Lessons from the Acts of the Apostles
Lessons from the Acts of the Apostles
1957 Quater 2
SABBATH SCH LESSON
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THE ACTS OF,,THE Afos
MOO tli4 ER:. 1957
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY “With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” Isa. 12:3. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, 0 Lord God of hosts.” Jer. 15:16. “As a means of intellectual training, the opportunities of the Sabbath are invaluable. Let the Sabbath-school lesson be learned, not by a hasty glance at the lesson scripture on Sabbath morning, but by careful study for the next week on Sabbath afternoon, with daily review or illustration during the week. Thus the lesson will become fixed in the memory, a treasure never to be wholly lost.”—Education, pages 251, 252. “Every day some portion of time should be appropriated to the study of the lessons, not merely in learning to mechanically repeat the words, while the mind does not comprehend the meaning; but to go to the very founda- tion, and become familiar with what is brought out in the lesson.”—Counsels on Sabbath School Work, page 53.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sab- bath-school lesson each day of the week.
Name
LESSON TITLES FOR THE QUARTER I. The Great Commission; The 8. The Third Persecution; The
Twelve Apostles Martyrdom of Stephen 2. The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit 9. Missionary Expansion: From 3. The Healing of the Lame Man Judea to Samaria 4. The First Persecution io. The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus 5. The Spirit of God at Work The Ministry of Peter 6. The Second Persecution 12. Peter Renders an Account; 7. The Seven Deacons The Word at Antioch
13. The Fourth Persecution; An Attack on James and Peter
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 248, April-June, 1957. 15 cents a single copy, 50 cents a year, in U.S.A. and Canada; 15 cents a single copy, 60 cents a year to all other countries. Published in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), Mountain View, California. Entered as second-class matter Oct. 13, 1904, at the post office in Mountain View, Califor- nia, under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, Act of Oct. 3, 1917, and authorized Sept. 18, 1918. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses. Copyright, 1957, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
LESSONS FROM THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES I
Lesson 1, for April 6, 1957
The Great Commission; The Twelve Apostles
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 1.
MEMORY VERSE: “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8.
STUDY HELPS: “The Acts of the Apostles,” chapters 1 to 3; “Testimonies,” vol. 8, pp. 19-23; “The Desire of Ages,” pages 829-835; Lesson Help in “Review and Herald” of March 21; “The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,” Acts, chapter 1.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Check Study Check Study Sabbath afternoon: General survey ❑ Wednesday: Questions 10-12. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 4-6. ❑ Friday: Review the entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 7-9. ❑
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To emphasize the gospel commission and the promise of the power of the Holy Spirit to carry it out; to show the conscious unity of the disciples after the Lord had left them to go to heaven.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson 15:26, 27; Matt. 28:19, 20; Luke 24:48; Acts 1:8. I. The Closing Scenes of Christ’s Life 6. The Lord’s ascension. Acts 1:9, 1. Proofs of Christ’s resurrection. 10, 12. Acts 1:3. 7. The promise of Jesus’ return. 2. The expectation of the disciples. Acts 1:11. Acts 1:6, 7. 11. The Church Assembled 3. The promise of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5, 8. 8. The disciples: 4. Awaiting the fulfillment. Luke e. The eleven named. Acts 1:13. 24:49. b. The believers numbered. 5. The gospel commission. John Acts 1:15. 31 9. The meeting in the upper room. 11. The qualifications of Judas’s Acts 1:13, 14. successor. Acts 1:22. 10. The need for another disciple. 12. The choice made. Acts 1:23-26. Acts 1:16-22.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson The Closing Scenes of Christ's Life Introduction: Christ had been crucified 1. What were some of the "many as the Sin Bearer for men and to offer sal- proofs" given to the disciples? What vation to all by God's grace. He had risen did Christ teach the disciples? Acts from the dead, and during the forty days had met from time to time with His disci- 1:3. ples. He convinced the eleven beyond all doubt that He had risen, and He instructed them further in the gospel. Now the Holy Spirit is again promised. The Saviour as- 2. What question was still in the cends to heaven, and the church, awaiting minds of the disciples? How did Je- the baptism of the Spirit, further organ- sus answer it? Acts 1:6, 7. Compare izes its leadership. Matt. 20:20-23; 24:3; Luke 17:20. Places: Mount Olivet, or the Mount of Olives, a "Sabbath-day's journey," or about three quarters of a mile, from Jerusalem, NOTE.—"The apostles had entertained the and near the village of Bethany, the home common opinions of the Jews about the of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. temporal dominion of the Messiah. They The "upper room" in Jerusalem, prob- expected that he would reign as a prince ably the room where the Last Supper was and conqueror, and would free them from eaten, and supposed by many to be in a the bondage of the Romans. Many in- house owned by a believing woman, the stances where this expectation is referred to mother of John Mark, and sister to Joses occur in the Gospels notwithstanding all Barnabas. the efforts which the Lord Jesus made to
explain to them the true nature of his Persons: Jesus Christ; two angels; eleven kingdom. This expectation was checked, apostles, with Peter a spokesman; Matthias.
and almost destroyed by his death. Luke Interesting Term: "Bishopric." The word xxiv. 21. And it is clear that his death was is used as a translation of the Greek of the only means which could effectually which "dverseership" is a far better render- change their opinions on this subject. Even ing. The apostles were not bishops in the his own instructions would not do it; and usual meaning of the word. The words nothing but his being taken from them "elder," "overseer," and "bishop" are used could direct their minds effectually to the interchangeably in the New Testament for true nature of his kingdom. Yet, though the office of elder or "presbyter." See Acts his death checked their expectations, and 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5-7. appeared to thwart their plans, his return
to life excited them again. . . . And as Authorship of the Book: Compare Acts they did not doubt now that he would re- 1:1 with Luke 1:1-4. The "former," or store the - kingdom to Israel, they asked first, treatise is Luke's Gospel. Luke is the whether he would do it at that time? They Lucas of Philemon 24 and Paul's traveling did not ask whether he would do it at all, companion and "the beloved physician" of or whether they had correct views of his Colossians 4:14. The book of Acts covers kingdom; but taking that for granted, they almost thirty-two years of the development asked him whether that was the time in of the early church. which he would do it. The emphasis of
43
The record says that they were ‘continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.’ “ —The Acts of the Apostles, page 35. 5. What commission would the Holy Spirit enable the church to carry out? How far afield was the Christian witness to be carried? John 15:26, 27; Matt. 28:19, 20; Luke 24:48; Acts 1:8.
NOTE.—"The events of Christ's life, His
death and resurrection, the prophecies
pointing to these events, the mysteries of
the plan of salvation, the power of Jesus
for the remission of sins,—to all these TA GREAT WITH s: THE GREAT PROMISE: things they had been witnesses, and they
HE ASCENDED. HE WILL RETURN.
11167-/
were to make them known to the world.
They were to proclaim the gospel of peace
and salvation through repentance and the the inquiry lies in the expression, 'at this power of the Saviour."—The Acts of the time,' and hence the answer of the Saviour Apostles, page 27. refers solely to the point of their inquiry, and not to the correctness or incorrectness 6. What miraculous event closed of their opinions."—Albert Barnes, Notes Christ's earthly career? From what on the Acts of the Apostles, Acts 1:6. place did He leave the earth? Acts 3. What divine Person did Jesus 1:9, 10, 12. Compare Luke 24:50-52. promise would come and abide with the disciples? Acts 1:5, 8. Compare John 14:16, 17, 26; 16:13-15; 20:22. NorE.—"All heaven was waiting the hour
of triumph when Jesus should ascend to
His Father. Angels came to receive the
King of glory, and to escort Him trium- NorE.—Since Christ had ascended, the phantly to heaven. After Jesus had blessed Holy Spirit, as soon as He was given, was His disciples, He was parted from them." to be the divine Person ever present. Every- —Early Writings, page 190. where throughout the book of Acts the Spirit is the living guide, counselor, and 7. What assurance did two angels strengthener of the believers. We meet bring? Acts 1:11. Him on every page, in every incident. 4. Concerning this promise, what had Christ bidden the disciples do? Nom—The return of Christ is as certain Luke 24:49. as was His birth, His life on earth, His
death, His resurrection, and His ascension.
Each is as sure as the other. They stand
together as a glorious whole. NorE.—It is not an easy thing to wait, especially during a time of crisis. But the The Church Assembled disciples needed strength beyond their own poor power. "In obedience to Christ's command, they 8. Name the apostles who saw Je- [the disciples] waited in Jerusalem for the sus ascend. How many believers were promise of the Father,—the outpouring of in Jerusalem at the time? Acts 1: the Spirit. They did not wait in idleness. 13, 15.
5
9. Where did the church meet, and means, that by the result of the lot, he was for what purpose? Acts 1:13, 14. reckoned as an apostle. Nothing further is related of Matthias in the New Testament. Where he labored, and when and where he NoTE.—”These days of preparation were died, is unknown, nor is there any tradition days of deep heart searching. The disciples on which reliance is to be placed. The elec- felt their spiritual need, and cried to the tion of Matthias throws some light on the Lord for the holy unction that was to fit organization of the church. 1. He was them for the work of soulsaving. They chosen to fill the place vacated by Judas, did not ask for a blessing for themselves and for a specific purpose, to be a witness merely. They were weighted with the bur- of the resurrection of Christ. There is no den of the salvation of souls. They real- mention of any design. It was not to or- ized that the gospel was to be carried to dain men exclusively, or to rule over the the world, and they claimed the power churches, but to be a witness to an im- that Christ had promised.”—The Acts of portant fact. 2. There is no intimation here the Apostles, page 37. that it was designed that there should be successors to the apostles in the peculiar
- What had the suicide of Judas duties of the apostolic office.”—Albert made necessary? Acts 1:16-22. Barnes, Notes on the Acts of the Apostles, Acts 1:26. “In plotting against Christ, the rabbis
- What experience would qualify were not doing the works of Abraham. A the man who was to become the mere lineal descent from Abraham was of twelfth apostle? Acts 1:22. no value. Without a spiritual connection with him, which would be manifested in possessitg—the-same spirit, and doing the Nois.—A man was to be chosen from same works, they were not his children. “those who had witnessed the life and “This principle bears with equal weight works of Christ, and who were therefore upon a question that has long agitated the qualified to discharge the duties of the of- Christian world,—the question of apostolic fice from which Judas fell.”—Albert Barnes, succession. Descent from Abraham was Notes on the Acts of the Apostles, Acts 1: proved, not by name and lineage, but by 21, 22. likeness of character. So the apostolic suc- cession rests not upon the transmission of
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Who was chosen in Judas’s ecclesiastical authority, but upon spiritual place, and by what method? Acts 1: relationship. A life actuated by the apostles’ 23-26. spirit, the belief and teaching of the truth they taught, this is the true evidence of apostolic succession. This is what consti- NoTE.—”By the casting of the lot. This tutes men the successors of the first teach- word is . . . a calculus, or pebble, by which ers of the gospel.”—The Desire of Ages, votes were given, or lots were cast. It pages 466, 467.
Lesson 2, for April 13, 1957 The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 2. MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.” Acts 2:33. - [6] STUDY HELPS: “The Acts of the Apostles,” chapters 4 and 5; “Testimonies,” vol. 7, pp. 31-33; Lesson Help in the “Review and Herald” of March 28; “The Sev- enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary,” Acts, chapter 2.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Check Study Check Study Sabbath afternoon: General survey 0 Wednesday: Questions 13-15. 0 Sunday: Questions 1-4. 0 Thursday: Read from Study Helps. 0 Monday: Questions 5-9. Friday: Review the entire lesson. 0 Tuesday: Questions 10-12. PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To enable us to know with what power the Holy Spirit came; how intimately He was united with the church; how the stream of gos- pel truth flows from the Old Testament into the New; how surely Christ Jesus is the Lord of all, and how certainly He saves.
Lesson Outline: 8. Death could not hold Christ. Acts 2:24. The Setting of the Lesson 9. Prophecies of the resurrection. Acts 2:25-28, 30-32. I. The Coming of the Spirit 10. The psalmist looked beyond him- 1. The closeness of Christian fellow- self. Acts 2:29, 34. ship. Acts 2:1. 11. The ascension and the Holy Spirit. 2. The manifestation of the Spirit. Acts 2:33-36. Acts 2:2, 3. 3. The gift of tongues. Acts 2:4. 111. The Way of Salvation 4. The sojourners in Jerusalem. 12. The convicting power of the ‘ Acts 2:6-12. Spirit. Acts 2:37. 13. Repentance, baptism, and the
- Peter’s Defense Spirit. Acts 2:38-41, 47, last
- The cause of spiritual joy. Acts part. 2:15, 16.
