Chapter 8: The Birth of the Church

Chapter 8: The Birth of the Church

UNDERSTANDING THE SCRIPTURES

ANTICIPATORY SET Read silently the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, which narrates the Ascension of Christ and the election of St. Matthias.

1. The Early Church (pp. 260–267)

BASIC QUESTIONS What final preparation did Christ give his disciples before his

Ascension? What was the effect of the coming of the Holy Spirit on the

Apostles? How did St. Peter exercise his office in the Church? Why was St. Stephen martyred?

KEY IDEAS Christ taught his disciples about the Kingdom of God during the

forty days after his Resurrection. On Pentecost, the Apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit; St. Peter

preached to pilgrims in Jerusalem, converting some 3000 to Christ. St. Peter showed his primacy by calling for a replacement for Judas,

preaching at Pentecost, and representing the Church. The deacon St. Stephen delivered a courageous summary of Jewish

history before the Sanhedrin and, accused of blasphemy, became the first martyr; the Pharisee Saul led a persecution of early Christians across Israel.


FOCUS QUESTIONS For what ministry did the Apostles spend forty days preparing? Their mission was to restore the Kingdom of David. Why did the Apostles remain in Jerusalem? Jerusalem was David’s capital city and the place the prophets promised would be the capital of the new Davidic kingdom. What was Christ’s answer to the Apostles when asked when he would restore the kingdom to Israel? Christ said it was not for them to know, but they would receive the power of the Holy Spirit and take Christ’s message to the whole world, beginning in Jerusalem.


What does it mean to sit at the right hand of God? The right hand side of a king is a place of honor. It is the place promised to the Anointed One (cf. Ps 110). What is the order of the restoration of David’s kingdom? First it would be restored in Israel, then Samaria, and then the rest of the world.


GRAPHIC ORGANIZER Complete the following table according to the map “Judaism at the Time of Christ” (p. 261).


GUIDED EXERCISE Complete a focused reading of the paragraph “In Greek, the word...” (p. 262) using the following question: In the Church, what is the connection between the

words office and bishop?


FOCUS QUESTIONS What was the criterion for choosing the successor of Judas? Judas’s replacement had to be someone who had been with Christ from his Baptism until the Ascension so he could have been an eyewitness to the Resurrection. What does Pentecost mean, and what did this Jewish festival celebrate? Pentecost comes from the Greek for fifty. Fifty days after Passover, the Jews celebrated the giving of the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai. What two similes did St. Luke use to describe the descent of the Holy Spirit? There was a sound like the rush of a mighty wind and an appearance of tongues as of fire.


How did Jews from the various nations react to the Apostles’ speaking in various languages? Some were amazed; others said they were drunk. What did St. Peter inherit from Christ? He inherited Christ’s teaching authority. What powers did St. Peter and the Apostles also inherit? They inherited the powers to heal and to forgive sins. Who represented the Apostles before the Sanhedrin? St. Peter spoke for the Church.


GUIDED EXERCISE Complete a focused reading of the two paragraphs “When the people ask...” and “Already, less than two...” (p. 264) using the following question: How did the apostolic Church conduct herself?


FOCUS QUESTIONS Who was St. Stephen? St. Stephen was a Greek and a convert to Christianity, one of the seven deacons appointed to do charitable works in the Church, and the first martyr of the Church. Why was St. Stephen accused of blasphemy? St. Stephen told of his vision of Jesus Christ at the right hand of God. Extension: This was blasphemous to Jews because St. Stephen was saying Jesus, whom the Sanhedrin had condemned to death, was God’s Messiah, or Christ. What was the effect of Saul’s persecution? It helped the Church to spread all over Judea and Samaria and as far as Damascus.


GUIDED EXERCISE Work with a partner to summarize the Catechism, no. 553 (p. 314). Identify two examples of St. Peter exercising his ministry during this time.


FOCUS QUESTIONS How did the earliest Christians view themselves with respect to Judaism? They considered themselves Jews who had been entrusted with a special mission to spread the Good News of the Messiah. How did the earliest Christians worship? They worshiped at the synagogue every Sabbath and then celebrated the Eucharist privately in their homes on the Lord’s Day. What does it mean to say the synagogue and Temple are united in the Mass? The first part of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Word, is similar in structure and content to synagogue worship; the second part of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, is derived from the Temple Liturgy of the thank‑offering and the Passover.


HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT Study Questions 1–16 (p. 309) Practical Exercises 1–3 (p. 311) Workbook Questions 1–25 Read “Philip Baptizes the Ethiopian” through “The

Council of Jerusalem” (pp. 267–273)


CLOSURE Write a paragraph summarizing Christ’s formation of the Apostles from the time of their calling until the descent of the Holy Spirit.


ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT Use a missal and the Catechism, no. 1345, to write a well‑organized paragraph comparing the present‑day Mass to the Liturgy described by St. Justin Martyr.


ANTICIPATORY SET Think/Pair/Share using the Catechism, no. 3 (p. 313), and the following question: Why do you possess the Faith today, and how can

you best hand it on?

2. Saul’s Conversion (pp. 267–273)

BASIC QUESTIONS What was the significance of the Baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch? What is St. Paul’s conversion story? How did God show St. Peter the Gentile Cornelius and his household should

be baptized? Why was the Council of Jerusalem convened, and what did it decide? KEY IDEAS Led by the Holy Spirit, St. Philip showed the Ethiopian eunuch Jesus Christ

is the fulfillment of the Old Testament, and, when the man asked for Baptism, the Apostle complied. The Ethiopian, who was barred from becoming a Jew, was the first Gentile baptized into the Church.

Saul was dramatically converted to the Faith and became an Apostle. St. Peter’s vision and the giving of the Holy Spirit to Cornelius’s household

convinced him Gentiles do not have to become Jews. Because some Jewish Christians insisted Gentile converts had to follow the

Law, the Council of Jerusalem settled the question; St. Peter’s decision was endorsed by the Apostles and promulgated by St. James.


GUIDED EXERCISE Discuss the following question: How were both St. Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch

wise men?


FOCUS QUESTIONS Why could the Ethiopian eunuch not have become a Jew? According to the Book of Deuteronomy, a eunuch could never be part of the Jewish community (cf. 23:1). What was the most effective argument the early Christians used to gain converts? They showed how Jesus Christ fulfilled the Scriptures. What was the significance of the Baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch? The Ethiopian eunuch was the first Gentile to be baptized a Christian. He was—from the Roman point of view—from the farthest part of the known world, so his Baptism was a sign the Gospel was for the entire world.


GUIDED EXERCISE Complete a paragraph shrink on the Catechism, no. 781.


FOCUS QUESTIONS Where was Saul educated? He received an excellent training in Greek literature and philosophy in Tarsus and mastered the Scriptures under the most famous of the Pharisees, Gamaliel. What was Saul’s means of support during his adult life? He was a tent maker. Why was Saul dreaded by the Christians of Jerusalem? Saul led squads of Temple guards during the first widespread persecution of Christians in Jerusalem.


GUIDED EXERCISE Work with a partner to identify those qualities St. Paul possessed that gave him the potential to become a great Apostle.


FOCUS QUESTIONS What did Christ mean when he said to Saul, “Why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4)? Saul was persecuting the Church, the Body of Christ. Therefore, he was persecuting Christ. Why did St. Ananias argue with Christ? He was afraid to go to Saul because he was a dangerous man. Why did St. Paul receive death threats? After his conversion, his zeal for Christ made him the enemy of his former allies.


GUIDED EXERCISE Work with a partner to analyze in writing the points St. Peter makes in the Acts of the Apostles 15:7–11.


FOCUS QUESTIONS What did the Jewish Christians who came to Antioch claim? They told the Gentile converts they could not be saved unless they were circumcised and followed the Law of Moses. How did St. Paul correct St. Peter? When some Jewish Christians appeared, St. Peter withdrew from eating with the Gentile Christians. St. Paul confronted St. Peter publicly and said, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?” (Gal 2:14).


FOCUS QUESTIONS Why did things look bad for St. Paul in the debate about whether Gentiles had to follow the Old Law to be saved? St. James the Just was the Head of the Church of Jerusalem and a zealous follower of the Law. Why is it remarkable St. James the Just supported St. Peter? Someone who loved and followed the Law so perfectly was not expected to be detached enough not to impose it on others.


Who was St. Cornelius? He was a Roman commander and a proselyte of the Gate. What did the voice in the kill and eat vision mean when it said, “What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean” (Acts 10:15)? First, all foods are clean, that is, may be eaten despite dietary regulations of the Law. Second, if a man has been cleaned in Baptism, he is acceptable. How did St. Peter know St. Cornelius and his household should be baptized? They received the gift of the Holy Spirit, and this convinced him they had the right to be baptized, too. Extension: St. Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit before they were baptized.


What was the importance of Antioch in the early Church? It was the greatest center of Christianity outside Jerusalem and where St. Peter was first bishop. What was the first name used by the followers of Christ, and what name did they receive in Antioch? Christ’s followers called their practice The Way. In Antioch they were called Christians.


HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT Study Questions 17–33 (p. 309) Practical Exercises 5, 10 (p. 311–312) Workbook Questions 26–46 Read “Apostle to the Gentiles” through “St. Paul’s

Travels” (pp. 274–279)


CLOSURE Free write for five minutes about the remarkable conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch.


ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT Work with a partner, using the following question, to understand the Catechism, no. 856 (p. 316): Why should Christians try to convert

non‑Christians to the Faith?


ANTICIPATORY SET Lead a class discussion about what the students read as homework (Acts 21:27—22:29), using the following question: How does St. Paul’s experience parallel the

martyrdom of St. Stephen?

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

BASIC QUESTIONS Why is St. Paul called the Apostle to the Gentiles? What is the relationship among the Law, Israel, and the Father? What is the relationship between justification and divine sonship? After his conversion, to what did St. Paul devote his life?

KEY IDEAS St. Paul was uniquely qualified to be the Apostle to the Gentiles, was called to be this

by Our Lord, and carried out his mission intensely, adapting his message to his specific audiences.

St. Paul used the idea of a pedagogue, the son over which he has charge, and the son’s father as an analogy to explain the relationship among the Law, Israel, and God the Father; a pedagogue in charge of a youth had complete authority over him until adulthood, after which the son was subject only to his father; similarly, the Law was the custodian of Israel until Christ freed Israel, making Israel subject only to the Father.

The essence of justification is human beings are made children of God. This includes a participation in the divine life and the inheritance of eternal life.

St. Paul devoted his entire life to spreading the Gospel, making at least three missionary journeys and a journey from Jerusalem to Rome, where he was eventually beheaded by Nero.

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

FOCUS QUESTIONS What were St. Paul’s qualifications to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles? He had a classical education, so he could speak to Greeks and Romans on their own terms. His classical training included logic, which was useful in his theological writings. He knew the Scriptures well and could refute any argument the Jewish authorities might bring against him. Finally, his Roman citizenship protected him to a great degree from anti‑Christian conspirators.

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

Why was it natural the Gospel be first preached to Jews and then to Gentiles? Because the New Covenant was the fulfillment of the Old, it was natural Jews be the first audience. At the same time, the Gospel was meant for everyone, and, because so many Jews rejected the message, St. Paul turned to the Gentiles.

Why did St. Paul have St. Timothy circumcised? St. Timothy had a Greek Gentile father, and St. Paul wanted to avoid scandalizing the Jews.

Despite his freedom, what was St. Paul willing to do time after time? He willingly sacrificed his freedom to help preach the truth of the Gospel.

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

What was the pedagogue of Israel according to St. Paul? The Mosaic Law was her pedagogue. What made Israel grow up? Israel grew up when Christ came. Extension: The New Testament refers to Christ’s coming in the fullness of time. When Israel grew up, to whom alone was she to be subject? She was to be subject to God the Father alone, no longer to the Law.

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

Was the Law good or evil according to St. Paul? The Law was eminently good. What is the relationship between sin and the Law according to St. Paul? The Law, in a sense, creates sin because it teaches right from wrong. Extension: The moral law does not create sin in a strict sense; rather, it commands people to do good and avoid evil. It reveals and clarifies which deeds are sinful. What did St. Paul mean when he said a person is justified? He means that person is made right with God, clean from sin, and worthy to receive God’s promises.

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

What is the relationship between the Law of sin and death and the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus? The Law of sin and death refers to failed human attempts to obey the Mosaic Law; this Old Law condemns its practitioners to know their sins and fall under the punishment of death. The Law of the Spirit of Life refers to Christ—by his Passion, Death, and Resurrection—having fulfilled the punishment required by the Old Law so all people united to him can live the divine life of the Blessed Trinity in the Holy Spirit. What does it mean to say Jesus Christ is a sin offering? Under the Old Covenant, one who had broken the Law made a sin offering. Christ’s Death on the Cross is the sin offering of all those united to him. What does it mean to say the essence of justification is divine sonship? The central good received through justification, when people are made right with God through the Redemption of Christ, is to become an adopted son or daughter of God.

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

GUIDED EXERCISE Read silently the paragraph “Paul explains that the Law...” (p. 275) and then write a one‑sentence definition of a Roman‑era custodian (pedagogue).

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

GUIDED EXERCISE Think/Pair/Share using the following question: Though one is not saved through obedience to the

Law, why is everybody still supposed to obey the Ten Commandments and do good works?

