^. 2^,iX S^qu^atltpb by Ijitm tn tl|f Utbrarg of Pnnrrtntt Slji^nlngtral S^^mtnarQ STUDIES IN THE Acts of the Apostles BY B. B. LOOMIS, Ph.D., D.D. NEW YORK: EATON & MAINS CINCINNATI : CURTS & JENNINGS Copyright, 1896, by EATON & MAINS, New York. Eaton & Mains Press, 150 Fifth Avenue, New York. CONTENTS. Page Preface, .......... 7 Methods of Study 9 Methods of Instruction, ....... 10 The Course Divided into Lessons, , . . . .11 First Study — Analysis of the Book of Acts, . . . 13 Second Study — The Introduction, .• . . . .18 Third Study — Preparation for Pentecost, .... 22 Fourth Study — The Pentecostal Church, . . , .26 Fifth Study — The Church in Transition, .... 32 Sixth Study — The Gentile Church Established, . . .40 Seventh Study — Paul's First Missionary Journey, . . 45 Eighth Study — The Gentile Church Recognized, . . .49 Ninth Study — Paul's Second Missionary Journey, . . 52 Tenth Study — Paul's Third Missionary Journey, . . -57 Eleventh Study — Paul's Arrest and Imprisonment, . . 62 Twelfth Study — Paul's Voyage to Rome and Imprisonment, . 67 PREFACE. The constantly increasing interest taken in the study of the English Bible is cause for great satisfaction on the part of all lovers of the divine Word. There has always been much devotional reading of the word of truth by believers, since here is found the bread of life for the soul But this reading has been very largely fragmentary, of isolated passages, without reference to the scope of the book as a whole, or their relation to other por- tions of the author's writings. Recently, however, the Bible has been studied more in a systematic manner, the inductive method has been applied, and questions of relation, time, place, circumstances, are taken into account, so that more clear and intelligent ideas of its real teaching have been gained. The Bible has been made a text-book in a large number of institutions of learning, and regular recitations are heard, and as thorough preparation required as in any other branch of study. It is for the promotion of this advanced movement that the present volume has been prepared. As its title indicates, this is not a book for mere cursory reading, nor even a book whose contents are to be simply memorized, but it is designed as a guide and aid to the faithful student in acquiring a clear understanding of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles. 8 PREFACE. This work has been prepared as a companion volume to Dr. J. L. Hurlbut's Studies in the Four Gospels^ to be used consecutively with it, and hence follows the same general plan and arrangement of topics. The author has consulted numerous authorities in the prep- aration of the work, and spared no pains in seeking to arrive at just conclusions on all doubtful questions of chronology, etc. He desires especially to acknowledge his obligation to Rev. J. L. Hurlbut, D.D., for permission to make use of some Studies in the History of the Early Churchy published in the Sunday School Jourtial for 1892, and which have been largely incorporated into the present volume, to the great enrichment of its pages. The preparation of these " Studies " has been largely a labor of love, pursued with great delight in the midst of the duties of a busy pastorate, and in the hope that by the divine blessing they may be found helpful to the great host of students and teachers of the Word, to whom they are most respectfully dedicated by The Author. Cambridge, N. Y., May 15, 1896. METHODS OF STUDY. This book is designed as a guide and aid to the student in pursuing a systematic and intelligent study of that wonderful volume of early Church history known as "The Acts of the Apostles." It should not be forgotten that it is the sacred record, rather than this little volume, which is to be the subject of study. Hence, the Scripture references are very copious and the most thorough study requires that they all should be searched out and re-read in connection with the topics under consideration. Still, as it is systematic study which is proposed, it will be found a great help to pay careful attention to the framework of the truth by faithfully memorizing all the principal divisions and subdivisions of each lesson be- fore entering upon the minute details. For example, take the First Study, page 13, and memorize the four principal divisions, which are indicated by Roman numerals, thus : I. The Introduction and Dedication. II. The Pentecostal Church. III. The Transitional Church. IV. The Gentile Church. Then taking up I, notice the brief introduction (Acts I. 1-3) and the person to whom the work is dedicated, looking up the scriptural references bearing on his life and character, and noting the significance of his Greek name. Careful attention should be paid also to the inspired author's statement of the general scope of his book. In a similar manner treat the other divisions of this Study, II, III, IV. Then, as a test of memory, make the attempt to recall all the divisions and subdivisions from the Blackboard Outline at the end of the Study, and fix the whole indelibly in the mind by use of the Questions for Review which are appended. Frequent repetition is with most minds the price which they must pay for a firm grasp of truth, and when the truth is so precious it will well repay for all the time and toil. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION. ■ Various methods of instruction will doubtless be pursued by teachers of the divine Word who may use this little volume as a text-book in their classes. It is to be expected that such will adopt their own plans, but some methods may be suggested which arise from the plan and object of the book itself. 1. The twelve studies may be taken up consecutively at the summer As- semblies, giving a day or more to each study, and by the use of the Black- board Outlines and oral instruction, with much patient drilling, a somewhat complete mastery of the subject may be gained during the Assembly, and a creditable examination passed at its close. 2. Or the normal instructor, especially in the shorter Assemblies, may pursue the lesson-lecture style of teaching, unfolding a»d opening up the work during the Assembly and leaving the members of the class to pursue the study in private until they are prepared for examination, when papers can be obtained from the Secretary of the Normal Union, 150 Fifth Ave- nue, New York. 3. Normal classes may be organized in churches, young people's soci- eties, or communities, and the course pursued in weekly lessons. 