I. PAUL'S FIRST JOURNEY (Acts 13:1 - 14:28).

1. The Divine Call. When Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, where they had taken alms, they were accompanied by John, surnamed Mark, a relative of Barnabas. There were a number of prophets and teachers at Antioch, and when they met for worship and deeply consecrated themselves unto the Lord, the Holy Spirit came to them and said that Paul and Barnabas should be separated for the work to which they had been called. After prayer, fasting and laying on of hands, they sent Barnabas and Saul forth as missionaries. Mark went with them, and after a short stay at Seleucia they sailed to Cyprus.

2. The Conversion of the Roman Deputy. Reaching Salamis they entered the synagogue and preached the Word. From Salamis they traveled to Paphos, the southwest extremity of the island, and the seat of the Roman government. At this place Saul met Elymas, a Jewish sorcerer whose original name was Bar-jesus and who was dissatisfied at the willingness of Sergius Paulus to listen to the preaching of Paul and Barnabas. Elymas made a strong opposition to the teaching of the disciples, but Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, said, "Thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, the hand of the Lord is upon thee and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season." He was immediately made blind and needed some one to lead him, while the deputy was astonished at the miraculous power of the apostles and he believed. At Paphos the apostle was first called Paul.

3. Unfaithfulness of John Mark. After the three had finished their work at Paphos they sailed to the port of Attalia, and from there they went across the land to the town of Perga in Pamphylia. At this place Mark either got homesick or became discouraged because of the dangers that were threatening the missionaries as they proceeded further on their journey, and he left his companions and returned to Jerusalem.

4. Two Sabbaths in Antioch. Paul and Barnabas left Derbe by themselves and when they arrived at Antioch they entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. After the Scripture was read the ruler of the synagogue gave an invitation to speak, and Paul stood up and addressed the assembly. In this sermon he presented in order many of the chief events in the history of the Jews and proved that the Messiah had appeared in the person of Jesus, and by his death and resurrection he had fulfilled the prophecies respecting him. His sermon made a strong impression upon the hearers, and as they were leaving the synagogue many expressed a desire that his words might be repeated on the following Sabbath. A great company gathered on the next Sabbath to hear Paul speak, and when the Jews saw the multitudes they were filled with envy and began to oppose and contradict Paul. And when the opposition became more open by the Jews they gave attention to the teaching of the Gentiles and many believed. But the Jews stirred up opposition and raised a persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their coast.

5. Healing the Impotent Man. Obeying the teaching of Jesus "in shaking off the dust from their feet" against their persecutors at Antioch, they came to Iconium and entered the synagogue of the Jews, and after expounding the Scriptures a great multitude of Jews and Greeks believed. However, the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles against the disciples, and when a number of Jews and Gentiles with the rulers united to use them despitefully, and stone them, they fled unto Lystra and there preached the Gospel. At Lystra a cripple, who had heard Paul speak and had the faith, was healed. When the people saw this man stand upright on his feet, leaping and walking, they said the gods had come down to them in the likeness of men, and they called Barnabas Jupiter and Paul Mercurius. When Paul and Barnabas saw that they attributed the power of healing to themselves, they told them "that they were men of like passions" and directed them to turn away from these vanities unto the living God, the maker of heaven and earth.

6. The Stoning of Paul. Although the people at Lystra had been so excited by the miracle of healing that with great difficulty the missionaries prevented them from doing divine honors to them, it was but a short time until the superstitious and fickle populace, stirred up by the Jews from Antioch and Iconium, turned madly against them, stoned Paul and left him for dead outside the walls of the city. Some of his followers stood by him and befriended him; the apostle arose and returned with them to the city and on the morrow they went to Derbe.

7. The Return to Antioch. After preaching the Gospel through all the region of Lystra and Derbe, the missionaries deliberately went back again over this field of labor, completing the organization of the new churches at Lystra, Iconium and Antioch and confirming believers. After preaching at Perga on their return they went on their way to the seaport of Attalia. Here they took ship and sailed for Antioch. After reaching the church at Antioch they reported their labors, and especially that God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

II. THE APOSTOLIC COUNCIL (Acts 15:1-35.)

1. The Controversy at Antioch. While the apostles remained at Antioch certain false brethren came down from Jerusalem and created dissatisfaction among the members in the Antioch church. In order to settle the dispute it was determined to send Paul and Barnabas and others to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders for a settlement of the dispute.

