ELEVENTH STUDY

Blackboard OutlineThe Forty Days of Resurrection

I.Nec. Chr. Res.1. Nat. Ch. 2. Ful. pro. 3. Wo. red. 4. Fai. dis. 5. Att. Chr. auth. 6. Pl. ou. res.II.Fac. Chr. Res.1. Pro. tes. wit. 2. Eff. pow. G. 3. Fir. da. we. 4. Th. d. af. de.III.Ten. App. Je. af. Res.1. Ma. Mag. [Sep.] 2. Oth. wom. [Sep.] 3. Tw. dis. [Emm.] 4. Pet. [Jer.] 5. Ten dis. [Jer.] 6. Elev. dis. [Jer.] 7. Sev. dis. [Sea Gal.] 8. Fiv. hun. dis. [Mt. Gal.] 9. Jas. [Jer.] 10. Asc. [Beth.]IV.Tra. Ris. Chr.1. Ver. sa. Jes. 2. Ap. on occ. 3. To dis. on. 4. Pos. spir. bod. 5. Rec. ind.

Questions for Review

Why was the resurrection of Jesus Christ a necessity? What proves the fact of the resurrection? How was the resurrection effected? When did it take place? How long after the death of Jesus was his resurrection? How many times did Jesus appear after his resurrection? To whom did he appear first? What were the circumstances of this appearance? What were the five appearances on the day of resurrection? Name the instances when Jesus appeared during the forty days after the resurrection day. What were the traits of the risen Christ? What was the nature of his body after his resurrection?

The New Testament World

We have seen that the life of Jesus Christ while on earth was limited to the land of Palestine. But in a few years the church founded by his apostles overstepped the boundaries of that land; and its scope became world-wide. Therefore as we begin the history of the Early Church it becomes necessary for us to studythe New Testament World.

Comparing the maps before us with that of the Old Testament World we find that in the four centuries between the events of the Old and New Testaments the dominion of the world passed from Asia to Europe, and Jerusalem, which had been in the center, became one of the cities upon the extreme east. Hence our map moves with the course of the empire westward a thousand miles.

I. We draw the outlines of the most importantSeas. These are:

1. TheMediterranean Sea, from its eastern limits as far west as Italy. Voyages on it are referred to in Acts 9. 30; 13. 4; 21. 1, 2; 27. 3.

2. TheSea of Galilee, associated with the life of Christ. Find its three different names in Matt. 15. 29; John 6. 1; Luke 5. 1.

3. TheDead Sea, not named in the New Testament.

4. TheBlack Sea, north of Asia Minor.

5. TheÆgean Sea, between Asia Minor and Greece. Voyages upon it (Acts 16. 11; 18. 18; 20. 13-15).

6. TheAdriatic Sea, between Greece and Italy (Acts 27. 27).

II. In these seas are manyIslands, of which we name five of the most noteworthy in New Testament history:

1.Cyprus, in the northeast corner of the Mediterranean (Acts 4. 36; 13. 4).

2.Crete, south of the Ægean Sea, between Asia Minor and Greece (Acts 27. 7; Titus 1. 5).

3.Patmos, in the Ægean Sea, not far from Ephesus (Rev. 1. 9).

4.Sicily, southwest of Italy (Acts 28. 12).

5.Melita, now Malta, south of Sicily (Acts 28. 1).

III. We locate the differentProvinces, arranging them in four groups.

MAP OF THE NEW TESTAMENT WORLD

1. Those on the continent ofEuropeare: 1.)Thrace.2.)Macedonia(Acts 14. 9, 10; 20. 1-3). 3.)Greece, also calledAchaia(Acts 18. 12; 20. 3). 4.)Illyricum(Rom. 15. 19). 5.)Italy(Acts 27. 1).

2. Those on the continent ofAfricaare: 1.)Africa Proper.2.)Libya(Acts 2. 10) 3.)Egypt(Matt. 2. 13).

3. Those on the continent ofAsia, exclusive of Asia Minor, are: 1.)Arabia, perhaps referring to the desert region southeast of Palestine (Gal. 1. 17). 2.)Judea, the Jewish name for all Palestine, in the New Testament period (Luke 1. 5). 3.)Phœnicia(Mark 7. 24; Acts 15. 3; 21. 2). 4.)Syria, north of Palestine (Acts 15. 41; 20. 3).

4. The provinces inAsia Minorare so frequently mentioned in the Acts and Epistles that it is necessary for the student to learn their names and locations. We divide the fourteen provinces into four groups.