4. Teachers* meetings for the study of the International Lessons may very profitably take this course as a supplemental study, in which case it is well to use the division into shorter lessons as given on page 11. Whatever method is adopted the instructor will find that frequent reviews are of the utmost value. Each lesson learned should be reviewed before an advance lesson is given, and general reviews from the very first should be conducted from time to time. THE COURSE DIVIDED INTO LESSONS. Whenever it is found impracticable to give an entire evening to the study of these lessons they may be taught at the close of the prayer meet- ing or of the young people's meeting, or they may occupy a part of the hour at the weekly teachers' meeting. To provide for cases where but twenty or thirty minutes can be given to such studies, the twelve studies have been divided into thirty-five shorter sections, any one of which may be taught in twenty minutes when teacher and class are both well prepared. Lesson I. Analysis of the Book of Acts. Dedication and General Divi- sions. First Study, I. Lesson IL Analysis of Acts. The Pentecostal Church. First Study, II. Lesson III. Analysis of Acts. The Transitional Church. First Study, III. Lesson IV. Analysis of Acts. The Gentile Church. First Study, IV. Lesson V. Introduction to the Book of Acts. Authorship. Second Study, I. Lesson VI. Introduction to Acts. Authenticity, Date, and Place. Sec- ond Study, II, III, IV. Lesson VII. Introduction to Acts. Relation to Gospels and General Scope. Second Study, V, VI, VII. Lesson VIII. Preparation for Pentecost. Waiting at Jerusalem and the Ascension. Third Study, I, II. Lesson IX. Preparation for Pentecost. The Prolonged Prayer Meeting and Recompletion of Apostolic Number. Third Study, III, IV. Lesson X. The Pentecostal Church. Time, Place, and Environment. Fourth Study, I, 11, III. Lesson XI. The Pentecostal Church. Events. Fourth Study, IV. Lesson XII. The Pentecostal Church. Leadership and Membership. Fourth Study, V, VI. Lesson XIII. The Pentecostal Church. Government, Institutions, and Doctrines. Fourth Study, VII, VIII, IX. 12 THE COURSE DIVIDED INTO LESSONS. Lesson XIV. The Church in Transition. Time and Place. Fifth Study, I, II. Lesson XV. The Church in Transition. Events. Fifth Study, III. Lesson XVI. The Church in Transition. Leadership and Membership. Fifth Study, IV, V. Lesson XVII. The Church in Transition. Government, Institutions, and Doctrines. Fifth Study, VI, VII, VIII. Lesson XVIII. The Church among the Gentiles. The Gospel Spread- ing Abroad. Sixth Study, I. Lesson XIX. The Church among the Gentiles. The Church at Antioch. Sixth Study, II. Lesson XX. Paul's First Missionary Journey. The World's Preparation for the Gospel and the Chosen Messengers. Seventh Study, I, II. Lesson XXI. Paul's First Missionary Journey. The Places Visited. Seventh Study, III. Lesson XXII. The Gentile Church Recognized. Preparation and Ne- cessity for Recognition. Eighth 'Study, I, II. Lesson XXIII. The Gentile Church Recognized. Process of Recogni- tion. Eighth Study, III. Lesson XXIV. The Gentile Church. Time and Place. Ninth Study, I, IL Lesson XXV. The Gentile Church. Paul's Second Missionaiy Journey. Ninth Study, III. Lesson XXVI. The Gentile Church. Leadership and Membership. Tenth Study, I, II. Lesson XXVII. Paul's Third Missionary Journey. Time, Companions, and Places. Tenth Study, III, i, 2, 3. Lesson XXVIII. Paul's Third Missionary Journey. Events. Tenth Study, III, 4. Lesson XXIX. The Gentile Church. Government. Eleventh Study, I. Lesson XXX, Paul's Arrest at Jerusalem. Eleventh Study, II, Lesson XXXI. Paul's Imprisonment at Coesarea. Eleventh Study, III. Lesson XXXII. The Gentile Church. Institutions and Doctrines. Twelfth Study, I, II. Lesson XXXIII. Paul's Voyage to Rome. Twelfth Study, III. Lesson XXXIV. Paul's Imprisonment in Rome. Twelfth Study, IV. Lesson XXXV, Events Succeeding the Scripture Narrative. Twelfth Study, V. STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. FIRST STUDY. ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK OF ACTS. In these studies we first make an analysis of the Book of Acts and take a general preview of the whole book before making a detailed examination of its several parts. In this way we may hope to come to a better understanding of the relations which the several parts sustain to each other. The Book of Acts may be naturally divided, according to the subjects treated, into four portions of greatly differing lengths. I. The Introduction and Dedication, which is con- tained in the first three verses of the first chapter. Here the writer dedicates this volume to Theophilus, the same person to whom, two or three years before this, he had dedi- cated his story of Christ's life in the third gospel. Who Theophilus may have been is uncertain. The Greek word ^^ theophilus " means a lover of God, and some scholars have inferred that a character rather than a person is meant, and that all lovers of God have a right to consider Luke's writings as addressed to them. It seems most probable, however, that Theophilus was a well-known person. The honorable epithet (Luke i. 3) and the explanation of the distance of Olivet from Jerusalem (Acts I. 12) imply personality, and it is reasonable to believe that he was a Christian convert at Rome and known to both 14 STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. Paul and Luke there.* The writer in his brief introduction refers to his previous volume, and intimates that the Book of Acts is a continuation of the same general theme, namely, the founding and growth of Christianity in the earth. The body of the work has been divided according to the suggestions in our Lord's words (Acts i. 8) into three general heads, representing three distinctly marked phases of the growth and establishment of Christ's Church in the earth, namely: 1. The Pentecostal Church. 2. The Transitional Church. 3. The Church among the Gentiles. We will look at these in order. IT The Pentecostal Church is described in Acts i. 4 to 6. 8. The typical leader during this period is the apostle Peter, who from seniority and a forward, impulsive temper- ament, naturally assumed the leadership of his fellow-apos- tles and the infant Church. The typical city is Jerusalem, since all the events of this period occur in and around this city. The principal subdivisions are : 1. The Preparation for Pentecost. Acts i. 4-26. 2. Event of the Pentecost. Acts 2. 1-47. 3. The Pentecostal Church Developing in Miraculous Power and Endurance of Persecution. Acts 3. i to 4. 37. 4. The Pentecostal Church Manifesting Penal Power. Acts 5. 1-16. 5. The Pentecostal Church again under Persecution. Acts 5- 17-42. 6. The Pentecostal Church Forming its Economy. Acts 6. 1-8. * McClintock and Strong's Cyclopcedia, vol. x, p. 334. STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 15 III. The Transitional Church is set forth in Acts 6. 9 to 15. 34. Though there are several leaders for this period we select as the typical character, Philip the evangelist, one of the seven deacons and one of the first to carry the Gospel beyond the bounds of Judea. The typical city is Antioch in Syria, which became the seat of a Christian church, and ultimately a great center of missionary effort. This portion of the Book of Acts is devoted largely to setting forth the great truth that Christianity is not merely an ethnic religion, designed for the Jews only, but it is cosmopolitan in its nature and design, "a light to lighten the Gentiles " as well as the true glory of Israel. The struggles with Jewish narrowness and ex- clusiveness are graphically portrayed, and we are shown the rapid spread of Christianity among the Gentiles, and at last the full recognition of Gentile Christianity by the mother Church at Jerusalem — a recognition which admits the right of a Gentile to become a Christian without first becoming a proselyte to Judaism. The subdivisions are : 1. The Pentecostal Church Dispersed. Acts 6. 