2. Proceedings at the Council. The apostles followed the coast line of Phoenicia, and passing through Samaria and Judea they reached the city of Jerusalem. After arriving at Jerusalem they presented the question of circumcision, which was the cause of the dispute, first to the apostles and elders and afterwards to the general council. It seems that the discussion was earnest at the council, but after Peter told them his experience in the conversion of Cornelius, that Jews as well as Gentiles are saved by faith the assembly was quieted. Paul and Barnabas then recounted their missionary labors during the last four years among the Jews and Gentiles. James, the Lord's brother, the leader of the church at Jerusalem, judged the position of Peter to be the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and that the Gentile converts should be unmolested, but should be required to abstain, first from meat offered in sacrifice to idols; second, from the flesh of animals that had been strangled; third, from the eating of blood; and, fourth, from fornication.

3. The Decision and Letters. The advice of James met the approval of the council and a letter was drawn up setting forth this advice, which was sent by the hands of Paul and Barnabas to the church at Antioch and to other churches. Judas and Silas were selected to accompany them and confirm the decision when it would be read before the church.

4. Effect on the Antioch Church. When the report was made before the church and confirmed by those from Jerusalem, they rejoiced for the settlement of the trouble. Paul and Barnabas, with many others, continued to work in Antioch until they started on the second missionary journey.

III. PAUL'S SECOND JOURNEY (Acts 15:36-18:22).

1. Separation of Paul and Barnabas. Paul proposed to Barnabas to go again and visit the churches which they had organized. This is the first thought of the second journey. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them again, who had left them on the former journey at Perga, but Paul would not consent. They could not agree,, and they decided to separate, Paul taking Silas with him and Barnabas taking Mark. Barnabas and Mark went to Cyprus. Paul and Silas went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

2. The Call of Timothy. Paul on this journey had the decree with him that was passed at the late council, which aided him among the churches he visited. As they visited Derbe and Lystra Paul chose Timothy to accompany them on this journey. Timothy was well reported to Paul and may have met him on his former visit, and through the preaching of Paul became a disciple.

3. Founding of the Galatian Churches. After the call of Timothy and preaching in the region of Lystra and Derbe they make their way up into Galatia where a number of churches were organized. To these people Paul addressed a letter on his third missionary journey. On this journey the missionaries were under the direction of the Holy Spirit. When they had come into Mysia they desired to go up into Bithynia, but the Holy Spirit directed them to journey on to Troas.

4. The Macedonian Call. While the workers waited here, Paul, during the night, had a vision in which he was directed to go over into Macedonia and preach the Gospel. After the vision there was no doubt in the minds of the missionaries but that they were to preach the Gospel in Europe. They obeyed the call, " Come over and help us." The apostle went to Neapolis and proceeded at once to Philippi, the chief city of that part of Macedonia.

5. First Converts in Europe. They remained in the city of Philippi some days, and on the Sabbath day Paul and his fellow-laborers attended the place of prayer, which was outside the gates where several women met to worship. Among this number was Lydia, a seller of purple of the city of Thyatira. Paul preached to them and she became the first convert in Europe. After Lydia and her household were baptized she offered her home as an abode for the missionaries while in the city.

6. Imprisonment of Paul and Silas. At Philippi lived a damsel possessed with an evil spirit of divination, who was hired by certain of the citizens and who brought in much gain to them by her soothsaying. She followed the disciples many days as they were going to and from the place of prayer crying, "These men are the servants of the most high God." Paul, being grieved, turned and rebuked the evil spirit, and the damsel was cured and restored to her right mind. This so excited the rage of her masters that they suddenly arrested Paul and Silas and brought them before the court. The charge in this case was prompted by anger. The magistrates ordered them to be scourged and thrown into prison where their feet were made fast in the stocks.

