover as instructed in the Book of Law. In the 18th year of his rule, the king and all the people observed Passover in such a way that the Passover has not been observed so perfectly since the time of Judges (2 Kings 23:2- 32). He removed all wickedness from the country (2 Kings 23:24). There had never 17 been a king like him before, who served the Lord with all his heart, mind and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses; nor has there been a king like him since (2 Kings 23:25). Josiah lived according to the commandments in the Book of Law. But Jerusalem was destroyed because of the sins committed by Manasseh his ancestor. God said that he will destroy Judah also as he has done with Israel. When Pharaoh neco, the king of Egypt came to fight with Asur, Josiah fought with him. He was killed by Pharaoh Neco at Megiddo. His servants brought his body to Jerusalem and buried it there. Josiah’s son Jehoahaz became the King (2 Kings 23:29-30). Hymn Kyamtha Namaskaram Compline Kolo, Rekshakaneshu maharaja... Glory to You, Christ our King Who opens doors-to those who repent I am-a sinner who begs Of You,-Giver of good things Gladden my heart by Your grace That I may sing-as a harp to You. Let Us Pray Our Lord Jesus, come and dwell in us. Strengthen and protect us. Jesus, do not allow the wicked to come near to us, forgive our sins and offences. Jesus, have mercy on us at the time of Your judgment. Lord have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us. Resolution We shall live in accordance with the commandments of God whole heartedly. Let Us Think 1. What does it mean to say that the observance of the Passover was discontinued for several years? 2. List Josiah’s initiatives to fulfill the commands of God in the Book of Law (2 Chronicles 23:24) 3. What were the religious observances revived during the rule of Josiah? 4. Explain the observance of Passover during the time of Josiah? 5. Though Josiah lived according to the Book of Law, Jerusalem was destroyed. Why? 6. How did Josiah die? Activities 1. Read Deuteronomy 15:19-18:22 and summarize the commandments given there. 18  Further Reading Day Morning Evening Sunday * Deuteronomy 15 Monday 2 Kings 22 Deuteronomy 16 Tuesday 2 Kings 23:1-20 Deuteronomy 17 Wednesday 2 Kings 23:21-27 Deuteronomy 18 Thursday 1 Kings 12 Jeremiah 11 Friday 2 Chronicles 35 1 Kings 13 Saturday 1 Kings 14 * 19  Lesson 4 Fall of the Kingdom of Israel Learning Objectives: To understand that the kingdom of Israel was set up by God, so the king had his obligation to God and also the people. To understand that it is ‘unfaithful’ to worship foreign gods; and that God will punish unfaithfulness. Verse to be Memorized: “But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion on them; he turned toward them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them; nor has he banished them from his presence until now” (2 Kings 13:23) Introduction We learnt that the Israel was divided after the rule of Solomon and the ten tribes formed a country named Israel under the leadership of Jeroboam with Samaria as capital. Let us learn about important kings in Israel from the period BC 922 to BC 721, when Samaria was defeated by King of Asur. The Lesson Israel was ruled by 19 kings from Jeroboam (BC 922 -901) to Hosea (BC 732- 721). All of them belonged to nine different clans (refer 1 Kings 12 to 2 Kings 17). We shall learn about some of these kings in this lesson. Jeroboam (BC 922-901, 1 Kings 12:25-14:20) He was the first king of Israel. He did not succeed in the attempt to oust king Solomon, and hence escaped to king Shishak of Egypt (1 Kings 11:26-40). When Solomon died, Jeroboam attempted reconciliation with Rehoboam, son of Solomon, but failed. He became the king of Israel with the support of ten tribes. He ruled Israel for 22 years. The people of Israel used to go to Jerusalem which was in Judah, the southern country, to offer sacrifice at the temple there. Jeroboam thought that this movement of people to Jerusalem will create problem for him and the security of his country. He made two bull calves of gold and placed them one at Dan and the other at Bethel and asked the people to worship them. Thus he made the people to deviate from the worship of Yahweh. He appointed priests from families which were not from the tribe of Levi. He himself offered sacrifice on the altar. As Jeroboam stood at the altar to offer sacrifice, a prophet from Judah reached there and denounced the altar. He said, “A child, whose name will be Josiah, will be born to the family of David and destroy this altar”. Hearing this Jeroboam wanted to get hold of the prophet but his arms became paralysed so that he couldn’t pull it back. The altar fell apart and ashes spilt to the ground fulfilling the words of the prophet. Prophet Ahijah told Jeroboam’s wife about the death of Abijah, Jeroboam’s son, and 20 the disaster to take place in the family (1 Kings 14:9). He told that the Lord had abandoned Israel because of the sins of Jeroboam. Abijah, son of Jeroboam died because of the sins of his father. Jeroboam came to be known in the history as the son of Nebat who led the people of Israel into sin. Ahab (BC 860-850, 1 Kings 16:29-22:40) Ahab did not belong to the family of Jeroboam. Elijah, prophet lived during the time of Ahab. Ahab ruled for 22 years. He sinned against the Lord more than his predecessor Jeroboam. It was not enough for him to sin like Jeroboam. He married Jezebel, the daughter of King Ethbaal of Sidon and worshipped Baal. He built a temple to Baal in Samaria, made an altar for Baal. He sinned against the Lord more than any of his predecessors (1 Kings 16:31-34). Prophet Elijah tried to correct Ahab and warned him many times. There was drought in Israel for three years when Elijah said ‘There will be no dew or rain for the next three years until I say so’. 450 prophets of Baal were killed after they were proved wrong at the worship at Carmel (1 Kings19:1-3). Ezebel ordered to kill Elijah but could not succeed. Ahab’s family was removed from kingship because of his sins. When King Ben-hadad of Syria came to attack Israel, Ahab acted as per the words of a prophet and defeated him (1 Kings 20:1-34). Ahab wanted to confiscate the vineyard of Naboth. Jezebel got Naboth killed and seized the vineyard. The Lord became very angry at Ahab for this (1 Kings 21:1-24). Later, after three years, Ahab died in a war with Aram. This was predicted by Prophet Micaiah (1 Kings 22:1-40). Dogs licked up his blood (1 Kings 22:37) according to the prophecy of Elijah (1 Kings 21:19). Jehu (BC 842-815, 2 Kings 9:1-10:36) When Prophet Elijah returned from Mount Horeb, the Lord asked him to do three things; one, to anoint Jehu as the king of Israel (1 Kings 19:16). At God’s command Elisha the disciple of Elijah sent a young prophet to Jehu and anointed him as the King of Israel (2 Kings 9:1-10). Jehu ruled Israel for 28 years. The destruction of the family of Ahab was one of the assignments given to Jehu. He killed Joram (also known as Jehoram) the king of Israel who was the son of Ahab and went to Samaria (2 Kings 9:14-26). When Jehu reached Jezreel, Jezebel tried to attract him with her beauty. She was thrown down from the window by her own officials. Her body was eaten by dogs fulfilling the word of God (2 Kings 9: 30-37). Then Jehu killed all the descendants of Ahab (2 Kings 