7. Biblical Roles and Offices
🔹 Story 1: Peter Walked on Water and Later Denied Jesus
Main Characters: Peter, Jesus, disciples
Story Summary: Peter boldly walked on water at Jesus’ command but sank when he doubted. Later, he denied Jesus three times, yet was restored and became a key apostolic leader.
Key Verses: Matthew 14:22–33; Luke 22:54–62; John 21:15–19
Theme Connection: Apostles are not perfect—they stumble and grow, but God restores and uses them mightily.
🔹 Story 2: Paul’s Conversion and Apostolic Mission
Main Characters: Paul (Saul), Ananias, Jesus
Story Summary: Saul persecuted Christians until Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus. He became Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, writing much of the New Testament.
Key Verses: Acts 9:1–22; Galatians 1:11–16
Theme Connection: Apostles are chosen by grace, transformed by God, and sent with authority to the nations.
🔹 Story 3: John, the Beloved Disciple and Revelation Receiver
Main Characters: John, Jesus
Story Summary: John was part of Jesus’ inner circle, witnessed His transfiguration, and received the vision of Revelation while in exile on Patmos.
Key Verses: John 13:23–25; Revelation 1:1–11
Theme Connection: Apostles not only proclaim truth—they are entrusted with divine revelation and deep intimacy with Christ.
🔹 Story 4: Thomas Doubted but Declared Christ’s Divinity
Main Characters: Thomas, Jesus, other disciples
Story Summary: Thomas refused to believe in Jesus’ resurrection without seeing Him. When Jesus appeared, Thomas confessed, “My Lord and my God!”
Key Verses: John 20:24–29
Theme Connection: Apostles may struggle with doubt—but honest seekers find truth and become powerful witnesses.
🔹 Story 5: James Was Martyred for His Faith
Main Characters: James (brother of John), Herod
Story Summary: James was one of the first disciples and part of Jesus’ closest circle. He was the first apostle martyred, killed by Herod’s sword.
Key Verses: Acts 12:1–2
Theme Connection: Apostles often face persecution—their lives testify to the cost and power of following Christ.
🔹 Story 6: Philip Evangelized the Ethiopian Eunuch
Main Characters: Philip, Ethiopian official
Story Summary: Philip obeyed the Holy Spirit and shared the Gospel with an Ethiopian man reading Isaiah. The man believed and was baptized on the spot.
Key Verses: Acts 8:26–40
Theme Connection: Apostles are led by the Spirit and bring the Gospel to individuals and nations alike.
🔹 Story 7: Peter and John Healed the Lame Man
Main Characters: Peter, John, lame man, crowds
Story Summary: At the temple gate, Peter and John healed a man lame from birth. The miracle amazed the crowd and opened the door for bold Gospel preaching.
Key Verses: Acts 3:1–26
Theme Connection: Apostolic ministry includes signs and wonders that point to Jesus’ power and salvation.
🔹 Story 8: Paul and Silas Worshiped in Prison
Main Characters: Paul, Silas, jailer, prisoners
Story Summary: After being beaten and imprisoned, Paul and Silas prayed and sang. An earthquake opened the prison doors, leading to the jailer’s conversion.
Key Verses: Acts 16:16–34
Theme Connection: Apostles carry peace and power even in suffering—worship and witness go hand in hand.
🔹 Story 9: Peter Preached at Pentecost
Main Characters: Peter, disciples, crowds
Story Summary: After being filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter preached to a crowd at Pentecost. About 3,000 people believed and were baptized.
Key Verses: Acts 2:1–41
Theme Connection: Apostolic preaching, empowered by the Spirit, births the Church and transforms lives.
🔹 Story 10: The Apostles Suffered Joyfully for Christ
Main Characters: Peter, John, apostles, Sanhedrin
Story Summary: The apostles were arrested and beaten for preaching Jesus. They rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for His name.
Key Verses: Acts 5:27–42
Theme Connection: Apostles embraced suffering for the Gospel and modelled bold, joyful obedience.
🔹 Key Bible Passages for the Theme
- Matthew 10:1–8
- Acts 1:8
- Acts 2:42–47
- Romans 1:1
- 1 Corinthians 4:9–13
- Ephesians 2:19–20
- Galatians 2:7–10
- 2 Timothy 4:6–8
- Revelation 21:14
- John 20:21