7. Miraculous Deliverance. Although imprisoned by man they offered prayer and songs of praises unto their God in whom they trusted. While they expressed the joy of their hearts the other prisoners were listening, when God delivered his servants by an earthquake, and every door of the prison was opened and every fetter was loosed. The jailer instantly concluded that his prisoners had escaped, and would have taken his own life by his sword had not Paul cried out, " Do thyself no harm, for we are all here." The jailer called for a light and falling down before Paul and Silas cried, " Sirs, what must I do to be saved? " The jailer and his family were converted and the first church in Europe was founded. The magistrates knew that they had violated the Roman law by not giving Paul and Silas, who were Roman citizens, a trial before scourging and imprisoning them. Paul demanded that these same magistrates should come and release them. They obeyed and the disciples were released.

8. Persecution at Thessalonica. Luke, who had joined them at Troas, now remains at Philippi, and the apostle with his fellow-laborers goes on through Amphipolis and Apollonia to the city of Thessalonica. For three Sabbaths Paul argued with the Jews in the synagogue and showed them that the Messiah had come and fulfilled the Messianic prophecy. Some of the Gentiles believed and also some of the women, but the Jews which believed not raised a mob, dragged Jason, who was entertaining Paul, and other " certain brethren," before the rulers and accused them of rebellion against Caesar, asserting that there was another king named Jesus. The magistrates took security from Jason and others for good conduct and then released the disciples.

9. Berean Bible Students. After being sent away from Thessalonica, they immediately went to Berea where they met a different class of worshipers. After entering the synagogue Paul commended them for their openness of heart and earnest searching of the Scriptures to know the truth. After the Jews at Thessalonica learned that Paul preached the Word at Berea they came to Berea and stirred up the people against Paul. The Brethren immediately sent Paul away, but Silas and Timotheus remained in Berea.

10. Discourse on Mars' Hill. Paul after leaving Berea was taken to the city of Athens. Here he waited for the arrival of Silas and Timothy, and while he waited his spirit was stirred as he observed the idols and the idol temples in the great city. He entered the synagogue on different Sabbaths and preached the Word. He was invited by the Epicureans and Stoics to give an explanation of his teaching, and he took occasion to preach his great sermon on Mars' Hill, using for a text what he had seen in the city, an altar with the words "To an unknown God." He used these words and proceeded from these to proclaim the true God and the future resurrection. His hearers dispersed, but some professed themselves believers.

11. Founding the Corinthian Church. Paul after his Athenian experience went to Corinth for the purpose of preaching Jesus. Here he met Aquila and Priscilla, of Asia Minor, who were on their way home from Rome, whence they had been banished with other Jews. These were tentmakers by trade, and the apostle joined them and they wrought together at the same calling. They remained here for eighteen months. Although the opposition was severe, yet many believed. Here he was met by Silas and Timothy who had come from Berea. Timothy brought a report of the church at Thessalonica and Paul wrote his first Epistles, namely First and Second Thessalonians. After Gallic was made deputy the Jews brought Paul before his judgment seat on the charge of persuading men to worship God contrary to law. Gallio, however, would not hear them and drove them from the judgment seat; then the Greeks took the chief ruler of the synagogue and beat him before the proconsul. Gallio, the deputy, however, cared for none of these things.

12. The Return Journey. The apostle here terminated a religious vow by cutting his hair in Cenchrea. He now left Corinth with Silas, Timothy, Aquila and Priscilla. The apostle journeyed to Ephesus where Aquila and Priscilla remained while he and others proceeded to Caesarea. From here they went to attend the feast of Pentecost at Jerusalem; after which they went to Antioch, where they remained some time.

IV. PAUL'S THIRD JOURNEY (Acts 18:23-21:17).

1. Founding the Ephesian Church. After they had spent some time in the church at Antioch they departed and visited all the churches of Galatia and Phrygia for the purpose of strengthening the disciples. At this time no doubt he visited the different churches he had organized in Asia Minor. The apostle now took up his abode in Ephesus, which was on a great line of travel from the east to the west.

(1) Labors of Apollos. At Ephesus Paul had left Aquila and Priscilla, who instructed Apollos who had taught erroneous doctrine and had baptized his converts unto John's baptism instead of unto Christ's. After Apollos was instructed by Aquila and Priscilla and fully informed of the doctrine of the church he was sent to labor in the church at Corinth. Paul now instructed and rebaptized those baptized by Apollos, and by the laying on of hands they received the Holy Ghost and began to speak with new tongues.

