Book of Acts

1917 Quater 2

     Sabbath School .Lesson   QUARTERLY No. 88              Mountain View, Cal., April, 1917                             5 Cents
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  Lessons on the Book of Acts
                     SENIOR DIVISION
     Second Quarter, April to June, 1917

. SABBATH SCHOOL GOALS Faithful Daily Study of the Sabbath School Lessons Personal Work for Every Pupil Your last chance at $1.00 That special dollar edition of “Acts of the Apostles” is going fast. Only .a few copies left. After these are sold, the price will be $1.50, as formerly. What would be more enjoyable and helpful than to read “Acts of the Apostles” clear through after completing the studies in the. Quarterly? It would fix the events in chronological order, and again bring to mind’ the many precious lessons learned.

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Lessons on the Book of Acts SENIOR DIVISION SECOND QUARTER 1917 NOTE.—In the quotations often made in the notes from Conybeare and Howson’s “Life and Epistles of St. Paul,” page references are not given, inasmuch as there are a vari- ety of editions, variously paged. The book follows the order of the story in Acts so closely that any reference can easily be found. For brevity’s sake, quotations from this book are credited simply “Conybeare and Howson.”

Lesson 1—Paul Arrested in the Temple
                   APRIL 7, 1917
             DAILY STUDY OUTLINE Sabbath ...Read the lesson scripture., Sunday ....Missionary gifts and reports           Ques. 1-3 Monday ....Meeting prejudice                      Ques. 4-6
         "Acts of the Apostles," pp. 399-404. Tuesday....In the hands of the Jews               Ques. 7-9
         "Acts of the Apostles," pp. 406,407. Wednesday .The rescue                             Ques. 10-12 Thursday ..Instant in season                        Ques. 13-16
         "Acts of the Apostles," pp. 407,408. Friday ....Review. and lessons for us              Ques. 1-4   LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 21: 18-40.   MEMORY VERSE: "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 5: 10.
                   The Narrative    1. What did the apostle Paul do immediately on his arrival in Jerusalem? Acts 21: 18. Note 1.
2. What token of loyalty and fellowship did Paul have to present oft behalf of the gentile churches in Europe? 1 Cor. 16: 1-3. Note 2.
3. What story did the apostle have to tell? How was his report received? Acts 21: 19, 20, first part. Note 3.

4 SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

4. Notwithstanding the seal of God's blessing upon Paul's labors, what perplexity concerning his work did the elders lay before him? Verses 20, 21. Note 4.
5. How did the elders at Jerusalem propose that Paul should conciliate his critics? Verses 22-25. Note 5.
6. What did Paul do? Verse 26. Note 6.
7. Into what difficulty was the apostle brought by this effort to remove unreasonable prejudice? Verses 27, 28. Note 7.
8. What was the basis for the false charge of defiling the temple? Verse 29.
9. How serious was Paul's situation? Verses 30, 31, first part.    10. What did the captain do? Verses 31-33.    11. What was the result of the captain's inquiry as to the charges against Paul? What next did he command? Verse 34.   12. What scene followed as Paul was being taken into the castle? Verses 35, 36.   13. What did Paul say to the captain? What was the reply? Verse 37.   14. What question did the captain ask? Verse 38.   15. What did Paul say of himself? What request did he make? Verse 39.   16. When permission to speak was given, what did Paul do? Verse 40.
                  Lessons for Us    1. The different parts of the world-wide field are to help one another in the one work. Note 8.    2. Notwithstanding the great service God had wrought by Paul, the apostle waF not irritated by criticism, and was ever ready to listev to counsel. Rom. 12: 3, 16.    3. Even a strong point of character must be guarded, lest it be overemphasized and carried too far. Note 9.
4. Paul, in the confusion on the stairway, was calmly

SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY 5

thinking how he could secure an opportunity to testify for Christ. 2 Tim. 4: 2; Isa. 26: 3. Notes

  1. The same James who had presided at the conference re- corded in the fifteenth chapter,—”James the Lord’s brother.” Gal. 1:19.
  2. “The gathering of these contributions had cost the apostle and his fellow workers much time, anxious thought, and wearisome labor. The sum, which far exceeded the ex- pectations of the elders at Jerusalem, represented many sac- rifices and even severe privations on the part of the gentile believers. These freewill offerings betokened the loyalty of the gentile converts to the organized work of God throughout the world.”—`The Acts of the Apostles,” page 399.
  3. Eight or nine years had passed since the conference at Jerusalem had given Paul the right hand of fellowship to “go unto the heathen.” Gal. 2: 9. In these years, the mes- sage had been carried by Paul and his associates into Europe, as well as among Greeks and others in Asia Minor. It must have been a stirring missionary report that Paul gave.
  4. “They felt that the methods of labor pursued by the apostle bore the signet of Heaven. . . . This was the golden opportunity for all the leading brethren to confess frankly that God had wrought through Paul, and that at times they had erred in permitting the reports of his enemies to arouse their jealousy and prejudice. But instead of uniting in an effort to do justice to the one who had been injured, they gave him counsel which showed that they still cherished a feeling that Paul should be held largely responsible for the existing prejudice.”—Id., pages 402, 403.
  5. “The brethren hoped that Paul, by following the course suggested, might give a decisive contradiction to the false reports concerning him. . . . The Spirit of God did not prompt this instruction; it was the fruit of cowardice.”—Id., page 404. 6. “When we think of Paul’s great desire to be in harmony with his brethren, his tenderness toward the weak in the faith, his reverence for the apostles who had been with Christ, and for James, the brother of the Lord, and his purpose to become all things to all men so far as he could without sac- rificing principle,—when we think of all this, it is less sur- prising that he was constrained to deviate from the firm, decided course that he had hitherto followed.”—Id., page 405. 7. “Asia”—not the continent, but the small province of Asia, of which Ephesus was the chief city. The Ephesian 6 SABBATH SUHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

Jews had been among the gospel’s bitterest opponents, and they knew Paul at sight.

  1. The large gift that Paul and his associates brought from the churches in Europe was an evidence of the unity of “the organized work of God throughout the world.” See Note 2. One part of the gospel field was to help another. “That now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality.” 2 Cor. 8: 14. The fields prayed for one another more earnestly because of this sharing of resources. 2 Cor. 9: 13, 14. Just so our Sabbath schools and churches to-day, in all the world, unite in forward “the organized work of God throughout the world” by gifts for missions and by prayer for the fields. It is the spirit of the gospel.
  2. Paul was willing to be servant of all in ‘order to win souls. 1 Cor. 9: 22. But here he went too far. “He was not authorized of God to concede as much as they asked. . . . Instead of accomplishing the desired object, his efforts for conciliation only precipitated the crisis.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” page 405. But it was an error of judgment in the longing to help; and the Lord never forsakes the soul who is trying to take the right course in a delicate situation. The Christian is to stand for conciliation without compromise of principle, and for loyalty to principle without uncharitable- ness or fleshly stubbornness.

