1. THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH.

Acts 2:42-47.

(1) The Fourfold Training.—Acts 2:42.

(42) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles* teaching and fellowship (or, in fellowship), in the breaking of bread and the prayers.

A. Instruction.

This chapter gives the method of salvation presented to the Apostles by Jesus in the commission. The disciples, on receiving the Holy Spirit, had taught all the nations then present at Jerusalem, showing to them that Christ died, arose again, and was at the right hand of the Father. The people were convicted of sin, and cried out, " What must we do?" Peter at once gave the instruction he had from Jesus, " Repent, and be baptized." Being obedient to this part of the commission, they received forgiveness of sin. They are now members of the church. They are called-out ones. This is a new community, every member sealed by the Holy Spirit. Again, remembering the instruction of Jesus in the commission, he takes up the last work, the teaching of the new converts. Teaching put first, shows its great importance. It is not a matter of indifference. It is in obedience to the command. These early disciples were to learn all about the teachings and miracles of Jesus and the practical beauties of religion. If the churches would obey the commands given by Jesus, as the early disciples did, then every member added to the church would at once be instructed, and by so doing grow into Christian life and become a power in soul saving.

QUESTIONS.

• Who was the Instructor of every Christian in the early church?

• What did Jesus tell the Apostles to do after converts were baptized?

  "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." Thus the church that fails in giving instruction to young converts, immediately after uniting with the church, of all that Jesus began to do and teach, as presented in the four Gospels, hinders the increase in spiritual power in soul saving and is disobedient to the voice of Jesus. Why are Christians indifferent to the study of the Bible?

B. Fellowship.

They are a great family. They are together for mutual encouragement. This new community, with this new zeal, cheerfully accepted the new ordinances, though they continued at first in fellowship with Judaism, prayers, and temple worship, but they were baptized, and all accepted the higher teaching as presented by their Leader, Jesus Christ. Is it not wonderful, as they come into this new life and spiritual power, that they are able to break off, away from the external hindrances that kept others from enjoying this holy fellowship? Men and women, having this holy stamp, the seal of the Holy Spirit, are given power to shake off everything that interferes with the progress of this new society, and enjoy fellowship made sweet and abiding by the constant presence and holy influence of the Holy Spirit.

Where there is fellowship there is spiritual growth and power. Everyone in this church must be big enough to be a blessing to every other one.

QUESTIONS.

• What is meant by the term "fellowship" (1 Cor. 10:17; Rom. 15:27)?

  It means joint participation in spiritual things, Christian sympathy, experience and practical charity. No one can be as good a Christian alone as he can by being in fellowship with other Christians.

• Why should Christians meet together?

• What are some of the greatest hindrances to spiritual growth?

C. Breaking of Bread.

On the night of His betrayal, in the presence of His disciples, Jesus said, " Do this in remembrance of Me." The Holy Spirit, present in this body of believers, calls the attention of the disciples to the broken bread, which foretold His broken body; and the cup, which was the emblem of the precious blood that He shed. There is no command given to instruct us how often the breaking of bread and the giving of the cup was to be observed.

It was the Holy Spirit's mission to bring to the remembrance of His disciples the teaching of Jesus. This request the Lord had made when He had broken the bread and filled the cup with wine, foretelling the giving of Himself in His death and suffering which these emblems were to show forth. Now the Holy Spirit had opened their understanding, they obeyed Jesus' command in partaking of it. In doing so, they were growing in the spirit and likeness of Jesus, and showing forth Christ's death here on earth until He shall return, as promised by the angel when He ascended.

QUESTIONS.

• What was the purpose in the breaking of the bread?

• How often is this command to be obeyed?

  "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye do proclaim the Lord's death till He come."

• When were the Apostles instructed by Jesus to observe this service?

• How long is this service to be continued?