(2) Paul in the School of Tyrannus. Some at Ephesus openly opposed the apostle, upon which Paul left the synagogue and entered the school of one Tyrannus. Here he remained for two years, during which time he made the words of Jesus known to both Greeks and Jews. He had special power given him so that many by their hands carried to the sick, aprons and napkins, after touching his body, expecting to cure them of their diseases.

(3) Suppression of Witchcraft. Certain Jewish sorcerers attempted to use the name of Jesus to cast out evil spirits, but the evil spirit refused to obey them and asked who they were. And the man in whom the evil spirit was drove them forth out of the house. When this was learned by the many sorcerers in Ephesus they became afraid and they brought their books of magical arts and publicly burned them in token of their acceptance of Christ.

(4) Riot of the Silversmiths. It was nearly the close of Paul's stay at Ephesus that an attempt was made by the silversmiths, whose trade of furnishing shrines for the worship of Diana had been affected by the preaching of the Gospel, to raise a riot against Paul. The riot, however, was quelled by the tact of the town clerk and came to nothing. After this the apostle prepared to leave the city to set out for Macedonia. Before leaving, however, he wrote his third epistle, namely, the First Letter to the Church at Corinth.

2. Second Visit to Corinth. After Pentecost, A. D. 57 (i Cor. 16:8), Paul departed northward toward Macedonia. Reaching Troas he spent some time there preaching, expecting to meet Titus with news from the church at Corinth. After leaving Troas he crossed over to Philippi where he was joined by Titus and learned the condition of the church at Corinth. Paul at once wrote his second letter from one of the cities of Macedonia and sent the letter forward with Titus to the church. Paul now made his second visit into northern Greece, then in the winter of A. D. 57 was with the church at Corinth. Here he wrote Galatians and Romans.

3. Plot of the Jews. After spending three months at Corinth Paul was anxious to visit Jerusalem and take the gifts that he had collected in different churches for the people. Paul was threatened by the Judaizing teachers, and there was great danger of his being harmed on this journey. At Corinth a plot was formed against his life, and instead of going to Asia by sea he passed northward by Philippi which led him to return through Macedonia.

4. Church Services at Troas. Most of the company left Macedonia before the apostle, and waited at Troas for Paul; but Luke joined him at Philippi. Arriving at Troas on the Sibbath the Christians were assembled in an upper room and the apostle was preaching till after midnight. One in the assembly by the name of Eutychus, overcome by slumber, fell from the window upon the floor below, and from all appearance was dead. Paul immediately went down and restored the young man to life and continued his discourse until morning.

5. Farewell Address to the Ephesians. From Troas Paul's company went by ship to Assos, while he himself made the journey on foot. But from Assos all sailed together to Mitylene. Passing between Chios and the mainland, they on the second day reached Samos and passed the night in the harbor of Trogyllium. The next day they arrived at Miletus; although thirty miles from Ephesus, Paul sent for the elders of the Ephesian church to meet him, and after they arrived he gave them his touching farewell discourse. He told them to declare the whole counsel of God, to care for the flock over which the Holy Ghost had made them overseers, and to feed the church of God which had been purchased with the blood of Christ. He spoke of the bonds and imprisonments awaiting him at Jerusalem, and it was his conviction that they would see his face no more.

6. Warnings of his Friends. After leaving Miletus the apostle's course led to Coos, the day following to Rhodes; and thence to Patara, whence they sailed to Tyre. Here he spent a week with the brethren who, as well as the Ephesians, showed signs of sorrow upon his leaving. In spite of the protest of the disciples at Tyre, Paul left on his journey for Jerusalem. They sailed to Ptolemais and from there the next day he went with his party to Caesarea, where he abode with Philip the evangelist. Philip had four daughters who prophesied. He was again warned not to go to Jerusalem, but left for the city, and a number of disciples accompanied him from Caesarea.

V. THE JEWS' REJECTION OF PAUL (Acts 21:1826:32).

1. Arrest at Jerusalem. When Paul arrived at Jerusalem he was heartily received by the brethren. Many false reports were circulated in Jerusalem which prejudiced many of the Jews against Paul, the Gentile apostle. In order to remove this prejudice he was asked to perform a vow with four other men in order that he might be classed with those that walk orderly and keep the law; but when the seven days of purification were almost completed some of the Asiatic Jews recognized him and stirred up the people, accusing him of having brought Greeks into the Temple. Paul was seized and would have been killed had it not been for the Roman sentries under Claudius Lysias who approached and rescued him. He was taken into the enclosure of the castle Antonia, and having received from the Roman tribune permission, he addressed the people in their native tongue.

