FIFTEENTH STUDY

Review Questions

With what events did the period of transition begin and end? How long was it? What was the state of the church when it opened? What was the state of the church when it closed? Name an island and seven lands connected with this period. Name ten places connected with the period. State the eight great events in the history of the church at this time. What preacher introduced this epoch? How do we know that he preached salvation for the Gentiles? What man's persecution at this time proved a help to the church? Tell the story of this persecution. What three results followed it? Who formed the church in Samaria? Who were the Samaritans? How was the church recognized? Tell the story of a remarkable vision on a housetop. To what did that vision lead? Tell the story of a persecutor's conversion to Christ. Where did this conversion take place? What were the events in Saul's life that followed this conversion? What important church arose in Syria? Who were its founders? Who constituted its membership? Who were its leaders? What facts showed its prominence and influence? How came Saul to be associated with this church? Who went out as missionaries? Who went with them as helper? What became of this young man? What was their method of work? What lands did they visit? In what cities did they found churches? What led to the council at Jerusalem? Who attended the council? Who spoke in it? What were its conclusions? How did this end the period of transition in the church?

The Church Twenty Years After the Ascension

We have now studied the two earliest periods in the history of the Christian church and have come to the year 50 A. D., twenty years after the Ascension of Christ and the outpouring of the Spirit on the first Pentecost. Let us look over the field and see what at that time was the state of the church.

I.Its Extent.Let the student draw again the map given with the last lesson, and locate upon it the followinglands: 1. Judea (Palestine). 2. Syria. 3. Phœnicia. 4. Cyprus. 5. Cilicia. 6. Pamphylia. 7. Pisidia. 8. Lycaonia. In all these lands churches were established and at work.

II.Its Membership.The members of the church consisted of two classes of people, widely apart by nature, but brought together by the gospel:

1. There were churches where all the members wereJews, as in Judea. These were all faithful to the regulations of the Jewish ceremonial law, and many of them almost bigoted in their opinions concerning it (Acts 15. 1, 5).

2. There were other churches, as in Lycaonia, where all or nearly all the members wereGentiles(Acts 14. 6-13). In these the Jewish rules were unrecognized, almost unknown.

3. Between these two extremes was the great body of churches ofboth Jews and Gentiles. The two classes worshiped together; Jews remaining Jews, and Gentiles remaining Gentiles; but probably received the Lord's Supper apart, as it was as yet a house-service, not held at the public meetings.

4. While in most churches there was harmony, on both sides there were some radical members; but especially among the Jews. These were theJudaizers; men who sought to compel all the disciples to receive circumcision, obey the ceremonial law and make the Christian church subordinate to Jewish ritualism. These were theenemies of Paul to the end of his ministry, perverting the Gentile churches and opposing the apostle's work.

III.Its Leaders.Three names stand out prominently at this time: 1.Paul, as the leader of the church in its world-wide plans, the apostle to the Gentiles (Gal. 2. 7). 2.James, as leader of the Jewish but not Judaizing elements (Acts 13. 13, 19). This was not James the apostle, for he had been put to death some time before this (Acts 12. 2); but James "the brother of the Lord" (Gal. 1. 19). He was the head of the church in Jerusalem and author of the Epistle of James. 3.Peter, who stood in friendly relation to both parties in the church, although his conduct was not always perfectly consistent with regard to Jewish regulations (Acts 11. 2, 3; Gal. 2. 11-14). Between these three leaders there was a clear understanding and no strong division of spirit, although they might not agree in all points. 4. Other leaders in this period werePhilip(Acts 8. 40; 21. 8).Barnabas,Silasof Jerusalem and Antioch (Acts 15. 22, 32, 40), andTitus(Gal. 2. 1-4).

IV.Its Government.In our time the church is often a highly wrought organization, with articles of faith, orders, and officials of various grades. We are apt to assume such a condition in the early church. But at the time of which we speak there was very little organization or machinery; and there was little need of any, for a special reason:Every member was under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit, living in fellowship with God, without mediation of priest or church. Yet we find certain officers named in the church:

1.Apostles, originally "the twelve," but changes arose and others were called by the title, for example, Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14. 14); James (Gal. 1. 19). The work of the apostles was not primarily government, but inspired testimony to Jesus as the Christ (Acts 1. 22; 6. 4); nowhere in Acts are the apostles represented as ruling the church (Acts 15. 6, 22).

2.Elders(Acts 11. 30; 14. 23; 15. 4). These were analogous to the same officers in the synagogue, from which the plan of the local churches was taken.

3.Prophets(Acts 11. 27, 28; Acts 13. 1; Acts 15. 32). Men who spoke out of direct fellowship with the Lord, and under inspiration of the Spirit; sometimes, though not always, giving predictions of future events.

4.Teachers(Acts 13. 1). Men who gave instruction in the Christian character; probably largely from recollection or knowledge of the teaching of Christ. The difference between "prophesy" and "teaching" was that the former was the more spontaneous and the latter the more educative in the principles of the gospel.

V.Its Doctrinal Views.These remained substantially as in the first period. There was little tendency toward intellectual questionings while the church remained under Jewish influence. The discussion was rather regarding Jewish ceremonial regulations. The Messiahship, Resurrection and Return of Jesus were still the prominent teaching of the period.

VI.Its Moral Standards.The church is now face to face with the heathen world and all its abominable vices. Heathen moralists continually made excuse for the immorality which was so generally practiced. But Christianity made no compromise; set forth the high standard of the gospel, with the character of Christ as its ideal. This high standard unswervingly maintained was one secret of the church's power and growth. Notice, a little later than this period, in St. Paul's writings, the strong ethical spirit.

VII.Its Meeting-places.As yet "churches" or buildings for worship were not erected. The disciples met with the Jews in the synagogue or established synagogues of their own (James 2. 2). Often they met, even later than this period, in the upper rooms of private houses (Acts 20. 8; Rom. 16. 3-5; Philem. 2).

VIII.Its Literature.This was still theOld Testamentonly; no book of the New Testament having been written as early as 50 A. D. These writings were familiar to all the Jewish members, and almost equally familiar to the Gentiles who attended the synagogue. Was there an "oral gospel" in existence? Probably not in any set, authorized form; but repeated as the narration of teachings and works of Jesus. The tendency would naturally be for these teachings to settle into a few accepted forms or "gospels."

IX. Wherein didthe Unity of the Churchconsist? Not in organization, nor government, nor doctrinal statement; but in acommon spiritual life. They were of one heart and one mind, loved each other, contributed to each other's needs (Acts 11. 29; Gal. 2. 10), visited each other's churches (Acts 11. 22, 27, 30; 13. 25; 15. 27, 32). This was, and is, true church unity.

Blackboard Outline

Ch. 20 Ye. af. Asc.I.Ext.Ja. Sy. Ph. Cy. Cil. Pam. Pi. Lyc.II.Mem.1. Je. 2. Gen. 3. Both J. and G. 4. "Judai."III.Lead.1. Pau. 2. Jam. 3. Pet. 4. Phi. 5. Bar. 6. Sil. 7. Tit.IV.Gov.(Dir. Guid. H. S). 1. Aps. 2. El. 3. Pro. 4. Tea.V.Doc. Vie.Mes. Res. Ret. Jes.VI.Mor. Stan."No comp."VII.Meet. Pla.Syn. "Up. roo."VIII.Lit.O. T. "Or. gosp."IX.Uni.Com. spir. lif.

Review Questions

What stage in the church's progress do we now consider? In what lands was the church established at this time? What two classes of people constituted its membership? How did these two classes worship together? What service was observed in the homes of members? Who were the Judaizers? What harm did they do? Name the three great leaders at this time. Who was James? Give an instance when Peter was not entirely consistent in his conduct. Name four other leaders and a fact about each. Why did the church of that time need very little government? Name four kinds of officers in the church. What was the special work of the apostles? Where did the elders originate? With what churches are elders named in this period? What were the prophets in the church? Name some who are called prophets in this period. What was the work of teachers in the church? Were doctrinal studies or discussions prominent at this time? What were the three prominent doctrines of the church? Why do the moral standards of the church come into prominence at this time? What were those standards? Where did the Christians hold their meetings? What was the literature of the church at this time? What do you understand by "the oral gospel?" Was such a gospel in existence? Wherein did the unity of the church consist? How was this unity shown?

The Preparation of Paul for his Work

Part One

Before we enter upon the study of "The church among the Gentiles," our next period, there is a preliminary topic to be considered. The only record which we possess of the period before us, the Book of Acts, not only represents Paul as the leading worker for the gospel, but it even omits all reports of the work of other apostles and evangelists. There must have been other workers: Peter, Barnabas, Philip, and other workers were still living, and must have been active in founding churches; but their work is not mentioned. We find mention of churches which Paul had not founded (Acts 21. 3, 7; Acts 28. 13, 14, 15). Paul stands before us as the leading and the typical worker in the gospel. We will therefore take for our theme,The Preparation and Methods of Paul.

At A. D. 50 Paul is now at Antioch, about fifty years old, having been born probably about four years after Jesus Christ. His first missionary journey has taken place, and he is now about to enter upon his second missionary journey. Let us notice some of his advantages for leadership in the gospel.

I. He wasa Jew. (See Phil. 3. 5; Rom. 11. 1). The leader in this movement must be a Jew. 1. Because as a Jew he would have atrainingin Bible knowledge, and in thefaithof a coming Messiah such as no Gentile could possess. 2. Moreover the work in nearly all places must begin in the synagogue. (See Acts 17. 1; 2. 10; 18. 1, 4; 19. 1, 8). And only a Jew could take part in its services.

II. He was aTrained and Recognized Rabbi: an accredited teacher of the law; "a college man" with the prestige of scholarship won in the school of Gamaliel, the greatest Jewish master of that age (Acts 5. 34; Acts 22. 3). Such a teacher would be welcome in any synagogue. In this respect contrast Paul with Peter and the other apostles (Acts 4. 13).

III. He was aHellenist, or "Grecian Jew;" i. e., a Jew of the Dispersion; by birth and environment broader than the Jews of Jerusalem, who rarely came in contact with Gentiles. He was a traveler acquainted with the world; spoke Greek as fluently as Hebrew, an absolute necessity for preaching to Gentiles (Acts 21. 37, 40). He spoke to the Greek philosophers in their own tongue and after their own manner. Contrast Acts 17. 22 with Acts 22. 1. Tradition says that Peter, when at Rome, used an interpreter in preaching to the church. Paul's ability to speak at least two languages gave him a great advantage.

IV. Another advantage was that he was by birth aRoman Citizen(Acts 16. 37. Acts 22. 25-28). This privilege, at that time rare among those outside of Italy, gave the apostle safety, immunity from imprisonment by the local rulers, and the right to a trial before a Roman judge, with appeal to the emperor. James was put to death, and Peter thrown into prison by King Herod (Acts 12. 2-4); but Paul was by his citizenship undoubtedly saved more than once from torture and from death.

V. He was a divinely-calledApostle. When he spoke it was with all the fervor and authority of one who had seen the Lord and had received a special command from the lips of the ascended Christ to bear testimony to his gospel. His call came with his conversion (Acts 26. 12-19). He claimed the authority of an apostle (Gal. 1. 1; 1 Cor. 9. 1). Notice that in his letters Paul always places "apostles" before "prophets" (Eph. 2. 20; 3. 5; 4. 11), as holding the higher office in the church.

VI. He possessed rareNatural Endowmentsfor his work.

1. He was a man ofsympathy, warm-hearted and tender; making strong friendships, drawing men after him. Note how in every place he found friends (Acts 19. 31; 20. 4; 27. 3, 43).

2. He was apreacherof power. He was a master of the art of public speaking; and people would always listen to him with the deepest interest (Acts 17. 22-31. Acts 22. 1-2. Acts 26. 1-26).

3. He was atheologian. He saw the great truths of the gospel in clearer light than any of his co-workers. Under the guidance of the Spirit he formulated a system of doctrine (Gal. 1. 11, 12), which he sometimes called "my gospel" (Rom. 2. 16; 2 Tim. 2. 8).This "gospel according to Paul," presented in his great epistles, came to be the theology of the church, and so remains.

4. He possessed raretactin dealing with men; knew how to adapt his methods to people of varied races and views. His manner of preaching at Athens was very different from that in Jerusalem. Note 1 Cor. 9. 19-22.

5. He was anatural leaderof men; ready to take responsibilities, quick to decide, yet thoughtful of others. He possessed the ruling spirit, yet was no imperious, self-willed man. People were as ready to follow as he was to lead.

6. He was atireless worker; indomitable and undiscouraged, caring little for hardship (2 Cor. 11. 23-28), although he seems to have been delicate in health. See allusions 2 Cor. 12. 7-10. Gal. 4. 13. Notice the field of his labors, in the middle of his ministry (Rom. 15. 19). Notice too his plans for regions more distant (Rom. 15. 24).

Blackboard OutlinePart One

Pau. Prep. & Meth.I.Je.1. Train. fai. 2. Part in Syn.II.Trai. Rec. Rab.Sch. of Gam.III.Hell."Gre. J." Trav. Gre. Lang.IV.Rom. cit.V.Apos.VI.Nat. Endow.1. Sym. 2. Pre. 3. Theol. 4. Tac. 5. Nat. lead. 6. Tir. Work.

Review Questions

Part One

What prominence does the book of Acts give to Paul in the period of the church among the Gentiles? How do we know that there were other workers at that time? Name some of these other workers. What churches are named which could not have been founded by Paul? What was Paul's age at the opening of this period? What were some advantages which Paul possessed for his work? What were the advantages of his birth and training as a Jew? What education did he receive, and wherein was it a help to him? To what great branch of the Jews did Paul belong? How was this fact an advantage in his work? Of what nation was he a citizen? Name instances when thisfact was of avail to Paul. With what authority could Paul speak? Whence came this authority? What were some of Paul's natural endowments for his ministry? What does Paul mean by the expression, "my gospel"? What showed his industry as a worker?

Part Two

VII. We must also study Paul'sMethods of Work. These were varied greatly according to circumstances, but in them we may note certain principles.

1.He took fellow workerswith him. Notice his companions on his first journey. Acts 13. 2-5. On his second journey. Acts 15. 40; 16. 1-3. What other companion is indicated in the word "we" in Acts 16. 10? On his third journey. Acts 19. 22, 29. Other companions on this journey. Acts 20. 4, 5. This method gave 1.)Mutual encouragement. Paul was social, loved companionship; was sometimes melancholy when alone (Acts 17. 15, 16; 2 Cor. 2. 12, 13; 2 Cor. 7. 5, 6). 2.)Power in co-operation; two can do much more than twice as much as one. 3.) There was alsotrainingfor younger workers, whom Paul always took with him; e. g., Mark, Timothy, and perhaps Titus.

2.He chose the cities; and of these the largest and most important centers of population. Antioch, Thessalonica, Corinth, Ephesus, Rome. Paul was, in training and tastes, a man of the city, not of the country. He took great interest in men, but apparently none in nature. Contrast Paul in this respect with Christ, most of whose illustrations were drawn from nature. One result of Paul's choice of the cities was the wide and rapid diffusion of the gospel. The cities became Christian long before the country-places. The word "pagan" literally means "countryman," but it came to mean a worshiper of idols. See the effect of Paul's two years in Ephesus (Acts 19. 10). "The seven churches of Asia" (Rev. 1. 11) were the outgrowth of Paul's work in Ephesus.

3.He supported himself by his trade.His occupation. Acts 18. 3. References to his self-support in different places. 1 Cor. 4. 12; 1 Thess. 2. 9; Acts 20. 34; Paul's was a "self-supporting mission," because there was no society to support him and he would not lay the burden upon those just converted. But although he asked no contributions, he accepted them when tendered. Phil. 4. 15; 16. 18.

4.He began in the synagogue.In every large city there were Jewish synagogues; and in these Paul could speak as an accepted Rabbi. Note how constantly he made use of the synagogue. Acts 13.4, 5. Acts 14. 1. Acts 17. 1. Acts 18. 4, 19. This method gave him access to the worshiping Scripture-lovingJews, to whom he felt called to give the gospel first (Rom. 1. 16). But it also gave him access to the thoughtful, seriousGentileswho were seeking after God; and from this class came many of the early Christians. Notice that in Paul's opening address in Antioch in Pisidia he addressed both these classes (Acts 13. 16). The synagogue among the Jews of the dispersion was a great aid to the gospel.

5. He formedacquaintance with rulersand influential men in many places; in so many that it cannot have been accidental, but must have been a part of his plan. Examine the following references, and note names and places: Acts 13. 7. Acts 17. 34. Rom. 16. 23. Acts 19. 31. Acts 28. 7. These friendships were often of great service to Paul, especially when opposed by his own people.

6.He used the penas well as the voice. He wrote many letters, not so much to spread the gospel as to strengthen and instruct the churches which he had planted. A number of his letters to churches and to individuals have been preserved; but it is evident that some have been lost (1 Cor. 5. 9. Col. 4. 16).

7. He strengthened his work by frequentlyrevisiting his churches. Notice a re-visitation on his first journey (Acts 14. 21). The same churches visited again on his second journey (Acts 16. 1-4). Again on his third journey he passed through the same places (Acts 19. 1). A re-visitation of the European churches (Acts 20. 1, 2).

VIII. Note, lastly,Paul's Enemies; those who throughout his journeys opposed, fought, persecuted him. Almost everywhere his work stirred up violent antagonisms. This came in different places from three sources:

1.The Jews, whose opposition came not so much from his preaching Jesus as the Messiah as from his willingness to receive Gentiles into the church. He was regarded as breaking down the distinctions between Jew and Gentile. Note instances of persecution from this source (Acts 13. 45, 50. Acts 14. 1, 2. Acts 14. 19. Acts 17. 5. Acts 21. 27).

2.The Judaizing Christians; professed disciples who wereopposed to Gentile membership in the church (Acts 15. 1, 5. Acts 21. 20, 21. Phil. 1. 14-17). As the years passed the proportion of Jews to Gentiles in the church became less and less, and this party diminished in power.

3.The Gentiles.In only two places do we find persecution stirred up against Paul by Gentiles without suggestion by Jews. Note the places and circumstances in Acts 16. 16-24. Acts 19 23-30. In each instance private interests caused the trouble. As yet there was no strife between Christianity and the imperial government. But Paul saw the trials impending, and not far distant, and he forewarned his churches of sharper persecution soon to come (Thess. 2. 3-10. Acts 20. 29. Phil. 1. 28-30).

Blackboard OutlinePart Two

VII.Pau. Meth. Wor.1. Fell. work. 2. Ch. cit. 3. Sup. by tra. 4. Beg. syn. 5. Acq. w. ral. 6. Us. pen. 7. Rev. chu.VIII.Pau. Ene.1. Je. 2. Jud. Chr. 3. Gen.

Review Questions. Part Two

Name seven facts about Paul's methods of work in the gospel. Who were his companions on his first, second, and third journeys? What were the benefits of having fellow-workers? Name some cities where Paul labored longest. How is Paul contrasted in this respect with Jesus Christ? What was the effect of beginning the work in the great cities? How was Paul supported while preaching? Why did he follow that plan? In what place did Paul begin his work wherever possible? Whom did he reach in that method? Name some rulers and influential people in different places who were friends of Paul. What use of the pen did Paul make in his ministry? Show how he frequently revisited his churches. What three classes of people were enemies of Paul in his work? Name instances when the Jews opposed him. What was their reason for their opposition? What opposition did he meet from fellow-Christians? At what places was he persecuted by Gentiles? What was the attitude of the Roman government at that time toward Christianity?

The Church among the Gentiles

Part One

The history of this period of eighteen years, as contained in the book of Acts, is limited to the labors of St. Paul, who was pre-eminently the apostle to the Gentiles (2 Tim. 1. 11).

I. Let us draw themap of the landsembraced in the later journeys of the apostle Paul.

1.The Lands: 1.) Asia Minor. 2.) Thrace. 3.) Macedonia. 4.) Greece or Achaia. 5.) Italy. 6.) Africa, not visited by Paul. 7.) Palestine or Judea. 8.) Syria.

2.The Localities.1.) Jerusalem. 2.) Antioch. 3.) Ephesus. 4.) Troas. 5.) Philippi. 6.) Thessalonica. 7.) Berea. 8.) Athens. 9.) Corinth. 10.) Rome.

II.Paul's Second Missionary Journey.The gospel in Europe (A. D. 51-53). Notice:

1.His companions: the quarrel with Barnabas and separation (Acts 15. 36-39). Barnabas at this point drops out of the record. Silas, Timothy, and later Luke, accompany Paul (Acts 15. 40; 16. 1; 16. 10). Luke's profession, perhaps therein helping the apostle (Col. 4. 14).

2.Asia Minor revisited.Note and locate the provinces through which they passed, starting from Antioch: 1.) Cilicia (Acts 15. 41). 2.) Lycaonia (Acts 16. 1, 3.) Probably Pisidia (Acts 16. 4). 4.) Galatia. 5.) Phrygia (Acts 16. 6). Through Mysia to Troas (Acts 16. 8). Locate these provinces on the map.

3.The Gospel in Europe.Note the events which led to the voyage across the Ægean Sea (Acts 16. 9). Trace the route on the map—from what city? to what city? The three cities in Macedonia (Acts 16. 12; 17. 1; 17. 10). The two cities in Greece (Acts 17. 15; 18. 1). Note the long stay in Corinth (Acts 18. 11); the largestcity in Greece and the commercial metropolis, at that time far more important than Athens.

Review and locate the five cities in Europe thus far visited, P. T. B. A. C., and recall the peculiar events at each place.

4.The two Epistles to the Thessalonianswere written while Paul was at Corinth, perhaps 52 and 53 A. D. These are the earliest extant writings of Paul, and the earliest books of the New Testament. Two subjects are presented in both letters: 1.) General precepts concerningChristian character. 2.) Thesecond coming of Christ.

5.A visit to Ephesus, the chief city of Asia Minor (Acts 18. 18, 19). Notice what would be the direct route from Corinth. Paul's stay at this time was short, but with promise of a speedy return.

6.Return to Antioch.The route, from Ephesus to Cæsarea, thence to the mother church at Jerusalem; thence 250 miles either by land via Damascus, or by water via Cæsarea (Acts 18. 22). The great result of the second missionary journey was the planting of the gospel in Europe. The churches founded were composed of both Jews and Gentiles, with the latter largely in the majority.

Blackboard OutlinePart One

I.Map.1. Lands. 1.) A. M. 2.) Th. 3.) Mac. 4.) Gre. 5.) It. 6.) Af. 7.) Pal. 8.) Syr.2.Pla.1.) Jer. 2.) Ant. 3.) Eph. 4.) Tro. 5.) Phi. 6.) Thes. 7.) Ber. 8.) Ath. 9.) Cor.II.Pau. Sec. Miss. Jour.1. Comp. S. T. L.2.As. Min. Rev.1.) Cil. 2.) Ly. 3.) Pi. 4.) Gal. 5.) Ph. 6.) My. T.3.Gos. in Eur.Tro. Phil. Thess. Ber. Ath. Cor.4.Ep. Thess.1.) Chr. Char. 2.) Chr. sec. com.5.Vis. Eph.6.Ret. Ant.Result-Gosp. Eur.

Review Questions. Part One

What lands in Asia are named with this lesson on the map? What lands in Europe? What localities in Palestine and Syria? Localities in Asia Minor? Localities in Europe? Who were Paul's companions on his second missionaryjourney? What places of his earlier journey were revisited at this time? What new places did he visit in Asia Minor? What event called Paul to go to Europe? In what city in Europe did Paul first preach the gospel? How was his work in that city interrupted? What other places in Macedonia did he visit? In which of these places did he find the people "more noble"? What cities in Greece did he visit? In which city did he stay for a long time, and for what reason? What letters were written during this journey? From what place was each written? What was the subject or purpose of each epistle? What large city in Asia Minor was the last one visited on this journey? At what places did Paul stop on his return journey? Where did his journey end? What was the great result of this journey?

Part Two

II.Paul's Third Missionary Journey(A. D. 54-58). His companions are named in Acts 19. 22. The latter seems to have been a man of importance from Corinth (Rom. 16. 23). We trace the journey, starting, as both the former journeys, from Antioch:

1.From Antioch to Ephesus(Acts 18. 23). He went through Galatia and Phrygia, visiting churches already founded. Some think that this indicates a fourth visit to Lycaonia and Pisidia, as those lands were loosely regarded as belonging to Galatia; but this is not certain.

2.Three years in Ephesus.(Acts 19. 1-20.) In this metropolis of Asia Minor Paul made a stay longer than in any other place during his ministry. As results, churches arose in all that region: Colossæ (Col. 2. 2; 2. 1), Hierapolis (Col. 4. 13), and "the seven churches of Asia" (Rev. 1. 11).

3.Macedonia and Greece revisited.We can tell what places he would visit in this journey through former fields, although they are not named—the four or five cities wherein he had already planted churches: Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea (Athens?), Corinth. One of his errands on this journey, not mentioned in Acts, is frequently referred to in the epistles of this period, hiscollection for the poor Christians in Judea. See Rom. 15. 26, 27. 1 Cor. 16. 1-3. 2 Cor. 9. 1-4. Probably the care of these funds was one reason for the large number of disciples accompanying Paul on his return journey (Acts 20. 4).

4.Epistles of this Period.These were the following:

1.)First Corinthians, written from Ephesus, perhaps about 57 A. D. Its occasion (1 Cor. 1. 11, 12). Its purpose, to set forth a true church-life.2.)Second Corinthians(57 A. D.), probably written from Macedonia. (2 Cor. 7. 5; 8. 1); its purpose, mainly a defense of Paul's apostolic authority.3.)Galatians, also probably from Macedonia (57 A. D). Its occasion, the influence of Judaizing teachers on Paul's churches in Galatia (Gal. 1. 6, 7). "Galatia" may refer to the regions in Lycaonia and Pisidia (according to Ramsay); but most expositors refer it to Galatia Proper, north of those provinces. The theme of this book is "Salvation by faithonly."4.)Romanswas written from Corinth perhaps in 58 A. D. See Rom. 16. 1, a reference to the seaport of Corinth. Its subject is "Justification by Faith." Notice how important were the writings of this period.

1.)First Corinthians, written from Ephesus, perhaps about 57 A. D. Its occasion (1 Cor. 1. 11, 12). Its purpose, to set forth a true church-life.

2.)Second Corinthians(57 A. D.), probably written from Macedonia. (2 Cor. 7. 5; 8. 1); its purpose, mainly a defense of Paul's apostolic authority.

3.)Galatians, also probably from Macedonia (57 A. D). Its occasion, the influence of Judaizing teachers on Paul's churches in Galatia (Gal. 1. 6, 7). "Galatia" may refer to the regions in Lycaonia and Pisidia (according to Ramsay); but most expositors refer it to Galatia Proper, north of those provinces. The theme of this book is "Salvation by faithonly."

4.)Romanswas written from Corinth perhaps in 58 A. D. See Rom. 16. 1, a reference to the seaport of Corinth. Its subject is "Justification by Faith." Notice how important were the writings of this period.

5.The return journey(Acts 20. 6-21, 17). Note the route and places, which should be traced on the map. 1.) Philippi (Acts 20. 6). 2.) Troas (Acts 20. 6-13). What took place at Troas? 3.) Voyage to Miletus (Acts 20. 14, 15). 4.) At Miletus, a touching address (Acts 20. 17-38). 5.) Voyage to Tyre (Acts 21. 1-6). 6.) Ptolemais (Acts 21. 7). 7.) Cæsarea (Acts 21. 8-15.) A remarkable meeting. 8.) Jerusalem (Acts 21. 17). Paul's errand to Jerusalem was to present the contribution of the Gentile churches; seeking to reconcile them with the mother church in Jerusalem, which was exceedingly bigoted in its zeal for the law (Acts 21. 20, 21).

6.Paul's arrest and imprisonment(Acts 21. 27-34). Our purpose is not to narrate the personal life of St. Paul but to show the development of the Christian church, therefore we do not enter into the details of his experience. He was arrested in Jerusalem, and placed in the castle of Antonia for his protection (Acts 21. 24); subsequently taken to Cæsarea (Acts 23. 25-35). Here he remained in prison two years (Acts 24. 27). During this time Paul was placed on trial at least four times: 1.) Before the Jewish council of the Sanhedrim. (Acts 23. 1-10.) 2.) Before the Roman governor or procurator Felix. (Acts 24:. 1-22.) 3.) Before Festus, the successor of Felix. (Acts 25. 1-12.) 4.) Before Agrippa, the ethnarch of the Bashan district, called by courtesy "King Agrippa." (Acts 26. 1-32.)

Blackboard OutlinePart Two

III.Pau. Thir. Miss. Jour.(54-58). Comp. Tim. Eras.1.Ant. to Eph.Gal. Phr.2.Thr. Ye. Eph.Res. Col. Hier. "Sev. Ch. As."3.Mac. Gre. Rev.Phil. Thes. Ber. (Ath.?) Cor. Coll. for Jud.4.Ep. Per.1.) 1 Cor. Eph. 57. Tr. Ch. Lif. 2.) 2 Cor. 57. Mac. P. ap. auth. 3.) Gal. Mac. 57. "Jud. tea." "Salv. fai. on." 4.) Rom. Cor. 58. "Jus. by fai."5.Ret. Jour.1.) Ph. 2.) Tro. 3.) Voy. Mil. 4.) Mil. 5.) Voy. Tyr. 6.) Ptol. 7.) Cæs. 8.) Jer.6.Pau. Arr. & Imp.Jer. Cæs.

Review Questions, Part Two

Who were companions of Paul on his third journey? From what city did he start? Through what lands did he first pass? What great city was his principal field of labor? In what neighboring cities did churches arise as a result? What provinces in Europe, and what cities in them, did he revisit? What was one of his important errands on this journey? Who accompanied Paul on his return? What letters were written while Paul was on this journey? Name the place from which each of these epistles was written. State the approximate date of each letter. What was the purpose or theme of each letter? Name some of the places where Paul stopped on his return journey. What took place at Troas? What took place at Miletus? Whom did Paul meet at Cæsarea? What was Paul's destination? What was his purpose in visiting the mother church? What happened to Paul at Jerusalem? To what place was he afterwards taken? How long was he a prisoner in that place?

Part Three

IV.Paul's Fourth Journey(Acts 27 and 28). Although made by a prisoner, some of the time wearing a chain (Acts 26. 29; 28. 20), the journey to Rome was a missionary journey, in many respects like Paul's other journeys. To visit Rome had long been his desire and expectation (Acts 19. 21. Rom. 1. 15. Rom. 15. 23, 24). His companions on the journey, Luke, Aristarchus (Acts 27. 1, 2), and probably Timothy.

1. On the voyage he was able to bring thegospel to the island of Malta(Acts 28. 7-10).

2. Arriving atRome(Acts 28. 16) he took up his work as nearly as possible according to hisregular method. 1.) He found ahomeandemployment(Acts 28. 16). 2.) As he could not go to the synagogue hesent for the chief Jewsand preached the gospel to them (Acts 28. 17-24). 3.) He then turned to the Gentiles (Acts 28. 28-31). 4.) Someresultsof his ministry in Rome (Phil 1. 12-18).

3.The Epistles of Paul's Imprisonment at Rome.The order of these is uncertain, but they belong rather to the close of the period than to its opening.

1.)Ephesians; called by S. T. Coleridge "the divinest composition of man;" written A. D. 62; its subject, "The mystical union of Christ and his church."2.)Philippians; the most affectionate of all Paul's letters; written A. D. 62; its subject "The character of Christ's followers."3.)Colossians; written to a church that Paul had never seen; about A. D. 62; subject, "Christ the Head of the Church."4.)Philemon: a personal letter to a friend at Colossæ concerning arunaway slaveOnesimus, whom Paul sent back, "no longer a slave, but a brother beloved."

1.)Ephesians; called by S. T. Coleridge "the divinest composition of man;" written A. D. 62; its subject, "The mystical union of Christ and his church."

2.)Philippians; the most affectionate of all Paul's letters; written A. D. 62; its subject "The character of Christ's followers."

3.)Colossians; written to a church that Paul had never seen; about A. D. 62; subject, "Christ the Head of the Church."

4.)Philemon: a personal letter to a friend at Colossæ concerning arunaway slaveOnesimus, whom Paul sent back, "no longer a slave, but a brother beloved."

V.Paul's Later Years.The record is uncertain, and almost unknown. It is probable, though not certain, that Paul was set free about 63 A. D.

1.His years of liberty.63 to 67 A. D. Shall we speak of afifth journey? We find hints or expectations of his being at Colossæ (Philem. 22); Miletus (2 Tim. 4. 13); Nicopolis, north of Greece, on the Adriatic Sea (Titus 3. 12). Tradition states that at this place he was arrested, and sent from it a second time to Rome.

2.His last epistles.It is not certain that all the "pastoral epistles" were written by Paul. 1.) They are unlike his other writings in their style. 2.) His doctrinal views are not prominent in them. Yet on the whole, they show a reasonable probability of Paul's authorship.

1.)First Timothywas written during the period of liberty, between 63 and 66 A. D., as a book ofcounsels to a minister, Timothy, in charge of the church at Ephesus.2.)Titus, about the same time and for the same purpose; to Titus, in charge of churches on the island of Crete.3.)Second Timothy, from Rome, during Paul's second and last imprisonment; a letter of farewell counsels to his "son Timothy." Strictly speaking this book should be named under the next subject.

1.)First Timothywas written during the period of liberty, between 63 and 66 A. D., as a book ofcounsels to a minister, Timothy, in charge of the church at Ephesus.

2.)Titus, about the same time and for the same purpose; to Titus, in charge of churches on the island of Crete.

3.)Second Timothy, from Rome, during Paul's second and last imprisonment; a letter of farewell counsels to his "son Timothy." Strictly speaking this book should be named under the next subject.

VI.The First Imperial Persecution.The Christians were becoming numerous in Rome, as well as throughout the empire; and a conflict was sure to arise with the Roman government. The first persecution came soon after the burning of Rome, A. D. 64, which Nero charged falsely upon the Christians. Thousands were put to death, although the persecution was mainly limited to the capital. Themartyrdom of St. Paul, probably of St. Peter also, took place about 68 A. D. at Rome.

Blackboard OutlinePart Three

IV.Pau. Fou. Jour.Pris. Comp. Lu. Aris. Tim.1.Gos. Mal.2.Ro. 1.) Ho. Emp. 2.) Sent. Ch. Je. 3.) Tur. Gen. 4.) Res. min.3.Ep. Pau. Imp. 1.) Eph. "Mys. Un. Ch. and Ch." 2.) Phil. "Char. Chr. fol."3.) Col. "Chr. Hea. Ch." 4.) Philem. Run. Sla.V.Pau. Lat. Ye.1. Yea. Lib. Col. Mil. Nicop. 2. Las. Ep. 1.) 1 Tim. 2.) Tit. 3.) 2 Tim.VI.Fir. Imp. Per.Mart. Pau. 68 A. D.

Review Questions. Part Three

Under what circumstances did Paul make his fourth journey? Who were his companions? Where did he preach the gospel on his journey? How did he follow his regular method, as far as possible, at Rome? What were some results of his ministry in Rome? What epistles were written at Rome? What is the subject of these epistles? How long was Paul at liberty after his first imprisonment? What places did he probably visit during those years? What were the last three epistles written by Paul? What is the subject of each epistle? How did the first imperial persecution of the Christians arise? Who probably suffered martyrdom at this time?

The End of the Age

Part One

We come now to our last period, anage of shadows, of which we know very little, and wish that we knew more. The curtain of New Testament history falls while St. Paul is still a prisoner at Rome, five years before the supposed date of his death. From that time, A. D. 63, to about A. D. 125 there is very little history, and none in the New Testament; we are left to hints, traditions, and conjectures.

A question which we would like to answer is, What became of thecompanionsof St. Paul: such men as Timothy (Heb. 13. 23), Titus (2 Tim. 4. 10), Apollos (Titus 3. 13), Luke (2 Tim. 4. 11)? All of these were living and working at the close of Paul's life; but there is no report of their life and labors after that event.

Another perplexing fact is that when the curtain rises at about 125 A. D. it shows us a verydifferent churchfrom that of St. Paul's day: a church completely organized, with bishops in almost absolute control; and sects quarreling over controversies apparently unknown when St. Paul wrote his letters.

While Peter and Paul were living the church had wise and statesmanlike leaders, who directed its energies. But when these great men died "second-rate men" were left in control and they were not equal to the demand of the new time; and the church drifted into disputes, which grew into divisions. Let us notice the few knownEvents of this Period.

I.The Fall of Jerusalem: epoch-making, not only to Jewish but also to Christian history.

1. Therebellion of the Jewsagainst the Roman power began in 68 A. D.; hopeless from the beginning—for how could one small state measure swords with the empire of the civilized world? The city of Jerusalem was taken and destroyed 70 A. D., and with it fell forever the Jewish state.

2. Thesiege had been predictedin the gospels (Matt. 24. 15-18; Mark 13. 14), and was expected by the disciples of Christ. TheChristiansin Jerusalem and JudeawithdrewtoPellain the Jordan valley; but their numbers were not large, showing that Jewish Christianity must have declined since A. D. 58 (see Acts 21. 20), while Gentile Christianity had increased. After the destruction of Jerusalem Jewish Christianity remained for 200 years a feeble and declining sect, hated by their own people as traitors, and despised by Gentile Christians because they still observed the Jewish law.

3. The effect of the fall of Jerusalem was to draw a sharp line ofdivision between Jews and Christians. Before, the two classes had been closely related, and confused in the popular mind. Thenceforth the two streams ran further and further apart, and have continued apart even to our own time. All Jewish rites ceased in the church, Christians could no longer be Jews; and after 125 A. D. Jews could no longer be Christians without renouncing Judaism. The church was now thoroughly a Gentile, non-Jewish church. Note in the gospel of John how "the Jews" are everywhere named as enemies of Christ (John 5. 16; 7. 1; 11. 8; 18. 36); and yet the author of this book was himself a Jew by birth and training; but at the time of writing he had ceased to be a Jew.

II.St. John at Ephesus.Ephesus, at the western end of Asia Minor, was now the leading city of Christianity. It is probable that the apostle John passed the last thirty years of his life in that city. He was revered as thelast of the apostles; but he was not a statesman or man of affairs; rather a mystic and man of meditation. It is supposed that he died about 100 A. D. but the date is not certain.

III.The Rise of the Heresies.1. This was the inevitableresult of the Greek mindworking on the simple doctrines of the gospel. The Christian doctrine was Jewish; and the Jewish mind was not given to subtle intellectual questions. But when Christianity ceased to be Jewish and began to Gentile it was dominated by the Greek spirit of restless inquiry. Asia Minor was the home of wild, uncontrolled thinking. Sects almost without number appeared, wrangled, and divided over every article of the creed. The more mysterious the question, the more apart from practical life and from human interest, the more fascinating became the study.

2. Two great classes of sects embraced many minor groups.

1.)The Ebionites.Strict Jews, who sought to make Christianity a branch of Pharisaism, keeping the Jewish law. 2.)The Gnostics.People with peculiar views concerning the nature of God, heavenly beings, the nature of Christ.

3. Theresultsof these controversies were both good and evil. 1.)Goodin that the clashing of ideas aided infixingin permanent form the truedoctrinesof the church. 2.) But far moreevil; for the energies of the members were absorbed in debate and controversy; the spiritual life of the church greatly declined; the aim ceased to be devotion to Christ, but was now orthodoxy in belief. Christianity became a creed, instead of an inner spiritual life.

IV.The Second Imperial Persecution; under the emperor Domitian, son of Titus, about A. D. 95. This was far more widely extended than the former persecution under Nero; and it was followed by a long series of persecutions, wherein untold thousands of Christians were put to death. The inevitable conflict had come between Christianity and the Roman empire, and it lasted two hundred years; but at its close the cross was triumphant over the Roman eagles. It is not difficult to see thecausesof thisstruggle:

1.Heathenism was hospitable, welcoming new gods and goddesses, whileChristianity was exclusive, opposing with all its might every other form of worship.

2.Idol-worshipand its services wereinterwovenwith all thelife of the people; personal, family, social, political. Temples, statues, festivals were constantly in evidence; on all occasions there were rites of worship. But here was a growing multitude of people who stood aloof from these exercises. It was not strange that these people were regarded as enemies of society and of the state.

3. Certain forms of religion were allowed in the Roman empire, but all new forms were forbidden.Judaism was a permittedreligion. As long as Christianity was looked upon as a branch of Judaism, it was allowed. But after the fall of Jerusalem it stood alone, an unlicensed form of worship, hence under suspicion; suspicion readily becoming enmity.

4.The worship of the emperorwas the one most prevalent throughout the empire. A statue of the reigning emperor stood in every city, and it was a test of loyalty to offer libations of incense before it. This worship is doubtless referred to in an enigmaticmanner in such passages as 2 Thess. 2. 3, 4. Rev. 13. 1, 4, 8, 18. This worship was refused by the Christians, who were for that reason regarded as disloyal.

From these causes persecution after persecution arose; hundreds of thousands perished; yet in spite of the persecution, the church grew rapidly.

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