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

FOCUS QUESTIONS How did St. Paul explain the doctrine of justification? St. Paul taught only God himself can justify anyone. He justifies people as a loving gift to them. Nobody can justify him‑ or herself through observance of the Law or by his or her good works apart from grace. What is the parallel between Adam and Christ with respect to justification? Adam’s sin dis‑graced all people, that is, removed grace from himself and all his descendants. Christ’s atonement restored them in God’s grace, making people once again children of God, as was his original intent in creation. What is the relationship among the Law, sin, and grace? The Law made sin abound. Where sin abounded, God made grace grow even more, even to the point of giving his people eternal life.

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

Why can a person not earn the right to be part of God’s family? One can never deserve a place in God’s family. It can only come about as a gift. Why can simple obedience to the Law not make a person holy? The Law, like a custodian, can show what ought to be done, but it cannot give the strength to act according to it. How did St. James correct a possible misunderstanding of the doctrine of justification? He showed good works are necessary.

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

How was St. Paul’s imprisonment in Rome? He was under house arrest for two years, allowed to have visits from his friends, and could send letters freely. When did St. Paul die? He died a martyr during Nero’s persecution about AD 64, and tradition holds he died the same day as St. Peter. Why was St. Paul not crucified? St. Paul was a Roman citizen from Tarsus, and Roman citizens were spared crucifixion. Instead, he was beheaded.

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

What did St. Paul do in his missionary journeys? He preached the Gospel, founded new churches, and gave encouragement to the members of churches that had been founded by other Apostles. How difficult were St. Paul’s travels? They were very difficult; he suffered much, including hunger, imprisonment, shipwreck, and stoning. Why did St. Paul go to Rome? He was sent to Rome as a prisoner in keeping with one of his legal rights as a Roman citizen.

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

GRAPHIC ORGANIZER Complete the following table according to the map “Paul’s First Journey” (p. 279).

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

GRAPHIC ORGANIZER Create a Graphic Organizer, similar to the one completed on page 279, of St. Paul’s second or third journey or his journey to Rome according to the corresponding map (pp. 280–281).

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT Study Questions 34–44 (p. 309– 310) Practical Exercises 6–9 (p. 311– 312) Workbook Questions 47–62 Read “The New Kingdom” through “Councils of the

Whole Church” (pp. 282–288)

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

CLOSURE Write a paragraph summarizing St. Paul’s explanation of the doctrine of justification.

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT Work in groups of three or four to come up with a response to the following question: Were St. Paul starting his ministry today, how would he

adapt himself to young people to communicate his message effectively?

3. St. Paul (pp. 274–281)

ANTICIPATORY SET Read silently the Catechism, no. 552 (p. 314) and then free write about Christ’s decision to give Simon the name Peter.

4. The New Kingdom (pp. 282–288)

BASIC QUESTIONS How does the Church fulfill the features of the Davidic Covenant? Is the Church’s hierarchical structure evident in the New Testament? Where are Church councils present in Scripture? KEY IDEAS The Church contains within herself all the features of the Davidic

Covenant. The New Testament reveals Christ gave his Church a hierarchical

structure with St. Peter as her Head; the Apostles ordained bishops, priests, and deacons to assist them and carry on their work.

In the Acts of the Apostles, at the Council of Jerusalem the Apostles and other bishops met to decide whether Christians had to be circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law, with the final decision being pronounced by St. Peter; this is the prototype for Ecumenical Councils, in which the bishops of the Church have met to decide important doctrinal questions, ultimately based on the Pope’s confirmation.


FOCUS QUESTIONS In Jacob’s prophecy, to what does “he comes” (Gn 49:10) refer? This refers to the man who is to come and to whom the ruler’s staff (scepter) belongs. He will rule not only Israel but the peoples, that is, all the nations. What is the difference between the scope of David’s and Christ’s kingdoms? David ruled a small empire in the Middle East whereas Christ’s reign is unlimited. What is the relationship between the Prophet Samuel’s prophecy to King David and the Archangel Gabriel’s prophecy to the Blessed Virgin Mary? The Prophet Samuel said God will give King David’s offspring an eternal rule. The Archangel Gabriel said God will give the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Son, who is a descendant of David, an everlasting kingdom.


GRAPHIC ORGANIZER Complete the following table to organize the seven primary features of the Davidic Covenant fulfilled in the Church (pp. 283–284).


GUIDED EXERCISE Conduct a paragraph shrink on “The thank‑offering...” (p. 285).


FOCUS QUESTIONS In the Church, who is the queen mother? The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, is the queen mother. How can it be known St. Peter is the prime minister in the New Covenant? According to Isaiah 22, the prime minister (chief steward) of the royal government received the key of the house of David to open and shut exclusively. Christ gave St. Peter the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven with the power to bind and loose. What is the thank‑offering in the Church? It is the Eucharist.


