James

• James was sometimes  called  1)James the Less ; 2)James the Younger
• He was the son of Alphaeus (Mark 3:18 & Mark & 2:14)
• He was one of the most unknown apostles in the Bible.
• The only things we know for certain are his name and that he was present in the upper room of Jerusalem after Christ ascended to heaven.
• Possible brother of Matthew (Levi) the tax collector.
• He is sometimes confused with James the brother of Jesus (who wrote the book of James) or James the brother of Joseph.

Who was Alphaeus

Mark 3:18 – Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot

1. Mark’s Gospel describes Alphaeus as the father of two of the twelve apostles, Levi and James. This would seem to meant that Levi and James were brothers, although not described as such.

2.In fact, the only references to Levi are in Mark 2:14 and the corresponding verse (5:27) in   Luke’s Gospel, which Luke elaborates slightly by adding a passage in which Jesus is criticized for consorting with publicans (tax collectors).

3.  However, Matthew’s Gospel, although dependent    on Mark for this information, refers to another disciple, Matthew, as the former tax collector, so that it has become accepted by Christians that Matthew and Levi were one and the same person, although none of the gospel’s links Matthew with either Alphaeus or James.

4. An interesting theological discussion has consequently arisen as to whether there were two fathers known as Alphaeus, improbable as that would be. Something to think about.

• Was present at the Last Supper & at the appearance of Jesus after the Resurrection (John 20:19-25).
• Some suggest that James belonged to Zealots.
• His mission was to preach the kingdom of heaven is at hand, heal the sick cleansed the lepers, raise the dead and cast out demons. – Matthews 10:5-8

Lesson Learned:

• All followers of Jesus can still accomplish the work of God without being in the limelight.

Thaddeus or Jude

• Listed together with Simon the Zealot and James the Less.
• Apostle Thaddeus completes a grouping of the least known of the 12 disciples.
• In Twelve Ordinary Men, John MacArthur’s book about the apostles, Thaddeus is characterized as a tender – hearted, gentle man who displayed childlike humility.
• He was also considered inquisitive (John 14:22); Confused (John 14:22)
• Son of James (Luke 6:16) “James son of Alpheus”
• The Aramaic meaning of his name is “beloved” or “dear to the heart”.
• Jude is derived from the Hebrew name Judah, meaning “praise”.
• Was present at the Last Supper.
• Some scholars believe that he authored the book of Jude, although most believe that author was Judas, the brother of Jesus.
• It was suggested that Thaddaeus belonged to the revolutionary group, the Zealots.
• He asked Jesus how he would reveal himself to his followers and not to the world.

• John 14:22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”

1-  Not everyone would understand and be receptive to his message.

Lesson Learned:  Jesus will reveal his truths to believers who follow Him.

Simon the Zealot

• Who doesn’t like a good mystery? One puzzling question in the Bible is the exact identity of Simon the Zealot, the Bible’s own mystery apostle.
• Scripture tells us almost nothing about Simon.
• In the Gospels, he is mentioned in three places, but only to list his name.
• In Acts 1:13you will find that he was present with the apostles in the upper room of Jerusalem after Christ had ascended to heaven. Beyond those few details, we can only speculate about Simon and his designation as a Zealot.

Matthew 10:4   Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Zealots defined:

• Because of their often-violent tactics, the Zealots have been called some of the world’s first terrorists.
• The Zealots were members of a first-century political movement among Judean Jews who sought to overthrow the occupying Roman government.
• The word zealot has a Greek meaning of “zealous follower.” *passionate, devout, committed, dedicated, sincere or enthusiastic.
• 12 disciple, mission to preach, Last Supper.
• Present for the Great Commission and Jesus’ Ascension into heaven.
• Matthew 28:18-20 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
• The Great Commission was not just for the immediate disciples that He was speaking too but it is given to all believers.

Personality & Character

1-Patriotic (Matthew 10:4)
2-Loyal (mark 3:18)
3-Passionate (Luke 6:15)
4- Sacrificial (Acts 1:13)

Lesson Learned:

One should be willing to sacrifice his or her politics to follow Jesus.

James

• James the son of Zebedee, often called James the Greater, to distinguish him from the other apostle named James, was a member of Christ’s inner circle, which included his brother, the apostle John, and Peter. James was one of the first apostles.
• Not only did James and John earn a special nickname from the Lord — “sons of thunder” — they were privileged to be at the front and center of three supernatural events in the life of Christ. In addition to these honors, James was the first of the twelve to be martyred for his faith in A.D. 44.
• Personality is unknown/killed by King Herod by a sword. Acts 12:1-2
• Lesson Learn: Stood Firm in the face of Persecution.

  John

• • The apostle John, brother to James, was nicknamed by Jesus one of the “sons of thunder,” but he liked to call himself “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”
  • With his fiery temperament and special devotion to the Savior, he gained favor and was place in Christ’s inner circle.
  • John’s enormous impact on the early Christian church and his larger-than-life personality, make him a fascinating character study.
  • His writings reveal contrasting traits. For instance, on the first Easter morning, with his typical zeal and enthusiasm, John raced Peter to the tomb after Mary Magdalene reported that it was now empty.
  • Although John won the race and bragged about this achievement in his Gospel (John 20:1-9), he humbly allowed Peter to enter the tomb first.
  • According to tradition, John outlived all of the disciples, dying of old age in Ephesus, where he preached a gospel of love and taught against heresy.
  • Although John won the race and bragged about this achievement in his Gospel (John 20:1-9), he humbly allowed Peter to enter the tomb first.
  • According to tradition, John outlived all of the disciples, dying of old age in Ephesus, where he preached a gospel of love and taught against heresy.  
• Key Lessons:  God’s love, evident in Jesus Christ, saves, transforms and unites all believers.