D. Prayer Meeting.

The Apostles, who associated with Jesus while He was in the body, found Him often in communion with His Father in prayer. He went out early in the morning and the disciples found Him in prayer. He climbed the mountains and alone with His Father engaged in prayer. All His great work was preceded by a conference alone with His Father. The disciples learned this same secret; they were taught to pray in secret as well as in public. The disciples came to Jesus and asked to have instructions in prayer. The early church has caught the secret. He who has organized the church, He who is the Builder of the church, while on earth never forgot that the result of His mission depended on keeping in close touch by prayer with the Father.

Jesus, at the right hand of the Father, the church now on earth commissioned to carry forth the work of the absent Son, is here in the very beginning in communion with the Son, asking for direction, and power, that His church may grow in numbers, in holiness, and clothed in His own righteousness. The church, the individual that does not have stated times for communion with Jesus through prayer, can not help but be weak and fail to accomplish what was accomplished in the early church by spending much time in communion with the Lord upon the throne.

QUESTIONS.

• What can you say about Jesus' habit of prayer?

• Why were the disciples so anxious to know of Jesus how to pray?

• When a Christian is in trouble to whom does he go for relief?

• What is the best text book on prayer?

It is the Bible. When you open your Bible you hear God talk to you, and the more you let God talk to you and thus become better acquainted with Him, the better you will be able to talk to Him in prayer and know what to talk to Him about.

(2) The Ideal Community.—Acts 2:43-47.

(43) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. (44) And all that believed were together, and had all things common; (45) and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need. (46) And day by day, continuing stedfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, (47) praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them (Gr. together) day by day those that were saved (or, were being saved).

"Fear fell upon every soul." The church engaged in her great religious duties, placed upon her by her Master, as shown in 42 and 43, and manifestation of results in 47, shows the threefold influence this church had upon unbelievers. The unbelievers, under said influence, were brought under deep conviction. The great crowd that had assembled could not help approving the wonderful work wrought by this new community. Many of those who heard the preaching and saw the miracles confessed Jesus Christ as their Savior, and every day they were added to the Lord and the church grew in numbers.

"Were together and had all things common." In this real church, under the baptism of the Holy Spirit, with the display of the power, everything owned by each individual had on it the same seal that was upon himself, the Holy Spirit. The property that was theirs was not their own because they themselves were bought with a price, and the price that was paid included everything that belonged to the person who was bought. They were so filled with this brotherly love that the wealthier brethren sold their property, in order to give money to those who needed it. And a church thus influenced would make the poor just as honest in not taking any more than was needed, as the rich, in not pretending to give more than was really given. The rich and poor, each had as much as they needed.

The early church members had but one mission, and that was Christ's commission. That was their business. Everything else was subordinate. Such a church has time for religious training, religious duties, even more than fifty-two Sundays in the year. Weeks during the year will be given to the work of Christ, and churches will see what the New Testament church saw—sinners saved each day in the year. If sinners are to be saved each day in the year, why do churches have revival efforts limited to about two or three weeks in a year?

At this time there were no creeds or denominations, and when a soul was saved it was added to the Lord. This may be the reason that so many so-called " converts " have no spiritual power, because they have been numbered as being added to some creed or denomination instead of being added to the Lord. A soul added to the Lord is given life and power to do things.

QUESTIONS.

• What brought such great fear on the unbelievers?

• How did the early church members express their brotherly love?

• What was the business of the early church?

• Does the church now have the same business?

• To whom were the converts added in the early church?

• How often did they have a revival during the year and when?

2. THE LAME MAN HEALED.

Acts 3:1-10.

(1) The Apostles on the Way to Service.—Acts 3:1.

(1) Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

The new community, as described in the former chapter, gives an outlook of a year or more over the work of the church. It was not a day nor a week, but a much longer time that they continued in their fourfold training and had their common treasury. Luke now gives an account in the third chapter, belonging to some time in this first or second year, and is one of the many wonders and signs done by the Apostles (2:43). There is no reference anywhere that helps us to fix the precise date. We know that it occurred during the period that the community of goods was kept up. Thus far the laborers of the church had been uninterrupted and had met with the most astonishing success. The temple, however, was still the place of meeting, and later became the place of conflict. The two old friends and partners, fishing on the sea of Galilee, were now at 3 P. M. going to the temple fishing for men. This was the usual hour for sacrifice and prayer. Although the Apostles had their Pentecostal experience, they considered that they could gain the most help and do the most good by continuing their usual methods of worship, and be on hand at the hour of prayer.