2. His Defense before the Jews. Standing there on the stairs, and beckoning to the crowd with his chained hands to invite their attention, the apostle began to address them in the Hebrew language. He related his own personal history and the circumstances of his conversion. The people listened for some time, but when he commenced to speak of his mission to the Gentiles, their anger knew no bounds and they would have put him to death by stoning had he not been protected. Claudius ordered his prisoner to be moved into the castle so that his guilt could be made known by scourging. As they were about to fasten him for the purpose of scourging Paul asked the centurion whether it was lawful to scourge a Roman citizen when uncondemned. The centurion immediately sought information from the chief captain. After they knew he was a Roman citizen, Lysias ordered the instruments of torture to be instantly removed. The following day another attempt was made to ascertain the nature of his offense by bringing him before the rulers.

3. Paul Before the Sanhedrim. Paul, looking earnestly at his judges, told them that he had lived in all good conscience before God until that day. This so offended the high priest that he commanded them that stood near him to smite him on the mouth. Paul said, "God shall smite thee, thou whited wall." Knowing, however, that there was little prospect of obtaining justice and being conscious of the hatred between the Pharisees and Sadducees, he declared that he had been brought there because he testified of the resurrection of the dead. Immediately there was great confusion between the Pharisees and Sadducees. Lysias, fearing there might be an effort made to kill Paul, removed him to the castle. The following day more than forty Jews bound themselves by a solemn vow not to eat or drink until they had slain Paul. Lysias immediately ordered a body of soldiers to conduct him by night to Caesarea with a letter to Felix, the governor.

4. Defense Before Felix. Five days after Paul's arrival in Caesarea, twelve days after his arrival in Jerusalem, the Jews appeared before Felix and laid charges against Paul of violating the Jewish religious law and of exciting sedition among the Jews. The Jews had an idea that the governor would release him and gave the apostle an opportunity to speak in his own defense. Instead, however, of setting him free Felix chose to reserve his final decision till Lysias should arrive. Paul had denied the charge of sedition and defied the chargers to prove it. " Professing himself a faithful follower of the God of his fathers, those present could prove nothing only that he had expressed faith in the resurrection before the council." Expecting to receive money from the prisoner, Felix kept him in moderate confinement for two whole years.

5. Defense Before Festus. Festus shortly after his accession went to Jerusalem and there the Jews renewed their charges against Paul, asking that he should be delivered to Jerusalem; but they intended to kill him on the way. Immediately on his return to Caesarea, Paul and his accusers are again brought together. Paul was able to answer all their charges, and when Festus wanted to please the Jews by permitting Paul to go to Jerusalem to be tried, Paul again appealed, as a Roman citizen, to Caesar, the emperor. The appeal was allowed, but Festus was perplexed how to describe the charge against the apostle to the emperor.

6. Defense Before Festus and Agrippa. On the arrival, therefore, of Agrippa and his sister Bernice, Paul was brought before them. After Festus presented the case to the Jewish king, Agrippa, Paul was permitted to speak for himself. He related the history of his past life, his conversion and the great theme of his preaching. His sermon had no effect upon Festus, for he declared much learning had made Paul mad; but Agrippa said that Paul might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.

VI. PAUL'S JOURNEY TO ROME (27:1 -28:31).

1. His Warning to the Sailors. The Jewish church at Jerusalem closed its history when Paul carried the Gospel westward into the Roman Empire. They crucified Christ; they stoned Stephen; they martyred James; and now the great apostle left their coast as a prisoner. The moment the ship which bore Paul left the docks in Caesarea, that moment a new world began. Luke and Paul could not help feeling the significance of this hour as they sailed up the coast; they looked upon the beloved but God-forsaken land for the last time. The Gospel started to Rome, went from port to port and found many obstacles. Study these two chapters with the view of learning the obstacles that must be met as the Gospel moved forward in saving the world. In order to show this picture Luke gives this detailed account of the voyage to Rome: Paul was delivered over to a centurion named Julius and with Aristarchus of Thessalonica, the evangelist Luke, and some more prisoners, was placed on board the vessel. On the following day they came to Sidon and there Paul was allowed to go on shore and receive his friends. They sailed along the side of Cyprus and when they came to Myra, the centurion found a ship of Alexandria laden with wheat and bound for Italy. He transferred his charge and they left with a heavy cargo and about two hundred and seventy-six passengers. It was a stormy voyage, and they were driven to the southern coast of Crete to the harbor of Fair Havens. Here they tarried some time, and the apostle advised that they should remain there for the winter; but the master of the ship decided to reach a harbor called Phenice, farther to the west.

