Events
Bible Study
Participants in our Bible Study group seek to gain a deeper understanding of the Scriptures through focused study of selected Bible texts using various Bible translations and commentaries, discussing and sharing the results of their research.
Anyone can join the group at any time. The chapters for study are announced here two or three weeks in advance, and Bible study resources can be found in our Christian Science Reading Room as well as online. We generally meet once per month via Zoom, and sessions are open to all.
Next session:
Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 7pm via Zoom.
You can use this single Zoom link to join.
See below for background info.
Bible Study Thursday, June 25 at 7pm via Zoom:
We'll be discussing Acts 14 - 16.
At the end of Chapter 13, Paul and Barnabas are preparing for the first missionary journey – to Asia Minor – really opening the gates of faith to the Gentiles.
Acts 14: THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY. First, they go to Iconium and then to Lystra. After healing a man crippled from birth they are mistaken as gods. People are ready to offer sacrifices to them. How do Paul and Silas respond? Then Jews from nearby Antioch (they would have traveled through that city) came and incited crowds to Stone Paul. They continue on the journey to Derbe and then return to Antioch where they stayed awhile.
Acts 15: CONTROVERSY (1-35). Many are converted in Antioch, but Jewish Christians (Pharisees) argue that converts must be circumcised. There were also concerns about dietary restrictions. So a conference was held in Jerusalem, and Paul and Barnabas return as delegates from Antioch. Peter speaks and advises against putting a yoke on new converts. Barnabas and Paul share experiences on their mission. Jesus’ brother James speaks also. Later in the chapter the second missionary journey begins. (36-41) – Paul and Barnabas disagree and separate – Barnabas and John Mark go to Cyprus; Paul chooses Silas to go with him and they go to Syria and Cilicia to strengthen the church.
Acts 16. PAUL AND SILAS ON SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY. Timothy, a Greek man, joins them on the second mission. In order to placate people of the area, Timothy is circumcised. Then they go from town to town and the church grew from Asia to Greece, including with Lydia at Philippi. In Philippi they establish the first Christian church in Europe. But they also have conflicts with fortune tellers and their girl, from whom Paul commands the evil spirit to come out. As a result, Paul and Silas are arrested, beaten, and jailed (Paul insists he is Roman and has rights). At midnight there is a deliverance (chains unfastened) resulting in the jailer being converted. Magistrates let them go in the morning and they return to Lydia’s house before leaving the city.