QUESTIONS.

• Name the Apostles.

• At what time of the day was it?

• What was the stated time for prayer in the Jewish church? 3:1, cf. Dan. 6:10; Psa. 55:17.

(2) The Lame Man at the Gate.—Acts 3:2.

(2) And a certain man that was lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple.

The people assembled for the hour of prayer in that part of the temple called " The Court of the Women." The women were permitted in this part of the temple, but were never allowed to go beyond. This court was 125 cubits square, and was generally thronged with people at the ninth hour. The name " Beautiful " is not found elsewhere, but the door is supposed to be that which led from the Court of the Gentiles to the Court of the Women.

This lame man, who was in that condition from birth, was carried to this gate. He was forty years old. Like this man, the Jewish Nation was helpless, with all its beautiful religious ceremonies, lying outside the Pentecost sanctuary; because of rejection and disobedience, it remains the crooked and helpless generation.

QUESTIONS.

How long had this man been lame?

At what part of the temple was this gate?

(3) The Gift of Healing.—Acts 3:3-7.

(3) Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked to receive an alms. (4) And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him, with John, said, Look on us. (5) And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something from them. (6) But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. (7) And he took him by the right hand, and raised him up: and immediately his feet and his ankle-bones received strength.

Peter and John were on the way to service, but were different from the Priests and Levites because they made the man's need the present duty for service. This beggar must have been at the temple when the Lord went in and out and performed miracles. He may have learned what had transpired on the day of Pentecost, and was happening every day in the early church. " Look on us." Obediently the eyes of the lame man rested upon the Apostles. He expected something, yet there was in store something far greater than he expected. The right look, followed by obedience, brings the blessing. Christ healed while He was with the disciples. The Apostles now heal in Christ's name. The man's faith was strengthened as Peter reached forth his hand and lifted him up. Immediately, not gradually, without a moment's delay, his feet and ankle bones were made strong. Remember Luke, the beloved physician, is the writer of this account.

QUESTIONS.

• What did he ask of Peter and John?

• What did the Apostles do first, and why?

• Did he receive more or less than he asked for?

• In whose name and faith was he healed?

(4) The Healed Man.—Acts 3:8.

(8) And leaping up, he stood, and began to walk; and he entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

This man had been lame from his birth, and had never learned to walk. This man's heart was full of thankfulness to God for his great deliverance. He walked and leaped, and entered through the Beautiful Gate into the Court of the Women at a time when it was filled with worshipers.

QUESTIONS.

• What did he do when he was healed?

• Why did he go into the temple?

• Should healed sinners now make the same demonstration?

(5) The Effect on the Multitude.—Acts 3:9-10.

(9) And all the people saw him walking and praising God:(10) and they took knowledge of him, that it was he that sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

Why was this miracle wrought at this time? "Miracles were the bells by which God drew the people together to hear the sermon concerning Jesus." It was to show to these unbelieving Jews that the very Person they had rejected and delivered into the hands of the Gentiles was the Messiah and their King.

QUESTIONS.

Did the people know it was the lame man at the gate? What did the man do to make this impression on the people?

Peter and John, on the way to church, found this poor cripple and took time to heal him. Many persons are crippled by sin, and have never had the privilege of meeting a Peter and John who could say, "Silver and gold have I none; but what I have that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

The greatest blessing cannot be purchased by gold and silver.

The man of strong faith must put forth his hand to the man of weak faith, in order that God may be able to glorify His Son among the people.

3. PETER'S SECOND SERMON.

Acts 3:11-26.