   Philip

• When the apostle Philip called him to come and meet the Messiah, Nathanael was skeptical, but he followed along anyway.
• As Philip introduced him to Jesus, the Lord declared, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.” Immediately Nathanael wanted to know, “How do you know me?”
• Jesus got his attention when he answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Well, that stopped Nathanael in his tracks. Shocked and surprised he declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”
• The third disciple called by Jesus. John 1:43
• Informed Jesus that several Greeks want to see him. John 12:20-22
• Asked Jesus to show him the father. John 14:8-9*
• Key Lesson: All the knowledge in the world does not compare to the truth found in Jesus.

Nathanael or Bartholomew

• When the apostle Philip called him to come and meet the Messiah, Nathanael was skeptical, but he followed along anyway.
• As Philip introduced him to Jesus, the Lord declared, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.” Immediately Nathanael wanted to know, “How do you know me?”
• Jesus got his attention when he answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Well, that stopped Nathanael in his tracks. Shocked and surprised he declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”
• The name Nathanael derives from the Hebrew meaning “God has given.”
• Nathanael garnered only a few lines in the Gospels, nevertheless, in that instant he became a loyal follower of Jesus Christ.
• He was considered skeptical (john 1:46),Honest (John 1:47), Faithful (John 1:49).
• Witnessed the miraculous catch of fish and eat breakfast with Jesus after his resurrection.    John 21:2-7*Key Lesson:    Believers are called to test all things with Scriptures and remain true to its principles

Sunday- August 25, 2019

Peter

• Without question, the apostle Peter was a disciple most people can identify with.
• One minute he was walking on water by faith, and the next he was sinking in doubt. Impulsive, hot tempered, emotional but yet insightful and courageous.
• Peter is best known for denying Jesus when the pressure was on. Even so, as a disciple he was dearly loved by Christ, holding a special place among the twelve.
• Peter, a spokesman for the twelve, stands out in the Gospels. Whenever the men are listed, Peter’s name is first.
• He was the brother of Andrew (Matthew 4:18)
• He, James, and John formed the inner circle of Jesus’ closest companions.
• He was called to be a fisher of people (Matthew 4:19).
• He was sent to prepare the upper room for the Last supper (Peter & John) – (Luke 22:8)*
• Was with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
• Olive Trees, it’s where Jesus went to prayed after the Passover, the disciples fell asleep, the betrayal with a kiss and peter cut the servant ear off.
• These three alone were given the privilege of experiencing the transfiguration, along with a few other extraordinary revelations of Jesus. Moses and Elijah appeared and they heard a voice from above. 1 Peter 1:16-18*
• Mount transfiguration, the glow of Jesus Christ, Peter, James and John.
• After the resurrection, Peter became a bold evangelist and missionary, and one of the greatest leaders of the early church.
• Passionate until the end, historians record that when Peter was sentenced to death by crucifixion.
• Peter requested that his head be turned toward the ground because he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as his Savior.
• Married/Fisherman
• Left everything to follow Jesus.- Luke 5: 11
• Simon said Jesus is the Christ, Son of the living God, Jesus names him Peter (rock) and said, “Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it.” Matt.16:16-19*
• Was with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
• Jesus predicted that Peter would deny knowing him three time. Luke 22:31-34
• Lesson Learned: God can forgive sins and strengthen the faith of those who love him.

Andrew

• Brother of Peter, Fisherman and Follower of Jesus
• The Apostle Andrew, whose name means “manly,” was the first apostle of Jesus Christ.
• He had previously been a follower of John the Baptist, but when John proclaimed Jesus “the lamb of God,” Andrew went with Jesus and spent a day with him.
• Andrew quickly found his brother Simon (later called Peter) and told him “We have found the Messiah.” (John 1:41)
• He brought Simon to meet Jesus. Matthew notes that Simon and Andrew dropped their fishing nets and followed Jesus as he was passing by.
  • He and three other disciples asked Jesus about his prophecy that the Temple would be torn down –Massive rocks and told of the future. (Mark 13:3-4)*
  • Andrew brought a boy with two fish and five barley loaves to Jesus, who multiplied them to feed 5,000 people (John 6:8-13).
  • Philip and Andrew brought some Greeks to Jesus who wanted to meet him.( Possible converts)The Gospels record three episodes involving the Apostle Andrew.  (John 12:20-22).
• Told Jesus of the boy with the five loaves of bread and two fish. John 6:8-9
• Was present when Jesus appeared to the disciples after the resurrection. John 20:19-25
• Was present for the Great Commission when Jesus sent his disciples to all nations. Matthew 28:16-20*
• Witnessed Jesus being taken up into heaven. Acts 1:8-9
• Key Lesson: Go out and eagerly share the good news about Jesus Christ.

Sunday- August 18, 2019