10:1-17). He killed all the prophets of Baal and wiped out the idol worship in Israel. But Jehu retained the golden bull calves at Bethel and Dan set up by Jeroboam. So the Lord gave him the rights to be the King to his descendants only up to the fourth generation (2 Kings 10:18-36). Hosea (BC 732-723, 2 Kings 17) Hosea was the 19th and last king of Israel. He ruled for nine years. He sinned against the Lord. When emperor Shalmaneser of Assyria made war on him; Hosea 21 surrendered and paid him tribute every year. Later Hosea sought the help of king of Egypt and stopped paying annual tribute to Assyria. When Shalmaneser learnt this, he arrested Hosea and put him in prison. In BC 721, the Assyrian emperor captured Samaria and took Israelites to Assyria as prisoners and settled them in different places (2 Kings 17:6). Samaria fell because the Israelites sinned against the Lord by disobeying his commandments, put up idols of pagan gods and worshipped them (2 Kings 17:7-18). The emperor of Assyria took people from the cities of Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in cities of Samaria in place of the exiled Israelites (2 Kings 17:24). Israel, the northern country was totally destroyed for ever by BC 721. The Israelites even lost their racial purity. Hymn Sleeba Namaskaram Compline Kolo, Sthuthi anuthapakkar... Let all who seek the Kingdom Be found pleasing-to God through pure love For that-is the way the saints Enter-the marriage chamber And by it the repentant Are spared from death-and inherit life. Let Us Pray Lord, teach us Your commandments. Help us to follow them and live in Your mercy. Help us to keep Your blessing in us and not allow them to be taken away. Holy Lord, praised by the saints, purify our thoughts so that we shall praise You as the angels do, for ever. Amen. Resolution We shall faithfully observe the faith and practices of Orthodox Church. We shall lead a life faithful to Lord. Let Us Think 1. What were the reason for the fall of Jeroboam? 2. Why did Jeroboam’ go went to prophet Ahijah? 3. What was the message given by prophet? 4. Name two prophets who lived during the reign of Ahab. 5. Ahab wanted to posses a vineyard near his palace. Whose vineyard was it? What did he want to make of it? 6. What was the crime committed by Ahab? Explain how the actions of his wife influenced the rule of Ahab? 7. Who anointed Jehu as the King? Explain the situation that led to this. 22 8. How many generations did the descendants of Jehu continue in kingship? Why was Jehu’s descendents allowed to rule only for four generations? 9. What difficulties did Jeroboam face in his life and what were the reasons for them? 10. Who was the last King of Israel? What was the immediate a reason for the destruction of Israel? Activities 1. Read 1 Kings 12:1 to 2 Kings 17:41 and find out the all the kings who ruled Israel. 2. Who out of the above mentioned kings had their descendants as kings? 3. Read 1 Kings 18 and prepare a short story (for children) on the worship at Carmel 4. Prepare notes on the reign of Jeroboam, Ahab, Jehu and Hosea Further Reading Day Morning Evening Sunday * 1 Kings 15,16 Monday 2 Kings 1, 2 1 Kings 17,18 Tuesday 2 Kings 3, 4 1 Kings 18, 19 Wednesday 2 Kings 5, 6 1 Kings 20, 21 Thursday 2 Kings 7, 8 1 Kings 22 Friday 2 Kings 9, 10 2 Kings 13,14 Saturday 2 Kings 11, 12 - 23  Lesson 5 Fall of Judah, the Southern Kingdom (Babylonian Exile) (2 Kings 15, 18, 23 and 25) Learning Objectives: To understand the meaning of covenant made by David with God and to analyze the factors which led to the fall of Judah, and Babylonian exile. Also to evaluate the effects of decline of faith in that followed God in the house of David and the Kingdom of Judah. Verse to be Memorized: “The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:10). Introduction The first king of Israel was Saul. King David was Saul’s successor. Later David’s son Solomon became king of Israel. When Israel was divided, only two tribes, Judah and Benjamin, stood with the house of David which ruled the country with Jerusalem as capital. Judah was ruled by the house of David. Twenty kings ruled Judah till the king of Babel captured Jerusalem (586 BC). Let us learn about some of these kings, the fall of Judah and the situation that led to the exile in Babylon. The Lesson Jeroboam the son of Solomon was the first king of Judah. He ruled for 17 years with Jerusalem as the capital. Let us learn about some of his successors. Uzziah (BC 783-742, 2 Kings 15:1-7, 2 Chronicles 26:3-23) Uzziah (also known as Azariah) became the king of Judah at the age of 16 and ruled for fifty-two years. Prophet Isaiah lived during the time of Uzziah (Isaiah 1:1, 6:1). Initially Uzziah ruled the country as per the advice of Zachariah the chief priest; but later when he became powerful, he disobeyed God and tried to burn incense in the Temple of Jerusalem. The Lord struck Uzziah with leprosy. When Azariah, the chief priest and other priests saw this, they forced the king to leave the temple. He lived in a separate house for the rest of his life, while his son governed the country for him. Uzziah was the king who enjoyed protection and prosperity when he lived in accordance with God’s commandment and faced isolation and leprosy when he disobeyed the Lord. Hezekiah (BC 715-687, 2 Kings 18:1-20:21) Hezekiah was the thirteenth king of Judah who ruled for twenty nine years. He ruled according to the will of God. The last fifteen years of his rule was an extension 24 given by God. Hezekiah was caught with a vital disease and was about to die (2 Kings 20:1, 2 Chronicles 32:24, Isaiah 38:1). The Lord sent prophet Isaiah to him to inform him to put everything in order (get ready to die). But Hezekiah cried bitterly and prayed to God. As a result Lord informed him through prophet Isaiah that his life has been extended for 15 years. As a sign for the God’s word Isaiah had made the shadow on the stairway to ten steps backward. Isaiah put a paste made of figs on him and he was cured. Manasseh (BC 687-643, 2 Kings 21, 2 Chronicles 33:1) Manasseh son of Hezekiah became king at the age of 12. This shows that if God wouldn’t have extended the life of Hezekiah there would not have been successor to Hezekiah from the house of David. Manasseh ruled Judah for 55 years. This was the longest reign of a king in Judah. Josiah We have already learnt about Josiah in the previous lesson. Last Kings in Judah (BC 609-578, 2 Kings 23:31-25:7) The last kings in Judah were Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah. Jehoahaz and Jehoiachin ruled only for three months each; and both Jehoiakim and Zedekiah ruled for 11 years. During their time Nebuchadnezzar attacked Jerusalem two times. The king of Babel attacked Jerusalem in BC 598 and destroyed it completely (2 Kings 24:2-3). This was because of the sin committed by Manasseh. Later all the instruments of the temple along with lots of skilled people were taken to Babel during the time of Jehoachin. Zedekiah sinned against the Lord. Nebuchadnezzar came with all his army and captured Jerusalem and destroyed it. They looted the temple and the treasury and took them away along with holy articles and instruments of the temple. They captured all the remaining skilled and intelligent people to Babel. This incident has been termed as the Babylonian exile in the history of Judah. The kingdom of Judah