FIRST TERM E-LEARNING NOTE

SCHEME OF WORK

SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE CLASS: JSS3

WEEK TOPICS
1. The Promise of The Holy Spirit

2. The Coming of The Holy Spirit

3. The Effect of The Holy Spirit on The Early Believers

4. Fellowshipping in The Early Church

5. Early Days of The Church

6. Persecution

7. The Church in Samaria

8. The Church in Caeserea

9. Persecution of The Early Believers (1)

10. Persecution of The Early Believers (11)

11. Revision

12. Examination

REFERENCES
[1] Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.OQuarcoopome etal.
[2] Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 1-3 by A.F Bello.
[3] Christian Religious Knowledge for JSSBK 3, by Adeyinka.et al
[4] Ilesanmi Christian Religion Studies for JSSBk 3 ByTundeErumol et al
[5] Revised Standard Version Bible.
[6]Past Questions: Junior WAEC
WEEK ONE
TOPIC: THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
CONTENT
(a) The Promise of The Holy Spirit (John 14: 15-28, 16: 5-16, Acts 1: 3-5)
(b) The Ascension of Jesus Christ (Acts 1: 9-11)

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 (c) Functions of The Holy Spirit
(d) The Significance of The Holy Spirit

THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is the third personality of the Trinity. Before the ascension of Jesus, He promised
to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples. He told them that when they are filled with the Holy
Spirit they would be empowered and the Holy Spirit would teach them everything. Jesus prayed
to God to give them the Spirit to make them continue in faith and He left them with the Great
Commission of preaching the gospel around the nations of the world in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. He ordered them not to leave Jerusalem until the arrival of
the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit comes they would be filled with power to witness in
Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth

EVALUATION
1. Who is the Holy Spirit?
2. Discuss the promise of the Holy Spirit.

THE ASCENSION OF JESUS CHRIT

At Mount Olive, after Jesus had promised the disciples of the coming of the Holy Spirit, He
ascended into heaven. The heaven opened and Jesus was taken up into heaven. The disciples
were filled with awe watching Him going to heaven until He was covered by the cloud. After
that they returned to Jerusalem waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus
Christ.

FUNCTIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. Teaching
2. Guidance
3. Counselling
4. Comforting
5. Advocating

EVALUATION
1. Discuss three functions of the Holy Spirit.
2. Explain the ascension of Jesus Christ.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. The presence of the Holy Spirit creates awareness that man cannot go far with God
without the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. Holy Spirit becomes the source of all provision to any man who wants to walk with God.
3. The Holy Spirit is man’s vehicle of inspiration for guiding man into all truth.
4. The Holy Spirit is the facilitator of evangelism, the spread of the message of God.
5. The Holy Spirit is the one that propels man to thirst and hunger after God.
6. The Holy Spirit the deliverer of man in this wicked world.
EVALUATION
1. Highlight five major importance of the Holy Spirit.
2. How does the Holy Spirit relate with man?

GENERAL EVALUATION

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 1. Mention six fruits of the Holy Spirit.
2. Mention four things that Holy Spirit does not like.
3. Highlight five things Holy Spirit will not do in the lives of believers.
4. How does Holy Spirit work in the lives of believers?
5. How can a person contact Holy Spirit?

READING ASSIGNMENT
1. Christian Religious knowledge for JSS BK 3,by T.N.O Quarcoopome et al. Chapter 1,
pages 19-23
2. Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS BK 3, by Adeyinka.et al Chapter 1, pages 1-3.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The Holy Spirit is the (a) first person of the Trinity (b) spirit that controls man (c) third
personality of the Trinity (d) falling spirit of God
2. Which of these is not a function of the Holy Spirit (a) advocating for man (b)
counselling man (c) parading man (d) teaching man
3. The first set of people to experience the Holy Spirit are the (a) Gentiles (b) disciples (c)
Jews (d) Romans
4. Which of the following precedes power that Jesus promised the disciples (a) temptation
(b) Holy Ghost (c) feast of Passover (d) meeting in the upper room
5. Jesus last speech to His disciples was at Mount (a) Horeb (b) Sinai (c) Olive (d)
Carmel

THEORY
1. Discuss the essence of the Great Commission.
2. Explain the ascension of Jesus Christ.

WEEK TWO
TOPIC: THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
CONTENT
(a) The Coming of The Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 1-39)
(b) Significance of The Coming of The Holy Spirit

THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

On the day of Pentecost, the disciples of Jesus Christ were in the upper room in Jerusalem
praying when the Holy Ghost came upon them. While they were together praying, a sound
suddenly came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind and filled the house. Then the Holy
Spirit descended like a tongue of fire and rested on each of them. Consequently, they were filled
with the Holy Spirit and they began to speak in different languages.

At that time, the Jews and many other people from various culture, countries and languages were
living in Jerusalem. Each of these people was able to hear the disciples speaking his own
language. Some were amazed and mistook the disciples for drunkards. They were amazed about
how the disciples who were Galileans could be speaking in so many languages including the
languages of the Parthians, Medes, Elemites, Phrygia, Egypt and parts of Libya belonging to
Cyrene. These were all visitors from Rome, Crete and Arabia who were undoubtedly
overwhelmed and were marvelled at the wonderful work of God.

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The coming of the Holy Spirit greatly influenced the disciples who were now called the apostles.
They gained boldness and were filled with extraordinary power and courage to witness Jesus
Christ without fear and trembling. Peter was the first to address the people. He explained to them
that the apostles were not drunk and that it was just the third hour of the day. He went further by
saying that what they saw was the fulfilment of the prophecy of Prophet Joel.

Peter thereafter preached the gospel of Jesus Christ and about three thousand people gave their
lives to Christ and became members of the church.

EVALUATION
1. Explain the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost as it occurred in stages.
2. Discus the changes that occurred in the lives of the apostles after the coming of the Holy
Spirit.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. It showed that God is faithful to keep to His promise.
2. The coming of the Holy Spirit changed the perspectives of the apostles about their
believe.
3. The Holy Spirit empowered them to preached the gospel.
4. The Holy Spirit gave them boldness and courage’
5. He came to power, credibility and relevance to the church of Jesus Christ in the collective
relationship with God.
6. He came to give spiritual gifts to the body of Christ.
7. The coming of the Holy Spirit marked the beginning of the Church of Jesus Christ.
8. It showed that without Holy Spirit Christians are nothing.
9. He brought the presence of God to mankind.
10. He brought restoration of lost hope to mankind.

EVALUATION
1. Discuss five significance of the Holy Spirit.
2. Mention five things the Holy Spirit will never do.

GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Discuss the work of the Holy Spirit to modern Christian.
2. Explain the promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit by Prophet Joel.
3. Discuss the relevance of the Pentecost and the feast of Passover to the early believers.
4. How did the non-believers react to the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost?

READING ASSIGNMENT
1. Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.O Quarcoopome et al. Chapter 1
pages 21-23.
2. Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS BK 3, by Adeyinka.et al Chapter 1 page 3.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The coming of the Holy Spirit was on day of (a) Passover (b) Papacy (c) Pentecost
(d) Power

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 2. The apostles spoke in different tongues because (a) they were with filled the joy of the
coming of the Holy Spirit (b) they were filled with the Holy tongues (c) they were filled
with Holy Spirit (d) they were filled with new Spirit
3. How many days after the feast of Passover was the Pentecost? (a) 40 (b) 50 (c) 60 (d)
12
4. How many disciples were in the upper room? (a) 12 (b) 11 (c) about 120 (d) 500
5. Most of the apostles were from city of (a) Galilee (b) Cyrene (c) Greece (d) Judea

THEORY
1. Highlight five things the Holy Spirit can do in the life of a Christian.
2. How does the Holy Spirit help Christians to overpower the devil?

WEEK THREE
TOPIC: THE EFFECTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON THE EARLY DISCIPLES
CONTENT
(a) The Effects of The Holy Spirit on The Early disciples (Acts 3: 1-11)
(b) Moral Lessons

THE EFFECTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON THE EARLY DISCIPLES

The presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the early disciples was so significant that it was
impossible for people to deny the power of God. The followings were so glaring that generations
after the disciples are still referring to them as points of reference.
1. The disciples were empowered to speak in new tongues. This had never happened before,
so people were amazed and critical about it.
2. The apostles became so bold in defending the gospel even to the point of death.
3. Signs and miracles began to follow them. The healing of the lame man at the beautiful
gatewas the first demonstration of the power of God by the apostles.
4. Death and authourity could no longer scare them. The trial and death of Stephen was a
major confirmation of this. Stephen was one of the seven deacons that were ordained by
the apostles to take care of the sharing of foods and other items among the believers. He
was full of power and wisdom of God and he performed many miracles. He was
summoned before the high priest and was condemned to death. He was stoned to death,
yet he prayed for his accusers.
5. The Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to continue in faith and their service to God in the
midst of stiff opposition and severe persecution. This religion (Christianity) would have
died if not for the backing of the Holy Spirit.
6. The Holy Spirit empowered them with different spiritual gifts to enabled to carry on with
the divine assignment.
7. The Holy Spirit increased them in number. People began to give their lives to Jesus and
became members of the church.
8. Holy Spirit made provision for them. And there was love, peace andunity among them.

EVALUATION
1. Discuss what would have been the experience of the disciples if Holy Spirit did not assist
them.
2. Mention any other effects of the Holy Spirit on the disciples that were not mentioned
above.

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MORAL LESSONS
1. Christians should learn from these effects that if they repent of their sins and allow the
Holy Spirit to work in them, God can do the same things in their lives as He did in the
lives of the apostles.
2. The Scriptures identify the Holy Spirit as third Divine Personality in the Godhead or the
Trinity. So we must see the Holy Spirit as God dwelling In the midst of men.
3. God’s promise is very certain, Christians must be rest assured whenever God promise of
a thing that He will surely fulfil it. God is not a man that He should lie, whatever He says,
He will do.
4. Christians must strive to appreciate the significance of the ascension of Jesus Christ and
the presence of the Holy Spirit.
5. Christians should the Holy Spirit knowing fully that Holy Spirit is backing them up just
the same way He assisted the early disciples.

EVALUATION
1. State two reasons why the Holy Spirit is still dwelling among the believers now.
2. Mention three works the Holy Spirit can do in the lives of believers now.

GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Highlight five effects of the Holy Spirit on the early disciples.
2. What is the relationship between the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the early
disciples and the Christians nowadays?
3. What is the personality of the Holy Spirit in the Trinity?
4. Does Limitations exist in the realm of the spirit? Support your answers with points.

READING ASSIGNMENT
1. Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.O Quarcoopome et al. Chapter 1
page 22.
2. Fundamental of Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3, by Adeyinka. et al.
Chapter 1 page 3.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The Holy Spirit is not one of the following to the early disciples (a) comforter (b)
teacher (c) adviser (d) prayer warrior.
2. The first miracle by the apostles was done by (a) James (b) Peter (c) Paul (d) John
3. The first miracle by the apostles was done on the ………. man at the beautiful gate (a)
lame (b) blind (c) deaf (d) epileptic
4. Which of these is not an effect of the Holy Spirit on the early disciples (a) boldness (b)
eloquence (c) courage (d) power
5. The Holy Spirit did not appear as one of the following on the Pentecost day (a) tongue
(b) wind (c) water (d) fire

THEORY
1. Discuss the importance of the Holy Spirit on the early disciples.
2. What are the things that stop Holy Spirit from working among the believers.

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 WEEK FOUR
TOPIC: FELLOWSHIPPING IN THE EARLY CHURCH
CONTENT
(a) Peter’s Speech on Pentecost Day (Acts 2: 14-41)
(b) Communal Life in the Early Church (Acts 2: 41-47, 4: 32-37)

PETER’S SPEECH ON PENTECOST DAY

The coming of the Holy Spirit made a great impact in the spiritual life and psyche of the
apostles. They were filled boldness, courage and power to witness Christ to people. Peter who
had been afraid and had denied Jesus before now demonstrated boldness and courage to defend
the disciples against mockery of drunkenness. He was empowered by the Holy Spirit to speak to
the multitude that the apostles were not drunk but were filled with the power of the Holy Ghost.
He told them that the hour was in third hour (9 am) of the day. He made them to see that what
they just experienced was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and that their speaking in tongues
was a fulfilment of the prophecy which was made by Prophet Joel. Peter then preach the gospel
of Jesus to them and about three thousand people repented and gave their lives to Christ.
Henceforth they all became members of the church.

EVALUATION
1. Discuss the change in Peter’s confidence about his belief in Jesus.
2. Highlight the effect of Peter’s speech on the day of Pentecost.

COMMUNAL LIFE IN THE EARLY CHURCH

Jesus Christ established the church while He was here earth during His three and half years
ministry on earth. Peter became the leader of the church and he was assisted by other apostles.
The early believers stayed together as a family, praying and doing things together. The whole
church devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles on the kingdom of God. The
communal living and strong fellowship was such that torched every area of their lives and
interests. As a result of these they had everything in common. This meant that nobody claimed
ownership of anything, it was a collective ownership of everything. Those that were rich ensured
that nobody lacked food and necessities of life. The Bible says that they were increasing day by
day.

EVALUATION
1. What type of life did the early disciples live?
2. Discuss the possible problems that faced the early church.

GENERAL EVALUATION
1. What lessons are in the communal life of the early church for Christians to learn?
2. What are the forbidding attitudes among the early Christians?
3. Discuss the meaning of communal life.
4. How can Christians nowadays imbibe the communal lifestyle of the early disciples?

READINNG ASSIGNMENT
1. Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.O Quarcoopome et al.Chapter2,
page 30.
2. Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 1, by Adeyinka. et al. Chapter 2, page 9.

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WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. Who was the founder of the church? (a) Peter (b) Jesus (c) Paul (d) apostles
2. Who was the head of the early church? (a) Peter (b) Paul (c) James (d) apostles
3. What was the requisite for joining members of the early church? (a) righteousness (b)
salvation (c) humility (d) patience
4. How many souls were added to the church after Peter’s speech on Pentecost day (a) 2000
(b) 3000 (c) 500 (d) 120
5. On Pentecost day, the disciples attracted people because they were (a) praying aloud (b)
speaking in tongues (c) conversing with God (d) willing to show love to people.

THEORY
1. Analytically discuss Peter’s speech on the day of Pentecost.
2. What were the reactions of the authourity to gospel of Jesus by the apostles?

WEEK FIVE
TOPIC: EARLY DAY OF THE CHURCH
CONTENT
(a) Fraud in the Church (Acts 5: 1-11)
(b) The Appointment of Seven Deacons (Acts 6: 1-7)

FRAUD IN THE CHURCH

There’s no human organisation without shortcomings, hence the early church had its challenges.
There were people who wanted to take advantages of others because of the collective ownership
of everything. In the early church the human errors and weaknesses shook the unity and peace of
the church. But the apostles were able to manage the situations very well. The problems that
confronted the early church include: dishonesty, falsehood, lack of commitment, deceit, fraud
and household conspiracy, but the damage was quickly and decisively halted by the apostles.

The case of Ananias and Sapphirawas an example of this problem. The couple, Ananias and
Sapphira were anxious to receive honour but were not ready to give what it takes. They sold their
land but unlike other donors, they conspired to keep to themselves part of the money and brought
a part of it to the apostles. They pretended as if had they donated everything. But Peter gull of
the Holy Spirit confronted Ananias for his dishonesty to the Holy Spirit. Peter rebuked him
strongly for defrauding and deceiving them. Out of fear and shock, Ananias collapsed and died.
Some members buried him instantly. Later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened to
her husband, she also confirmed to the lie of her husband. She too fell down and died
immediately and was buried beside her husband. The aftermath of this was fear among the
believers, they became so afraid of the power of the Holy Spirit and were living in honesty
among one another.

EVALUATION
1. Analyse the issue that led to the death of Ananias and Sapphira.
2. Highlight the shortcomings of some believers in the early church.

THE APPOINTMENT OF SEVEN DEACONS

The next challenge that confronted the early church was that of inequitable distribution of food
items. This was brought about by nepotism and favouritism on the part of the officers of the

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church charged with the responsibility of distributing food items. This accusation got to the
apostles that some of the ethnic groups among the believers were agitating and murmuring
against the Hebrews. They complained that the widows among the Greeks and their foreign
counterparts were neglected in the daily distribution also got to the apostles.
The apostles took the matter very seriously. Consequently, they called a meeting of the
community elders to resolve the issues decisively. This led to the appointment of seven deacons
namely:
1. Stephen
2. Philip
3. Prochorus
4. Nicanor
5. Timon
6. Parmenas
7. Nicolas
These men were full of faith and the Holy Spirit and were fit for job they were appointed for.
They were presented to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them and commissioned them
for the task. After this the church made progress because the problems of partiality, favouritism
and nepotism were resolved.

QUALITIES OF A DEACON
1. A deacon is expected to be a strong believer in God and Jesus Christ the Son of God.
2. He or she must be full of faith and strong will.
3. He or she must be a person of virtues, dignity, credibility, and accountability.
4. He or she must be gentle, kind, loveable and humble.
5. The person must not be questionable in areas of money, sex and other social issues.
6. The person must be married and the marriage must be monogamous.
7. The person must be fully engaged in prayer, evangelism, church services and missions.
8. He or she must have sound knowledge of the word of God.

EVALUATION
1. Name the seven deacons appointed by the apostles.
2. Highlight the qualities of a deacon.

GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Discuss the issue that led to appointment of the seven deacons.
2. Why didn’t the apostles be in charge of the distribution of foods items?
3. Explain the circumstance that led to the death of Ananias and Sapphira.
4. Why did Peter rebuke Ananias?
5. Mention five habits that are not expected from the deacons.

READING ASSIGNMENT
1. Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.O Quarcoopome et al. Chapter 2,
pages 30-32
2. Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3 by Adeyinka.et al. Chapter 2, pages 9-11.

WEEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. Which of the following was not a deacon? (a) Stephen (b) Peter (c) Parmenas (d)
Philip

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 2. One of the following was not a feature for selecting the deacons. (a) faith (b) virtue (c)
eloquence (d) prayer
3. The most prominent among the deacons was (a) Stephen (b) Philip (c) Timon (d)
Parmenas
4. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was (a) disobedience (b) lie and deceit (c) over
confidence (d) Heresy
5. The accusation in the early church was directed against the (a) Greek (b) Hebrew (c)
Gentile (d) Egyptian

THEORY
1. What are the lessons for the modern Christians from the story of Ananias and Sapphira?
2. What are the differences between deacons appointed by the apostles and the present day
deacons?

WEEK SIX
TOPIC: PERSECUTION
CONTENT
(a) Meaning of Persecution
(b) Reasons for Persecution of Christians (1 Peter 1: 3-17, 4: 2-19)
(c) Ways to Curb Persecution

MEANING OF PERSECUTION
Persecution is an act of treating people in a cruel and unfair way especially because of their
religion, race or political beliefs. In the case of the early church, persecution was the stiff
opposition to the gospel of Christ in a severe manner to stop the propagation of the gospel. There
were several acts of persecution against the early church. One of such was the killing of Stephen,
a vibrant deacon in the days of the apostles. This persecution was basically from the religious
class who were majorly the upper class in the society to stop the disciples from spreading the
gospel. This religious class constitute the priests and the scribes who didn’t want to lose their
reputation and relevance in the society. Saul, one of the major persecutors was a scribe and he
was the one who supervised the killing of Stephen. The disciples experienced terrible persecution
in the early days of the church, some died and some had to run away from Jerusalem. Some were
arrested and detained in prison, some were beaten mercilessly and left half dead. But to the glory
of God they survived this and were able to pass Christianity to next generation.

REASONS FOR PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS

1. The religious and political leaders in Jerusalem did not want to lose their reputation and
relevance in the society.
2. The Elites wanted to maintain status quo in their religious and political settings.
3. The leaders did not believe in Jesus Christ. They knew Him as the son of Joseph the
carpenter and they also knew Mary as the wife of Joseph. To them, both parents were
poor and were not significant in the society.
4. They were expecting a political and economic leader who would liberate Israel from the
oppression of the mighty nations around them.
5. They also persecuted the Christians because of the financial gains they have being
gaining from their present political and religious settings.
6. To oppose and stop the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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 7. To frustrate and intimidate the disciples.
8. To maintain the religious dominance of Judaism as the best and accepted religion by God
over others.

WAYS TO CURB PERSECUTON

1. The number one way to curb persecution is to have the mind of God towards others. To
love people just the way God loves them.
2. Another way to curb persecution is to pray for the persecutors because the Bible says that
we do not wrestle against blood and flesh.
3. Knowledge is an inevitable tool in curbing persecution.
4. Total submission to the will of God is a necessary tool to curb persecution.

EVALUATION
1. What is persecution?
2. Explain the persecution against the early church.

GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Discuss three ways of checking persecution.
2. Highlight five reasons for persecuting the early Christians by the authority.
3. What two lessons are in the persecution of the early Christians for the present day
Christians?
4. Discuss two issues to prove that persecution is still happening in recent time.

READING ASSIGNMENT
1. Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.O Quarcoopome et al. Chapter 3,
page 41.
2. Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3, by Adeyinka. et al. Chapter 3, page 22,

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. Persecution of the early Christians took place in (a) Jericho (b) Jerusalem (c) Jordan
(d) Joppa
2. The first martyr of gospel was (a) Peter (b) Jesus (c) Stephen (d) Paul
3. The most significant person among the persecutors was (a) Saul (b) Pilate (c) Demas
Aristophanes
4. Persecution was against the church for the following reasons except (a) continuation of
the egoistic life of the leaders (b) sanity in the religious setting (c) to put a stop to the
spread of the gospel (d) to continue to exploit the religious people of the land.
5. Christians need the following to curb persecution except (a) faith (b) money (c)
prayer (d) ego

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THEORY
1. What are the differences between the persecution in the early church and the persecution
in the present day?
2. Discuss five means Christians can adopt to avoid the spread of persecution.

WEEK SEVEN
TOPIC: THE CHURCH IN SAMARIA
CONTENT
(a) The Church in Samaria (Acts 8: 4-25)
(b) Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8: 26-32)
(c) The Church in Lydda and Joppa (Acts 9: 36-43)

THE CHURH IN SAMARIA

Philip was the founder of the church in Samaria. His going to Samaria was as a result of the great
persecution of the church in Jerusalem. After the death of Stephen, the members of the early
church were persecuted severely and the church became disorganised. As a result, the members
were scattered to different nations around Jerusalem. Some went to Judea, some to Samaria but
the apostles remained in Jerusalem.
Philip went to Samaria and preached the gospel there, he also worked wonders among the
people. He healed the sick and cast out demons. As a result, many of the people of Samaria
accepted the gospel and were converted. He baptised them in the name of Christ, when the
apostles in Jerusalem heard this, they were happy and sent Peter and John to join Philip in
establishing the church. When Peter and John arrived, they laid hands on the believers and they
all received Holy Spirit.

