In-depth Notes on Paul in Jerusalem and the Roman Catholic Church in the Bahamas
Paul in Jerusalem
Scripture Reference: Acts 21:1-40; 22:1-29
Objectives
Students will be able to:
Identify the reasons believers were apprehensive about Paul traveling to Jerusalem.
Outline the Nazarite vow of purification that Paul participated in.
Assess the content and impact of Paul's speech.
Vocabulary
Philip the Evangelist: One of the Seven Helpers in the early church and became an evangelist; settled in Caesarea and had four daughters who prophesied.
Agabus: A prophet from Judea who foretold Paul’s suffering in Jerusalem by using a demonstration with Paul's girdle.
Mnason: An elderly Christian disciple from Cyprus who provided lodging for Paul and his companions en route to Jerusalem.
Background and Arrival
Paul was welcomed in Jerusalem by James (brother of Jesus) and other elders.
To counter rumors of his teachings against Jewish customs, Paul publicly took the Nazarite vow of purification.
Ceremony of Purification
Duration: Lasted for seven days.
Restrictions: No wine or strong drink.
Sacrifice Requirements: At the end:
Burnt offering: Year-old lamb without blemish.
Sin offering: Year-old female sheep.
Peace offering: Male sheep without blemish.
A basket of bread made without yeast.
Pancakes made with fine flour and olive oil.
Unleavened wafers spread with oil.
A grain offering.
A drink offering.
Final Act: Shaving hair at the temple entrance and burning it under the peace offering.
Arrest and Accusations
Interruption: Jews from Asia accused Paul of:
Inciting rebellion against Jewish customs.
Bringing a Gentile into the temple.
Outcome: A riot ensued, leading to Paul being dragged out of the temple for execution.
Roman Intervention
Roman Soldiers: Broke up the riot and arrested Paul for protection.
The commander mistook Paul for an Egyptian revolutionary.
Upon learning Paul was a Jew, the commander allowed Paul to address the crowd.
Paul’s Defense
Method: Spoke in Hebrew to connect with the crowd.
Key Points of Paul’s Message:
Studied under the revered teacher Gamaliel.
His conversion experience on the road to Damascus.
God’s command to preach to the Gentiles, which infuriated the crowd.
Fort and Citizenship
As a defense against torture, Paul revealed his Roman citizenship.
Roman Law: Protects citizens from unwarranted punishment before trial.
Outcome: Soldiers were scared upon discovering his citizenship, leading to Paul’s exploration of charges before the Sanhedrin.
The Roman Catholic Church in The Bahamas
Objectives:
Provide the history and contributions of the Roman Catholic Church.
Describe its beliefs and practices.
Key Terms
Catholic: Universal or worldwide.
Diocese: A collection of churches under a bishop.
Parish: A local church.
Sacraments: Ceremonies within the church such as the Lord’s Supper.
Pope: The spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, based in Rome.
Beliefs and Practices
Authority Structure:
Pope as Holy Father.
Bishops lead dioceses and archdioceses.
Mass: Daily services held as sacraments.
Celibacy: Catholic priests and nuns remain unmarried; the vow includes:
No marriage.
No ownership of money.
Obedience to their vows.
Sacraments:
Baptism: Infant baptism signifies entry into the Christian community.
Reconciliation (Confession): Confession of sins before a priest for forgiveness.
Eucharist: Partaking of bread and wine in remembrance of Christ.
Confirmation: Affirmation of faith in adulthood.
Marriage: Lifelong commitment between a man and woman.
Holy Orders: Ordination of priests and bishops through prayer.
Anointing the Sick: Blessing the ill with holy oils.
Divorce: Not accepted, as marriage is viewed as sacred.
Incense: Used during Mass for ceremonial purposes.
Contributions to Bahamian Society
Social Services:
Care for the needy, visiting hospitals and prisons.
Education: Operated 9 elementary schools and 2 high schools.
Youth organizations and social outreach programs such as the Samaritans A.I.D.S. Ministry.