(1) Miracle Explained.—Acts 3:11-16.

(11) And as he held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch (or, portico) that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. (12) And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this man (or, thing)? or why fasten ye your eyes on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him to walk? (13) The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Servant (or, Child) Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied before the face of Pilate, when he had determined to release him. (14) But ye denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted unto you, (15) and killed the Prince (or, Author) of life; whom God raised from the dead; whereof (or, of whom) we are witnesses. (16) And by (or, on the ground of) faith in his name hath his name made this man strong, whom ye behold and know: yea, the faith which is through him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Peter's sermon here is a greater miracle than the cure of the lame man. This address, flowing from the heart of Peter, was planned and set on fire by the Holy Spirit. When the lame man was healed his heart was so filled with praise for the blessing he had obtained, that he could not let Peter and John go. When the people saw that the man was healed and clinging to the persons who were instrumental in his healing, it was noised about and great crowds gathered on the porch, on the east side of the temple. Peter had a sermon ready to suit the people.

The sermon is one intended to bring the crowds to the feet of Jesus, the One who had made the lame man able to walk. Peter does not want the congregation's attention drawn to himself, as the preacher, or the instrument in healing, but to Jesus Christ as the One of Strength and Power.

They should not have been astonished at what had happened to the lame man. One had walked among them who had rebuked the demons, made the lame to walk, opened the eyes of the blind, healed all manner of sickness, and raised people from the dead. This is the Source of Power to which he calls their attention. These cutting statements bring home the truth to his people.

(a) God glorified Him; (b) Ye delivered Him up; (c) Ye denied Him when even the heathen Pilate would have let Him go free; (d) Ye refused a Holy Man, and chose as your idol a murderer; (e) Ye killed the very Prince of Life, but God set Himself against your conduct in that He raised Him from the dead.

You are witnesses to the restoration of this lame man, but this is only part of the great Truth to which we are witnesses. We are not only witnesses to the rejection and crucifixion, but also to His resurrection and ascension. It was the faith in this very Person that brought perfect soundness to the lame man who was lying at the Beautiful Gate.

QUESTIONS.

• Where did Peter preach this sermon?

• What was his explanation as to himself and John?

  The true teacher always hides behind Christ, calling attention not to himself but to his Master. What was the design of this miracle?

  That God might glorify His Son Jesus.

Why say, "Giving him this perfect soundness"? Can the same soundness be had by the sinner who has been healed in Jesus' name?

• The preacher full of the Holy Spirit must be very familiar with his Bible, because it is the Holy Spirit's Text-book.

(2) In Jesus All Men Can Find Salvation.—Acts 3:17-21.

(17) And now, brethren, I know that in ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. (18) But the things which God foreshowed by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled. (19) Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord; (20) and that he may send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, even Jesus:(21) whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old.

Peter here accounts in a measure for their wicked conduct, but does not excuse it. He calls them " brethren." He is a member of the same nation, and brings them the offer of mercy. Their guilt could not be denied, but God in His great mercy is ready to treat their great sin as a sin of ignorance. " Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." This is Jesus' prayer on the Cross, and He wants them forgiven because of not understanding their deed. God was ready to answer that prayer. This was a national sin and He asked them to repent as a nation, that their sins might be blotted out, because a nation would not accept Christ as a Savior. This does not take away the liberty of any individual of accepting Christ and of becoming a member of His church. All the Prophets have foretold of the happy days to come. Christ has been received into heaven, and He will come again. This promise of His coming must again have stirred the rulers.

QUESTIONS.

• Does ignorance cancel guilt?

  God fulfilled the Scriptures, and these Jews seemingly did not know it, because they were ignorant of the real teaching of the Bible, when they were gratifying their own passions.

• What had He shown by the Prophets?

• What three things are promised to repenters?

  (a) Blotting out of sin;

  (b) seasons of refreshing;

  (c) returning of Jesus.

(3) In Jesus All Prophecy Is Fulfilled.—Acts 3:22-26.