was completely destroyed. The temple was destroyed and they were denied the facilities for offering sacrifices to Lord. The sins of the people and the sacrilegious acts of the leaders were the reasons for this fall. God’s own people thus entered a new stage in their religious and political life. Hymn Compline Kolo, Akhilam njan aranjittum... All things I have considered Nothing have I seen better Blessed is he who loved-the fear of the Lord Joseph the just loved it and became king of Egypt Moses loved it and divided the sea with his staff Daniel and his friends loved it 25  And it saved them from the flames More desirable than gold Sweeter than the honeycomb Blessed is he who loves-the fear of the Lord Let Us Pray Lord God, help us to learn from life experiences. Help us not to forget the good things You do in our life. Help us live as per Your will. Help us to correct our mistakes and come closer to You and do Your will. Amen. Resolution We learnt about the situations which led to the exile to Babylon. We shall live according to the commandments of God. Let Us Think 1. Who was the first King of Judah? Who were the last kings of Judah? 2. What was the other name for Uzziah? What was the reason for the fall of Uzziah? 3. How did the life of Hezekiah got his life extended? Who cured Hezekiah’s disease? Explain how Hezekiah responded when he was fatally ill? How was Hezekiah cured? 4. Name the son of Hezekiah. 5. Who was the longest ruling King in Judah? 6. What was the reason for the Babylonian exile and for the destruction and desolation of Judah? Activities 1. Read 2 Kings 24 and find out how many times the king of Babel attacked Judah? 2. Prepare a chart giving the names of all kings of Judah and Israel (read the two book of Kings) 3. Read 2 Kings 18 and fill in the blanks for the following questions along with the references: Further Reading Day Morning Evening Sunday * 1 Kings 14:21-31 Monday 2 Chronicles 26:3-23 Isaiah 1:1-4, 6:1-3 Tuesday Isaiah 7:1-17 2 Kings 15:1-7 Wednesday Psalm 19:9-11 2 Kings 15:8-22 Thursday 2 Kings 18 2 Kings 19 Friday 2 Kings 20 2 Kings 21 Saturday 2 Kings 23 * 26  Lesson 6 Election of Matthias (Acts 1:15-26) Learning Objectives: To help children understand the situation in which Matthias was elected to join the apostles, in the place Judas Iscariot, and appreciate the mode of election and to help children to face trying situations by seeking God’s will. Verse to be Memorized: So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us-one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection (Acts 1:21-22). Teaching Aids: Pictures of the twelve disciples, the Holy Bible, Pampakkuda Prayer book, the Service Book of the Holy Qurbana and the book of ‘Shehma’ Namaskaram. Introduction The Apostles of Jesus Christ were twelve. They were Peter, his brother Andrew, James, John, Matthew, Bartholomew, Thomas, Philip, Simon the zealot, Judas son of James and Judas Iscariot. Jesus chose disciples for preaching the word of God, and to be with him. Judas who betrayed Jesus was removed from the group of disciples. It was necessary that someone had to be chosen in his place. Let us learn about Matthias who has elected in place of Judas Iscariot. The Lesson After the ascension of Jesus Christ, the eleven Apostles and other disciples were in Jerusalem spending time in prayer. Mary, the mother of Jesus was also among them. During a meeting of the faithful, where 120 people had assembled, Peter spoke that one person had to be elected in place of Judas Iscariot, who was a member in the apostolic ministry (Read Acts 1:23-26). They had to keep the total number of Apostles as twelve, since Jesus had chosen and appointed twelve. The election and appointment were important. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Church. The call of the Apostles was to remain faithful as witnesses to this. They were to qualify for this. The criterion was that the person should be one who was with other eleven Apostles from the time of baptism of Jesus Christ by John, to the time of ascension. This means that a person who firmly believed that God became incarnate and lived as a human being and was crucified and resurrected, would became a true witness and an apostle. 27  There were two individuals who fulfilled the criteria set for the election of new apostle. One was Joseph. He was also known as Justus or Barsabbas. The second was Matthias. The Apostles cast lots after praying God for guidance. They were confident that this election was being done by God Himself. The lot fell to Matthias. Therefore Matthias was included into the ‘college of Apostles.’ A disciple of Jesus is one who leads a life of true witness. The elections in Church should be based on prayerful waiting for God’s intervention. The elections should be accepted in one accord once a person is divinely elected. Jesus had ‘elected’ twelve apostles. In a situation where one of them was ‘lost’, it was left to the Church to fill that position calling for God’s intervention in the election. When an election is completed in a divine way, everyone has to accept it. This election in the early Church is a model for all times. The election is actually done by Jesus Christ Himself, in every situation. Hymn Sleeba Namaskaram, Morning Prayer Kolo, Kshemamodangezhunelluka... Come in peace-Come O True Shepherd O Foundation of the Church For you are-like Peter and Paul O brother of the Prophets O friend of the Apostles Full of zeal like Elijah Pure like John the Beloved Blessed are we, the Church, who Received you, O Wise Ruler Let Us Pray Lord, enable us to hold the true faith that You have handed over to us through the disciples. Help us to hold on to that faith till our death. Make us worthy of praising You along with the holy disciples. Amen. Resolution We believe that it was through the twelve disciples that we received the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We shall serve God and His Church without craving for positions and power. Let Us Think 1. What was the intention of Jesus when he chose the twelve Apostles? 2. What did Peter say in the assembly of the believers? 3. What was the need for filling the position of Judas Iscariot? 28 4. Explain how St. Matthias was chosen? 5. What was the land bought by the wage earned by Judas for betraying Jesus called? 6. What were the eligibility criteria for the election of an Apostle in the place of Judas? 7. What were the other names of Joseph? Activities 1. Find out the details of the mission of St. Matthias. 2. Write a note on the elections conducted in the early church. 3. What do you think is the significance of the ‘criteria’ considered at the election of Matthias? 4. Do you think that casting lots is the best way to conduct an election? Do you recall people travelling in a ship casting lots in the book of Jonah? Explain. 