In this presentation we are completing the information from the third fuse leading up to our Person of Interest – The Prophetic Fuse. The evidence in this category is so overwhelming that even ardent atheists have been swayed. Nothing is more profound than Biblical prophecy and its fulfillment! There are many people over the centuries that have claimed prophetic abilities but they all fall short when it comes to accuracy in their predictions and specific details of the fulfillments—this is not the case with the Bible. The difference we find in the prophecies of the Bible is that they are always 100% accurate and none have ever failed!

Watch this week’s presentation on this topic:

Overview Notes from the Presentation

Bible Apologetic:

• Prophecy is the most compelling evidence for the reliability, inerrancy, and inspiration of the Bible
• No other book or person has the amazing prophetic accuracy that the Bible has! 
• Of the 26 other “so called” religious books not one has prophetic predictive accuracy
• The mark of true prophecy is 100% accuracy
• 27% of the Bible contains predictive prophecy
• The Bible’s prophecy has been 100% accurate

Skeptics often say things like: “Couldn’t a group of Christians have just thought up these prophecies and then placed them in the Bible after the fact or, couldn’t Jesus have attempted on his own to fulfill these prophecies?”    

Answer: NO WAY!

1. Dead Sea Scrolls confirm the Old Testament prophecies are not made up:

• The Dead Sea Scrolls contain the entire Old Testament (except the book of Esther) and a complete copy of Isaiah, dated between 200 and 100 BC, as well as all the other prophets and prophecy passages
• The Dead Sea Scrolls match our Old Testament today with over 95% accuracy (any errors are simply grammatical, spelling or word order; nothing in meaning or doctrine is affected)

2. Jesus could not have planned prophecies concerning specific circumstances of his life, for example:

• Specific details of His birth
• The time in which He lived
• Specific details of His death

There are over 300 incidental and specific prophecies in the Old Testament that were literally fulfilled in life and times of Jesus—how does that look mathematically?

• If even 8 of these prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus it would be equivalent to 1 chance in 10 to the 17^th
• That is 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000!
• Fulfillment of 48 prophecies would be 1 in 10 to the 157^th power
• We can’t even come up with the number to describe the fulfillment of all 300!!!

AND JESUS FULFILLED THEM ALL!

“And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star (Jesus, Messiah) rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”  

2 Peter 1:19-21

Fulfilled Prophecy

God has given us so much evidence of His existence in both nature and in His Word. If we are willing to search for Him we can find Him. In fact, He has made it plain for us to see His works and hear His message (see Romans 1) so we are without excuse. Fulfilled prophecy is undeniable evidence for the existence of God and the inspiration of His Word.

Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; “I am” God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established and I will accomplish all My good pleasure;  

-Isaiah 46: 9-10

A few examples of general prophecies fulfilled within Old Testament times:

Event	Prophecy given	Fulfillment
Sojourners: Abraham’s heirs will be afflicted for 400 years; will return to land in the fourth generation	Genesis 25:7-8; 50:24-25	Happened: Exodus 7:14-12:29; 12:35-40; Hebrews 11:22
The fall of Israel and punishment of Assyria	Hosea 1:4-6; Isaiah 9:8-10:4; 10:10-19; 37:7; 2 Kings 19:7; Amos 3:11-12; Micah 3-7	Happened in 734-722 BC – see 2 Kings 15:29; 17:3-6; 19:35-37; Isaiah 37:36-38
Destruction of Ninevah: Prophesied 100 years before it happened during the time they were described as a great nation that took the Northern tribe of Israel into captivity – see Jonah 3:3; 4:11	Nahum 1-3; Ezekiel 32:22-23; Zephaniah 2:13-15; Zechariah 10:11; Isaiah 10:12-19; 14:24-25; 30:1-33	Happened in 612 BC: smashed and transformed into a pile of sand never to be rebuilt
Judah to be exiled to Babylon; The rebuilding of Jerusalem and regathering of Israel as a nation (prophesied before Babylon even came into power)	Deuteronomy 28:64-68; Jeremiah 25:11-12; 29:10; 30:11; 31:38-40; Ezekiel 37:21-28; Isaiah 11:11-13; 44:24-28; Micah 4:9-10	Exile happened in 605 BC, the first return was in 538 BC:  Books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Historical Sources: Josephus and Babylonian Chronicles.   2nd return happened 5/14/1948
The name Cyrus specifically prophesied as the one who would allow the exiles of Judah to return and rebuild (150 years before he was born)	Isaiah 44:24-28; 45:1, 13	Happened 150 years later: Ezra 1:2-2-4
Josiah named 300 years before his reign as the one who would sacrifice bones of pagan priests on Jeroboam’s pagan alter	1 Kings 13:1-3	Happened 300 years later: 2 Kings 23:15-17
Joshua prophesied that the person who rebuilds Jericho would be cursed: 1st son to die at the foundation; youngest at the setting up of the gates	Joshua 6:26	Happened 700 years later: 1 Kings 16:34
The demise of Edom	Obadiah 2; 8; Jeremiah 49:15-20; Ezekiel 25:12-14	Disappeared after 70 AD and today is a bleak and desolate part of Jordan
Destruction of Tyre Ezekiel predicted (before this island fortress had ever been built) that the walls would be demolished and become a place for fishermen to dry their nets	Ezekiel 26:3-4	332 BC Alexander the Great annihilated Tyre and is bare ground today
The Daniel Prophecies: Fall of Babylon; Interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams; the four empires; 490 years—Messiah’s triumphal entry	6th century BC book of Daniel; Nehemiah 2:1-8	Fall of Babylon is confirmed in historical accounts; triumphal entry Matthew 21; Jesus confirms Daniel in Matthew 24:15