Lesson 2—Paul’s Address on the Castle Stairs APRIL 14, 1917 DAILY STUDY OUTLINE Sabbath …Read the lesson scripture. Sunday …Paul’s early life Ques. 1,2 “Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 112-114. Monday ….The vision of Jesus Ques. 3-5 Compare with Acts 9: 1-8. “Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 114-118. Tuesday….Help for a repentant sinner Ques. 6-8 Compare Acts 9:9-19. “Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 118-122. Wednesday..Visit to Jerusalem Ques. 9-11 “Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 128-130. Thursday —Lessons for us Ques. 1-4 Friday ….Review the lesson. LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 22: 1-21. MEMORY VERSE: “For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.” Acts 22: 15. SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY 7 The Narrative 1. How did Paul open his address to those seeking for his life? What helped to gain their hearing? Acts 22:1, 2. Note 1. 2. What did Paul say of his early life and training? What of his former well-known attitude toward Chris- tianity? Verses 3-5. Note 2. 3. What experience had changed his life? Verses 6-9. Note 3. 4. What was Paul’s first question after recognizing that Jesus was Lord? What was the Lord’s reply? Verse 10. 5. In what condition did the youthful, active Saul, or Paul, come into Damascus? Verse 11. 6. How was Paul delivered from this helpless condi- tion? Verses 12, 13. 7. How was the Lord’s promise (verse 10) fulfilled? Verses 14, 15. Note 4. 8. As Paul believed Jesus, what first duty and priv- ilege did Ananias set before him? Verse 16. Note 5. 9. When Paul made his first visit to Jerusalem after his conversion, what experience came to him? Verses 17, 18.

  1. What led Paul at that time to feel that he ought to bear his witness in Jerusalem, no matter at what cost to himself? Verses 19, 20.

  2. But what did the Lord say to him? Verse 21. Lessons for Us 1. Kindness and tactfulness toward those who oppose. Verses 1, 2; Matt. 5:44; 1 Peter 2:21-23. 2. The memory of what Christ has saved us from should make us patient and sympathetic with those out of the way. Acts 22: 3, last part; Eph. 2: 1, 4, 5. 3. The Christian is to witness to the personal experi- ence of the grace of God-“what thou hast seen and heard.” Acts 22: 15; Luke 8: 39. SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

  3. We need wisdom to know how to work to advan- tage, studying times and seasons and conditions Acts 22: 19-21. Note 6. Notes
  4. Christian courtesy rang out in those first words, “Breth- ren, and fathers.” Literally it was, “Men who are my breth- ren.” Paul’s motto was, “The love of Christ constraineth us.” 2 Cor. 5: 14.
  5. Gamaliel was the most famous teacher of that time. “His learning was so eminent and his character so revered, that he is one of the seven who alone among Jewish doctors have been honored with the title of `Rabban.’ “ He it was who gave counsel against slaying Peter and others. Acts 5: 34-40. He was still living, an aged man, when Paul spoke, but died three years later, while Paul was on his journey to Rome. The burial honors of a king were given him, while his pupil was to be put to death as a criminal. But in another school, at the feet of the divine Teacher, this pupil had ex- changed the dead forms of learned rabbinical teaching for the life-transforming and saving truths of the gospel, “determined not to know anything, . . . save Jesus Christ, and Him cru- cified.” 1 Cor. 2: 2.
  6. “Jesus of Nazareth”—literally, “Jesus the Nazarene.” Saul was going to cast the Nazarenes (so the Christians were called, see Acts 24: 5) into chains and dungeons, when he was stopped by the Lord, announcing Himself from heaven to be “Jesus the Nazarene.” Jesus is identified with His followers, no matter how the world regards them. “He is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Heb. 2: 11.

  7. Saul saw that Just One, and heard His voice; and that one glimpse of the Saviour’s righteousness and forgiving love won his soul, and changed his life. It was conversion. Not with the same physical demonstration, but just as really, Jesus, by. His Spirit, seeks to reveal Himself to every soul. After seeing Jesus, it was Paul’s work “to make all men see.” As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so Christ is lifted up, that the dying may look and live. Have we looked? Let us keep “looking unto Jesus.” And let us plead with every unsaved soul to look. The apostle Paul was led to repeat this story, that yet others might look and live. “When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.” SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY 9

      "Were the whole realm of nature mine,
     That were a tribute far too small;
   Love so amazing, so divine,
     Demands my life, my soul, my all."
  8. Note the tone of decision, and prompt, even quick obedi- ence in the counsel of the man of God regarding baptism. Many who have come quietly to believe by the study of the Scriptures are too prone to delay open confession of Christ and baptism.

  9. The testimony that can be borne in one place or at one time may not always be the best in another place or at an- other time. Paul was then willing to go right into Jerusalem, where his prominence and experience would have stirred things. “But it was not in harmony with the purpose of God that His servant should needlessly expose his life. . . . The departure of Paul suspended for a time the violent op- position of the Jews, and the church had a period of rest, in which many were added to the number of believers.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” page 130. Meanwhile Paul was win- ning souls in the gentile field to which the Lord had called him.

    Lesson 3—Paul Before the Council APRIL 21, 1917 DAILY STUDY OUTLINE Sabbath …Read the lesson scripture. Sunday ….Fury of the Jews Ques. 1,2 Monday ….A Roman citizen Ques. 3,4 Tuesday…. Before the council Ques. 5-10 Wednesday.Deliverance again Ques. 11-16 “Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 409-413. Thursday —Lessons for us Ques. 1-4 Friday ….Review the lesson. LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 22: 22 to 23: 11. • MEMORY VERSE: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16: 33. The Narrative

  10. What word interrupted the quiet audience given to Paul on the castle stairs? What effect did the word have? Acts 22: 21-23. Note 1.

  11. What did the chief captain determine to do? Verse 24. Note 2. 10 SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

  12. How was the captain’s plan interrupted? Verses 25, 26. Note 3.
  13. What conversation followed, and with what result? Verses 27-29.
  14. What course did the captain determine upon? Verse 30. Note 4.
  15. What was Paul’s manner before the council? What were his opening words? Acts 23 : 1.
  16. How was the apostle’s declaration of sincerity re- ceived? Verse 2.
  17. What did Paul say to this? Verse 3.
  18. How was he remonstrated with? Verse 4.
  19. What explanation did Paul make? Verse 5. Note 5.
  20. What was Paul quick to perceive in the council? Verse 6, first part.
  21. What advantage did he take of this? Verse 6. Note 6.
  22. What was the result of this appeal? What made the doctrine of the resurrection a source of contention? Verses 7, 8.
  23. How did the matter now turn in the council? Verse 9.
  24. How did Paul’s hearing before the council end? Verse 10.
  25. What cheering message came to him from God? Verse 11. Note 7. Lessons for Us
  26. The Lord keeps the fully surrendered heart calm amidst opposition and danger. Isa. 26: 3; Acts 21: 13. See memory verse.
  27. We should never fail to be courteous, or hesitate to withdraw the sharp retort. Acts 23 : 5. Quick apology when betrayed into error is a sign of strength, not of weakness. 1 Peter 3: 8, 9.
  28. The apostle was quick to use every circumstance that could be turned to the advantage of the truth; as birth and rights of citizenship (Acts 22: 25), and the SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY 11

partial agreement of the Pharisees with a fundamental Christian doctrine (Acts 23: 6).

  1. The Lord can overrule to His glory the consequences of even a mistake in judgment, and wishes no sorrowing believer to be discouraged. Verse 11; Ps. 103: 13, 14. Notes

  2. “Accustomed to look upon themselves as the only people favored by God, they were unwilling to permit the despised gentiles to share the privileges which had hitherto been re-

                  MODERN TARSUS

garded as exclusively their own.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 409, 410. Yet the promise to Abraham, whose children they boasted of being, was that in him should “all nations be blessed.” Gal. 3: 8. No one can keep the truth of God who does not pass it on to others.