9 to 8. 4. 2. Philip Evangelizing Samaria. Acts 8. 5-25. 3. The New Apostle to the Gentiles Called. Acts 9. 1-30. 4. The Gospel among the Gentiles. Acts 9. 31 to 11. 30. 5. Desolation of Jerusalem Church. Acts 12. 1-25. 6. Paul's First Missionary Journey. Acts 13. i to 14. 28. 7. The Council at Jerusalem. Acts 15. 1-34. IV. The story of the Church as established among the Gentiles occupies the remainder of the book. Acts 15- 35 to 28. 3. In this portion of the sacred history Paul is the great leader and the true typical character. i6 STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. He was called to be the apostle to the Gentiles. By his great missionary journeys especially he carried the Gospel into the regions beyond, and planted new churches in west- ern Asia and eastern Europe, while in his epistles he formu- lated a body of Christian doctrine which has been a standard for the Church in all ages. The typical city for this period is imperial Rome. Here the Gospel becomes so firmly established that not even the fierce persecutions of Nero and succeeding pagan em- perors can destroy it, but the blood of the martyrs proves the seed of the Church, until within three hundred years paganism is conquered and Christianity is acknowledged by the Emperor Constantine. The subdivisions of this period are : 1. Paul's Second Missionary Journey. Acts 15. 35 to i8. 22. 2. Paul's Third Missionary Journey. Acts 18. 23 to 21. 17 3. Paul in Council with James. Acts 21. 18-25. 4. Paul's Arrest at Jerusalem. Acts 21. 26 to 23. 35. 5. Paul at Caesarea. Acts 24. i to 26. 32. 6. Paul at Rome. Acts 27. i to 28. 31. BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. Analysis of the Book of Acts. I. I. & D. To Th. Ref. to G. Purpose. Acts i. 1-3. II. P. Ch. Lr. P. Cty. J. Acts i. 4 to 6. 8. Sub. I. P. for P. 2. E. of P. 3. P. C. D. 4. P. Ch. P. P. 5. P. Ch. P. 6. P. Ch. E. III. Tr. Ch. Lr. Ph. Cty. A. Acts 6. 9 to 15. 34. Sub. I. P. Ch. Dis. 2. Ph. Evg. 3. New A. to G. 4. G. am Gent. 5. Des. J. Ch. 6. P. ist Miss. J. 7. C. at J. IV. Ch. am. Gen. Lr. Pi. Jour, and Ep. Cty. Imp. R. Acts 15. 35 to 28. 31. Sub. I. P. 2d M. J. 2. P. 3d M. J. 3. P. in C. with J. 4. P. Ar. at J. 5. P. at C. 6. P. at R. STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. i? QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. How many general divisions of the Book of Acts may naturally be made ? What is the basis of theSe divisions ? What is the twofold topic of the first division ? What portion of the Book of Acts does it mclude? What is the topic of the second division? Qive the principal subdivisions. How much of the Book of Acts is included? Who was the typical leader i What was the typical city ? What topic is treated in the third division ? What are the subdivisions ? Who was the typical character ? What was the typical city ? What portion of Acts is devoted to this division ? Give the general topic of the fourth division. Wliat are the subdivisions ? Who was the typical leader ? n What was the typical city ? What part of Acts is included in this division? 2 i8 STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. SECOND STUDY. INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF ACTS. The opening sentences (Acts i. 1-3) form a brief but beaniti- ful introduction, in the writer's own words, to the whole book. Seven things are suggested for our consideration, namely: Authorship, Authenticity, Date, Place, Relation to the Gospels, Close Connection with Third Gospel, and the General Scope of the Work. I. Authorship. The writer introduces himself at once as the author of the third gospel, a statement which is uni- versally accepted, and which is strikingly corroborated by the similarity of style in both works as admitted by the most eminent scholars. Of Luke we only know that he was a Christian physician (Col. 4. 14) who appears to have joined Paul and party at Troas, as there in his narrative he begins to use the first person plural and say " we " instead of " they " in describing the experiences of the journey (Acts 16. 10). He also was with Paul in his voyage to Rome (Acts 27. i), suffered ship- wreck with him on the island of Malta (x\cts 28. 2), and accompanied him to Rome (Acts 28. 16); where he appears to have continued with him during his two years' imprison- ment there (Acts 28. 30, 31). We have also the great apos- tle's testimony that this faithful friend was loyal to the very end (2 Tim. 4. 11). It is not improbable that Luke was a physician residing at Troas, converted through Paul's preaching, and attaching himself to the apostle with all the ardor of a young convert.* * McClintock and Strong's Cyclopcedia^ vol. v., p. 550. STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 19 II. Authenticity. The Book of Acts has held its place in the canon of Holy Scripture unchallenged from the very first; indeed, the Syriac version, made before the canon was completed, contains the Book of Acts ascribed to Luke, and in its present location. Early writers among the Christian fathers also place it among the books that were never disputed by the Church. It is connected with Paul's epistles by striking and unde- signed evidences, such as are indicated in Acts 18. 3 and I Cor. 4. 12; Acts 18. 9, 10, and i Cor. 2. 3; Acts 28. 30, 31, and Phil. i. 12-14. Its geographical and historical references and allusions are confirmed as accurate by historic coins and medals. Says Dr. Whedon, " The narrative of Paul's shipwreck has been minutely examined by modern science, and all its de- tails have been found completely true to nature and the sea- manship of the Mediterranean of Paul's day." III. Date. It is confessedly impossible to fix the exact date when this book was written. As the author gives a detailed account of Paul's life and labors until the close of the second year of the apostle's imprisonment in Rome it could not well have been completed at an earlier date, and as he makes no mention of his martyrdom it is generally be- lieved to have been finished before that event, and it is ex- tremely improbable that it would have been written after the overthrow of Jerusalem without some reference to that great catastrophe. The date is therefore probably somewhere between A. D. 63 and 66. IV. Place. Modern scholars with great unanimity de- cide that the Book of Acts was written at Rome, where Luke appears to have resided for several years. V. Relation to the Gospels. This book is supple- mental to the Four Gospels. Like them it is historical in character, and being a continuation of the same history 20 STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. of the kingdom of Christ on the earth it stands in its proper place in the sacred canon. It takes up the story of Christianity where the evangelists leave it, and carries it on from the ascension of Christ to the close of the second year of Paul's imprisonment in Rome. VI. Close Connection with Luke's Gospel. The Book of Acts is intimately related to all the gospels, but it is most closely connected with the third. This we would naturally expect since both works are from the pen of the same author and both addressed to the same person. Luke I. 3 and Acts i. i. Some scholars consider the two books as two parts of one great work — a history of early Christianity — the former part treating of the inauguration .of Christianity by its divine Founder; the second part describing its growth, establish- ment, and extension in the earth under the labors of divinely appointed agents. Luke's gospel, as he declares in this introduction, describes what Jesus began to do, in person, in founding his Church ; this book declares what he continued to do through his apostles and their coadjutors. Again the two works overlap each other, each containing a detailed account of the ascension of Christ. Luke 24. 50, 51 ; Acts i. 9-1 1. The closest connection, therefore, exists between the two books. VII. General Scope. This history covers a period of about thirty-six years — from the ascension of Christ to the close of the second year of Paul's imprisonment in Rome. During this period four different emperors sat on the throne of the Roman empire, namely, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. The great theme of the book is the establishment, growth, and extension of that kingdom of heaven among men which Jesus, the Christ, came to set up on the earth. However, it must not be forgotten that the STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 21 Book of Acts is not a full history of early Christianity, neither is it a complete life of the apostle Paul, but seems designed to set forth the steps ''whereby the Christian Church grew from a little body of Jewish disciples in and about the city of Jerusalem to a Church for all the nations and all the world. Therefore it begins at Jerusalem and ends at Rome, the capital of the world." BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. Introduction to the Book of Acts. Seven things: Authp., Authty., Da., PL, Rel. to Gosp., Con. with 3d Gosp., Gen. Sc. I. Authp. Lu. II. Authty. Syr. Ver. Earl. Wr. PL's Epist. Geog. and Hist. III. Da. IV. PL Ro. V. ReL to Gosp. SuppL VI. Con. with 3d Gosp. Auth. Beg. and Cont. Asc. VII. Gen. Sc. 36 Yrs. 4 Emps. Theme. QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. What seven things are suggested for consideration ? How does the writer introduce himself? Why is Luke believed to have joined Paul at Troas ? Give some proofs of the authenticity of Acts? What is the probable date ? Where was this book written ? What is its relation to the gospels ? What part of the story of Christianity does it describe? How is the close relation of* Acts to the third gospel shown? Why would this naturally have been expected ? How long a period of time does this history cover? What four Roman emperors reigned during this time? Give the special scope and design of the book. 22 STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. THIRD STUDY. PREPARATION FOR PENTECOST. Pentecost, with its wondrous effusion of the Holy Spirit, was the inaugural day of Christ's Church on the earth. For so great an event full preparation was most fitting. The four successive steps of this preparation are thus described by Luke: * I. The Waiting at Jerusalem. To this they were incited by a positive command (Luke 24. 49; Acts I. 4) and a most gracious promise (Acts i. 5, 8). IL The Ascension of Jesus. This is properly placed among the steps preparatory to the Holy Spirit's descent, for the Master had expressly declared the necessity of his departure from earth, that the Spirit might be given (John 16. 7); and after the event Peter had proclaimed to the as- sembled thousands that the wondrous spiritual miracle was the gift of the ascended Jesus (Acts 2. 32, 33). In connection with the ascension we note three things: I. The place, which was just over the summit of the Mount of Olives, near the village of Bethany, about one mile from Jerusalem. Luke 24. 50; Acts i. 12. STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 23 2. The witnesses. These were the eleven faithful apostles, who, since the resurrection of Jesus became an assured fact, had continued together, and for forty days had been favored with frequent interviews with their risen Lord. Luke 24. 31, 34; John 20. 19, 26; 21. 4-13; i Cor. 15.3-8. That they were expecting some marvelous manifestation of his power and glory at this time is clear from the question asked. Acts i. 6. 3. The manner is simply but graphically sketched by Luke in the two accounts which he has given of this great event. We learn from the gospel (Luke 24. 50, 51) that it was while Jesus stood with uplifted hands in the very act of blessing his disciples that he was parted from them ; and the account in Acts that as he ascended a bright cloud re- ceived him out of their sight, and a vision of angels was seen, who declared to them the certainty of Christ's return in like manner as they had seen him go into heaven (Acts i. 10, 11). Note we are wholly dependent upon the writings of Luke for all description of the ascension. in. The Prolonged Prayer Service. 1. The place was an "upper room" to which the apos- tles repaired on their return from the scene of the ascension. Acts I. 13. Tradition holds that it was the same room where the last Pass- over feast had been celebrated with their Lord, and the sacrament of the Lord's Supper had been in- stituted. Matt 26. 17-29; Mark 14. 12-26 ; Luke 22. 7-20. 2. The persons present were the eleven apostles (Acts i. 13), " with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his Silqam hilteif of BiniKon 24 STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. brethren; " one hundred and twenty in all (Acts i. 14, 15 ; Matt. 13. 55). 3. The time. For ten days from the ascension, which was forty days after the resurrection (Acts i. 3), until the Day of Pentecost, which was fifty days after the Passover (Lev. 23. 15, 16), this prayerful waiting continued according to the Lord's command. IV. The Recompletion of the Apostolic Number. In the midst of these days of united prayer Peter arose and stated the necessity that someone of their number should be appointed to take the place of the fallen and deceased traitor, Judas, The sad fate of the apostate is described parenthetically in Acts i. 18, 19. See also Matt. 27. 5-8. Among the indispensable qualifications for the apostolate was the necessity for personal companionship with Jesus and the apostles from the time of John's baptism until the ascension, and the reason for this was that the newly elected apostle might be able to bear witness with the other apostles to the identity of the risen Christ, Acts I. 21, 22. They accordingly nominated two of their number (Acts i. 23) after earnest prayer for divine direction (Acts i. 24). They then sought the divine decision by means of the lot. Acts T. 26; Lev. 16. 