Examples of Messianic prophecies fulfilled in Jesus:

Event	Prophecy given	Fulfillment
The Promise of salvation (Jesus-Satan-Death-Redemption);   The Abrahamic Covenant (A people, land and blessing)   A New Covenant	Genesis 3:15; 12:1-3; 13:14-17; 15; 17:7; 21:2; Deuteronomy 31:7-8; 32:45-52; Josh. 1:1-5, 10-11 Jeremiah 31:27-31	Matthew 1:1, 17; Luke 3:34; Acts 3:25-26; Galatians 3:16; 4:4; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8 Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 8:7-13, 9:15
Seed of a women and virgin birth	Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14	Matthew 1:1; 18; 24-25; Luke 1:26-35
Seed of Abraham	Genesis 22:18	Matthew 1:1; Galatians 3:16
Seed of Isaac	Genesis 21:12	Luke 3:23, 34
From the family of Jacob/Israel	Genesis 28:4; 13-15; Numbers 24:17	Luke 3:23, 34
From the tribe of Judah	Genesis 49:10	Luke 3:23, 33
From the line of Jesse	Isaiah 11:1	Luke 3:23, 32
Son of David (a royal line)	2 Samuel 7:8-17; 1 Chronicles 17:1-15	Luke 3:31
Born in Bethlehem	Micah 5:2	Matthew 1:18, 24-25; Luke 1:26-35
Preceded and announced by one like Elijah who would live in the wilderness	Malachi 3:1; 4:5	Matthew 3:3; 11:10; John 1:23; Luke 1:17
Would be presented with gifts	Psalm 72:10	Matthew 2:1
Children would be killed	Jeremiah 31:15	Matthew 2:16
Ministry begins in Galilee	Isaiah 9:1	Matthew 4:12-17
Ministry peaks in Jerusalem; Messiah rides in on a donkey and appears boldly in the Temple	Daniel 9; Zechariah 9:9; Haggai 2:7; Malachi 3:1	Matthew 21:12; Luke 19:35-37
Will heal the blind, deaf, lame and raise the dead	Isaiah 35:5-6	All throughout the Gospel records—especially answered in Luke 7:22-23
Will teach the people using parables	Psalm 78:2	All throughout the Gospel records—John 5:5-9; 9:6-11; 11:43-47 etc.
He would have zeal for God’s house, the Temple	Psalm 69:9	John 2:15-16
A Light to the Gentiles	Isaiah 60:3	Acts 13:47-48
Rejected by His own people; will be a stumbling block	Psalm 118:22	Romans 9:32-33; 1 Peter 2:7
He is the Son of God	Psalm 2:7; 1 Chronicles 17:11-14; 2 Samuel 7:12-16	Matthew 3:17; 16:16; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35; 22:70; Acts 13:30-33; John 1:24, 49
He pre-existed His birth	Micah 5:2; Psalm 102:25; Proverbs 8:22-23; Isaiah 9:6-7; 41:4; 44:6; 48:12	John 1:1; 17:5, 24; Colossians 1:17; Revelation 1:1-2; 1:17; 2:8; 8:58; 22:13
He would be called Lord	Psalm 110:1; Jeremiah 23:6	Matthew 22:43-45; Luke 2:11
He would be called Immanuel	Isaiah 7:14	Matthew 1:23
He would be a Prophet	Deuteronomy 18:18	Matthew 21:11
He would be a Priest	Psalm 110:4	Hebrews 3:1
He would be a Judge	Isaiah 33:22	John 5:30
He would be a King	Psalm 2:6	Matthew 27:37
He would receive a special anointing by the Holy Spirit	Isaiah 11:12	Matthew 3:16
Betrayed by friend for 30 pieces of silver that is thrown on the Temple floor and used to buy a Potter’s field	Psalm 43:9; 55:12-14; Zechariah 11:12-14	Matthew 10:4; 27:3-10
Followers struck and scattered; forsaken by His disciples	Isaiah 53; Zechariah 13:7	Mark 14:50
Oppressed and falsely accused by malicious witnesses, but would not defend Himself	Isaiah 53:7; Psalm 35:11; 38:13	Matthew 26:59-60
Hated by mankind, mocked, beaten, whipped and crushed for transgressions of mankind—He would bear and make intersession though He had done no wrong	Psalm 22:7-8; Isaiah 53:2-12	Matthew 26:67; 27: 26-29; John 19:11
Disrobed and had clothes gambled away	Isaiah 53:12	Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:27
Executed with criminals	Isaiah 52:12	Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:27
Hands and feet pierced for our transgression	Isaiah 53:5; Psalm 22:16	Luke 23:33; John 20:25
Strength drained, extremely thirsty, heartbroken with grief	Psalm 22:14-15	John 19:28
He would be offered gall and vinegar	Psalm 69:21	Matthew 27:24
Would plead for mercy for His accusers	Isaiah 53:12	Luke 23:24
Friends would stand from far away	Psalm 38:11	Luke 23:49
People would stare and shake their heads	Psalm 109:25; Psalm 22:17	Matthew 27:39; Luke 23:35
Will ask God why He is forsaken	Psalm 22:1	Matthew 27:46
Will commend Himself to God (give up His spirit)	Psalm 31:5	Luke 23:46
His bones would not be broken	Psalm 34:20	John 19:33
His side would be pierced	Zechariah 12:10	John 19:34
Darkness will fall over the land	Amos 8:9	Matthew 27:45
Would be with a rich man in His death	Isaiah 53:9	Matthew 27:57-60
Would be resurrected from the dead	Psalm 16:10; 30:3; 41:10; 118:17; Hosea 6:2	Matthew 28:6; Acts 2:31
He would ascend	Psalm 68:18	Acts 1:9
He would sit at the right hand of God	Psalm 110:1	Mark 16:19; Acts 2:34-25; Hebrews 1:3