  1. “He had not been able to understand the apostle’s He- brew speech; and when he saw its results, he concluded that his prisoner must be guilty of some enormous crime; . . . and before long, the body of the apostle was ‘stretched out,’ like that of a common malefactor, ‘to receive the lashes.’“—Cony- beare and Howson.
  2. “The Valerian law forbade any Roman citizen to be bound. The Porcian law forbade any to be beaten with rods.”—Clarke.
  3. “The apostle was now to be tried by the same tribunal of which he himself had been a member before his conver- sion.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” page 410.
  4. Paul did not know it was the high priest who spoke. 12 SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

In reality, Ananias was not legally the high priest. He had been deposed from the office for bad conduct, and sent to Rome to answer. Released, he returned to Jerusalem, and found that his successor had been assassinated, and the office was vacant. “The Sanhedrin being destitute of a president, Ananias appears to have discharged that office by his own authority, and with much tyranny, and he might not then have worn the robes of the high priest.”—Henry and Scott. But Paul respected the office, however perverted.

  1. Not only is the life to come dependent on the resurrec- tion, so that there could be no gospel if the dead rise not, but “if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised,” and all faith is vain. 1 Cor. 15: 16-18. The hope of the patriarchs and the prophets, the hope of the gospel, centers in the doctrine of the resurrection.
  2. “Later, while reflecting on the trying experiences of the day, Paul began to fear that his course might not have been pleasing to God. Could it be that he had made a mistake after all in visiting Jerusalem? Had his great desire to be in union with his brethren led to this disastrous result?. . . Could it be that his work for the churches was ended, and that ravening wolves were to enter in now? . . . In distress and discouragement he wept and prayed. In this dark hour the Lord was not unmindful of His servant.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 412, 413.
 Lesson 4—A Conspiracy; Paul a Prisoner
             in Csarea
                   APRIL 28, 1917
              DAILY STUDY OUTLINE Sabbath ...Read the lesson scripture. Sunday ....The conspiracy                           Ques. 1,2 Monday —.An agent of Providence                     Ques. 3-5 Tuesday     4. gentile protector                    Ques. 6,7 Wednesday .A Roman letter                           Ques. 8 Thursday ..To Caesarea                              Ques. 9-12
    •     Read "Acts of the Apostles," pp.
          414-418. Friday ....Review and lessons for us                Ques. 1,2

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 23: 12-35. MEMORY VERSE: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Ps. 46: 1. SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY 13

                 The Narrative    1. Following Paul's appearance before the council, What plan was formed by some of his enemies? Acts 23: 12, 13. Note 1.    2. How did these forty conspirators announce their plan? Verses 14, 15. Note 2.    3. How was Paul warned of this new peril? Verse 16. Note 3.    4. What use did Paul make of his nephew's visit and story? Verses 17, 18.    5. How did the chief captain receive the youth? What did the young man say to the captain? Verses 19-21.    6. What did the captain first do after hearing of the conspiracy? Verse 22.    7. Whom did he call? What orders did he give? Verses 23, 24. Note 4.    8. How did the captain report the case to the gov- ernor? Verses 25-30.    9. When did Paul's journey as prisoner begin? How was he escorted the first stage of the journey? Verses 31, 32. Note 5.   10. Where did the. governor live? On arrival, what did Paul's escort do? Verse 33.   11. What did the governor say and do? Verses 34, 35.   12. What had been Paul's experience at Caesarea a few days before? Acts 21: 8-14.
                Lessons for Us    1. Man's extremity is God's opportunity. Memory verse. Also Psalm 124.. Note 6.    2. Though Paul had the promise of God that he would be delivered (Acts 23: 11), he did all that human wis- dom could suggest to aid himself. Verse 17; Matt. 10: 16.
                      Notes   1. We are not told who these conspirators were, but recall the fact that the Jews from the Ephesus district were the ones who laid hands upon Paul in the temple, and were de-

14 SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

termined to slay him. The success of the gospel among Jews and gentiles in the province of Asia had stirred their rancor to the utmost.

  1. These men knew the character of the priests, and did not hesitate to ask their cooperation in the plan to commit murder, to which they had bound themselves by a religious oath, a “great” oath. The priesthood had traveled the down- ward way so far that the buying and selling of preferment was common, and the use of a class known as professional assassins was not unknown in their own factional quarrels. Jerusalem had long since filled out the measure of its trans- gression (Dan. 9: 24), and now its cup of iniquity was over- flowing, and the end of the once holy city was hastening (Dan. 9: 26).
  2. It is the one glimpse we have of any of Paul’s family; and the youthful nephew appears but for a moment, as the agent of Providence, and we see him no more. It is at least pleasing to think that his loyalty to the apostle, and the evi- dent abhorrence he had of the character of the Jewish leaders, may have led him to decide fully for the truth.
  3. The “third hour of the night,” or nine o’clock.
  4. Antipatris, between Joppa and Cmsarea, would be reached a little after daylight, we are told.

  5. This psalm of deliverance (Psalm 124) was sung by a Waldensian band in the Alps, as they were escaping from the troops sent against them. They had been surrounded at nightfall, on a mountain,. and the Catholic troops expected an easy victory in the morning. But a cloud of mist came down, thickly veiling the whole peak; and through this mist the Waldensians escaped by goat paths, and when the mists lifted, their enemies saw them far away across the valleys. The story of God’s providences is a wonderful one.

    Lesson 5—Paul’s Defense Before Felix MAY 5, 1917 DAILY STUDY OUTLINE Sabbath …Bead the lesson scripture. Sunday ….The Roman lawyer’s plea (Ines. 1-4 Monday ….Paul’s confession of faith Qnes. 5-7 Tuesday…. Story of arrest and decision Ques. 8, 9 Wednesday . A Judge before the bar Ques. 10-13 Thursday ..Lessona for us Ques. 1-4 Friday ….Review. Read “Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 419-427. SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY 15

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 24: 1-27. MEMORY VERSE: “Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” Acts 24: 25. The Narrative 1. Who appeared against Paul after five days? Acts 24: 1. Note 1. 2. How did Tertullus, the lawyer, open his case? Verses 2-4. Note 2. 3. What were the charges against Paul? Verses 5, 6. Note 3. 4. What interference with the plans of the Jews did Tertullus resent? How was his plea supported? Verses 6-9. 5. How did Paul open his defense? Verses 10, 11. 6. What was his answer to the charges made against him? Verses 12, 13. Note 4. 7. What confession of faith did Paul make? Verses 14-16. 8. What was Paul’s story of his arrest at Jerusalem? Verses 17-21. 9. What gave Felix an advantage in understanding the situation? What did he do? Verses 22, 23.

  1. What opportunity came to Paul to bear witness for Christ? Verse 24.
  2. What is said of his sermon and its effect? Verse
  3. Note 5.
  4. What corrupt motive influenced Felix? What did he do in his hope of gain? Verse 26.

  5. What is the last word concerning Felix? Verse 27. Note 6. Lessons for Us 1. On what is the Christian faith based? Verse 14; 2 Tim. 3: 15-17. 2. What message is due to the world in this genera- tion? Acts 24: 25; Rev. 14: 7. 3. Earnest as Paul was,. what methods did he avoid? Acts 24: 12 ; Isa. 42: 1-3. 16 SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

  6. The danger of delay. The more convenient season never came. Acts 24: 25. “Now.” 2 Cor. 6: 2. Notes
  7. Tertullus. “The name is Roman, and there is little doubt that he was an Italian, and spoke on this occasion in Latin.”— Conybeare and Howson.
  8. The usual recourse was had to flowery and untruthful flattery. Yet, while the character of Felix was base,—as the Roman writer, Tacitus, says, “he exercised the power of a king with the temper of a slave,”—he had put down the bandits and robbers with an iron hand, and had pursued and scattered the band of revolutionists led by the fanatical Egyp- tian, for whom the Roman captain had at first mistaken Paul. Acbs 21: 38. Paul’s own manner of address, a few moments later (verse 10), was respectful and complimentary, but without false flattery.
  9. The climax of the accusation was the charge of profana- tion of the temple. The Romans allowed the Jews to put any Dne to death who was found polluting their temple. With this, it was charged that Paul was a stirrer up of sedition, the Jews knowing well that the Roman authorities were likely to lay hands on any one raising sedition, with which they had had so much trouble.
  10. Paul showed tliat he had not been long enough in Jeru- salem to be the leader of a seditious party. He challenged proof of the things charged. The Jews themselves were seditious, and plotters against the superior civil authority, which later they tried to overturn altogether. As a Chris- tian, the apostle Paul was subject to the powers of govern- ment in all things civil.
  11. Temperance means self-control, chastity. Felix was liv- ing a vicious life, and the terrors of the coming Judgment made him tremble.
  12. The inspired record leaves Felix in his baseness, doing injustice to Paul to please the Jews. There had been an out- break between the Jews and the gentiles in Caesarea; and on accusation of the Jews, Felix had been called to account by Nero, at Rome. He was pardoned, however, but apparently never achieved distinction again, and he had turned from life eternal. It is evident, from history, that Drusilla and her son by Felix perished in the great eruption of Vesuvius, in A. D.

  13. One of those shapeless human forms dug out of the ashes and lava beds of Pompeii in recent years may represent the wicked but beautiful princess who listened to Paul’s sermon that day in Caesarea, calling in vain to repentance before the Judgment to come. SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY 17

       Lesson 6-Paul Before Festus
               MAY 12, 1917
          DAILY STUDY OUTLINE Sabbath ...Read the lesson scripture. Sunday ....Persistence of religious hatred          Ques. 1-3 Monday ....Appeal to Caesar                         Ques. 9, 5
     "Acts of the Apostles," pp. 428-432. Tuesday.... King and governor                       Ques. 6-10 Wednesday .Paul before Agrippa                      Ques. 11-13 Thursday ..Lessons for us                           Ques. 1-3 Friday ....Review.

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 25: 1-27. MEMORY VERSE: “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye.” 1 Peter 4: 14. The Narrative 1. Who succeeded Felix as governor of Judea? What •further effort was made by the Jews to secure Paul’s death? Acts 25: 1-3. Note 1. 2. What answer did Festus give? Verses 4, 5. Note 2. 3. What is said of Paul’s trial before Festus? Verses 6, 7. 4. How did Paul answer his accusers? Verse 8. 5. What proposition did Festus make? What was Paul’s reply? What was the governor’s decision? Verses 9-12. Note 3. 6. Who now came to visit Festus? Verse 13. Note 4. 7. What report did Festus make to Agrippa? Verses 14-17. 8. What did Festus say of the character of the charges against Paul? Verses 18, 19. 9. What did he say of the outcome of the trial? Verses 20, 21.

  1. What desire did Agrippa express? What reply did Festus make? Verse 22.
  2. What is said of the circumstances under which Paul was yet again to witness for Christ? Verse 23.

  3. How did Festus introduce the hearing? Verses 24, 25. 18 SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

  4. In what difficulty did he say he found himself? What did he hope to secure from Agrippa? Verses 26, 27. Lessons for Us
    1. What agency does the Lord often use to frustrate religious prejudice, and for what shoed we pray? Verses 4, 5, 10; 1 Tim. 2: 1, 2.
    2. Of what had Christ forewarned Paul, and what was His word to believers for all time? Acts 9: 16; John 15: 20. Note 5.
    3. How much depends upon the answer to the ques- tion which seemed so trivial to the Roman governor? Acts 25:9; 1 Cor. 15: 16, 17; Rom. 8: 10, 11. Notes
  5. Porcius Festus was appointed by Nero, in A. D. 60. The high priest was one Ishmael, appointed in A. D. 59, by King Agrippa, who had the right of appointing the high priest. That the Jews were so quick to approach Festus, after wait- ing two years, shows that the spread of the Christian teach- ing kept irritating them, and also that Paul was considered a leader of the new movement.
  6. “But Festus held firmly to his purpose of giving Paul a fair trial at Cmsarea. God in His providence controlled the decision of Festus, that the life of the apostle might be lengthened.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” page 429. The un- prejudiced Roman governor was more susceptible to the in- fluence of God’s Spirit than the Jewish pri3sts who had year after year been rejecting light and instruction.
  7. “The apostle knew that he could not look for justice from the people who by their crimes were bringing down upon themselves the wrath of God. He knew that, like the prophet Elijah, he would be safer among the heathen than with those who had rejected light from heaven and hardened their hearts against the gospel. Weary of strife, his active spirit could ill endure the repeated delays and wearing suspense of his trial and imprisonment. He therefore decided to exercise his privilege, as a Roman citizen, of appealing to Cmsar.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” page 430. When a Roman citizen appealed from the provincial court to Cxsar, “pronunciation of the single word Appello [I ap- peall was sufficient to suspend all further proceedings.” The apostle endured all manner of persecution without calling for his enemies to be punished. And here his appeal was not to SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY 19 bring charges against the Jewish leaders, but to save his life from their hands. By no act of his own he had been placed before the law in the imperial courts, and he only demanded that he be tried according to law.
  8. Agrippa II was the great-grandson of Herod the Great, who ordered the massacre of the children in his effort to destroy the newborn King of the Jews. Matt. 2: 16-18. He was son of Herod Agrippa I, who put James to death, and who was smitten by the Lord in this same city of Cmsarea for his blasphemous pride in allowing his flatterers to pro- claim him a god. Acts 12: 1, 2, 21-23.

  9. “God desires His people to prepare for the soon-coming crisis. Prepared or unprepared, they must all meet it; and those only who have brought their lives into conformity to the divine standard, will stand firm at that time of test and trial. When secular rulers unite with ministers of religion to dictate in matters of conscience, then it will be seen who really fear and serve God. When the darkness is deepest, the light of a godlike character will shine the brightest.”— “The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 431, 432.

    Lesson 7—Paul Before Agrippa MAY 19, 1917 DAILY STUDY OUTLINE Sabbath …Read the lesson scripture. Sunday ….Christian courtesy Ques. 1-3 “Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 433-436. Monday ….Paul’s early life Ques. 4-6 Tuesday…. Saul the persecutor Ques. 7-9 Wednesday . Conversion Ques. 10-14 Thursday ..Lessons for us Ques. 1-3 Friday ….Review. LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 26: 1-18. MEMORY VERSE: “And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for My sake.” Matt. 10: 18. The Narrative

  10. When the preliminaries of the public hearing were over, what did Agrippa say to Paul? Acts 26: 1.
  11. What was Paul’s attitude as he stood up to speak, and with what respectful words did he open? Verses 1, 2. Note 1.
  12. What gave Paul special satisfaction in speaking be- 20 SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

fore Agrippa? What favor did he ask? Verse 3. Note 2. 4. What did the apostle say of his early life? Verses 4, 5. 5. For what did Paul say he was standing trial? Verses 6, 7. Note 3. 6. What direct appeal did Paul make to his hearers? Verse 8. Note 4. 7. What did the apostle say he himself had formerly thought? Verse 9.

