This book was digitized by Microsoft Corporation in cooperation with Yale University Library, 2008. You may not reproduce this digitized copy ofthe book for any purpose other than for scholarship, research, educational, or, in limited quantity, personal use. You may not distribute or provide access to this digitized copy (or modified or partial versions of it) for commercial purposes. OUTLINES OF BIBLE STUDY. A FOUR- YEARS COURSE SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. BY G. M. STEELE, D.D. Principal of Wesleyan Academy, Wilbkaham, Mass. LEACH, SHE WELL, & SANBORN, Boston and New York. Copyright, 1889, Gbokge M. Steele. C J. PETERS & SON, TOPOGRAPHERS AND ELECTROTYPERfl, 145 HIGH STREET, BOSTON. PREFACE. These " Outlines " are designed for the use of those who desire to take a systematic course of study of the English Bible. It is intended especially for students in academies, preparatory schools, and colleges, but it will also be found useful to adult Bible-classes, and as a guide to any persons who are privately associating for the purpose of methodical study of the Holy Scriptures. The purpose contemplated is to give a good general knowledge of the character and contents of the Scriptures, using only the Bible as a text-book. The "Outlines" are not given as lessons to be learned, but as guides and suggestions of method. The plan chiefly adopted is that of analysis and syllabus, with suggestive questions. In pursuing the studies of the several series, much is, of course, left to the discretion of the teacher. It will be found that, in cases of not greatly advanced and not largely disciplined minds, some of the lessons will be too long. In such cases, judicious selections can be made. The work is divided into four series or courses, covering the study of four years. The first year's course embraces the Patri archal and Hebrew history, from the creation to the end of the reign of Solomon ; the second course completes the Hebrew history. There are also added outlines of the poetic and prophetic books. The third course comprises the Life of Christ as contained in the four Gospels ; the fourth course embraces the history of the Prop agation of the Gospel as narrated in the Acts of the Apostles and illustrated in the Epistles and the Book of Bevelation. In the Hebrew history, the Bible narratives are followed some what minutely, with the exception of that part of the Pentateuch IV PREFACE. containing the ceremonial law, which is only slightly treated. The poetic and prophetic books are gone over much more cursorily, and the study is more nearly analogous to the study of authors in" courses in literature in our schools. It is only intended to give a good knowledge of the general character, purpose, style, and relig ious teachings of these books. The introductions here are much more full, both containing information not readily accessible to the ordinary student, and grouping in convenient forms some of the matter contained in the books themselves. In the Life of Christ, it has been the design to present the events in their chronological order, and also to harmonize the different nar ratives. Dr. Strong's "Harmony of the Gospels" has been followed for the most part. The treatment of the Propagation of the Gospel is similar to that of the Life of Christ — that is, it is treated chronologically, the History and the Epistles being taken together in the order of time. This gives added interest to both, as well as a pleasing vari ety by the change from one to the other. The introductions both here and in the Life of Christ are more full than in the Hebrew history, but they are designed to be suggestive and stimulating, not substitutive, in relation to the sacred text. The plan through out is to keep simply to the study of the Word itself, and it is be lieved that there is not a question or an item anywhere in the series that contains a denominational implication, or indicates a prefer ence for any theological party among those who regard the Scrip tures as a Divine Revelation. It will be found in practice better sometimes to vary the order of study in the " Outlines " to a certain extent. Thus in the second year's course it may be found more profitable with a certain class of students to take up the Life of Christ immediately after the conclu sion of the Hebrew history, and upon its completion return to the poetic and prophetic books, as the latter demand more disciplined minds in order to a full understanding of them. The lists of reference books given in connection with the several courses is not intended so much for the students as for teachers. PREFACE. V To many of the former they would not be accessible, nor would they be competent to use them to advantage. With them the main. purpose should be to get a correct idea of the Bible history and the Bible teachings. It is obvious that, to secure this desirable re sult, and to save time and work for the teacher, each member of the class should be provided with a copy ofthe " Outlines." The study of the divine Word pursued in this way has been found exceedingly interesting and profitable, and has attracted much attention from those who have been cognizant of it. That the students of our American schools should become at least as well acquainted with the sources of our religion as they are required to do with those of ancient heathen nations would seem to be self- evident, even if our religion were as mythical as much of those is acknowledged to be. How much more, not only when a large ma jority of our citizens recognize it to be the true and only religion, but when it is made the basis of our civilization, and is implied and involved in our whole national life ! Yet the ignorance of large proportions of even educated and fairly intelligent people among us, of the Bible, is painfully obvious. That some method should be devised that would make the study of these sacred writ ings as attractive as that of any other literature, is very desirable. That this humble attempt in this direction, if not a great success, may not prove a failure, is the hope of the compiler of these " Outlines." The thanks of the Author and Publishers are due to the Eev. Ekancis K. Peloctbet, D. D., for valuable suggestions in the prepa ration of the list of Eeference Books. Wesleyan Academy, "Wilbkaham, Mass., June, 1889. FIRST YEAR'S COURSE. PATRIARCHAL AND HEBREW HISTORY. — FROM THE CREATION TO THE DEATH OF SOLOMON. BOOKS OF REFERENCE. — first YEAR. GENERAL. — Smith's Old Testament History'. Geikie's Hours with the Bible. Milman's History of the Jews. Stanley's History of the Jewish Church, 1st and 2d Series. Josephus' Jewish Antiquities. Thompson's The Land and the Book. New ed., 3 vols. Stanley's Sinai and Palestine. Krummacher's David King of Israel. Walker's Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation. Professor Blakie's Manual of Bible History. Sime's Kingdom of all Israel. Cowle's Pentateuch. Cowle's Hebrew History. Rand, McNally & Co.'s Manual of Biblical History and GEOGRAPHYd SCIENCE. — Professor Birch's Ancient History from the Monuments. Professor Sayce's Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments. Rawlinson's Historical Illustrations of the Old Testament. Bishop Walsh's Echoes of Bible History. ON CREATION. — Professor Guyot's Creation. Hugh Miller's Testimony of the Rocks. Rev. Dr. Geo. B. Boardman's The Creative Week. Charles B. Warring's The Miracle of To-day. Professor Tayler Lewis' The Six Days of Creation. R. S. Poole's The Genesis of Earth and Man. Rev. Dr. Joseph Thompson's Man in Genesis and Geology. Dr. J. M. Gibson's Ages Before Moses. