Univ.of Ill. Library 
 
 52 
 
 2H16 
 
I 
 

 
 
 
 

11* 
 
 A 
 
 CONVERSATIONAL COMMENTARY, 
 
 COMBINING THE 
 
 QUESTION-BOOK AND EXPOSITION. 
 
 DESIGNED FOR 
 
 BIBLE CLASSES, SABBATH SCHOOLS, AND FAMILIES. 
 
 ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 
 
 CHAPTERS I—XIV. 
 
 BY 
 
 WILLIAM HAGUE. 
 
 In free discourse, new thoughts are struck out, and the seeds of truth sparkle and 
 blaze, which in calm and silent reading would never have been excited. By conversa¬ 
 tion, you both give and receive this benefit; as flints, when put in motion, and strik* 
 iug against each other, produce living fire on both sides.—Da. Watts, < * 
 
 THIRD EDITION 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 
 EDWARD H. FLETCHER 
 1853. 
 
Entered, according to act of Congress, in the year 1851, by 
 EDWARD H. FLETCHER, 
 
 tn the Clerk’s Office of the District Court for the Southern District 
 of New York. 
 
 fTEBKOTYPED BY WILLIAM J. BANKS, 
 201 WiUiam street, N. Y. 
 
/ SSi) </ 9 
 
 PREFACE, 
 
 The success of the two volumes entitled “ A Guide 
 to Conversation on the New Testament’’ has encour¬ 
 aged the author, after considerable delay, and many 
 solicitations, to proceed with the work. Its design is 
 to combine in one volume the advantages of a Commen¬ 
 tary and Question Book, in the style of conversation 
 for purposes of instruction. The teacher who would 
 give instruction in any department of knowledge so as 
 to awaken in his scholar a spirit of inquiry can not 
 easily satisfy himself with abrupt and insulated ques¬ 
 tions ; in order to arouse the mind to action, and bring 
 himself into sympathy with it, he must communicate 
 something. The remark which imparts knowledge 
 quickens thought, excites inquiry, and then conversa- 
 
iv 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 tion proceeds with a natural and oasy flow. A large 
 proportion of the truths made known by our Saviour 
 were uttered in the form of familiar conversations; 
 and the instructor who will most closely imitate “ the 
 Great Teacher” in this respect, will be likely to garner 
 the richest harvest of fruits from the field of his labor. 
 
A 
 
 CONVERSATIONAL COMMENTARY 
 
 ON THE 
 
 ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Lesson I.—1-14. 
 
 Introduction—Christ’s Interviews with the Apostles after his Result 
 rection—Commands them to wait in Jerusalem for the Co min g 
 of the Holy Spirit—His Ascension—The Address of the Angel*- 
 The Reassembling of the Church. 
 
 In the year 33 of the Christian era, our blessed Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ, forty days after he had risen from the 
 dead, stood on Mount Olivet, and there commissioned his 
 apostles to go forth and promulgate his religion among the 
 nations of the earth. They obeyed his command, and this 
 book, as its title shows, gives an account of a portion of 
 their doings. It is to be regarded, therefore, as a connect¬ 
 ing link between the gospels and the epistles. It is an 
 authentic church history, written in the age of the apostles 
 by one of their companions and fellow-laborers. 
 
 1. To whom is this book dedicated? What “former 
 treatise” is addressed to the same person? Luke i. 3. 
 This introduction points out the author of this history 
 
6 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER I. 
 
 what was his name ? He was not an apostle;—what was 
 his profession? Col. iv. 14. He has not attempted to 
 write a complete history of the early churches, but a book 
 of memoirs relating to the first missionaries and founders 
 of the churches. Whose life and teachings vrere the subject 
 of the former work ? 
 
 2. To what particular day did the former history reach ? 
 The event here mentioned took place on Thursday, the 
 fortieth day after the resurrection;—do you remember 
 who were the witnesses of it ? After the resurrection Jesus 
 conferred on the apostles an extraordinary and supernat¬ 
 ural gift;—what was it? John xx. 22. What was the 
 effect of that gift on the minds of these men? John xiv. 26. 
 We see, then, that they were inspired men. By means of 
 that gift many instructions could be imparted without the 
 use of vocal sounds. Before his ascension, in what form 
 did Christ leave his instructions ? 
 
 3. How long did Christ remain on the earth after his 
 
 resurrection? Is there any reason to think that this 
 length of time was regarded as a sacred period ? Deut. 
 ix. 9; 1 Kings xix. 8; Mark i. 13. What seems, from this 
 verse, to have been the object of our Saviour in remaining 
 thus long on the earth ? [Observe here that there are re¬ 
 corded nine separate appearances of Christ to his disciples 
 after his resurrection: (1.) To Mary Magdalene and “ the 
 other Mary.” Matt, xxviii. 1-9. (2.) To the two disciples 
 
 on their way to Emmaus. Luke xxiv. 15. (3.) To Peter. 
 
 Luke xxiv. 34. (4.) To ten of the apostles, while Thomas 
 
 was absent. John xx. 19. (5.) To the eleven apostles. 
 
 John xx. 26. (6.) To seven of the apostles at the Sea of 
 
 Tiberias, called by some “ the small meeting w Galilee.” 
 John xxi. 4. (7.) To the five hundred brethren, or what is 
 called by some “ the large meeting in Galilee.” 1 Cor. xv. 6, 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER I. 
 
 '7 
 
 and Matt, xxviii. 7 and 16; compared also with Matt. xxvi. 
 32, and Mark xvi. 7 (8.) To James. 1 Cor. xv. 7. (9.) 
 
 On the day of ascension, when the apostles were assembled 
 together at the last interview. Luke xxiv 50.] Were the 
 intervals between these appearances of Christ long enough 
 to afford opportunity for a calm comparison of the facts ? 
 Now why are the proofs which Christ furnished of his 
 resurrection called “ infallible ?” At these interviews 
 what were the subjects of Christ’s teachings ? Can you 
 see from this verse any special reason why we should prize 
 the writings of the apostles ? Can you see why we should 
 regard their practices as expressive of the will of Christ ? 
 
 4. After the crucifixion of Christ the disciples were 
 scattered;—who assembled them again ? Where did they 
 meet? Doubtless it was expected by the Jewish govern¬ 
 ment that they would abandon that place forever. It is 
 not unlikely that they wished to leave it;—why so ? For 
 what were they commanded to wait there ? What promise 
 had been made to them on that subject ? John xiv. 16,17, 
 and xvi. 7. The knowledge of the fact that the apostles 
 began their work in that very place has aided much in 
 convincing thousands of the truth of Christianity;—can 
 you think in what way it has done so ? 
 
 5. By whom had Christ’s disciples been baptized before 
 they followed him ? By whom had Christ himself been 
 baptized ? Had Christ baptized any one in water ? John 
 iv. 2. But he spoke of a baptism which he would confer, 
 superior in its nature to any that they had received;— 
 what was that ? On what sacred festival did this superior 
 baptism come ? That was ten days after Christ’s ascen¬ 
 sion. The phrase, “ baptism of the Holy Ghost,” denoted 
 a large measure of the Spirit’s influence. The idea which 
 the words would convey to a person who heard them in 
 
8 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER I. 
 
 that age and country, might be illustrated by an expres¬ 
 sion of Cyril of Jerusalem, who wrote about 1500 years 
 ago. He says : “ As he who is baptized in water is encom¬ 
 passed on every side, so are they that are wholly baptized 
 by the Spirit.”* Did John himself predict this superior 
 baptism ? Mark i. 8. 
 
 6. At some meeting after the resurrection of Christ 
 they asked an interesting question of him;—what was it ? 
 They expected that the Messiah’s kingdom would come 
 with great worldly power. The prophecies respecting 
 that kingdom had raised their expectations, but they did 
 not understand them truly;—can you mention some of 
 those predictions ? Gen. xlix. 10; Isa. xxvii. 6; Dan. vii. 27. 
 The ideas of the disciples on this subject, which they had 
 cherished from their youth, prevailed in the nation gen¬ 
 erally;—what effect had the miracles of Christ on this 
 worldly feeling? John vi. 15. The crucifixion of Christ 
 had crushed this hope;—why did the appearance of a 
 risen Saviour revive it ? 
 
 7. What answer did the Saviour give to this question ? 
 That answer admits that the expectation of a glorious 
 kingdom yet to come was in some sense just;—on what 
 one point did it discourage inquiry ? On what ground is 
 inquiry discouraged? What important distinctions did 
 Moses inculcate in regard to this subject? Deut. xxix. 29. 
 
 8. In further answering their question, Christ makes a 
 special promise to them, and lays out their work for the 
 promotion of his kingdom;—what is the promise? The 
 word translated “power” in this sentence is not the same as 
 the one so rendered in verse 7. That denotes jurisdiction ; 
 this means energy . How was this energy to be imparted ? 
 Whence was it to proceed? Luke xxiv. 49. What out - 
 
 * Catechesis xvii. sect. 8. 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER I. 
 
 9 
 
 ward effects wouia this energy produce ? Mark xvi. 17,18, 
 What inward effects? John xiy. 26. How extensive was 
 the field of their work ? Why were three places particu¬ 
 larly named? If they had not been named, why might 
 the disciples have been loth to go to them ? In what re¬ 
 spect does this commission differ from one which Christ 
 had given before ? Matt. x. 5. The apostles were not di¬ 
 rected to go through the world as warriors;—but in what 
 character ? By what means were they to conquer ? Rev. 
 xii. 11. 
 
 9. At the moment of Christ’s ascension how were the 
 disciples engaged ? How intense must have been their at¬ 
 tention ! If Jesus had suddenly vanished, that would 
 have been miraculous, but a visible ascension was desir¬ 
 able ;—why ? In what way was he at last hidden from 
 their sight ? That would remind them of a majestic sight 
 witnessed in the days of Moses. How did God then mani¬ 
 fest his glory ? Ex. xvi. 10. 
 
 10. The disciples, doubtless, wished to follow Christ;— 
 how did they show this ? After such an event, and such 
 mental excitement, the shock to their feelings would have 
 been dreadful if they had been left to themselves ;—who, 
 therefore, were sent to them ? What was their appear¬ 
 ance ? They are supposed to have been the same angels 
 who appeared at the sepulcher in “shining garments,” 
 and with countenances like lightning. Do you remember 
 what effect their appearance had on the Roman guard ? 
 
 11. What question did these angels ask ? The question 
 was not designed to censure the disciples, but powerfully 
 to call their attention back to their work on earth. What 
 promise did the angels make respecting Christ’s return ? 
 The phrase, “ in like manner,” refers chiefly to the truth, 
 that Christ’s person will be made visible. Who shall then 
 
 1* 
 
10 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER X. 
 
 see him ? Rev. i. 7 . For what purpose will he come ? 2 
 Tim. iv. 1. In reference to that event, what is our chief 
 duty ? Amos iv. 12. Is there any duty to which we ought 
 to attend betf're that one ? 
 
 12. How far was Bethany, the place of ascension, from 
 Jerusalem? This phrase denotes nearly a mile—a dis¬ 
 tance about twenty rods short of a mile. This designation 
 did not arise from divine command, but from the “ tradi¬ 
 tions of the elders.” The people generally understood it 
 and observed it. The Jewish scribes taught that these 
 traditions, of which this was one, were binding on the 
 conscience f— how did our Saviour speak of them ? Matt, 
 xv. 3. 
 
 13. As soon as the apostles reached the city, where did 
 they assemble ? The place where the Lord’s Supper was 
 instituted is described in a similar way;—in what terms ? 
 Luke xxii. 12. By whom at this time was this place con¬ 
 stantly occupied ? 
 
 14. What was their chief employment ? From what has 
 been said, we learn what they were seeking;—what was 
 it ? What is said of the spirit of prayer which they cher¬ 
 ished ? In this meeting there were others besides the apos¬ 
 tles ;—who were they ? These had stood by the cross of 
 Jesus;—what notice does John take of them in his gospel? 
 John xix. 25. In this prayer-meeting at Jerusalem only 
 one woman is mentioned by name;—who is that ? This is 
 the last time her name is mentioned in the New Testament. 
 The time or manner of her death is not recorded. Do you 
 know what class of persons worship her ? Is there any 
 intimation in the Bible that she is worthy to receive wor¬ 
 ship ? What did our Lord teach respecting the proper ob¬ 
 ject of worship ? Matt. iv. 10. What was taught by an 
 angel direct from heaven on this subject ? Rev. xxii. 8, 9. 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER L 
 
 11 
 
 Is Christ worshiped in heaven ? Rev. v. 12. From all this 
 we may see by what kind of worship on earth we may 
 best prepare for heaven;—in what does such worship 
 consist ? 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Lesson II.—15-26. 
 
 The Address of Peter respecting Judas—The Disciples* Prayer—The 
 
 Choice of another Apostle. 
 
 * 
 
 15. In this meeting of the first Christian church how 
 many were together? Does this number comprise the 
 whole body of Christians at that time, or were there 
 many others scattered abroad ? See 1 Cor. xv. 6. 
 
 16. The subject of Peter’s address on this occasion was 
 the fall of Judas, and the necessity of supplying his place 
 in the apostleship. Does Peter address himself to the 
 apostles only, or to the whole church? Being about to 
 quote a passage of Scripture from the Old Testament, he 
 speaks of the author of it;—who was that ? By whom was 
 it spoken ? What does this verse prove respecting the in¬ 
 spiration of the Old Testament ? Much of the Psalm 
 referred to here seems to have described originally the 
 case of David himself; but then David was a representa¬ 
 tive of Christ;—is Christ, in prophecy, ever called by the 
 name of David ? Isa. lv. 3, 4. 
 
 18, 19. These two verses do not belong to the address 
 of Peter, but form a parenthesis, thrown in by Luke to 
 explain Peter’s allusion to Judas. In the “ former treat¬ 
 ise,” or Gospel of Luke, no account had been given to 
 Theophilus of the terrible end of Judas, and therefore it 
 was necessary to mention the fact in this place. The thirty 
 
 LIBRARY — I 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 
 
12 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER I. 
 
 pieces of silver which Judas received are here alluded to; 
 —what are they called? Judas did not intend that his 
 money should %be given to buy a burial-place for the poor; 
 —how was this brought about ? Matt, xxvii. 4-8. We learn 
 from Matthew that Judas hanged himself;—what addition¬ 
 al information does Luke give us ? Was this fact known 
 to few or many ? How was it commemorated ? 
 
 20. The quotations of Peter are taken from two Psalms 
 of David : lxix. 25, and cix. 8;—what was the first quota¬ 
 tion ? What was the second ? How do they apply to the 
 case of Judas? See the fruits of sin! Instead of Judas' 
 money being used to buy land for himself, for whom did 
 it buy land ? 
 
 21. From what class of men did Peter say that a new 
 apostle should be chosen ? 
 
 22. This verse speaks of the first and last days of Christ’s 
 ministry. From what era does Peter reckon the beginning 
 of Christ’s earthly ministry ? From what era does he 
 reckon its close ? He speaks of one essential qualification 
 for an apostle ;—what was that ? It is thought by some 
 that the rank or office of apostleship has been transmitted 
 to this day;—what does this verse prove in regard to 
 that question ? In the days of Paul there were some who 
 disputed his claim to the rank of an apostle;—how did 
 Paul prove that he possessed it ? 1 Cor. ix. 1. If such be 
 a necessary qualification for an apostle, is it proper for 
 any bishop in our days to claim the rank of an apostle ? 
 
 23. Two candidates fbr the office of an apostle were now 
 appointedwho were they ? 
 
 24. How did they ask counsel of God ? What did they 
 say of God’s knowledge ? 
 
 25. The office to be filled was that of “ministry and 
 apostleship;” all apostles were ministers;—but were all 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER II. 
 
 13 
 
 ministers apostles ? How did Judas fall from his apostle- 
 ship ? To what place did he go ? Some have professed to 
 believe that, after all, Judas went to heaven;—what did 
 our Lord intimate on that point ? Matt. xxvi. 24, and John 
 xvii. 12. 
 
 26. By what means did they ascertain the will of God 
 in this case? Was this an ancient mode of appealing to 
 God ? Josh. vii. 14, 15; 1 Sam. x. 20, 21; 1 Chron. xxiv. 
 5-7. What is said by Solomon on this point? Prov. xvi. 
 83. A common way of electing by lot was to cast tickets 
 with the proper names written on them into an urn. 
 and then drawing them out. As Christ had promised to 
 his apostles special guidance, there is, therefore, reason 
 to believe that they acted in this matter under divine 
 direction. Paul recognized twelve apostles besides him¬ 
 self. 1 Cor. xv. 5. On whom did the choice fall ? In re¬ 
 gard to the decision of questions by lot we are not author¬ 
 ized to imitate the apostles in this extraordinary case; 
 —but in what respect may we imitate their example in 
 seeking the guidance of God ? 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Lessojv I.— 1-21. 
 
 The Miraculous Coming of the Holy Spirit—Its Effect on the Disci 
 pies —On the Spectators—The Discourse of Peter. 
 
 1. The first thing mentioned in this chapter is the day 
 of Pentecost. This name is of Greek origin, meaning 
 fiftieth. The feast of harvest bore this name because it 
 began on th« fiftieth day after the Passover Sabbath. 
 Was this mode of calculation a matter of divine command ? 
 
14 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER II. 
 
 LeV. xxiii. 16. We learn from the preceding chapter that 
 after the ascension of Christ the disciples went immediately 
 to the prayer-room. From the Passover Sabbath to the 
 ascension was a period of forty days;—how long a time 
 intervened before the day of Pentecost ? Do you see from 
 this narrative in what manner this interval of time was 
 chiefly spent by the disciples ? What leading feature dis¬ 
 tinguished this meeting of the early church ? Why did 
 they remain together in this way instead of going imme¬ 
 diately to their work of preaching the gospel ? Acts i. 4. 
 
 2. They were roused by a startling sign of the Spirit’s 
 presence;—what did it resemble ? Had Christ himself 
 ever spoken of such a symbol as this to denote the power 
 of the Spirit ? John iii. 8. 
 
 8. Another sign appeared;—what was it ; The Hebrews 
 were familiar with the idea that fire is a symbol of the 
 divine energy. Any form of fire would denote that;—but 
 what idea would a tongue of fire suggest ? 
 
 4. If there were any doubt as to what the fiery tongues 
 signified, the event that followed made it clear to all;— 
 how? We read in Gen. (xi. 1-9) of the confusion of 
 tongues ; here we read of the gift of tongues;—what was 
 the design of each of these visitations ? 
 
 5. As soon as the gift of tongues was granted to the 
 disciples they had occasion to use it. They soon had an 
 audience gathered from all lands;—of whom was it com¬ 
 posed ? Where were they residing at this period ? At the 
 present day Jewish families are living in all parts of the 
 world, but they are not now accustomed to visit Jerusalem 
 as they did in the age of the apostles;—why not ? It is 
 easy to answer this question when you consider the present 
 state of Jerusalem;—by whom was this predicted? Luke 
 xxi. 20, 21 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER LI. 
 
 15 
 
 6. To hear unlearned men speaking in various languages 
 was a strange event. The news fiew abroad;—what was 
 the effect ? 
 
 7. How did the multitude express their wonder ? 
 
 8. The miracle was proved to be real and not imaginary. 
 In what respect were these people competent judges ? 
 
 9-11. The historian mentions the names of the various 
 countries from which the multitude had come. [It would 
 be well to observe their positions by means of a nmp.] 
 On what subjects did the disciples speak in these languages ? 
 
 12. The multitude all acknowledged the fact, but did not 
 know how to explain it;—what question did they ask ? 
 
 18. Some, however, who were not wiser than the rest, 
 pretended to explain it;—what did they say ? Perhaps 
 these were residents of Jerusalem, who did not understand 
 the foreign languages that were spoken, and would not 
 take the trouble to ascertain the truth. Why are persons 
 of this class so positive in expressing hasty opinions ? Prov. 
 xxvi. 16. 
 
 14. When the attention of the people was thoroughly 
 awakened, who stood up to answer their questions ? To 
 whom does he particularly address himself? We have 
 already suggested the reason why he should address him¬ 
 self to these at first;—what w T as it ? What a contrast be¬ 
 tween the appearance of the speaker on this occasion and 
 on another which had arisen seven weeks before;—in what 
 respects ? Luke xxii. 55-60. 
 
 15. In denying the charge of intoxication what argu¬ 
 ment did the apostle use? -“The third hour, 55 or nine 
 o'clock, was the time of morning prayer. It was the 
 custom of religious Jews to abstain from eating or drinking 
 until after that hour. Would this fact strengthen or 
 weaken the apostle's denial of their charge ; 
 
16 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER II. 
 
 16. He accounted for the wonder by appealing to proph¬ 
 ecy ;—what prophet did he quote ? He lived and prophe¬ 
 sied about 690 years before the coming of Christ. Tim 
 prophecy quoted by Peter is found in Joel ii. 28-32. 
 
 17. To what period of time does the prophecy refer ? In 
 order to understand this phrase it may be well to observe that 
 in the early ages of the world, when patriarchs and prophets 
 looked forward to the days of Christ, they used to call them 
 4< the last days.” They well understood that no dispensation 
 of religion is to follow the Christian ; therefore they called 
 these “ the last days.” How does Paul explain the use of 
 this phrase ? Heb. i. 1. Peter does not attribute the origin 
 of the prophecy to Joel;—to whom does he attribute it? 
 Peter says, in another place, that the old prophets them¬ 
 selves did not fully understand the nature of those glorious 
 things which they spake of;—what did he teach on this 
 point? 1 Pet. i. 11. In old times the prophetic gifts of 
 the Spirit were granted only to a few among the Jews; it 
 was the will of God, however, “ in the last days,” to extend 
 them to people of all nations ;—how was this expressed ? 
 In old times God made known his will supernaturally, 
 “ by dreams and visions,” to a few chosen prophets; it 
 was foretold, however, that these should become more 
 common;—how was this expressed ? 
 
 18. The prophecy of Joel was that the gifts of the Spirit 
 should be granted to young and old, to sons and daughters, 
 “ to the servants and the handmaidens,” that is to persons 
 of every class. In quoting the prophecy, Peter shows that 
 God would acknowledge these as his own people. To ex¬ 
 press this, how does he vary the phrase ? 
 
 19. Peter proceeds to quote the prophecy, which now 
 sets forth in highly poetic language those same great 
 calamities which our Lord warned his disciples of in the 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER II. 
 
 17 
 
 twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew. The passage refers to 
 those awful scenes connected with the downfall of the 
 whole Hebrew commonwealth. This event would naturally 
 excite in the soul of a Jew the same emotions as would 
 be produced by great convulsions of nature, and it is de¬ 
 scribed, therefore, in similar language. For an illustra¬ 
 tion of this, see Amos viii. 9, 10. In the verse before us 
 what images are grouped together to denote great calami¬ 
 ties ? 
 
 20. What images are grouped in this verse ? In order 
 to understand these allusions, it will be well to study the 
 twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew, containing our Lord’s 
 warnings of the destruction of Jerusalem. [See Vol. I 
 on the Gospel of Matthew.] The time of that event was 
 a day of wrath and judgment. Christ himself said that it 
 should be notable and extraordinary;—how did he express 
 this? Matt. xxiv. 21. 
 
 21. Amid these calamities who would be saved? Tno 
 followers of Christ were saved from the destruction of 
 Jerusalem by obeying their Lord’s directions. On the 
 appearance of certain signs what- did he bid them do ? 
 Matt. xxiv. 16. Hoes this direction of Peter refer only to 
 temporal salvation ? Rom. x. 11. Is there any other way 
 of salvation ? Acts iv. 12. The dying thief embraced this 
 way of salvation;—how? Luke xxiii. 42. What was the 
 effect in his case ? The penitent publican also embraced 
 it;—how? Luke xviii. 13. From these cases you may see 
 that the way of salvation is adapted to man universally, 
 and to all circumstances. It can be embraced by one who 
 is in a temple, or on a gibbet; on a bed of sickness, or on 
 the wreck of a ship, or in such a situation as you are at 
 the present moment. What, therefore, is your immediate 
 duty if you are not a Christian ? Heb. iii. 7, 8. Wherein 
 
18 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER II. 
 
 consists the danger of delay ? Wherein consists the sin 
 of delay ? Wherein consists the folly of delay ? Where 
 lies your own temptation to delay ? 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Lesson II.— 22-47. 
 
 Proof that Jesus of Nazareth was the foretold Messiah—Effect of the 
 Discourse—Baptism of Three Thousand Converts—State of the 
 Church in Jerusalem. 
 
 22. Does Peter address his audience as Jews or Gentiles? 
 
 By what name does he call them ? Where did that name 
 originate ? Gen. xxxii. 28. How does he call for their at- 
 tion ? Our Lord was born at Bethlehem;—why was he 
 called Jesus of Nazareth? Luke iv. 16 What kind of 
 proofs were used to establish Christ’s mission ? Can you 
 mention some of them ? These were produced in public, 
 and were therefore well known;—how does Peter express 
 this ? < 
 
 23. Many of the Jews expected that their promised 
 Messiah would prove his mission by splendid conquests, 
 and rejected the thought that he would or could be cruci¬ 
 fied. Peter anticipates their objection on this ground by 
 alluding to the plan of God respecting Christ’s death;— 
 how does he do this ? It could be proved from prophecy 
 that the death of Christ was a part of God’s plan ;—where 
 was it foretold ? Isa. liii. Many would be ready to say 
 that if God’s plan were fulfilled by the crucifixion of Christ, 
 those who were engaged in the deed were guiltless. But 
 the plans of God never interfere with the free agency of 
 man; —how does the apostle express this ? On this point 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER II. 
 
 19 
 
 it may be well to observe that God often fulfills his counsel 
 by letting sinners have their own way. He rules in the 
 hearts of saints, and he overrules the acts of sinners. The 
 case of Joseph, sold as a slave in Egypt, illustrates this ;— 
 how? Gen. 1. 20. 
 
 24. Peter now brings to view the mam proof that Jesus 
 was the true Messiah;—what fact was that ? The painful 
 consequences of death, such as the corruption of the body, 
 and separation from those we love, did not follow in the 
 case of Christ;—why ? When Christ was put to death, his 
 enemies thought it not possible for him to fulfill his own 
 predictions ;—why were they mistaken ? John x. 18. 
 
 25. The apostle having spoken of the Messiah’s resurrec¬ 
 tion as a fact, now proceeds to show that it ought not to be 
 thought incredible, because it had been of old the subject 
 of prophecy. Peter’s audience all believed that the ancient 
 prophets had spoken of the Messiah;—in this case what 
 prophet did the apostle quote ? The quotation is from Ps. 
 xvi. 8-11. The prophet declares that he was ever mindf ul 
 of the Messiah, that he always felt as if in his presence;— 
 how does he express this ? How does the Psalmist express 
 his confidence of safety ? 
 
 26. The prophet here speaks in the name of the Messiah, 
 and uses words appropriate to Christ himself;—how does 
 he express his joy at the thought of a resurrection from 
 the dead ? Paul says that Christ “ endured the cross for 
 the joy that was set before him.” Heb. xii. 2. Hid Christ 
 before his own death anticipate his resurrection ? Matt, 
 xvi. 21, 
 
 27. The word translated “ hell” in this verse is Hades, 
 and this might have been transferred , instead of being 
 translated, for in that way the meaning would have been 
 plainer. Hades is the name given to the invisible world, 
 
20 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER II. 
 
 “ the separate state of the dead.” It is a state both of 
 reward and punishment. In the parable of the rich man 
 and Lazarus, our Saviour speaks of the wealthy sinner 
 and the faithful Abraham as being both in Hades, but far 
 apart from each other; the one in misery, the other in 
 happiness. The word “ Hades,” therefore, does not, like 
 the word “ hell,” denote merely a place of misery. There 
 is another word translated “hell,” that is “gehenna,” 
 used by our Saviour in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt, 
 v. 29, etc.), which denotes a state of misery simply. But 
 this is not the case with “Hades,” and the phrase, “ Thou 
 wilt not leave my soul in e Hades, 5 ” means, Thou wilt not 
 leave me in the state of the dead. After the death of the 
 Messiah hoW long was he in the state of the dead ? Why 
 was he called the Holy One ? Where was his body laid ? 
 The prophecy declared that it should remain in the grave 
 but a short time ; —how was this expressed ? 
 
 28. These words celebrate the joy of the crucified Mes¬ 
 siah in view of the resurrection;—to whom are they ad¬ 
 dressed ? From whom did the promise of exaltation come ? 
 Ps. ii. 7, and cx. 1. 
 
 29. Having finished the quotation from prophecy, of 
 whom does Peter proceed to speak? Lest some might 
 object to the application of the prophecy, and say that 
 David spake of himself, the apostle shows that it could not 
 apply to him. In what state was David at the time of 
 Peter’s discourse ? 
 
 30. Peter speaks of the inspiration of David;—what 
 does he call him ? On what subject had David received a 
 revelation ? In one of his psalms David celebrated this 
 promise;—what did he say? Ps. lxxxix. 35-37. This 
 promise was of old the hope of Israel;—what did Paul say 
 of it? Rom. i. 2-4. 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER II. 
 
 21 
 
 31. To what great fact in Christ’s history did David’s 
 prophecy refer ? In regard to the resurrection the proph¬ 
 ecy affirms two things—one of the soul, the other of the 
 body of the Messiah;—what does it say of each ? 
 
 32. Peter now shows that the predictions of the prophets 
 and the testimony of apostles perfectly agree;—in what 
 respect ? What means of knowledge had the witnesses in 
 this case ? See chap. i. 3, note. 
 
 33. Christ’s resurrection was preparatory to another 
 event;—what was that? With the ancients the right 
 hand was the emblem of power , and to sit at the right 
 hand was an emblem of dignity. This was in contrast 
 with the humiliation of Christ on the cross. Peter had 
 already shown that prophecy pointed out the descent of the 
 Spirit as a signal proof of the reign of Christ, now he shows 
 that the prophecy and the fact agree ;—in what respect ? 
 
 34. He brings another argument to show that ^he 
 prophecy could not refer to David;—what was it^ He 
 quotes the 110th Psalm;—what prophecy did that contain? 
 If David in spirit called Jesus Lord, how is he then David’s 
 son ? 
 
 35. The final triumph of Christ’s kingdom is predicted; 
 —in what terms ? The world is divided into two classes— 
 Christ’s “foes” and friends;—how shall we know in which 
 class to rank ourselves ? 
 
 36. Who are meant by “ all the house of Israel ?” Of 
 what were they guilty ? To what conclusion did this dis¬ 
 course bring them ? 
 
 37. However loth they might be to admit this conclusion, 
 the evidence of it was clear. The truth was like a sharp 
 sword piercing the heart;—in what respect ? How did 
 they show that they were convinced by the truth ? Did 
 this imply confession of sin ? 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER II. 
 
 22 
 
 38. Wliat duties did Peter enjoin on them ? Conviction 
 is one thing, repentance another;—how do they differ? 
 Judas was convicted;—did he truly repent? If a man 
 truly repent of sin he will love Christ;—how should he 
 show this ? John xiv. 15. What did Christ promise as the 
 effect of this ? John xiv. 16, 17. What did Peter say would 
 be the effect of this ? 
 
 39. The Jews had cried out when they crucified Christ, 
 “His blood be on us, and our children!” thence they 
 might infer that their own curse would rest on them; 
 —how did Peter encourage them to hope for its removal ? 
 Does this promise of grace extend to us ? At the time it 
 was given heathenism covered the finest portions of the 
 earth, and but for Christ’s fulfillment of this promise 
 heathenism would now prevail even here. Heathens and 
 Jews were distinguished as those that were “far off,” and 
 those that were “nigh.” Eph. ii. 17. Those who know 
 the true religion are, in point of privilege, nigh to God; 
 —what is their duty to the heathen ? Matt, xxviii. 19. 
 Where the gospel is truly preached all are called, but 
 what follows if the call be rejected ? Heb. ii. 3. 
 
 40. Has Luke told us all that Peter said at this time, or 
 only the substance ? When called to yield to the claims 
 of Christ, we are in danger of waiting to see how others 
 will determine, and whether the great multitude will not 
 be on the same side;—what caution did the apostle give 
 on this point ? 
 
 41. Here is a beautiful expression to denote the act of 
 faith;—what is it ? How did these converts profess their 
 faith ? What command had Christ given in regard to such 
 a public profession? Matt, xxviii. 19. How many were 
 on that day added to the church ? Whether they were all 
 baptized on the same day has been questioned. The nar- 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER II. 
 
 23 
 
 rative is not perfectly clear on that point. Nevertheless 
 this large number could easily have been baptized on the 
 day of Pentecost, for among the one hundred and twenty 
 disciples present there were, we have every reason to be¬ 
 lieve, those seventy preachers whom Jesus had ordained 
 and sent forth. Luke x. 1. Moreover, it may be well to 
 mention here, as a fact of some importance, that in the 
 early centuries the Greek churches were accustomed to 
 baptize only once or twice a year, that is, on Easter Day 
 and Pentecost, and that in the year 404, Chrysostom of 
 Constantinople, with the aid of his presbyters in that city, 
 immersed three thousand persons. This fact shows two 
 things: first, that such a baptism is altogether practicable; 
 secondly, that the ancient Christians understood that im¬ 
 mersion is the act denoted by the word baptism. 
 
 42. It might be feared that persons so suddenly con¬ 
 verted would apostatize;—what is said on that point ? 
 Four things are mentioned to denote their perseverance; 
 —what are these ? The first shows that they aimed to 
 become intelligent Christians;—why? The second shows 
 that they were united Christians ;—why ? The third 
 shows that their social feelings had taken a new turn;— 
 why? The fourth shows that they were devotional 
 Christians ;—why ? 
 
 43. Now there was a great change in the state of public 
 feeling;—in what respect ? Afterward what increased 
 this new state of feeling? The apostles were endowed 
 with great powers;—what promise was thus fulfilled ? 
 Mark xvi. 17. 
 
 44. At the feast of Pentecost thousands of Jews were 
 assembled from different countries in Jerusalem, and it 
 was customary for those who were from the same country 
 to be together. [This fact is alluded to in chap. vi. 9.] 
 
24 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER II. 
 
 But these converts were now united by a stronger bond 
 than that of country or of kin;—what bond was that ? 
 They left their old synagogues;—with whom did they 
 choose to associate ? A great emergency arose. They 
 were exposed to persecution from their countrymen who 
 were not converted, and many would be “ cast out of the 
 synagogue, 55 and be liable to the ills of poverty;—how 
 was this emergency met ? 
 
 45. How did the rich obtain money to divide among the 
 poor ? If a similar emergency should now arise, true 
 Christians would meet it in a similar manner. But in 
 ordinary cases what is the rule for a Christian church—to 
 live on a common stock, or for each to take care of his 
 own ? 1 Tim. v. 8. Yet toward the poor what is our duty' 
 Gal. ii. 10. 
 
 46. The daily habits of the new converts proved devo¬ 
 tion ;—how ? They proved that true religion cultivates 
 social feeling;—how ? They proved that true religion 
 produces happiness ;—how was this manifest ? 
 
 47. How did they show their gratitude ? The rulers 
 were not converted, yet the storm of persecution was 
 lulled;—in what way ? After the day of Pentecost the 
 cause of religion made constant progress. Hid the con¬ 
 verts keep their religion a secret ? How did they profess 
 it ? Are all Christians bound to imitate their example ? 
 Matt. x. 32, 33. 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER III 
 
 25 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Lesson.— 1-26. 
 
 A great Miracle—It is ascribed to the Power of Christ—The People 
 
 charged with the Guilt of his Crucifixion—Peter’s Second Dis¬ 
 course. 
 
 1. At the forty-sixth verse of the last chapter what ia 
 said of the daily habits of the first Christians while resid¬ 
 ing in Jerusalem ? Accordingly, who are mentioned here 
 as observing this practice ? There were regular times for 
 public prayer;—at what hour was this ? The Jews made 
 twelve hours in each day, from sunrise to sunset. The 
 ninth hour was the middle one between noon and sunset. 
 At the time of the equinox this was three o’clock in the 
 afternoon. This was the time of “ evening prayer.” 
 There was also the morning and noon prayer hour. This 
 division was probably quite ancient. Ps. lv. 17. 
 
 2. A beggar, lame from his birth, arrested their atten¬ 
 tion ;—why was he there ? How did he get there ? There 
 was one great gate of the temple, covered, as Josephus 
 says, with Corinthian brass, exceedingly splendid ;—what 
 was its name ? In Eastern lands it is common now for the 
 miserably poor to ask alms at temple doors;—can you 
 think of a reason why such places should be selected ? 
 
 3. This poor man addressed the two apostles ;—for what ? 
 
 4. They did not turn their eyes away with indifference 
 or disgust, but fixed his attention on themselves;—how ? 
 
 5. What did the poor man then expect? 
 
 6. The apostles had no money, but conferred that which 
 was much better;—what was it ? In whose name was 
 
 2 
 
28 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER III. 
 
 this gift conferred ? In whose name did Christ himself 
 work miracles ? 
 
 7. A great change immediately followed the words of 
 Peter;—what was it ? 
 
 8. Not only was the miracle wrought, but none could 
 dispute it;—what were the proofs of its reality ? What 
 was the effect on the poor man’s heart? Once Christ 
 healed ten lepers;—how many of them acted like this 
 man? Luke xvii. 18. Ingratitude is a great sin. We all 
 owe much to Christ;—for what, especially, does he de¬ 
 serve our gratitude ? When this poor man received the 
 command to walk, he did not wait to see if any change 
 had been wrought in his limbs, but with the will to obey 
 strength came;—what great lesson does this teach us ? 
 
 9. Who were witnesses to this miracle ? Observe, the 
 miracles of Christ and the apostles were public. They 
 were performed before enemies as well as friends. They 
 were wrought to establish a new doctrine in spite of the 
 public prejudice, and did establish it;—can these things 
 be said of false or spurious miracles ? 
 
 10. The multitude were competent witnesses in this 
 case;—why ? What were the effects of the work on their 
 minds ? 
 
 11. A great crowd collected;—where? Jesus once 
 preached a discourse on that spot;—what was the effect ? 
 John x. 31. 
 
 12. When Peter spoke he answered their thoughts ;— 
 what questions did he ask them ? 
 
 13. In beginning his address he intimates that he was 
 not about to preach a new religion;—how does he do this ? 
 He shows that they had rejected the God whom they pro¬ 
 fessed to serve;—how does he do it ? He shows that they 
 were greater sinners than the heathen governor by whoir. 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER. III. 
 
 27 
 
 Jesus had been scourged;—in what way ? This was faith¬ 
 ful preaching;—in what respect is it an example for 
 preachers in our time ? 
 
 14. What character does the apostle ascribe to Jesus? 
 Ilow had they proved the enmity of their hearts against 
 him ? Whom had they preferred to him ? They had 
 obeyed their priests and rulers rather than their own 
 consciences;—in what way ? Mark xv. 11. 
 
 15. Peter shows to the Jews the enormity of their sin 
 in view of the character of Christ;—what title does he 
 give the Saviour ? He asserts the same great fact that he 
 had dwelt upon in the preceding discourse;—what was 
 that ? Why is this fact regarded as so important ? 1 Cor. 
 xv. 14. 
 
 16. In this verse the apostle points out the true cause 
 of the miracle. He had disclaimed all power to work it 
 himself, and now brings to view the fact that he had in¬ 
 voked the name of another;—how does he do this ? In 
 performing the miracle what words bad the apostle used ? 
 The words had no power in themselves, but they made 
 known whence the efficient power came;—from whom ? 
 What promise had been given to the apostles in regard to 
 this exercise of power ? Mark xvi. 17, 18. Nevertheless, 
 a promise is of no avail to us unless it be believed, that is, 
 received with faith. Unless it is trusted it will not be a 
 motive to action;—what, therefore, did Peter say respect¬ 
 ing the exercise of faith ? 
 
 17. In a course of sin the mind becomes blinded by 
 passion, so that, at last, in hours of reflection it is aston¬ 
 ished to see to what lengths it has gone. Such was the 
 case with Peter’s audience;—what did he say to them on 
 this point ? Observe here, that ignorance of one’s duty is 
 itself a sin, when the means of knowledge are neglected 
 
28 
 
 ACTS, CHATTER III. 
 
 or abused;—what did Christ himself say of his hearers is 
 regard to this? Matt. xiii. 15. Nevertheless, sins of ig¬ 
 norance do not fatally harden the heart like willful sins 
 committed with the eyes open;—what did Paul teach on 
 this subject? Heb. x. 26. 
 
 18. Peter did not wish the people to think that his 
 Lord would not forgive them, therefore he taught them 
 that God had overruled the evil they had done for good;— 
 how did he do this ? The apostle shows in this expression 
 that the prophecies of the Old Testament are to be viewed 
 and studied as one grand system;—how does he bring out 
 this idea ? 
 
 19. God’s foreseeing and foretelling the sins of men 
 can not take away their freedom or their sinfulness; hence 
 what two duties does the apostle enjoin on his hearers '• 
 The first duty relates to the heart, the other to the life, 
 yet they always go together ;—why so ? The same happy 
 consequence is mentioned as following repentance that 
 was spoken of in the preceding discourse, chap. ii. 38;— 
 what blessing is that ? As a motive to repentance Peter 
 brings out the idea that happy times were in reserve for 
 true Christians, in which he wished his hearers to partici¬ 
 pate. He calls these “ times of refreshing.” He refers 
 to the progress of Christ’s kingdom on the earth, and its 
 consummation in heaven. To these he habitually looked 
 forward with joyful hope. In order to understand his 
 views more fully see his second epistle (2 Pet. iii. 
 8-14). 
 
 20. In order to exhibit the blessing of being forgiven, 
 the mind of Peter glances onward to the ultimate issue— 
 the final coming of Christ. Because, although forgiveness 
 is a blessing to the believer now , yet for a man to be “ in 
 his sins” and unforgiven then, will be the same as to be 
 
29 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER III. 
 
 lost. Christ himself had taught the same truth;—in what 
 manner ? Matt. xxv. 81-33. 
 
 21. The apostle here meets an objection that would 
 naturally arise in some minds. It was a common belief 
 of the Jews before the Messiah came, that he would abide 
 on the earth. See John xii. 36. Peter, therefore, asserts 
 that for the present Christ must remain in heaven , not on 
 earth ; —how does he express this ? The word which is 
 here translated “receive” means retain; —what period is 
 spoken of as that of Christ’s final coming ? From Christ’s 
 own teachings we judge that “ the restitution of all 
 things” means the restoring of all things to their proper 
 place, that is, bringing order out of disorder. He teaches 
 us that now the good and bad are mingled, the wise and 
 foolish virgins are together, the wheat and tares are to¬ 
 gether, the sheep and goats are together;—but at his final 
 coming what change will take place ? Matt. xiii. 40-43, 
 and xxv. 31. It said in this verse that the oldest as well 
 as the later prophets have foretold this ultimate issue. 
 Jude refers us to one of the oldest prophets speaking on 
 this subject;—what did he say ? Jude 14, 15. 
 
 22. What prediction does Peter quote from Moses? 
 Where is it found ? Dcut. xviii. 18, 19. Moses was par¬ 
 ticularly distinguished by uniting in himself the offices 
 of prophet and lawgiver. In this, especially, Christ was 
 like him. What duty was enjoined in regard to this great 
 prophet whom Moses spoke of ? 
 
 23. What will be the effect of rejecting this prophet ? 
 On this subject how did Paul reason in his epistle to the 
 Hebrews? Heb. x. 28, 29. 
 
 24. Peter again draws the attention of his hearers to 
 the chief subject of ancient prophecy;—how does he do it ? 
 
 25. The apastle now reminds his hearers of their great 
 
30 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER IV. 
 
 privileges;—in what respects ? Their advantages were 
 great;—what was the chief of all? Rom. iii. 2. When 
 the world was sunken in idolatry God called Abraham 
 from Chaldea, directed his steps to Canaan, gave him the 
 promise that he should be the father of a nation, and that 
 from him the Messiah should come forth to be a blessing 
 to all nations. This arrangement is called “ a covenant 
 —in what terms was it expressed ? Gen. xii. 1-3. The 
 Jews were the children of Abraham by the law of natural 
 descent, but they thought more of this relation than they 
 ought to have done;—why ? Matt. iii. 8, 9. There was 
 another way in which they might be reckoned as the 
 children of Abraham, and which they too much despised ; 
 -—what way was that ? Rom. iv. 13. 
 
 26. Peter wished that his hearers might become children 
 of Abraham and heirs of the covenant in this higher and 
 better sense;—how did he show them the way in which 
 this might be accomplished ? Was the opportunity offered 
 to all or a few ? The same offers of grace are made to us; 
 —will they do us any good unless we accept them ? If we 
 reject them will our condition be rendered worse on that 
 account? Matt. xi. 21, 22. In view of this great subject 
 what is the first and most important duty of every one 
 Who reads or hears the gospel ? 2 Cor. vi. 1, 2. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Lesson I.—1-20. 
 
 The Apostles’ Teaching interrupted—They are carried before the 
 Rulers—Peter’s Address to them—Perplexity of the Rulers—Their 
 Threat—The Apostles’ Answer. 
 
 1. The miracle of healing the lame man at the gate 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER IV. 
 
 31 
 
 of the temple had drawn a crowd together. While the 
 apostles were preaching to these, who interrupted them ? 
 Observe here, that there was a body of persons called the 
 “Temple Guard.” Their business was to protect the 
 property of the temple, and to preserve order;—what is 
 their leader called in this verse ? The Sadducees are here 
 mentioned ;—what was their leading doctrine ? Matt, 
 xxii. 23. 
 
 2. We often have occasion to notice that the open oppo¬ 
 sition to Christ sprang not from the people at large, but 
 from the government; —how was it in this case? Why 
 were the Sadducees particularly offended ? 
 
 3. Jewish courts were held in the morning;—at what 
 time did this interruption of the apostles take place ? 
 What was done with them ? 
 
 4. Nevertheless Peter’s sermon was not lost;—why? 
 What number of men had been converted up to this time p 
 
 5. This verse mentions the classes of persons who com¬ 
 posed the Sanhedrim, or high court of the Jews;—who 
 were they ? 
 
 6. The highest officers were present;—who are here 
 mentioned ? Of these, who presided at the trial of Jesus ? 
 John xi. 49. Would the apostles expect impartial judgment 
 at this tribunal ? 
 
 7. It was a common belief at that time that many things 
 of a miraculous kind could be done by magic. Very often 
 the jugglers, sorcerers, or magicians, would invoke the 
 name of an angel, or of Abraham, or of Solomon. The 
 wonderful healing of the lame man could not be denied; 
 and now the high priests wish to put the apostles on a 
 level with their own sorcerers. They did not say this 
 openly, but intimated it by a question ;—in what way ? 
 
 8. Who spoke in behalf of the apostles ? Who prompted 
 
32 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER IV. 
 
 him to speak ? His manner of address was respectful;— 
 how did this appear ? 
 
 9. He would not allow what had been done to be treated 
 as a crime ; —what did he call it ? 
 
 10. He did not wish any thing concealed;—whom did 
 he wish to know it? To whom did he attribute the 
 glory of the miracle ? In referring to Jesus, he did 
 not speak of him as belonging to Bethlehem or Jerusa¬ 
 lem ;—what place did he mention ? With what feelings 
 did the Jews regard that place? John i. 46. What crime 
 did Peter charge upon the rulers ? Two facts were men¬ 
 tioned to prove the claims of Jesus as the Messiah;— 
 what was the first ? What was the second ? The first fact 
 Paul quoted for the same purpose ?—what did he say ? 
 Rom. i. 4. Facts like the second had been predicted by 
 Isaiah long before, as proofs of the Messiah;—in what 
 way ? Isa. xxxv. 6. 
 
 11. In Psalm cxviii. 22, is a remarkable saying, with 
 which the rulers were quite familiar. Peter quoted it, 
 and applied it to them;—what was it ? This very pas¬ 
 sage our Lord had applied in a similar way;—on what 
 occasion ? Matt. xxi. 42. The church of God is often 
 compared to a building; the Jewish priests and rab¬ 
 bis thought that they were the appointed builders. In 
 this verse, however, Peter shows that they were not, for 
 they were not qualified to select \he material adapted to 
 the structure. Seven centuries before this time Isaiah 
 had prophesied of Christ as the true foundation-stone of 
 the spiritual temple;—what had he said ? Isa. xxviii. 16. 
 Many years after this discourse, Peter spoke of this sub¬ 
 ject in one of his letters;—what did he say ? 1 Pet. ii. 6. 
 
 12. Peter not only shows that Christ is the true founda¬ 
 tion, but he shows the necessity of every one’s building 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER IV. 
 
 33 
 
 the fabric of his hopes on this foundation;—how does he 
 do this ? There are those who have said that the Chris¬ 
 tian religion is good for some, but that another religion 
 may be better for others;—did the teaching of Peter agree 
 with this view, or differ from it ? After Christianity be¬ 
 came known abroad, some of the learned Romans wished 
 to rank Jesus ajnong the pagan gods, and pay him divine 
 honors ;—would the apostles have been pleased with that ? 
 We see from the preaching of the apostles that Christian¬ 
 ity is a liberal system of religion, because it offers a free 
 salvation to all, even the greatest sinners; but this verse 
 proves it to be also an exclusive religion;—in what re¬ 
 spect ? 
 
 13. One thing astonished the Jewish court;—what was 
 that ? The word translated ignorant in this verse means 
 private men, that is, they did not belong to any of the 
 learned professions—they were not scribes or lawyers. 
 What conclusion did the court come to about them ? 
 What promise of Christ was now fulfilled ? Luke xxi. 15. 
 
 14. The court wished to condemn the apostles as false 
 teachers or impostors ;—what prevented them ? The poor 
 man who had been a cripple and had been healed appears 
 to have felt gratitude toward the apostles;—how did he 
 show this ? 
 
 15. The court being in a dilemma, what did they do at 
 first to the apostles ? What followed among themselves ? 
 
 16. What question was discussed? What confession did 
 they make ? Why do you suppose that this court did not 
 condemn the apostles to death, as it had their master? 
 
 17. The court resolved to conceal what they knew from 
 the people;—how? This proved that their cause was a 
 weak one;—why? 
 
 18. How did the court carry its resolution into effect? 
 
 2 * 
 
84 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER IV. 
 
 19. The Jewish Court, like the Spanish Inquisition, was 
 accustomed to see its prisoners terrified by its threats. 
 But the apostles were not intimidated ;—what appeal did 
 they make ? They declared the great principle on which 
 they acted;—what was it ? 
 
 20. This principle always fills the soul with courage;— 
 what effect did the apostles say it had on them ? The 
 prophet Jeremiah once felt the same effect of the same 
 principle ;—how did he express it ? Jer. xx. 9. If we have 
 love to'Christ it will act on us in the same way—it will 
 make us bold and fearless What was Paul’s experience 
 on this point ? 2 Cor. v. 14 If we feel convinced that we 
 are indebted to Christ for eternal salvation, we should 
 show our gratitude by obedience and by zeal in his service. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Lesson II.—21-37. 
 
 'Plie Apostles Dismissed—Their Prayer—The Answer to their Prayer 
 
 —Their Love and Disinterestedness 
 
 21. The apostles’ appeal was not answered by argu¬ 
 ment ; —by what then ? The court would have been glad 
 to have punished them;—why did they not do it ? The 
 people saw God’s hand in the miracle;—what was the 
 effect on them ? 
 
 22. One thing made the people sure that the miracle 
 was genuine ;—what was that ? 
 
 23. When the apostles were dismissed, to whom did they 
 go ? AVhat was the subject of their conversation ? How 
 often did this company meet ? Acts ii. 46. 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER IV. 
 
 35 
 
 24. This was a joyful meeting, and united in joyful 
 worship. To whom did the disciples address themselves ? 
 Did they begin their worship with praise or prayer ?■ In 
 addressing God it has a good effect on our minds to men¬ 
 tion his names and perfections;—what perfection of God 
 did they here celebrate ? 
 
 25. It has also a good effect upon the mind to dwell upon 
 the truths of his word. What psalm did they quote ? Does 
 this verse show that the psalm was divinely inspired ? 
 
 26. The psalm was prophetic. It foretold that the gov¬ 
 ernments of the earth would oppose Christ. How is this 
 expressed ? In the psalm itself, which was composed in 
 Hebrew, the word here rendered Christ is Messiah. The 
 Hebrew word Messiah and the Greek word Christ have 
 the same sense, meaning, <e the anointed one.” This desig¬ 
 nation of our Saviour arose from the fact that prophets, 
 priests, and kings were inaugurated into office by being 
 anointed with sacred oil. We have already seen (chap. iii. 
 22) that Jesus was foretold as the great prophet of Israel. 
 Was he also foretold as a priest and king ? Ps. cx. 4. 
 
 27. In their act of worship the disciples say that the 
 prophecy respecting Jesus had been fulfilledhow did 
 they express this ? 
 
 28. The heathen were wont to say that the ignominious 
 death of Jesus proved that he was not the Son of God, or 
 that, if he were, the God of the Christians had not power 
 or wisdom to protect him. The disciples, however, rejoiced 
 to think that the wrath of man would be made to subserve 
 the designs of God ;—how does this appear ? The enemies 
 of God are free agents , and act from choice, but there is 
 a limit to their power;—wh$- ? Dan. iv. 35. 
 
 29. The voice of praise is followed by that of prayer;— 
 what was the first request of the disciples ? Thus they 
 
36 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER IV. 
 
 spread their complaint before the Lord, just as Hezekiah 
 spread the blasphemous letter of the king of Assyria before 
 the mercy seat. Isa. xxxyii. 14. Now observe, the disci¬ 
 ples did not pray that they might be free from all trouble, 
 and have an easy life;—what quality of character did they 
 seek ? 
 
 30. What special favors did they pray for ? Remember 
 that a special promise had been given them respecting 
 these things, and now they pray that it may be fulfilled. 
 What promise was that ? Mark xvi. 17, 18. Remember, 
 too, that they had already been assured of the fulfillment 
 of this promise by the miraculous healing of the cripple 
 at the gate of the temple. Why did they wish such favors 
 to be repeated ? 
 
 31. A new sign was immediately given to show that 
 their prayer was heard. It was an external and miracu¬ 
 lous sign;—what was it ? The same blessing which fol¬ 
 lowed their prayers on the day of Pentecost was repeated; 
 —what was it ? That was a great gift;—what effect did 
 it produce on them ? That gift was granted in answer to 
 prayer;—what ancient promise was given to all earnest 
 seekers on this point? Isa. xl. 31. Paul desired that his 
 Christian brethren would pray that he might enjoy tho 
 same blessing;—how did he express it ? Eph vi. 18, 19. 
 
 32. There was now a multitude of disciples;—how many ? 
 See verse 4. There was no discord;—how were they 
 united ? One great test of character is the use which men 
 make of worldly property;—how did these Christians use 
 theirs ? What lesson had Christ taught on this subject ? 
 Matt. xix. 29. Paul directed Timothy to enjoin the culti¬ 
 vation of the same spirit whiclj these first Christians ex¬ 
 hibited ;—how did he express it? 1 Tim. vi. 18. 
 
 83. What was the great subject of the apostles’ preaching 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER IV. 
 
 37 
 
 at this time ? This one great fact employed their thoughts; 
 —if all men heartily believed this fact, what effect do you 
 suppose would naturally follow? What is said of the 
 character of the apostles’ preaching? Every body saw 
 that a remarkable degree of divine influence rested on 
 these men;—how is this expressed ? 
 
 34, 35. Among this multitude there were rich and poor; 
 —did any of the poor suffer from want? The rich met 
 the emergency by turning their lands into money;—how 
 did they do this ? Under whose direction was the distri¬ 
 bution made ? We see that there was no joint stock of 
 property, like that advocated by the Communists, in which 
 each one claims a share, but a free contribution as far as 
 was necessary to relieve the wants of the distressed. Was 
 this distribution ordained by any law of the church, or 
 was it entirely voluntary ? 
 
 36, 37. There was among these converts a rich foreigner, 
 who had property in one of the islands of the Mediterranean 
 Sea;—what was his name ? One of his names expressed 
 his characterwhat was that? This man became a 
 Christian preacher;—what did he do with the property 
 which he had left at home ? He afterward traveled much 
 with Paul, and was the first missionary sent forth by a 
 Christian church to the heathen. How do we know this 
 fact? Acts xi. 22. He did not preach for the sake of money, 
 but gave up money for the sake of preaching;—are any in 
 this age bound to imitate his example ? Some time ago the 
 example of Barnabas was imitated in a remarkable manner 
 by Adoniram Judson, a missionary to Burmah, who, when 
 he received ten thousand dollars for services rendered to 
 the British government, “ laid it down at the feet” of the 
 Missionary Board. From this voluntary act, what should 
 we infer respecting his idea of the right use of money ? 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER V. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Lesson I. — 1-23. 
 
 The Wilful Lie of Ananias and Sapphira—Their Death—Miraculous 
 
 Power of the Apostles—New Persecution—Deliverance. 
 
 1, 2. The last chapter closes with an example of sincere 
 benevolence. Here we have an example quite in contrast 
 with that. Two persons wished to obtain the credit of 
 benevolence without having it. What were their names ? 
 We know nothing of them except their sin and its pun¬ 
 ishment. What did this man do with his property ? It is 
 implied that he made a false representation of the case;— 
 in what respect ? What share had his wife in the transac¬ 
 tion ? They desired the praise of being liberal, and prob¬ 
 ably intended to draw alms from the church-treasury, as 
 if they had become poor. 
 
 3. Peter immediately put a startling question to Anani¬ 
 as ;—what was it ? Who tempted Ananias to speak false¬ 
 ly ? There is no sin in being tempted, but only in yielding 
 to temptation. Evil men often tempt us, and so do evil 
 spirits ; but if we yield to them the guilt is our own. The 
 children of God are led by God’s Spirit;—what does 
 Christ say of those who practice falsehood ? John viii. 44. 
 Ananias had professed to believe with the rest that the 
 apostles were guided by the Holy* Ghost;—what peculiar 
 daring or presumption is therefore attributed to him ? 
 
 4. Peter argues the case with him;—whose was the land 
 while it remained unsold ? Was Ananias required to sell 
 it ? After he had sold it was he required to give it away 
 if he did not wish to do so ? He professed to be free in 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER V. 
 
 39 
 
 giving the whole to the cause of God;—what was the pe¬ 
 culiar character of his sin ? All falsehood is sin; but this 
 sin was aggravated;—why ? 
 
 5. What judgment immediately fell on Ananias ? Ob¬ 
 serve the phrase used in Scripture to express death. It 
 marks the distinction between body and spirit;—in what 
 way ? The phrase occurs in the Old Testament. Gen. xlix. 
 33. It was a common phrase among the Jews in the ear¬ 
 liest times, and indicates the common belief that the soul 
 existed in a state of separation from the body. What was 
 the effect of this judgment on the people generally ? This 
 remarkable event, which occurred at the opening of the 
 Christian dispensation, is like one which occurred at the 
 opening of the Mosaic dispensation;—what event was that ? 
 Lev. x. 1,2. This is not God’s ordinary way of punish¬ 
 ing sin;—can you think of any reason why it was espe¬ 
 cially necessary in these cases ? 
 
 6. What was immediately done with the corpse of An¬ 
 anias ? 
 
 7. During this time the wife of Ananias was absent;— 
 how long was it before she came in ? Had she known the 
 fate of her husband, fear might have prevented her giving 
 such answers as she did to the questions addressed to her. 
 Peter wished to see if she would repeat Ananias’ false¬ 
 hood. 
 
 8. By what question did Peter try her ? How did she 
 show that she was a partaker of her husband’s sin ? 
 
 9. What did Peter call the crime that she had conspired 
 with her husband to commit? The word “ tempt” means 
 not only to entice to sin, but also to try, or ‘‘put to the 
 test.” In contriving their falsehood Ananias and Sapphira 
 acted just as if they wished to put the Hoiy Spirit “ to the 
 test,” to see whether he could detect their sin or not 
 
40 
 
 ACTS. CHAPTER V. 
 
 Whenever men sin presumptuously they seem to have a 
 doubt whether God notices them or not. How did Peter 
 announce Sappliira’s doom ? 
 
 10 What event followed ? Notice, the same mode of 
 expressing death mentioned above occurs again. It de¬ 
 notes that the spirit left the body. When infidels, who do 
 not believe in a future state of being, wish to express the 
 fact that a man has died, they usually say, “ He is no 
 more.” Hid our Saviour distinctly teach the existence of 
 the spirit in a state separate from the body ? Luke xvi. 22, 
 23, and xxiii. 43. 
 
 11. What Was the effect produced by the fate of these 
 two persons on the minds of the people ? If nothing of 
 this kind had taken place, the church at Jerusalem would 
 have been peculiarly liable to receive many who were 
 under the influence of mercenary motives;—how does this 
 appear from the facts already stated ? 
 
 12. The apostles were endowed with wonderful powers ; 
 —how was this shown ? The church at Jerusalem had 
 now become very large, and a private room would not 
 contain them;—where did they meet as one body ? 
 
 - 13. It might be supposed that the captain of the temple, 
 the officers, priests, and rulers would have driven the 
 church away from the porch of the temple;—what pre¬ 
 vented them from doing so ? From the early history of 
 the church it appears that the chief opposition against the 
 cause of Christ arose from the government rather than 
 from the people ; —how is that distinction noticed in this 
 verse ? Paul enjoins it as a duty on Christians to pray 
 for the governments of the earth;—what should we ask 
 for them ? 1 Tim. ii. 2. 
 
 14. Although unbelievers stood in awe of the Christian 
 church., and none dared to interfere with them, or join 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER V. 
 
 41 
 
 them through selfish motives, did the church decline as to 
 numbers ? Some dread the effects of discipline which cuts 
 off unworthy members from a church;—what was the 
 effect in this case ? 
 
 15. Facts are mentioned which show the great influence 
 which the apostles had with the people;—what facts are 
 these ? Were they miraculous ? What promise of Christ 
 was fulfilled ? Mark xvi. 18. There was no virtue in the 
 shadow of Peter, but those who could not get near him 
 thus testified their faith in the power of God exerted 
 through him. In such cases as these, according to what 
 rule was healing generally granted ? Matt. ix. 29. If any 
 had looked for healing from a superstitious trust in Peter, 
 as being more than man, or without anjr belief in Christ, 
 would they have been likely to obtain it ? 
 
 16. There was a great popular excitement throughout 
 the surrounding country;—on what account ? Two classes 
 of afflicted persons are here mentioned;—who were they ? 
 What degree of success accompanied the applications of 
 these people for help ? 
 
 17. There was a great excitement of another kind in 
 J erusalem;—among whom ? What passion was excited ? 
 
 18. This excitement led to an act of violence;—what 
 was it ? 
 
 19. Christ had promised to be with his disciples in times 
 of distress ;—how did he help them on this occasion ? 
 
 20. The bolts fly back—the doors are opened;—what 
 command was given to the apostles? The phrase used 
 here to denote the gospel is very significant; it is like a 
 phrase which Peter once used himself in speaking to the 
 Saviour;—what was that ? John vi. 68. 
 
 21. The Jews were early worshipers at the temple;— 
 how did the apostles avail themselves of that custom? 
 
42 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER V. 
 
 There was another meeting, of a different sort, held at the 
 same time;—of whom was it composed ? For what purpose 
 was it called together ? 
 
 22, 23. They were waiting for the return of their officers, 
 and soon received some surprising news;—what was it ? 
 
 24. What effect did this news produce on the minds of 
 the council ? If they had had honest and unprejudiced 
 minds they would not have remained in doubt , but would 
 have believed with the heart unto salvation. When the 
 evidence was so clear, what was the main cause of un¬ 
 belief? See Matt. xiii. 15. 
 
 In reviewing this lesson, what proof do we find that 
 “ lying lips are an abomination to the Lord ?” 
 
 What proof that the apostles were inspired and com¬ 
 missioned to be the guides and teachers of the church ? 
 
 What proof that mere light and evidence is not all that 
 is sufficient to convert the soul to God ? 
 
 What arguments in favor of fervent prayer for the influ¬ 
 ence of the Holy Spirit ? 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Lesson II.—25-42. 
 
 25. The closing verse of the last lesson brought to our 
 view the Jewish council assembled, and in a state of doubt. 
 Soon, however, they received news which filled them with 
 astonishment;—what was that ? 
 
 26. The officers had expected to have brought the apos¬ 
 tles before the council out of a lonely prison. But they 
 find them in a public place, surrounded by a crowd. In 
 What manner did the officers treat them ? What reason is 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER V. 
 
 43 
 
 assigned for this ? This is another instance to show that 
 the persecutions against Christianity did not arise so much 
 from the people as from governments. 
 
 27. The apostles had anew audience to address;—before 
 whom were they brought ? Who questioned them ? 
 
 28. They were charged with violating a command of the 
 council;—what command was that ? Where is it recorded ? 
 Acts iv. 18. The council bore testimony to the diligence 
 of the apostles;—in what way ? When the rulers put Jesus 
 to death they took the responsibility and the guilt upon 
 themselves;—what did they say? Matt, xxvii. 25. Now 
 they wish to get rid of responsibility;—how do they show 
 this ? 
 
 29. The high priest had reminded Peter of the commands 
 of the council; Peter reminds the high priest of a higher 
 authority;—whose was that ? When had Peter given an 
 answer like this to the same council ? Acts iv. 19. 
 
 30. The apostles would not allow the council to throw 
 off the responsibility of their own acts;—how did they 
 charge it upon them ? That was plain preaching. There 
 were plain proofs before the council that God had commis¬ 
 sioned the apostles, and therefore Peter had a right to 
 speak boldly. 
 
 31. They had degraded Jesus;—what had God done 
 afterward ? Two offices are here assigned to Christ;— 
 what are they ? Many are willing to receive Christ in the 
 second office who are not willing to receive him in the 
 first;—can we really do this ? Two blessings are here 
 called the gifts of Christ;—what are they ? Many are 
 willing to receive the second, but are regardless of the 
 firstcan they in fact be separated ? Observe the sever¬ 
 ity and kindness of true preaching. First, it convicts of 
 ain, then it offers pardon. If these murderers of Christ 
 
44 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER V. 
 
 had repented and sought pardon, would they have been 
 forgiven ? 
 
 32. The apostles knew what they affirmed;—what did 
 they call themselves ? They appealed to proofs direct from 
 heaven;—what were these ? 
 
 33. The Jewish rulers ought at once to have acknowl¬ 
 edged their guilt, and sought forgiveness;—what effect, 
 however, had Peter’s sermon on them? What did they 
 purpose to do ? The same sun which softens wax hardens 
 clay. The same truth which subdues one hardens another. 
 The same gospel which convinced the people enraged the 
 rulers. What doctrine may we see illustrated by these 
 facts ? Eph. ii. 8. 
 
 34. While the council were inclined to violent measures, 
 a man noted for his prudence rose up to speak;—what was 
 his name ? What was his profession ? Who was one of his 
 most noted pupils ? Acts xxii. 3. How was he regarded 
 by the people ? He is believed by many (according to Hr. 
 Lightfoot) to have been a son of the pious Simeon who 
 took the infant Saviour in his arms and blessed him. See 
 Luke ii. 25-34 If so, it shows how true is the old proverb 
 that “grace does not run in the blood.” We never find 
 this man of worldly prudence ranked among Christians. 
 What direction did he give to the council ? 
 
 35. What caution did he give ? 
 
 36. He drew a lesson from history. He brought to mind 
 a fact with which they were all familiar;—what was it ? 
 
 87. A similar fact occurred in the days of “the taxing,” 
 about twenty-one years before this meeting of the council. 
 As a province, Judea had been annexed to Syria, and 
 taxed by the Roman government. A Jewish party rose 
 up to oppose paying the tax, saying, that “God’s chosen 
 people” ought not to pay taxes to a heathen government. 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER V. 
 
 45 
 
 £n Galilee they were led by one Judas, whom Josephus 
 calls “ a Gaulonite,” from Gaulanitis, the district to which 
 he belonged. This dispute about the lawfulness of paying 
 taxes to Rome raged during Christ’s ministry. Do yo^| 
 remember what question was once brought to him on that 
 subject? Matt. xxii. 17-21. What success did Judas have 
 at first ? What became of him ? 
 
 38. In view of these facts Gamaliel gives the council 
 
 some advice, and adds an argument to sustain it. What 
 was the advice ? What was the argument ? r 
 
 39. Gamaliel must have been deeply impressed with the 
 appearance and words of the apostles. He was afraid to 
 persecute them;—why ? Here we find the Jewish rabbi 
 agreeing in sentiment with his pupil Paul;—on what 
 point ? Rom. viii. 31. Here we see where the strength of 
 the church really lies. The sentiment of Gamaliel is very 
 much like that which was once beautifully expressed by 
 another opposer of God’s church, whom a heathen king 
 had hired to curse it;—what sentiment was that? Num. 
 xxiii. 23. 
 
 40. The council did not do all that they had at first 
 intended. They followed Gamaliel’s advice in part;—how 
 far ? In order to save their own honor they thought it 
 necessary to disgrace the apostles;—how did they do this ? 
 What was the usual punishment in such cases ? 2 Cor. xi. 
 24. They repeated a command which the apostles had 
 already said they could not possibly obey;—what was 
 that ? 
 
 41. Did the apostles feel themselves disgraced ? What 
 emotion did their punishment excite in their minds ? This 
 was not merely a momentary feeling. More than thirty 
 years afterward one of them wrote a letter to his brethren 
 in which he expressed the same feeling;—what did he say ? 
 
46 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER VI. 
 
 1 Pet. iv, 16. In one respect they felt as Paul says Moses 
 did;—in what ? Heb. xi. 26. 
 
 42. The apostles continued to be as bold and diligent as 
 ever;—how did they show this ? What was their great work ? 
 
 In reviewing this lesson, observe one great truth: 
 God’s church will always be protected. It may be “ cast 
 down, but not destroyed.” It is like the burning bush 
 that Moses saw—it may be encircled in flame, but it can 
 not be consumed. Let each one ask himself, therefore. 
 Have I a part and lot in the church of God ? 
 
 CHAPTER YI. 
 
 Lesson.—1-15. 
 
 Wants of the Poor—Need of Deacons—Appointment of Deacons— 
 Discussions of Unbelievers with Stephen—Accusation against 
 Stephen. 
 
 1. From the foregoing accounts we see that a large 
 body of persons, gathered from numerous countries, had 
 become Christians in Jerusalem, and that they were there 
 exposed to persecution. Having been cut off from friendly 
 association with the Jews, they formed a community by 
 themselves. They met together daily, and food was dis¬ 
 tributed to all the needy from a common stock. There 
 were two classes of these : first, the foreign Jews, called 
 Grecians, or Hellenists, because born in Grecian coun¬ 
 tries, and speaking the Grecian language; second, the na¬ 
 tive Jews called Hebrews. In one of these classes com¬ 
 plaints arose;—which class was it ? What was the cause 
 of complaint? 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER VI. 
 
 47 
 
 2. When these complaints were heard, what was done 
 by the apostles? What did they say respecting their 
 official duties ? What was the chief duty of the apostles ? 
 Luke ix. 2. They always continued to care for the poor 
 and needy;—what proof have we of this ? Gal. ii. 10. 
 
 3. Nevertheless, division of labor was necessary. A 
 new office in the church was now called for. What meas¬ 
 ure did the apostles propose ? What traits of character 
 did this new office require ? The church were called upon 
 to choose the men whom they might think fit to fill this 
 office, and the apostles said that they would publicly con¬ 
 firm the election. 
 
 4. In every church there are two kinds of business 
 which must be attended to : these are the spiritual and 
 the temporal. In this verse the apostles mark this dis¬ 
 tinction ;—in what way ? To which department of busi¬ 
 ness did they wish to devote themselves ? 
 
 5. How did the church receive the suggestion of the 
 apostles ? How many deacons did they elect ? They did 
 not choose Hebrews , but Hellenists what disposition 
 did they show by this fact ? The last person mentioned, 
 however, was a native Greek, one who had been a hea¬ 
 then, was then proselyted to the Jewish religion, and 
 afterward became a Christian. 
 
 6. To whom did the church present these deacons ? 
 They were then publicly ordained or set apart. In what 
 manner was this done ? This was an ancient method of 
 inducting into office. Num. xxvii. 23. 
 
 7. The apostles now gave themselves more than ever to 
 the preaching of the word;—what was the effect of their 
 preaching ? In what place was the greatest number of 
 converts made ? That was the last place in which we 
 should have expected such a resultwhy ? A particular 
 
48 
 
 AQTS, CHAPTER VI. 
 
 class of converts is mentioned ;—who were they ? These 
 persons were among the last in whom we should have ex¬ 
 pected to see such a change ;—why ? Luke xxiii. 10. Thus 
 we see the power of the Holy Spirit blessing the word. 
 These men had seen miracles wrought by Christ, but 
 were not converted by them. They were subdued by the 
 apostles’ preaching of Christ. What does this fact teach 
 us respecting the spread of religion ? 
 
 8. In choosing deacons, the church looked for men 
 “full of the Holy Ghost and of wisdom.” Verse 3. Who 
 is mentioned here as highly distinguished among them ? 
 How did he command the attention of the people ? 
 
 9. Stephen met with warm opposition;—whence did it 
 arise ? In Jerusalem there were four hundred and eighty 
 synagogues, and the Jews from any one of the foreign 
 cities generally met by themselves. Five of these syna¬ 
 gogues are here mentioned;—which is the first ? The 
 name here given to the first synagogue w r as the one 
 which was used by the Romans to denote the descendants 
 of those who had been taken as captives in war, made 
 slaves, and then set at liberty. They thus became free 
 citizens of Rome. Which is the second synagogue here 
 mentioned ? These people came from a place in the north 
 of Africa, now called Barca. Simon, who bore a part of 
 the Saviour’s cross, was from that place. Which is the 
 third synagogue referred to ? These Jews were from 
 Alexandria, in Egypt. It was built by Alexander the 
 Great, and is the only city of Egypt mentioned in the 
 New Testament. Which is the fourth synagogue spoken 
 of? The Jews of this synagogue were from Cilicia, a 
 province in the northeast corner of the Mediterranean 
 Sea. The apostle Paul was a native of this province, and 
 was therefore called “ Saul of Tarsus.” Which is tho 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER VL 
 
 49 
 
 fifth synagogue here mentioned ? That part of Asia 
 which juts out from the great continent, and lies between 
 the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, was called Asia 
 Minor; and that part of Asia Minor which lies around 
 Ephesus was often called “ Asia,” by way of eminence. 
 The people of this last synagogue were probably from the 
 district of Ephesus. 
 
 10. Here we find that Stephen used all his talents, not 
 only those which qualified him to be a deacon, but those 
 also which fitted him to be an evangelist. This latter 
 office required great wisdom;—in regard to this, what 
 promise had our Lord given to his disciples ? Luke xxi. 15. 
 Stephen was one man against a host;—who had the victory 
 in the argument ? 
 
 11. Not being able to cope with Stephen in argument, 
 what measure did they resort to ? Suborn signifies the 
 procuring of a person, by wrong or secret means, to be 
 the agent of another. In English law, the subornation of 
 perjury is defined by Judge Blackstone to be “ the offense 
 of procuring another to take such a false oath as would 
 constitute perjury in the principal.” With what crime did 
 these men charge Stephen ? This was a high crime. What 
 was its punishment by the Jewish law ? Lev. xxiv. 16. 
 
 12. They endeavored to excite the whole community 
 against him. Three classes of persons are mentioned as 
 being roused up to oppose Stephen;—who were they ? 
 Before what tribunal did they bring him ? 
 
 13. These men made a show of honoring the law. They 
 summoned witnesses;—of what character? What place 
 did they mean by the phrase “ this holy place ?” Matt. iv. 5. 
 
 14. What were the words which these witnesses attrib¬ 
 uted to Stephen ? These words sounded like those of Christ 
 when he prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem. Christ’s 
 
 3 
 
60 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER VII. 
 
 words were warnings against tlie consequences of impeni¬ 
 tence and unbelief. Stephen had probably repeated them 
 in their true sense. There are two ways of bearing false 
 testimony respecting words. One is to attribute to a per¬ 
 son words that he never uttered; another is to pervert the 
 meaning of those which were uttered. Which of these 
 methods did these witnesses take ? 
 
 15. When the charge was made the Sanhedrim turned 
 their eyes toward Stephen, waiting for his answer. What 
 did they observe as to his appearance ? When Moses came 
 down from the mount something similar was observed as 
 to his appearance;—what was that? We are not told 
 whether this appearance was supernatural or not in the 
 case of Stephen. Heavenly emotion in the soul, not affected, 
 but real and strong, will give to a good man’s countenance 
 an angelic expression. Angels regard all the true follow¬ 
 ers of Christ as belonging to their heavenly brotherhood ; 
 '—how do they make this manifest ? Heb. i. 14. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Lesson I.—1-36. 
 
 Stephen’s Defense—History of the Patriarchs—History of Mosee. 
 
 1. At the close of the last chapter we saw that Stephen 
 was brought before the Sanhedrim. The president of that 
 council is here mentioned;—who was he ? What question 
 did he ask ? Can you recall the accusations to which he 
 referred ? 
 
 2. Stephen addressed his enemies in a respectful manner; 
 —by what titles ? What should we learn from this ? 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER, VII. 
 
 51 
 
 Where did Abraham live when God first appeared to him 
 in a supernatural manner ? The name of this country 
 means “between the rivers; 5 ’ it is situated between the 
 Euphrates and the Tigris. After Abraham left his early 
 home to go to Canaan, he lingered for some time in 
 Charran, called in the Old Testament Haran, a city in 
 the northern part of Mesopotamia. 
 
 3. What command was given to Abraham? Where is it 
 recorded? Gen. xii. 1. 
 
 4. Ho.w did Abraham treat the command which he re¬ 
 ceived ? Observe, Mesopotamia was often spoken of as 
 being included in the land of the Chaldeans. Where did 
 Abraham’s father die ? Gen. xi. 32. What was his name ? 
 After that event where did Abraham go ? At that time 
 what was the land called ? This emigration from the east 
 toward the west was done for the sake of establishing a 
 nation who should preserve the true religion, the Chal¬ 
 deans having given themselves up to idolatry. 
 
 5. Although Abraham resided in the land of promise, 
 he did not obtain complete possession. Nevertheless, what 
 did God promise to him in the persons of his posterity ? 
 What made this promise so remarkable ? How did Abra¬ 
 ham express his astonishment at this promise ? Gen. xv. 
 2-3. The promise was magnificent;—how did God express 
 the multitude of Abraham’s posterity ? Gen. xv. 5. How 
 did Moses afterward express the fulfillment of this promise ? 
 Deut. i. 10. 
 
 6. What gloomy prediction did God announce to Abra¬ 
 ham? What “strange land” was that referred to? In 
 what condition would his descendants be in that country ? 
 Until what period ? Observe, the meaning of this phrase 
 is, “ until the expiration of four centuries.” Round num¬ 
 bers are here used to denote the whole time in which 
 
52 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Abraham and his posterity were sojourners; that is, from 
 the time the promise was given to Abraham until the 
 organization of his descendants as a nation under Moses. 
 
 7. As God foresaw the wrongs which the Egyptians 
 would inflict on the Israelites, what did he say would be 
 the consequence ? Can you remember in what manner the 
 Egyptians were punished ? At the same time what prom¬ 
 ise was given to the posterity of Abraham ? 
 
 8. What did God give to Abraham ? Where is the 
 original account of this ? Gen. xvii. 4-10. In performing 
 his part of this covenant what did Abraham do after the 
 birth of Isaac? As Jacob’s sons were fathers of the 
 twelve tribes of Israel, what are they here called ? The 
 covenant of which Stephen speaks in this verse related 
 only to the Jews, or the natural descendants of Abra¬ 
 ham. There was a previous covenant, however—“ the 
 covenant of the Messiah”—which had been given to Abra¬ 
 ham. Where is the original account of this ? Gen. xii. 1- 
 3. This covenant of the Messiah embraces all the spirit¬ 
 ual seed of Abraham;—who are they ? Gal. iii. 7, 14, and 
 29. Notice these passages. It is an interesting question 
 for each one to ask as to himself. Have I a part in the cov¬ 
 enant of the Messiah ? 
 
 9. Ten of Jacob’s sons cherished an evil feeling toward 
 their brethren ;—what was it ? What did it lead them to 
 do? What land became the home of Joseph? Joseph 
 was an exile and a slave. But he had one blessing that 
 made up for every loss;—what was that ? 
 
 10. How was the kindness of God shown toward Joseph 
 in Egypt ? 
 
 11. A great public calamity afflicted Egypt and Canaan; 
 —what was it? What was the consequence to the patri¬ 
 archs ? 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER Vll. 
 
 53 
 
 12. What news did Jacob hear from Egypt? You see 
 that in Egypt the calamity had been foreseen and pro¬ 
 vided against; — do you remember by whom this was 
 done ? Whom did Jacob send into Egypt ? 
 
 13. During their second visit two striking facts occur¬ 
 red. One was in the house of Joseph;—what was it? 
 The other was in the court of the king;—what was that ? 
 
 14. What did Joseph’s discovery lead him to do ? The 
 number of Joseph’s kindred is here estimated at seventy - 
 five. Im Genesis (xlvi. 27) the number is put at seventy. 
 Stephen, however, includes the five sons of Manasseli and 
 Ephraim, born in Egypt, who were omitted by Moses, be¬ 
 cause they did not emigrate with Jacob’s family. 
 
 15. How long did Jacob and his sons continue in 
 Egypt ? When Jacob arrived in Egypt the king asked 
 him how old he was;—wliat was the answer ? Gen. xlvii. 
 9. How old was Jacob when he died ? Gen. xlvii. 28. 
 
 16. Where were the twelve patriarchs, the sons of 
 Jacob, buried by their descendants ? Family tombs were 
 always held in great reverence. Observe here, that Sy- 
 chem was in the province of Samaria, and in the fourth 
 chapter of John is called Sychar, the place where Christ 
 conversed with the Samaritan woman at c< Jacob’s well.” 
 In the Old Testament it is called Shechem. Josh. xxiv. 32% 
 In this latter passage it is said that Jacob bought the 
 ground of Hamor (the same as Emmor), the father of 
 Shechem. In the verse before us the word “ Abraham” 
 is evidently a misprint. The mistake probably originated 
 with some ancient transcriber. Some of the old manu- 
 scrips have “our father,” which, of course, refers to Ja¬ 
 cob, not to Abraham. As Stephen was familiar with the 
 Jewish history, it is not at all probable that he made the 
 mistake in the sermon which Luke here records. 
 
54 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER VII. 
 
 17. What promise is here meant ? Gen. xv. 14-16. While 
 the Israelites were in Egyptian bondage did they increase 
 or diminish in number ? The king of Egypt was vexed at 
 this fact;—why ? Ex. i. 7-9. 
 
 18. A new race of kings came upon the throne of Egypt, 
 whq felt not any debt of gratitude to the Israelites;—how 
 is this expressed ? 
 
 19. How did the new king treat the Israelites ? What 
 did the king fear ? Ex. i. 10. What was the effect of his 
 measures ? Ex. i. 12. 
 
 20. During this time of trouble a child was born, who 
 afterward became renowned;—what was his name ? What 
 is said of his personal appearance ? How long was he 
 concealed at home, in spite of the decree to destroy male 
 children ? The parents of this child would not obey a 
 wicked law;—was it a good or a bad principle which in¬ 
 fluenced them ? Heb. xi. 23. 
 
 21. The child’s mother cast him on God’s providence in 
 a singular manner;—how ? Ex. ii. 3. What was the re¬ 
 sult ? 
 
 22. The child was educated like a prince;—how is this 
 expressed ? What kind of a character did he form ? Elo¬ 
 quence is not essential to a great character;—how is this 
 shown ? Ex. iv. 10. 
 
 23. How old was Moses before he began that career 
 which is described in the Bible ? What did he then re¬ 
 solve to do ? Although he lived in a palace, and was the 
 companion of courtiers, yet he was not ashamed of his 
 enslaved kindred. What principle influenced his con¬ 
 duct? Heb. xi. 24-26. In what respect is he an example 
 to us ? 
 
 24. On visiting his brethren, how did he show his sym¬ 
 pathy for the oppressed ? 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER VII. 
 
 55 
 
 25. At this time what did Moses expect of his brethren ? 
 In what was he disappointed ? Oppression always tends 
 to darken the mind and destroy moral energy. Such is 
 the effect of slavery in every age. 
 
 26. The next day he witnessed a scene of painful strife; 
 —between whom ? He proposed to act as a mediator ;— 
 what did he say ? 
 
 27. His kindness was treated with scorn;—by whom ? 
 What taunting question was put to him ? A true peace¬ 
 maker is often resisted thus by men in a state of excited 
 passionnevertheless, what is our duty in such cases ? 
 Matt. v. 9. 
 
 28. Another question followed, more alarming than a 
 taunt;—what was that ? This question showed to Moses 
 that his brethren were treacherous, and had circulated 
 the report of his having killed an Egyptian. If the report 
 had reached the king, what would have been the conse¬ 
 quence ? 
 
 29. On this account Moses went into exile;—whither ? 
 The land here mentioned is situated between the northern 
 gulfs of the Red Sea. There Moses found a home. He 
 married a daughter of Jethro, priest of Midian. How’ 
 many sons had he ? Their names were memorials of God's 
 goodness;—what did they signify ? Ex. xviii. 3, 4. 
 
 30. How long did Moses remain in that land ? A rev¬ 
 elation was then made to him;—at what place ? How was 
 it made ? What excited the astonishment of Moses ? Ex. 
 iii. 3. 
 
 31. While he gazed on this spectacle how did Moses 
 feel ? Who then spoke to him ? 
 
 32. In what character did the Almighty reveal himself: 
 These words were adapted to encourage him;—why then 
 did he tremble ? From these words it appears that “ the 
 
56 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER Vli. 
 
 angel of the Lord,” mentioned in verse 30, -was the same 
 being who is called “ the angel of the covenant,” or “ the 
 angel-Jehovah” (as the Jews expressed it), frequently in 
 the Old Testament. That was “ the Son of God.” This 
 accords with the expression of Paul respecting Moses : 
 “ Esteeming the reproach of Chi'ist greater riches than 
 the treasures in Egypt.” Heb. xi. 26. 
 
 33. Then what command did Moses receive ? What was 
 the reason for that command ? This was a very ancient 
 method of expressing reverence for a sacred place. The 
 Jewish priests used to perform their religious services 
 barefooted. In Eastern countries similar customs still 
 continue; for, on entering a mosque, or temple, every one 
 is obliged to put off his boots or sandals. 
 
 34. Although God had not interposed, as yet, to deliver 
 the Israelites from bondage, it was not because he had 
 been unmindful of them;—how did he express this ? What 
 did he say that he would now do ? Whom would he send 
 for this purpose ? Observe, the Scriptures teach that God 
 is everywhere, yet when he makes himself manifest to 
 men, he is said to come down from heaven to earth. This 
 mode of expression accords with our conceptions of the 
 Most High, as being above us. 
 
 35. Stephen reminds the council of the treatment which 
 Moses had received from their forefathers;—what was 
 that ? Nevertheless, what did God cause Moses to be¬ 
 come ? In these remarks Stephen is preparing the way to 
 show that Jesus, the true Messiah, had been treated as 
 Moses had been. 
 
 36. What did Moses accomplish for the Israelites ? 
 From what country did he bring them out ? How did he 
 prove his authority ? What kind of signs did he show ? 
 The Red Sea lies between Egypt and the Desert of Ara- 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER VII. 
 
 57 
 
 bia Two great events occurred there;—what was the 
 first? Ex. xiv. 21,22. What was the second? Ex. xiv. 
 26-28. How long were they kept in the Desert of Ara¬ 
 bia ? How were they provided with food ? Ex. xvi. 13-15. 
 How were they provided with water ? Ex. xvii. 6. True 
 Christians are represented as being, in a spiritual sense. 
 “ Israelites indeed,” journeying through the world to the 
 heavenly Canaan. They derive their sustenance from 
 God alone. Of what was the manna an emblem? John 
 vi. 49-51. What did the rock which became a spring of 
 water represent ? 1 Cor. x. 4. How may we receive the 
 blessings which are thus exhibited to our view ? 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Lesson II.—37-60. 
 
 Stephen shows that Moses foretold the Coming of Christ—That the 
 Israelites were disposed to rebel against Moses, and to fall into 
 Idolatry—That they had rebelled against the Prophets—That at 
 last they had rejected the Messiah himself—Stephen, the first 
 Christian Martyr, is put to Death. 
 
 37. Stephen proceeds to quote a prophecy of Moses;— 
 what was it? Where is it found? Deut. xviii. 18, 19. 
 Peter had quoted the same prophecy. Acts iii. 22. To 
 whom did Peter apply it? Christ was like Moses in 
 this, he united in himself the characters of prophet and 
 lawgiver; —but in what respect was Christ superior to 
 Moses ? Heb. iii. 5, 6. The Jews, to whom Stephen spoke, 
 maintained that those who followed Christ forsook Moses; 
 —do you see how this charge was disproved ? 
 
 38. Stephen speaks further of the greatness and the 
 
 3* 
 
58 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER VII. 
 
 authority of Moses;—wliat does he call the body of Israel¬ 
 ites whom Moses led ? Observe, the word ecclesia , here 
 translated “church,” means an assembly, and is so trans¬ 
 lated in Acts xix. 32. What does he say that Moses received 
 on behalf of the people? Where did he receive them? 
 Where are they recorded? Ex. xx. 1-17. 
 
 39. Notwithstanding all the glory with which God in¬ 
 vested Moses how was he treated ? What did the people 
 desire to do in spite of his authority ? How was Moses 
 affected by their treatment of him ? Ex. xvii. 4. How 
 did the people try to get rid of Moses ? Num. xiv. 4, 5, 
 
 40. What sinful project did they ask the brother of 
 Moses to engage in with them ? While Moses was on the 
 mount receiving the oracles they spoke of him disrespect¬ 
 fully ;—how ? 
 
 41. They imitated their Egyptian masters in regard to 
 a certain form of idolatry;—what was that ? How did 
 they worship the idol ? How did they express their joy ? 
 Ex. xxxii. 6. Why were these things recounted ? 1 Cor. 
 x. 6, 7. 
 
 42. When they turned away from God he turned away 
 from them the manifestations of favor;—how is this ex¬ 
 pressed ? The sorest punishment of a sinner is to give 
 him up to the power and the consequences of sin;—how 
 did the Israelites experience the truth of this ? Ps. cvi. 
 32-41. The Israelites pretended to worship God by means 
 of idols. Stephen quotes an old prophet to show that God 
 would not accept such worship. What appeal did the 
 prophet make on this point ? Amos v. 25, 2G. 
 
 43. What were the names of the idols which the Israelites 
 adopted ? To the first of these children were offered in 
 sacrifice. This idol-worship was abominable and cruel. 
 What law was given to the Israelites in regard to this r 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER VIl. 
 
 59 
 
 Lev. xx. 1-3. Ilemphan was also called Chiun, worshiped 
 under the image of a star, probably to denote Saturn. 
 Of the god Saturn the story was that he ate his own chil* 
 dren. What was the punishment threatened against the 
 nation for upholding idolatry ? 
 
 44. In the tabernacle which Moses built there were no 
 idols;—what did it contain? Heb. ix. 4, 5. What does 
 Stephen call that tabernacle in this verse ? Who gave 
 Moses the pattern of it ? Observe, this tabernacle was 
 movable; it could be taken to pieces, and carried about 
 from one place to another. It was about fifty-five feet 
 long, eighteen broad, and eighteen high. 
 
 45. Stephen refers to Joshua, who succeeded Moses. 
 Joshua is a Hebrew name, of which Jesus is the Greek. 
 Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan;—why is it here 
 called “ the possession of the G entiles ?” These heathen 
 were not all driven out at once;—who was the king that 
 gained the final victories over them ? The descendants of 
 those who built the tabernacle did not abandon it;—into 
 what land did they bear it ? 
 
 46. How was David distinguished ? He desired to build 
 a permanent place of worship, that is, a temple;—why 
 was he not permitted to do it ? 1 Chron. xxviii. 2, 3. 
 
 47. David prepared the materials, but who built the 
 temple ? 
 
 48. The Jews gloried much in their temple-service, as 
 if that could save them of itself. Stephen, therefore, 
 quotes from the dedicatory prayer of Solomon a very im¬ 
 portant truth ;—what is that ? How did Solomon express 
 this ? 1 Kings viii. 27. 
 
 49. 50. This error of the Jews Isaiah had rebuked before. 
 Stephen therefore quotes that prophet;—by what figures 
 does he denote the majesty of God ? What appeal does he 
 
60 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER VII. 
 
 make respecting God as the owner of the universe ? Where 
 are these sublime expressions found? Isa. lxvi. 1, 2. 
 
 51. Here Stephen ceases to discourse on the Jewish 
 history Evidently, he saw that his audience were opposed 
 to the lessons which he was drawing from it. By what 
 figurative expression does he denote their obstinacy ? He 
 saw that the evil passions of their hearts were unre¬ 
 strained ;—how does he denote this ? Whom does he say 
 that they habitually resisted ? Whose bad example did 
 they follow ? 
 
 52. The nation had always opposed the prophetswhat 
 appeal does he make to them respecting that ? Jesus had 
 charged them with the same crime;—what had he said ? 
 Matt, xxiii. 37. According to the general belief Isaiah 
 had been sawn asunder, and Jeremiah had been stoned to 
 death. They had killed those who foretold the Messiah ; 
 —how did they fill up the measure of their iniquity at 
 last ? 
 
 53. They gloried in the law ? Angels had officiated in 
 revealing it;—yet how had they treated it ? Angels often 
 made revelations under the Old Testament dispensation. 
 It was a common belief of the Jews that heavenly hosts 
 hovered around Mount Sinai when the law was given. 
 What does Paul call the angels of God ? Heb. i. 14. 
 
 54. Stephen’s sermon abruptly closes. What effect did 
 these truths have on the hearts of the hearers? What 
 outward signs of rage did they exhibit ? 
 
 55. Their souls were filled with wicked and lawless 
 anger, but Stephen’s soul was filled with a different influ¬ 
 ence ;—what was that ? He turned his eyes from earth 
 toward heaven ;—what did he behold ? 
 
 56. Immediately he declared the glorious vision;—what 
 did he say ? 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER VII. 
 
 61 
 
 57. As if shocked with blasphemy, what did they at once 
 do ? 
 
 58. What did the law against blasphemy command ? 
 Lev. xxiv. 14-16. No legal decision had been given 
 against Stephen, and the trial ended in a riot. No doubt, 
 however, the council connived at this. Where did they 
 carry Stephen ? The false witnesses against Stephen joined 
 in the riot, and they cast off their robes for this purpose; 
 —in whose charge did they leave them ? This 4 4 young 
 man” was afterward converted, and took another name;— 
 what was that ? He deeply repented of having had any 
 thing to do with the murder of Stephen;—what confession 
 did he make ? Acts xxii. 20. 
 
 59. In his last moments, in what was Stephen engaged ? 
 To whom did he address his last prayer for his own soul ? 
 
 60. As the stones were about to fall on the first Christian 
 martyr, what attitude did he assume ? For whom did he 
 offer his last prayer ? What did he desire ? Whose ex¬ 
 ample did he imitate in this ? The writer uses a beautiful 
 expression to denote a Christian death;—what is it? 
 Jesus used a similar expression in regard to the death 
 of Lazarus. It shows that a Christian should not fear 
 death. Death is called by some 44 the king of terrors.” 
 How may we obtain a victory over him ? 1 Cor. xv 57. 
 
62 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Lesson I.—1-17. 
 
 Persecution at Jerusalem—The Gospel carried to Samaria—A Sor¬ 
 cerer Baptized—The Gifts of the Holy Spirit granted to the 
 
 Converts. 
 
 1. The last chapter closed with an account of the death 
 of Stephen. When his murderers ran upon him they left 
 their mantles in charge of Saul. Was he, however, acting 
 heartily with them ? The death of Stephen was like the 
 first blast of a storm;—what followed ? What became of 
 the chief portion of the church? Who remained? Un¬ 
 doubtedly, by this time, the council stood in awe of the 
 apostles. They stood like 44 the staff of a regiment,” whoso 
 soldiers have been scattered, but which may be formed 
 again and led on to battle. 
 
 2. Although the body of Stephen was not buried imme¬ 
 diately after death, according to the Jewish custom, it was 
 not suffered to remain without a funeral;—what was done 
 with it? These men were like Joseph of Arimathea;— 
 why ? What, duty, or what duties, may we learn from 
 their conduct ? 
 
 3. At this time who was the leading persecutor ? He 
 spared neither age or sex;—how did he conduct the per¬ 
 secution ? 
 
 4. Tlig evil was overruled for good;—how ? Every 
 private Christian may do something for the spread of the 
 gospel; and when all who compose a church are faithful 
 the cause of Christ must conquer. 
 
 6. Who is now brought to view as a preacher ? He was 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 63 
 
 not an apostle, but a deacon, whose election is mentioned. 
 Acts yi. 5. Where was his home ? Acts xxi. 8. Where 
 did he carry the gospel ? What was the main subject of 
 his preaching ? Who founded this city where Philip 
 preached ? 1 Kings xvi. 23, 24. 
 
 6. How did the people of this city receive Philip ? 
 
 7. What proofs did Philip give of his authority as a 
 witness for Christ ? Jesus had given to his disciples the 
 promise, “ The works that I do shall ye do also. 5 ’ Have 
 we any account of works like these performed by Christ ? 
 Mark i. 23-27. 
 
 8. Here was a great religious awakening;—what was 
 the effect ? Is this always the effect of true religion ? 
 Rom. xiv. 17. 
 
 9. A notorious impostor is here mentioned ;—what was 
 his name ? What did he practice ? His art was often 
 called magic, from the Eastern magi, who pretended to 
 foretell the future by means of stars ; others did it by lot, 
 entrails of animals, etc. The people of Samaria were 
 greatly astonished and fascinated by Simon;—how is this 
 expressed? He was a great boaster;—in what respect? 
 Real greatness is humble ;—how did the apostles speak of 
 their mighty works ? Acts iii. 12. 
 
 10. What had the people thought of Simon ? To what 
 agency did they attribute his arts ? 
 
 11. They had seen many of his magical tricks, but had 
 never seen through them;—what was the consequence ? 
 
 12. Yet when Philip preached the gospel to 1^}em, how 
 were their minds affected? How did they profess their 
 faith ? 
 
 13. How was Simon affected ? But what chiefly engaged 
 his attention ? He knew that his own works were tricks, 
 and he saw that those of Philip were realities. Thus, al- 
 
64 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 though he was a bad man, he furnished evidence of the 
 truth of Christianity. 
 
 14. The apostles at Jerusalem, seeing that a new church 
 was rising up in Samaria, sent men to oversee the work;— 
 who were they ? The Papists say that Peter was superior 
 in office to the other apostles ;—does this verse prove that, 
 or the contrary ? They say, that as chief or primate in 
 the church, the pope is his successor;—would any body 
 of men now send a pope to minister in an infant church ? 
 For what purposes were Peter and John sent to Samaria ? 
 
 15. When the apostles arrived in Samaria, wliat blessing 
 did they seek for the young converts ? 
 
 16. Why did they pray for this blessing particularly ? 
 But can any be truly converted without the influence of 
 the Holy Spirit? John iii. 5. We see, therefore, that by 
 the gifts of the Holy Ghost are meant the miraculous 
 gifts of power, which Christ had promised to the first 
 disciples. Mark xvi. 17, 18. 
 
 17. After prayer what did the apostles do ? This was. 
 an outward sign;—what followed ? In that age, when 
 impostors and magic arts were so common, real miracles 
 were necessary in order to establish the truth of Chris¬ 
 tianity as a divine religion, and to show that it alone was, 
 as a religion, 44 the great power of God.” On this point 
 Paul wrote to the early Christians, urging them not to 
 think too much of the outward gifts, because there was 
 for them something better;—what was that ? 1 Cor. xiii. 
 1, 2. Outward signs were not for the benefit of Chris¬ 
 tians ;—b#t for whom ? 1 Cor. xiv. 22. Outward signs 
 have passed away, but we should seek that gift of the 
 Spirit that abideth forever ;—what is that ? 1 Cor. xiii. 8. 
 What great things does Paul say a man may do and yet 
 not have this grace ? 1 Cor. xiii. 8. What is the best 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 65 
 
 proof that one has this better gift or grace ? John xiv. 23. 
 The apostle John declares that true love to Christ, faith, 
 obedience, perseverance, and salvation all go together, 
 and are never separated;—where does he show this ? 1 
 John v. 1-4. How important then is the question, Have I 
 a true, a supreme love to Christ! 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Lesson II.—18-40. 
 
 Simon Magus Unmasked—The Ethiopian Convert. 
 
 We have already seen that Simon Magus was astonished 
 to behold the miracles wrought by Philip, and that he fully 
 believed in their reality. It is clear, however, that his 
 belief went no further, and that he did not apprehend the 
 doctrines which Philip taught. 
 
 18. What fact is here mentioned which Simon witnessed 
 with astonishment ? What offer did he make to the apos¬ 
 tles ? 
 
 19. He did not ask merely that he might receive the 
 gifts of the Spirit, but something beyond that;—what was 
 it ? Observe, that which he wished to buy was apostolic 
 power—“ Give me power and I will give you money.” 
 Hence came the word simony , which means, ‘ 4 making a 
 trade of religion.” 
 
 20. How did Peter express his indignation ? IWhat rea¬ 
 son did he assign for it ? Some have thought that Peter 
 pronounced a curse on Simon, and doomed him to perdi¬ 
 tion. But if that had been so, the apostle would not have 
 exhorted him to seek salvation. The words of Peter, 
 
66 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 therefore, denote no more than his scorn of the “ wages of 
 iniquity,” and the perishing nature of money, together 
 with the doom that Simon’s sin would incur unless he 
 Bhould repent. 
 
 21. Although Simon had professed Christianity, yet of 
 what was he destitute ? It is said that he believed, but 
 his faith was defective;—why ? True faith is something 
 more than acknowledging the reality of miracles or other 
 evidences of Christianity;—in what respect ? Rom. x. 10. 
 
 22. Peter exhorts Simon to two great duties ;—what was 
 the first ? What was the second ? 
 
 23. The apostle sets forth the bad condition of Simon 
 under two aspects: 1. The evil nature of his sin;—how 
 does he express this ? 2. The power of sin;—how is this 
 denoted ? Some have thought that a very had man ought 
 not to pray;—what does Peter teach on that point? It 
 should be remembered, however, that there can be no true 
 prayer for pardon without sorrow for the sin. Peter con¬ 
 nects one with the other;—can they ever be separated? 
 
 24. We see no evidence that Simon prayed for himself; 
 —what request did he make ? Which feeling seems to pre¬ 
 vail in him, sorrow for sin or fear of punishment ? Which 
 prevails in the true penitent ? Historians relate that this 
 Simon became the leader of a corrupt sect, who mixed 
 Christian doctrines with enormous errors. This is proba¬ 
 ble, but the evidence is not decisive. 
 
 25. The apostles confirmed the mission of Philip;—how ? 
 On their way homeward what did they do ? So we see that 
 there was Joy in the villages but gloom in the great metrop¬ 
 olis. 
 
 26. Philip had been preaching in Samaria, in the north¬ 
 ern part of Palestine; now he is sent to the south;—what 
 commission did he receive ? From whom did he receive it ? 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 67 
 
 He was to pass by Jerusalem and go to Gaza, about forty - 
 six miles southwest of the metropolis. Christ’s ministers 
 are not always sent in flowery paths ;—in what condition 
 was this part of the country ? 
 
 27. How did Philip answer the message ? On liis way 
 he saw a traveler;—of what country ? The inhabitants 
 of that land were called by the Greeks, “ aithiops,” that 
 is, “ burnt faces.” It lies in Africa, south of Egypt, west 
 of the Red Sea. Who is mentioned as the queen of that 
 country ? This name was as common among Ethiopian 
 queens as Pharaoh was among Egyptian kings. What of¬ 
 fice did this man hold ? He had been traveling hundreds 
 of miles for what purpose ? He was one of a class for 
 whom Solomon, at the dedication of the temple, had of¬ 
 fered special prayer;—what class ? 1 Kings viii. 41-43. 
 
 28. In what direction was this man traveling ? In what 
 manner did he travel ? A roll of Scripture was in his 
 hand ;—what was it ? Here is proof that he was an earn¬ 
 est inquirer after religious knowledge;—what is it ? 
 
 29. To this man God “ had regard—how is this 
 shown ? By a common mode of speech, the chariot is here 
 used for the person in it. 
 
 30. In what manner did Philip obey the divine direc¬ 
 tion? It is common in Eastern countries, more than in 
 ours, for persons to read aloud ; —what proof is there that 
 this man was doing so ? Philip embraced the opportunity 
 to draw him into conversation;—what question did he ask ? 
 
 31. The traveler acknowledged his need of teaching;— 
 in what way ? How did he treat the evangelist ? 
 
 32. The part of Isaiah which he was reading we now 
 call the fifty-third chapter. The subject is the death of 
 Christ. It was written seven centuries before the Christian 
 era. How does the prophet exhibit the meekness of Christ ? 
 
68 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 33. The prophet foresaw that Christ would be treated 
 with injustice and be abandoned;—how does he express 
 this ? 
 
 34. What question did the traveler ask the evangelist ? 
 
 35. How did Philip answer it? What follows shows 
 that Philip gave to this inquirer a full account of the 
 Christian religion, as to its history, doctrines, and ordi¬ 
 nances. 
 
 36. As they journeyed to what did they come ? The 
 Ethiopian shows that he wished to be a practical Chris¬ 
 tian;—how ? He seemed to be pleased with the sight of 
 the water;—why ? 
 
 37. Philip shows the new disciple that an outward ob¬ 
 servance would be of no worth in itself;—in what way 
 does he denote this ? What confession of faith did the 
 Ethiopian then make ? You perceive that the short phrase, 
 44 he preached Jesus,” includes much;—what then does 
 this confession of faith include ? 
 
 38. What command did Philip give ? He and the new 
 convert both left the chariot; where did they go ? What 
 act did Philip then perform ? 
 
 39. The ordinance having been performed, what did 
 they do next ? The disciple, no doubt, would have been 
 pleased if he could have retained the teacher with him. 
 But God had other wcrk for his servant;—how is this 
 shown ? By a divine impulse Philip was hastened away; 
 —where did the baptized disciple go ? In what state of 
 mind ? Philip had found him in a state of doubt and per¬ 
 plexity, but left him in a very different condition;—what 
 may we learn from this change ? 
 
 40. Philip had returned northward;—where was he 
 next heard of? That place was called Aslidod in ancient 
 days. 1 Sam. vi. 17. It was about thirty miles from Gaza. 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER IX. 
 
 69 
 
 From tliat place he went to the city of his residence, which 
 we have already referred to ;—where was that ? How did 
 he employ himself on the way ? What must have been his 
 character as a missionary ? This chapter contains an in¬ 
 teresting history. We see the gospel driven from Jerusa¬ 
 lem, welcomed in Samaria, and borne to Ethiopia. It 
 meets severe struggles, yet constantly triumphs. Thus 
 lias it ever been. The struggle is still going on. What 
 shall be the result ? Isa. lxi. 11. Every friend of the gos¬ 
 pel may-do something;—according to what rule should we 
 contribute to this service ? Gal. vi. 9,10. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Lesson I.—1-22. 
 
 Saul, the Persecutor, arrested in his Course—Converted to Christ- 
 Called to be an Apostle—Is Cured of his Blindness, is Baptized, 
 and Preaches the Gospel. 
 
 1. We have already had occasion to notice the young 
 man who sympathized with the murderers of Stephen, 
 and who took charge of their mantles while they were 
 stoning him to death. He is now brought to view again. 
 What spirit did he exhibit ? To whom did he go to obtain 
 a sanction to his proceedings ? 
 
 2. Having driven the Christians from Jerusalem, he 
 saw how readily they would seek refuge in Damascus, the 
 capital of Syria, 150 miles distant. It is an ancient city, 
 and is mentioned in the book of Genesis xv. 2, as the native 
 place of Eliezer, Abraham’s servant. It has always figured 
 in history, and Damascus silks are, to this day, well known 
 
TO 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER IX. 
 
 in our marts of tr^tde. In the time of the apostles it was 
 under the government of the Romans, but the number of 
 Jews in it was large, and they enjoyed many privileges. 
 To whom were Saul’s letters directed? What was ho 
 commissioned to do ? The Jews had no political power in 
 Syria, but the governor favored them ;—what proof have 
 we of this ? 2 Cor. xi. 32. 
 
 3. As Saul drew near Damascus, exulting in his power, 
 lie was stopped short in his career;—how ? 
 
 4. What was the effect of this appearance on Saul ? A 
 voice of majesty addressed him;—what appeal did it 
 utter ? 
 
 5. The persecutor was overwhelmed. He recognized 
 the voice as one of a celestial personage;—what question 
 did he ask ? The answer was direct and plain;—what 
 was it ? When Christ was on earth he taught that what 
 was done to his people, for his sake, was done to him. 
 Where is this recorded? Matt. xxv. 40. The voice re¬ 
 buked Saul by the use of a well-known proverb. The 
 meaning of it is, that as they who kick against goads, or 
 spikes, only wound themselves, so Saul was injuring him¬ 
 self by his persecution, but not the cause of Christ. 
 What is the proverb ? The proverb arose from the fact, 
 that often a stubborn ox, urged on by a goad, or sharp- 
 pointed instrument like that which was used in driving 
 cattle, would kick against the point of steel, or iron, and 
 wound himself without injuring the driver. 
 
 6. The pride of Saul was now abased. He surrenders 
 himself at once. What question did he address to Je¬ 
 sus as his acknowledged Lord ? How does that question 
 prove his submission to have been immediate and entire ? 
 Some have doubted whether sudden conversions are ever 
 real and lasting;—what does this case teach us on that 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER IX. 
 
 71 
 
 point ? Wliat direction did Saul receive in order to ascer¬ 
 tain his duty ? It was Christ’s will that Saul should be 
 dependent on a Christian brother for further communica¬ 
 tions ;—can you think of any reasons for this arrange¬ 
 ment ? 
 
 7. - Sudden terror often takes away the power of speech. 
 It had this effect on Saul’s companions. What did they 
 hear ? Did they also 44 discern the form” of the Son of 
 God ? From Saul’s own account of this, addressed to an 
 assembly of Jews (Acts xxii. 9), we learn two additional 
 particulars: 1. The men who were with him saw “ the 
 light,” but not the form in the midst of it; 2. They heard 
 a sound, or voice, but understood not what the voice ut¬ 
 tered. In what language did the voice speak ? Acts xxvi. 
 14. The “ light” here spoken of was that glory of the 
 Lord which Stephen saw just before his death. Acts vii. 
 65. Moreover, it is believed to have been the same pecu¬ 
 liar manifestation which the Jews called the Shechinah, 
 in which the Lord had appeared to the Israelites in an¬ 
 cient days. Ex. xiii. 21, 22; Hab. iii. 3, 4. 
 
 8. When Saul arose from the earth in what condition 
 was he ? The supernatural light was more intense in its 
 manifestation to Saul than to the rest of the company;—- 
 what proof have we of this ? He entered Damascus in a 
 manner different from that which he had expected. He 
 may have had the high priest’s commission in his pocket, 
 but he had a new and better one in his heart. 
 
 9. How long did he continue blind? Mental anxiety 
 took away his desire for food. How long did he fast ? 
 
 10. What Christian citizen of Damascus is mentioned 
 here ? How did Christ reveal himself to that man ? The 
 Greeks have a tradition that this person was one of “ the 
 seventy-two disciples.” At this day the Christians and 
 
72 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Mohammedans of Damascus assert that they can point 
 out the place of his residence. 
 
 11. What direction did this disciple receive ? The 
 street here mentioned is still to be seen at Damascus. In 
 what terms did our Lord announce Saul’s conversion ? 
 From this phrase we may learn that there is a great dif¬ 
 ference between “ saying prayers” and praying ;—why 
 may we draw this inference ? 
 
 12. Our Lord informed his disciple that the way had 
 been prepared for the fulfillment of his mission;—in what 
 manner had this been done ? 
 
 13. Ananias was astonished. The very name of Saul 
 was terrible to him. He did not consider at once what 
 the Lord had said respecting his way having been prepared. 
 Whenever God bids us do any thing, our wisdom appears 
 in obedience. We may trust in him to remove obstacles. 
 How did Ananias express his fear ? 
 
 14. The news of Saul’s commission had already reached 
 Damascus;—how does this appear? How does Ananias 
 denote true Christians ? This proves that the early 
 Christians habitually worshiped Christ;—how does it 
 prove this ? It may be well to observe in this connection, 
 that seventy years after the death of Christ, Pliny, the 
 Roman governor of Bithynia, wrote to the emperor Trajan 
 respecting Christians this official report; “ Their account 
 is, that they are accustomed, on a stated day, to assemble 
 before sunrise, and to join together in singing hymns to 
 Christ, as to a Deity,” etc. 
 
 15. How did the Lord overrule the objections of Ananias ? 
 You perceive here that Saul’s commission was that of a 
 missionary to the heathen. How did he afterward speak 
 of this? Gal. i. 15, 16. 
 
 16. Saul had no promise of ease and comfort in this 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER IX. 
 
 78 
 
 world;—what prospect was opened to his view ? How did 
 he habitually feel in regard to this point ? Rom. v. 3. 
 
 17. Ananias obeyed. How did he address Saul ? What 
 change in his state of mind did this indicate ? How did he 
 make Saul understand who was meant by the phrase, “ the 
 Lord.” For what purposes did he declare himself to have 
 been sent ? What symbol did he use to express his author- 
 ity ? 
 
 18. What benefit did Saul immediately receive ? In the 
 East many persons have been affected with a disease of the 
 eye, caused by excessive light and heat. The humors of 
 the eye become solid, and take the form of scales. In these 
 cases, however, the disease and cure are both of slow 
 progress. If the affection of Saul were of this nature, its 
 cause and cure were, nevertheless, miraculous. Just as 
 in the miracle of Cana, Christ did by a word what God 
 does gradually by laws of nature--that is, he con¬ 
 verted water into a liquid bearing all the properties of 
 the “fruit of the vine.” When Saul received his sight, 
 what did he do immediately ? What command had Christ 
 given respecting this ? 
 
 19. His mind being at ease, his appetite for food re¬ 
 turned ;—what followed ? With whom did he now asso¬ 
 ciate ? Doubtless there was great joy in that city. A 
 church had probably been formed there, and he who had 
 left his home as a persecutor now sits like “ a little child” 
 at the feet of Christian brethren. 
 
 20. He had received letters to the officers of the syna- 
 gogues. For what purpose did he now visit them ? 
 
 21. What was the effect? What was the substance of 
 their conversation ? 
 
 22. The Jews resisted his words;—how did he meet 
 them? He had but one object-—what was that? In 
 
 4 
 
74 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER IX. 
 
 reasoning with Jews whence would he naturally draw his 
 arguments ? How had his education fitted him for that 
 work ? With what feelings did Saul prosecute that work ? 
 Rom. i. 16, and Gal. vi. 14. Blessed are they who sym¬ 
 pathize with him in this. What will be their destiny ? 2 
 Tim. iv. 7, 8. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Lesson II.—23-43. 
 
 The Conspiracy against Saul—His Escape—His Visit to Jerusalem—* 
 
 His Escape to Cesarea—Peace among the Churches—Miracles 
 
 of Peter. 
 
 23. After Saul’s conversion he left Damascus, and went 
 into another country;—what country was that? Gal. i. 17. 
 Luke gives no account of that journey, but alludes in this 
 verse to the period of his absence by saying, “ after many 
 days were fulfilled.” When Saul returned to Damascus 
 a plot was laid against him;—by whom ? For what pur¬ 
 pose ? 
 
 24. They showed great patience and determination;— 
 how? The Jews were favored in their schemes by the 
 government of Damascus;—who was the ruler in power 
 at that time ? 2 Cor. xi. 32. 
 
 25. Saul’s foes watched the gates , but he left the city 
 without passing through the gates;—how was this done ? 
 A similar mode of escape was used by the Israelitish spies 
 on the wall of Jericho. Josh. ii. 15. In walled cities it has 
 often been practiced in times of peril. 
 
 26. Three years had now elapsed from the time of his 
 conversion;—where did he go ? For what purpose ? Gal 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER IX, 
 
 75 
 
 i. 18. In that city the terror of his name had not yet 
 passed away;—how did the disciples feel toward him ? 
 
 27. In this case what friendly office did Barnabas per¬ 
 form ? To what apostles, particularly, did Barnabas pre¬ 
 sent Saul ? Gal. i. 18, 19. 
 
 28. The confidence of the apostles having been gained, 
 on what terms did Saul live with them during his visit ? 
 
 29. How did he make manifest the reality of his conver¬ 
 sion ? In Jerusalem there were many Jews who had been 
 born in Grecian cities, and who used the Greek language. 
 Saul was familiar with this;—what use did he make of it ? 
 As they could not overthrow him in argument, what other 
 method did they try ? 
 
 30. His brethren sought a refuge for him in a city of 
 Palestine, on the sea-coast, where the Romans would pro¬ 
 tect him;—what city is that ? From that place whither 
 did he go ? 
 
 31. At the beginning of this book we read of 4 4 the 
 church,” now we read of 44 the churches;”—what countries 
 did they chiefly occupy ? What blessing did they enjoy ? 
 What was the effect of it ? In a season of quiet and peace 
 some churches become indolent, and on that account are 
 diminished;—how was it with the early churches ? As to 
 the freedom from persecution here mentioned, one thing 
 which helped the Christians was this : the Roman emperor, 
 Caligula, a whimsical and cruel man, commanded that his 
 statue should be placed in the Jewish temple, in the inner 
 sanctuary. This matter so engaged the attention of the 
 Jews, and so deeply agitated them, that their spirit of 
 persecution against the Christians was relaxed. Thus evil 
 was overruled for good. 
 
 32. Saul having returned to Tarsus, the historian now 
 leaves him for a time, and resumes his account of Peter. 
 
76 
 
 ACTS. CHAPTER IX. 
 
 On one of his missionary journeys he visited a town on the 
 Mediterranean Sea, twenty-two miles northwest of Jeru¬ 
 salem;—what was its name? There his attention was 
 called to a man in affliction;—what was his name ? What 
 was his condition ? 
 
 33. What miracle did Peter perform ? He was very 
 careful to show that he was only the instrument , not the 
 author of the work ;—how did he do this ? What did Pe¬ 
 ter prove by this work ? 
 
 34. What was the effect of this miracle ? Saron is the 
 same as Sharon, mentioned by the prophets for its fertil¬ 
 ity and beauty. Isa. xxxv. 2. 
 
 36. Not far from Lydda was one of the oldest sea-ports 
 of the world—the place whence the prophet Jonah sailed on 
 his celebrated voyage;—what w'as it called ? It is now 
 called Jaffa, or Iaffa. Its name occurs in the history of 
 the crusades, and of Napoleon’s expedition into Syria. 
 What disciple is mentioned as a resident of that place ? 
 Her name is given both in Syriac and Greek. The En¬ 
 glish of it is Gazelle; for it has always been customary in 
 Eastern lands to give the names of gentle and favorite ani¬ 
 mals to young females. What was the character of this 
 disciple ? 
 
 37. She became sick and died;—what preparation had 
 they made for her burial ? Care was taken to prevent 
 premature interment. In this customary washing the 
 modern Jews, in the East, use roses and chamomile with 
 the water. 
 
 38. Lydda was about six miles from Joppa. To whom, 
 in Joppa, did the disciples of Lydda send a message? 
 What was the message ? As yet no apostle had raised the 
 dead. Perhaps, however, the disciples at Lydda knew 
 that the power to do it had been promised by Christ to his 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER X. 
 
 • t 
 
 apostles. They did not ask for such a miracle; yet it 
 seems that they did not think the case beyond the reach 
 of hope. 
 
 39. How did Peter treat the message ? Arrived at the 
 house of mourning where did they lead him ? There was 
 a group, not of hired, but of sincere mourners;—of whom 
 was it composed ? How did they express their regard for 
 Dorcas ? 
 
 40. Peter’s heart was moved. He wished to be alone. 
 Perhaps he desired, by prayer and supplication, to ascer¬ 
 tain the will of God. How did the result show this ? 
 
 41. Who were the first witnesses of this miracle ? In 
 those days all Christians were called “saints;”—why? 
 To Dorcas herself a return to life in this world was no 
 present gain ; —to whom was it so ? 
 
 42. What was the effect of this miracle ? What was the 
 design of the miracles ? How may that design now be ac¬ 
 complished in respect to ourselves ? Observe, this is the 
 last of the miracles of mercy wrought in Palestine on be¬ 
 half of the Jews. The gospel was now going forth to the 
 Gentiles or Heathen, and the other miracles of which we 
 read were wrought for the confirmation of the gospel 
 among them. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Lesson I.—1-24. 
 
 The Roman Centurion’s Vision—His Embassy to Peter—Peter’s 
 Vision Preparatory to his Mission—His Journey to Cesarea. 
 
 1. Hitherto the Christian churches, of which we have 
 
I 
 
 78 ACTS, CHAPTER X. 
 
 read in this history, were composed of Jews. Now we 
 read of the first Gentile family who were converted and 
 baptized. Gentile churches are now numerous, and to 
 consider their origin, as set before us in this chapter, is 
 like tracing a mighty river to its source. A Roman cen¬ 
 turion, or commander of a hundred soldiers, is here men¬ 
 tioned ; what was his name ? The family of the Cornelii 
 were celebrated in Rome What was his band or com¬ 
 pany called ? 
 
 2. This man was not an idolater. He did not worship 
 Jupiter or Mars, like other Romans;—what is said of his 
 tjj^aracter ? The use of money is a test of character;— 
 what is said of him on this point ? 
 
 3. One day, about three o’clock in the afternoon, the 
 hour of public evening prayer, he heard his name called 
 aloud ;—by whom ? 
 
 4. What effect did this sudden appearance produce oil 
 the mind of the centurion ? What expression of surprise 
 did he utter ? What figurative language did the angel 
 use to denote the acceptance of the centurion’s offerings ? 
 
 5. To introduce Christianity among the heathen was an 
 errand worthy of the mission of an angel. Nevertheless 
 Christ had not appointed angels to preach the gospel. 
 What direction, therefore, did the angel give ? 
 
 6. Where was Peter at this time ? For what purpose 
 was Cornelius to send for him ? In this way the prayers 
 of Cornelius were answered. Although he was a good 
 man he had much to learn, and he valued the knowledge 
 of God “ more than all riches.” 
 
 7. In obedience to the angel what did the centurion 
 immediately do ? 
 
 8. It was to the honor of Cornelius to have such men in 
 his household;—what did he communicate to them ? 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER X. 
 
 79 
 
 9. About noon the next day how was Peter employed ? 
 
 10. While food was being prepared for Peter in what 
 extraordinary condition was he ? Observe, the Greek 
 word translated trance ds that one from which comes our 
 English word extasy. It denotes a state in which the 
 mind is so much absorbed in objects of thought that the 
 senses are suspended. External objects are not perceived. 
 
 11. 12. While Peter was in this state what objects of 
 contemplation engaged him ? 
 
 13. What command came to Peter ? 
 
 14. Under the influence of his Jewish education Peter 
 regarded this as a trial of his fidelity;—what, therefore, 
 did he reply ? On what ground would a Jew regard these 
 animals as unclean ? Lev. xx. 25, 26. 
 
 15. The celestial voice uttered a second command;— 
 what was that ? A greater than Moses is here. The 
 Lawgiver declares the ceremonial law abolished. The old 
 distinction between clean and unclean meats, between 
 Jews and Gentiles, was here set aside. Peter so under¬ 
 stood the matter; and no wonder that he did, for the 
 Jews used to consider unclean animals a representation of 
 the Gentiles. 
 
 16. How often was the vision repeated ? 
 
 17. God’s providence interpreted the meaning of the 
 vision. At this time who stood at Simon’s gate ? 
 
 18. For whom did they inquire ? 
 
 19. The fact of their arrival was revealed to Peter;— 
 
 how ? 
 
 20. What reason had Peter to believe that the errand 
 of these messengers would give the right interpretation of 
 the vision ? 
 
 21. In what manner did Peter make himself known to 
 the messengers ? 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER X. 
 
 8D; 
 
 22. Doubtless tlie messengers were now assured that 
 the hand of God was in this matter. Probably they had 
 said one to another at the gate, 44 Here is the house by the 
 sea-side; there is the tan-yard—so far the vision is true ; 
 now, if a man named Simon Peter is a guest here, we may 
 be sure that our centurion has been directed by an angel.” 
 What did they say of the character of Cornelius ? They 
 indicated to Peter that he was not an idolater;—how ? 
 What revelation did they say that Cornelius had received ? 
 
 23. How were the messengers received ? When did they 
 return ? Peter knew that his conduct would be called in 
 question by scrupulous Jews ;—whom did he take as wit¬ 
 nesses ? 
 
 24. When did they reach Cesarea ? Cornelius had strong 
 confidence that his messengers would return immediately, 
 and that Peter would be with them;—how did he show 
 this ? He not only desired the knowledge of salvation for 
 himself, but also for his neighbors;—how did he show 
 this ? He manifested the same ^spirit as Andrew and 
 Philip when they first found the Messiah;—in what re¬ 
 spect? John i. 41, 45. True religion expands the heart. 
 He who enjoys it wishes all to share it. What use should 
 we make of the example of Cornelius? Observe how 
 willing is God to meet the desires of honest and earnest 
 inquirers after truth;—what promise is given to such per¬ 
 sons ? Prov. ii. 1-5. What promises has Christ given to 
 them? Matt. vii. 7, 8. 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER X. 
 
 81 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Lesson II. — 25-48. 
 
 Peter refuses to receive Homage—Calls for a Statement of the Rea¬ 
 sons which led Cornelius to send for him—Preaches Jesus a3 the 
 
 Messiah—Recognizes his Audience as True Converts. 
 
 25. As Peter entered the house of Cornelius in what 
 manner was he received ? 
 
 26. Peter intimates that Cornelius thought him to be 
 more than a man;—how does he do this ? It follows from 
 this that man-worship is wrong. Jesus Christ always re¬ 
 ceived the worship that was offered him. Matt. viii. 2, 3. 
 Considering this in connection with Peter’s words what 
 may we infer respecting Christ ? 
 
 27. Within the house an agreeable scene was before the 
 eyes of Peter ;—what was it ? 
 
 28. To what well-known fact did Peter refer as he be¬ 
 gan to speak ? He then gave the true interpretation of 
 the vision at Joppa;—what was it i 
 
 29. Peter did not wish to appear to any of the assembly 
 as an intruder;—what demand, therefore, did he make ? 
 
 30. Who answered ? He is very particular in giving an 
 account of the message from Heaven. What does he say 
 as to the tigrie of it ? How was he engaged ? What form 
 did the angel assume ? 
 
 31. What testimony did the angel bear ? 
 
 32. What direction did he give ? 
 
 33. How did the centurion express his welcome to Peter ? 
 How did he state the object of the meeting ? 
 
 4* 
 
82 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER X. 
 
 34. Peter begins his discourse by repeating the lesson 
 taught by the vision;—in what form does he now express 
 it ? The apostle had once thought differently;—in what 
 respect ? 
 
 35. Peter now asserts the Christian doctrine in opposi¬ 
 tion to the Jewish ; —what is that ? Jesus had taught the 
 same truth to a Samaritan;—in what words ? John iv. 22- 
 24. Jesus had foretold the triumph of this truth over 
 Judaism;—when ? Matt. viii. 10-12. From these words 
 of Jesus what shall we infer respecting those who have 
 the true light, and yet reject or slight it ? 
 
 36. To whom does Peter say that the word of the gospel 
 was first sent ? What is the character of this gospel ? 
 Paul taught the same doctrine;—where ? Epli. ii. 12-14. 
 The Jews had taught that the true Messiah was to be only 
 for them ; —what does Peter teach on that point ? 
 
 37. Where does Peter say the gospel was published? 
 About what time did this publication commence ? 
 
 38. The word Messiah, or Christ, means “ the anointed 
 one.” Prophets, priests, and kings received the sacred 
 unction. The promised Saviour, the great Prophet, Priest, 
 and King, was God’s Messiah;—how was he said to be 
 anointed ? How was this exhibited at the time of his 
 baptism ? What did Isaiah say respecting this sacred 
 anointing? Isa. lxi. 1. How does Peter describe the life 
 of Jesus? 
 
 39. Cornelius had heard rumors of these things which 
 Jesus did; now he hears better testimony;—what was 
 that? In the view of a Roman crueifixiop was a great 
 disgrace ; Peter does not conceal it;—what does he say ? 
 
 40. Nevertheless, how did God vindicate the character 
 of “ the crucified one ?” 
 
 41. Who were the witnesses of this great fact ? 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER X. 
 
 83 
 
 42. Peter now states his authority as a preacher;— 
 from whom was it received ? He was to make known the 
 majesty of Christ; — in what character ? The apostle 
 speaks of the whole human race as being destined to 
 meet Christ in judgment;—how does he express this idea? 
 
 43. The religion of the Old Testament consisted mainly 
 in believing in a “ Messiah to come ;”—how does the apostle 
 express this ? What great benefit is received through 
 faith in the true Messiah ? This is the greatest of all 
 blessings. He who has this is rich indeed. Observe now 
 the great truths preached by Peter in this first sermon to 
 a heathen audience. Review them. 1. In the sight of 
 God the people of all nations are placed on a moral level; 
 —where is this expressed ? 2. The life and works of Je¬ 
 sus proved his Messiahship;—how is this taught ? 3. The 
 Messiah, risen from the dead, is to be the final judge of * 
 all;—in what words is this declared ? 4. Through faith 
 in his name salvation is offered to all;—how is this de¬ 
 clared ? Peter closes his sermon with the doctrine of 
 
 justification by faith.” 
 
 44. The apostle’s preaching was confirmed by marvelous 
 influences, which remind us of the day of Pentecost;—in 
 what manner ? 
 
 45. The signs were obvious to all. Here was proof that 
 '‘God is no respecter of persons.” How were the Chris¬ 
 tian Jews affected when they saw this ? 
 
 46. What were the signs of this miraculous influence ? 
 
 47. As God himself acknowledged these persons to be 
 Christians, Peter declares that they ought to be acknowl¬ 
 edged by man as such;—how does he express this ? 
 
 48. In what manner did he command this acknowledg¬ 
 ment to be made? What did the reception of this rite 
 declare to all ? Gal. iii. 27. This was a good profession. 
 
84 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER XL ' 
 
 Is it the duty of all to make it in sincerity ? Acts- ii. 38. 
 Why ? Matt, xxviii. 19, 20. 
 
 CHAPTEE XI. 
 
 Lessen.—1-30. 
 
 Peter’s Defense of his Conduct—Effect—Conversion of Heathen— 
 
 The name of “ Christian”—Christian Prophets—Christian Benevo¬ 
 lence. 
 
 1. The last chapter contained an account of the intro¬ 
 duction of the Gentiles into the Christian church. For 
 two thousand years the distinction between Jew and Gen¬ 
 tile had been kept up, but now the middle wall of partition 
 is broken down. This event was accomplished under the 
 ministration of Peter. Who heard of this remarkable pro¬ 
 ceeding ? 
 
 2. On this point who contended with Peter ? 
 
 3. Of what did they complain ? This shows that they 
 did not regard Peter as a pope. 
 
 4. Peter was not offended. How did he defend his con¬ 
 duct ? What lesson may we draw from this ? 
 
 5. At what point did he begin his narrative ? 
 
 6. He speaks of having been thoroughly engrossed with 
 the matter how does he express this ? 
 
 7. What does he say of the message from heaven ? 
 
 8. He shows his Jewish brethren that his views had 
 been the same as theirs;—how ? 
 
 9. How does he say that his scruples were removed ? 
 
 10. What does he say of the repetition of the revelation ? 
 
 11. How did God’s providence begin the interpretation 
 of it ? 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER XL 
 
 86 
 
 12. Under what authority did he act ? How many wit¬ 
 nesses did he take with him ? 
 
 13. What was done in Cesarea to correspond with what 
 was done in Joppa ? 
 
 14. How did the angel characterize the gospel ? 
 
 15. He declares that the miracle of Pentecost was re¬ 
 peated ;—how does he denote this ? 
 
 16. What words of Christ came to his memory ? Why 
 were these miraculous impartations of the Spirit compared 
 to a baptism ? Acts ii. 2-4. 
 
 17. Having given a simple statement of the facts, what 
 appeal does he make ? 
 
 18. How did the objectors answer this appeal ? What 
 feelings did their words imply ? Here it may be well to 
 recollect that Christ had denoted the apostolical work of 
 Peter in figurative terms, by saying, “ I give unto thee 
 the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” Peter had turned 
 one of these keys on the day of Pentecost, and admitted 
 the Jews; he had turned the other at Cesarea, and had 
 admitted the Gentiles. 
 
 19. The historian having informed us of the introduction 
 of Christianity among the heathen, now pursues the sub¬ 
 ject to the close of the book, and proceeds to inform us of 
 the rise of the first church, which was formed of Grecian 
 converts. It was cradled by a storm of persecution;—what 
 persecution was it ? What church did it scatter abroad ? 
 To what places did they go ? Phenice lay along the coast of 
 Syria, north of Galilee, on the Mediterranean Sea. Cyprus 
 was an island in the Mediterranean, off the coast of Cilicia. 
 Antioch was the capital of Syria, a splendid city situated 
 on the Orontes. It was distinguished for religious liberty, 
 that is, the free exercise of all religions. On this account 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER XI. 
 
 it was a good place of refuge. Here the exiled Christians 
 preached the gospel;—to whom ? 
 
 20. But a number of Cyprian and Cyrenean Christians 
 pursued a different course;—in what respect ? These 
 men, having always been accustomed to mingle with 
 Gentiles, when they found 44 an open door” at Antioch, 
 could not but seize their opportunity. Cyrene was a 
 Roman colony on the coast of Africa; the Greek language, 
 however, was familiar to the men of Cyrene, as well as 
 of Cyprus. You perceive that these traveling Christians 
 did not leave their religion at hofiie;—what proof is there 
 of this ? 
 
 21. What proof did these disciples have that God ap¬ 
 proved their work ? The event was astonishing, just as 
 much so as if in our day a multitude of Eastern Brahmins 
 should be converted under the first sermons of an American 
 missionary. In such a case to what power should we 
 attribute the result ? 
 
 22. The news of the event flew abroad;—who were par¬ 
 ticularly interested in hearing it ? Whom did they send 
 to Antioch ? This man was a resident of Cyprus, and yet 
 of Levitical origin. On these accounts he was particularly 
 adapted to this mission;—why ? 
 
 23. When he reached Antioch he was not disappointed ; 
 —how did he evidently feel ? What occasioned these 
 emotions ? He knew that the converts would encounter 
 many difficulties;—to what did he therefore urge them ? 
 There is great power in a decided resolution, when con¬ 
 nected with right feeling. These two united form a strong 
 character. 
 
 24. What kind of a man was Barnabas ? Doubtless he 
 had many fine natural gifts, but his eminence did not 
 spring from these;—what proof have we of this ? No man 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER XI. 
 
 87 
 
 has native goodness enough to save him;—by what are 
 saved ? When the gifts of grace are added to those of na¬ 
 ture we see a useful and successful Christian;—why was 
 Barnabas an illustration of this ? 
 
 25. Barnabas desired help in this mission, and evidently 
 needed a Jewish Christian accustomed to intercourse with 
 the heathen ; —whom, therefore, did he seek ? Bo you see 
 the special wisdom of this choice ? What was it that had 
 caused Saul to leave Jerusalem and return to his native 
 city ? In view of that fact, why was Antioch an inviting 
 field ? 
 
 26. How long did these two labor together at Antioch ? 
 With whom did they co-operate ? Any one who considers 
 the condition of those brought up under the corruptions 
 of heathenism, will see that these two teachers had enough 
 to do;—in what respects ? What new name did the fol¬ 
 lowers of Jesus here receive ? They had been accustomed 
 to call each other disciples , believers , saints , brethren; 
 the Jews had called them Nazarenes and Galileans; —by 
 whom, then, was this new name probably given? 
 
 27. To the Christians of Jerusalem Antioch became a 
 place of great attraction;—what indication do we see of 
 this here mentioned ? 
 
 28. One of these brethren is mentioned by name;— 
 whom? What did he prophesy? How did he become 
 possessed of his knowledge ? When was his prophecy 
 
 fulfilled ? 
 
 29. History shows us that the calamity raged especially 
 in Judea. To whom did the Christians of Antioch resolve 
 to send relief ? To what extent was this resolution 
 adopted ? By what rule did each man determine his 
 amount of contribution ? 
 
 30. They were not content with votes or resolutions ;— 
 
88 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER XII. 
 
 how much further did they go ? Whom did they employ 
 as almoners ? The disciples of Antioch had not received 
 money or temporal blessings from Jerusalem, but what 
 greater benefits did they thus acknowledge ? These latter 
 blessings constitute “ the true riches—how does Christ 
 bid us estimate their value ? Matt. vi. 19, 20. Every man 
 should seek these for himself;—when ? Matt. vi. 33. 
 These blessings are enduring , and when we receive the 
 gospel we obtain all in one. What does the apostle Petej^ 
 teach on this point ? 1 Pet. i. 24, 25. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Lesson. —1-23. 
 
 King Herod’s Persecution of the Church—Death of James—Imprison¬ 
 ment and Deliverance of Peter—God’s Judgment on Herod—Spread 
 of the Gospel. 
 
 1. The course of the narrative now returns to the 
 church at Jerusalem;—under whose dominion was the 
 country at that time ? This man was grandson of Herod 
 the Great, who sought to destroy “ the babe of Bethlehem” 
 —nephew to Herod Antipas, who beheaded John the Bap¬ 
 tist—the brother of Herodias, who bade her daughter ask 
 for the head of John, and father of Agrippa, who heard 
 Paul’s celebrated discourse. This Herod had obtained the 
 favor of the Roman emperor, and now, having been made 
 king over his grandfather’s dominions, the power of the 
 Herodian family was concentrated in him. Jewish blood 
 ran in his veins, and it pleased the Jews to be ruled by 
 him rather than by a Roman procurator. How did he 
 treat the Christian church ? 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER XII. 
 
 2. What apostle did he murder ? In what manner ? 
 Crucifixion was a Roman punishment * and the Jews did 
 not practice it. 
 
 3. How did this martyrdom affect the Jews? How did 
 Herod show his sympathy with them ? Herod cherished 
 the nation’s prejudices, but was chiefly influenced by his 
 love of popularity. The Jewish Sanhedrim had failed in 
 all their efforts against Peter, and they were glad to see a 
 king try his hand in the work of persecution. It was now 
 the spring of the year, about the month of April;—how do 
 we know this ? What kind of bread was then used ? Ac¬ 
 cording to what law ? Ex. xii. 15. 
 
 4. Herod would not interrupt a religious solemnity by 
 a public execution;—on that account what did he do with 
 Peter ? To whose care did he intrust him ? A quaternion 
 was a guard of four soldiers ;—how many men were set to 
 watch the apostle ? Herod expected to enjoy a grand dis¬ 
 play of his royal power after the Passover. The word 
 Easter ought not to have had any place in the English 
 translation. It is an old Anglo-Saxon term, first applied 
 to a heathen festival which was celebrated in the month 
 of April, and was afterward applied in England to a 
 Christian festival, celebrated in honor of the resurrection, 
 about the same time of the year. 
 
 5. The church in Jerusalem was in great distress on 
 Peter’s account; nevertheless, they offered no petition for 
 him to the king or council;—what did they do for him ? 
 
 6. The time set for the public execution of Peter drew 
 near. During the previous night how was he guarded ? 
 In a quaternion of soldiers, two of them were fastened to the 
 prisoner, and two kept the door. In what manner did 
 Peter pass the night? We have read of one period when 
 Peter could not sleep even on the softest couch, but tc wept 
 
90 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER XII. 
 
 bitterlynow he can sleep in a dungeon How can we 
 account for this difference ? 
 
 7. Then one entered the prison without asking leave of 
 the king or guard;—who was this ? What supernatural 
 sign accompanied him? How did he rouse the apostle 
 from his slumber ? What did he bid him do ? The chains 
 were not wrenched off;—what became of them ? 
 
 8. Peter obeyed the command, but now he is prevented 
 from acting in too great haste ; —how ? What further di¬ 
 rection was given ? 
 
 9. Peter was so astonished that he could scarcely credit 
 his senses;—how is this denoted ? 
 
 10. When they passed two wards, or guards, to what 
 did they come ? What miracle was witnessed here ? No 
 human hand was seen;—what power was manifest ? The 
 angel’s mission was soon fulfilled;—where did he leave 
 Peter ? The light of the moon was now sufficient to guide 
 the steps of Peter ;—what reason have we to think so ? 
 
 11. When Peter recovered his self-possession he knew 
 that this was not a trance, like that at Joppa;—to what 
 conclusion did he arrive ? 
 
 12. He paused to reflect;—to what house did he then 
 proceed ? Who were assembled there ? The lady of this 
 house was a sister of Barnabas. How does this appear ? 
 Col. iv. 10. 
 
 13. As Peter knocked at the outer gate, a confidential 
 member of the household came to listen;—who was this ? 
 
 14. Those who heard the rnps at the gate at that hour 
 probably supposed that an officer of Herod was there. 
 What a happy surprise followed! What effect did it pro¬ 
 duce ? 
 
 15. How did those within the house answer Rhoda's 
 message? Her words and manner soon convinced them 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER XII. 
 
 91 
 
 that some extraordinary thing had occurred ;—what was 
 their conjecture ? It was a common belief that each per¬ 
 son has a guardian angel, who can assume his appearance 
 and speak in similar tones of voice. Many suppose that 
 their expression sprung from this belief. Probably, how¬ 
 ever, they meant to express the apprehension that Peter 
 was already dead, and that this was his apparition. 
 
 16. Nevertheless, the knocking continued;—what fol¬ 
 lowed ? 
 
 IT. Doubtless their expressions of joy were loud and 
 impassioned;—how did Peter calm them ? What informa¬ 
 tion did he give them ? He remembered the absent, and 
 wished to encourage them;—how did he show this ? To 
 whom did he especially refer ? This was the son of Al- 
 pheus, author of the epistle, and called by Paul, in his 
 Epistle to the Galatians, one of the “ pillars ” among the 
 apostles. 
 
 18. The narrative now returns to the prison, where the 
 astonishment was as great as that at the nouse of Mary; 
 —what was the subject of warm discussion ? 
 
 19. In what did the efforts of the king fail ? He would 
 not allow that God had interposed by a miracle to favor 
 the Christians;—on whom did he lay the blame ? How 
 did he gratify his vengeance ? About this time he had 
 occasion to go to Cesarea. This is mentioned in order to 
 introduce the narrative of Herod’s death. 
 
 20. With whom had Herod been displeased ? They 
 were devoted to commerce, not to agriculture;—whence 
 did they procure their food ? They had no desire for 
 war;—by what means did they dispose Herod’s mind to 
 peace ? Peace was best for both parties, as these sea-ports 
 opened a market for the produce of Herod’s territory. 
 
 21. On this occasion Herod made a great display;—in 
 
92 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 what manner ? He boasted of his own magnanimity. 
 The Tyrians and Sidonians knew his vanity, and answered 
 in shouts of flattery;—what did they exclaim ? 
 
 22. This idolatry pleased Herod;—how was it punished ? 
 Josephus tells us that he exclaimed, “I, your God, am 
 ordered to depart this life.” What was the nature of his 
 disease? It was so sudden, direct, and extraordinary, 
 that all regarded it as a judgment of God. How did it 
 end ? Behold! a king is conquered by worms. His mag¬ 
 nificence is turned into corruption. 
 
