As students prepare for their SS 3 exams in Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK), understanding key biblical events and concepts is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers important topics that will help students grasp essential themes, such as the Pentecost, Saul’s conversion, Peter’s ministry, the opposition faced by early Christians, and the relevance of HIV/AIDS in the Christian context. Each topic is explained in a clear and engaging manner, designed to help both beginners and those revising to succeed.
1. The Holy Spirit at Pentecost
The Promise of the Holy Spirit – Acts 1:8
In Acts 1:8, Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. This power would enable them to be witnesses for Christ, starting from Jerusalem and spreading to the ends of the earth. The promise was a clear indication of the significant role the Holy Spirit would play in the mission of spreading the Gospel.
The Coming of the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:1-13
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples with great power. As they gathered together in one place, suddenly there was a sound like a mighty wind, and tongues of fire appeared, resting on each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them utterance. This event was a fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel 2:28-32.
Peter’s Sermon – Acts 2:14-41
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, stood up and addressed the crowd, explaining the significance of the events. He proclaimed that Jesus, whom they had crucified, was the promised Messiah. Through his sermon, 3,000 people were baptized, marking the birth of the Christian Church. Peter’s sermon emphasizes repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
Key Questions for Revision:
- What was the promise of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8?
- How did the Holy Spirit manifest itself at Pentecost?
- What was the significance of speaking in tongues during Pentecost?
- How did Peter explain the coming of the Holy Spirit?
- What was the effect of Peter’s sermon on the crowd?
- How did Pentecost contribute to the spread of Christianity?
- What Old Testament prophecy was fulfilled at Pentecost?
- What role did the Holy Spirit play in the early Church?
- How did the disciples react when they received the Holy Spirit?
- Why is Pentecost considered the birth of the Church?
2. Mission to the Gentiles: Saul’s Conversion
Saul’s Conversion – Acts 9:1-19
Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, was on his way to Damascus to arrest believers when he was blinded by a bright light. Jesus spoke to him from heaven, asking, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Saul’s sight was restored, and he was baptized by Ananias. This dramatic conversion marked the beginning of Saul’s (later Paul’s) ministry to the Gentiles.
The Reaction of the Jews to Saul’s Conversion – Acts 9:20-30
Saul’s conversion was met with skepticism and fear by the Christians, as they knew him as a persecutor. However, after Saul boldly preached about Jesus in Damascus, the Jews plotted to kill him. He fled to Jerusalem, where Barnabas introduced him to the apostles.
The Significance of Saul’s Conversion
Saul’s conversion was significant because it marked the transformation of a staunch enemy of Christianity into one of its most fervent advocates. Saul, later known as Paul, became a missionary, spreading the Gospel across the Roman Empire, writing letters that form a large portion of the New Testament.
Key Questions for Revision:
- How was Saul’s conversion different from other conversions in the Bible?
- What happened to Saul on his way to Damascus?
- Who helped Saul regain his sight after his encounter with Jesus?
- How did the early Christians react to Saul’s conversion?
- Why was Saul’s conversion significant for the spread of Christianity?
- What role did Ananias play in Saul’s conversion?
- How did the Jews react to Saul’s preaching in Damascus?
- Why did Saul flee to Jerusalem?
- How did Saul’s life change after his conversion?
- What impact did Saul’s conversion have on the early Church?
3. Mission to the Gentiles: Peter’s Ministry
Peter’s Ministry in Lydda and Joppa – Acts 9:32-42
Peter traveled through the region, healing the sick and performing miracles. In Lydda, he healed Aeneas, a man paralyzed for eight years. In Joppa, he raised a woman named Tabitha from the dead. These miracles brought many people to faith in Jesus.
Peter and the Gentile Converts – Acts 10:1-48, 11:1-18
Peter was summoned to the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion. At first, Peter was hesitant to associate with Gentiles, as Jewish law forbade such contact. However, God revealed to him through a vision that the Gospel was for everyone, including Gentiles. Peter baptized Cornelius and his household, marking the first official conversion of Gentiles to Christianity.
Key Questions for Revision:
- What miracles did Peter perform in Lydda and Joppa?
- How did Peter’s actions in Lydda and Joppa affect the people there?
- Why was Peter hesitant to preach to Gentiles?
- What vision did Peter receive that changed his perspective on Gentiles?
- What happened when Peter visited the house of Cornelius?