(a) Three on the Black Sea, beginning on the east. 1.)Pontus(Acts 18. 2). 2.)Paphlagonia.3.)Bithynia(Peter 1. 1).(b) Three on the Ægean Sea, beginning on the north. 4.)Mysia(Acts 16. 7). 5.)Lydia.6.)Caria.These three provinces together formed the district known as "Asia" (Acts 2. 9; 19. 10).(c) Three on the Mediterranean Sea, beginning on the west. 7.)Lycia(Acts 27. 5). 8.)Pamphylia(Acts 13. 13). 9.)Cilicia(Acts 21. 39).(d) Five in the interior. 10.) On the north,Galatia(Gal. 1. 2). 11.) On the east,Cappadocia(Acts 2. 9). 12.) On the southeast,Lycaonia(Acts 14. 6). 13.) On the southwest,Pisidia(Acts 13. 14). 14.) On the westPhrygia(Acts 16. 6).

(a) Three on the Black Sea, beginning on the east. 1.)Pontus(Acts 18. 2). 2.)Paphlagonia.3.)Bithynia(Peter 1. 1).

(b) Three on the Ægean Sea, beginning on the north. 4.)Mysia(Acts 16. 7). 5.)Lydia.6.)Caria.These three provinces together formed the district known as "Asia" (Acts 2. 9; 19. 10).

(c) Three on the Mediterranean Sea, beginning on the west. 7.)Lycia(Acts 27. 5). 8.)Pamphylia(Acts 13. 13). 9.)Cilicia(Acts 21. 39).

(d) Five in the interior. 10.) On the north,Galatia(Gal. 1. 2). 11.) On the east,Cappadocia(Acts 2. 9). 12.) On the southeast,Lycaonia(Acts 14. 6). 13.) On the southwest,Pisidia(Acts 13. 14). 14.) On the westPhrygia(Acts 16. 6).

IV. We notice the twelve most importantPlaces.

1.Alexandria, the commercial metropolis of Egypt (Acts 18. 24).

2.Jerusalem, the religious capital of the Jewish world (Matt. 4. 5; Luke 24. 47).

3.Cæsarea, the Roman capital of Judea (Acts 10. 1; 23. 23, 24).

4.Damascus, in the southern part of Syria (Acts 19. 3).

5.Antioch, the capital of Syria, in the north (Acts 11. 26; 13. 1).

6.Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul, in Cilicia (Acts 22. 3).

7.Ephesus, the metropolis of Asia Minor, in the province of Lydia (Acts 19. 1).

8.Philippi, in Macedonia, where the gospel was first preached in Europe (Acts 16. 12).

9.Thessalonica, the principal city in Macedonia (Acts 17. 1; Thess 1. 1).

10.Athens, the literary center of Greece (Acts 17. 16).

11.Corinth, the political capital of Greece (Acts 18. 1-12).

12.Rome, the imperial city (Acts 28. 16; Rom. 1. 7).

Other lands and places are referred to as Elam, Parthia, and Media, all east of the Euphrates river (Acts 2. 9). Ethiopia, south of Egypt in Africa (Acts 8. 27), and Babylon on the Euphrates (1 Peter 5. 13); but these places are outside the general history of the church.

Hints to the Teacher and Her Class. Eleventh Study

In teaching this lesson let the conductor sketch the outline of the map upon the board and drill upon the seas; then draw and name the islands; then drill upon the provinces, etc. Review until the lesson is learned by all the class.The student should search all the references and be able to state the events connected with each locality.It would be well for the student to find additional Scripture references to all the localities.Let each student practice the drawing of the map at home, until he can draw it without copy. Then, in presence of the class, let one student draw on the blackboard in presence of the class the boundary lines of the continents; or one the boundary line in Asia; another in Europe; and a third in Africa. Then let another draw and name the islands; and others locate and name the provinces in Asia, Europe, and Africa; and finally let the twelve cities be located and named.

The student should search all the references and be able to state the events connected with each locality.

It would be well for the student to find additional Scripture references to all the localities.

Let each student practice the drawing of the map at home, until he can draw it without copy. Then, in presence of the class, let one student draw on the blackboard in presence of the class the boundary lines of the continents; or one the boundary line in Asia; another in Europe; and a third in Africa. Then let another draw and name the islands; and others locate and name the provinces in Asia, Europe, and Africa; and finally let the twelve cities be located and named.

Blackboard Outline

I.Se.Med. Gal. De. Bl. Æg. Adr.II.Isl.Cyp. Cre. Pat. Sic. Mel.III.Prov.1.Eur.Thr. Mac. Gre. (Ach.) Ill. It. 2.Afr.Af.-Pr. Lib. Eg. 3.Asi.Ar. Jud. Phœ. Syr. 4.As. Min.(a) Pon. Paph. Bit. (b) Mys. Lyd. Car. (c) Lyc. Pam. Cil. (d) Gal. Cap. Lyc. Pi. Ph.IV.Pla.Alex. Jer. Cæs. Dam. Ant. Tar. Eph. Phi. Thes. Ath. Cor. Ro.