EVALUATION
1. Discuss the relevance of Peter and John in Samaria.
2. Why did Philip go to Samaria?

PHILIP AND THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH

An angel of the Lord appeared unto Philip and instructed him to go south on the road of
Jerusalem that led to Gaza and he did so. On his way, he met an Ethiopian Eunuch, an important
official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, Queen of Ethiopians. The man was just coming
from Jerusalem where he had gone to for worship. He sat in his chariot and was reading the book
of Isaiah. The Spirit of the Lord told Philip to go to that chariot and stay near it. When he got to
him, he asked if he understood the book he was reading. The man answered that he didn’t and
that he needed someone to explain to him. Philip filled this gap and later baptised him. After this
the Spirit of the Lord took Philip and he appeared in Azotus, he travelled about preaching the
gospel in all the towns until he got to Caesarea.

EVALUATION
1. How did Philip get to know about the Ethiopian Eunuch?
2. Explain the problem of this Eunuch.

THE CHURCH IN LYDDA AND JOPPA

Peter the head of the apostle was the founder of the church in Lydda as well as in Joppa. As the
churches in Judea , Galilee and Samaria continued to grow, Peter also continued to move to the

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neighbouring towns and villages preaching the good news, converting and healing people. At
Lydda, Peter healed a man called Aeneas who had been paralysed for eight years. As a result of
this miracle, people of Lydda accepted the gospel and were baptised.
Peter again moved forward to the neighbouring town, Joppa. The visit was an invitation of a
disciple to raise a woman who was dead. The disciples believed that if Peter could come the
woman would be raised from dead. Peter came, prayed before the dead body of the woman and
said to her “Tabitha rise” and immediately, Dorcas opened her eyes.

EVALUATION
1. Why did Peter move to Lydda?
2. Why did the disciples call for Peter?

GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Explain the connection between Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch.
2. Discuss the problem of the disciples in Joppa that prompted to call for Peter.
3. State two reasons why the Samaritans accepted the gospel.
4. Discuss the miracle that happened in Lydda

READING ASSIGNMENT
Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3, by Adeyinka. et al Chapter 4, page 30.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. What led to the dissipation of the disciples in Jerusalem? (a) riot (b) persecution (c)
aggression (d) desire
2. Which apostle moved to Samaria (a) Peter (b) Paul (c) Philip (d) John
3. …………… and …………… later joined the disciples in Samaria (a) Paul and Peter (b)
Peter and John (c) Paul and Silas (d) Peter and James
4. What was the name of the woman that was raised from dead in Joppa (a) Mary (b)
Tabitha (c) Demas (d) Martha
5. The man that was healed in Lydda was (a) Aeneas (b) Ananias (c) Andrew (d) Peter

THEORY
1. Highlight two lessons from the story of Dorcas.
2. Discuss the power that was working for Peter.

WEEK EIGHT
TOPIC: THE CHURCH IN CAESAREA
CONTENT
(a) Cornelius Calls for Peter (Acts 10: 1-41)
(b) Peter’s Vision and His Presence in Cornelius’ House (Acts 10: 1-48)

CORNELIUS CALLS FOR PETER

The church in Caesarea started by the invitation Peter got from Cornelius to come to his house
and preach the gospel. Peter was still on mission in Joppa when Cornelius sent for him.
Cornelius was a Roman army officer living in Caesarea, he was a devout religious man and he
worshipped God faithfully with all the members of his household. One day he had a vision in

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which an angel asked him to send for Simon Peter who was in Joppa at that time. After the
vision, Cornelius sent his servants and soldiers to look for Peter.

PETER’S VISION AND HIS PRESENCE IN CORNELIUS’ HOUSE

Whilethe messengers of Cornelius were still on their way to Joppa, Peter who was already
hungry went into prayer and fell into trance. The heaven opened and he saw a vision of a vessel
descending from heaven like a sheet and containing various kinds of animals. Then a voice said
to him “Peter, kill and eat” Peter replied, “No Lord, for I have never eaten anything unclean.”
The voice cautioned Peter not to call anything God has done unclean. This happened three times
and the sheet disappeared unto heaven.
As Peter’s vision was over, the messenger also arrived Joppa and Peter went down to welcome
them. In obedience to the Holy Spirit Peter and some brethren in Joppa went with them to
Cornelius’ house in Caesarea. In Caesarea crowd was waiting to receive them and Cornelius
came out to welcome him and they both narrated the vision they had. Peter prayed for Cornelius
and his household and people that were present, many accepted Christ and were baptised. Peter
laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

EVALUATION
1. Examine Peter’s response to the voice in that vision.
2. Why did Cornelius call for Peter?

GENERAL EVALUATION
1. What brought about the crowd at Cornelius’ house?
2. Discuss the relevance of men of God in our society.
3. Why did Peter lay hand on them after baptism?
4. What is the importance of baptism?

READING ASSIGNMENT
1 Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.O Quarcoopome et al. Chapter 4,
pages 48-52
2 Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3, by Adeyinka.et al. Chapter 4, pages 30-34

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The invitation for Peter was from ( a) Cornelius’ servants (b) Cornelius’ soldiers (c)
Roman authourity (d) Cornelius
2. Cornelius was a ………. officer (a) political (b) military (c) civil (d) government
3. Why didn’t Peter kill and eat in that vision? Because he was (a) unclean (b) holy (c)
ignorant (d) meticulous of eating unclean animals
4. How many times did the voice persuaded Peter? (a) 5 (b) 3 (c) 2 (d) 7
5. Who instructed Peter to go to Cornelius (a) divine voice (b) Holy Spirit (c) angel (d)
Pert himself

THEORY
1. Discuss the relevance of Peter’s visitation to the church in Caesarea.
2. What two lessons can we derive from Peter’s vision?

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 WEEK NINE
TOPIC: PERSECUTION OF THE EARLY BELIEVERS (1)
CONTENT
(a) Arrest of Peter and John (Acts 4: 1-31)
(b) Martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 6: 8, 7: 1-60)

ARREST OF PETER AND JOHN

After the Holy Spirit had descended upon the disciples, they preached the gospel with power and
authority. They performed miracles in the name of Jesus Christ. One of the miracles was the
healing of the lame man at the beautiful gate of the temple. When Peter and John got to the
temple to pray the lame man gazed at them in expectation to receive alms. But Peter looked at
him back and said, “Silver and gold, I have not but what I have I give you.In the name of Jesus
stand up and walk.” Peter then grab the man and pulled him up. Immediately the man got up,
limped and began to run.
The people who witnessed this miracle gathered together around Peter and John. Peter quickly
used the opportunity to preach to them in the name of Jesus Christ.The authourity got angry at
the apostles’ preaching because they were preaching about the resurrection of Jesus. This made
the religious leaders to arrest Peter and John and put them in prison for one night. Many people
who received the message beame Christian converts and their number increased to five thousand.
The following day Peter and John were brought into the presence of the elders, the scribes,
Annas, the high priest, Caiaphas, Alexander and members of the high priest family to face the
charge brought against them. After serious questioning, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, declared
publicly that they performed the miracle in the name of Jesus Christ. The religious council, not
knowing what to do and also seeing the man that was healed, they warned the apostles not to
preach in the name of Jesus again. But Peter replied them whether it right to listen to man instead
of God.

EVALUATION
1. Discuss what led to the arrest of Peter and John.
2. Why was it difficult for the council to punish the apostles?

MARTRYDOM OF STEPHEN
Stephen, a man full of the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit was one of the seven deacons
appointed by the apostles to distribute food items and other materials. He preached the gospel
with zeal and great power of God. But this displeased the Sadducees and some religious sectional
leaders. They attacked him verbally but they were not able to silence him. When they could not
flaw him, they accused him of the following:
1. Blasphemy against God and Moses.
2. Contradiction against the temple and the law.
3. Declaration that Jesus would destroy the temple in Jerusalem and change the laws of
Moses.
In the law of Moses this is punishable and the penalty is death. But Stephen full of the power of
God traced the long history of the Jews to the point of Jesus crucifixion. At this juncture the
people became enraged and furious that they dragged Stephen out of the city and stoned him to
death. Stephen demonstrated exceptional grace here as he prayed to God for the for the
forgiveness of his accusers.

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EVALUATION
1. Critically examine the controversy that led to the death of Stephen.
2. What advice will you give to Christians after considering the martyrdom of Stephen?

GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Critically examine the action of those that stoned Stephen to death.
2. Over 90% of martyrs were Christians! Why? Back up your points with biblical facts.
3. Why did Stephen pray for his assailants?
4. Examine the story of the arrest of Peter and John.