  1. What had he once done in Jerusalem? Verse 10. 9. What did he say of his excess of zeal in perse- cuting? Verses 11, 12. Note 5.
 "I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision"

SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY 21

  1. What account did Paul give of the experience on the way to Damascus? Verse 13.
  2. What did Paul hear as he lay blinded on the earth? Verse 14.
  3. What conversation took place? Verse 15.
  4. What command and commission did Paul say he received? Verses 16, 17.
  5. To what work was Paul called? Verse 18. Lessons for Us
  6. What is the hope for which we stand before the world, even as Paul stood? Verses 6, 7; Acts 3:20, 21; Titus 2: 13, 14.
  7. What should we ever remember as we meet op- posers?—That they may be sincere but uninstructed, and are to be enlightened and won if possible. Acts 26 : 9 ; 2 Tim. 2:24, 25.
  8. How closely is Jesus associated with every child of His on tri61? Acts 26: 14; Matt. 25: 40; Isa. 63:9. Notes
  9. Not as a guilty criminal cringing before the judge, but as a witness and pleader for a great cause, the apostle stood before the assembly. His hand, though possibly the one from which a chain was hanging, was stretched forth in gesture to command attention, after the manner of the practiced orator.
  10. Agrippa and Bernice were wicked and corrupt, despicable in character. But the apostle respected the position of author- ity the king held; and, moreover, it was his opportunity to bear witness before a king who needed help, and before the great of earth who had seldom heard the gospel. His manner was respectful and courteous; and throughout his address, we hear him appealing to this wicked king and his wicked sister to turn to God.
  11. The apostle’s argument is but alluded to in the nar- rative. It must have begun with the promise made in Eden of a deliverer, and with the promise to Abraham; and the apostle showed how the very things for which the people of Israel had hoped, were to come through Jesus, the Messiah. “He showed how the Old Testament Scriptures had declared that the Messiah was to appear as a man among men; and how in the life of Jesus had been fulfilled every specification 22 SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

outlined by Moses and the prophets. For the purpose of re- deeming a lost world, the divine Son of God had endured the cross, despising the shame, and had ascended to heaven tri- umphant over death and the grave.”—”The Acts of the Apos- tles,” page 436.

  1. “With you” is in the plural, taking in the whole assembly. The fulfillment of the hope of Israel was dependent upon the resurrection. Abraham and all the faithful were dead, yet God had promised an everlasting inheritance to them.
  2. The Presbyterian commentator, Dr. Albert Barnes, says, “None but a madman will persecute men on account of their religious opinions.”

Lesson 8— Paul Before Agrippa (Concluded) MAY 26, 1917 DAILY STUDY OUTLINE Sabbath …Read the lesson scripture. Sunday ….Accepting the commission Ques. 1-3 Monday ….The message Ques. 4, 5 Tuesday…. Paul and Festus Ques. 6-8 Wednesday .Appeal to Agrippa Ques. 9-11 Thursday ..Hearing closed Ques. 12-14 “Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 437, 435. Friday ….Review and lessons for us Ques. 1-3 LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 26: 19-32. MEMORY VERSE: “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Acts 26: 28. The Narrative

  1. In what words did Paul recount his acceptance of the commission given him by Jesus? Acts 26: 19. Note 1. 2. What account did he give of his fields of service, and of the burden of the message that he preached? Verse 20.
  2. What reference did he make to his arrest? Verse 21. 4. What had sustained Paul in all his labors? To what work was he committed so long as he lived? Verse
  3. Note 2.
    1. What was the central theme of Moses and all the prophets? Verse 23. Note 3.
  4. What interruption bore witness to Paul’s earnest- ness in speaking? Verse 24. SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY 23 7. What was Paul’s answer? Verse 25. 8. What further did the apostle say to the governor? Verse 26. 9. What personal question did Paul put to the Jewish king? As he apparently saw the king deeply moved, what did he declare? Verse 27. Note 4.
  5. What reply did King Agrippa make? Verse 28. Note 5.
  6. With what appealing words did Paul answer the king and close his testimony before the assembly? Verse 29.
  7. How was Paul’s opportunity to bear witness now terminated? Verse 30.
  8. What did the king and the governor do? Verse 31.
  9. What counsel did King Agrippa give to Festus? Verse 32. Note 6. Lessons for Us 1. What manner of response should ever be given to the call of duty? Verse 19; Ps. 119: 60. 2. As the apostolic preaching was a witness to ful- filling prophecy in that generation, so now the gospel carries a message of prophecy fulfilling in our own gen- eration. Acts 26: 22; Rev. 14: 6, 7. 3. What lesson comes in Agrippa’s reply?—The peril of stopping just short of full surrender—almost but not quite ready. Matt. 24: 44; 25: 10-13. “Almost persuaded now to believe; Almost persuaded Christ to receive. Seems now some soul to say, Go, Spirit, go Thy way; Some more convenient day, On Thee I’ll call.” Notes
  10. No difficulties, no fleshly or selfish considerations, made the apostle hesitate. Gal. 1: 15, 16. As he had opposed Jesus ignorantly but conscientiously before, now he just as whole- heartedly threw himself into Christ’s service.
  11. Paul’s message was a witnessing to fulfilling prophecy. 24 SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

With all the preaching of the way of salvation through faith in Christ, there was mingled the testimony to the fulfillment of prophecy in that day and generation. This was the bur- den of the first sermon preached by Peter after Pentecost. Acts 2: 16.

  1. As all roads in the ancient empire led to Rome, so every line of thought in the Holy Scriptures had been leading to Christ, the Messiah. John 5: 45, 46.
  2. As Paul made the appeal direct to the wicked king, it is plainly apparent that it was Agrippa, and not Paul, who was on trial that day.
  3. “Deeply affected, Agrippa for the moment lost sight of his surroundings and the dignity of his position. Conscious only of the truths which he had heard, seeing only the humble prisoner standing before him as God’s ambassador, he an- swered involuntarily, ‘Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.’ “—”The Acts of the Apostles,” page 438.
  4. The governor had hoped that the king, with all his knowl- edge of Jewish matters, would be able to give counsel as to formulating the charge to be sent to Rome. Acts 25: 26. But at the end of the hearing, the conscience-stricken king could only bear witness that Paul was not deserving of pun- ishment of any kind.