Questions for Review

What difference is to be noted between the map of the Old Testament world and that of the New? Name six seas in the New Testament world.State the location of each of these seas. Name five islands in the New Testament world. Give the location of each island. Name in order the provinces in Europe in the New Testament world. Name the provinces in Africa. Name the provinces in Asia, exclusive of Asia Minor. Name the provinces of Asia Minor bordering on the Black Sea. Name the provinces on theÆgeanSea. Name the provinces on the Mediterranean Sea. Name and locate each of the interior provinces. What city of the New Testament world was in Africa? What cities were in Judea and Syria? What cities were in Asia Minor? What cities were in Europe?

The Synagogue

Before beginning the history of the Early Church, we must study one institution which formed an important link between the Old Testament and the New; and more than any other institution prepared the way for the gospel throughout the Jewish world. That institution was the synagogue.

I.Its Origin.The synagogue arose during the captivity, when the Temple was in ruins and the sacrifices were in abeyance. In the land of captivity the people of God met for worship and fellowship, and out of their meeting grew the synagogue, a word meaning "a coming together." It is believed that the institution was organized as a part of the Jewish system by Ezra, B. C. 440.

II.Its Universality.There was but one temple, standing on Mount Moriah, and only those who journeyed thither could attend its services. But the synagogue was in every place where the Jews dwelt, both in Palestine and throughout the world. Wherever ten Jewish heads of families could be found there a synagogue would be established. There were four hundred and sixty synagogues in Jerusalem; and every nationality of Jews had its own (Acts 6. 9).

III.The Place of Meeting.This might be a building erected for the purpose, or a hired room, or even a place in the open air (Acts 16. 13). This meeting place was employed for secular as well as religious uses. Courts were held in it, and sentence was administered (Acts 22. 19), and sometimes a school for teaching the law was held in it. Thus the synagogue became a center of local influence.

IV.Its Arrangement.Every ancient synagogue contained:

1.An"ark," which was the chest for the sacred rolls, and stood in the end of the building toward Jerusalem.

2.Chief seats, elevated, near and around the "ark," for the elders and leading men (Matt. 23. 6).

3. A desk for the reader standing upon a platform.

4. Places for the worshipers, carefully graded according to rank, the Gentile visitors having seats near the door of entrance.

5. A lattice gallery where women could worship without being seen.

V.Its Officers.These were:

1. Threerulers of the synagogue, who directed the worship, managed the business details, and possessed a limited judicial authority over the Jews in the district (Mark 4. 22; Acts 13. 15). One of these was the presiding officer, and called "theruler."

2. Thechazzan(Luke 4. 20, "the minister"), who united the functions of clerk, schoolmaster, sexton, and constable to administer sentence on offenders.

3. Thebatlanim, "men of ease," seven men who were chosen to act as a legal congregation, were pledged to be present at the regular services, and sometimes received a small fee for being present.

VI.Its Services.These were held on Saturday, Monday, and Thursday, and were conducted by the members in turn, several taking part in each service. They consisted of:

1. Forms of prayer, conducted by a leader, with the responses by the worshipers.

2. Reading of selections from the law and the prophets, according to an appointed order (Acts 15. 21). The reading was in Hebrew, but it was translated, verse by verse, into the language of the people, whether Greek or Aramaic.

3. Exposition or comment upon the Scripture, in which any member might take part (Luke 4. 20, 21; Acts 13. 15, 16).

VII.Its Influence.It is easy to perceive how widely and how powerfully the results of such an institution would reach.

1. It perpetuated the worship of God and united the worshipers.

2. It supplied a more thoughtful and spiritual worship than the elaborate ritual of the Temple.

3. It promoted the study of the Old Testament Scriptures and made them thoroughly familiar to every Jew.

4. It attracted the devout and intelligent among the Gentiles, many of whom became worshipers of God and were known as "proselytes of the gate" (Acts 10. 1, 2).

VIII.Its Preparation for the Gospel.It is evident that theapostles and early Christian teachers were greatly aided by the synagogue.

1. It furnished aplace; for everywhere the church began in the synagogue, even though it soon left it (Acts 13. 5; 18. 4; 19. 8).

2. It prepared apeople; for the synagogue was attended by the earnest and thoughtful, both of Jews and Gentiles, who were thus made ready for the higher truths of the gospel (Acts 13. 42, 43).

3. It supplied aplan of service; for it is evident that the early Christian worship was modeled, not on the ritual of the Temple, but on the simpler forms of the synagogue.

4. It gave asystem of organization; for the Government of the early church was similar to, and doubtlesssuggestedby, that of the synagogue.