When did Christ establish the organization of his Church? Christ chose the Twelve Apostles, entrusted his Church to them, and made St. Peter their Head. How was the early Church hierarchy practiced? The Apostles ordained people to assist them and continue their mission. The New Testament speaks of bishops, priests, and deacons. How do bishops correspond to the Apostles? Modern‑day bishops are successors of the Apostles. They are part of an unbroken chain going back to the Twelve.


Who made St. Peter the Head of the Apostles? Christ made St. Peter the Head after St. Peter had recognized Christ to be the Son of God (cf. Mt 16). When did St. Peter begin to act as the leader of the Church? St. Peter began to lead the Church after Christ had ascended into Heaven. Citing evidence from the New Testament, did the earliest Christians view St. Peter as the Head of the Church? Yes; St. Peter decided the Apostles should find a replacement for Judas. He was the spokesman for the Church at Pentecost and before the Sanhedrin. He pronounced the decision against circumcision at the Council of Jerusalem. He founded the local church in Rome (Diocese of Rome).


What was the first local church council? The Acts of the Apostles records the Council of Jerusalem at which the Apostles debated the question of circumcision for Gentile converts. What is the most recent Ecumenical Council of the whole Church? The Second Vatican Council was held in the 1960s. What is the purpose of an Ecumenical Council? One is usually called when an important question of doctrine or discipline arises in many regions of the world. Response to this question from all the bishops of the world, united with the Pope, is rendered.


HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT Study Questions 45–57 (p. 310) Practical Exercises 11–12 (p. 312) Workbook Questions 63–75 Read “Sacraments” through “Matrimony” (pp. 288–

293)


CLOSURE Free write for five minutes about Christ and the Church having fulfilled the features of the Davidic Covenant.


ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT The thesis of this chapter: “Christ has founded a new kingdom.” Write a paragraph describing the King and his kingdom.


ANTICIPATORY SET Discuss the meaning of Sacrament.

“The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions.” (CCC 131)

5. The Sacraments (pp. 288–293)

BASIC QUESTIONS Is the sacramental economy seen in Scripture? What are the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, the

Eucharist, and Penance? What are the Sacraments of the Anointing of the Sick, Holy

Orders, and Matrimony?

KEY IDEAS In the New Testament, each of the Seven Sacraments was

instituted by Christ himself and entrusted to his Church; they are the ordinary means by which the saving effects of the Paschal Mystery are dispensed to Catholics.

Baptism is necessary for salvation; Confirmation completes Baptism; the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ; Penance forgives sins committed after Baptism.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick forgives sins and can heal those who are ill; the Sacrament of Holy Orders ordains a man to be a deacon, priest, or bishop; the Sacrament of Matrimony raises natural marriage to a means of grace for the mutual sanctification of the spouses and their children.


FOCUS QUESTIONS What is a Sacrament? It is an efficacious sign of God’s grace instituted by Jesus Christ and entrusted to the Church. Who instituted the Seven Sacraments? They were instituted by Christ and can be found in the New Testament. From where do the Sacraments derive their power? They are given power by Christ, and they are the work of the Holy Spirit. The saving effects of the Paschal Mystery are communicated through the Sacraments.


GUIDED EXERCISE Think/Pair/Share to complete #78 (p. T178) in the Student Workbook about the relationship between the necessity of Baptism for salvation and those cases in which Baptism is impossible to administer.


GUIDED EXERCISE Think/Pair/Share using the following question: How is the Sacrament of Confirmation always linked to

the bishop?


FOCUS QUESTIONS When did Christ institute the Sacrament of Baptism? Before his Ascension, Christ commanded his Apostles, “Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them” (Mt 28:19). Who is the minister of the Sacrament of Baptism? A bishop, priest, or deacon is the ordinary minister; in danger of death, any person—even one not baptized—can baptize.


How is the timing of the administration of Confirmation different in the East and West? In the Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church, Confirmation is administered by a priest or bishop immediately following Baptism in the same liturgical service. In the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, it is usually deferred and administered by a bishop. Where is the Sacrament of Confirmation demonstrated in the New Testament? In the Acts of the Apostles, the Apostles laid hands on newly‑baptized Christians who then received the Holy Spirit.


GUIDED EXERCISE Think/Pair/Share about sacramental economy using the Catechism, no. 1076 (p. 316). Write a sentence about the Sacraments’ relationship to salvation.


FOCUS QUESTIONS When was the Sacrament of the Eucharist instituted? The Eucharist was instituted at the Last Supper. How can a person know the consecrated bread and wine have become the Body and Blood of Christ? Christ said, “My flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed” (Jn 6:55). This teaching is found in many places throughout the New Testament. What is transubstantiation? It describes the true substance of the bread and of the wine having become the true substance of Jesus Christ.


