Answer Key – Weeks 46-52

Week 46

According to Acts 9:1–22 how did Paul’s encounter with Jesus transform his life, and what does his testimony reveal about the power of God’s grace and mercy? (Also see 1 Timothy 1:15–16).
Paul’s encounter with Jesus completely changed the direction of his life. The man who once persecuted Christians became a bold preacher of the gospel he had tried to destroy. In 1 Timothy 1:15–16, Paul later described himself as the “worst of sinners,” recognizing the depth of God’s mercy toward him. His testimony reveals that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. The Lord is able to forgive, transform, and use even those with the darkest pasts for His purposes.

According to Acts 17:11, what was it about the Bereans that made them stand out, and what can we learn from their example?
The Bereans were eager to receive Paul’s message, but they didn’t accept it blindly. Acts 17:11 says they examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Their example teaches us to approach God’s Word with both humility and discernment, testing every teaching against Scripture rather than simply trusting human opinions.

In Acts 16:22–26, what were Paul and Silas doing in prison at midnight, and what does this reveal about their trust in God?
Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God while chained in prison after being beaten. Instead of despairing, they worshiped. Their response reveals deep trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness, even in suffering. They believed God was still worthy of praise in the darkest circumstances, and their faith became a testimony to everyone around them.

Week 47

In Acts 19:11–20, what happened when the seven sons of Sceva tried to use Jesus’ name, and what did this reveal about genuine faith?
The seven sons of Sceva tried to cast out demons by using Jesus’ name without truly knowing Him. The evil spirit answered, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” before overpowering them. This revealed that genuine faith is not about using spiritual words or formulas—it comes from a real relationship with Christ.

In Romans 1:20–25, what did people exchange the glory of God for, and what does this reveal about the human heart?
Paul says people exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling created things and exchanged the truth of God for a lie. Rather than worshiping the Creator, they worshiped creation. This reveals how the human heart naturally turns away from God and seeks fulfillment in idols when it refuses to honor Him.

In Romans 5:18–19, what contrasts does Paul make between Adam and Christ?
Paul contrasts Adam’s disobedience with Christ’s obedience. Through Adam’s sin came condemnation and death for humanity, but through Jesus came righteousness and life. Adam brought ruin through rebellion, while Christ brought salvation through perfect obedience. The passage highlights Jesus as the second Adam who restores what sin destroyed.

Week 48

In Romans 8:5–8, what contrast does Paul make between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit?
Living according to the flesh means setting the mind on sinful desires and self-centered living, which leads to death and hostility toward God. Living according to the Spirit means setting the mind on what the Spirit desires, leading to life and peace. Paul shows that the direction of our hearts reveals whether we are walking with God.

In Romans 12:2, believers are called to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. According to 2 Corinthians 3:18 and Titus 3:5, who brings about this renewal, and how does it take place?
This renewal is the work of the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5 says we are renewed by the Holy Spirit, and 2 Corinthians 3:18 explains that as we behold the glory of Christ, we are being transformed into His image. God changes us from the inside out as His Spirit works through His Word and our relationship with Him.

In 1 Corinthians 1:18–25, how is the message of the cross viewed differently by unbelievers and by those being saved?
To unbelievers, the message of the cross seems foolish and weak because it does not match human wisdom or pride. But to those being saved, it is the power and wisdom of God. The cross reveals that salvation comes through Christ’s sacrifice, not through human strength, intelligence, or achievement.

Week 49

In 2 Corinthians 5:1–5, Paul speaks about believers being “clothed” with a heavenly dwelling. How might this imagery connect to what took place after Adam and Eve sinned in Genesis 3?
After Adam and Eve sinned in Genesis 3, they suddenly became aware of their nakedness and tried to cover themselves with fig leaves. But God, in His mercy, clothed them with garments made from animal skins (Genesis 3:21, NIV). In a similar way, Paul speaks in 2 Corinthians 5:1–5 about believers being “clothed” with a heavenly dwelling from God. Both passages remind us that human beings cannot fully cover their own shame or brokenness. From the very beginning, God Himself provided the covering we needed, ultimately pointing forward to the complete and eternal covering believers receive through Christ.

