The Beginning: The Story of the Early Days of Christianity

By Dr. Dino J. Pedrone

A young man walks along a road leading to the Sea of Galilee.

Messiahs were plentiful in the first century. In Judaism, the idea of Messiah referred to “a king appointed by the Almighty.” After the Hasmonean kingdom in the first century and the Roman-Jewish wars in the first two centuries, the idea of a Messiah expanded. The Messiah was considered to be “the individual who would deliver the Jewish people from the Roman Empire,” thus ushering in the golden age of Messiah. Now here comes another. A leader of a Jewish sect was crucified, and there were those who claimed he rose from the grave. It does sound a little preposterous.

Messiahs could fill volumes with their plans and heroics, but the obvious questions are, Where are they now? Where are their followers?

A man who gathers twelve apparent misfits of society and leads them while he teaches, heals, delivers evil spirits, and raises some from the dead is certainly unique. Is he one of the many self-proclaimed Messiahs, or is he different?

The faith that this man founded today represents nearly one-third of the world’s population.

The Beginning details how this movement started. From a small group called The Way to the conversion of a vitriolic Pharisee to meetings with well-known political activists the story begins.

So snuggle up; get a nice, warm drink; and follow The Beginning—the early story of Christianity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: May 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9781973660606

Dr. Dino J. Pedrone

Dr. Dino Pedrone spent over 50 years in the ministry as a pastor, educator, writer, and national/international speaker. He was pastor of two Bible centered churches over a 40-year period, helped found an international Christian school association, spoke in hundreds of churches and numerous Bible Conferences. He has written books and contributed to dozens of magazines and other publications. His insightful Bible teaching is heard daily through radio, television, YouTube, and podcast. He and his wife Bobbi have four grown children and four grandchildren.

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Copyright © 2019 Dr. Dino J. Pedrone.

Illustrations credit: Adam Pedrone (http://adampedrone-artdesign.com)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Unless otherwise cited scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

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ISBN: 978-1-9736-6061-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-6062-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-6060-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019904641

WestBow Press rev. date: 05/01/2019

Contents

Introduction

1 The Elements

2 The Choices

3 Welcome to a New Lasting Friend

4 The Makeup of a Christian Fellowship

5 Healing and Persecution

6 Evidences of Being With Jesus

7 What Do You Fear?

8 What Makes One Worthy?

9 Organization of and Persecution Against The Church

10 A Message for the Ages

11 The Main Thing!

12 An Unbelievable Conversion by Divine Appointment

13 Harmony in the Family

14 A New Name

15 A Miracle of Prayer

16 The Gospel Travels

17 Unity and Disunity on the Missionary Journey

18 Solving Doctrinal Dissension

19 The Second Missionary Journey

20 Turning the World Upside Down

21 Encouragement in a Discouraging World

22 The Work of the Holy Spirit

23 The Importance of the Local Church

24 A Leader’s Need to Be Courageous When Misunderstood

25 Paul’s Defense

26 God’s Protection

27 Paul’s Trial

28 Another Trial

29 The Third Scene

30 An Interlude

31 Paul’s Journey to Rome

32 Paul’s Arrival in Rome

33 Conclusions

Endnotes

Thanks

I wish to thank the following people who dedicated themselves to making this book possible:

Corey Adams…An assistant who loves Christ and the work God has given him to do. Thank you, Corey, for your faithfulness to and organization of this project.

Rosina Brandon…..Rosina is an amazing Christian lady. Despite illness she faithfully labored with the text and editorial work until it was finished. Your dedication is an example to all of us. Thank you, Rosina, and thanks to your husband, Emerson, who was so willing to give yours and his time for this Project.

Adam Pedrone…One editor looked at your illustrations and simply said ‘Amazing’. They are amazing. Thank you for giving your God given gift of art to the project. The illustrations help tell the story of the early days of Christianity.

Roberta ‘Bobbi’ Pedrone…You are a woman of God and to my amazement God has allowed me to have you as my wife for over one half a century. Your insight, advice, recommendation accompanied with wit and wisdom go a long way in making this project, we believe, a blessing to many.

Introduction

It was my nineteenth trip to Israel. Our beautiful Mercedes bus was traveling along a strip of road by the Sea of Galilee. The sea is a very humble, small lake alongside the city of Tiberias. It is not a large lake. The body of water is 53 kilometers in circumference, 21 kilometers long, and approximately 13 kilometers wide. The maximum depth is 43 meters. A humble lake and yet it was here that Jesus of Nazareth devoted so much time in His public ministry.

If Jesus is truly God in the flesh, an obvious question comes to mind. Why did Jesus spend so much time here and not in the religious, political capital of Jerusalem? There are at least three obvious reasons.

The first is a prophetic reason. The prophet Isaiah states God would honor Galilee with the Messiah’s presence. (Isaiah 9:1-2). This area was looked at with distain because Gentiles also occupied the community. The gospel of Matthew explains Jesus’ ministry here in the following way. … that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: the land of Zebulun and the land of Nephtali, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordon, Galilee of the Gentiles: the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death spring up Light has dawned (Matthew 4:14-16). Matthew reminds us that 700 years before the Messiah, Jesus would arrive and the light of salvation would light the Gentile world. It was here that Jesus began calling His disciples and one by one they left what they were doing to ‘follow Christ’.

That thought leads to the second reason Jesus went to Galilee. It was here that he would gather a small group of citizens to carry on the work after His death. In just three years the training was done. These disciples were located in Capernaum. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were two sets of brothers. Fisherman by trade they were beckoned by Jesus. Here in the common community of Capernaum Jesus selects these four fisherman, adds the tax collector, Matthew, and they are told by the Master the goal was to be fishers of men. Jesus chose a total of twelve followers.

The third reason was also chosen because of the universality of the area. The good news of the gospel states that Jesus of Nazareth would live, die, be buried and rise again. Jesus would minister to all people. Jesus would spend much time in what some called the Galilee of the Gentiles.

Capernaum was a fishing village with a population of 1,500 during the time of the Hasmoneons. Today there is a Byzantine Church some conjecture contains the remains of the home of Peter. The dynasty lasted a few years beyond 100 BC with the installation of King Herod in 37 B.C. ending their reign. When Jesus was born Herod the Great was the Roman vassal king. He was ruthless, wicked, and arbitrary, yet he erected incredible building projects such as the city of David, Massada, and Caesarea.

It was here that Jesus commences His amazing ministry. The family of Jesus leave Nazareth, go to Bethlehem, and eventually arrive in Egypt to escape the murderous tactics of Herod’s killing all male infants two and under. Upon arriving in the area of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3), is tempted by Satan (Matthew 4), and then begins calling these disciples.

Jesus’ fame spreads from this place. Even though we have listed three obvious reasons why his ministry starts here, it seems to make little sense.

As we ride along on our journey we will shortly arrive at our hotel for a large Israeli buffet to be followed by a restful sleep.

My Jewish friend, Edan Geva, our licensed tour guide from EinGev Jordan Valley shares a simple, yet most profound thought. "One man from the peasant class of his time speaks to other people of the peasant class of their time, on a nine mile strip of beach, and the entire world has changed. This is so statistically impossible that the only logical conclusion is ‘the hand of God’’’. Fascinating words by my Jewish friend.

Early Jewish and Christian literature gives a vivid portrayal of Christianity. From Galilee to Jerusalem, the most diligent of followers eventually saw Jesus ascend into heaven. The four gospel accounts present the story of his life recognizing that many details are not recorded in the sacred text. And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:30-31).

The great question is this. Will Christianity survive when the leader is gone? Today Christians claim over 30 percent of the world’s population. Christianity is the majority religion in most places of the world with North and South America, Australia, and some African areas leading the way. How is it possible that a man who spent his early ministry in the small communities of the Sea of Galilee be recognized as God in the flesh?

The book of Acts, the fifth book of the New Testament tells the story. It is this author’s desire to track the story and to emphasize as my guide said, This is the hand of God.

We arrived at our motel. We will observe the story of Galilee on this trip. Our book, however, will tell the story of the early days of Christianity… How it all began.

Will this faith last? The book of Acts gives two reliable reasons pointing to longevity. The first is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is not dead! The second is the arrival of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit through the Bible gives us all we need to continue the Christian legacy.

CHAPER

1

The Story of Christianity

The Elements

(Acts 1:1-11)

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven (Acts 1:1-11 KJV).

T he work of Jesus Christ was finished. He died, was buried, and rose again. A key Biblical term is redemption. Redemption means to buy back. In Christian theology the word (Greek: apolutrosis ) speaks of the deliverance from our sins. The word in the Old Testament Scripture refers to a metaphor of releasing or setting free from bondage. There must be a payment. There are legal terms concerning the substitution of an animal and for the deliverance of a person, a family’s possession or property. The word therefore means to buy back. The person accomplishing this is a redeemer. In the New Testament there are two Greek words that are used to convey this truth. "The concept of redemption is nevertheless conveyed in the New Testament by the terms agorazo and lyo Word Groups ." ¹These terms refer to a marketplace transaction. Jesus went into the marketplace of sinners and by His blood cleansed and wiped away every sin. " … knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God" (Peter 1:18-21). Christ acted obediently to go to the cross and with the payment of His blood appeased the wrath of God and set all believing sinners free. The work of redemption is done.

The book of Acts, which is the foundation of the story of Christianity, does, however, have unfinished business. It is the business of evangelism. In a little over 30 years the work of Jesus Christ is finished. Now the unfinished work of evangelism continues. The book of Acts tells the beginning story.

Acts is the second volume of Luke’s writings. The book of Acts tells the story of the beginnings of the church. It begins with the story of Jesus in His passion. It then proceeds with the ascension of our Lord and the arrival of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. The book is obviously not the full story of Christianity nor does it cover all the history at that time of the church recorded in Acts.

The book presents two apostles who are very active. The first is Peter. The second is Saul of Tarsus or Paul. More than half of the book records the evangelistic efforts of Paul. The church begins to grow from Jerusalem and eventually to the Gentile world. Christianity grew out of Judaism. It is important to appreciate the Biblical, Jewish roots of the Christian faith.

The key to understanding the book is the arrival and role of the Holy Spirit as He leads, guides, strengthens, and teaches the church to spread out into evangelism. The book is often named The Acts of the Apostles or The Acts of the Holy Spirit. Both are accurate. Perhaps we could call the title: The Acts of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles.

In the first eleven verses of the book there are at least six interesting elements. These elements establish the foundational story of Christianity that is recorded in the rest of the book.

The Past         A Message

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, (Acts 1:1). Theophilus was a person of high rank. He may have been the highest ranking man in the community. In the community Theophilus is the name or honorary title of the person to whom the gospel of Luke and the Acts are addressed.² " … it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus," (Luke 1:3) The name means friend of God. (Theos means God and philos means friend).

… until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen (Acts 1:2) Four times in this chapter the Scripture teaches that Jesus was taken up. This speaks to the ascension Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight (Acts 1:9);  … who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven’ (Acts 1:11);  … beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection (Acts 1:22). Jesus ascended up. Where did He go? To heaven. What is he doing there? He is seated at the right hand of God. Scripture often emphasis this truth. If You are the Christ, tell us. But He said to them, ‘If I tell you, you will by no means believe. And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go. Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God."’ (Luke 22: 67-69) " … which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:20).  … looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2) Here are three passages that teach Jesus is seated at the right hand of God.

The Bible teaches Jesus is God. In the declaration of Jesus’ birth, He is God with us (Matthew 1:23) Jesus is spoken of as the true God. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true: and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life (I John 5:20). God the Father called the Son, God. "But to the Son He says: ‘Your throne O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom"’ (Hebrews 1:8). Thomas recognized Jesus as God. And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ (John 20:28).

The right hand of God speaks of the power of God. Jesus spoke often of the power that God had given Him. "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth‘ (Matthew 28:18). So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God" (Mark 16:19). God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:24). Jesus said that some people would see him at the right hand of God. Jesus said ‘I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven’ (Mark 14:62). Jesus said to him, ‘It is as you said, Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven’ (Matthew 26:64). Stephen, the churches first martyr, saw Jesus at the right hand of God. When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, ‘Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God:’ (Acts 7:54-56). It’s interesting that no one has seen the Father. (John 1:18); "And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form." (John 5:37). Jesus is God in the flesh. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory (I Timothy 3:16).

Whatever honor and respect belong to God the Father should be granted to the Son. The power of God is always at work. At the right hand of God refers to the omnipresence, omniscience, and omnipotence of God. It’s a metaphor speaking of Jesus’ authority.

Note this marvelous Scripture in Ephesians. " … which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all" (Ephesians 1:20-23). The fact that Jesus is sitting is a reminder to us that the work of God in redemption is done.

… until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen (Acts 1:2). The unity of the Godhead is found throughout the Acts. Jesus was God, yet He was empowered by the Holy Spirit. The work of the third person of the Trinity is mentioned here. "And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God’" (Luke 1:35). It was the Holy Spirit working in Mary when God the Son became a man named Jesus Christ. Jesus was human. He had a human mother. Jesus spoke of Himself as being anointed by God. "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; (Isaiah 61:1).

"Likewise when Jesus spoke in the synagogue in Nazareth he said, ‘The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me … ’" (Luke 4:18). When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, the Holy Ghost descended in bodily shape like a dove (Luke 3:22). Luke 4:14 records that  … Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee … Jesus was led of the Spirit into the wilderness. (Luke 4:1).

As we embark on the story of Christianity, we need to give total credence to the doctrine of the Trinity. There is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This truth is all through Scripture. Interestingly, the Holy Spirit often is left out or beyond our discussion. Notice, however, these thoughts. Jesus lived, served and journeyed as a human being. He is truly the Son of Man. He is also God. He’s the God-man. 100% God. 100% man. Yet he had the leading of the Holy Spirit just as believers do. You and I are completely dependent on the Holy Spirit. If Jesus was anointed to serve, how much more we need to be anointed to service.

The Passion – The Proof

… to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me (Acts 1:3-4).

The evidence of Jesus Christ’s redemptive work is overwhelming. After the resurrection Jesus appeared for forty days. For example: On resurrection morning at an early hour, several women came to the tomb to complete the customs of burial. They are surprised to see the tomb empty. Mary of Magdela runs to the apostles. Peter and John sense her concerns. While the women were still at the tomb they were surprised to hear an angel explain that Jesus had risen and their task is to go and tell the brethren. So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid (Mark 16:8). With fear and joy they leave to go to the apostles. So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word (Matthew 28:8). Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest (Luke 24:9). In the meantime Peter and John go to the empty tomb. John believes. Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed (John 20:8). Peter goes in and sees the handkerchief that had been around Jesus’ head lying there by itself. It was customary in our Lord’s day that when royalty ate a meal, they would occasionally step out from the banquet a few minutes to rest. If the napkin was neatly folded, it meant he would return. If it was wadded up and placed aside, it meant that the person was through. Peter sees the folded napkin. He knows the custom. Is it possible that Peter knew that Jesus had risen from the grave, but in his backslidden state he may have felt there would be no place for him in the kingdom?

When the other women spoke to the disciples it did not seem that the disciples believed their word. "Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them" (Luke 24:9-11).

Mary of Magdela returns to the tomb. She is heartbroken. She looks in the tomb. Jesus approaches behind her. One of the most beautiful conversations take place.

Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, ‘Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.’ Jesus said to her, Mary! She turned and said to Him, ‘Rabboni!’ (which is to say, Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her" (John 20:14-18). Jesus sends Mary to the apostles.

Later that day, there are two followers of Jesus walking to Emmaus.

Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. And He said to them, ‘What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad? Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, ‘Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?’ And He said to them, ‘What things?’ So they said to Him, ‘The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.’ Then He said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory? And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, ‘Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And He went in to stay with them. Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, ‘Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?’ So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, ‘The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon! And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread (Luke 24:13-35)

What an amazing story! They return to Jerusalem to inform the eleven. Jesus then appears to the apostles. He opens the Word of God to them. Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you. When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again. ‘Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained (John 20:19-23). Only God can forgive sins. Jesus, being God, can forgive sins. He is not communicating any power to the disciples. In the two previous verses Jesus says, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father sent me, so I am sending you." He then breathed on them saying, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit." He sent them away to preach the gospel. As Jesus is about to leave the world He will give them the Holy Spirit. We, as witnesses, are to proclaim the same message. The small group is commissioned by the Lord.

Questions settle in. Perhaps Jesus appeared to individuals but there is no Biblical account of his meeting people over the next week. Thomas missed the previous Sunday evening meeting. When informed that Jesus appeared, he refused to accept its validity.

A week later Jesus appears to the eleven with Thomas present. Jesus tells him to look at his hands and put his hands into his side. Jesus has the scars from his episode on the cross. Thomas response is magnificent. My Lord (Kurios-Lord, master) My God (theos-God of mankind).

There is now instruction to take the 60 mile journey north to Galilee. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me (Matthew 28:10). ‘But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you" (Mark 16:7). John writes, ‘And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:30-37). Perhaps things that occurred on their journey were part of what John addresses here.

The apostles arrive at the Sea of Galilee and they are fishing in the morning. Jesus calls to them. It’s on this occasion that Jesus and Peter have a lengthy discussion. (John 21:1-19).

The apostle Paul records that Jesus appeared to 500 brethren at one time. (1Corinthians 15:6). There is