GUIDED EXERCISE Invite a priest or deacon to discuss his experiences administering the Sacraments and to answer students’ questions.


FOCUS QUESTIONS When was the Sacrament of Penance instituted? The Sacrament of Penance was instituted on the evening of the Resurrection. Christ breathed on the Apostles and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (Jn 20:23). Christ gave the Apostles the power to bind and loose. What is the difference between mortal and venial sin? A venial sin harms one’s relationship with God; a mortal sin breaks that relationship. Who can forgive sins? A bishop or a priest (who has received the authority from his bishop), can pronounce the forgiveness of sins in Christ’s name.


In which two books of the New Testament is the Anointing of the Sick found? It appears in the Gospel of St. Mark and the Epistle of St. James. What evidence from Scripture shows physical healing is not always an effect of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick? St. Paul, who was famous for miraculous healings and once raised a man from the dead, was not healed when he prayed to be rid of the thorn that tormented him. What is the relationship between the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and suffering? Through this Sacrament, a person’s suffering is united to the Passion of Christ. The Sacrament can help him or her face illness and even death with strength and grace.


How can a person know marriage is part of God’s creation? In the Book of Genesis, the Sacred Author revealed marriage is the reason a man leaves his father and mother to become one flesh with his wife. How is Heaven described in the Book of Revelation? It is described as a wedding banquet. How can a person know Christ is present in a sacramental marriage? Christ was present at the Wedding Feast at Cana where he assisted the couple directly by turning water into wine. Extension: St. Paul described marriage as an image of the relationship between Christ and his Church (cf. Eph 5).


What are the three levels of ordained ministry in the Church, and what did these terms originally mean? Bishop comes from the Greek for overseer, priest from elder, and deacon from servant. Extension: Deacons serve their bishops by, among their many responsibilities, baptizing, presiding at weddings, and preaching. Priests serve their bishops by celebrating the Eucharist, forgiving sins, baptizing, anointing the sick, presiding at weddings, and preaching. Bishops exercise the fullness of the priesthood and can celebrate all of the Sacraments, including Holy Orders.

Where are each of these three levels seen in the New Testament? St. Stephen was one of the seven deacons, and he distributed alms to elderly widows. St. James advised the sick to call on the priests to receive the Anointing of the Sick. St. Paul described the bishop as caring for God’s Church (cf. 1 Tm).

What is the meaning of in persona Christi (capitis)? A minister acts in the Person of Christ (the head) when he celebrates the Sacraments, especially in the Sacrifice of the Mass.


GUIDED EXERCISE Read silently about marriage as a sign of the relationship between Christ and his Church (Eph 5:21—6:4), and discuss this great mystery.


FOCUS QUESTIONS What did Christ teach about divorce? Marriage is a lifelong union. Divorce was not the intention of God when he created men and women, but Moses allowed it because of human weakness. What is the purpose of the grace received in the Sacrament of Matrimony according to the Catechism, no. 1641? It is intended to perfect the couple’s love, strengthen their indissoluble union, help each other attain holiness, and welcome and educate children. How is Christ present in Christian marriages? Christ dwells with the spouses, helping them in every aspect of their married lives.


HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT Study Questions 58–69 (p. 310) Practical Exercises 14–15 (p. 312) Workbook Questions 76–93 Read “What Jesus Taught About the End of History”

through “The Heavenly Eucharist” (pp. 294–301)


CLOSURE Write a paragraph explaining the New Testament evidence for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, and Penance.


ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT Think/Pair/Share about the differences between natural marriage and sacramental marriage.


ANTICIPATORY SET Incorporate one of Christ’s discourses about the end of the age (Mt 24:1–44) into the class’s Opening Prayer.

6. The Heavenly Liturgy (pp. 294–301)

BASIC QUESTIONS What did Christ teach about the end of the world? When did the end of the world of the Old Covenant take place? How does the Book of Revelation correspond to the parts of the Mass? KEY IDEAS The end of history will occur when Christ returns in glory to judge the

living and the dead and reward each person according to his deeds. The end of the Old Covenant came with the destruction of Jerusalem

and its Temple about AD 70. The Book of Revelation is a kind of vision of the heavenly Liturgy, and,

like the Mass, it has two parts which are akin to the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The first part, with its call to repentance, is like the Penitential Rite of the Mass. The opening of the scrolls is like the reading of the Word. The second part of the Book of Revelation is like the Liturgy of the Eucharist because Christ is presented just as at Mass.