Scripture supports the connection from Prophecy:

“Remember this, and be assured; recall it to mind, you transgressors. “Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure’; calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of My purpose from a far country. Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it. “Listen to Me, you stubborn-minded, who are far from righteousness. “I bring near My righteousness, it is not far off; and My salvation will not delay. And I will grant salvation in Zion, and My glory for Israel.” 

–Isaiah 46:8-13

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.  

-”Matthew 5:17-18

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star (Jesus, Messiah) rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

 –2 Peter 1:19-21

Video Recommendation:

“Prophecies of the Passion” – A La Mirada Film Presentation

Reflection: Memorization Practice

To practice your memorization skills, and to improve your Biblical knowledge, practice memorizing the following things…

1. Review the “Big Picture” of the Bible for both the Old and New Testaments (see notes from session two) Practice memorizing the main topic of each of the 12 points in order to tell the “story” in a couple of minutes.
2. What are the three main fuses we’ve looked at so far, pointing to our Person of Interest? Pick one or two examples you can recall to share from each fuse.

Bible Study

(Review answers will be posted during the week so you can have a “leader’s guide” for your own studies)

Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.

NOTE: Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for “Discussion” or “Going Deeper” questions.

Read Acts chapters 18-19 then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions: 

Paul at Corinth; Third Missionary Journey; Paul at Ephesus

1. Read Chapter 18:1-22 with your table group

In the first part of this chapter, Paul leaves Athens and goes to Corinth:

a. Where was Corinth (what is its modern-day location), and where else in the Bible do we hear about Corinth?

b. Who were Priscilla and Aquila, what do we know about them, and where else the Bible can we find them?

c. How long did Paul stay in this city, what did he do there and how did God help him?

d. Going Deeper: Summarize Paul’s second missionary journey by listing all the places he went (chapter 15:40 through 18:22) You can use any maps or charts that you might have.

2. Read Chapter 18:23 through 19:10 with your table group

After spending some time in Antioch, Paul regrouped to begin his third missionary journey:

a. Who was Apollos, and what can we know about him from Scripture?

b. What example of Apologetics do we see Apollos using?

c. While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul went to Ephesus and found some disciples there. Who were these disciples and what did Paul help them do? What happened there over a two-year period?

d. Discuss: What is the importance of having the Holy Spirit, and does it look the same for all believers?

3. Read Chapter 19:11-20 with your table group

In the second part of this chapter, the name of Jesus is magnified through miracles in Ephesus:

a. What happened with Paul, compared to the Jewish exorcists, concerning evil spirits?

b. What was the result of what happened among both Jews and Greeks who lived in Ephesus?

c. Discuss: Are there people today who hold on to objects of occultic practices, maybe unknowingly? How do we recognize this and what can we do to help?

4. Read Chapter 19:21-41 with your table group

In the last part of this chapter, Paul’s Gospel presentation gets the local disciples in trouble:

a. Who was Demetrius, and what did he say about Paul that got the people in an uproar?

b. Who was taken to the theatre center and why? How did the town clerk stop this near riot?

c. Discuss: In verse 32 we see an example of mob mentality: “some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together.” Do we see “mob mentality” happen still today, and if so, can we do anything to stop it?

d. Review and discuss: Write down and share two or three things that you think are important to remember about chapters eighteen and nineteen:

Join us next week as we continue our “Case for Christianity, Person of Interest” and a study in the book of Acts! 

———————————————————————

You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in!  Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.

Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.

Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15