Missionary Work By The Apostles

OBJECTIVE

• Overview the ministry of Peter and Paul, observing how God worked through them.

INTRODUCTION AND HOOKS - 5 Minutes

• A father once asked his son to help him fix the washing machine, and handed him a flashlight
• The son held the flashlight, not fully understanding what work his father was performing
• When the machine was fixed, the father rewarded his son for helping him
• In ministry and service, we often hold a flashlight to God's work, not fully understanding the events taking place, but in awe taking the blessing of the work done before us

HOLY SCRIPTURE - 5 Minutes

• 11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:11-12)

Memory Verse

"If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor" (Jn. 12:26).

CONTENT - 25 Minutes

• Apostolic Ministry
  • Christ's ministry was to establish the kingdom of God, to bring us to repentance, and to redeem us so we may partake in His love
  • Christ chose twelve apostles and gave them the Holy Spirit to equip them for ministry
  • Christ also appeared to Paul on the way to Damascus to give him a special ministry
• Ministry of Peter
  • Apostolic Calling
    • Christ called Peter to be a "fisher of men" (cf. Mt. 4:19) after the miracle of the great catch of fish
  • Relationship with Christ
    • When asked who he thought Jesus was, Peter confessed that He was "Christ, Son of the living God" (cf. Mt. 16:16)
    • Peter walked on water with Christ, witnessed the transfiguration, and had his feet washed before the last supper
    • After denying Christ three times, Peter was restored three times by the risen Christ
  • Leadership at Pentecost
    • Peter gave a powerful sermon at Pentecost, and afterwards baptized three thousand
  • Ministry
    • Peter was the leader of the church in Jerusalem, and wrote two epistles
    • He raised a lame man and preached boldly in the temple declaring the resurrection of Christ----and was commanded by the Sanhedrin to be beaten as a result
    • Peter witnessed the Holy Spirit descend upon the God-fearer Cornelius, recognizing that God called the Gentiles
    • Peter and Mark went together to Rome, likely where Mark wrote his gospel according to the testimony of Peter
  • Martyrdom
    • Peter was imprisoned in Rome once Nero came into power, and was crucified upside down and receiving the crown of martyrdom around the year 67 AD
• Ministry of Paul
  • Apostolic Calling
    • On his way to Damascus, the risen Christ appeared to Paul, blinding him as a result
    • God told Ananias that Paul was a chosen vessel, to bear His name to the gentiles
    • Barnabas, "the son of encouragement," found Paul and introduced him to the Apostles, and the two of them were later ordained celibate priests(cf. Acts 13:1-3)
    • During his ministry, Paul wrote fourteen epistles
  • Missions and Arrest
    • First Mission. From 47 to 49 AD, Paul and Barnabas traveled with Mark from Antioch, who left the two in Perga (cf. Acts 13:13). During this mission, Paul confronted a sorcerer and blinded in him Paphos (cf. Acts 13:5-12), healed a lame man in Iconium (cf. Acts 14:8-20), and appointed elders in the churches they established (cf. Acts 14:1-15)
    • Second Mission. From 49 to 51 AD, Paul traveled with Silas, Timothy, Luke, Priscilla, and Aquila. Paul was imprisoned during this missionary journey in Philippi (cf. Acts 16:11-40), was nearly arrested in Thessalonica (cf. Acts 17:1-9), and establishes a church in Ephesus (cf. 18:19-21)
    • Third Mission. From 52 to 57 AD, Paul traveled with Timothy, Luke, and others. Paul remained in Ephesus for two years until he was driven out by a riot (cf. Acts 19:1-41), preached in Macedonia and Greece for three months (cf. Acts 20:1-3), raised a young man from the dead (cf. Acts 20:4-12), and arrived in Jerusalem prior to going to the temple (cf. Acts 21:17-26)
  • Arrest
    • Paul was later arrested, imprisoned for two years, sent to Rome, and remained under house arrest for another two years until being released
    • He preached in Macedonia until we was imprisoned in Rome under Emperor Nero
  • Martyrdom
    • Paul received the crown of martyrdom after being beheaded in 67 AD

DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 5 Minutes

• How can God use two completely different people like Peter and Paul for ministry?
• List three character traits shared between Peter and Paul in their approach to ministry.
• How did Peter and Paul struggle in their ministry, and how did they overcome struggles?

APPLICATION (Action) - 5 Minutes

• God can use anyone for service, no matter what background or education.
• Things may not always go our way in service, but we must continue to struggle.
• Prayer and repentance prepares us for service, and trust in God gives us courage.

PARENTS CORNER

• Look out for opportunities for your child to participate in service, such as visiting someone who is sick, bringing food to a family that is in need, or signing up to help at an event at church
• Ask the servant or priest if there are any opportunities to help in service

LESSON ATTACHMENTS