- Old Testament prophecies of the IV. The Progress of the Church Spirit. Acts 2:17, 18. 14. The church’s faithfulness and
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Who crucified the Lord. Acts devotion. Acts 2:42, 43, 46, 47. 2:22, 23. 15. The common purse. Acts 2:44, 45.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson Places: The “upper room” where 120 believers have been praying for the gift of Introduction: “The Spirit came upon the the Holy Spirit. • waiting, praying disciples with a full- The streets of Jerusalem, where the ness that reached every heart. The Infinite Spirit-filled apostles preached. The temple One revealed Himself in power to His in Jerusalem. church. It was as if for ages this influence Persons: The Holy Spirit; the twelve had been held in restraint, and now Heaven apostles, with Peter again a spokesman; a rejoiced in being able to pour out upon the growing company of believers. church the riches of the Spirit’s grace. And Interesting Terms: “Pentecost.” So under the influence of the Spirit, words of named from the Greek for “fiftieth,” be- penitence and confession mingled with cause the early summer harvest celebration songs of praise for sins forgiven.”-The of the Jews fell fifty days, or seven weeks Acts of the Apostles, page 38. (the seven Sabbaths of Lev. 23:15, 16) af- [7] ter the first Sabbath of the spring Feast of lifetime. They could now proclaim the Unleavened Bread. Pentecost was therefore truths of the gospel abroad, speaking with known also as the Feast of Weeks. Christ accuracy the languages of those for whom arose on the day when the sheaf of barley they were laboring. This miraculous gift was waved as the first fruits, which was the was a strong evidence to the world that day following the first Sabbath of Unleav- their commission bore the signet of Heaven. ened Bread (Lev. 23:10-12; 1 Cor. 15:20). From this time forth the language of the Fifty days later, inclusive reckoning, came disciples was pure, simple, and accurate, Pentecost. Christ had appeared to His whether they spoke in their native tongue disciples during forty days following the or in a foreign language.”—The Acts of resurrection, then ascended to heaven. the Apostles, pages 39, 40. Therefore ten days elapsed after the ascen- sion until the outpouring of the Holy 4. From what distant lands were Spirit, which the believers spent in prayer the Jews then assembled in Jerusa- and heart searching. lem? Acts 2:6-12. “Hell.” The Greek is hades, the “place of the dead,” and should be translated, in reference to Peter’s usage, “grave,” NOTE.—”During the dispersion, the Jews The Coming of the Spirit had been scattered to almost every part of the inhabited world, and in their exile they had learned to speak various languages.
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How close was the fellowship Many of these Jews were on this occasion, of the disciples on the Day of Pente- in Jerusalem, attending the religious festi- cost, A.D. 31? Acts 2:1. vals then in progress.”—The Acts of the Apostles, page 39.
- How did the Holy Spirit mani- Peter’s Defense fest His coming? Acts 2:2, 3. 5. How did Peter show that the disciples’ activity was due to the Spirit and not to intoxication? Acts 2:15, NoTE.—(a) The sounding of a mighty 16. Compare Eph. 5:18. wind; (b) the filling of all the house with the Presence; (c) distributing tongues of fire to each disciple; (d) speaking with tongues by the disciples. NoTE.—The Jews in the time of Christ reckoned the hours separately for day and
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With what spiritual gift did the night, counting twelve hours to the day be- Holy Spirit endow the apostles? Acts ginning at sunrise, and the same number 2:4. Compare 1 Cor. 12:28. for the night beginning at sunset. See Matthew 20:3-9; John 1:39; 4:6, 52; Acts 23:23. The “third hour” of the day cor- responded to about 9 a.m. in modern reck- NoTE.—The gift was not a gift of hear- oning. ing, but a gift of tongues, useful in the gospel ministry, and in contrast to any un- 6. What Old Testament prophecy intelligible babbling. See 1 Cor. 14:1-30. foretold the outpouring of the Spirit? “Every known tongue was represented by Acts 2:17, 18. Compare Joel 2:28, 29. those assembled. This diversity of lan- guages would have been a great hindrance to the proclamation of the gospel; God therefore in a miraculous manner supplied the deficiency of the apostles. The Holy 7. Whom did Peter blame for the Spirit did for them that which they could crucifixion of his miracle-working not have accomplished for themselves in a Lord? Acts 2:22, 23. [8] NOTE.—”Peter did not refer to the teach- ings of Christ to prove his position, because he knew that the prejudice of his hearers was so great that his words on this sub- ject would be of no effect. Instead, he spoke to them of David, who was regarded by the Jews as one of the patriarchs of their nation.”—The Acts of the Apostles, page 41. 10. What is the evidence that the psalmist was not speaking of himself? Acts 2:29, 34.
yT 11. How does Peter associate the PETER AND PENTECOST: Fl FTY DAYS F ROM DENIAL TO AFFIRMATION. .47-2 outpouring of the Spirit with Christ's NWM enthronement at the right hand of the Father? Acts 2:33-36. -
Why could not Christ be held in death? Acts 2:24. NoTE.—”Christ’s ascension to heaven was the signal that His followers were to re- ceive the promised blessing. For this they Nom—The mystery of Christ’s resur- were to wait before they entered upon rection cannot be explained by human their work. When Christ passed within the reasoning. “When the voice of the mighty heavenly gates, He was enthroned amidst angel was heard at Christ’s tomb, saying, the adoration of the angels. As soon as this Thy Father calls Thee, the Saviour came ceremony was completed, the Holy Spirit forth from the grave by the life that was descended upon the disciples in rich cur- in Himself. Now was proved the truth rents, and Christ was indeed glorified, even of His words, ‘I lay down My life, that with the glory which He had with the I might take it again. . . . I have power Father from all eternity. The Pentecostal to lay it down, and I have power to take outpouring was Heaven’s communication it again.’ Now was fulfilled the prophecy that the Redeemer’s inauguration was ac- He had spoken to the priests and rulers, complished. According to His promise He `Destroy this temple, ‘and in three days I had sent the Holy Spirit from heaven to will raise it up.’ John 10:17, 18; 2:19.”— His followers, as a token that He had, as The Desire of Ages, page 785. priest and king, received all authority in Christ was sinless, and therefore could heaven and on earth, and was the Anointed not be held in death. Romans 6:23 ; Luke One over His people.”—The Acts of the 23:4, 14; John 19:4, 6; 1 Peter 2:22. Apostles, pages 38, 39. “Could one sin have been found in Christ, had He in one particular yielded to Satan to escape the terrible torture, the enemy of The Way of Salvation God and man would have triumphed. Christ bowed His head and died, but He 12. How ‘did this Spirit-filled ser- held fast His faith and His submission to mon affect the hearers? Acts 2:37. God.”—Ibid., p. 761. •
- What scriptures did Peter quote to show that Christ could not re- NoTE.—”Now they heard the disciples main in the tomb? Acts 2:25-28% 30- declaring that it was the Son of God who
- Compare Ps. 16:8-11. had been crucified. Priests and rulers 9 trembled. Conviction and anguish seized The Progress of the Church the people. . . . Among those who lis- tened to the disciples were devout Jews, 14. What acts of faithfulness and who were sincere in their belief. The devotion characterized the church af- power that accompanied the words of the ter Pentecost? Acts 2:42, 43, 46, 47. speaker convinced them that Jesus was in- deed the Messiah.”—The Acts of the Apos- tles, page 43. NoTE.—(a) Following the apostles’ teach- ing; (b) entering into godly fellowship; (c) partaking of the Lord’s Supper at frequent
- What progressive steps in sal- opportunities; (d) giving praise to God; vation did Peter describe’for the con- (e) continuing steadfast; (f) doing “won- science-stricken Jews? With what re- ders and signs.” sult? Acts 2:38-41, 47, last part. 15. How did the infant church pro- vide for the needy believers? Acts 2: 44, 45.
NOTE.—The steps outlined by Peter were NorE.—”Many of these early believers (a) repentance, that is, a change of mind were immediately cut off from family and in respect to one’s past way of life, 2 Co- friends by the zealous bigotry of the Jews, rinthians 7:9-11; (b) baptism, that is, im- and it was necessary to provide them with mersion as a symbol of the washing away food and shelter. . . . Those among the of sins and arising to newness of life, Ro- believers who had money and possessions, mans 6:3-7; (c) receiving the gift of the cheerfully sacrificed them to meet the Holy Spirit as a necessity in the Christian emergency.”—The Acts of the Apostles, experience, Romans 8:11, 14. page 70.
Lesson 3, for April 20, 1957
The Healing of the Lame Man LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 3. MEMORY VERSE: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." Acts 3:19.
STUDY HELPS: “The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 57-62; Lesson Help in the “Re- view and Herald” of April 4; “The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,” Acts, chapter 3.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Check Study Check Study Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11-13. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 4-7. ❑ Friday: Review the entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8-10. ❑ PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To help us to learn more of the power of the Holy Spirit
in healing men's bodies and souls, to find a renewed faith in the coming of
"the times of restitution," and to experience the needful preparation of heart.
[10]
Lesson Outline: The Setting of the Lesson 7. Christ as Saviour, man’s only hope. Acts 3:17-19, first part. I. The Circumstances of the Healing 8. Christ portrayed as the suffering 1. Peter and John go to worship in Sin Bearer. Acts 3:18, 22-24. the temple. Acts 3:1, 2. 9. Preparation for the times of 2. Peter heals in the name of Jesus. restitution. Acts 3:19-21. Acts 3:3-6. 3. The healed man worships in the 10. Christ is Mediator and heavenly temple. Acts 3:8, 9. Priest. Acts 3 :21.
- The Effect of the Miracle IV. The Covenant Promises
- An event known to all. Acts 11. The Hebrews a privileged people. 3:10, 11. Acts 3:25, first part.
- Christ the healer. Acts 3:12, 13, 16. 12. Christ and the Abrahamic I11. The Privilege of the Gospel promise. Acts 3:25, last part.
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The Jews crucified Christ. Acts 13. The gospel and the Jews. Acts 3:14, 15. 3:26.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson salem begun by Herod the Great (John 2:20), around the remains of the temple Introduction: “They brought daily to the built by Zerubbabel 500 years before Beautiful gate of the temple a lame beggar, (Ezra 5:2). The Christian Jews were dur- who asked alms of all that entered (vers. 2, ing the period of the book of Acts still 3). What a striking contrast is here !-the worshiping at the temple, as well as at- large, strong, handsome gate, wrought by tending Sabbath services in the synagogues the most skillful workmen, intended to (Acts 15:19-21). This continued some add beauty and attractiveness to the mag- years after the typical forms of worship nificent temple, an object of keen, universal had been rendered meaningless by Christ’s admiration; and, laid down at the foot of death on the cross. Compare Daniel 9: it, a poor, ill-clad, deformed, helpless beg- 24-27 and Matthew 27:50, 51. gar, fain to find a miserable existence by asking the pity of all that passed through. 2. What reply did Peter make to Such contrasts has sin introduced into this world.”-The Pulpit Commentary, Acts, the lame beggar? What did he have? vol. 1, p. 98. Acts 3:3-6. Places: The “Beautiful Gate,” and Solo- mon’s porch, of the Temple in Jerusalem. Persons: A lame man who had never walked; John; Peter, again a spokesman. NorE.-Natural gifts, education, and an The Circumstances of the Healing adequate budget are very good things to use in the service of God. But there is one
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Where, and why, were Peter basic essential; that is the personal posses- sion, by the workers in the gospel, of Jesus and John still worshiping when the Christ the Son of God. When He is re- lame man was healed? Acts 3:1, 2. ceived, every other needed gift is supplied.
3. How did the man when healed Nora.-The "temple" was not a syna- use his new-found physical powers? gogue, but the magnificent temple in Jeru- Acts 3:8, 9.The Effect of the Miracle
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How widely did this miracle be- come known? Acts 3:10, 11.
- To whom did Peter give full credit for what had happened? Acts 3:12, 13, 16. Compare John 15:5; Phil. 4:13.
The Privilege of the Gospel
HEALING : A PROOF OF THE 6. Of what did Peter accuse the RESURRECTION OF JESUS. Jews? Acts 3:14, 15. Compare Acts 2:23.
Jesus.'"—The Great Controversy, pages
611, 612.
"I saw that none could share the 're- 7. What hope did Peter offer his freshing,' unless they obtain the victory troubled listeners? Acts 3:17-19, first over every besetment, over pride, selfish- part. Compare Acts 2:38. ness, love of the world, and over every
wrong word and action. We should, there-
fore, be drawing nearer and nearer to the
Lord, and be earnestly seeking that prepa-
ration necessary to enable us to stand in 8. What had been prophesied con- the battle in the day of the Lord. Let all cerning Christ? Acts 3:18, 22-24. remember that God is holy, and that none Compare Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; Zech. but holy beings can ever dwell in His 13:6, 7. presence."—Early Writings, page 71.
10. From the time of the ascension
to the second advent, what position 9. For what great event was the does Christ occupy, and what ministry repentance of guilty men to be a does He perform? Acts 3:21; Heb. 9: preparation? Acts 3:19-21. 24. Compare Heb. 4:14-16; 5:5-10;
7:24 to 8:2; 1 Tim. 2:5.
NOTE.—”The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the The Covenant Promises power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the 11. What was to have been the outpouring of the former rain at the open- ing of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in privileged position of the Hebrews? the latter rain at its close. Here are ‘the Acts 3:25, first part. Compare Rom. times of refreshing’ to which the apos- 3:1-4. tle Peter looked forward when he said: ‘Re- pent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the 12. What promise to Abraham has presence of the Lord; and He shall send Christ fulfilled? Acts 3:25, last part. [ 12 ] 13. To what people did the gospel and the greed of gain. They boasted of of the new covenant first come? Acts their knowledge, but they were ignorant of 3:26. Compare Rom. 2:9, 10. the requirements of God, and were full of hypocrisy. Like the barren tree, they spread their pretentious branches aloft, luxuriant in appearance, and beautiful to the eye, but they yielded ‘nothing but leaves.’ The Nora.—”The Jews stood forth distinct Jewish religion, with its magnificent tem- from all other nations, professing allegiance ple, its sacred altars, its mitered priests to God. They had been specially favored and impressive ceremonies, was indeed fair by Him, and they laid claim to righteous- in outward appearance, but humility, love, ness above every other people. But they and benevolence were lacking.”—The De- were corrupted by the love of the world sire of Ages, pages 582, 583.
Lesson 4, for April 27, 1957
The First Persecution
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 4:1-33.
MEMORY VERSE: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.
STUDY HELPS: “The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 62-69; Lesson Help in the “Review and Herald” of April 11; “The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,” Acts, chapter 4.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Check Study Check Study Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 12-15. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-3. Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 4-8. ❑ Friday: Review the entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 9-1 1 . ❑
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To understand how and why persecution comes, and to share in the courage and devotion of those who have undergone it, and are now undergoing it; to find Christ anew as the only means of salvation from sin.
Lesson Outline: 11. Steadfastness Under Persecution 5. The Holy Ghost strengthened The Setting of the Lesson Peter. Acts 4:8, first part.
- Opposition to the Gospel
6. Christ did the healing. Acts 4:8-10.
7. The guilt of the Jews. Acts 4:10,
- The apostles arrested. Acts 4:1-3. 11, 25-28.
- Many conversions secured. Acts 4:4. HI. Christ the Only Saviour
- Commanded not to preach. Acts 4:5-7. 8. Only Christ can save. Acts 4:12.
- The certainty of the healing. 9. The disciples had been with Jesus. Acts 4:14, 21 (last part), 22.. Acts 4:13. [ 13 ] IV. The Gospel Again Proclaimed
- Christ must be preached. Acts 12. Empowered for service. Acts 4:31. 4:18-20. 13. Unity in the church. Acts 4:32.
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Prayers for boldness in the gos- 14. The message of the resurrection. pel. Acts 4:29, 30. Acts 4:33.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson probably a special company of the Levites. Nehemiah (11:11) speaks of a “ruler of Introduction: The priests were angry the house of God.” with the apostles for preaching. “The ground of their grief was as much the fact Opposition to the Gospel that they should presume to instruct the people, as the matter which they taught 1. Why were the apostles placed them. They were offended that unlearned under arrest? Acts 4:1-3. Galileans, in no way connected with the priestly office, and unauthorized by them, should presume to set themselves up as religious teachers. They claimed the right 2. What results did God give to to watch over the interests of the people, the apostles’ preaching? Acts 4:4. and to declare who was authorized to in- struct the nation. It has been no unusual thing for men in ecclesiastical stations to take exceptions to the ministry of those who 3. What did the leaders of the Jews have not been commissioned by themselves. ask the apostles? Acts 4:5-7. Men easily fancy that all power to instruct others is lodged in their hands; and they oppose others simply from the fact that NorE.—The inquiry inferred that the they have not derived their authority from apostles may have performed their work them. The true question in this case was, on the lame man by magic, much believed whether these Galileans gave proof that in at that time, or through the power of they were sent by God. The fact of the evil spirits. See Matthew 12:22-32. Hence miracle in this case should have been satis- the demand for proof of the apostles’ au- factory.”—Albert Barnes, Notes on the thority. The hearing was before the San- Acts of the Apostles, Acts 4:2. hedrin, the council of seventy, the highest Places: The temple in Jerusalem; a authority among the Jews, yet without prison; the meeting place of the Jewish direct political control since the Romans Sanhedrin; the meeting place of the church. were ruling Palestine. Persons: Annas and Caiaphas, before whom Jesus had stood trial (John 18:13, 4. What clear evidence was there 14) ; John and Alexander, Sadducees from that the man had actually been healed? among the chief priests, and leaders in the Acts 4:14, 21 (last part), 22. Sanhedrin; John the apostle, and Peter, again a spokesman. Interesting Terms: “Sadducees,” the lib- NorE.—The man had been healed in the erals among the Jews, with leanings to- presence of a crowd of worshipers at the ward Greek culture, ready to compromise temple gates. Acts 3:2. When he was with Rome and unwilling to believe in healed he leaped and hurried with shouts supernatural beings, such as angels, nor in of praise into the temple, and was seen by the miraculous, and hence rejected the many. Acts 3:7-10. At the hearing before resurrection. Acts 23:8. the Sanhedrin, the healed man was him- “Captain of the temple.” This officer self present, a visible proof of the miracle was chief of police of the temple guard, that had been performed. ( 14 Steadfastness Under Persecution
- What was the source of Peter’s strength during this time of trial? Acts 4:8, first part.
- To whom did the apostles give the glory for the miracle of healing? Acts 4:8-10.
NOTE.—”This courageous defense ap- palled the Jewish leaders. They had sup- posed that the disciples would be overcome with fear and confusion when brought be- BIGOTED SADDUCEES OVERLOOK fore the Sanhedrin. But instead, these wit- A CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE. nesses spoke as Christ had spoken, with a 2037-4
convincing power that silenced their ad- versaries. There was no trace of fear in “How, then, are we to be saved? ‘As Peter’s voice as he declared of Christ, ‘This Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilder- is the stone which was set at nought of ness,’ so the Son of man has been lifted up, you builders, which is become the head of and everyone who has been deceived and the corner!”—The Acts of the Apostles, bitten by the serpent may look and live.” pages 63, 64. —The Desire of Ages, page 175.
- With what crime did Peter charge the Jewish leaders? Acts 4:10, 9. What divine fellowship gave 11, 25-28. Compare Acts 2:23; 3: boldness to the apostles? Acts 4:13. 13-15. The Gospel Again Proclaimed Christ the Only Saviour 10. When ordered not to preach
- What marvelous gospel truth Christ, what was the apostles’ reply? did Peter state? Acts 4:12. Acts 4:18-20.
NOTE.—”Like Nicodemus, we must be NoTE.—”We are not required to defy willing to enter into life in the same way as authorities. Our words, whether spoken the chief of sinners. Than Christ, ‘There is or written, should be carefully considered, none other name under heaven given lest we place ourselves on record as utter- among men, whereby we must be saved.’ ing that which would make us appear Acts 4:12. Through faith we receive the antagonistic to law and order. We are not grace of God; but faith is not our Saviour. to say or do anything that would unneces- It earns nothing. It is the hand by which sarily close up our way. We are to go we lay hold upon Christ, and appropriate forward in Christ’s name, advocating the His merits, the remedy for sin. And we truths committed to us. If we are for- cannot even repent without the aid of the bidden by man to do this work, then we Spirit of God. The Scripture says of Christ, may say, as did the apostles, ‘Whether it ‘Him bath God exalted with His right be right in the sight of God to hearken hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to unto you more than unto God, judge ye. give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness For we cannot but speak the things which of sins.’ Acts .5:31. Repentance comes from we have seen and heard.’“—The Acts of Christ as truly as does pardon. the Apostles, page 69. [16 ] 11: Instead of asking for their own bear witness? What attended their safety; for what did the apostles pray? preaching? Acts 4:33. Acts 4:29, 30.
NorE.—"Under their labors were added
to the church chosen men, who, receiving 12. How did God answer these the word of truth,-consecrated their lives prayers? Acts 4:31. to the work of giving to others the hope
that filled their hearts with peace and joy.
They could not be restrained or intimidated
by threatenings. . .
"So mightily can God work when men 13. How was the unity of the give themselves up to the control of His church manifested in spiritual mat- Spirit. ters? Acts 4:32. "The promise of the Holy Spirit is not
limited to any age or to any race. Christ
declared that the divine influence of His
Spirit was to be with His followers unto
the end."—The Acts of the Apostles, pages 14. To what event did the apostles 48, 49.
Lesson 5, for May 4, 1957
The Spirit of God at Work
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 4:34 to 5:16.
MEMORY VERSE: “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Eph. 4:30.
STUDY HELPS: “The Acts of the Apostles,” chapter 7; Lesson Help in the “Review and Herald” of April 18;. “The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,” Acts, chapters 4 and 5.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Check. Study Check Study Sabbath afternoon: General survey. 0 Wednesday: Questions 10-13. 0 Sunday: Questions 1, 2. 0 Thursday: Read from Study Helps. 0 Monday: Questions 3-7. 0 Friday: Review the entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8, 9. 0 PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To show how dangerous it is to grieve the Holy Spirit; and to teach that.even adverse circumstances can work to the glory of God.
Lesson Outline: 2. Contrast between Barnabas and Ananias. Acts 4:36 to 5:2. The Setting of the Lesson 11. The Deceit and Punishment of
- Generosity in the Church Ananias and Sapphira
- Generosity in caring for the needy. 3. The extent of their falsehood. Acts Acts 4:34, 35. 5:2-4. [ 16 ] 4. A lie to the Holy Spirit. Acts 13, last part. 5:3, 4, 9. 9. Protected from insincerity. Acts
- Sapphira equally guilty with 5:13, first part. Ananias. Acts 5:7-9.
- Punishment by death. Acts 5:5, 6, IV. The Gospel Proclaimed 9, 10. 10. Preaching at the temple. Acts
- Justifiable fear. Acts 5:11, first 5:12, last part. part. 11. Miracles wrought. Acts 5:12, first part. I11. The Effect Upon Church and Public 12. The well-to-do and poor healed.
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A wholesome respect for the Acts 5:15, 16. church and its work. Acts 5:11, 13. Many believers added. Acts 5:14.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson that became a Christian sold at once all his property. The sense doubtless is, that Introduction: “The converts to the gos- this was done when it was necessary; they pel were ‘of one heart and of one soul.’ One parted with whatever property was need- common interest controlled them,—the suc- ful to supply the wants of their poor cess of the mission entrusted to them; and brethren. That it was by no means con- covetousness had no place in their lives. sidered a matter of obligation, or en- Their love of their brethren and the cause joined by the apostles, is apparent from they had espoused, was greater than their the case of Ananias. ch . v. 4. The fact that love of money and possessions. Their works Joses is particularly mentioned (ver. 36), testified that they accounted the souls of shows that it was by no means a universal men of higher value than earthly wealth. practice thus to part with all their posses- “In sharp contrast to the example of sions. He was one instance in which it was benevolence shown by the believers, was done. Perhaps there were many other simi- the conduct of Ananias and Sapphira, whose lar instances; but all that the passage re- experience, traced by the pen of inspira- quires us to believe is, that they parted tion, has left a dark stain upon the history with whatever was needful to supply the of the early church.”—The Acts of the wants of the poor.”—Albert Barnes, Notes Apostles, pages 70, 71. on the Acts of the Apostles, Acts 4:34. Places: The meeting place of the church in Jerusalem; the portico of Solomon at 2. Contrast the character of Bar- the temple; the streets of the city. nabas with that of Ananias and Sap- Persons: Joses Barnabas, a Jew of Cy- phira, as shown in their giving. Acts prus and a Levite, a convert to Christ, and 4:36 to 5:2. future companion of Paul the apostle; Ananias and Sapphire., husband-and wife who died because of their hypocrisy and deception; Peter; the multitude. NoTE.—”Here we have the generous sympathetic. Son of Consolation on the one side, and here, too, we have a warning and Generosity in the Church a type for all time that the tares must ever- more be mingled with the wheat, the false
- In what way is the generosity of with the true, the hypocrites with real serv- the believers again referred to? Acts ants of God,_ even until the. final separa- 4:34, 35. Compare 2 _Cor. 9:7. tion. The accidental division of the book into chapters hinders casual readers from noticing that the action of Ananias and his wife is set by the writer over against that NOTE.-“It would be improper to press of Barnabas. Barnabas sold .his estate and it so as to suppose that every individual brought the price, the whole price-, and I II surrendered it as an offering to the Church. The spirit of enthusiastic giving was abroad, and had seized upon the com- munity; and Barnabas sympathized with it.”—The Expositor’s Bible, The Acts of the Apostles, vol. 1, pp. 221, 222.
The Deceit and Punishment of Ananias and Sapphira
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In what did Ananias and Sap- phira’s falsehood consist? Acts 5:2-4.
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To whom was their lie primarily directed? Acts 5:3, 4, 9.
7. In what spirit did the church ac- NoTE.—"God hates hypocrisy and false- cept the judgment upon Ananias and hood. Ananias and Sapphira practiced Sapphira? Acts 5:11, first part. fraud in their dealing with God; they lied to the Holy Spirit, and their sin was visited with swift and terrible judgment." —The Acts of the Apostles, page 72. The Effect Upon Church and Public -
Why was Sapphira punished? 8. What was the effect upon the Acts 5:7-9. church and the general public? Acts 5:11, 13, last part.
- What dire punishment fell upon the guilty pair? Acts 5:5, 6, 9, 10. NorE.—”From the stern punishment meted out to those perjurers, God would have us learn also how deep is His hatred and contempt for all hypocrisy and de- Non–“Infinite Wisdom saw that this ception. In pretending that they had given signal manifestation of the wrath of God all, Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy was necessary to guard the young church Spirit, and as a result, they lost this life from becoming demoralized. Their num- and the life that is to come. The same bers were rapidly increasing. The church God who punished them, today condemns would have been endangered if, in the all falsehood. Lying lips are an abomina- rapid increase of converts, men and women tion to Him. . . . had been added who, while professing to “In the case of Ananias and Sapphira, serve God, were worshiping mammon. This the sin of fraud against God was speedily judgment testified that men cannot de- punished. The same sin was often repeated ceive God, that He detects the hidden sin in the after-history of the church, and is of the heart, and that He will not be committed by many in our time. But .mocked. It was designed as a warning to though it may not be attended by the visi- the church, to lead them to avoid pretense ble manifestation of God’s displeasure, it and hypocrisy, and to beware of robbing is no less heinous in His sight now than in God.”—The Acts of the Apostles, pages the apostles’ time. The warning has been 73, 74. given; God has clearly manifested His ab- [ 18 3 horrence of this sin; and all who give NoTE.—All classes or beneficiaries are in- themselves up to hypocrisy and covetous- dicated here. The “beds” would be the ness may be sure that they are destroying furniture of the well-to-do who were their own souls.”—The Acts of the Apos- healed. The “couches” were the less pre- tles, pages 75, 76 tentious pallets upon which the poor were brought for healing.
- Who feared to be associated with the apostolic company? Acts 5: 13. What was the result? Acts 13, first part. 5:14.
NoTE.—The “rest” may mean Jews in Norr.—”In Jerusalem, where the deep- some position of influence and leadership, est prejudice existed, and where the most since the church held with the apostles; confused ideas prevailed in regard to Him and “the people,” that is, the general Jew- who had been crucified as a malefactor, ish populace, were glad at hearing the the disciples continued to speak with bold- gospel message. ness the words of life, setting before the Jews the work and mission of Christ, His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The Gospel Proclaimed Priests and rulers heard with amazement the clear, bold testimony of the apostles.
- At what place was the witness The power of the risen Saviour had indeed of the apostles given? Acts 5:12, last fallen on the disciples, and their work was part. accompanied by signs and miracles that daily increased the number of believers. Along the streets where the disciples were to pass, the people laid their sick ‘on beds
- What occurred to increase the and couches, that at the least the shadow interest and respect of the people? of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.’ Here also were brought Acts 5:12, first part. those vexed with unclean spirits. The crowds gathered round them, and those who were healed shouted the praises of God, and glorified the name of the Re-
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How extensive was the work deemer.”—The Acts of the Apostles, pages of healing? Acts 5:15, 16. 77, 78.
Lesson 6, for May 11, 1957 The Second Persecution
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 5:16-40.
MEMORY VERSE: “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29.
STUDY HELPS: “The Acts of the Apostles,” chapter 8; Lesson Help in the “Review and Herald” of April 25; “The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,” Acts, chapter 5. [ 19 ] DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT Check Study Check Study Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 13, 14. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-3. 0 Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 4-7. 0 Friday: Review the entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8-12. PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To learn again the providences of God through His angels, the privilege of witnessing for Christ, and the necessity of standing firmly for the Lord, no matter how determined and powerful the opposition.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson I11. Proclaiming the Gospel 8. Peter’s charge concerning the I. The Apostles Imprisoned and crucifixion of Christ. Acts 5:30, Delivered last part. 1. The arrest. Acts 5:16-18. 9. The resurrection. Acts 5:30, first 2. Liberation by an angel. Acts 5:19. part. 3. Preaching again at the temple. 10. Christ’s saving grace. Acts 5:31. Acts 5:20, 21, first part. 11. Witnessing for Christ. Acts 5:32,
- The Jewish Authorities Frustrated first part.
12. The blessing of the Holy Spirit
- The Jewish leaders bewildered. upon the obedient. Acts 5:32, Acts 5:21 (last part), 22, 23, 25. last part.
- The temple police cautious. Acts 5:26. IV. The Apostles Set Free
- The accusations against the apos- tles. Acts 5:27, 28. 13. The counsel of Gamaliel. Acts
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A fundamental principle of re- 5:33-39. ligious liberty. Acts 5:29. 14. The scourging. Acts 5:40.
THE "LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson maliel, a leading Pharisee and great theo- logian, teacher of Paul (Acts 22:3) ; the Introduction: Following the death of– apostles; Peter, again a spokesman. Ananias and Sapphira there came great fear Interesting Terms: “Sect.” The transla- on the church, and great power for public tion of a word meaning “choice,” from witness. The latter aroused stubborn op- which the word “heresy” is also derived. position to truth on the part of the Jewish The word means a group holding a particu- leaders. This gave opportunity for God lar view or views, usually different from to send angel intervention. This lesson that of the majority of the people. The reveals the courage and resolution of the word is often used in contempt. apostles, who are obligated to preach the “Doubted.” Better, “were in perplexity.” gospel, no matter how stern the forbiddings. Obedience to God must take precedence. A Jewish philosopher arrives at a face- The Apostles Imprisoned saving compromise. Places: The meeting place of the San- and Delivered hedrin in Jerusalem; a prison; the porti- coes of the temple. 1. What happened to the apostles Persons: An angel; the high priest; the because of previous remarkable oc- Sadducees; the captain of the temple; Ga- currences? Acts 5:16-18. [ 20 2. What divine agency came to the apostles’ rescue? Acts 5:19.
- Where were they directed to go, and what were they to preach? Acts 5:20, 21, first part.
The Jewish Authorities Frustrated
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Not knowing that the apostles were released from prison, what did the Jewish leaders do? What were they told? Acts 5:21 (last part), 22, 23, 25.
commotion; and though they would have NorE.—"They [priests and rulers] were been rescued, yet they resolved to show aware that many who did not accept the that they were not obstinate, contuma- teachings of Christ were weary of the cious, or rebellious, but were disposed, as arbitrary rule of the Jewish authorities, far as it could be done with a clear con- and anxious for some change. The priests science, to yield obedience to the laws of feared that if these dissatisfied ones were the land."—Albert Barnes, Notes on the to accept the truths proclaimed by the Acts of the Apostles, Acts 5:26. apostles, and were to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, the anger of the entire people would be raised against the religious 6. Of what defiant acts did the leaders, who would then be made to an- Jewish leaders accuse the apostles? swer for the murder of Christ. They de- Acts 5:27, 282 cided to take strong measures to prevent this. "When they sent for the prisoners to be brought before them, great was their amaze- NOTE.—"This, though not so designed, ment at the word brought back, that the was an honorable tribute to the zeal and prison doors were found to be securely fidelity of the apostles. When Christians bolted, and the guard stationed before them, are •arraigned or persecuted, it is well if but that the prisoners were nowhere to be the only charge which their enemies can found."—The Acts of the Apostles, pages bring against them, is that they have been 80, 81. distinguished for zeal and success in propa- gating their religion. See 1 Pet. iv. 16."— - Of what did the temple police Albert Barnes, Notes on the Acts of the stand in fear? Acts 5:26. Apostles, Acts 5:28. The expression “bring this man’s blood upon us” has obvious reference not only to Peter’s repeated charge that the Jewish lead- NOTE.—”The people were favorable to ers brought about Christ’s death (Acts 2:23 ; the apostles. If violence had been at- 3:15; 4•:10), but also to their own assump- tempted, or they had been taken in a cruel tion of that blame at Christ’s trial (Matt. and forcible manner, the consequence 27:25). would have been a tumult and bloodshed. In this way, also, the apostles showed that 7. What great principle of reli- they were not disposed to excite tumult. gious liberty did the apostle Peter Opposition by them would have excited then set forth? Acts 5:29. [ 21 ] NOTE.—”When in 1529 the German enly rank, (2) dispensing salvation to the princes assembled at the Diet of Spires, lost children of men, and (3) receiving the there was presented the emperor’s decree willing homage, the affectionate service of restricting religious liberty, and prohibit- the multitude he has redeemed. What more ing all further dissemination of the re- honorable, enviable, blessed position can formed doctrines. It seemed that the hope we conceive than that of One who, seated of the world was about to be crushed out. in the very highest post of honor, is con- Would the princes accept the decree? ferring the best of all imaginable boons, Should the light of the gospel be shut out and is receiving, in return, the freest, rich- from the multitude still in darkness? est, most rejoicing worship and service of Mighty issues for the world were at stake. his redeemed, both of those who are about Those who had accepted the reformed his person ‘in the heavens,’ and of those faith met together, and their unanimous also who are serving him and striving to decision was, ‘Let us reject this decree. In follow him below?”—The Pulpit Com- matters of conscience the majority has no mentary, Acts, vol. 1, pp. 167, 168. power.’ “This principle we in our day are firmly 11. What divine and human wit- to maintain. The banner of truth and re- nesses acclaim the merits of the glo- ligious liberty held aloft by the founders rified Saviour? Acts 5:32, first part. of the gospel church and by God’s witnesses during the centuries that have passed since then, has, in this last conflict, been com- mitted to our hands. The responsibility for this great gift rests with those whom God NoTE.—The Holy Spirit convicts men as has blessed with a knowledge of His word.” a divine witness (John 16:7-11). Under —The Acts of the Apostles, pages 68, 69. the power of the Spirit, converted men be- come in turn living witnesses of what the Proclaiming the Gospel Saviour of men can accomplish in human hearts.
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With what offense did Peter again charge the Jews? Acts 5:30, 12. What great blessing comes as last part. Compare Acts 2:23; 3:13-15; a result of obeying God? Acts 5:32, 4:10. last part.
- Who raised Christ from the NoTE.—”The descent of the Holy Ghost dead? Acts 5:30, first part. Compare to endow them with remarkable gifts (ch. Phil. 3:7-11. 11. 1-4) to awaken and convert such a mul- titude (ch. 11. 41; iv. 4; v. 14) was an un- answerable attestation of the truth of these doctrines, and of the Christian reli-
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What gracious work was the gion. So manifest and decided was the risen Saviour to accomplish? Acts presence of God attending them, that they 5:31. could have no doubt that what they said was true; and so open and public was this attestation, that it was an evidence to all the people of the truth of their doctrine.” —Albert Barnes, Notes on the Acts of the NOTE.—” ‘From the highest throne of Apostles, Acts 5:32. glory to the cross of deepest woe’ he had come; now he reascended from the grave to the throne, to the seat of heavenly The Apostles Set. Free power and blessedness. He has become an enthroned Redeemer, a sovereign Saviour, 13. What was Gamaliel’s argument (1) occupying the foremost place in heav- in favor of the apostles? Acts 5:33-39. [ 22 ] 14. What mistreatment did the cutioner, armed with a scourge of three apostles suffer as they were released? distinct lashes, inflicted the punishment; Acts 5:40. while an official standing by read selected portions of the law between each stroke. Thirteen strokes of the threefold scourge was equivalent to the thirty-nine stripes. This was the flogging the Apostles suffered NOTE.-“When the Jews inflicted this on this occasion.”-The Expositor’s Bible, punishment [of scourging] the culprit was The Acts of the Apostles, vol. 1, pp. 244, tied to a pillar in the synagogue; the exe- 245, footnote.
Lesson 7, for May 18, 1957 The Seven Deacons
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 5:41 to 6:8.
MEMORY VERSE: “Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1 Cor. 14:40.
STUDY HELPS: “The Acts of the Apostles,” chapter 9; Lesson Help in the “Review and Herald” of May 2; “The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,” Acts, chapters 5 and 6.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Check Study Check Study Sabbath afternoon: General survey ❑ Wednesday: Questions 12-14. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 4-6. ❑ Friday: Review the entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 7-11. ❑
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To explain the origin and function of the deacons, a very important group in the organization of the church.
Lesson Outline: I11. The Appointment of Seven Deacons 7. Seven good men to be appointed. The Setting of the Lesson Acts 6:2 (last part), 3. 8. The qualification of the new of- I. Preaching the Gospel of Salvation ficers. Acts 6:3. 1. The joy of witnessing. Acts 5:41. 9. The choosing of the seven. 2. The message of the apostles. Acts Acts 6:5. 5:42. 10. The office of deacon. Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8.
- The Care of the Needy 11. The ordination. Acts 6:6.
- The daily supply. Acts 6:1, last part. IV. The Advance of the Gospel
- Complaints against the Hebrew 12. The disciples increased. Acts Christians. Acts 6:1, first part. 6:7, first part.
- The Grecian widows neglected. 13. Conversion of priests. Acts Acts 6:1, second part. 6:7, last part.
- The apostles decline to serve 14. The character and work of tables. Acts 6:2, 4. Stephen. Acts 6:8. [ 23 ] THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson NOTE.—”The emotion is probably, in one sense, natural to all who have an intense Introduction: “The early church was conviction of the Truth for which they suf- made up of many classes of people, of vari- fer. But in this case there was something ous nationalities. At the time of the out- more. The Twelve could not fail to re- pouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, member their Lord’s beatitudes; and now, `there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, for the first time, felt that they could ‘re- devout men, out of every nation under joice and be exceeding glad’ because they heaven.’ Among those of the Hebrew faith were suffering as the prophets had suffered who were gathered at Jerusalem, were before them (Matt. v. 11, 12). And they some commonly known as Grecians, be- were suffering for His name, . . for that tween whom and the Jews of Palestine of the Master who had loved them and there had long existed distrust and even whom they had learnt to love.”—Ellicott’s antagonism. . . . Commentary on Acts 5:41. “Thus it came to pass that as disciples were multiplied, the enemy succeeded in 2. What message did the apostles arousing the suspicions of some who had give, and where? Acts 5:42. formerly been in the habit of looking with jealousy on their brethren in the faith, and of finding fault with their spiritual lead- ers; and so ‘there arose a murmuring of The Care of the Needy the Grecians against the Hebrews.’ The cause of complaint was an alleged neglect 3. What is meant by “the daily of the Greek widows in the daily distribu- ministration”? Acts 6:1, last part. tion of assistance. Any inequality would Compare Acts 2:44, 45 and 4:34, 35. have been contrary to the spirit of the gospel, yet Satan had succeeded in arous- ing suspicion. Prompt measures must now be taken to remove all occasion for dis- NoTE.—Each day the poor came to be satisfaction, lest the enemy triumph in his served with the necessities of life which effort to bring about a division among the the generosity of the believers made avail- believers.”—The Acts of the Apostles, pages able to them. 87, 88. Places: The temple; houses in the city; 4. Who murmured, and against the meeting place of the church; the places whom were the complaints directed? where food and clothing were dispensed to Acts 6:1, first part. the believers. Persons: The Christian widows of Jews of foreign extraction (“Grecians”) ; the Twelve; the seven deacons. 5. What class of people in the, Interesting Terms: ,”Grecians” (or Hel- church were being neglected? Acts lenists). Jews who were born and lived 6:1, second part. outside of Palestine, called the “Disper- sion,” usually. Greek-speaking. “Proselyte.” Any Gentile converted to Judaism from a heathen experience. NOTE.—”In the -time Wheri, the gospel was first preached,.. there: were two classes of. Jews—those who remained in Palestine, Preaching the Gospel of Salvation who used the Hebrew {Aramaic] language, .etc., and. who were appr_pgeip,tely called
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What caused the liberated apos- Hebrews; and those who ,Were; scattered tles to rejoice? Acts 5:41. among the Gentiles, who spoke/the Greek language, and. who used.. in ;theirtsynagogues the Greek translation of the.OkliTestament, [ 24 ] called the Septuagint. These were called Hellenists, or as it is in our translation, Grecians. Note, John v11. 35. These were doubtless the persons mentioned here—not those who were proselyted from Gentiles, but those who were not natives of Judea, who had come up to Jerusalem to attend the great festivals of the Jews. See ch. ii, 5, 9-11. Dissensions would be very likely to arise between these two classes of persons.” —Albert Barnes, Notes on the Acts of the Apostles, Acts 6:1.
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What separation of work did the apostles insist should be made for them? Acts 6:2, 4. DEACONS AS WELL AS APOSTLES DO THE WORK OF THE LORD.
The Appointment of Seven NOTE.—All of the seven bore Greek Deacons names, suggesting that they were Grecians, or Hellenistic Jews, in a position to deal
- What suggestion was made to sympathetically with those who had been the church? What were the new of- neglected. At least one of the seven was ficers to do? Acts 6:2 (last part), 3. a proselyte, a Gentile who had been con- verted from paganism to Judaism. “The whole multitude” did the choosing or elect- ing. NOTE.—By “tables” is to be understood 10. What name was given to these the business of distribution of the clothing new officers? Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8. and food that were dispensed daily to the needy who came to be served. The apostles came to realize that with the gifts of the Spirit vouchsafed to them, and the weight NoTE.—The Greek word diakonos (“dea- of the responsibility of the gospel of salva- con”) means “minister” in the sense of tion resting heavily upon them, they should “servant.” not be busied with routine work which any honest, dependable individual could 11. How were the deacons set perform as well as they. apart for their work? Acts 6:6.
- What qualifications were the new officers to possess? Acts 6:3; 1 NOTE.—”The ceremony of the laying on Tim. 3:8-13. of hands added no new grace or virtual qualification. It was an acknowledged form of designation to an appointed office, and a recognition of one’s authority in NoTE.—The deacons were to have the that office. By it the seal of the church kind of equipment that the church should was set upon the work of God.”—The Acts always expect of its officers. The deacons of the Apostles, pages 161, 162. were to be (1) honest, (2) filled with the Holy Spirit, (3) wise, of good common The Advance of the Gospel sense. 12. What great progress in the gos-
- Who were appointed? Who pel proclamation was now seen? Acts did the choosing? Acts 6:5. 6:7, first part. [ 25 ] 13. From what Jewish group did NorE.—The stoning of Stephen, about to many now accept the gospel? Acts 6: take place, marks the end of the seventy 7, last part. weeks of Daniel 9:24-27. Christ, our High Priest, had begun His work in the heav- enly sanctuary. “God’s servants receive no honor or recognition from the world. Stephen was stoned because he preached Christ and Nora.—It is significant that a large num- Him crucified. Paul was imprisoned, beaten, ber of Jewish priests now came to under- stoned, and finally put to death, because he stand the mediatorial work of the great was a faithful messenger of God to the High Priest and accept Him as their per- Gentiles. The apostle John was banished sonal Saviour. to the Isle of Patmos, ‘for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus
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What spiritual qualifications Christ.’ These examples of human stead- did Stephen possess? What resulted fastness in the might of divine power, are from his work? Acts 6:8. a witness to the world of the faithfulness of God’s promises, of His abiding presence and sustaining grace.”—Gospel Workers, page 18.
Lesson 8, for May 25, 1957The Third Persecution; The Martyrdom of Stephen
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 6:9 to 8:2.
MEMORY VERSE: “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man stand- ing on the right hand of God.” Acts 7:56.
STUDY HELPS: “The Acts of the Apostles,” chapter 10; Lesson Help in the “Review and Herald” of May 9; “The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,” Acts, chapters 6 and 7.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Check Study Check Study Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 12-14. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-4. Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 5-7. Friday: Review the entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8-11. PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To review through Stephen's speech the foreshadowing of the gospel in the Old Testament, and to observe Stephen's personal piety and devotion, and his faithfulness unto death.
Lesson Outline: 2. False charges laid against Stephen. Acts 6:11, 13, 14. The Setting of the Lesson 3. A timely message for A.D. 34. I. Stephen’s Evangelism and Arrest Acts 6:13. 1. Stephen and the foreign syna- 4. Stephen’s radiant face. Acts gogues. Acts 6:9. 6:12, 15. [ 26 ] IL The Hebrew Background of the 10. The purpose of tabernacle and Gospel temple. Acts 7:43-50. 11. Stephen’s charge against the Jews. 5. The promises to Abraham. Acts Acts 7:51-53. 7:2-5. 6. The departure to Egypt. Acts 7: Ill. The Vision and Death of Stephen 6-16. 7. Moses and the Exodus. Acts 12. Christ at God’s right hand. Acts 7:17-36. 7:55, 56. 8. Rebellion against Moses. Acts 13. The stoning of Stephen. Acts 7:35-39. 7:57-60; 8:2. 9. Rebellion in the wilderness. Acts 14. Bitter persecution under Saul of 7:40-42. Tarsus. Acts 7:58; 8:1.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson ners of the Greeks. He therefore found
opportunity to preach the gospel in the Introduction: "Because the priests and synagogues of the Greek Jews."—The Acts rulers could not prevail against the clear, of the Apostles, page 97. calm wisdom of Stephen, they determined to make an example of him ; and while 2. What serious charges were laid thus satisfying their revengeful hatred, they against Stephen? Acts 6:11, 13, 14. would prevent others, through fear, from Compare Matt. 26:59-61. adopting his belief. Witnesses were hired to bear false testimony that they had heard him speak blasphemous words against the temple and the law."—The Acts of the NOTE.—"We need not doubt that these Apostles, pages 98, 99. Hellenistic Jews had a very strong and Places: Synagogues of the dispersed Jews, ardent attachment to the Law of Moses, in Jerusalem; the council chamber of the and that their dread and dislike of Ste- Sanhedrin; a place of stoning outside Jeru- phen's teaching arose from their apprehen- salem. sion that Christian' doctrine was in its na-
ture destructive of their own tenets. But Persons: Hellenistic Jews; Stephen; the if their attachment to the Law of Moses high priest; Saul of Tarsus, later called had been intelligent and pure, they would Paul the apostle. have welcomed the gospel of Christ as be- Interesting Terms: "Suborn." The word ing the fulfillment of the Law. If they had means literally to provide or procure, but been actuated by a holy love of God's always in a bad sense. In connection with truth, they would not have sought to up- legal action "suborn" means to provide hold the mosaic institutions by violence, witnesses who will swear falsely. by injustice, and by fraud."—The Pulpit
Commentary, Acts, vol. 1, p. 196.
"On several occasions, they had bribed Stephen's Evangelism and Arrest the Roman authorities to pass over with-
out comment instances where the Jews had 1. In what synagogues of foreign taken the law into their own hands, and Jews did Stephen especially present had tried, condemned, and executed pris- the gospel? Acts 6:9. oners in accordance with their national
custom. The enemies of Stephen did not
doubt that they could again pursue such
a course without danger to themselves.
They determined to risk the consequences, NOTE.—"Though a Jew by birth, he and therefore seized Stephen, and brought [Stephen] spoke the Greek language, and him before the Sanhedrin council for was familiar with the customs and' man- trial."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 98.
[27 1
3. What particularly timely gos- pel truth might Stephen well have been presenting? Acts 6:13.
NOTE.—”Since the whole ritual economy was symbolical of Christ, it had no value apart from Him. When the Jews sealed their rejection of Christ by delivering Him to death, they rejected all that gave sig- nificance to the temple and its services. Its sacredness had departed. It was doomed to destruction. From that day sacrificial offer- ings and the service connected with them were meaningless. Like the offering of Cain, they did not express faith in the Sav- EVEN” THE FACE OF y, iour. In putting Christ to death, the Jews AN ANGEL” DOES NOT’ STOP WICKED MEN. virtually destroyed their temple.”—The Desire of Ages, page 165.
- What was unusual about Ste- NOTE.—” ‘Had ye believed Moses,’ said Jesus, ‘ye would have believed Me: for he phen when he was brought under ar- wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his rest before the Jewish council? Acts writings, how shall ye believe My words?’ 6:12, 15. It was Christ who had spoken to Israel through Moses. If they had listened to the divine voice that spoke through their great leader, they would have recognized it in The Hebrew Background of the teachings of Christ. Had they believed the Gospel Moses, they would have believed Him of whom Moses wrote.”—The Desire of Ages, page 213.
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How did Stephen show that the promises to Abraham were not 9. How far did the Hebrews go in fulfilled in the patriarch’s day? Acts disobedience while still in the wilder- 7:2-5. ness? Acts 7:40-42.
- What caused the early Hebrews 10. In view of the fact that the to leave the Land of Promise to go to infinite God cannot be contained in Egypt? Acts 7:6-16. man-made temples, what was the-pur- pose of the tabernacle and later of the temple? Acts 7:43-50. Co pare
- By what miracles and under John 4:20-24; Heb. 8:2; 9:2, what leadership did God lead the Hebrews back to the Promised Land? Acts 7:17-36. NoTE.—”As referring ‘to the’teiiiple’.at Jerusalem, the Saviour’s words, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,’ had a deeper meaning than the
- How nearly did the Hebrews hearers perceived. Christ was the founda- come to rejecting Moses, their God- tion and life of the temple. Its .services appointed leader? Acts 7:35-39. were typical, of the.sacrifice of the, Sop. of [ 28 ] God. The priesthood was established to the autumn of A.D. 27. According to the represent the mediatorial character and prophecy, this period was to reach to the work of Christ. The entire plan of sacri- Messiah, the Anointed One. In A.D. 27, ficial worship was a foreshadowing of -the Jesus at His baptism received the anoint- Saviour’s death to redeem the world. There ing of the Holy Spirit, and soon afterward would be no efficacy in these offerings began His ministry. Then the message was when the great event toward which they proclaimed, ‘The time is fulfilled.’ . . . had pointed for ages was consummated.”— “The one week—seven years—ended in The Desire of Ages, page 165. A.D. 34. Then by the stoning of Stephen the Jews finally sealed their rejection of the
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What bitter charge did Stephen gospel; the disciples who were scattered make concerning the Jews’ current abroad by persecution ‘went everywhere disobedience? Acts 7:51-53. Compare preaching the word’ (Acts 8:4) ; and Acts 2:22, 23; 3:13-15; 4:10, 11; 5:30. shortly after, Saul the persecutor was con- verted, and became Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.”—Ibid., p. 233.
13. How did Stephen die? Acts 7: The Vision and Death of Stephen 57-60; 8:2. -
What is the significance of the vision Stephen had, in view of Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary, NOTE.—Technically the Jews had no le- and the close of the seventy-week gal right, as a subjugated nation, to put a period? Acts 7:55, 56; Dan. 9:24-27. man to death. It is possible that the Ro- man governor’s absence from the city gave them their opportunity. Stoning was a He- brew form of punishment, crucifixion a Ro- NoTE.—”By virtue of His [Christ’s] man method. Stephen, whose name in the death and resurrection He became the min- Greek means “crown of victory,” was the ister of the ‘true tabernacle, which the first Christian martyr whose name has come Lord pitched, and not man.’ Heb. 8:2. Men down to us. reared the Jewish tabernacle; men builded the Jewish temple; but the sanctuary 14. What trying experience now above, of which the earthly was a type, came to the church, and who was pri- was built by no human architect. ‘Behold marily responsible for this persecu- the Man whose name is The Branch ; . . . tion? Acts 7:58; 8:1. He shall build the temple of the Lord; and He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne.: Zech. 6:12, 13. “The sacrificial service that had pointed NOTE.—”After the death of Stephen, to Christ passed away; but the eyes of Saul was elected a member of the San- men were turned to the true sacrifice for hedrin council, in consideration of the- part the sins of the world. The earthly priest- he had acted on that occasion. For a time hood ceased; but we look to Jesus, the he was a mighty instrument in the hands minister of the new covenant, and ‘to the of Satan to carry out his rebellion against blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better the Son of God. But soon this relentless things than that of Abel.’“—The Desire of persecutor was to be employed in building Ages, pages 165, 166. up the church that he was now tearing “The commandment to restore and build down. A Mightier than Satan had chosen Jerusalem, as completed by the decree of Saul to take the place of the martyred Artaxerxes Longimanus (see Ezra 6:14; Stephen, to preach and suffer for His name, 7:1, 9, margin), went into effect in the and to spread far and wide the tidings of autumn of B.c. 457. From this time four salvation through His blood.”—The Acts hundred and eighty-three years extend to of the Apostles, page 102. [29 ] Lesson 9, for June 1, 1957
Missionary Expansion: From Judea to Samaria
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 8:3-40.
MEMORY VERSE: “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scrip- ture, and preached unto him Jesus.” Acts 8:35.
STUDY HELPS: “The Acts of the Apostles,” chapter 11; Lesson Help in the “Review and Herald” of May 16; “The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,” Acts, chapter 8.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Check Study Check Study Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11-15. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-5. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 6, 7. ❑ Friday: Review the entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8-10. ❑
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To show the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing the gospel to whole communities, and to truth-seeking individuals.
Lesson Outline: 7. The Spirit granted. Acts 8:17. IV. Simon the Sorcerer The Setting of the Lesson 8. The reputation of Simon. Acts I. The Persecution 8:9-11. 9. Simon’s good intentions. Acts 1. Saul still the persecutor. Acts 8:3. 8:13. 2. The church active during persecu- 10. The sin of simony. Acts 8:18-24. tion. Acts 8:4, 1. V. Philip in the Desert
- Philip the Deacon in Samaria
11. Peter, John, and Philip separate.
- Philip goes to Samaria. Acts 8:5. Acts 8:25, 26.
- The success of the gospel. Acts 12. Philip meets the Ethiopian. 8:6-8, 12. Acts 8;27, 28.
- Peter and John help Philip. Acts 13. The Ethiopian instructed. 8:14,15. Acts 8:29-35. 14. The Ethiopian baptized. Acts I11. The Holy Spirit Upon the Converts 8:36-38.
