Étude 1 sur 14 · Avertissement concernant la persécution

  1. Étude 1 : Avertissement concernant la persécution
  2. Study 2: The Presence of the Living One in the Midst of the Churches
  3. Étude 3 : Daniel 11 – Les guerres des rois et le temps de la fin (Version pédagogique)
  4. Étude 4 : L’arrestation des apôtres
  5. Étude 5 : La recherche des prisonniers
  6. Étude 6 : La comparution devant le Sanhédrin
  7. Étude 7 : L’intervention du pharisien Gamaliel
  8. Étude 8 : La réaction surprenante des apôtres
  9. Étude 9 : L’arrestation d’Etienne
  10. Étude 10 : La comparution d’Etienne devant le Sanhédrin
  11. Étude 11 : Saul et le martyre d'Étienne
  12. Étude 12 : La persécution
  13. Étude 13 : Les écrits controversés de Martin LUTHER
  14. Étude 14 : L’amour de Dieu pour l’homme

The last day up to the crucifixion

  • PER322 Warning About Persecution

    The article explains Jesus’ warning to his disciples about the inevitable persecution they will face. Drawing on the Gospels, it shows that this hatred is bound up with their belonging to Christ. Yet Jesus promises the support of the Holy Spirit to help them go through these trials.

    John 3.16-17 (King James Version) :
    For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Reliability of the Scriptures and other doctrinal topics

  • APO001 The Presence of the Living One in the Midst of the Churches

    The first chapter of a study of Revelation, this article presents the dating of the book (around AD 95 under Domitian), the identity of John as its author and his exile on Patmos. The exegetical analysis of Revelation 1 unveils a glorious, sovereign Christ present in the midst of his Churches, calling believers to faithfulness in persecution.

    Revelation 1.1 (King James Version) :
    The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

The Revelation of Daniel

Peter's ministry

  • ADA019 The arrest of the apostles

    The ADA019 article comments on Acts 5.17-18: faced with the remarkable growth of the Church in Jerusalem, the high priest and the Sadducees, moved by jealousy, have the apostles arrested. Luke shows that despite the opposition of the religious authorities, the work of Christ continues through the action of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the promise of Acts 1.8.

    Luke 22.52-54 (King James Version) :
    Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA021 The search for the prisoners

    Analysis of Acts 5.21-26: after the miraculous deliverance of the apostles, the Sanhedrin discovers the empty cells. Luke highlights the perplexity of the religious authorities, the embarrassment of the captain of the Temple and the fear of a popular reaction. Despite the inexplicable, the religious leaders persist in their opposition and order a second arrest, illustrating God's sovereignty over all human opposition.

    Acts 4.1 (King James Version) :
    And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA022 The appearance before the Sanhedrin

    Exegetical study of Acts 5.27-33, which relates the appearance of the apostles before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. Faced with the accusations of Caiaphas, Peter declares with confidence that obedience to God takes precedence over obedience to men, and announces that Jesus, crucified and risen, is exalted as Prince and Savior to grant repentance and forgiveness to Israel. A foundational episode of the apostolic mission.

    Acts 5.29 (King James Version) :
    Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA023 The intervention of the Pharisee Gamaliel

    During a session of the Sanhedrin in the spring of 33, the Pharisee Gamaliel steps in to calm the Sadducees who want to put the apostles to death. By a pragmatic argument drawing on the precedents of Theudas and Judas the Galilean, he persuades the council to adopt a wait-and-see position. From Luke's perspective, his words illustrate a central theme of Acts: the work of God cannot be stopped by men.

    Acts 5.38-39 (King James Version) :
    And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:But if it be of God, ye can not overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA024 The surprising reaction of the apostles

    After being flogged by the Sanhedrin, the apostles react in a surprising way, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. Far from being discouraged, they continue their ministry every day in the Temple and in the houses, teaching and announcing the good news. Luke shows that persecutions, far from stopping the Gospel, paradoxically contribute to its progress.

    Acts 5.19-20 (King James Version) :
    But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA026 The arrest of Stephen

    The article analyzes the arrest of Stephen (Acts 6.8-12) in Jerusalem around AD 34-35. Although appointed among the Seven, Stephen carries out a remarkable apostolic ministry. His witness provokes the opposition of Hellenistic Jews who, unable to refute him, resort to false witnesses to bring him before the Sanhedrin. Luke highlights the parallels with the trial of Jesus and the gradual extension of the persecution to the whole Church.

    Acts 6.9 (King James Version) :
    Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA027 Stephen's appearance before the Sanhedrin

    The appearance of Stephen before the Sanhedrin (Acts 6.12-15), around AD 34-35, is initiated by Hellenistic opponents from the synagogue of the Freedmen. Unable to refute his wisdom, they resort to false witnesses. The accusations concern the Temple and the Law, recalling the trial of Jesus. Luke thus draws an intentional parallel between the Master and his disciple.

    Acts 5.17-18 (King James Version) :
    Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA030 Saul and the martyrdom of Stephen

    Article ADA030 examines Acts 8.1-3: the first appearance of Saul of Tarsus, who approves of Stephen’s martyrdom, and the beginning of a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem. The scattering of believers throughout Judea and Samaria, far from being a defeat, providentially becomes the driving force behind the spread of the Gospel, fulfilling Jesus’ promise in Acts 1.8.

    Galatians 1.13-14 (King James Version) :
    For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • ADA031 The persecution

    Article ADA031 examines the great persecution of the early church in Jerusalem (Acts 8.1-3), around AD 34-35. After Stephen’s martyrdom, the repression extends to all believers, women included. Saul of Tarsus is its chief architect, driven by a sincere but misdirected zeal for the Jewish traditions. This text illustrates the fulfillment of Jesus’ warnings about persecution and foreshadows Paul’s future conversion.

    Acts 9.13-14 (King James Version) :
    Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Historical notes

  • INF025 The controversial writings of Martin LUTHER

    Martin Luther produced two bodies of controversial writings: in 1525, a pamphlet calling for the violent suppression of rebellious peasants, and in 1543, a virulently antisemitic treatise entitled 'On the Jews and Their Lies'. These texts, which departed from his initial positions, had grave historical consequences, notably their appropriation by the Nazis. They deeply tarnish the legacy of the Protestant Reformation.

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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Word of a Friend

  • PDA009 God’s love for humanity

    The article explores God’s love through John 3:16 and the idea that, despite persecution, faith in Jesus offers a path to eternal life. It asserts that following Jesus’ teachings is an open door into the kingdom of God, and although this life is transitory, our choices here influence our eternity. Salvation through Jesus is presented as a precious gift, and everyone is free to accept it or not.

    John 3.16 (King James Version) :
    For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
    Read more

    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate