by Mama Brenda.
A New Testament overview
with lessons from people in those times
Please note:
Ideally every lady participant needs her own book. If this is not possible please feel free to copy notes for your ladies. You will need to copy the right side (numbered) pages for each lesson, plus the index page, the Bible library page, the map pages and the timeline page to go with the first lesson.
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Where Jesus walked
and where, later, Peter and Philip walked
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Find where Paul travelled
- First and Second Missionary Journeys
You may want to draw in the route
Find where Paul travelled
- Third Missionary Journey and to Rome
You may want to draw in the route
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Timeline 33B.C. – 306A.D.
Throughout this period the major power was Rome, using Latin and Greek languages.
Date Christian history Bible books
33 B.C. Emperor Augustus in Rome
7-6 B.C. Rome begins to govern Israel
6-5 B.C. Jesus is born in Bethlehem
Holy Family goto Egypt
4 A.D. Herod the Great dies and the
Holy Family return to Nazareth
26-27 Jesus starts his public ministry
30 Jesus crucified, risen and ascended
Pentecost
46-47 Paul’s first missionary journey
49 Council of Jerusalem James
50-52 Paul’s second missionary journey Galatians
54 1 and 2 Thessalonians
53-57 Paul’s third missionary journey date: 55 1 and 2 Corinthians
50-55 Gospel of Mark
55-60 Gospel of Matthew
57 Romans
59-62 Paul house arrest Rome 59-63 Gospel of Luke
61 Ephesians, Colossians,
Philemon, Philippians
62-63 Paul released 63-65 Titus, 1 Timothy
62-64 1 Peter
63 Acts by Luke
65-67 Paul in prison cell 2 Timothy
67-68 Peter and Paul executed Rome 2 Peter
pre 70 Hebrews
70 Jewish rebellion ends - destruction of the
Temple in Jerusalem. Centre of Christianity
moves to Antioch, Alexandria and Rome. 68-80 Jude
85 Gospel of John
85-95 1,2,3 John
90-95 John exiled to Patmos from Ephesus Revelation
306 A.D. Emperor Constantine converted, makes
Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire.
Note : There were different systems for lengths of years and counting years through early history. When learned men came together to simplify things they managed to have Jesus born in the ‘Before Christ’ era ! Hence the dates above.
Dates of this age need to be treated approximately not dogmatically.
How to use this study guide.
I want you to understand how this book came to be, and the reasoning behind it.
Three major influences:
1. This set of statistics. We remember:
10% of what we read
20% of what we see
30% of what we hear
50% of what we see and hear
70% of what we collaborate on
80% of what we are involved in doing
2. I did a course to teach TESOL English - a method using involvement and fun!
3. The experience of teaching Bible classes with ladies who did not want just an ‘I
speak and you listen’ environment.
So - the studies in the last 10 years with Fusion - the name for our ladies’ group - have involved teaching from me, finding facts and discussing scripture in small groups within a larger group context, having notes to keep and write on, and having homework - usually reading the Bible ahead for the next study. Always remember your Bible!
No two sessions will be the same in structure - they will depend on the subject.
Work sheets (the numbered pages on the right side) sometimes have the answers to what the ladies have been discussing - so keep those sheets yourself until after they have shared what they have found!! Sometimes you may need to give the notes out at the beginning, and gently encourage whole group answers and discussion. Always consult your Bible!
As you prepare think of questions that may be asked - my notes may help. You will also have some cultural answers. If you do not have the answer to a question raised, say so. Say you will research the answer and tell the group next time. Keep the promise!!
It is important to encourage the quieter members of the group to take part. Breaking into smaller groups for discussion can be helpful here. Be gentle how you reject an obviously wrong answer. Encourage the ladies to have paper and pencil with them.
These studies have assumed that the ladies read and write, have access to a Bible they can understand, and that it is possible to print sheets for them, lesson by lesson (if they do not have their own book). This may not be the situation where you are. Be creative. You may need to have some Bible passages read to the ladies by others. You may need to translate as you go, or even translate notes beforehand! Understand the aim of the lesson and get there, not as a dictator but as a gentle friend, in the best way for your group. Use the material and adapt the method. The ladies who work orally only may well have better memories than the rest of us!
You may decide to make some lessons take two sessions or more. You are in charge.
Enjoy studying together. Enjoy learning more about God.
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