Overview

A throwaway woman, a blind beggar, a prison guard, a doubting disciple, and an elderly couple—they were ordinary people touched by Jesus. Carolyn Nystrom introduces you to ten stories from the New Testament, helping you to discover how you, too, can be touched by Jesus.

Table of Contents

Getting the Most Out of New Testament Characters
This section introduces the topic, explains the structure followed in each study and offers tips for those approaching the study on their own as well as those participating in a group.

Session One

Anna and Simeon: Growing Old with God
Why did Simeon feel that he was ready for God to dismiss him from this life? What would you like to see happen so that you could say at the end of your life, "Lord, now dismiss your servant in peace"?
Luke 2:21-40

Session Two

A Throwaway Woman: Redeemed by Christ
Jesus showed that he valued the woman caught in adultery even though the temple leaders did not. What words or actions help you to feel valued?
John 8:1–11

Session Three

A Blind Beggar: Seeing Jesus with Open Eyes
The beggar spent many years in darkness preparing to see. How have the "dark times" of your own life prepared you for deeper faith in Jesus?
John 9

Session Four

Mary Magdalene: Loving Jesus in Practical Ways
What changes had to take place in Mary Magdalene for her to grow from a person inhabited by seven demons to a person who followed Jesus all the way to his death?
Luke 8:1–3; Mark 15:37–47; John 20:1–18

Session Five

Thomas: Disciple of Doubt
What difference does it make that Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life," instead of "I know" or "I taught you the way and the truth and the life"?
John 14:1–7; 20:19–31

Session Six

Simon: Bargaining with God
What indications do you see that Simon's practice of sorcery would not fit with his new faith in Jesus? What, other than money, do people use to try to get what they want from God?
Acts 8:9–25

Session Seven

A Jailer: Getting Free from Internal Prisons
The jailer was himself a prisoner: a prisoner to his job and a prisoner to his inner fears. Paul told the jailer, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." What freedoms does this new relationship with Jesus provide?

Acts 16:6–40

Session Eight

Priscilla & Aquila: Practicing Hospitality
Why would Paul be a difficult houseguest? What do you think Priscilla and Aquila gained for Paul? When have you grown spiritually or emotionally because of the presence of a guest in your home?
Acts 18; Romans 16:3–5

Session Nine

Governor Felix: Saying "Wait" to God
What does the way Felix handled Paul's legal case tell you about his attitude toward Christianity? What is dangerous about saying "Wait" to God?
Acts 24

Session Ten

Philemon: Bridging Barriers to Brotherhood
What gentle pressure does Paul exert to ensure that Philemon treats Onesimus as he has requested? How could Paul's instructions help you rethink your relationship with Christians who don't fit easily into your natural circle of friends?
Philemon

Total number of pages—64 pages

Carolyn Nystrom is a freelance writer based in the western Chicago suburbs. She has written more than seventy-five books and Bible study guides, including the LifeGuide Bible Studies Abiding in Christ (with J. I. Packer), Christian Leadership (with John Stott), Friendship, Integrity, Money & Work, and 1 & 2 Peter and Jude..