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The Holy Spirit not yet received. 15. Philip removed to Azotus. Acts Acts 8:16. 8:39, 40.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson salem to Samaria, where he preached with great success, then was led of the Spirit to Introduction: The Philip in this lesson is the wilderness region near Gaza, where he not Philip the apostle, but the deacon was instrumental in winning the Ethiopian turned evangelist. He went up from Jeru- eunuch to the gospel. We have seen the 1 30 gospel preached in Jerusalem and Judea. went, the sick were healed, and the poor It now moves into a wider circle. Acts 1:8. had the gospel preached unto them.”— Places: Either Sebaste or Sychar in Sa- The Acts of the Apostles, page 106. maria; the wilderness near Gaza; Azotus, the ancient Ashdod; Caesarea. Philip the Deacon in Samaria Persons: Saul of Tarsus; Philip the dea- con; Simon the sorcerer; John and Peter; 3. When Philip the deacon went the Ethiopian eunuch. out from Jerusalem as an evangelist, where did he go, and for what pur- The Persecution pose? Acts 8:5.
- With what baneful work did Saul of Tarsus continue to busy him- self after the stoning of Stephen? NoTE.—The ancient city of Samaria had Acts 8:3. been completely destroyed about 70 B.c., and on its site many years later Herod the Great built another town, which he called Sebaste (Augustus) in honor of the Roman NOTE.—”It may be remarked here that emperor Caesar Augustus. Either this city, there never was a persecution commenced or nearby Sychar, where Jesus had planted with more flattering prospects to the per- the gospel truth (John 4:5-8, 39-42), is in- secutors. Saul, the principal agent, was tended in Acts 8:5. young, zealous, learned, and clothed with power. He showed afterwards that he had 4. What results attended the preach- talents fitted for any station; and zeal that ing of the gospel by Philip? Acts 8: tired with no exertion, and that was ap- 6-8, 12. palled by no obstacle. With this talent he entered on his work. Christians were few and feeble. They were scattered and un- armed. They were unprotected by any 5. Who were sent to help Philip civil power, and exposed, therefore, to the from the general headquarters at Je- full blaze and rage of persecution. That the church was not destroyed, was owing rusalem? What was their first con- to the protection of God—a protection cern? Acts 8:14, 15. that not only secured its existence, but which extended its influence and power by means of this very persecution far abroad on the earth.”—Albert Barnes, Notes on The Holy Spirit Upon the Converts the Acts of the Apostles, Acts 8:3. 6. What had not yet happened to
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What was the church doing? the baptized believers? Acts 8:16. Where did the apostles remain in spite of danger? Acts 8:4, 1.
7. What great gift was now granted to the converts, when apostolic hands NoTE.—"When they were scattered by were laid upon them? Acts 8:17. persecution, they went forth filled with missionary zeal. They realized the responsi- bility of their mission. They knew that they held in their hands the bread of life for a famishing world; and they were con- Simon the Sorcerer strained by the love of Christ to break this bread to all who were in need. The Lord 8. What distinguished man resided wrought through them. Wherever they in Samaria? What is said of his char- [31]NOTE.—”While Philip was still in Sa- maria, he was directed by a heavenly mes- senger to ‘go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza. . . . And he arose and went.’ He did not question the call, nor did he hesi- tate to obey; for he had learned the lesson of conformity to God’s will.”—The Acts of the Apostles, page 107. By the “desert” lying toward Gaza, we are not to understand a sandy waste, ut a sparsely populated region.
12. Whom did Philip meet? Where had the man been, and what was he POW now doing? Acts 8:27, 28. ANOTHER DEACON WITNESSES FOR JESUS• NOTE.—"This Ethiopian was a man of acter and activity? How did the peo- good standing and of wide influence. God ple regard him? Acts 8:9-11. saw that when converted, he would give others the light he had received, and would exert a strong influence in favor of the gospel."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 107. -
How did Simon outwardly re- spond to the gospel message? Acts 13. What did the Holy Spirit in- 8:13. struct Philip to do, and with what result? Acts 8:29-35.
- When he saw the Holy Spirit given, how did Simon seek to secure this power? Acts 8:18-24. NoTE.—Philip must have spent some time with the Ethiopian and instructed him thoroughly in the gospel truths which he did not already know from Judaism. No- tice that Philip made Jesus Christ the cen- NOTE.—The name of Simon the sorcerer ter of his instruction. has given us the word “simony,” to describe the crime of seeking church office by pay- 14. What did the Ethiopian ask, ing money as bribes, or by presenting gifts or using undue influence. There is no in- and how was the request granted? formation in the Bible that this Simon ever Acts 8:36-38. found true repentance. Tradition main- tains that he did not, but continued as an enemy of the gospel messengers. NoTE.—The baptism was, of course, by Philip in the Desert immersion, as is clearly indicated in verse 38.
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After preaching throughout all Samaria, where did Peter and John 15. Following the rite of baptism, go? Where did the angel bid Philip how were the two men parted? What to go? Acts 8:25, 26. did each do? Acts 8:39, 40. 32 1 Lesson 10, for June 8, 1957
The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 9:1-31.
MEMORY VERSE: “What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.” Phil. 3:7.
STUDY HELPS: “The Acts of the Apostles,” chapters 12 and 13; “Testimonies,” vol. 3, pp. 429-433; “Gospel Workers,” pp. 58-62; Lesson Help in the “Review and Herald” of May 23; “The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,” Acts, chapter 9. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT Check Study Check Study Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 13-15. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-5. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 6-8. ❑ Friday: Review the entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 9-12. ❑ PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To show the power of Christ in calling a man He needed, in spite of human stubbornness, as well as the joy and peace that come from a personal fellowship with one’s Lord.
Lesson Outline: 8. Saul appointed an apostle to the Gentiles. Acts 9:15, 16. The Setting of the Lesson I11. Growth in Grace I. The Call of the Lord 9. Saul preaches in Damascus. Acts 1. The commission of Saul against the 9:18, 20. Christians. Acts 9:1, 2. 10. Saul in Arabia. Gal. 1:15-17. 2. Saul challenged by the call of 11. The gospel again in Damascus. heaven. Acts 9:3, 4, first part. Acts 9:22. 3. Jesus calls Saul. Acts 9:4 (last 12. The Jews plot against Saul. part), 5. Acts 9:23-25. 4. The effects of the heavenly visita- tion. Acts 9:6 (first part), 7, 8. IV. Sojourn in Jerusalem 5. Saul’s question and Christ’s answer. Acts 6, last part. 13. Saul’s first visit as a Christian in Jerusalem. Acts 9 :26-29 ; Gal.
- In Damascus 1:18, 19.
- Saul’s blindness. Acts 9:9. 14. Saul goes to Caesarea. Acts 9:
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Ananias sent to Saul’s. aid. Acts . 29 (last part), 30. 9:10-19, first part. 15. The church at peace. Acts 9:31.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson of the Lord Jesus Christ. On his way to Damascus as a persecutor of the church he Introduction:. Beginning .with this lesson is challenged by Jesus Christ and_enjoys a we see Saul of Tarsus as Paul the apostle thorough conversion. He spent some time 33 3 (The Acts of the Apostles, page 125, says, on the mind of Saul during a trance or “for a time”) in Arabia in communion with ecstasy. It was the direct perception of the God; then followed a successful evangelistic visible presence of Jesus Christ. This is career in his native province of Cilicia. In asserted in various passages, both positively succeeding years came Paul’s fruitful three and incidentally. In his first letter to the missionary journeys with Antioch in Syria Corinthians, when he contends for the as their center. validity of his own apostleship, his argu- Places: Jerusalem; Damascus; Arabia; ment is, ‘Am I not an apostle? Have I not Tarsus in Cilicia. seen Jesus Christ, the Lord?’ [1 Cor. ix. 1]. And when he adduces the evidence for Persons: Saul of Tarsus; the high priest; the truth of the resurrection, his argument Jesus Christ; Ananias of Damascus; the is again, ‘He was seen . . . by Cephas, Holy Spirit; disciples of Damascus; Barna- . . . by James, . . by all the Apostles, bas ; the apostles. . . . last of all by me, . . . as one born Interesting Terms: “Breathing out.” An out of due time’ (xv. 8). By Cephas and expression similar to “panting,” indicating by James at Jerusalem the reality of Saul’s Saul’s zeal and wrath against the Christians. conversion was doubted (Acts ix. 27) ; but “Brother.” The term by which Ana- `Barnabas brought him to the apostles, nias addressed the converted Saul of Tar- and related to them how he had seen the sus. This is the only individual title applied Lord in the way, and had spoken with to Christian men in the New Testament. Him.’“—Conybeare and Howson, The Life “Saints.” Sanctified or dedicated ones, and Epistles of St. Paul, page 90. a term applied to all the believers, as in Romans 1:7. The word in the original 3. What did the voice from heaven tongues is also translated “holy ones.” The say? Who was the speaker? Acts 9: expression does not imply actual sinless- 4 (last part), 5. ness, but consecration.
The Call of the Lord NoTE.—"No doubt entered the mind of - What did Saul the persecutor Saul that the One who spoke to him was ask of the high priest, and with what Jesus of Nazareth, the long-looked-for cruel. purpose? Acts 9:1, 2. Messiah, the Consolation and Redeemer of Israel.”—The Acts of the Apostles, page 117. Nara.—”Saul was about to journey to 4. What was the physical effect Damascus upon his own business; but he was determined to accomplish a double upon the men with Saul, and upon purpose, by searching out, as he went, all Saul himself? Acts 9:6 (first part), the believers in Christ. For this purpose he 7, 8. obtained letters from the high priest to read in the synagogues, which authorized him to seize all those who were suspected of being believers in Jesus, and to send NoTE.—In Acts 9:7 it says the men with them by messengers to Jerusalem, there to Saul heard the voice, but in Acts 22:9 it be tried and punished.”—E. G. White, says they did not hear the voice. The Sketches From the Life of Paul, page 21. word translated “voice” in both places is the root word that appears in such Eng-
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What occurred to Saul and his lish words as telephone, dictaphone, pho- companions as they approached Da- netics, etc. It was used for the sound of the mascus? Acts 9:3, 4, first part. wind (John 3:8) and of the cry of animals, and of the sounds of millstones, wings, chariots, water, and musical instruments (1 Cor. 14:8), and most commonly for the NOTE.—”It is evident that this revelation human voice. As in both these accounts in Was not’ merely an inward impression made Acts it is dear that the sound of human 34 1 speech is referred to, the word “voice” was quite properly used. However, if some- one were speaking in another room, one might either hear what was actually said, or one might hear only sufficient to recog- nize who was speaking. In such a case it might truly be said that one did hear, and ~yd’M1iF;rcFn Ii that one did not hear. Thus in Acts 9 we are told that the men recognized that the sound they heard was human language, and in Acts 22 we are told that they did not understand the words of the voice that was speaking.
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What did Saul ask? What in- struction was given? Acts 9:6, last :4$ _a part. IN THE ARABIAN DESERT SAUL LEARNED HOW TO WITNESS FOR JESUS. 2017-10
In Damascus Growth in Grace 9. With sight restored, how did -
How long did Saul remain Saul occupy himself in Damascus? blind? In what circumstances? Acts Acts 9:18, 20. 9:9.
10. Where did Saul next go? Gal. NOTE.—"The same reason, we may ven- 1:15-17. ture to think, which caused the interposi- tion of three days' blindness between Saul's conversion and his baptism, led Saul him- self to pass those days in a voluntary self- NOTE.—"While in Arabia he did not abasement. His sin in persecuting the communicate with the apostles; he sought Church of God and its Divine Head, his God earnestly with all his heart, determin- guilt in assisting at the death of God's ing not to rest till he knew for a certainty saints, and in rejecting the testimony to that his repentance was accepted, and his Christ's resurrection, had been very great. great sin pardoned. He would not give up These three days of blindness and of fast- the conflict until he had the assurance that ing were therefore a fitting preparation for Jesus would be with him in his coming the grace of forgiveness about to be so ministry. He was ever to carry about with freely and fully given to him (1 Tim. i. him in the body the marks of Christ's 12-16). What thoughts must have passed glory, in his eyes, which had been blinded through Saul's mind during those three by the heavenly light, and he desired also days l"—The Pulpit Commentary, Acts, to bear with him constantly the assurance vol. 1, p. 283. of Christ's sustaining grace."--E. G. White, Sketches From the Life of 'Paul, page 34.. 7. What message came to Ananias in Damascus? What did he do? Acts 1.1. Upon his return to Damascus, 9:10-19, first part. what did. Saul continue to do? Acts 9:22. -
What was Christ’s plan for Saul? NoTE.—”God in His providence not only Acts 9:15, 16. Spared Saul’s life, but converted him, thus [36 1 transferring a champion from the side of cause of Christ, and to relieve the necessi- the enemy to the side of Christ. An elo- ties of the poor, had been acquainted with quent speaker and a severe critic, Paul, Paul when he opposed the believers. He with his stern purpose and undaunted cour- now came forward and renewed that ac- age, possessed the very qualifications needed quaintance, heard the testimony of Paul in in the early church. regard to his miraculous conversion, and “As Paul preached Christ in Damascus, his experience from that time. He fully all who heard him were amazed. . . . In believed and received Paul, took him by his presentation of the gospel, he sought to the hand, and led him into the presence of make plain the prophecies relating to the the apostles.”—E. G. White, Sketches From first advent of Christ. He showed con- the Life of Paul, page 36. clusively that these prophecies had been literally fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. The 14. What did the apostles have foundation of his faith was the sure word Saul do, and why? Acts 9:29 (last of prophecy.”—The Acts of the Apostles, part), 30. pages 124, 125.
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How did the Jews in Damascus react to Saul’s preaching? How was 15. What was now the experience Saul delivered from vicious foes? Acts of the church in Palestine? Acts 9:31. 9:23-25.