8, 9; Prov. 16. ^^. The probable method of submitting this matter to lot was as follows: The names of the two candidates were placed in an urn; in another urn were two ballots with the word "apostle" in- scribed upon one, the other blank. One person took a name from the first urn, at the same time another person drew a ballot from the other urn, and the result decided the matter. The apostolic college was once more complete and the pray- ing and waiting went on until the Day of Pentecost was fully come and " the promise of the Father " descended upon the waiting company. Acts 2. i, 2. STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 25 BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. Preparation for Pentecost. I. Wtg. at J. I. Pos. Com. 2. Gia, Prom. II. Asc. ofj. I. PI. 2. Ws. 3. Man. III. Pro. Pr. Serv. i. PI. 2. Per. 3. Ti. IV. Re. Ap. No. Nee. Meth. Pers. QUESTION.S FOR REVIEW. Mention the four steps of preparation for the Pentecost. How were the apostles incited to wait at Jerusalem? Why was the ascension one of the necessary steps ? What three things are noted in connection with the ascension ? How many interviews had the disciples with Jesus after his resurrection ? In what act was Jesus engaged at the time of his ascension ? How many descriptions of this event are given in the Bible, and by whom ? Who were present at the "Prolonged Prayer Service ?" What is the meaning of the word Pentecost ? Why was it necessary that an apostle should be elected in Judas's place ? What were the human and what the divine elements in that election ? What scriptural authority is there for seeking to ascertain God's will by the lot ? 26 STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. FOURTH STUDY. THE PENTECOSTAL CHURCH. Part First. The Pentecostal Church was the mother, and in its spirituality tlie type, of all succeeding churches of Jesus Christ. We notice in order : I. Time. The period of the Pentecostal Church begins with the events of the Day of Pentecost, A. D. 30, which was ten days after the ascension and fifty days after the resur- rection of our Lord. It ends with the choosing of the seven, A. D. 35, thus covering the first five years in the history of the Church. IT Place. As far as we can learn from the Book of Acts, which is our only authority, the activity of the Church during these five years was limited to the City of Jerusalem and its immediate vicinity. See Acts i. 4; 12, 13. We read as yet of no churches founded in Galilee or Samaria, or even in parts of Judea remote from the capital, notwithstanding the command in Acts i. 8. III. Environment. The ecclesiastical surround- ing's of the Pentecostal Church are purely Jewish. The collisions are wholly with the Jewish hierarchy, and the per- secutions are by the rulers of the Jews. See Acts 4. 1-3 ; 5. 17, 18. ^ ^ The political power is that of the Roman empire, of which Judea formed a province, but the Roman magistrates seem to have given no attention to what they doubtless con- sidered only petty quarrels between rival sects of the Jews. STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 27 Even the lynching of Stephen by an infuriated Jewish mob seems to have been passed over without notice. Part Second. IV. Events. The principal events in the history of the Pentecostal Church were the following : 1. The descent of the Holy Spirit. This took place on the Day of Pentecost, A. D. 30. Note the conditions (Acts 2. i) and the results of His coming (Acts 2. 2-4). This was the needed preparation of the Church for her great work. Acts I. 8. 2. The preaching of Peter. Through a series of ad- dresses by the apostle Peter the attention of the people was awakened and multitudes were won to the new faith. His first address. Acts 2. 14-36. His second address. Acts 3. 11-26. His third address. Acts 4. 5-12. Note the place and subject of each of these addresses. 3. The apostolic miracles. The institution of the Church was attended with miraculous manifestations : A mir- acle on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2. 4-6) ; a miracle of healing (Acts 3. 1-8) ; a miracle of punishment (Acts 5. i-io); many miracles (Acts 5. 12-16); a miracle of deliv- erance (Acts 5. 17-20). The design of these miracles may have been : (i.) To attract attention to the Gospel. Acts 3. 8-10. (2.) To attest the divine. Acts 4. 13, 14. (3.) To serve as the apostles' credentials. John 3. 2. (4.) To show through the natural world the laws of the spiritual world ; that is, in the healing of the body a picture of salvation to the soul. 4. The apostles persecuted. The preaching of a risen Christ soon aroused the enmity of the Jewish rulers, who had so recently crucified the Saviour. Note that the persecuting faction in the council belonged to the sect 28 STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. which denied any resurrection. Acts 4. i ; 5-17; 23.8. Three times the apostles were arrested and treated with in- creasing severity. The first arrest. Acts 4. 3, 18, 21. The second arrest. Acts 5. 17-19. The third arrest. Acts 5. 26, ;^^, 40. But the persecution only increased the popular interest and aided the growth of the Church. Acts 6. 7. 5. The choosing of the seven. The first dissension in the Church arose over the administration of its finances. Acts 6. I. How the evil was corrected. Acts 6. 2-4. The character of the men chosen for the secular work of the Church. Acts 6. 3. The names of the seven suggest that they belonged to the Grecian or Hellenistic wing of the Jewish race, and show the generous spirit of the early Church in placing this trust wholly in the hands of the aggrieved party. The title " deacons " is nowhere given to these men (note Acts 21. 8), but has been inferred from the use of the Greek word diakonia, " ministration," in Acts 6. i. Part Third. V. Leadership. It is evident that during this period the apostle Peter was the leader of the Church. On every occasion Peter comes to the front as the most prominent and powerful personality among the believers. He is named first in the list of apostles. Acts i. 13. He directs the counsels of the Church. Acts i. 15. He speaks in behalf of the Church, both before the people (Acts 2. 14) and before the council (Acts 4. 8). He rebukes sin in the Church. Acts 5. 3, 8, 9. It may be inferred that Peter's position was the result of his character, and not from any primary authority over his fellow-apostles. *■ STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 29 VI. Membership. The Church in this period consisted of Jews who accepted Jesus as the Messiah of Israel. Acts 2. s^' The number of the first disciples. Acts i. 15. The number ten days afterward. Acts 2. 14. A further growth. Acts 4. 4. The condition of the Church at the close of this period. Acts 6. 7. The creed. Acts 5. 30, 31. The conditions of membership. Acts 2. 38. From Acts 6. i, 5, we find three branches of Judaism were represented in the Pentecostal Church: 1. Hebrews, or Jews of Palestine. 2. Grecians, or Hellenists, Jews of foreign birth, speaking the Greek language. 3. Proselytes, or Gentiles who had embraced the Jewish faith and received circumcision. As yet no Gentiles had been received into the Christian Church directly from heathenism. Part Fourth. VII. Government. The Pentecostal Church possessed but little organization. The apostles at first directed all its affairs, both spiritual and secular. Acts 2. 42 ; 4. 34, 35. Their names. Acts i. 13. Notice that in the choice of a new apostle to fill the vacancy left by the fall of Judas, all the members of the in- fant Church participated. Acts i. 15, 23-26. With the growth of the Church secular interests required attention, and other officers were chosen. Acts 6. 1-5. Notice again the part taken by the membership in the selection of the seven. Acts 6. ^-6. VIII. Institutions. The believers in Christ thus far were worshiping Jews, regularly attending the services of the temple (Acts 3. i), and those of the synagogue (Acts 6. 9). 30 STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. We find, however, some distinctively Christian ordinances and institutions among them. They had a place of meet- ing for the Church. Acts i. 13; 4. 23. Baptism was administered. Acts 2, ;^S, 41. The Lord's Supper was observed. Acts 2. 42. They received instruction. Acts 2. 42. For a brief period there was a voluntary community of property, each contributing to the needs of others. Acts 2. 44, 45 ; 4. 32-35. A special instance of liberality. Acts 4. 36, 37. But this communism, though voluntary, seems to have wrought evil, hypocrisy, and dissension in the Church (Acts 5. I, 2; 6. i), and was soon abandoned. IX. Doctrinal Teachings. The earliest Christianity was a spirit rather than a creed, practical rather than dog- matic; hence we find few dbctrines stated, and all of them having Jesus Christ as their center. The principal truth preached was that of the Messiahship of Jesus, and the conse- quent duty of faith in him. Acts 2. 36; 3. 26; 4. 12. Special emphasis was laid on the resurrection of Christ. Acts i. 22; 2. 24; 3. 15; 4. 2, 10, ^^. His divine nature and authority. Acts 2. ^^; 3. 13, 26; 5. 31. His second coming was also declared. Acts 3. 19-21. BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. The Pentecostal Church. Part I. Time. D, of P. 30. to Clig. Sev. 35. Place. J. and Vic. Env. Ec. J. Pol. Rom. Part IL Evts. D. ofS. J', of P. A. Mir. A. Per. Chg. Sev. Part in. Lr. P. 1st in L. of A. Directs C. C. Speaks B. C. Char. Mem. J. ac. J. No. Dis. Crd. Cond. Mem. H., G., and P. Part IV. Gov. Lit. O. A. Direct. Pop. Elec. Inst. Mtg. Bapt. L. Sup. Instr. Vol. Com. Doc. J. Cent. Mess. J. Res. J. Dir. N. and A. 2d Comg. STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 31 QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. What was the birthday of the Christian Church ? How many years in the history of the Pentecostal Church? What is our authority for the early history of the Church ? In what city was the Church first established? State the two phases of its environment. Give the five important events of this period. Mention the principal miracles. What was the purpose of these miracles ? How many times were the apostles arrested ? What caused the choosing of the seven ? Give the names of the seven. Who was thejeader of the Pentecostal Church? What was the cause of his power ? To what race did the members of the Church belong ? What were the conditions of membership? What three branches of Judaism were represented? Who first directed the affairs of the Church ? Give some instances of popular elections. What Jewish services did the early Church attend ? What Christian ordinances did they maintain? What communism do we find ? What was the central truth of the apostles' teaching? What doctrines concerning Jesus were emphasized ? 32 STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. FIFTH STUDY. THE CHURCH IN TRANSITION. Part First; We have seen that during the first five years of the Christian Church it was entirely Jewish in its membership. But the Gospel soon came to the notice of Gentiles, or non- Jewish people, among whom were many sincere seekers after God. These eagerly embraced the truth of salvation by faith in Christ without the regulations of the Jewish law, and for fifteen years the question whether they could be received into the Church without the Jewish requirement of circum- cision was the burning question among the followers of Christ. Two parties arose — one demanding that all believing Gentiles should become Jews, and only as Jews should they be received into the Church; the other urging that Jews and Gentiles should be recognized as believers in Christ upon the same terms. The question was finally settled by the apostles and Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in the decision that Jews and Gentiles were saved upon the same condition of faith in Christ, and were equal in their privileges as members of the Church. Thus for fifteen years we observe the Church in transition from a Jewish to a Gentile institution. I. Time. This period begins with the choosing of the seven, A. D. 35, and ends with the Council at Jerusalem, A. D. 50, thus embracing fifteen years. II. Place. In this period we find the Church occupying aa ever-widening field. STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 33 1. The Gospel, which hitherto had been limited to Jerusalem, was now rapidly preached and planted through- out all Palestine. Notice churches in three provinces. Acts 8. 5, 25; 9. 31. Special places referred to during this period. Acts 8, 40 ; 9- 32, 38- 2. The next step was the planting of the Church in the lands adjoining Palestine, the great province of Syria, with its great cities of Damascus and Antioch, and the adjacent island of Cyprus. Acts 9. 19 ; II. 19-21. 3. The third step was the preaching of the Gospel through- out all the lands and islands of Asia Minor. Acts 13. 5, 6, 13. 15 ; 14- I, 6. Thus in fifteen years the Church had extended from Jeru- salem to Asia Minor, and from Jews to all nations. Part Second. III. Events. Every important event of this period was a step in the progress of the Church from narrow Judaism to a world-wide Christianity. I. The preaching of Stephen. Acts 6. 8 to 7. 60. It is evident that Stephen was the earliest leader in the move- ment toward a larger Gospel. His preaching began among the Hellenistic or Grecian Jews, to whom he undoubtedly belonged. Acts 6. 9. The charges against him indicate that he advocated an enlargement of Jewish thought. Acts 6. 11-14. His discourse, the longest in the New Testament (except the Sermon on the Mount), though unfinished, shows a purpose in the same direction. Acts 7. 1-53. In spirit and teaching Stephen was the forerunner of Paul. Acts 7. 58. 3 34 STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. c K MACEDO-A T H R ^ \PhUippi o !5 ^L Y D I A ^ ^ ^..->?''sCPf \ ^^'^?l:/::'c^p''^'°'''"^^ Malta «> O /? MAP OF THE K^ NEW TESTAMENT ^ ^ WORLD **^ ^^^^^^^^T"""''^ <^ CYPRUSt^ -^^^ ioch SidonMr,r ^ ^ N E A If SEA /V,. A visit of three months in Corinth for the correction of abuses (Acts 20. 3), where he wrote the Epistle to the Galatians, A. D. 57, and the Epistle to the Romans, A. D. 58. 6o STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. (5.) The return voyage to Je- rusalem includes : a. A Sunday at Troas. Acts 20. 6. b. Farewell interview with the elders of the Ephesian Church at Miletus. Acts 20. 17-38. Note Paul's affectionate, unsel- fish, and pathetic address on this occasion. The week at Tyre. Acts 21. 3. The sojourn at Caesarea with Philip the Evangelist. 21. 8 ; 8. 