- How did the Holy Spirit confirm the conversion of Gentiles?
- What is the significance of Peter baptizing Cornelius and his household?
- What lesson did Peter learn about God’s acceptance of all people?
- How did the Jewish Christians react to Peter’s ministry to Gentiles?
- How did Peter explain his actions to the other apostles in Jerusalem?
4. Opposition to the Gospel Message
Arrest and Imprisonment of the Apostles – Acts 4:1-31, 5:17-42
The apostles faced significant opposition from religious leaders who were threatened by the spread of the Gospel. They were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin but boldly proclaimed the message of Jesus. Despite being threatened, they continued to preach.
Opposition Against Stephen – Acts 6:8-15, 7:1-10
Stephen, one of the seven deacons chosen to assist the apostles, was arrested for preaching about Jesus. He was falsely accused of blasphemy and brought before the Sanhedrin. In his defense, he recounted the history of Israel and accused the Jewish leaders of rejecting God’s messengers. He was stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr.
Key Questions for Revision:
- Why were the apostles arrested and imprisoned?
- How did the apostles respond to being arrested?
- What message did Peter and John convey to the Sanhedrin?
- How did the apostles continue their mission despite opposition?
- Why was Stephen arrested?
- What was Stephen’s defense before the Sanhedrin?
- How did the Jewish leaders react to Stephen’s message?
- What was the significance of Stephen’s martyrdom?
- How did the early Church respond to Stephen’s death?
- How did God use Stephen’s death to spread the Gospel?
5. Opposition to the Gospel Message: Saul’s Opposition
Saul’s Opposition to the Gospel – Acts 9:1-3
Before his conversion, Saul was one of the fiercest persecutors of Christians. He actively sought to arrest and imprison believers. His opposition to the Gospel was driven by his belief that Christianity was a threat to Judaism.
Herod’s Opposition to the Gospel – Acts 12:1-24
King Herod Agrippa I persecuted the early Church, even arresting and executing the apostle James. He also imprisoned Peter, but an angel miraculously freed him. Herod’s opposition to Christianity ultimately led to his downfall when he was struck down by God for accepting worship as a god.
How the Church Prevailed Over Opposition
Despite facing opposition from both Jewish leaders and Roman authorities, the early Church grew rapidly. The apostles and believers were empowered by the Holy Spirit to boldly continue preaching the Gospel, and their perseverance led to the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
Key Questions for Revision:
- How did Saul initially oppose the Gospel?
- What was the reaction of the early Christians to Saul’s persecution?
- What did Herod do to oppose the Gospel?
- How did God intervene in Peter’s imprisonment?
- What happened to Herod as a result of his opposition?
- How did the Church survive during times of persecution?
- How did the apostles respond to threats from Jewish and Roman authorities?
- What role did the Holy Spirit play in the Church’s survival?
- Why was the Church able to grow despite intense opposition?
- What can we learn from the early Church’s response to persecution?
6. HIV/AIDS: Christian Perspective
Meaning of HIV/AIDS
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the final stage of HIV infection, characterized by a severely weakened immune system.
How People Can Be Infected by HIV/AIDS and Symptoms
HIV is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The virus can be contracted through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. Symptoms may include fever, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, and frequent infections.
Prevention of HIV/AIDS
The best way to prevent HIV/AIDS is through education and safe practices. This includes using condoms during sex, not sharing needles, and regular HIV testing. There is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, but antiretroviral drugs can help manage the condition.
Jesus’ Care for the Sick – John 4:46-54; 5:1-8; 9:1-7
In the Bible, Jesus showed compassion for the sick. He healed the sick, including a nobleman’s son (John 4:46-54) and a man by the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-8). Jesus also healed a man born blind (John 9:1-7). Christians are called to care for those affected by HIV/AIDS, showing love and compassion as Jesus did.
Key Questions for Revision:
- What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
- How is HIV transmitted?
- What are the symptoms of HIV/AIDS?
- How can HIV/AIDS be prevented?
- What role do Christians play in caring for those affected by HIV/AIDS?
- What does the Bible say about Jesus’ care for the sick?
- How did Jesus heal the sick in John 4:46-54?
- What was the significance of the healing of the man at Bethesda?
- How does Jesus’ healing of the blind man relate to the concept of spiritual healing?
- Why is compassion important in the fight against HIV/AIDS?