NOTE.—"It is thought that the attention Sojourn in Jerusalem of the Jews to the progress of the faith of Jesus Christ was diverted at this time, and -
Who stood guarantee for Saul their active hostility stayed, by the still when he went to Jerusalem? What greater danger to the Jews’ religion which arose from [the Roman emperor] Caligula’s did Saul do there? Acts 9:26-29; Gal. intention of placing a statue to himself as 1:18, 19. a god in the holy of holies. Thus did God’s gracious providence intervene to give rest to his harassed saints, and to build up his Church in numbers, in holiness, and in NOTE.—”Barnabas, who had liberally heavenly comfort.”—The Pulpit Commen- contributed of his means to sustain the tary, Acts, vol. 1, p. 287.
Lesson 11, for June 15, 1957 The Ministry of Peter
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 9:32 to 10:48.
MEMORY VERSE: “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.” Acts 10:34 (last part), 35.
STUDY HELPS: “The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 131-141;”The Ministry of Heal- ing,” pages 209-216; Lesson Help in the “Review and Herald” of May 30; “The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,” Acts, chapters 9 and 10. [ 36 ] DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Check Study Check Study Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11-15. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-5. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 6, 7. ❑ Friday: Review the entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8-10. ❑
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To see Peter as an agent of miracle-working power, and a willing minister of the gospel to the Gentiles.
Lesson Outline: I11. The Vision of Peter 8. Peter’s noontide prayer. Acts The Setting of the Lesson 10:9, 10, 17, 18. 9. Peter’s vision. Acts 10:11-16. I. Miracles of Healing 10. Instructions of the Spirit to Peter. 1. Peter as an evangelist. Acts 9:32. Acts 10:19-24. 2. The healing of Aeneas. Acts 9:33-35. IV. The Baptism of Cornelius 3. Dorcas’s service to the church. 11. Peter meets the Gentile Cornelius. Acts 9:36, 39. Acts 10:25-28, first part. 4. Peter’s ministry to Dorcas. Acts 12. The lesson of Peter’s vision. Acts 9 :37-41. 10:28, last part. 5. The effect of the Dorcas miracle. 13. Cornelius’s preparation. Acts Acts 9:42. 10:34-37. 14. The message of salvation.
- The Calling of Cornelius Acts 10:38-43.
- The devout centurion. Acts 10:1, 15. The baptism. 2, 22. a. By the Holy Spirit. Acts
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Instructions to Cornelius. Acts 10:44-46. 10:3-8. b. By water. Acts 10:47, 48.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson yet been circumcised and therefore not Introduction: While Saul is doing a rou- permitted in Jewish assemblies. Cornel- tine but useful work in Cilicia, gaining ex- ius’s acceptance by the Holy Spirit therefore perience in evangelism (Gal. 1:21-24), the set a precedent of the greatest importance record brings Peter again to the front, and for later work among the Gentiles. The shows how the gospel spread through him supernatural is so much a part of the in the coastal regions. Two miracles are events here that it becomes almost natural, described, and the account of the conver- as should be the case with active, effective sion of Cornelius and his household is Christians. given in full. Through an angel and a Places: Lydda, the modern Lod, not far vision Peter and Cornelius are brought to- inland from Joppa, on the edge of the gether. Peter preaches the gospel, the hear- plain of Sharon, west of. Jerusalem; Joppa, ers receive the Holy Spirit, and Peter modern Jaffa, on the coast; Caesarea, a administers baptism. This was a decisive busy city on the coast some thirty miles event, for, although Cornelius was “de- north of Joppa, the seat of Roman pro- vout,” that is, a believer in the Jewish vincial government; the ruins of the city faith, a “proselyte of the gate,” he had not are only now being excavated. [371 Persons: Peter; Aeneas; Dorcas; Cor- 5. What effect did this remarkable nelius, a centurion in the Italian cohort occurrence have? Acts 9:42. garrisoned at Caesarea; an angel; the Holy Spirit. Interesting Terms: “Centurion.” A sub- ordinate officer in the Roman army, com- The Calling of Cornelius manding a hundred men, corresponding to lieutenant, junior grade, or sergeant. 6. Who was Cornelius, and what “Band.” The Greek word so translated was his character and his relationship indicates any unit of from 4,000 to 6,000 to God? Acts 10:1, 2, 22. men. “Housetop.” The flat roof of a Syrian house offered a place of family privacy, away from the turmoil of the street. Fre- 7. What instructions to Cornelius quently a small room was built on the housetop, and almost always there was a were carried out, in compliance with canopy for shelter. a vision he had from the Lord? Acts “Remission of sins.” The “sending away” 10:3-8. of sin, that is, the separation of sin from the sinner. Ps. 103:10-12. NOTE.—”The same Holy Watcher who Miracles of Healing said of Abraham, ‘I know him,’ knew Cor- nelius also, and sent a message direct from
- On returning from helping heaven to him. . . . Philip in Samaria, how far did Peter “The explicitness of these directions, in extend his evangelistic work? Acts which was named even the occupation of 9:32. the man with whom Peter was staying, shows that heaven is acquainted with the history and business of men in every sta- tion of life. God is familiar with the ex-
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What gracious miracle did the perience and work of the humble laborer, power of Christ perform through Pe- as well as with that of the king upon his ter at Lydda? Acts 9:33-35. throne.”—The Acts of the Apostles, pages 133, 134.
The Vision of Peter - What good work did Dorcas of Joppa do in the church? Acts 9:36, 39. 8. Where was Peter dwelling, and what was he doing when Cornelius’s messengers reached him? Acts 10:9, 10, 17, 18. NoTE.—”At Joppa, which was near Lydda, there lived a woman named Dor- cas, whose good deeds had made her greatly beloved. She was a worthy disciple Nom—There were two hours of prayer of Jesus, and her life was filled with acts for a devout Jewish community, when the of kindness. She knew who needed com- morning and evening sacrifices were offered fortable clothing and who needed sym- in Jerusalem. But for the devout man, pathy, and she freely ministered to the that was not enough. “Evening, and morn- poor and the sorrowful. Her skillful fin- ing, and at noon, will I pray.” Ps. 55:17. gers were more active than her tongue.”— Daniel “kneeled upon his knees three times The Acts of the Apostles, page 131. a day.” Dan. 6:10.
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What good work did the Spirit 9. What vision did Peter have of God do for Dorcas, through Peter? while experiencing a noontide hun- Acts 9:37-41. ger? Acts 10:11-16. [38] 12. How did Peter apply the lesson of his vision? Acts 10:28, last part.
NorE.—It was from man, and not from food, that the stigma of "unclean" was to be removed. Notice that the word here translated "man" is of the broadest appli- cation, meaning man as a race. 13. What did Peter declare Cor- nelius and his companions already had heard? Acts 10:34-37. NOTE.—"That word . . . ye know." Cor- nelius and his household had learned not only the truths of Judaism; they knew of the message of John the Baptist, and the NorE.—"By the vision of the sheet and work and preaching of Jesus Christ. There its contents, let down from heaven, Peter would scarcely be anyone in Palestine who was to be divested of his settled prejudices had not heard these things. against the Gentiles; to understand that, 14. What message did Peter bring through Christ, heathen nations were made to them? Acts 10:38-43. partakers of the blessings and privileges of the Jews, and were to be thus benefited equally with them. Some have urged that this vision was to signify that God had NorE.—The "anointing" of Jesus was at removed His prohibition from the use of His baptism (Matt. 3:16, 17), when to the the flesh of animals which He had formerly accompaniment of a Voice from heaven, pronounced unclean; and that therefore the Spirit of God came afresh upon Jesus. swines' flesh was fit for food. This is a This endowment marked the initiation of very narrow, and altogether erroneous in- Christ's public ministry, at A.D. 27, begin- terpretation, and is plainly contradicted in ning the "week" (seven years) of the sev- the Scriptural account of the vision and its enty weeks of Daniel's prophecy (Dan. 9: consequences."—The Spirit of Prophecy, 24-27), which closed with the stoning of vol. 3, pp. 327, 328. Stephen. The meaning of the vision was not re- Like Philip (Acts 8:35), Peter preached specting unclean foods, but that no man Jesus. should be called "common or unclean," verse 28. 15. How did God indicate His ac- ceptance of these Gentiles? What - What did the Spirit of God bid did Peter do for them? Acts 10:44-48. Peter do? How did Peter respond to the messengers’ request? Acts 10: 19-24. NOTE.—Again the Holy Spirit showed His active presence in the infant church. He did not wait for Peter, but took control of a situation embarrassing to the Jewish The Baptism of Cornelius apostle. In a dynamic and soul-thrilling manifestation, the Spirit took Cornelius as
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How did Cornelius greet Pe- His own. The speaking of tongues was no ter? What was Peter’s problem in babbling, but a useful gift such as had associating with Cornelius? Acts 10: come to the believers at Pentecost (Acts 25-28, first part. 2:4). [39 1 Lesson 12, for June 22, 1957
Peter Renders an Account; The Word at Antioch
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 11.
MEMORY VERSE: “But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” Acts 11:9.
STUDY HELPS: “The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 141, 142, 155-160; Lesson Help in the “Review and Herald” of June 6; “The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,” Acts, chapter 11.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Check Study Check Study Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 11-14. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-4. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 5-7. ❑ Friday: Review the entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8-10. ❑
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To see the willingness of the church leadership to move forward into new developments, in this case the winning of Gentiles, and to note the establishment of the work in Antioch in Syria.
Lesson Outline: I11. The Work of the Gospel in Antioch 8. Evangelistic results in Antioch. The Setting of the Lesson Acts 11:21. I. Peter Called to Account 9. The commission and qualifications 1. Eating with uncircumcised Gen- of Barnabas. Acts 11:22, 24, tiles. Acts 11:1-3. first part. 2. Call no man unclean. Acts 10:28; 10. The success given him.. Acts 11:23, 11:9. 24, last part. 3. Testimony of witnesses. Acts 10:23; 11:12. IV. Saul’s Work at Antioch 4. The authority of the Holy Spirit. 11. Barnabas seeks Saul. Acts 11: Acts 11:12-16. 25, 26.
- The Gospel to the Gentiles 12. The believers called “Christians.”
Acts 11:26, last part.
- The lesson of Cornelius. Acts 11:17, 18; Gal. 2:9. 13. Barnabas and Saul at Jerusalem.
- Peter’s dissimulation. Gal. 2:11-16. Acts 11:27-30.
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The spread of the gospel. Acts 14. John Mark enters the ministry. 11:19, 20. Acts 12:25.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson the message was preached to the Jews. Then the circle of activity was widened Introduction: The work of the gospel under pressure from the Holy •Spirit to in- now enters a new phase. In the early years clude the Samaritans, who already believed [ 40] the Scriptures and looked for a Messiah. 2. What lesson had Peter learned Next, two Gentiles, the Ethiopian and from his vision of the unclean foods? Cornelius, already believers in God and Acts 10:28; 11:9. the Scriptures, were accepted. Now, at Antioch, raw heathenism is met, and pa- gans, previously untouched by the truths of Scripture, are converted and brought 3. How many had accompanied into the circle of believers. This is a great Peter from Joppa, and where did they step, and though taken courageously, meets great opposition. The time is about A.D. go? Acts 10:23; 11:12. 42-45. Places: Jerusalem; Antioch in Syria; Tarsus in Cilicia. 4. What divine authority did Pe- Persons: Peter; the apostles in Jerusa- ter give for his fellowshiping with lem; the six witnesses; converted men, the Gentile Cornelius? Acts 11:12-16. evangelists, from Cyprus and Cyrene; Greeks; Barnabas; Saul; Agabus, the prophet; John Mark. The Gospel to the Gentiles Peter Called to Account 5. What lesson did the church
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What “severe censure” did Peter leadership learn from the experience meet at Jerusalem? Acts 11:1-3. with Cornelius? Acts 11:17, 18; Gal. 2:9.
NoTE.—”When the brethren in Judea 6. At a later time what compromis- heard that Peter had preached to the Gen- ing attitude of Peter is recorded, and tiles, and had met with them, and eaten how did Paul challenge him? Gal. with them in their houses, they were sur- prised and offended by such strange move- 2:11-16. ments on his part. They feared that such a course, which looked presumptuous to them, would tend to contradict his own teachings. . . . NoTE.—”The church was threatened with “Peter candidly laid the whole matter division. But Paul, who saw the subvert- before them. He related his experience in ing influence of the wrong done to the regard to the vision, and pleaded that it church through the double part acted by admonished him no longer to keep up the Peter, openly rebuked him for thus disguis- ceremonial distinction of circumcision and ing his true sentiments. In the presence of uncircumcision, nor to look upon the Gen- the church, Paul inquired of Peter, ‘If thou, tiles as unclean, for God was not a respecter being a Jew, livest after the manner of of persons. . . . His caution was made Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why manifest to his brethren from the fact that, compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do although commanded by God to go to the the Jews?’ Gal. 2:13, 14. Gentile’s house, he had taken with him six “Peter saw the error into which he had of the disciples then present, as witnesses fallen, and immediately set about repair- of all he should say or do while there. . . . ing the evil that had been wrought, so far “The disciples, upon hearing this account, as was in his power.”—The Acts of the were silenced, and convinced that Peter’s Apostles, page 198. course was in direct fulfillment of the plan of God, and that their old prejudices and 7. Following the stoning of Ste- exclusiveness were to be utterly destroyed phen, how widely was the gospel by the gospel of Christ.”—The Spirit of preached, and through what agencies?. Prophecy, vol. 3, pp. 332-334. Acts 11:19, 20. 411 the Holy Ghost,” not merely a man of good character, but possessed by the Spirit of God. Stephen was also a man “full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 6:5. 10. What success attended Barna- bas’s endeavors? Acts 11:23, 24, last part.