2. The Storm and Shipwreck. After the storm was upon them they weighed anchor and were keeping close to the shore, when a violent wind called Euroclydon rushed down upon the ship and whirled her around with such force that the helmsman could not make her keep her course. They were driven by the winds of the southwest and near the little island of Clauda. Here they undergirded the vessel, that is, put heavy cables several times around her hull. The following day they lightened the ship by throwing overboard all that they could spare. This, however, but little relieved the strain upon her, and on the third day both passengers and crew assisted in throwing out her For several days neither sun nor stars appeared in the sky, and the mariners having lost their reckoning knew neither where they were nor in what direction to steer, and gave up all hopes for safety. Until the fourteenth day they were at the mercy of the storm, during which time Paul alone gave them courage. At length at night the sounding lead told of their being in shallow water, and betokened the approach of land. Paul had received assurance from an angel of God, whose he was and whom he served, that he should appear before Caesar, and not one of them should perish. Throwing the anchors -from the stern of the ship they waited for the return of the day, when they found themselves not far from an island. They lifted the anchor and pulled for the shore, but being caught between two seas the ship went to pieces; but the entire company escaped safely to the shore.

3. The Winter at Malta. The island where they landed proved to be Melita, now Malta, where they remained for three months. Here they were kindly treated by the inhabitants for whom the apostle wrought many miracles. When they arrived at the island the inhabitants gave them all possible relief and comfort. Lighting a fire, therefore, on the shore, they welcomed them to its genial warmth. As the apostle was gathering sticks to increase the much-needed blaze, a viper came out from the heat and fastened on his hand. The apostle no sooner flung off the creature without suffering any injury than they said that he was a god. Their first idea was that Paul was a very wicked man and the serpent biting him was a punishment for his wickedness. The fame of his having power to heal the afflicted soon spread abroad, and the sick were brought to be healed. Publius, the Roman governor of the island, now welcomed the shipwrecked strangers and Paul rewarded him by healing his father, who lay sick at the time. Four things are made conspicuous in the three months' stay on Melita: the hospitality, the serpent that fastened on Paul's hand, the healing, and the beautiful charity at the close when they sent away Paul and his two Christian companions with "many honors." It is not stated that Paul preached while here for three months, but we do not think he would miss the opportunity for so many months and fail to tell the story of the cross.

4. His Arrival at Rome. After remaining three months at Malta Julius placed his prisoners on board another ship which had wintered in the island. In the spring they sailed first to Syracuse, where they remained for three days. Leaving Syracuse they passed Rhegium and from there sailed to Puteoli. After remaining with the Brethren in Puteoli for seven days the apostle under charge of the centurion went toward Rome. He was met by brethren from the city at Appii Forum and the Three Taverns, and by them he was escorted to the capital, where the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard.

VII. PAUL'S LAST YEARS.

1. First Roman Imprisonment. For at least two years Paul remained in Rome under guard, but in his own hired house, waiting the decision of his case, meanwhile freely preaching to all who came to him. During these two years' imprisonment he wrote at least four more of his letters, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. From these epistles we can glean other features of Paul's life in the capital.

2. His Release. That Paul was released from the imprisonment seems very probable from the tradition and from the teaching of the epistles that refer to his release after his trial. During these years of release he traveled among the churches and wrote First Timothy, Titus, and Hebrews.

3. Final Imprisonment. Nero, the cruel emperor and persecutor of the Christians, imprisoned Paul the second time at Rome. This imprisonment was far more severe than the first; no friends but Luke and Onesiphorus cheered him with their sympathy. It was during this imprisonment that he wrote his last and touching letter to Timothy, exhorting him to constancy and boldness in the faith. He was condemned to die. He trusted as he claimed to his death in his Savior. He was sure that he had kept the faith. (2 Tim. 4:8). 

