1. TIME.

From Paul's first missionary journey, 45 A. D., to the close of New Testament history, 95 A. D.

2. SCRIPTURE.

Acts 13—28, Romans, First and Second Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, First and Second Thessalonians, First and Second Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, First and Second Peter, First, Second and Third John, Jude, Revelation.

3. PLACE.

The history of this period includes the Roman world. The church of the Gentiles did not close at 95 A. D., but continued her growth until the present time, and will not cease until the Scripture is fulfilled, which says that the Gospel must be preached to the whole world. Matt. 28:19, 20.

4. SUBDIVISIONS.

(1) The First Missionary Journey. — Acts 13:1; 14:28.

The church at Antioch sends forth Barnabas and Saul as the first foreign missionaries. Taking with them John Mark as a minister, they preach first throughout the Island of Cyprus, and then begin their work in the provinces of Asia Minor. At Perga, in Pamphylia, John Mark leaves them, and they continue their journey alone. In almost every city they are opposed and persecuted by the Jews, but the Gentiles gladly receive the Gospel. They spend four years on this first journey, returning to Antioch in 49 A. D., where they give a report of their missionary work.

(2) The Second Missionary Journey. — Acts 15:40; 18:22.

In 50 A. D. the great council is held at Jerusalem, where it is finally settled that the Gentiles may enjoy equal privileges with the Jews in the church, and letters containing the decision are sent to the churches. Paul and Barnabas are eager to carry the decision to the Gentile churches in Asia Minor, but a disagreement in regard to taking John Mark with them arises and the two missionaries separate. Paul then chooses Silas and they go to Asia Minor to strengthen the churches already established. The Spirit hinders Paul from preaching in Asia and Bithynia, and finally calls him into Europe. Timothy and Luke join the missionary company in Asia Minor and these four missionaries plant the Gospel in Macedonia and Greece. They spend four years on this journey, 50 to 54 A. D.

(3) The Third Missionary Journey. — Acts:18:23 21:16.

Paul starts in 54 A. D. to visit the churches he had established in Asia Minor and Europe. He spends nearly three years, at Ephesus, where the Gospel gains a strong foot hold. In 58 he returns to Jerusalem, though at nearly every place he stops he is warned not to endanger his life by mingling among the Jews.

(4) The Journey to Rome.— Acts 21:17-28:31.

At Jerusalem Paul is seized by the Jews who intended to kill him, but the Roman officers rescue him from them and take him to Cæsarea by night, in order to save his life. He is detained as a prisoner at Cæsarea for two years, and then because he appeals to Cæsar he is taken to Rome. This voyage is full of perils, their boat being tossed about for many days by the storm, and finally they are shipwrecked at Melita where they spend the winter. At last they reach Rome where Paul is kept in custody for two years. During this time he preaches and writes a number of his
epistles.

(5) The Persecution Period.

The Apostle Paul enjoys are lease of probably nearly two years. He is then arrested and taken back to Rome where he is kept in a dungeon until his final martyrdom, about 67 A. D. The wicked Emperor Nero makes every effort to crush the growing church. The Jews rebel during this period, and in 70 A. D. Jerusalem is utterly destroyed. The Romans continue their persecution of the Christians for some time. In 90 A. D. John, the revelator, is banished to the Isle of Patmos.

5. EVENTS.

(1) The Missionary Call, 45 A. D. — Acts 13:1-4.

(2) The Council at Jerusalem, 50 A. D. — Acts 15:6-29.

(3) Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem, 58 A. D. — Acts 21:27-40.

(4) The Destruction of Jerusalem, 70 A. D. — Matt. 24:1-6.

(5) The Banishment of John, 90 A. D. — Rev. 1:9.

6. CHIEF CHARACTERS.

(1) Paul, the great missionary.

(2) James, bishop of Jerusalem.

(3) Timothy, the elder at Ephesus.

(4) John, the revelator.

QUESTIONS.

• What is the fifth period of New Testament History?
• What are the opening and closing events?
• What are the dates?
• What Scriptures contain the history of this period?
• What is the field of work?
• How long does this period really continue?
• What are the subdivisions?
• What are the dates for the first missionary journey?
• From what church are the missionaries sent?
• Who went on the first journey?
• Where did they work?
• What are the dates for the second journey?
• What was decided at the Great Council?
• What was the purpose of the second journey?
• Where did they work?
• What are the dates for the third journey?
• In what city did he spend several years?
• Where did he go on this journey?
• What danger awaited him at Jerusalem?
• Why was Paul taken to Cæsarea?
• How long was he kept there?
• Why was he taken to Rome?
• What happened on the way?
• How long was he imprisoned at Rome?
• What did he do during this time?
• How long did the Persecution Period last?
• When was Paul martyred?
• What was the object of the persecution?
• When and where was John banished?
• Name five important events?
• What are the dates?
• Name four important characters?
• For what were they distinguished?