5. Compare the election held in the early church with the elections in the contemporary Church. Further Reading Day Morning Evening Sunday * Acts 12:26 Monday John 6:23-40 Matthew 8:16-27 Tuesday Ephesians 5:1-14 Titus 3:1-14 Wednesday 1 Peter 1:1-16 Matthew 11:16-29 Thursday 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 Romans 14:1-8 Friday 1 John 2:1-10 John 13:47 Saturday Luke 12:1-12 * 29  Lesson 7 Waiting for the Holy Spirit and the Pentecost (Acts of the Apostles 2:1-47) Learning Objectives: To learn about Jesus Christ transmitting power to the Church through the Holy Spirit. To learn that prayerful waiting is a precondition for receiving the power of God. Verse to be Memorized: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me” (Psalms 51:10). Teaching Aids: The Holy Bible, an icon showing the descend of the Holy Spirit. Introduction Let us learn the incident where the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples who prayerfully waited for it. Jesus entrusted his disciples the responsibility to spread the word of God all over the world. He promised that the Holy Spirit shall descend on them and that they would be strengthened to spread the Word of God. They waited to receive the Holy Spirit with prayer and fasting as directed by Jesus before His ascension. Let us learn about the day of Pentecost. The Lesson The word ‘Pentecost’ means ‘fiftieth day’. This was actually the harvest festival of Jews. It was also known as ‘Shavuoth’ (Leviticus 23:15-21, Deuteronomy 16:9-12). This comes after fifty days from the Passover festival. This day was also commemorated as the day on which the Israelites received the Ten Commandments from God through Moses. Jesus had asked disciples to stay back in Jerusalem until they received the power from heaven. So they with the believers stayed in Jerusalem in prayer and meditation. On the day of Pentecost, suddenly they heard a sound like the blowing of a violent wind at the place where they gathered. The disciples saw ‘tongues of fire’ which came and rested on each of them. There were people from different nations who spoke different languages living in Jerusalem. When they heard the sound, they came together and were utterly amazed at what they saw. They were perplexed because the disciples who were illiterate spoke in languages they were not familiar with. Every one gathered there could understand what the Apostles said, in their own languages. When the Apostles started talking in other languages some people from the crowd ridiculed them saying they were drunk. Peter stood up and talked to them. He explained two important points in his speech: 1. The prophets in the Old Testament period has already talked about the coming of Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28, 29, Zechariah 12:10) 30  2. The Holy Spirit was sent as Jesus Christ had promised. So Peter exhorted the people to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). It was the first day of the of Church. It was also the day on which the disciples became courageous, who were otherwise afraid after the crucifixion of Jesus. About 3000 people were baptized on that single day. The Church considers Pentecost as a day on which the fullness of Holy Trinity was revealed. We should utilize the feast of Pentecost as a day for getting renewed the Holy Spirit we have received the Holy Spirit in our Baptism. It was the Holy Spirit, who is the third person in the Holy Trinity, who came upon the disciples. The power that the disciples received on the day of Pentecost made them witness Jesus Christ and spread the gospel all over the world. The presence of Holy Spirit is essential in our personal and social life. While talking in other tongues does not mean to talk in a language which no one else can understand. The disciples talked on the day of Pentecost in different languages, which were understood by others. It is important to know that whatever the disciples said, the people understood in their own language. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of order and decorum, and not disorder. Hymn Kyamtha Namaskaram, Lilyo, Kolo, Vinnulakin arachan... The King of Heaven Founded His Church and Made it His palace And dwelt within it Let all who wish to Speak to the Lord, come For behold, He dwells Within the True Church Halleluiah-Halleluiah You Who sustain her Have mercy on us. Let Us Pray Lord God, we praise You for sending Your Holy Spirit on the disciples. Lord, make us worthy to receive Your Holy Spirit and be transformed by this power. Amen. Resolution We shall participate in the service of Pentecost with full devotion and get renewed by the Holy Spirit whom we have already received in baptism. 31 Let Us Think 1. Explain the incidents which took place on the day of Pentecost. 2. What do we learn about the operation of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost day? In what form did the Holy Spirit come upon the disciples? 3. Summarize the speech made by St. Peter. 4. What changes did happen in the disciples because of descent of the Holy Spirit? 5. What is the meaning of the word ‘Pentecost’? What was the other name of the Jewish feast of Pentecost? What did the Jews celebrate on Pentecost ? 6. How many people were baptized on the day of Pentecost? Activities 1. List out the instances in the Holy Bible, where it says, ‘the Holy Spirit descended upon’. 2. Which are the blessings and graces we pray for during the worship, on the feast of Pentecost in our Church? 3. What are the other names used for Holy Spirit? 4. Compare the incident happened during the construction of the Tower of Babel with the happenings on Pentecost day. 5. Recite the third paragraph of Nicene Creed which confirms faith in the Holy spirit. 6. Examine what St. Paul taught regarding usage of other languages (1 Corinthians 14, glossalalia) Further Reading Day Morning Evening Sunday * 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Monday Galatians 5:1-24 Philippians 2:1-18 Tuesday Luke 11:1-13 Romans 7:1-10 Wednesday 1 Corinthians 14:26-39 2 Peter 1:1-21 Thursday John 1:1-18 Acts 8:9-25 Friday 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 1 Corinthians 14:1-19 Saturday Luke 12:1-12 * 32  Lesson 8 Life in the Early Church (Acts 1-4) Learning Objectives: To understand the lifestyle followed by the early Church and to appreciate and imitate in our life. Also to understand that we have the responsibility to live in world by keeping our life holy, without being influenced by evil. Verse to be Memorized: Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common (Acts 4:32). Teaching Aids: The Holy Bible Introduction We know that people living in various countries have their own life style and culture. The early Church too had its own mode of living. The Church started to grow after Pentecost and followed a unique mode of life. We shall learn about it in this lesson. The Lesson About 3000 people joined the Church on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41). Soon, another 5000 people also joined the Church (Acts 4:4). The Church was fast growing. Jesus Christ and his disciples were Jews. Hence the early Church had to follow some of the customs of the Jews. However, they created a life pattern based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. They concentrated mainly on four aspects (Acts 2:42). (i) Devotion to the teachings of Apostles (ii) Spiritual fellowship (iii) Breaking of bread (iv) spending time in prayer. The believers in the early Church listened to the words of Apostles. The Apostles strictly followed whatever they learnt from the life of Jesus. The believers respected the power received by the Apostles. The Apostles did many miracles. Another factor was the unity among them. They were of one mind, one heart and one soul. They assembled in the temple of Jerusalem, as one family. They decided not to have any discrimination among them