READING ASSIGNMENT
1. Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.OQuarcoopome et al. Chapter 3
pages 37-39.
2. Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3, by Adeyinka. et al. Chapter 3 pages 19-
22.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The first Christian martyr was (a) James (b) Peter (c) Stephen (d) Abel
2. Peter and John were arrested because they were (a) filled with the Holy Spirit (b)
healed the lame man, (c) preached the gospel they so confident (d) disobeyed the laws
of the land.
3. The leader of the church after the death of was (a) James (b) Peter (c) Stephen (d)
Paul
4. Those who killed Stephen gathered cloth at feet of (a) Saul (b) James (c) Annas (d)
Alexander
5. …………… was healed at the beautiful gate (a) A paralytic man (b) A lame man (c) A
blind man (d) A deaf man

THEORY
1. State two lessons from the healing of the man at the beautiful.
2. State three lessons from the martyrdom of Stephen.

WEEK TEN
TOPIC: PERSECUTION OF THE EARLY BELIEVERS
CONTENT
(a) Persecution of The Church bySaul (Acts 8: 1-3, 9: 1-30)
(b) The Killing of James (Acts 12: 1-8)

PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH BY SAUL

Saul was a Hebrew youth, adventurous and vibrant, a native of Tarsus, born of Jewish parents of
the tribe of Benjamin. He was highly educated and studied law under Gamaliel, the great Hebrew
teacher. He was also a Roman citizen by birth. He spent most of his life in Jerusalem and was a
zealous member of the strictest Jewish religious party.
Saul was very active in the persecution of Christians in Jerusalem and cities around him. Stephen
was stoned to death in his presence. After the death of Stephen, he moved from house to house
forcing the Christians out of their hiding places and clamping them into prison. During his time,
he crippled several activities of the Christians and caused lots of havoc to the Christian

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community. As a result of this, many believers were killed and lots more were insecure in
Jerusalem which led to flight of many Christians out of Jerusalem to other places outside the
region. Saul was so zealous to bind all Christians and put them in prison. This prompted him to
obtain permission from the high priest to travel to Damascus to bind the Christians there and
bring them to the council for crucial legal judgement. It was on his way to Damascus that he had
an encounter with Jesus who struck him down. He became blind and this led to his arrest. On the
third after his blindness, God used one of the disciples in Damascus named Ananias to minister
to him. He regained his sight and subsequently was conscripted into the army of the Lord. He
became an apostle who won many nations unto the Lord.

EVALUATION
1. Examine the havoc Saul caused in the early church.
2. What was the mission of Saul in Damascus?

THE KILLING OF JAMES

Another thorn in the flesh of the disciples was King Herod (Aggripa 1). He was a Jew by birth
and he was appointed king of the Jews by the Roman authoritythat governed the Jews at the time.
He was one of the major persecutors of the church. Herod was so violent and aggressive in his
opposition to the gospel and was ready to anything to please the status quo of the religion of the
Jews. He arrested and imprisoned James the brother of John (the sons of Zebedee). To satisfy the
desire of his daughter, he killed James with the sword in a most gruesome manner. He beheaded
him and released the head to his daughter as the birthday gift. He killed James in this manner
purposely to intimidate the apostle and believers and to demonstrate to them the brutal way they
would be killed if they continue in their belief. When Herod saw that, the Jews were happy that
he killed James one of the key apostles of the gospel, he proceeded to arrest Peter and put him in
prison. To ensure that Peter would not escape or that his companions would not rescue him he
placed him under the surveillance of four squads of soldiers. Herod’s intention was to put him on
trial before the Jewish authority after the feast of Passover.

EVALUATION
1. Why did Herod kill James?
2. Discuss Herod’s brutality against the church.

GENERAL EVALUATION
1. State three reasons for the persecution of the church by Saul.
2. Highlight two reasons for the killing of James by King Herod
3. Discuss in details the arrest of Peter.
4. Write a short note on the conversion of Saul.
5. What was the disciples’ reaction to persecution?

READING ASSIGNMENT
1. Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.O Quarcoopome et al. Chapter 3,
pages 39-40.
2. Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3 by Adeyinka. et al. Chapter 3, pages 21-23

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The king who violently dealt with the believers was (a) Augustus (b) Herod (c) Caesar
(d) Apollo

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 2. The best name to call the Jews is (a) Gentiles (b) Judaists (c) Unbelievers (d)
Assailants
3. What was the offence of James (a) preaching the gospel (b) disobedience to the law
(c) causing confusion in the temple (d) preaching heresy to the Jews
4. Peter was arrested because Herod wanted to (a) be promoted (b) satisfy the Jews (c)
kill all the believers (d) put him in prison
5. Saul was on his way to Damascus to arrest all believers (a) from Jerusalem (b) in
Damascus (c) in Jerusalem (d) around Damascus

THEORY
1. How will you analyse the faith of Saul before his conversion?
2. Discuss the position of the believers to the death of James and Stephen.

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