Lesson 9—Paul Begins His Journey to Rome JUNE 2, 1917 DAILY STUDY OUTLINE Sabbath …Read the lesson scripture. Sunday ….Starting the voyage Ques. 1-5 Monday ….Seeking winter quarters Ques. 6-10 Tuesday….Into the storm Ques. 11-13 Wednesday .In desperate straits Ques. 14,15 “Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 439-442. Thursday ..Lessons for us Ques. 1,2 Friday ….Review. LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 27: 1-20. MEMORY VERSE: “All things work together for good to them that love God.” Rom. 8: 28. The Narrative

  1. What was now determined in Paul’s case? What did the authorities at Caesarea do? Acts 27: 1.
  2. By what means and route was it intended to send SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY 25 the prisoners? Who of the same faith accompanied Paul? Verse 2. Note 1. 3. What was the first port touched? What token of providential care did Paul experience here? Verse 3. Note 2. 4. What course did the ship next sail, and to what port did it come? Verses 4, 5. 5. What transfer was made here? Verse 6. 6. How does Luke describe the voyage to the next port? Verses 7, 8. 7. What considerations moved Paul to give counsel regarding the voyage? Verse 9. Note 3. 8: What was the apostle’s counsel? Verse 10. 9. Who gave other counsel? What is said of the de- cision? Verse 11.
  3. What led the majority to favor pushing on? What was the intention? Verse 12.
  4. How did the resumed voyage begin? Verse 13.
  5. What experience soon came to the voyagers? Verse 14.
  6. How does Luke describe the course and handling of the ship in the tempest? Verses 15-17. Note 4.
  7. What were they at length compelled to do? Verses 18, 19.
  8. How does Luke describe the state of the weather, and the pass to which the ship’s company came? Verse
  9. Note 5. Lessons for Us
    1. What has God ordained as one means of grace?- Fellowship and companionship of believers. Verses 2, 3; 1 John 1: 7; 3:14.

    2. Because we are under God’s guidance and protec- tion, need we expect that our way must always be smooth and pleasant? Acts 27 : 10; Matt. 3: 17; 4 : 1; Rom. 8:35-39. 26 SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

                      Notes
  10. “One circumstance greatly lightened the hardship of his lot,—he was permitted the companionship of Luke and Aris- tarchus. In his letter to the Colossians, he afterward referred to the latter as his ‘fellow prisoner’ (Col. 4: 10) ; but it was from choice that Aristarchus shared Paul’s bondage, that he might minister to him in his afflictions.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” page 440. Aristarchus had passed through some stirring experiences before this, in his service with the apostle. Acts 19: 28, 29.
  11. How cheering is the token of providential care at the beginning of a difficult undertaking! The Lord knows the need of a word of encouragement or a token of His comforting presence as one enters into the experience.
  12. The fast was that of the day of atonement, on the tenth day of the seventh month, as the marginal reading states. Lev. 23: 27, 29. Farrar says that in this year, it probably fell on September 24. The Jewish season for navigation was closed, but the gentile navigators continued somewhat later.
  13. The ship’s small boat had been towing behind, but now they hoisted it aboard; and with the danger of the ship timbers springing, thus letting in water, ropes were passed around the ship and drawn tight.

  14. “For fourteen days they drifted under a sunless and starless heaven. The apostle, though himself suffering phys- ically, had words of hope for the darkest hour, a helping hand in every emergency. He grasped by faith the arm of Infinite Power, and his heart was stayed upon God. He had no fears for himself; he knew that God would preserve him to witness at Rome for the truth of Christ. But his heart yearned with pity for the poor souls around him, sinful, de- graded, and unprepared to die. As he earnestly pleaded with God to spare their lives, it was revealed to him that his prayer was granted.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” page 442.

    Lesson 10—Shipwrecked and Saved JUNE 9, 1917 DAILY STUDY OUTLINE Sabbath …Read the lesson scripture. Sunday ….An angel messenger Clues. 1-4 Monday ….Nearing land Ques. 5-7 Tuesday….The prisoner as leader Ques. 8-10 Wednesday . Saved from the sea Ques. 11-16 Thursday ..Lessons for us Ques. 1,2 Friday ….Review. SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY 27 LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 27: 21-44. MEMORY VERSE: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Ps. 34: 19. The Narrative

  15. In the fury of the ‘storm, what had Paul and the ship’s company been unable to do? What did Paul now do? Acts 27: 21. Note 1.
  16. What exhortation did he give? What prediction did he make? Verse 22.

“Some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship”

  1. How did this assurance come to Paul? Verses 23, 24. Note 2.
  2. In what words did the apostle cheer the company and describe the outcome of the voyage? Verses 25, 26. Note 3.
  3. How long had the voyage lasted when signs of land appeared? Verse 27.

  4. What did the sailors do to safeguard the ship? For what did all long? Verses 28, 29. 28 SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

  5. What plan did the sailors fum, and how was their purpose frustrated? Verses 30-32.
  6. As the dawn drew near, what further message of cheer did Paul bear? What did all the company do? Verses 33-36. Note 4.
  7. How many were in the ship? Verse 37.
  8. After having eaten, what measures did the sailors take for safety? Verse 38.
  9. What was seen as day broke, and what plan was formed? Verse 39.
  10. What did the seamen do? Verse 40.
  11. How does Luke describe the end of the ship’s voyage? Verse 41.
  12. What did the soldiers propose? What did they fear? Verse 42.
  13. How was the plan of the soldiers regarded by the centurion? What did he do? Verse 43. Note 5.
  14. How did those who could not swim get ashore? What came to pass in fulfillment of the angel’s word to Paul? Verse 44. Lessons for Us
  15. What help may we depend upon to “stand by” in every time of need? Verse 23; Matt. 28: 20; Heb. 1: 14.
  16. What is the secret of good cheer amidst trial? Acts 27: 25 (“I believe God”) ; Rom. 9:38, 39. Notes,
  17. We may well understand that Paul’s words were not in the irritating or boaitful spirit of “I told you so.” “He reminds them of his earlier warning in order to more readily persuade them to follow his present counsel.”
  18. What a picture—the hopeless company, Paul at peace and in communion with God amidst the confusion and the noise; and then an angel of light, from the throne of God, standing by Paul amidst the driving wind and the flying spray. Paul has passed away, but that angel still lives. “Whose I am, and whom I serve.” It was the motto of Paul’s life. He belonged to God, and his one business was to serve Him. Whenever his work was finished, he was ready.
  19. Paul has been called “an apostle of encouragement.” SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY 29 Speak the word of cheer and courage. “This ministry of cheer is always needed in life voyages, and never more needed than it is to-day.”
  20. The company needed food for their health, as well as encouraging words for their souls. The angel that found Elijah the prophet discouraged, first of all fed him. 1 Kings 19: 4-7.
  21. The Roman soldier was supposed to forfeit his life if a prisoner intrusted to him escaped. The proposition was not a strange one. Acts 12: 19; 16: 27. “The plan would have been executed at once, but for him to whom all alike were under deep obligation. Julius, the centurion, knew that Paul had been instrumental in saving the lives of all on board; and, moreover, convinced that the Lord was with him, he feared to do him harm.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” page 445.

Lesson 11—On the Island of Malta; Arrival at Rome JUNE 16, 1917 DAILY STUDY OUTLINE Sabbath —Read the lesson scripture. “Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 443-449. Sunday ….Introduction to Malta gyms. 1-4 Monday ….Witnessing to the barbarians Ques. 5-9 Tuesday….Resuming the journey fines. 10,11 Wednesday . Paul at Rome Ques. 12-15 Thursday ..Lessons for us Ques. 1-3 Friday ….Review.

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 28: 1-16. MEMORY VERSE: “They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark 16: 18. The Narrative

  1. What did the shipwrecked party learn on getting ashore? Acts 28:1. Note 1.
  2. How does Luke describe the people of the island? What was their attitude? What made the fire partic- ularly welcome to the castaways? Verse 2. Note 2.
  3. What part did Paul act in making things comfort- 30 SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

able? What befell him in this work? Verse 3. Note 3.