based on wealth. They treated all their possessions as common for all; they sold them and brought the money to the Apostles. The Apostles distributed it for the needy among them. Jesus established the Holy Qurbana (Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:24). He commanded that it should be continued for his memory. The disciples faithfully did the ‘Breaking of Bread’ in their liturgy. They assembled on the day of the Lord, the 33 day on which Jesus had risen from the dead, and spent time in prayers and breaking bread. During that time, there were no churches as we have now. The believers gathered in certain houses for prayer and Breaking of Bread. They were known as ‘house churches’ (Acts 2:46). They also had love feasts together at homes. The first Christian community was to be one in Christ through the Breaking of Bread. The first Christian community gave importance to prayer and praising God. They arranged the liturgical services in the pattern of prayers in Jewish synagogue. The early Church had to face a lot of difficulties and persecutions, but they could overcome them with the power of prayer. They followed a life based on worship which was distinguished them from the worship of others. The early Church can be considered as a model for Christian community life. The early Church and its witness provides us valuable insights. We should deeply appreciate the unity, sanctity and spirit of stewardship in the early Church. We shall care for others by sharing our resources. The life of early Christians was Christ-centered. The early Church accepted the authority of Apostles. This authority is continued in the Church through the office of priesthood. Christian life is centred on worshiping God. The Church is called for worshipping God, and it lives and works for the realization of the Kingdom of God. The Church shall practice justice, peace and love which are the characteristics of the community of God. Hymn Kyamtha Namaskaram, Lilyo Kolo, Mashiha than mamavatti... The Holy Church which Is the Bride of Christ Is like Paradise Full of all blessings For within her is Holy Baptism And priests within her Bear holy mysteries Halleluiah-Halleluiah And distribute the Medicine of Life Let Us Pray O Triune God, teach us to lead a life of faith like the early Christians. Help us to follow the Fathers and Mothers of the Church, by sharing our possessions with the needy. Teach us we are all part of the same body and Jesus Christ is the head. Amen. 34  Resolution We shall follow the example of early Christians in our life. We shall respect the priesthood established in the Church by Jesus Christ. We shall help those who are weak economically and socially, and encourage others for the same. Let Us Think 1. What were the four major characteristics the early Christians maintained in their life? or what were the four things the early Christians strictly followed in their life? 2. Explain the relevance of the life of early Christians in the contemporary Church. 3. What is meant by ‘house churches’? 4. Why is the early Church considered as a model for future generations? What was notable in the life of early Church? 5. What caused a transformation in the life style of early Christians? 6. How did they treat their material wealth? Activities 1. Prepare a chart showing the activities in the early Church. Check against each characteristic whether we follow it our Church now. 2. Find out the other names used for ‘Breaking of Bread’ at different times in the history of the Church. Further Reading Day Morning Evening Sunday * Ephesians 4:1-16 Monday Matthew 16:13-28 1 Corinthians 3:10-23 Tuesday Ephesians 2:1-16 Ephesians 4:17-32 Wednesday Matthew 5:1-16 Revelations 22:1-9 Thursday 1 Timothy 2:1-15 Acts 6:1-7 Friday Ephesians 6:10-20 1 John 3:1-12 Saturday 1 John 3:13-24 * 35  Lesson 9 Stephen and Philip (Acts 6-8) Learning Objectives: To learn about the life and ministry of St. Stephen and St. Philip, the deacons in the early Church and to follow their life of devotion by witnessing Jesus Christ in our life. Verse to be Memorized: ‘Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God’ (Ephesians 5:1-2). Introduction Have you met any deacons (M’shamshono) in Church? Have you noticed the ‘Oorara’ or stole they wear during liturgical services? The responsibility of deacons is to assist in worship. We shall learn about a few deacons elected in the early Church. These deacons, who were elected and appointed for the service of Church, served Christ in different places. The Lesson The early Church developed under the leadership of Apostles. There was a complaint by the Greek speaking Jews that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of provisions. So the Apostles decided to elect a group of people to do this job. Those elected accordingly were the deacons in early Church. The Syriac word for deacon is ‘M’shamsono’ which means ‘one who serves’. Seven were chosen, who were full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. They were Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolaus. The Apostles prayed and placed their hands on them. St. Stephen Stephen and Philip were important among the seven deacons. We are familiar with the reading in fourth diptychs (Thubden) about St. Stephen as “Illustrious saint Stephen, chief of the deacons, and the first of the martyrs.” Stephen became a great proponent of the Gospel and performed great miracles and wonders among the people. Many people believed in Jesus seeing the life and words of Stephen. He was filled with wisdom and Holy Spirit. So no one could repudiate his words. The Jewish leaders became afraid of the works of Stephen and plotted against him. They accused him with blasphemy against the law of Moses. They seized Stephen and brought him before the council. Stephen made a speech and established that Jesus was the promised Messiah and the Jews were actually disobeying God. The members of the council became furious. 36 Stephen remained calm just like Jesus in trial. He said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God”. They took Stephen out and stoned him to death. Stephen kept on praying God not to remember this sin against them. The martyrdom of Stephen gave a new life and direction to the Church. The Church faced more persecutions; but it spread to different areas. He was the first martyr in Christianity. We commemorate his memory on January 8. St. Philip Philip also was called to be a deacon along with Stephen. Philip spread the gospel of Christ after the death of Stephen, in the city of Samaria. He did many miracles and brought a lot of people to Christ. People like Simon who was a magician came to believe in Christ. One day an angel of the Lord asked to Philip to stand on the road that went from Jerusalem to Gaza. Those days there used be eunuchs serving in the palaces. That day an Ethiopian eunuch, who was in charge of the treasury of the queen of Ethiopia was on his way home from Jerusalem. He had been to Jerusalem to worship God and was going back home in his carriage. Philip went near to the carriage and walked close to it. The eunuch was reading from the book of Prophet Isaiah without understanding what he read (Is. 53:7,8). Philip explained that what was mentioned in the text was about Jesus Christ and all the prophesies have been fulfilled in Jesus. Convinced of good news about Jesus, the