Introduction

• Genesis 37:2-4

I can resist the lust of the flesh.

• Genesis 39:1-12 – Joseph was a young man, 17-28 years old, at this time. This was a tremendous temptation, but Joseph prevailed.
• Joseph’s reason for resisting was that he didn’t want to sin against God.
• I Timothy 4:12 – This is what God expected of young Timothy.
• I Timothy 5:2
• God doesn’t give us a pass because we’re young!
• II Peter 2:5-10
• Proverbs 1:10

I can strengthen my faith over the years of my life.

• Genesis 37:28
• Genesis 39:2, 20
• Genesis 41:15 – Joseph glorified God.
• Genesis 41:51-52
• Genesis 50:19-21
• Joseph maintained and strengthened his faith over his long life, despite all the difficulties he faced.
• Genesis 45:4-8

I can face death with peace.

• Genesis 50:22-26
• I Corinthians 15:35-49
• Joseph was a great example of how to live and how to die – trusting in the Lord.

First preaching journey (Acts 13-14), continued

Treated like Gods in Lystra (Acts 14:8-20)

Sustaining souls (Acts 14:21-23)

• Paul turned around and went right back to the places they’d been so terribly treated. He was interested in helping people – not about his own physical safety.

End: Antioch of Syria (Acts 14:24-28)

Meeting in Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-35)

Debating circumcision (Acts 15:1-6)

• The apostles led them to understand God’s will. Even Barnabas was involved in the debate.

Proof #1: Peter – Cornelius (Acts 15:7-11)

• See Acts 10:44-48.
• Acts 15:11 – Note the ordering here. He’s telling the Jews that our circumcision doesn’t matter either. We will be saved like them.

Proof #2: Paul and Barnabas – 1st preaching trip (Acts 15:12)

Proof #3: James – prophecy (Acts 15:13-18)

• Acts 15:16-18 – This is a quote from Amos 9:11-12.

Writing a letter (Acts 15:19-35)

Have respect for God’s arrangement.

• Acts 14:23
• Titus 1:4-5
• Acts 6:3
• The local church should follow the elders, not whoever complains the loudest.
• Hebrews 13:17

Esteem them highly.

• Hebrews 13:17
• I Thessalonians 5:12-13
• I Peter 5:1-5

Take responsibility instead of just blaming the elders.

• I Thessalonians 5:14 – Brethren are the ones being urged to action here – not just elders.

Remember that they are humans, not superhumans.

• I Timothy 3:2-7
• Titus 1:5-9
• We must be careful to not be too lenient or too strict with God’s qualifications for elders. After the many mistakes that Peter made, he was an elder!
• I Timothy 5:17-22

Free up the shepherds to shepherd.

• I Timothy 3:8-13 – Qualifications for deacons.
• Acts 6:2-6 – Were these men deacons? It’s not clear. Either way, their job was to free up the apostles to do their work.
• Not just deacons but all members should do their part to serve.

Introduction to the book

• I Peter 5:13 – Mark was not a physical son. This is referring to a spiritual relationship.
• Colossians 4:10
• Mark worked with Peter and Paul.
• Antioch – Jerusalem
  • Acts 11:29-30
• Jerusalem
  • Acts 12:5, 12
  • Act 12:1-17 – Paul and Barnabas in Jerusalem.

Travels of Mark

• Antioch (45 AD) – Acts 12:25
• Salamis (48 AD) – Acts 13:5
• Perga – Acts 13:13
• Jerusalem (49 AD) – Mark back home
• Antioch (52 AD) – Mark with Paul and Barnabas
• Cyprus – Acts 15:37-39 – Mark with Barnabas (the last we hear about Barnabas)
• Rome (63 AD) – Mark with Paul during his first imprisonment
  • Colossians 4:10-11; Philemon 1:23-24
• Babylon (I Peter 5:13) – Mark with Peter in Babylon
• Asia Minor (68 AD) – II Timothy 4:11 – Mark with Timothy during Paul’s second imprisonment
• Rome: Until Paul was killed
• Alexandria, Egypt – Preached and was martyred there

Timeline

• Mark was written about 67 AD according to most sources, although some say it was written about 48 AD, before Matthew.

Introduction

• Acts 20:17, 28
• I Thessalonians 5:12-13; I Timothy 3:1

Why study this?

• To help our current elders in their work.
• To help other men prepare for this work.
• To help the rest of us appreciate their work.
• To differentiate between tradition and God’s word.

Overseeing souls

• Acts 20:28-32
• I Thessalonians 5:12-13 – Elders have charge over people in the congregation and lead them.
• I Timothy 3:4-5 – Elders take care of the church of God. An elder’s work as a family man shows how he will do as an elder. If a man cannot lead his own family well, how can he hope to lead a local church?
• Hebrews 13:17 – Elders keep watch over souls. They will give account for the souls under their care.
• Acts 11:27-30 – This is the only passage in the New Testament that specifically talks about the elders handling money.
• James 5:14-16 – This could be talking about spiritual sickness.

Wielding the sword of the Spirit

• Titus 1:9-14 – Elders must use the Bible in both positive and negative ways. Both exhorting and refuting error.
• Acts 20:32 – Prepare to use the word!
• I Timothy 5:17-18 – Elders are worthy of double honor: respect and money. It is rare these days for elders to be paid, but we do have scriptural authority for it.

Developing their character

• I Peter 5:1-4 – Elders work voluntarily, show eagerness, and act as examples for others.
• Ezekiel 34:1-6, 10 – Shepherds love people and are willing to step into many situations even if they are awkward.
• Acts 20:30
• I Thessalonians 5:12
• Titus 1:9, 13