 23. What followed the death of Herod ? 
 
 24. What is mentioned of Barnabas and Saul ? In these 
 events what Scripture was fulfilled ? Ps. Ixxvi. 10. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Lesson I.—1-16. 
 
 Paul and Barnabas sent forth on a Mission to the Heathen—Preach 
 in the Isle of Cyprus—Visit Paphos—A Sorc-erer Struck with Blind¬ 
 ness—Sergius Paulus Converted—Paul Preaches at Antioch, in 
 Pisidia 
 
 1. A new era here commences. A Christian church 
 engages in the work of sending missionaries to the hea¬ 
 then. What church is spoken of in this verse ? It was 
 highly endowed with gifts;—what class of persons were in 
 it ? Who is the first mentioned in the list ? Bo you re¬ 
 member of what place he had been a resident ? Who is 
 the second ? He is believed by many to have been that 
 Cyrenian who shared the weight of the cross with Jesus 
 on his way to Calvary. Luke xxiii. 26. The third one 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 98 
 
 here mentioned was a Cyrenian, that is, a man of Cyrene, 
 on the coast of Africa;—what was his name ? The fourth 
 had been a schoolfellow, or companion, with Herod Anti- 
 pas, tetrarch of Galilee;—what was his name ? The fifth 
 was one whose history we have already considered. The 
 arrangement of names is probably in the order of age, as 
 is suggested by the editor of Calmet. 
 
 2. While these men were engaged in religious worship 
 what command was given by the Holy Spirit concerning 
 two of them ? 
 
 3. These men were called of God to be missionaries to 
 the heathen;—in what manner was this call recognized by 
 the church ? Of what was laying on of hands the sign ? 
 We read of fasting here as well as in other places in the 
 New Testament; but we have read nothing of fasting by 
 rule, of fasting on Fridays, or forty days during Lent, or 
 eating fish instead of flesh. The early Christians fasted 
 whenever they thought that fasting would be profitable as 
 an aid to devotion. What did Christ say on this subject ? 
 Matt. ix. 14, 15; Matt. vi. 16-18. 
 
 4. Although the church set apart these missionaries, 
 whence was it that their commission came ? What do we 
 learn from this respecting the personality of the Holy 
 Spirit ? The missionaries immediately left Antioch for 
 the sea-port, fifteen miles distant;—what is it called ? To 
 what island did they sail ? 
 
 5. They landed at a port on the southeast part of the 
 island;—what is it called? Where did they preach the 
 word of God ? In order that they might give themselves 
 to their work they took with them one who could attend to 
 their secular affairs;—who was this ? What relation was 
 he to Barnabas ? Col. iv. 10. 
 
 6. They traveled across the island to the western coast x 
 
94 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 —to what place did they come ? It was the residence of 
 the Roman proconsul. They were met there by a magi¬ 
 cian ;—of what nation ? He was called after the name of 
 his father;—what was that ? 
 
 7. With whom was this fortune-teller staying? This 
 proconsul was a sensible man, who desired to obtain a 
 knowledge of the true religion. It is probable that he 
 had regarded this Jewish magician as able to give him in¬ 
 formation respecting the Jewish religion. When he heard 
 that two religious teachers had arrived what did he do ? 
 From what motive ? 
 
 8. We have here the sorcerer’s name in Arabic;—what 
 is it ? He was jealous of the apostles’ influence over the 
 Roman governor;—on that account what did he do ? 
 
 9. As Saul is now among Romans, Luke mentions the 
 Roman form Df his name ;—what was that ? This differ¬ 
 ent mode of pronouncing names is common in our day; 
 thus the English name John is called by the French Jean, 
 and by the Hutch Hans. Toward the sorcerer it was nec¬ 
 essary for Paul to use great severity ;—under what influ¬ 
 ence did he speak to him ? 
 
 10. He described the character of Elymas by four severe 
 epithets;—what were they ? Of what kind of misrepre¬ 
 sentation does Paul accuse Elymas ? 
 
 11. We are all bound to be careful not to judge others 
 harshly. But Paul knew this man’s character, and now 
 he shows that God approved his judgment;—how ? What 
 calamity followed ? How did Elymas show that this ca¬ 
 lamity was real ? Such blindness does not always follow 
 the perversion of religious truth, but blindness of another 
 kind often does ;—of what kind is that ? 2 Cor. iv. 4. 
 
 12. What effect had this miracle on the Roman procon¬ 
 sul ? He saw that Paul’s sentence was not an imprecation 
 
Acts, chapter xiii. 
 
 95 
 
 of vengeance;—how, then, must he have regarded it ? 
 Paul’s severe sentence is not recorded for our imitation; 
 —why not ? If men now pervert the truth, or oppose it, 
 they may not suffer a punishment like that of Ely mas ;— 
 of what, however, are they in danger? 2 Thess. ii. 11, 12. 
 
 13. Paul and his company left Paphos. They left Ely- 
 mas blind and Sergius enlightened. They sailed away 
 from the isle of Cyprus, and came to the first port on the 
 continent of Europe;—what was its name? Here John 
 Mark left them;—where did he go ? He was again with 
 Paul, after some time, as a fellow-worker;—what proof is? 
 there of this ? Col. iv. 10, 11; 2 Tim. iv. 11. 
 
 14. The two who had set out together from Antioch, in 
 Syria, now came to another Antioch;—where was that? 
 There were many Jews here;—what proof is there of it? 
 On the Saturday after their arrival where did Paul and 
 Barnabas go ? 
 
 15. The Jewish law was read publicly. It was divided 
 into fifty-two sections, in order that the whole might be 
 read in a year. After the lesson of the day what invita¬ 
 tion did Paul and Barnabas receive ? From whom did it 
 come? The strangers were recognized as Jews;—what 
 proof is there of this ? 
 
 16. Paul was, doubtless, glad of the invitation, for he 
 loved to preach the gospel. Having waved his hand so as 
 to invite the attention of all, how did he commence his 
 discourse ? His style of address was adapted to gain the 
 favor of his audience;—why ? It was Paul’s delight to 
 preach to the Gentiles;—yet how did he feel toward the 
 Jews? Bom. x. 1. What did he regard as his peculiar 
 mission ? Rom. xv. 16. The conversion of the heathen, 
 which was the great work commenced by Peter, Paul, and 
 Barnabas, is still to be carried forward. If we are Chris- 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 9i3 
 
 tians indeed, we will be careful to do our share in rela¬ 
 tion to it. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Lesson II.—17-62. 
 
 Paul’s Sermon in the Synagogue at Antioch, in Pisidia—Public Atten¬ 
 tion awakened—Opposition of the Jews—Persecution. 
 
 17. Like Stephen, Paul begins his sermon with Jewish 
 history. To what patriarchs did he refer, as the founders 
 of the nation? In what land did the people dwell as 
 strangers ? What did God then do for them ? What 
 figure is here used to denote God’s power ? By whom 
 was the deliverance here spoken of accomplished ? 
 
 18. After being delivered- whither did the people go ? 
 How long did they remain there ? Why did they remain 
 so long ? Deut. viii. 2, 8. The afflictions to which we are 
 subjected are designed for a similar purpose;—how should 
 we regard them ? Heb. xii. 5, 6. 
 
 19. How many nations were subdued in Canaan ? What 
 was the character of these nations ? Deut. xviii. 10-12. 
 After these conquests, how was the land divided ? 
 
 20. In those ages what kind of government prevailed in 
 Israel ? Who was the last of this class of rulers ? 
 
 21. The people desired a change in the mode of govern¬ 
 ment ;—how was it brought about ? 1 Sam. viii. 4, 6. Who 
 was the first king ? How long did he reign ? 
 
 22. Who succeeded Saul on the throne of Israel ? Why 
 did God remove Saul ? 1 Sam. xv. 23. What testimony did 
 God give respecting David ? Observe, this testimony respect¬ 
 ing David refers to his official character as king. He guided 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 97 
 
 the government by the divine law, and opposed all idolatry; 
 but when in private life he did wrong, God expressed his 
 displeasure against him. From what employment was 
 David exalted to the throne ? Ps. Ixxviii. 70-72. 
 
 23. The Jews all understood that the Messiah was to be 
 a descendant of David;—what did they testify on this 
 point ? Matt. xxii. 42. What promise of a perpetual king¬ 
 dom was given to David ? 2 Sam. vii. 16. Christ, who was 
 of the line of David, was a king and is now a dang;—in 
 what sense, temporal or spiritual ? 
 
 24. Who went before Christ to prepare his way ? How 
 did he do it ? 
 
 25. As the herald fulfilled his work, some suspected that 
 he was the Messiah;—what was his testimony on that point ? 
 
 26. Paul now makes his appeal to the whole of the 
 audience, first to the Jews ;—what did he call them ? He 
 includes also the Gentiles;—in what way ? What does he 
 call the gospel ? 
 
 27. He speaks of the crucifixion of Jesus;—to what cause 
 does he attribute it ? What means had the Jews of know¬ 
 ing the character of the Messiah ? Men may be familiar 
 with the letter of the Bible, and yet be ignorant of its true 
 meaning. How is it that true Christians’know the meaning 
 of the Scripture ? John vi. 45. Why were the Jews blam- 
 able for their ignorance ? 
 
 28. They pretended to bring Jesus to trial as a male¬ 
 factor;—what was the result? What did Pilate, the 
 Roman governor, declare on this point? How did they 
 alarm Pilate so as to induce him to comply with their 
 request ? 
 
 29. After having unconsciously fulfilled the prophecies 
 by the crucifixion of Jesus, what did they do with him? 
 Who officiated as friends at his burial ? 
 
 5 
 
08 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 30. The government sealed the tomb, and set a vratcli ; 
 but all in vain;—why ? 
 
 31. After the resurrection, how many days was Jesus 
 seen ? By whom ? On that account what were all these 
 qualified to be ? 
 
 32. By what name does Paul designate the gospel ? It 
 was no new theme. How far back in history does he date 
 its origin ? 
 
 33. What prophecy was thus fulfilled ? The prophecy 
 here quoted is used in a declarative sense, that is, “ This 
 day I declare that I have begotten thee.” How does Paul 
 express this idea more fully ? Rom. i. 4. 
 
 34. What other promise did the resurrection of Jesus 
 fulfill ? This is quoted from Isa. lv. 3. 
 
 35. Still another promise was fulfilled by the resurrec¬ 
 tion ;—what was that ? This may be found in Ps. xvi. 10. 
 and we have already seen that Peter quoted it in one of 
 his discourses. Christ raised Lazarus from the dead, but 
 he returned to corruption;—in what respect, then, was 
 the resurrection of Jesus distinguished from all others ? 
 
 36. Some might have thought that the promise referred 
 to David himself;—how does Paul guard against that 
 objection ? Where was David’s sepulcher ? Acts ii. 29. 
 
 37. One fact showed that the promise was fulfilled in 
 Jesus what was that ? 
 
 38. Paul now passes from history to doctrine. What 
 great doctrine does he now declare ? This is the chief 
 doctrine of the gospel. 
 
 39. What great blessing comes from receiving this gospel 
 into the heart ? In what respect is it superior to the 
 Jewish economy ? There were some sins, such as murder 
 and idolatry, for which the Mosaic code provided no atone¬ 
 ment or pardon. Can this be said of the gospel ? Will 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 99 
 
 the gospel save us if we have no faith in it ? Observe, 
 this doctrine of justification by faith is the chief theme of 
 Paul’s epistles. The doctrine is this: Having broken 
 God’s law we can not justify ourselves before him ; but 
 if we penitently confess our sinfulness, and trust in the 
 mediation of Christ (instead of trusting to our own 
 merits), then, for the sake of Christ, God will accept us, 
 and grant us his favor as freely as if we had never 
 sinned. 
 
 40. In closing his discourse, what caution did the apos¬ 
 tle utter ? 
 
 41. Whose words did he apply to the case before him? 
 Hab. i. 5. 
 
 42. This sermon took the Jews by surprise. When 
 Paul rose to speak they thought of him only as a Jew. 
 The new doctrine amazed them. They appear to have 
 left the synagogue in silence. What was done by the 
 Gentile part of the audience ? 
 
 43. All did not go at once to their homes;—who fol¬ 
 lowed Paul and Barnabas ? To what were they exhorted? 
 
 44. On the following Saturday, what kind of an assem¬ 
 bly did these missionaries have ? What motive brought 
 the people together ? 
 
 45. The great influence of the Christian missionaries 
 excited the envy and anger of some;—who were they ? 
 How did they express their feelings ? 
 
 46. The missionaries were not frightened by these 
 things ;—how did they meet the emergency ? These Jews 
 acted as if they had no souls to care for. What did the 
 missionaries say of their conduct ? The Jews might reject 
 the gospel, but they could not stop its progress. What 
 did the apostles say of their hopes of success ? 
 
 47. The Jews had no idea of a system of religion fitted 
 
100 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTCIt XIV. 
 
 to be universal;—what prophecy did Paul quote respect¬ 
 ing this? Isa. xlix. 6. Nothing excited their anger more 
 than to be told that the heathen should be brought, under 
 the Messiah, to the enjoyment of the same privileges as 
 they themselves possessed. 
 
 48. Some, however, hailed this truth as good news;— 
 who were they ? The apostles were not inflated with 
 their success, as if their power or eloquence had converted 
 men. To whom did they attribute this great change ? 
 
 49. What was the success of the gospel in that part of 
 Asia ? 
 
 50. What were the Jews impelled to do ? What was the 
 result of their measures ? 
 
 51. The apostles felt that they had done their duty, and 
 that if these people perished, none but themselves were 
 responsible. By what act did they express this ? What 
 precept did the apostles obey in doing this ? Matt. x. 14. 
 They then traveled southeastward to the capital of Lyca- 
 onia;—what was its name ? That place is now called 
 Konieh. 
 
 52. The Christians were soon met by storms of persecu¬ 
 tion. In what state of mind were they ? What words of 
 Christ were thus fulfilled ? Matt. v. 10-12. 
 
 CHAPTER X IY. 
 
 Lesson 1-2& 
 
 Paul and Barnabas expelled from Iconium.—A Miracle of Healing at 
 Lystra.—They are worshiped as Gods.—Again they are perse¬ 
 cuted.—They revisit the Churches.—They return to Antioch, in 
 Syria, and present to the Church a Report of their Missionary 
 Tour. 
 
 1. Iconium was an important place ;—do you remember 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 101 
 
 where it was situated ? What place did Paul and Barna¬ 
 bas first seek in Iconium ? What was the effect of their 
 preaching ? 
 
 2. In most congregations there are two classes, believers 
 and unbelievers. In this synagogue, what did the unbe¬ 
 lieving Jews set themselves to do ? 
 
 3. In order to remove these prejudices, what did these 
 missionaries do ? How did God sanction their work ? 
 
 4. Two parties were formed among the people;—how 
 are they described ? 
 
 5. Jews and heathen united against Christ’s ministers ;— 
 what did this combination propose to do ? Stoning to 
 death was the penalty for blasphemy. The Jews called 
 the Christian doctrine blasphemy. What was the charge 
 against Stephen in relation to this point ? Acts vi. 13. 
 
 0. Being informed of the plot, what did the missionaries 
 do ? What command did they thus fulfill ? 
 
 7. At Lystra and Derbe how were the apostles en- 
 gaged ? 
 
 8. At Lystra an object of pity attracted their attention; 
 how is he described ? The word cripple comes from the 
 old spelling of the word creeple , meaning one who can 
 only creep , not walk erect. 
 
 9. This man was a hearer of Paul. What did the apos¬ 
 tle perceive in him ? The phrase here used means “ faith 
 to be saved.” Cod, •who had deprived the poor man of 
 the use of his feet, gave him a heart to believe. On Ely- 
 mas Paul had wrought a miracle of judgment against the 
 will of the sorcerer; now he would work a miracle of 
 mercy which the cripple much desired. 
 
 10. What command did Paul pronounce ? The heathen 
 sorcerers muttered their charmed words in low tones;— 
 how did Paul speak? Thus he openly pledged God’s 
 
102 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 power;—what did this show? What was the immediate 
 effect ? 
 
 11. When the people saw the work what did they ex¬ 
 claim ? It was a sort of Assyrian Greek that they spoke. 
 The shout was somewhat like that which the Cesareans 
 raised in honor of Herod;—in what respect ? 
 
 12. They not only called the missionaries “gods,” but 
 gave them names derived from the Greek mythology;— 
 what were they ? Mercury was their god of eloquence ;— 
 why did they apply that name to Paul ? Jupiter was 
 their 4 4 lord of all the godsMercury was his son and 
 messenger. Paul was probably young enough to be 
 deemed the son of Barnabas. The statues of Jupiter 
 represented him as a venerable and full-bearded man, 
 and the appearance of Barnabas may have suggested the 
 likeness. 
 
 13. At Lystra there was a temple in honor of Jupiter ; 
 —what was the priest of it about to do ? 
 
 14. How did the missionaries express their abhorrence 
 of this proposal ? 
 
 15. They appealed to the reason of the people;—with 
 what question ? They asserted that they were of the same 
 mortal nature as others;—how did they express this ? 
 The word 44 passions” here denotes a liability to sufferings 
 and death; it is derived from a word which means to 
 suffer, and has no reference to those mental states such 
 as anger, joy , etc., which we often express by the word 
 passions. What did they call the heathen gods ? What 
 did they say was the object of their mission ? 
 
 16. For many ages God had sent no special revelation 
 to the heathen world ;—how did Paul express this ? 
 
 17. And yet he gave them some light and knowledge;— 
 from what sources ? What, then, is the voice of nature to 
 
ACTS, CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 103 
 
 the ear of reason respecting God ? Probably these people 
 had never before heard a clear testimony respecting the 
 one God as the creator and benefactor of all. Like them, 
 our own ancestors in Europe once worshiped idols;— 
 what has caused us to differ from them ? 
 
 18. The people were “ mad upon their idols,” and loth 
 to give up the notion that the gods had made them a visit; 
 —what proof is there of this ? We see the fidelity of these 
 missionaries. A merely human policy might have suggested 
 to them the purpose of letting the people have their way 
 for the sake of gaining influence. With this view it was 
 that Captain Cook allowed himself to be taken for Oro, the 
 god of war, by the Sandwich Islanders, and worshiped 
 with idolatrous ceremonies. 
 
 19. The scene is soon changed. The missionaries are 
 followed by their former persecutors ;—from what places ? 
 What did these new comers persuade the people to do ? 
 To what extent did they carry their rage ? The apostles 
 had prepared the way for this by saying, ‘ 4 We are no 
 gods.” Worldly wisdom would have said, “ How much 
 better to have passed off as gods than to have suffered 
 such a fate.” How did Paul view this matter ? Rom. v. 3. 
 In what letter does Paul refer to this event ? 2 Cor. xi. 25. 
 
 20. What a scene was this! An apostle prostrate on the 
 ground, and a group of brethren around him bewailing 
 him as one dead. But again they were astonished;—what 
 did they behold ? What bold step did the apostle then 
 take ? His return must have awed the multitude. Whither 
 did he and Barnabas go on the morrow ? This proved his 
 recovery and his zeal. 
 
 21. How were they engaged in this new field ? How 
 were they rewarded ? Observe, the phrase translated 
 u taught many,” means literally, “ made many disciples.” 
 
104 
 
 ACTS, CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 What bold measure did the missionaries next carry into 
 effect ? 
 
 22. What was the effect of their interviews with the new 
 converts at these places ? How did they exhort them to 
 perseverance ? How did they guard them against despond¬ 
 ency in time of trouble ? Although Christianity was the 
 religion of miracles , it was at the same time the religion 
 of the cross. 
 
 23. The apostles organized and established churches. 
 What officers were appointed ? These officers were prob¬ 
 ably appointed like those already mentioned in Acts vi. 8. 
 In what manner was that ? How did the apostles commend 
 the officers to God ? These officers were appointed by the 
 Lord ;—for what purpose ? Eph. iv. 11, 12. 
 
 24. Having performed this work, the apostles turned 
 toward the sea-coast;—whither did they go ? 
 
 25. Where did they next preach? What sea-port did 
 they seek ? 
 
 26. Whither did they return ? There they had been set 
 apart for their mission to the heathen;—in what way ? 
 
 27. The missionaries made their report to those who 
 had sent them out;—what body was that? We do not 
 read that they said much about their persecutions and 
 sufferings ;—on what subject did they chiefly dwell ? 
 
 28. Where did they remain for a time ? We know not 
 how long ? As the event mentioned in the following chap¬ 
 ter occurred more than five years afterward, probably the 
 whole interval was passed in Syria and its capital. Paul 
 preached the gospel in Illyria (Rom. xv. 19), perhaps, 
 during this period. He suffered many things of which we 
 have no particular account. 2 Cor. xi. 23-27. We see that 
 the church of Antioch was a truly missionary church ;— 
 why ? The work there begun is still unfinished ;—what is 
 our duty in relation to it ? 
 

 
jl; ~ V • 
 
 
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