eunuch got baptized by Philip. Even now the Church baptizes the grown ups who believe in Jesus and wish to join the Church. Philip went on to Caesarea and spread the gospel in all the villages on his way. He inspired many people to believe in Jesus including Jews and people from other religions including servants from palaces. We shall be willing to suffer and get hurt for the sake of the Gospel. The martyrs suffered for the sake of the Gospel. They made the Church to grow. In his life, St. Stephen followed Jesus. He imitated Jesus Christ even in death. We will be strengthened in times of difficulty by the Holy Spirit like St. Stephen. When we pray for our persecutors we do imitate Christ. We too have a purpose in our life, as the deacons of the early church had. Hymn Pre-Qurbana Kolo, Thannullam kayyil... Glory to Christ Who-built upon His hands The Church and set up the altar in it And set the prophets-apostles and the Martyrs who triumphed as its foundation Halleluiah w-Halleluiah Blessed is He who built and confirmed His Church 37  Let Us Pray O God, help us to witness You in life like St. Stephen. Help us to face all difficulties even unto death for Your sake. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and strengthen us to do Your will. Amen Let Us think 1. Name the deacons of early Church. What were the criteria for selecting deacons? 2. What is the meaning of the word ‘deacon’? Name the seven deacons of the early Apostolic times. 3. To which place did Nicolaus belong? 4. What were the eligibility criteria of the deacons? 3. How is St. Stephen described in fourth intercessional prayer (Diptychs or Thubden) in Holy Qurbana. 5. Summarize the speech of St. Stephen. 6. Stephen was accused of blasphemy against whom? 7. Read Acts 6:15 and find out how Stephen’s face looked like when the council members looked at him? What was Stephen’s prayer when he was being stoned? 8. Prepare a note on the life and mission of St. Philip. 9. What lessons do we learn from the lives of these two deacons? 10. In which city did Philip preach the gospel first? 11. What was the road on which Philip met the eunuch? What is notable about the pilgrimage of the Ethiopian eunuch? Activities Prepare a skit based on the speech made by St. Stephen, his trial and the judgment. Further Reading Day Morning Evening Sunday * Matthew 10:16-33 Monday 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Hebrews 5:1-4 Tuesday Luke 9:1-22 1 Corinthians 15:1-19 Wednesday Matthew 6:19-34 Hebrews 12:1-13 Thursday Philippians 4:1-9 1 Corinthians 1:4-25 Friday James 3:1-18 Matthew 18:1-14 Saturday 2 Timothy 4:1-18 * 38  Lesson 10 The Missionary Work of Saint Peter (Acts 3,5,9) Learning Objectives: To understand the missionary work of St. Peter. Verse to be Memorized: Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk” (Acts 3:6). Teaching Aids: The Holy Bible and the Service Book of the Holy Qurbana. Introduction Apostle Peter had denied Jesus. However, Peter who was a coward became a courageous leader of the Church. His missionary work was a manifestation of his dedication to Christ. Let us learn about the mission and witness of Apostle Peter. The Lesson Peter was the eldest among disciples of Jesus. Peter delivered a speech at the time of the election of Matthias and on the day of Pentecost. The early chapters in the Acts of the Apostles give the details of the missionary activities in the early Church. Peter did many miracles, cured the sick and gave life to a dead woman (Acts 9:36-40). Peter made a speech on the day of Pentecost; and that day 3000 people joined the Church. Many people joined the Church thereafter. In the first miracle performed by Peter, a lame beggar was made to walk. The lame beggar asked for money; Peter told him he had none, but in the name of Jesus of Nazareth he bid him to rise and walk. The beggar did as he was asked to; he stood up and walked (Acts 3:1-10). This miracle attracted many people to Christ. But Peter never took the credit of it. The Jewish leaders put Peter in prison when they saw that many people were attracted to Christianity after listening to Peter. But every time God rescued him miraculously (Acts 12). All such incidents made people join Christianity. Sick people were carried into the streets and placed on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on them as he passed by (Acts 5: 12-16), so that they would be healed. Many other miracles were performed by Peter. He healed a man Aeneas who was paralyzed for eight years (Acts 9:32), and raised Tabitha from death. In the early Church there was the practice of sharing everything that the believers had. They sold their belongings and brought the money to the disciples. When Ananias and Sapphira acted against this and lied, they were punished by God. This happened in the presence of Peter. In the beginning of Christianity, only Jews joined the Church. The work of Peter brought gentiles also to the Church. He baptized the first gentile, a man named Cornelius, and won the support from gentiles. Peter helped to shape the 39 Christian attitude towards them. Peter’s action initially invited opposition from those Christians who were Jewish converts. But Peter was firm in his convictions. Thus many gentiles joined the Church. Peter denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-62). But like other disciples, he too became an effective missionary after receiving the Holy Spirit. Let us accept the transformation and mission spirit of St. Peter as a model for us. According to Church tradition, Peter was crucified in Rome on the orders of Nero Augustus Caesar. It is said that he was crucified upside down, at his own request, since he considered himself unworthy to be crucified in the same way as Jesus. The Church commemorate the martyrdom of Peter on 29 June. The life and witness of St. Peter gives us inspiration. We have received the Holy Spirit and we are called to be witnesses of Christ, like Peter. The Lord will not give us up in our difficulties. Miracles and healing should not be counted as personal glory, but they are for the glory of God’s name. We get a new direction in life when we stand firm in Jesus Christ. Hymn Pre-Qurbana Kolo, (Marthoma) shleeha ninne ormichor... The right hand of God-holy St. Peter Rests upon your flock which remembers you She honours your bones-and she praises Christ Who has magnified your great memory Halleluiah-w-Halleluiah May your prayer be our stronghold and refuge Let Us Pray Our loving God, who taught the truth to the Church through Your disciples who were fishermen, do not leave us in our sins. Protect us from attraction of the world and Satan who makes us sin against You. Amen. Resolution We learnt about the missionary work of St. Peter. We shall also work for the gospel of Jesus Christ. We shall not deny Christ even if it costs our life. Let Us think 1. Point out the highlights of the speech made by Peter at Pentecost. 2. Describe the event in which Peter healed the lame beggar. Where was the lame beggar, when he met Peter and John? 3. How many people joined the Church on the day of Pentecost? 4. What paved way for the gentiles to join Church? Describe the incident related to this. 5. Compare Peter’s behavior before and after he denied Jesus. 40 6. Name the place where Peter raised a woman from death? 7. What is the meaning of the word ‘Tabitha’? 