40, The welcome at Jerusalem. Acts 21. 17. c. d. Acts e. BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. Paul's Third Missionary Journey. I. Lrs. P. T. and T. A., E., G. and A., S., S., G. from D., T., T., and S. II. Mem. J.-G. At Jer. J.; elsewhere G. and J. III. 3d Miss. J. I. Ti. 2. Comp. T., L., T. 3. PI. (i.) G. and P. (2.) Eph. (3.) M. (4.) Gr. (5.) Phil. (6.) Tr. (7.) Mil. (8.) Ty. (9.) Ptol. (10.) Cces. (ii.) J. 4. Evts. (i.) Est. F. (2)7 Ch. (3.) 3 Y. in Eph. (4.) Trip M. and G. (5.) Ret. to J. QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. Give the names of some of the men who were prominent in the Gentile Church. What was the relation of Jews and Gentiles in the Church at Jerusalem and elsewhere ? What was the probable date of Paul's third missionary journey? Who were his traveling companions ? Mention the principal places visited. STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 6i What proof did Paul give of his great care for his children in the Gospel ? How long was Paul in Ephesus ? What was Paul's first work in Ephesus ? What marked evidence of sincerity was given by some of the converts there ? What epistle was written in Ephesus ? Where and when was the Second Epistle to the Corinthians written ? What two epistles were written in Corinth ? Where did Paul preach his longest sermon ? Where did he give his most tender and aft'eclini: address? 62 STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. ELEVENTH STUDY. THE CHURCH AMONG THE GENTILES. Paul's Arrest and Imprisonment. In considering the condition of the Gentile Church at this time we notice: I. Its Government. This grows more complex as the Church becomes larger and more highly organized. 1. The apostles as a body were not prominent, probably because they were now separated in different lands. At Paul's visit to Jerusalem in A. D. 50 he " met the apostles and elders " (Acts 15. 6); in A. D. 60, on his next, "James and the elders " only are mentioned (Acts 21. 18). Later, Peter was at Babylon,* far in the East, i Peter 5. 13. John, according to tradition, lived at Ephesus. 2. Bishops are first mentioned in this period. See Phil. I. i; I Tim. 3. i-io; Acts 20. 28 (" overseers," the same word elsewhere translated " bishops "). But the word seems to be interchangeable with elders, and refers to the same office. Compare Acts 20. 17 and 20. 28; also Titus i. 5 and I. 7. 3. Deacons also appear for the first time, as in Phil. i. i ; I Tim. 3. 12, 13. Notice that bishops and deacons are named together, not bishops, elders, and deacons. " Nothing in the New Testament warrants the view of three orders in the ministry. A deaconess is named in Rom. 16. i. * Some expositors think that the word " Babylon " was used by the early Christians in a mystical sense for Rome. See Rev. 14. 8 ; 17. 5, 18. STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 63 4. If the Book of Revelation belongs to this period, which is not certain, there was another office in the Church, that of angel or messenger, whose rank and prerogatives are unknown. See Rev. i. 20; 2. i, 8, etc. In continuing our study of the development of the Church of the Gentiles under the labors and teachings of its great leader we now take up: II. Paul's Arrest and Imprisonment in Jerusalem. We saw that Paul's third missionary journey ended at Jerusalem, instead of Antioch, as did his two former journeys. If he had purposed to report to the Church at Antioch at the end of this journey also, he was prevented by circumstances entirely beyond his control. 1. The time, A. D. 60. 2. The events. (i.) The welcome. Acts 21. 17. (2.) The meeting of the elders, presided over by the venerable James (Acts 21. iS), when Paul rehearsed the suc- cess God had giv^n him in his ministry among the Gentiles (Acts 21. 19), and presented the alms which he and the deputies from the Churches had brought for the poor saints in Jerusalem (Acts 24. 17). (3.) The concession to Jewish prejudice and sus- picion. Acts 21. 23, 24. Note this action was precisely in accord with Paul's principle of conduct as laid down in I Cor. 9. 20. (4.) The tumult made by bigoted Jews from Asia, who it is probable had been defeated in argument with Paul in the synagogue of Ephesus (Acts 19. 8, 9), and now saw an opportunity for revenge (Acts 21. 27). They raised the cry of " heretic," and Paul was soon in danger of suffering the fate of Stephen. (5.) The Roman interposition and rescue from the Jewish mob. Acts 21.31-33. 64 SrUUlES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. (6.) Paul's first defense. Acts 21. 40 to 22. 21. Note his use of the Hebrew tongue (Acts 22. 2); his appeal to his early record (Acts 22. 3-5); the story of his conversion (Acts 22. 6-16); his appointment as apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 22. 18-21). (7.) The rights of Roman citizenship. Acts 22. 25-30. (8.) Paul's second defense. Acts 23. 1-6. Note a shrewd stroke of policy in setting his foes against each other. (g.) The conspiracy and Paul's removal to Caesarea. Acts 23. 12-33. i:)nn^^^*' ii fi I ;-,V)Kivi)VnW PAUL I'.EFORE Tilt: JEWISH COUNCIL. 111. The Imprisonment in Caesarea. 1, The Time. Two years, A. D. 60-62. 2. The Place. Caesarea was the Roman capitalof Pal- estine, as Jerusalem was the Jewish, or ecclesiastical, ca])- ital. Here the Roman governor lived, maintaining his court and supported by a detachment of Roman soldiers. Acts 10. I. The city was built by Herod the Great, who transformed an insignificant fishing village into a city of marble and named it in honor of the emperor. The site is now marked only by a few scattered ruins. STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 65 3. The Events. (i.) Paul's third defense, made before Felix in reply to a threefold charge made by TeTtuUus, namely, that Paul created disturbances among the Jews; he was the ring- leader of a sect called Nazarenes, and that he was a pro- faner of the Jewish temple. Acts 24. 10-21. (2.) The fourth defense before Felix and Drusilla. Acts 24. 24, 25. Note the effect of Paipl's words. Acts 24. 25. (3.) Paul's fifth defense, made before Festus, the suc- cessor of Felix. Acts 25. 8. (4.) Paul's appeal to Caesar. Acts 25.9-12. Having ap- pealed his case to the emperor himself, as was the right of a freeborn Roman citizen, he must be sent to Rome and the case heard and decided by Caesar himself. Acts 25. 12; 26. 32. (5.) The examination before Festus, King Agrippa, and Bernice. Acts 26. 1-29. Note the verdict '*not guilty." Acts 26. 31. It only remained to find a proper mode of sending Paul to Rome and sending with him a letter stating the reasons for this course. See Acts 25. 25-27. BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. Paul's Arrest and Imprisonment. I. Ch.Gov. I. A. not Prom. 2. Bps. 3, Dea. 4. A. or Mess. II. P.'s A. I. Ti. A. D. 60. 2. Evts. (i.) Wei. (2.) iMtg. Eld. (3.) Con. to J. Prej. (4.) Turn. (5.) Rom. Int. (6.) P.'s 1st Def. (7.) Rom. Cit. (8.) P.'s 2d Def. (9.) Conspir. III. Imp. in Caes. i. Ti. A. D. 60-62. 