Saul's Work at Antioch 11. Whom did Barnabas seek as a helper? With what result? Acts 11: TWO OLD FRIENDS, 25, 26. BARNABAS AND SAUL, SET OUT FOR JERUSALEM. NoTE.—With the joint labors of two consecrated and Spirit-filled evangelists, NoTE.—The men from Cyprus and Cy- Antioch became a great center of mission- rene were Hellenists, that is, Greek-speak- ary activity for the Gentiles, while Jerusa- ing Jews who had accepted Christianity, lem remained the center for evangelism and had an understanding of the Gentile among the Jews. world. Instead of "Grecians" as identify- ing those who were now converted in Anti- 12. What name was first applied och, we should read, in keeping with the to the believers in Antioch? Acts 11: oldest manuscripts, "Greeks," that is, pa- 26, last part. gans untouched by the truths of Scripture. The Work of the Gospel NOTE.—"It was God who gave to them in Antioch the name of Christian. This is a royal name, given to all who join themselves to Christ."—The Acts of the Apostles, page - What did the blessing of the 157. Lord produce in Antioch? Acts 11:21. 13. What were the circumstances of Saul’s second visit to Jerusalem as a Christian? Acts 11:27-30.
- Whom did the apostles send to supervise the work there? What were his qualifications? Acts 11:22, 24, first part. Compare Acts 4:36 and 9:27. NoTE.—To take material aid to the fam- ine-threatened Jewish believers in Pales- tine required a trip by Barnabas and Saul to Jerusalem. This was Saul’s second visit NOTE.—The man Barnabas here named to that city since becoming a Christian. His is the same who had introduced Saul to the first visit there was about three years after brethren in Jerusalem shortly after Saul’s his conversion, at which time he was wel- conversion (Acts 9:26, 27), and who had comed by Barnabas. Acts 9:27. His third led in contributing to the “common purse” visit was also in Barnabas’s company. Acts of the church following Pentecost (Acts 4: 15:2. 36, 37). It is a widely held opinion that Barnabas may have attended the school of 14. Whom did Saul and Barnabas Gamaliel in Jerusalem with Saul in earlier bring with them from Jerusalem to years (Acts 22:3). Barnabas was “full of Antioch? Acts 12:25. [42] Lesson 13, for June 29, 1957.
The Fourth Persecution; An Attack on James and Peter
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 12.
MEMORY VERSE: “Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent His angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.” Acts 12:11, last part.
STUDY HELPS: “The Acts of the Apostles,” chapter 15; “Testimonies,” vol. 5, pp. 748, 749; Lesson Help in the “Review and Herald” of June 13; “The Seventh- day Adventist Bible Commentary,” Acts, chapter 12.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Check Study Check Study Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 12-15. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-5. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 6, 7. ❑ Friday: Review the entire lesson. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8-11. ❑ PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To realize that in a wicked world some children of God die in His service, and some live on in the providence of God; also that there is upon earth retribution on the wicked.
Lesson Outline: 7. Peter’s realization of a miracle. Acts 12:9, 11. The Setting of the Lesson IV. The Awakened Faith of the Church I. James Martyred 8. Reluctance to believe. Acts 1. The reign of King Herod Agrippa I. • 12:13-15. Acts 12:1, first part. 9. The astonishment of the believers. 2. Herod persecutes the church. Acts 12:16. Acts 12:1, 2. 10. Peter’s instructions and departure. Acts 12:17.
- Peter in Prison 11. The prison guards. Acts 12:18, 19.
- Peter’s arrest and imprisonment. V. The Death of Herod Agrippa I Acts 12:3, 4 (first part), 6.
- The Passover season. Acts 12:4, 12. Herod’s political problems. Acts last part. 12:20, 21.
- The church in prayer. Acts 12:5, 12. 13. Herod’s irreverence. Acts 12:22. 14. Herod’s death. Acts 12:23. I11. Peter Delivered 15. The progress of the gospel. Acts
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Rescue by an angel. Acts 12:7-10. 12:24.
THE LESSON The Setting of the Lesson Peter was miraculously spared to do a great Introduction: This chapter of Acts re- work for God. King Herod accepted the lates the martyrdom of a second leader in worship of man, but died ingloriously at the church, "James the brother of John." the hands of God's angel. 1 43 1Places: Jerusalem; Caesarea. of the laws of his country, nut allowing a Persons: King Herod Agrippa I, grand- day to pass without its appointed sacrifice;’ son of Herod the Great; James, son of and he had given proof of his strong Jew- Zebedee and brother of John, the beloved ish feeling by interposing his whole influ- disciple; Simon Peter; sixteen soldiers; an ence with Caligula to prevent his statue angel; Rhoda; the praying believers; a del- being placed in the holy of holies. This egation from Tyre and Sidon; Blastus, the spirit accounts for his enmity against the king’s personal secretary. Church. He was a man of very expensive Interesting Terms: “Easter.” This is a and luxurious habits, but not without some late English term, mistakenly used by the great qualities.”—The Pulpit Commentary, King James translators to translate the Acts, vol. 1, p. 378. Greek word for “Passover;” it was the pass- over season, or the time of “unleavened 2. What did Herod do against the bread.” Acts 12:3. “Easter” is from an church? Why? Acts 12:1, 2. Anglo-Saxon name for the pagan annual spring sun festival. The word was not known in Bible times. “Quaternion.” A squad of four soldiers, NOTE.—The James martyred by King serving together on a special-duty assign- Herod Agrippa I was “James, the son of ment. Zebedee, or James the Elder, to whom, “Damsel.” The original word means with his brother John, our Lord gave the only “servant girl.” surname of Boanerges, . . . sons of thun- “Chamberlain.” The supervisor of the der. Nothing is recorded of him in the king’s private apartments; a sort of highly Acts but his presence in the upper room at placed secretary. Jerusalem after the Ascension (ch. i. 13), and this his martyrdom, which was the James Martyred fulfillment of our Lord’s prediction in Matt. xx. 23. His being singled out by Herod for
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Who was king of Judea at the death in company with Peter is rather an time of our lesson [A.D. 44)? Acts indication of his zeal and activity in the 12:1, first part. Lord’s service, though we know nothing of his work.”—The Pulpit Commentary, Acts, vol. 1, p. 378.
Peter in Prison NoTE.—"Herod the king here mentioned is Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the 3. How securely was Peter held Great, and son of Aristobulus and Bernice. in prison? Acts 12:3, 4 (first part), 6. During the reign of Tiberius he resided at Rome, in alternate favor and disgrace, sometimes banished, sometimes a prisoner, sometimes a guest at the imperial court. He was a great friend of Caius Caesar Ca- 4. In what season of the year did ligula, and, on his succeeding to the empire this event occur? Acts 12:4, last part. on the death of Tiberius, was promoted by him to the tetrarchy of Herod Philip, with the title of king. He was further advanced three years afterwards to the tetrarchy of Herod Antipas; and, on the accession of NOTE.—"We have another characteristic Claudius to the throne, Judea and Samaria trait of the religion of Agrippa, and of his were added to his dominions, which now sympathy with the feelings of the Jews comprised the whole kingdom of his about the Law, that he would not allow a grandfather, Herod the Great. Agrippa, in trial on a capital charge, or an execution, spite of his close intimacy with Drusus, to take place during the Feast of Un- Caligula, Claudius, and other Roman mag- leavened Bread."—The Pulpit Commen- nates, was 'exactly careful in the observance tary, Acts, vol. 1, p. 379. [ 44 ]5. What was the church doing on Peter’s behalf? Acts 12:5, 12.
NOTE.–“There was great grief and con- sternation at the death of James. When Peter was also imprisoned, the entire church engaged in fasting and prayer. While the Jews were celebrating the memorial of their deliverance from Egypt, and pretend- ing great zeal for the law, they were at the same time persecuting and murdering the believers in Christ, thus transgressing every principle of that law. At these great reli- gious gatherings they stirred one another up against the Christians, till they were united in a bitter hatred of them.”—The PETER IS RELEASED. JAMES IS EXECUTED. THE LOW KNOWS WHAT IS BEST FOR ALL. Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, p. 335.
Peter Delivered facts. Rhoda's simple, childlike faith is re-
freshing. 6. How were the prayers of the The apostles were evidently still using church for Peter answered? Acts 12: the "upper room" of the gospel record 7-10. (Luke 22:12, 13) and of the Day of Pente-
cost (Acts 1:13; 2:1, 2), thought to have
been in the house of John Mark's mother,
where the church is found in prayer when NoTE.—Peter was released from his Peter is released. '• chains without even the guards who were chained to him being awakened. He was 9. How did the church feel about led out with locked doors opening before Peter's release? Acts 12:16. him. To Peter his deliverance had rather the characteristic of a vision than of an occurrence in real life. The fact of the supernatural is strong in the book of Acts. 10. What instruction did Peter 7. How did Peter come to under- give? What did he do? Acts 12:17. stand what was happening to him? Compare Matt. 10:23. Acts 12:9, 11.
NOTE.—The James here mentioned is
The Awakened Faith of thought of as an older brother of Jesus
Christ (Matt. 13:55), son of Joseph by a
the Church first wife. Compare The Desire of Ages,
page 87. This is the James who presided at 8. How was Peter received when the very important council of the church he came to where the brethren were held in Jerusalem in A.D. 49 or 50, and assembled? Acts 12:13-15. described in Acts, chapter 15. He was
doubtless the author of the Epistle of
James.
Nora.—So wonderful was the super- 11. What was the reaction of the natural act of the angel in rescuing Peter authorities to Peter’s disappearance? that the believers could scarcely accept the Acts 12:18, 19. The Death of Herod Agrippa 1 NOTE.—”The same angel who had come from the royal courts to rescue Peter, had
- With what political difficulties been the messenger of wrath and judgment did Herod now attempt to deal? Acts to Herod. The angel smote Peter to arouse him from slumber: it was with a different 12:20, 21. stroke that he smote the wicked king, lay- ing low his pride, and bringing upon him the punishment of the Almighty. Herod died in great agony of mind and body, un-
- To what idolatry was Herod a der the retributive judgment of God. party? Acts 12:22. “This demonstration of divine justice had a powerful influence upon the people. The tidings that the apostle of Christ had been miraculously delivered from prison and death, while his persecutor had been NOTE.—”Herod knew that he deserved stricken down by the curse of God, were none of the praise and homage offered him, borne to all lands, and became the means yet he accepted the idolatry of the people of leading many to a belief in Christ.”— as his due.”—The Acts of the Apostles, The Acts of the Apostles, page 152. page 151. 15. What progress continued to at-
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How was Herod punished? tend the preaching of the gospel? Acts Acts 12:23. 12:24.
Volume VI of The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com- mentary (Acts to Ephesians) contains at least fifteen maps illustrating the main events in Acts, Galatians, and Ephesians. They will be of great help and interest in the study of our lessons on the book of Acts during the second and third quarters of 19 5 7. 41W.M.O. 1461THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
June 29, 1957, Far Eastern Division
The third quarter of 1955 . the Sabbath schools around the world gave a liberal Thirteenth Sabbath Offering which provided an overflow that helped to erect the new administration building at the Philippine Union College and also aided our school in West New Guinea. Our believers in the Far Eastern Division greatly appreciated this liberal help. This quarter again we have the privilege of helping the educational work in the Philippine Islands, where the work is growing so rapidly that our school plants are continually taxed to capacity to care for the large number of young people seeking a Christian education. This time we are helping to establish two new academies, one at Naga in the North Philippine Union and one at Mindanao in the Southern Philippine, Union. These schools are entirely new projects and will require a great deal of money to complete. May we bespeak on their behalf a liberal Thirteenth Sabbath Offering on the part of our Sabbath-school members everywhere. Another worthy project to benefit from the overflow this quarter is an evangelistic center and medical clinic combined in the city of Osaka, Japan. Let us show our interest in finishing the work by giving a bountiful offering on June 29.
LESSONS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER, 1957
Sabbath-school members who have failed to receive a senior Lesson Quarterly for the third quarter of 1957 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson. The title of the first lesson is "Paul's First Missionary Journey; Cyprus and Pisidia." The Memory Verse is Isa. 60:3. The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Acts 13:1. Ques. 9. Acts 13:9.
Ques. 2. Acts 13:2. Ques. 10. Acts 13:13.
Ques. 3. Acts 13:3, 4. Ques. 11. Acts 13:14, 16, 42.
Ques. 4. Acts 13:5. Ques. 12. Acts 13:22, 23, 27-37.
Ques. 5. Acts 13:5. Ques. 13. Acts 13:38, 39.
Ques. 6. Acts 13:7. Ques. 14. Acts 13:42, 44.
Ques. 7. Acts 13:6, 8-11. Ques. 15. Acts 13 :45-50.
Ques. 8. Acts 13:12. Ques. 16. Acts 13:46.
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JAPAN UNION
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CHINA • 1 FAR EASTERN DIVISION tr)
UNION MISSION POPULATION CHURCHES CU. MOM. Si VIM.
I DETACHED MISSIONS 185,559. 8 387 428
I INDONESIA 81.100.003 271 14306 16.664
JAPAN 88,700,080 44 3215 6,310
1101MOSAI I
KOREAN U. , 29,291.000 50 6,103 15,774
TAIWAN I MALAYAN 59,688,003 52 4.193 6.880
N. PHILIPPINE 10,333,922 325 19,142 20,409
I
S. PHILIPPINE 11,106,018 374 32105 33,681
I S. CHINA ISLAND 11,700,006 15 2,049 3.059
SOUTH CHINA
TOTALS 292,104,499 1,139 81,700 108.210
ISLAND UNION
HONG KONG
LUZON I NORTH PHILIPPINE UNION
RAGUIO NORTHEAST LUZON ACADEMY
• NORTHERN LUZON ...ma
PHILIPPINE UNION COLLEGE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS I
ILA 1
NORTH PHILIPPINE . FAR EASTERN ISLAND MISSION
UNION ACADEMY C.L_1,74 AR
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VIZ GUAM
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MINDANAO JUNIOR
3°- ACADEMY
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