Blackboard Outline

I.Ori.Cap. Ez. B. C. 440.II.Univ.10 fam. 460 Jer.III.Pl. Meet.Buil. ro. op. air. sec. us.IV.Arr.1. Ark. 2. Ch. sea. 3. Desk. 4. Pla. wor. 5. Gal.V.Off.1. Rul. 2. Chaz. 3. Batl.VI.Serv.1. Pr. 2. Read. Ser. 3. Exp.VII.Inf.1. Per. wor. 2. Spir. wor. 3. St. O. T. 4. Attr. Gen.VIII.Prep. Gosp.1. Pla. 2. Peo. 3. Ser. 4. Org.

Review Questions

Between what two institutions was the synagogue a link of connection? How did the synagogue originate? Who gave it definite organization? Wherein did it differ from the temple and its services? Where were synagogues formed? How many were in Jerusalem? What buildings and places were used for thesynagogueservice? To what secular uses were these buildings put? What were the arrangements of the synagogue? Where did the women worship? What was "the ark" in the synagogue? Who were the officers? What was thechazzan? Who were thebatlanim? What were the services of the synagogue? What influence did the synagogue exert? Whom did the synagogue benefit outside of the Jews? How did the synagogue prepare the way for the gospel?

The Church in Judea

Part One

From the Ascension of Christ A. D. 30, to the Appointment of the Seven A. D. 35.

We now enter upon the second great subject in New Testament history, the Early Church. This will include the annals of the church from the Ascension of Christ, A. D. 30, to the end of the apostolic age, A. D. 100. This epoch of seventy years is divided into four periods:

1.The church in Judea, from the Ascension of Christ, A. D. 30, to the Appointment of the Seven, A. D. 35.

2.The church in Transition, from the Appointment of the Seven, A. D. 35, to the Council at Jerusalem, A. D. 50.

3.The church among the Gentiles, from the Council at Jerusalem, A. D. 50, to the death of St. Paul, A. D. 68.

4.The End of the Age, from the death of St. Paul to the death of St. John, about A. D. 100. It should be noted that all of these dates are uncertain and historians are not agreed with reference to them.

Of these four periods we take up the first, the church in Judea, or "The church of the First Days;" a space of about five years. During this time the work of the church was confined wholly to the Jewish people, and apparently to the immediate region of Jerusalem.

I. We notice theEvents of this Period.

1.The followers of Christimmediately after the Ascension; a company of people believing in Jesus as the Messiah of Israel.

1.)Their numberwas 120 (Acts 1. 15). They were mostly from Galilee (Acts 2. 7). They were all the organized church at that time, although throughout the land were thousands more ready to unite with them.2.)Their meeting placewas "the upper room" (Acts 1. 13), on Mount Zion, probably the room where the "Last Supper" was held. Some think that this may have been the house of Mary the mother of Mark, referred to in Acts 12. 1, 2.3.)Their religious conditionbetween the Ascension and Pentecost was probably that of belief in Jesus as the King of Israel, but with the conception of an earthly kingdom (Acts 1. 6). They were waiting with prayer for divine direction (Acts 1. 14).

2.)Their meeting placewas "the upper room" (Acts 1. 13), on Mount Zion, probably the room where the "Last Supper" was held. Some think that this may have been the house of Mary the mother of Mark, referred to in Acts 12. 1, 2.

3.)Their religious conditionbetween the Ascension and Pentecost was probably that of belief in Jesus as the King of Israel, but with the conception of an earthly kingdom (Acts 1. 6). They were waiting with prayer for divine direction (Acts 1. 14).

2.The Outpouring of the Spiritcame upon this company on the day of Pentecost, ten days after the Ascension, fifty days after the Crucifixion. The spirit descended upon them all in the form of "tongues of fire."

1.)Physical effect.This was "the gift of tongues," a mysterious influence (Acts 2. 2, 3). This was not a power to speak foreign languages at will; but probably a strange divine speech, sounding to everyone who heard it as though it were the language of his own people (Acts 2. 8).

2.)Mental effect.There came to these disciples a revelation, once and for all, of Christ's kingdom, not as a political state, but as a spiritual institution; a society of believers of which Jesus in glory is the invisible yet real head.

3.)Spiritual effect.This was the personal presence of the Holy Spirit with each member; an indwelling life given not merely to the apostles, but to each and every disciple; a divine enthusiasm, giving guidance, enlightenment, power. Nor was that divine life limited to that company. It has dwelt ever since in the church of Christ, and in each member of the church, (1 Cor. 3. 16; 6. 19).

3.The Testimony of the Gospel.1.) The first effect of this new endowment of the Holy Spirit was a strong testimony to the gospel of Christ; a proclamation ofJesus as the Messiah King; and this testimony was the conquering weapon of the church. 2.) This testimony was given byallthe members. It is a mistake to suppose that the church settled down inJerusalemwith Peter as its pastor and preacher. Peter was the leader, but not the ruler of the church. Find four addresses of Peter sketched in Acts 2-5; not "sermons" after the modern method, but ardent declarations of Jesus as theMessiah; and similar testimonies were given by all the members everywhere, in synagogues, in houses, publicly and privately.

4.The Apostolic Miracles.1.) At the opening of the history of the church we read of anumber of miracles. a) A lame man healed. (Acts 3. 1-10). b) A miracle of judgment (Acts 5. 1-10). c) More miracles of healing (Acts 5. 12-16). 2.) We can see thepurpose of thesemiracles and how they were needed by the church in the day of its weakness. (a) They attractedattentionto the gospel. (b) They gaveauthorityto the apostles as teachers. (c) They wereillustrationsof the spiritual work of the gospel; i. e., healing of the lame man a type of salvation.

5.The Persecution of the Apostles.It was inevitable that the preaching of the apostles and the growing prominence of the church should arouse opposition from the men who a few months before had crucified Jesus. A persecution was begun, at first upon Peter and John, then upon all the apostles. It was not sharp, murderous, crushing out the church. The apostles were first threatened (Acts 4. 17), then imprisoned (Acts 5. 18), then scourged (Acts 5. 40). The persecution only attracted greater notice to the gospel, and led to increasing numbers of believers.

6.The Growth of the Churchwent on through all these experiences. Beginning with 120, on the day of Pentecost 3,000 were received by baptism (Acts 2. 41). There was a daily growth after (Acts 2. 47). Soon the number grew to 5,000, besides women and children (Acts 4. 4). Another increase is named in Acts 5. 14; also again in Acts 6. 7.

7. The last event in this period wasthe Appointment of the Seven. Read the account in Acts 6. 1-7. Notice for the first time in this history a reference to the two great classes of Jews. 1.)Hebrews, Jews whose ancestors had lived in Palestine, and who spoke the Hebrew tongue, though with Syriac admixture. 2.)Grecian Jews(frequently called Hellenists). Jews descended from exiles who had remained abroad in foreign lands, otherwise "Jews of the Dispersion." Everywhere except in Palestine these foreign Jews were far more numerous than the Hebrews, and they were also the richer and more intelligent. They spoke the Greek language.

Note also that the seven men named in this account are nowhere spoken of as "deacons." From Acts 21. 8 we learn that they werecalled "the seven." They were not an order in the church, but a committee appointed for a service.

Blackboard Outline

Per. 1. Ch. Jud. 2. Ch. Trans. 3. Ch. am. Gen. 4. E. A.Ch.in Jud.1.Ev. Per.1.Foll. Ch.1.) Num. 2.) Meet-pl. 3.) Rel. Con.2.Out Sp.1.) Phys. eff. 2.) Men. eff. 3.) Spir. eff.3.Tes. Gosp.1.) Jes. Mess. K. 2.) By all.4.Ap. Mir.1.) Num. mir. 2.) Pur. Att. Auth. Illus.5.Per. Ap.6.Gro. Ch.120, 3,000, 5,000. "Multitude."7.App. Sev.Heb. Gre. (Hellen.)

Review Questions. Part One

How long a period is embraced in the history of the New Testament church? Name four periods in the history, and the events with which each begins and ends. How long a time is embraced in the first period? By what name is the first period called? State in order the seven events in the first period. What was the number of Christ's followers in Jerusalem immediately after his Ascension? Where did they meet? What was their religious condition? What took place ten days after the Ascension of Christ? On what day did this outpouring occur? What were the physical effects of this outpouring? What were the mental effects? What were the spiritual effects? What testimony was given by the apostles and church? How many addresses of Peter at this time are mentioned? What miracles were wrought? How did these miracles benefit the church? What persecution arose? What was the nature of this persecution? Against whom was it directed? Did it harm the church? What is said of the growth of the church during this epoch? Who were "the seven"? How were they chosen? For what were they appointed? What two classes of Jesus are named? Define each class.

Part Two

II. Having studied the history we now look at theGeneral Aspects of the Pentecostal Church.

1.Its locality: entirely in Judea, and apparently in and around Jerusalem. There is no mention during this early period of churches in Galilee, although most of the earliest members were Galileans (Acts 1. 11; 2. 7). Individual believers doubtless were to be found throughout the land, but outside of Jerusalem they werenot yet gathered together in assemblies and not yet endowed with the Spirit.

2.Its membershipwas composed wholly of Jews. As yet not a single Gentile had been received, and apparently there was no thought of Gentile believers. Christianity began as a Jewish society. Three classes of Jews were embraced in its membership: 1.)Hebrews, or Palestinian Jews. 2.)Greciansor Hellenists, Jews of the Dispersion. 3.)Proselytes, or Gentiles who had embraced Judaism and received circumcision (Acts 6. 5).

3.The qualifications for membershipwere: 1.)Repentance, which meant not so much sorrow as decision for Christ. 2.)Faith in Jesusas Christ; i. e., submission to Jesus as the true King of Israel. 3.)Baptismin the name of Jesus the Christ as the outward form of consecration.

4.The spirit of the Pentecostal Church.1.) In theory, and for the most part in fact, every memberpossessed the Holy Spirit, an abounding, directing spiritual life. Every member was conscious of the immediate presence of God, and lived in this fellowship. 2.) This inspired aChristian fellowship, the love of the brotherhood. 3.) As a result of this divine and human fellowship cameliberal givingto each other's needs. There was a voluntary and limited "community of goods," the rich giving freely to aid the poor; which led to some insincere imitation. See the contrast of Barnabas and Ananias (Acts 4. 34-37; 5. 1-11).

5.Doctrines.The doctrinal aspects of Christianity at that early period were less prominent than its spirit. As yet there was no such theological system as arose later. Three great doctrines were held fervently: 1.)The resurrection of Jesus; that he had risen and was living. 2.)The Messiahship of Jesus; that he was the prince of the true spiritual kingdom of Israel. 3.)The return of Jesus as Christ; that he would soon come again to earth.

6.Worship and institutions.These were: 1.)The temple worshipattended by the disciples of Christ as by all worshiping Jews (Acts 2. 46; 3. 1). 2.)The synagogue services, twice each week; held everywhere throughout the city; with Scripture reading, prayer and testimony. 3.) "The upper room" was for a time the headquarters of the church; but Solomon's porch in the temple soon took its place (Acts 5. 12). 4.) "Breaking bread," which wasthe Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper; at that time observed not in public assemblies but as a family ordinance, at home (Acts 2. 42, 46). 5.)The baptismof new members.

7.Government.Scarcely any government or discipline was needed in a church where the Spirit of God was recognized as dwelling in each member. The apostles were revered as leaders, but were not exactly rulers over the body of believers. "The Seven" (Acts 6. 3) were not officials or "deacons," but laymen charged with specific duties.

8.Literature.1.)The Old Testament; familiar to all, read in the synagogue, was seen now in a new light and with new meaning. 2.)The teachings of Jesus, as yet unwritten, were in the memory of most of the members who had heard his words; and especially in the memory of the apostles; but no books of the New Testament were by this time in writing.

9.Leaders of the church.1.) Throughout this periodPeterstands at the front as the ruling spirit of the church, by his endowments of mind, and especially by his promptness in word and act. 2.) With him standsJohn(Acts 3. 1; 4. 19). 3.)Barnabaswon notice by his liberality and gifts of preaching (Acts 4. 36, 37). His name means "the speaker" or "the preacher." 4.) At the end of the periodStephencomes into notice.

Blackboard Outline

II.Gen. Asp. Pen. Ch.1.Loc.Jud. Jer.2.Mem.Jews. 1.) Heb. 2.) Gre. Hel. 3.) Pros.3.Qual. Mem.1.) Rep. 2.) Fai. 3.) Bap.4.Spir.1.) Poss. H. S. 2.) Chr. fell. 3.) Lib. giv.5.Doc.1.) Res. Jes. 2.) Mess. Jes. 3.) Ret. Jes.6.Worsh. and Inst.1.) Tem. 2.) Syn. 3.) "Up. ro" 4.) "Bre. br." 5.) Bap.7.Gov.Sp. Apos. Sev.8.Lit.1.) O. T. 2.) Tea. Jes.9.Lead.1.) Pet. 2.) Jo. 3.) Bar. 4.) Ste.

Review Questions. Part Two

Where was the church located during the Pentecostal period? Were there churches or members in Galilee? To what race did all the members belong?What were the three classes in its membership? Who were Hebrews? Who were Grecians? By what other name were they called? Who were the "proselytes"? What were the requisites for membership in the church? What is said of the spirit of this church? How did this spirit lead the members to regard each other? What is said of their gifts to each other? Were doctrines made prominent in the church? What three doctrines were held by the members? What institutions of worship were maintained? What other institutions were observed? What is meant by "breaking bread"? Where was this service held? What is said as to the government of the church? What was the position of the apostles? What were "the seven"? What literature did the church possess at this time? What knowledge did they have of the teachings of Jesus? Who were the leaders of the church in this period?

The Church in Transition

We enter upon the study of a brief period, only fifteen years, but of supreme importance and of vast results to the world; a period, too, in which we have the deepest interest, for if its events had never taken place Christianity would have been only a Jewish sect and we would not be members of it.

1. At its opening, 35 A. D., the church was in and around Jerusalem only; and every member was a Jew, bound by the restrictions of the Jewish law and ceremony. There was no thought that the church would ever include Gentiles except as Gentiles might first become proselytes to Judaism.

2. At its close, 50 A. D., we see a church planted all around the northeastern portion of the Mediterranean Sea; and, what is even more remarkable, a church wherein Jews and Gentiles were worshiping together on terms of equality. A wonderful transition this!

I. Let us drawthe Map of the Landsoccupied by the church during those fifteen years. 1. Draw the coast line of the Mediterranean Sea. 2. The island of Cyprus. 3. The lands east of the Mediterranean Sea. Judea (or Palestine), Syria, Phœnicia. 4. The lands north of the Mediterranean Sea, in Asia Minor, Cilicia, Pamphylia, Pisidia, Lycaonia. 5. The places: Jerusalem, Joppa, Cæsarea and Samaria in Judea, Damascus and Antioch in Syria, Tarsus in Cilicia, Antioch in Pisidia, Lystra and Derbe in Lycaonia.

II. Let us carefully note theProgress of Eventsin this remarkable evolution of the church.

1.The Preaching of Stephen.Stephen was a Hellenist, or a Jew of foreign origin. He was the man who first had the vision of a church wider than the bounds of Judaism; and he proclaimed this great truth. See evidences of this in:

1.) The new and bitterenmitywhich his teaching aroused (Acts 6. 12).2.) Theaccusationagainst him, which contained a half truth (Acts 6. 11, 13, 14).3.) Theprominenceof the man, and his discourse, the longest public discourse reported in the New Testament, except the Sermon on the Mount (Acts 7. 1-53).4.) Thelogical aimof his address: to show that the Jews had shown themselves unworthy of their trust, implying that it would be given to others. This sermon was never finished, being broken up by the riotous acts of the council.

1.) The new and bitterenmitywhich his teaching aroused (Acts 6. 12).

2.) Theaccusationagainst him, which contained a half truth (Acts 6. 11, 13, 14).

3.) Theprominenceof the man, and his discourse, the longest public discourse reported in the New Testament, except the Sermon on the Mount (Acts 7. 1-53).

4.) Thelogical aimof his address: to show that the Jews had shown themselves unworthy of their trust, implying that it would be given to others. This sermon was never finished, being broken up by the riotous acts of the council.

2.Saul's Persecution(Acts 8. 1-3). We shall study this man's early history later. (Seepage 96). He was intense and furious in his loyalty to Judaism, and undertook to crush out the gospel of Christ by violent measures. See Acts 22. 4; 26. 10, 11; Gal. 1. 13. 1.) As a result the Pentecostal church was broken up and its members were scattered. 2.) But, as another effect, these disciples who were scattered went everywhere preaching (Acts 8. 4). These "preachers" were not the apostles; they were lay-members; not delivering sermons, but testifying in country synagogues and in homes the gospel of Christ. 3.) Another result followed, churches sprang up throughout Judea (Acts 9. 31), Samaria (Acts 8. 14), and Syria (Acts 9. 2, 10; Acts 11. 19). Thus Saul by his persecution unconsciously aided the spread of the gospel.

3.The Gospel in Samaria(Acts 8. 5-8). One of these disciples, Philip (not the apostle, but one of the "seven" Acts 6. 5), went to Samaria, and there preached with great success. A significant event, showing breadth of view and victory over prejudice. See John 4. 9. The Samaritans were regarded, not exactly as Gentiles, but as irregular and inferior, and despised even more than Gentiles. Still more significant, the Samaritan church was recognized by the apostles and received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8. 14-17). Note also that, after his work in Samaria, Philip went down to the coast and established a chain of churches from Azotus to Cæsarea (Acts 8. 40).

4.Peter's Vision(Acts 10. 1-48), and the events accompanying it, was the next step in the forward movement of the church. The leading apostle and most prominent man in the church, under direction of the Spirit, journeys thirty miles to preach to a little company of Gentiles; the Spirit falls upon them, another Pentecost; and Peterbaptizes them. Here, then, is a genuine church of Gentiles founded by an apostle; the first fruits of a great harvest.

5. The next step is even more momentous in its results,the Conversion of Saul(Acts 9. 1-19). It seems to be a sudden conversion, but one expression (Acts 9. 5) shows that Saul had been struggling against conviction. His enmity had not been so greatly against "Jesus as Christ" as against "Christ for all the world" i. e., the gospel as preached by Stephen; and when converted he went fully over to Stephen's view, and became Stephen's successor, with even larger vision. Note the order of events in Saul's early ministry. 1.) Preaching in Damascus (Acts 9. 20-22). 2.) Retirement to Arabia (Gal. 1. 17). This may mean almost anywhere to the east or south of Palestine. In our opinion, he went thither not to meditate nor to study theology, but to preach in the cities between Palestine and the desert. 3.) Again preaching in Damascus (Gal. 1. 17). His escape (Acts 9. 23-25). 4.) Visit to Jerusalem (Acts 9. 26-28). Whom he met on this visit (Gal. 1. 8, 19). The event which led to his departure from Jerusalem (Acts 22. 17-21). 5.) His return to his birthplace (Acts 9. 29, 30. Gal. 1. 21). Let the student draw on the map all the journeys of Saul, beginning with his journey from Jerusalem to Damascus before his conversion.

