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Monday
The First
Lesson
Ezra 5:1-2, 6-17
1 Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son
of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem
in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them.
2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the
son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is
at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping
them.
6 The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the
river, and Shethar-boznai, and his companions the Apharsachites,
which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:
7 They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto
Darius the king, all peace.
8 Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of
Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great
stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth
fast on, and prospereth in their hands.
9 Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded
you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
10 We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might
write the names of the men that were the chief of them.
11 And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants
of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was
builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded
and set up.
12 But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven
unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the
king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and
carried the people away into Babylon.
13 But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same
king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.
14 And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God,
which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem,
and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus
the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered
unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;
15 And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into
the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be
builded in his place.
16 Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of
the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even
until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished.
17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search
made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon,
whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to
build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his
pleasure to us concerning this matter.
1st Lesson Questions -
Ezra 5:1-2,6-17. During what years was this rebuilding of the temple undertaken? (consult Ezra's introduction, in an annotated edition) In what ways are our times like this time of rebuilding the house of God? RESOLVE.
The Second
Lesson
Acts 9:1-19
1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against
the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that
if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women,
he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there
shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him,
Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus
whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the
pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou
have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into
the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing
a voice, but seeing no man.
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened,
he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him
into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor
drink.
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias;
and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold,
I am here, Lord.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street
which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for
one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and
putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this
man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind
all that call on thy name.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen
vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings,
and the children of Israel:
16 For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my
name's sake.
17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and
putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus,
that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent
me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with
the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales:
and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was
Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
2nd Lesson Questions -
Acts 9:1-19. If Jesus were to confront me today, what would He say? How do I persecute Christ in my life actions? Saul had to suffer great things for the sake of Christ Jesus. Is that true for all faithful Christians? Have I suffered for the sake of the Gospel? RESOLVE.