FOCUS QUESTIONS What did the early Christians seem to expect would take place soon? They seemed to believe the end of the world was imminent. What did Christ predict? He said some of those standing with him would “see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom” (Mt 16:28) and “this generation will not pass away” before the things he described would have taken place (Mt 24:34). What actually did end about AD 70? The world of the Old Covenant came to a sudden and catastrophic end with the destruction of the Temple.


To what do Christians look forward at the end of the world? Christ will return in glory, reward each person according to his or her works, and give the faithful eternal happiness with him in Heaven (the Beatific Vision). Who can predict when the end of the world will come? No human person can predict it. According to the Catechism, no. 676, when will the world achieve an earthly paradise? It will never achieve this; all promises of an earthly paradise—separate from Christ’s return and judgment at the end of time—are false.


For what was Florus known? His cruel tyranny over Judea was marked by floggings and massacres of Jews. How did zealous Jews respond to Florus’s oppression? They revolted, murdering any Jew they suspected of collaborating with the Romans. What success did such zealotry have? Initially it was successful, but the Romans eventually sent their best general, Vespasian, who turned the tide in Rome’s favor.


What did the Christians do when the Romans came to Jerusalem? They withdrew from Jerusalem to a town called Pella across the Jordan. This kept with Christ’s admonition, “Let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (Mt 24:16). What sufferings did the inhabitants of Jerusalem face under Titus? Jerusalem was crammed with refugees who suffered terrible starvation. The inhabitants died of starvation or were killed in battle. The rest were sold as slaves or thrown to the lions. Jerusalem was destroyed. What happened to the Temple? The Temple was razed, never to be rebuilt.


GUIDED EXERCISE Think/Pair/Share: How was the destruction of the Temple the end of the

world?


GRAPHIC ORGANIZER Complete the following table to identify three kinds of statements in Christ’s discourse (cf. p. 294).


FOCUS QUESTIONS What is the second key that opens the Book of Revelation for the reader’s understanding? The Mass, or Divine Liturgy, is the second key. According to the Catechism, no. 1136, what is the heavenly Liturgy, that is, the action of the members of Christ in Heaven? The heavenly Liturgy is “wholly communion and feast.” How is the Book of Revelation related to the Mass, or Divine Liturgy? The structure of the Book of Revelation is the same as that of the Mass, or Divine Liturgy. The Book of Revelation can be divided into two parts, the first like the Liturgy of the Word and the second like the Liturgy of the Eucharist.


When did St. John’s vision take place? It took place on a Sunday—the Lord’s Day—when Christians everywhere were celebrating the Mass, or Divine Liturgy. Who is the one like a son of man? It is Christ. How does the Book of Revelation begin, and to what part of the Mass is it related? This section, a call to repentance, is like the Penitential Rite that precedes the Liturgy of the Word.


GUIDED EXERCISE Read St. John’s vision of Christ at the door (cf. Rev 3:20) and then analyze the illustration of William Holman Hunt’s “Light of the World”: http://www.artchive.com/artchive/h/hunt/hunt_light_of_world.jpg Discuss the following question: How does the vision of the open door represent human

freedom?


http://www.artchive.com/artchive/h/hunt/hunt_light_of_world.jpg

http://www.artchive.com/artchive/h/hunt/hunt_light_of_world.jpg

FOCUS QUESTIONS In St. John’s vision of God enthroned with all the heavenly beings forever worshiping him, of what would his original readers have been reminded? They would have recalled the Temple in Jerusalem.

What is the relationship between the Lion of Judah and the Lamb? These are both symbols of Christ. The Lion of Judah is the image of a conquering champion, and the victory of salvation was won by the Lamb of God who was slain.

How do the four horsemen suggest the Jewish revolution? The first horse rides out to conquer. The other three bring war, famine, and death. The Jewish rebels started the war with success against Rome to free Israel, but the result was a terrible war, the starvation of the inhabitants of Jerusalem during the siege, and then the death of over one million.


What mark do the 144,000 receive? The cross‑shaped Greek letter Tau is put on the foreheads of the People of God—12,000 from each of the Twelve Tribes of Israel—to protect them from destruction. These symbolic numbers refer to the New Jerusalem. In the historical context of Revelation, who are the 144,000? They are the Jewish Christians who fled to the mountains across the Jordan. How does the seventh seal recall Exodus? The seven angels blow seven trumpets, and each of the first six trumpets releases a plague to punish the earth. As they did during the Exodus, the wicked refuse to repent. The number seven represents spiritual perfection.

What reminds readers of the Liturgy of the Word in the first half of the Book of Revelation? The emphasis is on the content of the written scrolls.