What does Paul mean when he says, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10), and how does the surrounding passage help explain this statement?
Paul had pleaded for God to remove his “thorn in the flesh,” but God answered, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul learned that his weakness made room for God’s strength to shine through him. Rather than relying on himself, he depended on Christ’s sustaining grace.

In Galatians 5:24, Paul writes, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” How does the surrounding chapter help explain this statement?
Galatians 5 contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. To crucify the flesh means rejecting sinful desires and choosing to walk by the Spirit instead. It does not mean believers become perfect overnight, but that their lives are now shaped by surrender to God rather than being controlled by sinful passions.

Week 50

In Philippians 2:5–11, how did Jesus’ humility contrast with His divine position, and what are some ways His earthly life reflected that humility?
Though Jesus was fully God, He willingly took the position of a servant and humbled Himself even to death on a cross. His life reflected humility through serving others, washing His disciples’ feet, showing compassion to the lowly, and submitting perfectly to the Father’s will. The King of heaven came not to be served, but to serve.

In Philippians 4:12, Paul said, ‘I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.’ What was the secret?
The secret was Christ Himself. In the next verse Paul says, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Paul’s contentment did not depend on comfort, wealth, or circumstances. Whether in need or abundance, he trusted God to sustain him and found strength through his relationship with Christ.

In Colossians 1:15–20, what does Paul reveal about Jesus’ relationship to creation, and why is this important?
Paul reveals that Jesus is the image of the invisible God and that all things were created through Him and for Him. He existed before creation and holds all things together. This is important because it shows Christ is not merely part of creation—He is Lord over it. He is supreme in both creation and redemption.

Week 51

Hebrews 3:1–5 compares Jesus and Moses. In what ways was Jesus greater than Moses?
Moses was a faithful servant within God’s house, but Jesus is the Son over God’s house. Moses pointed people toward God’s promises, while Jesus fulfilled them. Moses delivered God’s law, but Jesus brought salvation and a new covenant. The passage shows that while Moses was greatly honored, Christ is far greater in authority and glory.

In Hebrews 9:11–14 and 10:11–14, how is Jesus’ sacrifice different from the repeated sacrifices under the Old Covenant?
Old Covenant sacrifices had to be offered continually because they could never fully remove sin. Jesus, however, offered Himself once for all. His sacrifice completely cleanses those who trust in Him and never needs to be repeated. The repeated sacrifices pointed forward to Christ, whose perfect offering accomplished eternal redemption.

How does James distinguish between merely believing truth and living out genuine faith in James 2:14–26?
James explains that genuine faith produces visible action. Even demons believe that God exists, but their belief does not lead to obedience. Real faith changes the way we live. As James points out, Abraham demonstrated faith by obeying God, and Rahab showed faith by protecting the spies. Faith without action is dead because true faith transforms the heart.

Week 52

In 3 John 1:3–4 and 1:11, what brought John his greatest joy, and what simple test reveals whether someone truly belongs to God?
John said his greatest joy was hearing that his spiritual children were walking in the truth. In verse 11, he explains that those who do what is good are from God, while those who continue in evil have not seen God. A transformed life becomes evidence of genuine faith and fellowship with Him.

In Jude 1:20–25, what are believers encouraged to do, and who is able to keep them from falling away?
Believers are encouraged to build themselves up in faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, remain in God’s love, and show mercy to others. Yet their security ultimately rests in God. Jude ends with praise to the One who is able to keep believers from stumbling and present them blameless before His glorious presence.

In Revelation 5:5–10, how is Jesus first described, what does John actually see when he looks toward the throne and what do they both reveal?
Jesus is first described as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” and “the Root of David,” emphasizing His kingly authority and victory. But when John looks, he sees a Lamb who had been slain. Together, these images reveal that Christ conquers not through worldly power, but through His sacrificial death and resurrection.