VI.The Church at Antioch.(Acts 11. 19-30). Antioch was the third city of the Roman empire; capital of Syria, of which Judea was a dependency. Its many Jews had their synagogues, each with its "court of the Gentiles," where the Gentile worshipers sat during the services. In the story of this church note 1.) Its unnamed founders (Acts 11. 19). 2.) Its membership of both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 11. 20). See American Revised Version. 3.) Its prominence (Acts 11. 22-26). 4.) Its liberality (Acts 11. 27-30). 5.) Some of its workers (Acts 13. 1). 6.) Note how Saul came to be associated with this church (Acts 11. 25, 26).

VII.The First Missionary Journey(Acts 13. 1-4). Another step in advance was taken when two missionaries went out to plant churches of both Jews and Gentiles. 1.) They were called by the Holy Spirit (ver. 2). 2.) Approved by the church (Ver. 3). 3.) Their method; whenever possible beginning with the synagogue, where they would have access both to devout Jews and devout Gentiles (Acts 13. 5). 4.) The lands visited. Cyprus (Acts 13. 4-6).Pisidia (Acts 13. 14). Lycaonia (Acts 14. 6). On the return journey, Pamphylia (Acts 14. 24, 25). Let the student draw the maps showing the lands and places, and the route of the journey. One province in the southern tier was left unvisited, Cilicia, because Paul had already preached there (Gal. 1. 21-23).

map of countries the apostles visited

VIII.The Council at Jerusalem(Acts 15). Of course such a spread of the gospel among the Gentiles would be very unwelcome to narrow Jewish believers. Their complaint and demand (Acts 15. 1, 2). Who attended the Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15. 2-4).Who took prominent part in it (Acts 15. 7, 13). The conclusion of the Council (Acts 15. 27-29).

The great question was now settled. Jews and Gentiles were standing at last on equality in the church, and the great transition from a Jewish church to a church for all the world was accomplished.

Hints to the Teacher and the Student

1. Read carefully in the book of Acts from the 8th to the 15th chapter, inclusive.2. Draw the map first from copy, then without copy; not seeking for accuracy, but aiming rather for correct relation of the lands to each other.3. Study each section of the lesson; look up every reference, and note its relation to the general subject. Master the eight points in the outline thoroughly.4. Draw on the map (or, better, on a series of maps) the following journeys: 1.) Philip's journeys. Acts 8. 2.) Peter's journeys. Acts 8 and 10. 3.) Saul's early journeys. 4.) The journey of Saul and Barnabas. 5.) The journeys in connection with the council at Jerusalem, going and returning.5. Let the teacher call upon the scholars to tell as a story each of the eight points in the lesson, not from the text-book but from the book of Acts; each story by a student in turn.

1. Read carefully in the book of Acts from the 8th to the 15th chapter, inclusive.

2. Draw the map first from copy, then without copy; not seeking for accuracy, but aiming rather for correct relation of the lands to each other.

3. Study each section of the lesson; look up every reference, and note its relation to the general subject. Master the eight points in the outline thoroughly.

4. Draw on the map (or, better, on a series of maps) the following journeys: 1.) Philip's journeys. Acts 8. 2.) Peter's journeys. Acts 8 and 10. 3.) Saul's early journeys. 4.) The journey of Saul and Barnabas. 5.) The journeys in connection with the council at Jerusalem, going and returning.

5. Let the teacher call upon the scholars to tell as a story each of the eight points in the lesson, not from the text-book but from the book of Acts; each story by a student in turn.

Blackboard Outline

Ch. in Trans.1.) Op. 2.) Clo.I.Map.Lands. Cy. Ju. Syr. Ph. Cil. Pam. Pi. Lyc. Places. Jer. Jop. Cæs. Dam. Ant. Tar. An (Pi) Lys. Der.II.Prog. of Ev.1.Pre. Ste.1.) En. 2.) Acc. 3.) Prom. 4.) Log. ai.2.Sau. Per.Res. 1.) Pen. Ch. bro. up. 2.) Dis. everyw. prea. 3.) Chur. spr. up.3.Gosp. in Sam.Phil.4.Pet. Vis.Pet. and Corn.5.Conv. Sau.Sau. ear. Min. 1.) Dam. 2.) Ara. 3.) Dam. 4.) Jeru. 5.) Tar.6.Ch. at. Ant.1.) Foun. 2.) Mem. 3.) Prom. 4.) Lib. 5.) Work. 6.) Sau. asso.7.Fir. Miss. Jour.1.) Cal. 2.) App. 3.) Meth. 4.) Lands. C. P. L. P.8.Coun. at Jer.

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