2. PI. C. 3. Evts. (I.) P.'s 3d Def. (2.) P.'s 4th Def. (3.) P's 5th Def. (4.) Ap. to C. (5.) Ex. before F. and Ag. 66 STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. What change occurred in the government of the Church as it became larger ? Who showed authority with the apostles ? In wliat sense is the word " bisliop " used? Was there any office between those of bishops and deacons in the early Churcli ? Give the date of Paul's arrest in Jerusalem. By wliom had he been welcomed to that city? What concession was asked of liim ? Did this concession work for good or ill ? Who rescued Paul from the Jewish mob? When did Paul make his first defense ? Why did Paul claim the rights of Roman citizenship? Why was Caesarea an important city ? Under what governors was Paul imprisoned in Caesarea? Before whom did Paul make his'fifth defense? What led Paul to appeal to Caesar ? What was the verdict on Paul's last examination before Festus? STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 67 TWELFTH STUDY. THE CHURCH AMONG THE GENTILES. Paul's Voyage to Rome and Imprisonment. " Look in and see Christ's chosen saint In meekness wear his Chnsllike chain ; Nor fear lest he should swerve or faint, His life is Christ — his death is gain." —Keble. I. Institutions of the Gentile Church. We find a separation made between the Christian and the Jewish syna- gogue. See Acts 18. 7, 8 ; 19. 9. The Lord's Day begins to be marked as a day for the assemblage of Christians. Acts 20. 7; I. Cor. 16. 2; Rev. i. 10. Specific directions con- cerning the Lord's Supper are given, i Cor, 10, 16; 11. 20-34. Prophets are named again in Acts 21. 9, 10, and re- ceive directions in i Cor. 14, IL Doctrinal Teachings of the Period. This epoch was marked by the systematization of the doctrines of the Church, wrought in the mind and stated by the pen of the apostle Paul, We can only name the general subjects with- out particular statement. The doctrines of salvation, particu- larly the great doctrine of justification by faith in Christ, are presented in the Epistle to the Romans. The doctrine con- cerning Christ is given in Philippians and Colossians. The doctrine of the Church is contained in Ejjhesians. From the epistles of Paul the theology of the Church in all depart- ments of beliet has been drawn. III. Paul's Voyage to Rome. I, Time. Probably A. D. 63. 68 STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 2. Companions. These were Luke and Aristarchus. Acts 27. 2. Other prisoners of state also accompanied them, all under the charge of Julius, a centurion of the Augustan cohort, with a band of soldiers for a guard. Acts 27. I. 3. Events. (i.) The voyage to Myra. Acts 27. 5. Notice the courtesy of the commanding officer to his distinguished prisoner. Acts 27. 3. Character always commands respect. (2.) The disastrous voyage to Melita in the Alexan- drian corn ship. Acts 27. 6-44. This voyage included the stay at the port of Fair Havens (Acts 27. S-13), the hurricane (Acts 27. 14-20), Paul's vision (Acts 27. 21-26), and the final shipwreck (Acts 27. 20-41). Notice the fulfill- ment of Paul's assurance of safety for all on board (Acts 27. 44). (3.) The winter spent in Mel- ita, the modern Malta. Acts 28. i-i I. (4.) The final trip to Rome. By sea via Syracuse to Puteoli, on the Bay of Naples (Acts 28, 11-13), where a short stop was made (Acts 28. 14). Thence by land, via Appii Forum and the Three Taverns (Acts 28. 15), they journey along the Appian road to the imperial city (Acts 28. 16). Notice Paul's escort (Acts 28. 15). IV. Paul's Residence in Rome. I. The city. Rome at this time was the great capital of the world, a city of two millions of inhabitants. Socially it was a great hotbed of corruption and crime. Religiously it was pagan. There were not only temples for the principal deities of Roman mythology, but the great Pantheon, or temple of all the gods. STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 69 2. The captivity. Under Nero. In his own house. Acts 28. 16. For two years. Acts 28. 30. 3. The ministry, (i.) To the Jews. Acts 28. 17-24. (2.) To the Gentiles. Acts 28. 25-31. 4. Epistles. During these two years Paul wrote the Epistles to Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, and Ephesians. V. Subsequent Events. We have now finished our " Studies in the Acts of the Apostles," but there are a few events so well supported by ANCIENT ROME — THE FORUM RESTORED. history or tradition that they should be included in the story of the Gentile Church, especially since they are referred to in some of Paul's epistles. I. Paul's release. After an imprisonment of two years Paul was set fr(^e, and so remained for two or three years, as is evident from allusions in the two epistles written in this interval, i Tim. i. 3; Titus i. 5; 3. 12. During this time 70 STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. he is supposed to have preached the Gospel in Spain, also to have visited the churches in Asia Minor and other portions of the East. 2. Paul's rearrest and martyrdom. An imperial persecution fell upon the Church more terrible than any preceding one. There had always been more or less of per- secution, but it had been local and instigated by Jewish enemies. Now, however, the mighty hand of the Roman government was laid upon the Church, under Nero, the wickedest of all the emperors. In this persecution the apostle suffered martyrdom, being beheaded, outside the walls of Rome on the road to Ostia. Christian tradition has fixed the date on June 29, A. D. 66. See Paul's last letter. 2 Tim. 4. 6-8. 3. The fall of Jerusalem. In the year A. D. 66 the Jews of Palestine attempted to rebel against the Roman govern- ment. They fought bravely, but could do nothing against the powtr that ruled the world. In the year A. D. 70 the city of Jerusalem was taken and destroyed by the Romans under Titus, and the Jewish state was annihilated. From that time all relation between Judaism and Christianity was ended, and the Church was exclusively Gentile in its mem- bership. BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. Paul's Voyage to Rome and Imprisonment. I. Inst. I. Cli. vs. Syn. 2. L.'s Day vs. J. Sab. 3. L.'s Sup. TI. Doc. I. J. by F. 2. Christ. 3. Ch. 4. All Theol. from P.'s Epist. in. P. Voy. to R. I. Ti. 2. Comp. L. and A. 3. Evts. (i.) To My. (2.) To Mel. (3.) Wint. in Mel. (4.) To R. IV. P. Res. in R. i. Cty. 2. Cap. 3. Min. 4. Epist. P., Col., Ph., Eph. V. Sub. Evts. I. P.'s Rel. 2. P.'s Rear, and Mar. 3. F. of J. STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 71 QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. How came the cliurcli to take the place of the synagogue ? What great Christian rite was regulated in this period ? What are some of the great doctrines of the Church of the Gentiles ? Whence has the theology of the Church been largely drawn ? Mention the places visited by Paul on his voyage to Rome. Where was he shipwrecked ? Where did he meet a deputation from Rome ? Give some of the characteristics of imperial Rome. How was Paul received by the Jews at Rome ? How close was his captivity ? How extended was his ministiy? What epistles were written in Rome ? What reasons are there for believing in Paul's release ? Where did his martyrdom occur? 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