8. Where was Peter martyred? Who ordered his death? 10. What are the lessons we learn from the life of St. Peter? Activities 1. Present a skit based on the event where St. Peter raised Tabitha from death. 2. Prepare a chart based on the important events in Peter’s life. 3. Identify the day called the Golden Friday (Swarna Velliyazhcha) Further Reading Day Morning Evening Sunday * Acts 3:1-9 Monday Matthew 16:15-19 1 Corinthians 3:10-23 Tuesday Acts 4:13-22 1 Peter 3:18-22 Wednesday Luke 13:18-30 Acts 9:32-35 Thursday John 6:50-60 2 Peter 3:1-10 Friday Acts 9:36-43 Matthew 17:1-13 Saturday Acts 10:1-8 * 41  UNIT 2 PRAYER Lesson 11 Angelic Hymn Learning Objectives: To understand the meaning and importance of the prayer ‘angelic hymn’ which is used in our worship and to recite this prayer every day with full devotion. Verse to be Memorized: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Is. 6: 3). Teaching Aids: The Holy Bible, Prayer Book, Church Encyclopedia, the Service Book of Holy Qurbana, and the book of Sheema Namaskaram Introduction Angel is a messenger, emissary or ambassador. The Church Fathers teach us that there are nine rows of angels who praise God without break. In the Holy Bible we see the presence of angels on several occasions. The nine rows of angels are: Seraphim (Is. 6), Cherubim (Ezek 10:3,5), Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels (Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael), and Angels (Gen. 21:17). Let us learn Angelic hymn. The Lesson The functions of angels are praising God in heaven continuously, always being ready to obey the will of God, conveying the will of God to human beings and protecting people. In Isaiah Chapter 6:1-4, there is an account of the vision of Isaiah. Isaiah saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Above him were Seraphs, each with six wings praising God. The Seraphs praised God. Our Church Fathers have organized this prayer for us so that we could also praise God as the angels praise Him in heaven. This prayer is a part of night time prayer. Let us examine the meaning and importance of this prayer. Angelic Hymn is to praise Almighty God. When we participate in the service on Christmas night the faithful put the incense into the fire while reciting the Angelic Hymn. The hymn is also used in the funeral service. An Eastern Church tradition says that the angels stand in rows and praise God. So the prayer is written in a pattern in which the leader and others chant the verses alternately. Let us chant the prayer in this manner. 42  Angelic Hymn Teacher: Like the heavenly angels who praise You up in the heights, we who are frail and sinful offer praise. Students: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth, tranquility and good will among men at all times and in all seasons. Teacher: We praise You, we bless You, we adore You. We sing to You a hymn of praise. Students: We give thanks to You because of Your great glory, Lord, our Creator, King of heaven, God the Father Almighty; we praise You, Jesus Christ, Lord God, God’s only Son, along with the Holy Spirit. Teacher: Lord God, Lamb of God and Word of the Father, who takes away the sin of the world, be gracious to all. Students: You, who take away the sin of the world, incline Your ear to us and receive our prayers. Teacher: You, who sit in glory at the right hand of Your Father, have compassion on us and be gracious to all. Students: Because You only are holy, Lord Jesus Christ, You deserve the great glory of God, the Father, along with the Holy Spirit. Amen. Teacher: At all times and on all the days of our lives we bless You and praise Your holy and eternal name. Students: Blessed are You, Lord, Upholder of all, God of our fathers, Your name is blessed and glorified with praises, for ever and ever. Teacher: To you belongs glory, to you belongs praise, to you belongs honor, God of all, Father of truth; we praise You, Your only Son and the living holy Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen. The important themes included in the Angelic Hymn are: 1. Praise to Holy Trinity: In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, angels are said to keep praising God. The purpose of human life is to praise God, like the angels do. The word ‘Orthodox’ means ‘true worship or true praise’. The true worship is the Trinitarian praise. All the prayers in the Orthodox church start with praise to the Triune God. The content of angelic hymn is the praise to the Holy Trinity. In this prayer different attributes are given to Holy Trinity. When we praise God in Spirit and Truth, the holiness of God fills us and we get purified and transformed. 2. Peace on Earth: The prayer contains special appeals for peace on earth and hope of people of God. The following are certain important liturgical occasions when the Angelic Hymn is recited. 1. During the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord at the liturgy of the bonfire. 43  2. Funeral service. 3. At the end of the Liturgy on Good Friday. 4. Parts of the Angelic Hymn are used during the liturgy of the Exaltation of the Cross on Feast days. We use the angelic hymn during the service on Christmas and recall the song of angels at the birth of Jesus Christ. The prayer is used in the funeral service to show that the soul of the departed one is given in to the care of angels. Hymn This is used in place of ‘Harken gracious Lord we pray.. Seraphim of Fiery line Saw Isaiah in the Shrine Each six winged, around the throne Ever serving God alone. Covered each with two his face Lest he see that Holy Grace Covered each with two his feet Lest they burn in holy heat. Flapping their other two wings They all shout and proclaim so Holy, Holy, Holy, Thou Holy are thou Son of God. Holy art thou, Lord of hosts Praise to thee be, all our boast Resolution We realize that we are in the company of angels when we recite the Angelic Hymn. Let Us Think 1. Explain the important ideas in the ‘angelic hymn’. 2. Which are words used for Holy Trinity in this prayer? 3. See how the humility of the praying person is expressed in this prayer. 4. Note the significance of the descriptive ‘Names’ given to Jesus Christ. 5. Establish that the theme of this prayer is praise to the Triune God. 6. Identify certain liturgical occasions when the Angelic Hymn is recited. 7. Why is this prayer known as ‘Angelic Hymn?’ Activities 1. Prepare a chart showing different descriptive names used for Jesus Christ in different types of prayer books (Liturgical book and Common family prayer book). 