  1. What did the islanders see? What was their thought? Verse 4.
  2. What did Paul do? What is said of the effect of the viper’s bite? Verse 5.
  3. What did the people expect soon to see? When nothing came of it, what did they say? Verse 6.
  4. Who had quarters in this part of the island? What did he do? Verse 7.
  5. What blessing came to the hospitable Publius? Verse 8. Note 4.

“There came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand”

  1. What work followed this manifestation of God’s power? Verse 9.
  2. How did the islanders generally treat the party? Verse 10.
  3. How long did the soldiers and the prisoners re- SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY 31 main on Malta? By what means and course did they journey to Italy? Verses 11-13. Note 5.
  4. Whom did Paul and his companions find at Puteoli? What did these believers desire? Verse 14. Note 6.
  5. Toward what city were those of Paul’s party jour- neying? What word must have gone on to the believers in Rome? What did some of them do? Verses 14, 15.
  6. How did this meeting with the brethren from Rome affect the apostle? Verse 15. Note 7.
  7. On arrival at Rome, what disposition was made of the prisoners? Verse 16. Lessons for Us 1. Wherever the child of God may be, he is under the care of his ever present Saviour. Verse 5; Mark 16: 18; Ps. 139: 1-3, 9, 10. 2. Whether temporarily or permanently settled in a place, every place is a missionary field. Acts 28: 9; 2 Cor. 2: 14; 4: 10. 3. God having promised to bring Paul to Rome (Acts 23: 11), no storms could keep him from reaching that city. Even so no storms of opposition can keep the trust- ing believer from the overcomer’s portion in the city of God. Rev. 3 : 21. Notes
  8. The modern name is Malta, now a British naval station. It is sixty miles from the island of Sicily, and two hundred from the African coast. A bay on the north side of the island has been named St. Paul’s Bay, where it is supposed the party landed.
  9. To the Greeks, all were “barbarians” who did not speak Greek. The people were of Phoenician origin. It was prob- ably late in October, and already the chill nights and mornings of autumn had begun. The kindness shown by the islanders was repaid in blessings later.
  10. Worn with watchings and exertion, the aged apostle was nevertheless not one to sit quietly while work was to be done. He was “instant in season” not only in preaching the Word, but in doing any other task.
  11. Weymouth’s translation: “Now in the same part of the 32 SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

islarld there were estates belonging to the governor, whose name was Publius. He welcomed us to his house, and for three days generously made us his guests. It happened, how- ever, that his father was lying ill of dysentery aggravated by attacks of fever; so Paul went to see him, and, after praying, laid his hands on him and cured him.”

  1. November, December, and January had been spent in Malta, evidently; and with early February, the Alexandrian grain ships were again moving toward Italy. Syracuse was the great port of Sicily; and at Rhegium, at the toe of the Italian boot, the apostle first touched Italy. The company landed at Puteoli, on the present Bay of Naples.
  2. The apostle may have stopped the seven days in order to spend the Sabbath with the believers, even as once before he had tarried at Troas seven days (Acts 20: 6, 7) in order to spend a Sabbath there, leaving early Sunday morning.
  3. Paul was always cheering others on. It was because he drew courage for himself from every token of God’s good- ness and every memory of Christ’s loving grace. “It was with a heavy heart that Paul went forward to his long expected visit to the world’s metropolis. How different the circumstances from those he had anticipated! How was he, fettered and stigmatized, to proclaim the gospel? His hopes of winning many souls to the truth in Rome, seemed destined to disappointment. . . . Suddenly a cry of joy is heard, and a man springs from the passing throng and falls upon the prisoner’s neck, embracing him with tears and re- joicing, as a son would welcome a long absent father. Again and again is the scene repeated, as, with eyes made keen by loving expectation, many discern in the chained captive the one who at Corinth, at Philippi, at Ephesus, had spoken to them the words of life. . . . Few realize the significance of those words of Luke, that when Paul saw his brethren, ‘he thanked God, and took courage’ In the midst of the weeping, sympathizing company of believers, who were not ashamed of his bonds, the apostle praised God aloud. The cloud of sadness that had rested upon his spirit was swept away. . . . Bonds and afflictions awaited him, he knew; but he knew also that it had been his to deliver souls from the bondage infi- nitely more terrible, and he rejoiced in his sufferings for Christ’s sake.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 448, 449. SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY 33 Lesson 12—Preaching the Gospel in Rome JUNE 23, 1917 DAILY STUDY OUTLINE Sabbath …Read the lesson scripture. Sunday ….Meeting the Jews in Rome Ques. 1-4 Monday ….Expounding the Word Ques. 5-9 “Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 451,452. Tuesday….Two years of labor Ques. 10-12 “Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 453-468. Wednesday .Twice before Nero Ques. 13-15 “Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 485,497, 509-513. Thursday ..Lessons for us Ques. 1-4 Friday ….Review.

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 28: 17-31. • MEMORY VERSE: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Tim. 4: 7. The Narrative

  1. What did Paul do after getting settled in his quarters at Rome? What declaration did he make to those Jews? Acts 28: 17. Note 1.
  2. What account did Paul give of his trial and appeal to Rome? Verses 18, 19. Note 2.
  3. What did Paul say he now desired? What was his confession of faith? Verse 20. •
  4. What answer did the Jews make to Paul’s appeal? Verses 21, 22. Note 3.
  5. Now what systematic missionary work did the apostle take up? What was the burden of his teaching? Verse 23.
  6. What two classes of hearers were there? Verse 24.
  7. What is said of those who rejected the message? To what prophetic warning did Paul direct their atten- tion? Verses 25-27.
  8. What solemn declaration did the apostle make? Verse 28.
  9. What was the effect of these words? Verse 29.

  10. What is said of Paul’s imprisonment at this time? Verse 30. 34 SABBATH SCHOCL LESSON QUARTERLY

  11. How did he spend his time? Verses 30, 31. Note 4.
  12. How was the progress of the gospel in Rome affected by the apostle’s imprisonment? Phil. 1: 14, 13; 4:22.
  13. What was the outcome of Paul’s appearance before Nero, and what work followed? Note 5.
  14. Finally, brought a second time before Nero, what was the result? What was the apostle’s hope and stay? 2 Tim. 4: 6-8. Note 6.
  15. What had the church of apostolic days been able to do, by God’s help, in the time covered by the book of Acts? Col. 1: 23. Lessons for Us
  16. What may Christians expect to meet from the world in associating themselves with the “little flock”? Acts 28: 22; John 15: 18-20. 2. Yet of what must we have a care in facing the world’s opposition? Acts 28: 18; 1 Peter 4: 12-16.
  17. What hope can sustain courage amidst most stren- uous service and severest trial? 2 Tim. 1: 12; 4: 6-8. 4. As the apostolic church carried the gospel to all the world in their day, so what commission is given the church to-day? Matt. 24: 14; Rev. 14: 6. Notes
  18. If Paul had been teaching that the seventh day was no longer the Sabbath, he could not have said this to the Jews. How quickly such teaching would have brought the apostle into controversy!
  19. Paul’s appeal to Cmsar was not to accuse any, or to plead for the punishment of persecutors. He had simply used his rights as a Roman citizen to prolong his opportunity to bear witness to Christ, and to prevent his being thrown into the hands of ecclesiastics who would quickly have si- lenced his testimony.