(22) Moses indeed said, (Dent. 18:15) A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me; to him shall ye hearken in all things whatsoever he shall speak unto you. (23) (Deut. 18:19) And it shall be, that every soul that shall not hearken to that prophet, shall be utterly destroyed from among the people. (24) Yea and all the prophets from Samuel and them that followed after, as many as have spoken, they also told of these days. (25) Ye are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying unto Abraham, (Gen. 12:3) And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. (26) Unto you first God, having raised up his Servant (or, Child), sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.

Peter proceeds to quote certain passages from the Old Testament, which suggested what he has already said. The Messiah was to be one of themselves (Deut. 18:15-19). He was to be a blessing to every nation on the earth (Gen. 22:18). The One of whom Moses spoke was greater than himself and was none other than Christ. He reminds them also of the testimony of the Prophets to this great truth, from Samuel on. The people to whom he is speaking are children of these Prophets, who had knowledge of these days, and they are the children of the fathers who had received the covenant from God. Children who have such ancestors should have a spiritual insight into the things of God. It was a great favor that God had for these people in raising His Son, their Savior, and sending Him forth as a blessing unto them, and by His unlimited Power would lift them out of their iniquity into a life of holiness and righteousness.

QUESTIONS.

In what sense was James a prophet like Moses?

Moses differed from all the other prophets in the following: (a) In being a deliverer; (b) in being a lawgiver. To what other prophets does Peter refer? Why does Peter now refer to their national sympathy?

4. ARREST AND IMPRISONMENT OF PETER AND JOHN.

Acts 4:1-4.

(1) And as they spake unto the people, the priests (some ancient authorities read " the chief priests ") and the captain of the temple and the Saddueees came upon them, (2) being sore troubled because they taught the people, and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (3) And they laid hands on them, and put them in ward unto the morrow: for it was now eventide. (4) But many of them that heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

The sermon Peter had preached, in which he accused the Jews of having put Christ to death, whom God raised from the dead, and who would return again, stirred the Jewish rulers. It meant to the Jewish nation a revival of all the trouble that they had made for themselves, when Jesus Himself was present. The priests were divided into twenty-four courses, each of whom served a week in the temple. The priests of the text probably were those on duty for that week. The captain of the temple, who led the party making the arrests, was commander of the guards of the Levites stationed in the temple.

The Sadducees were in the lead in the strong opposition against the church, because the Apostles taught through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. They did not believe in the resurrection. The principal thing in which they were interested was that of getting their share of the temple dues. They were not able to separate this teaching of the Apostles from that of the healing of the lame man. This is the first real external opposition to the church. The lame man had been healed about 3 P. M., and the events recorded transpired between the hours of three and six. The Apostles were arrested and put into prison because it was too late in the evening to hold court. The Jewish day ceased at sunset, and it was not lawful to hold court after that hour (Jer. 21:12).

The people who had listened to Peter's sermon, and saw the man with them that was healed, believed, and the membership of the church increased to over five thousand.

QUESTIONS.

• Into how many courses were the priests divided? 1 Chron. 24:1-19.

• Who was the captain of the temple?

• Why were the Sadducees in the lead?

• Give time of healing and time of arrest.

• What were the two results of the Apostles' teaching?

  (1) Increased opposition of the enemy.

  (2) Increase of church membership.

5. TRIAL BEFORE THE SANHEDRIM.

Acts 4:5-12.

(5) And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; (6) and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest. (7) And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, By what power, or in what name, have ye done this? (8) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders, (9) if we this day are examined concerning a good deed done to an impotent man, by what means (or, in whom) this man is made whole; (10) be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even in him (or, this name) doth this man stand here before you whole. (11) He is (Psa. 118:22) the stone which was set at nought of you the builders, which was made the head of the corner. (12) And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved.

The main body of the Sanhedrim was made up of persons called rulers, elders, and scribes. They met daily near the eastern gate of the temple. It was the lawful court for deciding questions of public worship, interpretations of the Scriptures, and the kind of punishment to be given for any violation of religious rites.