44 2. Learn to recite the Angelic Hymn without the help of the text and include parts of the Angelic Hymn in your personal prayers. Group Work 1. Identify the descriptive names used for Jesus Christ in Angelic Hymn (find out from the prayer book). The teacher shall help children to understand each of them. Lord God, the only Son; Son of the Father; Word; One who takes away the sins of the world; Lamb of God; One who sits on the right hand of the father in great glory; The Holy One; To Whom glory is due 2. In the same manner, find out the adjectives used for ‘God the Father’ in this prayer. Further Reading Day Morning Evening Sunday * Isaiah 8 Monday Psalm 104 Isaiah 9 Tuesday Isaiah 10 Isaiah 11 Wednesday Revelations 1:10-20 1 Timothy 6:11-19 Thursday Hebrews 1:5-14 Psalm 96 Friday Psalm 97 Psalm 98 Saturday Psalm 99 * 45  Lesson 12 Lenten Prayers Learning Objectives: To learn the order of prayers during the lent, and to pray accordingly during the Lenten season. Verse to be Memorized: ‘When I went up the mountain to receive the stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant that the Lord made with you, I remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water’ (Deuteronomy 9:9). Teaching Aids: Prayers of the Great Lent, Susrusha samvidhanasahai (Guide Book for various Liturgies) Introduction The Orthodox Church gives great importance to the fasting and prayer. The Church insists that all members of the Church shall observe five canonical lents. Fasting, by avoiding certain food materials, and being continuously in contact with God through the Bible reading and prayer are some of the observations during the Lent. Lent strengthen us spiritually, and helps us to activate and realize the full significance of the Image and Likeness of God in us. Jesus said, ‘This kind can come out only through prayer and fasting’(Mark 9:29). It shows the importance of fasting in overcoming the temptations of devil. Jesus himself defeated Satan through the power of fasting. The Church has prescribed specific liturgical observations during Nineveh fasting (three days) and the Great Lent (fifty days). This lesson deals with the liturgical observations for these two Lenten seasons. The Lesson In our common prayer, the theme of the prayers vary with days and with canonical hours; but during lent, there are no such variations. Lenten prayers of Suthoro (compline) and Lilyo (midnight) consist of prayers of repentance. Prayers of other hours contain descriptions of fasting and related petitions. The prayers of the Lent begin at the evening of Sunday. On ordinary days canonical prayers of seven hours are done during morning and evening. But during lent days seven hours’ canonical prayers are done at evening, morning, and noon. Evening prayer and Suthoro are done in the evening, Lilyo and morning prayers are done in the morning; the third hour prayer, noon prayer and ninth hour prayer are done together at noon. Prayers are longer than usual in churches during lenten days. Psalms, hymns, Promion, Sedro and Ethro are included in the prayers so that the participants can experience a real lent. We shall look at certain prayers used during lent. 46  1. Great Lent, Tuesday evening prayer: ‘This is the pure fast’, cries out the prophet and he preaches to us its manners as to how we should keep it: “Loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?” (Is. 58:6-7). 2. Great Lent, Wednesday evening: “If anyone fasts from bread but sins by word, what profit is there? He builds up and pulls down and loses his reward. If he fasts and gets justified and speaks boastfully, he damages his justice, his stomach is empty and his fasting is not accepted.” 3. Great Lent, Wednesday morning: “By his fasting, the prophet Moses brought down tablets for the people of Israel; Elijah was lifted up; Daniel conquered the beasts. Brethren, let us fast and pray in order to inherit the kingdom.” Prostration (Bowing Down) Prostration is a spiritual exercise in Orthodox worship. During Lenten days prostration is made several times. At the time of Kauma we prostrate. In Church worship, we bow down several times during Sedro. Bowing down forty times after noon prayer is part of the Lenten worship. The following prayers are repeated ten times followed by bowing down. “Kyrieelaison; Lord have mercy upon us; Lord have pity and mercy upon us; Lord, answer and have pity on us”. According to the teaching of the Church, we shall not bow down on the following days: Feast of the Lord (Moranaya), Sundays, and on the days from Easter to Pentecost. Saturdays and Sundays We know that Lenten days are fasting days. In the lent days there is no fasting on Saturdays and Sundays. The special prayers for great lent is not applicable on Saturdays and Sundays. We use common prayers on these two days. Prayers of the lent start with the prayer at ‘Monday evening’ (evening after Sunday); so the Monday evening prayer shall be conducted only after the prayer of the ninth hour of Sunday. Let Us Pray My Lord, who heard the prayer of the prophet Jonah in the belly of the fish, kindly accept my fasts and prayers also. Amen Resolution We shall faithfully observe the Lents prescribed by the Church and say the Lenten prayers with devotion and repentance. Let Us Think 1. What is the theme of the ninth hour (None) of common prayer? 2. Which are the Moranaya feasts which may come during Nineveh fast and Great Lent? What is the significance of the two Sundays between these fasts? 47 3. Explore how the date of Easter is decided. 4. Which are the seven canonical hours of prayers? Have you ever attended canonical prayers in the church during lent days? Activities 1. Explain how we may use the money we save from fasting. 2. Discuss the benefits gained by body, mind and spirit by fasting. 3. ‘Fasting has a social aspect too’. Discuss. Further Reading Day Morning Evening Sunday * Isaiah 58:3-8 Monday Deuteronomy 9:9-17 Isaiah 58:9-14 Tuesday Deuteronomy 9:18-21 1 Kings 19:1-9 Wednesday Daniel 1:1-15 Jonah 2:1-10 Thursday Hebrews 8:21-23 Jonah 3:1-10 Friday Matthew 4:1-11 Luke 4:1-11 Saturday Mark 1:9-13 * 48  Lesson 13 Prayer at Suthoro (Fourth Psalm) Learning Objectives: To learn the message and significance of Psalm 4 included in Suthoro. Verse to be Memorized: ‘The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life’ (Psalm 121: 6,7) Teaching Aids: The Holy Bible, Service Book of Holy Qurbana, Book of Common Prayer, and Prayers of the Great Lent. Introduction The prayer which is said before going to bed is called Suthoro. ‘Suthoro’ means ‘protection’. Suthoro is the prayer through which we seek God’s protection. Let us learn the Psalm 4 which is included in the prayer at Suthoro. The book of Common Prayer does not include this prayer for Suthoro. But this prayer has been included in the Suthoro of the lent days. The Lesson Psalm 4 is king David’s prayer of compline. Let us learn this Psalm (Peshitta) by heart. This Psalm can influence us when we recite it with devotion. It gives many spiritual lessons to the faithful. When I called you have answered me, my God, the salvation of my righteousness. In my affliction You have comforted me; have mercy upon me and hear my prayer. O men, how long will you hide my honour? And will you love vanity and seek after lies? Know that the Lord has set apart the chosen one by miracle. The Lord will hear when I call to Him. Be angry, but do not sin. Say in your hearts and meditate in your beds. Offer sacrifices of justice and put your trust in the Lord. There are many who say: ‘Who will show some good, and extend the light of His face upon us’. O Lord, You have given your joy in my heart, more than the time when their grain and wine and oil abounded together in peace. I will lie down and sleep. For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in tranquility. To You befits glory, O God. 1. In times of affliction we shall find comfort in the Lord. King David was a man who had faced many trials and difficulties in the life. On all such occasions, he was in the habit of depending on God and finding comfort there. Similarly at times of afflictions we shall come to our Lord Jesus Christ and spend more time in prayer. This will comfort us. 49