  20. “Everywhere.” The word shows how the gospel had spread, and the “reproach of Christ” followed it. SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY 35

  21. Paul’s first trial before Nero was delayed these two years by the failure of his accusers to present themselves. “In the providence of God, this delay resulted in the further- ance of the gospel. . . . During, this time, the churches that he had established in many lands were not forgotten. . . . The apostle sought so far as possible to meet their needs by letters of warning and practical instruction. And from Rome he sent out consecrated workers to labor not only for these churches, but in fields that he him<•elf had not visited. . . . Thus, while apparently cut off from active labor, Paul ex- erted a wider and more lasting influence than if he had been free to travel among the churches as in former years.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 453, 454. During this first imprisonment, he evidently wrote the epistles to the Ephesians, the Colossians, the Philippians, and Philemon. In Philemon 22, the apostle told of his plan to visit the churches again.
  22. All authorities agree that Paul was acquitted at his trial, and that he left Rome in time to escape the persecution that followed the burning of Rome, which Nero charged upon the Christians. “He sought to establish a firmer union between the Greek and the Eastern churches, and to fortify the minds of the be- lievers against the false doctrines that were creeping in to cor- rupt the faith.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 487, 488. “We must acknowledge (unless we deny the authenticity of the pastoral epistles to Timothy and Titus) that after St. Paul’s Roman imprisonment, he was traveling at liberty in Ephesus (1 Tim. 1: 3), Crete (Titus 1: 5) , Macedonia (1 Tim. 1: 3), Miletus (2 Tim. 4: 20), and Nicopolis (Titus 3: 12), and that he was afterward a second time in prison at Rome (2 Tim. 1: 16, 17).”—Conybeare and Howson.
  23. The chronology of events in these years, as nearly as students have worked it out, is as follows: Paul’s arrival in Rome, A. D. 61 Trial and acqUittal, “ 63 Burning of Rome, “ 64 Paul’s condemnation and martyrdom, “ 68 During the visit to Greece and Macedonia and Asia, the apostle wrote the epistle to Titus and the first to Timothy; the second epistle to Timothy, ‘so full of courage and trust, his last message to the church, being written in Rome, after his condemnation. It is supposed that Paul must have been executed in May or June, A. D. 68; and the middle of June brought the suicide of Nero, forsaken of all. What a contrast 36 SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

between the lives and the end of the great emperor and the great apostle! The following scene in Paul’s trial before Nero is pictured by the spirit of prophecy: “The vast hall was thronged. . . . As he gazes upon the throng before him,—Jews, Greeks, Romans, with strangers from many lands,—his soul is stirred with an intense desire for their salvation. He loses sight of the occasion, of the perils surrounding him, of the terrible fate that seems so near. He sees only Jesus, the Intercessor, pleading before God in behalf of sinful men. . . . His words are as a shout of victory above the roar of battle. He declares the cause to which he has devoted his life to be the only cause that can never fail. . . . “Light shone into the minds of many who afterward gladly followed its rays. The truths spoken on that day were des- tined to shake nations, and to live through all time. . . . Never before had Nero heard the truth as he heard it on this occasion. . . . The light of heaven pierced the sin- polluted chambers of his soul. . . . He feared the apostle’s God, and he dared not pass sentence upon Paul, against whom no accusation had been sustained. A sense of awe restrained for a time his bloodthirsty spirit. For a moment, heaven was opened to the guilty and hardened Nero. . . . The invitation of mercy was extended even to him. But only for a moment was the thought of pardon welcomed. Then the command was issued that Paul be taken back to his dungeon; and as the door closed upon the messenger of God, the door of repentance closed forever against the emperor of Rome.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 494-496. Of Paul’s last moments we read: “As he stands at the place of martyrdom, he sees not the sword of the executioner or the earth so soon to receive his blood; he looks up through the calm blue heaven of that summer day to the throne of the eternal. . . . His faith is strengthened as he calls to mind how patriarchs and prophets have relied upon the. One who is his support and consolation. . . . From the rack, the stake, the dungeon, from dens and caves of the earth, there falls upon his ear the martyr’s shout of triumph. . . . His mind grasps the Saviour’s promise, ‘I will raise him up at the last day.’ His thoughts and hopes are centered on the second coming of his Lord. And as the sword of the executioner descends, and the shadows of death gather about the martyr, his latest thought springs forward, as will his earliest in the great awakening, to meet the Life-giver, who shall welcome him to the joy of the blest.”—Id., pages 511-513. SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY 37

          Lesson 13—The Review
                 JUNE 30, 1917
             DAILY STUDY OUTLINE Sabbath        Acts 21             Tuesday        Acts 24 Sunday         Acts 22             Wednesday ..Acts 25, 26 Monday         Acts 23             Thursday       Acts 27
             Friday          Acts 2S   LESSON SCRIPTULE: Acts 21: 18 to 28: 31.    1. What are the main topics of Acts 21?
  a. How was Paul brought into peril on his visit to Jerusalem? Verses 17-30.
  b. By what means did the Lord frustrate the plan to cut short Paul's work?
  c. What shows that personal danger could not cause the apostle to forget that he. was a witness for Christ? Verses 31-40.    2. What address is reported in Acts 22? .
  a. How did Paul describe his conversion and call to service twenty-five years before? Verses 1-16.
  b. What followed Paul's reference to his preaching to the gentiles? What was Paul's experience in the hands of the Roman captain? Verses 22-30.    3. What are the main topics in the narrative of Acts 23?
  a. What was Paul's experience before the council? How was he again saved? What assurance came to him from God in this trying hour? Verses 1-11.
  b. By what providence was Paul saved from death by conspiracy? How was he taken beyond the reach of these enemies of his work? Verses 12-35.    4. What two occasions did Paul have to bear witness before Felix? Acts 24.
  a. What was Paul's confession of faith before Felix?  Verses 14, 15.
  b. How was the Roman governor affected by Paul's  testimony? Verse 25.    5. Before what other notables of the day did Paul  declare the gospel? Acts 25 and 26.

38 SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

  a. What had the Lord said of Paul's ministry, twenty-seven years before? Acts 9: 15.
  b. How did Paul, before King Agrippa, describe his commission and work? Acts 26: 17, 18, 22.
 c. How did this witness appeal to the king? Verses 28, 29.    6. After his deliverance from the fury of men, what fury next threatened to end Paul's work? Acts 27.
  a. By what must Paul have known, from the first, that the storm could not destroy his life? Acts 23: 11. What reassurance did the Lord give at the darkest hour? Acts 27: 23, 24.
  b. In what manner was Paul's Christian trust and courage made a blessing to all on the ship? Verses 30, 31, 33-36, 42-44.    7. What are the main topics in the narrative of the last chapter of Acts?
  a. Paul was bound for Rome, where God had said he was to bear witness; but what work did he find at Malta, on the way? Acts 28: 8, 9.
  b. Speaking the word of courage to others, what did Paul himself need? Verse 15.
  c. Prisoner in Rome, yet did his work cease? Verses 17, 23, 30, 31.
 .d. What was Paul's dying message to all believers? 2 Tim. 4: 6-8.    8. What spectacle is set before us in the book of Acts?—A church composed of believers beset with all the weaknesses that flesh is heir to, but yielding to God for service, and, Spirit-filled, guided by the Spirit in carrying the gospel message, in the time of the early rain, to all nations. Col. 1: 23.   9. What similar work is to be done in this time of the latter rain? Matt. 24: 14; Rev. 14: 6-12.

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