Annas, the high priest, had been appointed about A. D. 7 and deposed by the Roman Procurator, and Caiaphas, his son-in-law, appointed by the same unlawful heathen power, A. D. 14. The Jews regarded Annas, however, as their lawful high priest. John and Alexander are unknown persons. The council must have been mainly composed of Sadducees.

The prisoners were brought in, and the cripple, who had been healed, boldly walked in and took his position close by them. The council asked, " By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?" This was an indefinite question. Peter, directed by the Spirit, answered their question in a way most effective. His opening statement had the sting of sarcasm in it. " If we this day are examined concerning a good deed done to an impotent man "—charged with the work that is certainly superhuman, not with a crime but with a deed of benevolence. Why did this religious body arrest the Apostles for a deed of benevolence? Was not that a great blunder? Peter shows to this body that their work is in direct opposition to God; shows them that they are fighting against God; that they crucified God's Son. While they destroyed the Son, God in opposition to their deed, raised Him to life. Now, by the influence of the Power of that life, this man (no doubt pointing to the man who was lame, standing before them healed) is perfect in soul and body. He goes still further and calls their attention to Psa. 118:22. This truth must have startled them. It was no new thing for the leaders of Israel to reject the deliverers whom God had sent them. He closes the address by calling their attention to the fact that there is no salvation for men except in the name of Jesus, whom they crucified. Every human being, who is saved, must be saved in the name of Jesus.

QUESTIONS.

• Name persons who were present at court.

• Who were Annas and Caiaphas?

  Of whom must Peter and John have been reminded? Matt. 10:17-28.

• Why was there no definite charge?

• What questions did they ask the Apostles?

• What was the real charge Peter made against them?

  Jews put to death, but God did the very opposite—He gave life.

• State the only means of salvation.

• Give Peter's purpose in quoting Psa. 118:22.

6. SECRET SESSION OF SANHEDRIM.

Acts 4:13-17.

(13) Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. (14) And seeing the man that was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. (15) But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, (16) saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle (Gr. sign) hath been wrought through them, is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. (17) But that it spread no further among the people, let us threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

Peter's speech before the Sanhedrim was as great a miracle, or greater, than the healing of the lame man, who stood before that body healed. They knew Peter and John had not been trained in their schools, nor educated in their literature, and yet he could speak with greater power and touch the hearts of the people better than any of those who belonged to their own body. They could not understand why such men could gain such power and freedom of speech. The only way they could account for it was their association with Jesus, and in being like Jesus. The greatest need in the Christian church is to get men and women to have Jesus as their daily Companion, so that they themselves may become like Him. The unanswerable argument to these high officials was the man who stood before them as the example of the healing power of Jesus. It was the practice of the court to remove the prisoners while they deliberated on their verdict. They could not deny the truths spoken by Peter, nor set aside the example of healing. But to check this influence and prevent its spreading to others is the thing that must be accomplished. They must frighten them with threats, and charge them that they no more speak to any one in the name of Jesus.

QUESTIONS.

• What astonished the council?

• Upon what does courage depend?

  (1) Upon a firm conviction that we are right;

  (2) upon faith in God;

  (3) upon supreme love and devotion for a person or a cause;

  (4) upon the holy Spirit who gives life and power to the soul.

• Why call them "unlearned and ignorant" men?

• Who would you say were the ignorant ones?

• What does it mean to be with Jesus?

  (1) To be with Him in our thoughts;

  (2) in our hearts;

  (3) in our motives;

  (4) in our actions;

  (5) in person.

• What was an unanswerable argument? 14.

• Why desire the secret session?

• What was their decision?

7. THE APOSTLES' TRIUMPH.

Acts 4:18-22.

(18) And they called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. (19) But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye:(20) for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard. (21) And they, when they had further threatened them, let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people; for all men glorified God for that which was done. (22) For the man was more than forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was wrought

The Apostles were called back to the hall where the Sanhedrim was assembled to receive the verdict. The prohibition was twofold. They were not to act as public teachers at all, and especially not to speak to the people respecting Jesus. But Peter and John were ambassadors for God, and to be true to Him they must utter the things which they had seen and heard. They ask the council if they think it would be right to set aside their duty and responsibility to God, and be obedient to the demands made upon them by men. They at once informed the Sanhedrim that they could not do anything that would stop them meeting their responsibility to God. This holy courage was the product of the indwelling Spirit. We too need such courage as witnesses for our absent Lord. The only answer that the learned rulers and scribes could give was a renewed threat. They dared not lay hands on the Apostles because of the people. Too many knew what had taken place, and God was glorified by those who had been witnesses of the healing of the lame man.

QUESTIONS.

• What was the report when called back to the council?

• Why were they not to preach and teach in the name of Jesus?

• Give the answer of the Apostles.

• Give rule for obeying earthly rulers.

• What things had the}' seen and heard?

• Why discharge the prisoners?

• Why call attention to the man's age?

8. THE PRAYER MEETING.

Acts 4:23-31.

(1) Report of Peter and John to the Church.—Acts 4:23.

(23) And being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said unto them.

When the Apostles were released they immediately went to meet with the disciples. They must have had a place for the multitude of converts, where all the disciples could unite in prayer and praise. The body of believers, no doubt, had learned of the arrest of their leaders, and of their imprisonment, and may have spent the entire night in prayer for their deliverance. The Apostles gave an account of their experience before the council, and the verdict that they must no more teach in the name of Jesus. The Apostles experienced the fulfillment of another rich promise made to them by the Lord (Mark 13:9-11).

QUESTIONS.

• What was the number of the company to which Peter and John belonged?

• What were the definite things that they reported?

• What effect had the report upon the church?

(2) The Prayer by the Church.—Acts 4:24-31.

(24) And they, when they heard it, lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, O Lord (Gr. Master), thou that didst make (or, thou art he that did make) the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is:(25) who by the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David thy servant, didst say, (Psa. 2:1,2) Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine vain things?

(26) The kings of the earth set themselves in array, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord, and against his Anointed (Gr. Christ):

(27) For of a truth in this city against thy holy Servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together, (28) to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel foreordained to come to pass. (29) And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants (Gr. bondservants) to speak thy word with all boldness, (30) while thou stretchest forth thy hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy Servant Jesus. (31) And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

The disciples recognize their helplessness. They have been threatened by the same company that put Christ to death, and if they continue to teach it may mean the death of their leaders. They are together as a body of believers and make their appeal to God, not as a Searcher of hearts, or that He might take away their opposition, but as the Mighty One who has created the heavens, the earth and the sea. In their prayer they recite part of the second Psalm. They have the spiritual perception which shows that this prophecy is now theirs. In these verses we have the prophecy. In the New Testament we have the history and fulfillment.

These Jews fulfilled the voices of their own prophets to whom they listened every Sabbath, by rejecting Jesus, and forbidding the Apostles to speak in His name. The disciples asked in this prayer for just what they wanted. There was one great burden on the hearts of these disciples, and that was to save men and women by telling them about Jesus who died to save them. Their prayer for boldness, to witness for the truth, was answered, but not in a way anticipated by the Apostles. The place was shaken, a new baptism of the Spirit was given to the praying church.

 QUESTIONS.

• Why refer to His creative power? Name the Psalm from which Peter quoted. What threatening did they refer to? Why did they want boldness?

  (a) That they might have the power to heal;

  (b) that they might show the power of Jesus' name.

• What was God's answer?

• Did God manifest His power to the church?

                                                Petitions.

  (a) Their adoration to God as Creator of the world;

  (b) their reconciling themselves to the present dispensation of Providence;

  (c) the dispensation of Providence by reciting scripture;

  (d) what was foretold they see being fulfilled;

  (e) their petition in reference to the case at this time.