GUIDED EXERCISE Read silently Chapter 12 of the Book of Revelation and identify the characters presented.


GUIDED EXERCISE To help understand more deeply the portrait of the glorified Christ in the Book of Revelation (cf. 1:12–20), describe the vision of Christ in your own words.


FOCUS QUESTIONS How is the Blessed Virgin Mary the New Ark of the Covenant? An ark is a container. The Ark of the Covenant contained the tablets of the Law, some manna, and Aaron’s rod. The Blessed Virgin Mary bore in her womb the Word of God incarnate, the Bread of Life, and the one who will rule the nations with a rod of iron. She contained God like the Ark of the Old Covenant had contained representations of God. How is the woman like the Church? As the woman was attacked by the dragon but kept safe in the wilderness, the Church was attacked by the Devil but was kept safe in the wilderness of Pella. How does the vision of the woman with child relate to Adam and Eve? The serpent (dragon) tempted and conquered Adam and Eve. Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary—the New Adam and New Eve—overcame the dragon.


When was the Ark supposed to have reappeared? The Ark would be rediscovered when “God gathers his people together again and shows his mercy” (2 Mc 2:7). What did St. John introduce immediately after he mentioned the Ark? St. John gave a vision of the woman with child. What did the great dragon in the vision wish to do? It wanted to devour the child as soon as he was born. What was the destiny of the child? He was to rule all nations with a rod of iron, and he was caught up to God and to his throne. What happened to the woman? She fled into the wilderness where she was protected by God.


HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT Study Questions 70–81, 83–84 (p. 310) Practical Exercises 13, 16 (p. 312) Workbook Questions 94–118 Read “The Beasts” through “The Warning and the

Promise” (pp. 301–304)


CLOSURE Free write for five minutes about how the Book of Revelation reflects the Mass.


ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT Free write for five minutes about what you consider the most important idea of this lesson.


ANTICIPATORY SET Analyze the illustration by Durer on page 302, and then discuss the photographs of the two men superimposed.

7. The New Jerusalem (pp. 301– 305)

BASIC QUESTIONS What are the two beasts of Revelation 13? What is the New Jerusalem? What will happen at the end of time? KEY IDEAS The two beasts of Revelation 13 represent corrupt

governments that persecute the Church. The New Jerusalem is the city of the redeemed; it has no

Temple because God will dwell directly with his people. God will recompense everybody for the good or evil he or

she has done; persons and even particular churches will be lost if they choose not to adhere to the Faith, of which the seven churches of Asia are an example.

7. The New Jerusalem (pp. 301–305)

FOCUS QUESTIONS What is the seven‑headed beast in Revelation 13? It would have reminded St. John’s readers of the Roman Empire or the dynasty of the Herods. It also represents any corrupt government that persecutes Christians. How do people worship the beast today? People worship the beast today when they compromise their faith to get on a government’s good side. Extension: Whenever people put aside what is right in order to gain power or wealth, they are worshiping the beast. What does the number 666 mean? The number six represents imperfection, and the number three symbolizes completeness. Thus, the sign of the Beast (Satan)—three sixes—is the complete imperfection, or complete evil.


What is the true message of the Book of Revelation? It is a message of consolation and hope for Christians because, though they suffer plagues and tribulations, in the end is guaranteed triumph for Christ and his Church. What are some images used to describe the New Jerusalem? It will be very beautiful, like a bride adorned for her husband; there will be no sadness or suffering; and, best of all, God will dwell with his people face to face (the Beatific Vision). Why will there be no Temple in the New Jerusalem? God, dwelling among his people, himself will take the place of the Temple.


GUIDED EXERCISE Think/Pair/Share using the following question: Why is worship in Heaven the same as worship on

earth?


GUIDED EXERCISE Conduct a focused reading of the paragraphs “If we needed any more...” through “Behold, I am coming...” (p. 303) using the following question: What is the warning of the seven churches of Asia?


FOCUS QUESTIONS What is the grace of final perseverance? God gives this grace to help people stay faithful to Christ until the end of their lives. What is the recompense of God? It is the reward God will give for all good works accomplished with the assistance of his grace. When will be the end of the world? Only God the Father knows.


HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT Study Questions 82, 85–89 (p. 310–311) Practical Exercises 4, 17–18 (p. 311, 313) Workbook Questions 119–125


CLOSURE Free write for five minutes about something you did not understand from this lesson.


ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT Work with a partner to discuss answers to the Basic Questions of this lesson: What are the two beasts of Revelation 13? What is the New Jerusalem? What will happen at the end of time?


THE END

Chapter 8: The Birth of the Church

Documents

Transcript of Chapter 8: The Birth of the Church