VIII. CLOSE OF NEW TESTAMENT HISTORY.  The Acts of the Apostles closes after the beautiful picture of the voyage to Rome presented by Luke in the twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth chapters. In some of his epistles Paul gives us some information that must have occurred between the time that the Acts of the Apostles closes and that of his death. The history of the New Testament really closes at a much later date, about the time when John was on the isle of Patmos and was given the history of the church that is now past, and also that which is present and that which is to come. Thus the history of the New Testament is being fulfilled constantly in our times. As we close these lessons we hope at some future time to follow the teaching of different books of the Bible after your thorough preparation based upon this system of Bible Study.

QUESTIONS.

What time is covered by this period?

Give the description of the divine call.

Name the missionaries of the first journey.

What did they do at Salamis?

Who was Elymas and why was he punished?

Where did John Mark leave them:

Give a description of their work at Antioch.

Give an account of healing the impotent man.

Why was Paul stoned?

Draw a map and trace the first missionary journey and locate the events.

What difficulty was there at the Antioch church?

Give the date of the Council at Jerusalem.

State the proceedings at the council.

Give the account in full that was given to Paul for the Antioch church.

Give the time of the second missionary journey.

Why did Paul and Barnabas not continue their missionary labors together?

Who went with Paul, and where did he select Timothy?

What new places did he visit in Asia Minor?

Make a full statement of the Macedonian call.

Tell all that occurred at Philippi.

What did Paul and Silas do while imprisoned?

What was the difference between the Thessalonians and Bereans?

What other cities in Europe did Paul visit on this journey?

Where and on what journey did he write his first letters?

Give the time of the third missionary journey.

Who was Apollos, and what mistake did he make?

What letters were written on this journey, and where?

What occurred at Troas on this journey?

What special teaching did Paul give the Ephesian elders?

What did Paul do to remove prejudice against him at Jerusalem?

What made them so bitter at his address?

Tell what Paul called the high priest.

Who were Festus, Felix, and Agrippa?

Why was Paul sent to Rome for trial?

Do we hear any more of the Jerusalem church after Paul was sent away

from the coast of Palestine?

Describe the storm and shipwreck.

What happened at Malta?

What books did Paul write during the first imprisonment?

What books were written during the release?

Name the letter that was written just before his death.

REVIEW.

I. Paul's First Journey.

11. The Divine Call. 2. The Conversion of the Roman Deputy. 3. Unfaithfulness of John Mark. 4. Two Sabbaths at Antioch. 5. Healing the Impotent Man. 6. The Stoning of Paul. 7 The Return to Antioch.

II. The Apostolic Council.

1. Controversy at Antioch. 2. Proceedings at the Council. 3 The Decision and Letter.. 4. Effect on Antioch Church.

III. Paul's Second Journey.

1. Separation of Paul and Barnabas.

2. The Call of Timothy.

3. The Founding of the Galatian Churches.

4. The Macedonian Call.

5. The First Converts in Europe.

6. Imprisonment of Paul and Silas.

7. The Miraculous Deliverance.

8. Persecution at Thessaionica.

9. Berean Bible Students.

10. Discourse on Mars' Hill.

11. Founding the Corinthian Church.

12. The Return Journey.

IV. Paul's Third Journey.

1. Founding the Ephesian Church,

(1) Labors of Apollos at Ephesus.

(2) Paul in the School of Tyrannus.

(3) Suppression of Witchcraft.

(4) Riot of the Silversmiths.

2. Second Visit to Corinth.

3. Plot of the Jews.

4. Church Services at Troas.

5. Farewell Address to the Ephesians.

6. Warning of his Friends.

V. The Jews' Rejection of Paul.

1. Arrest at Jerusalem.

2. His Defense Before the Jews.

3. Paul Before the Sanhedrim.

4. Defense Before Felix.

5. Defense Before Festus.

6. Defense Before Festus and Agrippa.

VI. Paul's Journey to Rome.

1. Warning to the Sailors.

2. The Storm and Shipwreck.

3. The Winter at Malta.

4. His Arrival at Rome.

VII. Paul's Last Years.

1. First Roman Imprisonment.

2. His Release.

3. Final Imprisonment.

VIII. Close of New Testament History.