First
United Methodist Church 
Study Guide and Daily Devotion
In this week's study we will examine some of the earliest writings of the New Testament to see what they teach us about the emergence of Christianity and then we will read from Acts and see the emergence of the early church.
Monday, April 23
Paul’s letter to Galatians is considered by most to be the earliest writing in the New Testament, written around 49-50 A.D. Paul’s letters are written in specific contexts related to situations in individual churches where Paul had worked. Paul did not think that his letters would one day be distributed to all churches and that it would be considered sacred scripture. Nevertheless, Paul did have specific issues to address that challenged his understanding of Jesus’ role and the direction of the earliest churches. One issue that Paul addresses in Galatians is whether Gentiles had to first become circumscribed Jews before they became followers of Christ. When you read Galatians observe Paul’s story and his statement of faith. Already there exists in the followers of Jesus a clear understanding of his divine role. In Sunday’s sermon, it was said that the writers of the New Testament were inspired by God. Do you see this in Paul? See if there are passages through which you feel God is speaking to you.Tuesday, April 24
The Gospel of Mark is considered by most to be the first canonical Gospel written, 70 AD. This gospel was written in the immediate aftermath of the sacking of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Roman forces and the beginning of the great Diaspora of the Jews. It contains both images of the historical Jesus of Nazareth (pre-Easter images of Jesus as prophet, teacher, healer, and spiritual leader) and the Jesus of faith (post-Easter images of Jesus as Christ, Son of God). This gospel was probably read in its entirety during worship among the early church made up mostly of Jews. Scan this whole gospel and see how Jesus’ life was portrayed. What is the sacred story of faith that Mark was trying to communicate? How do you think this sacred story would have been helpful for or received by Jewish refugees who had just lost their temple and their home? Which images of Jesus are most helpful for you in defining your faith?Wednesday, April 25
Read Acts 2, this is an account of the birth of the early church, just 40 days after Jesus death and resurrection.Thursday, April 26
Read Acts 3. Here we have another sermon of Peter. Can you summarize the gospel that he preached?Friday, April 27
Read Acts 15. See how the church deals with this most sensitive issue around inclusion of the Gentiles. Conflict and differences have always been a part of the church and we struggle with issues of inclusiveness even today. What can we learn from the way the early church handled its differences in this passage?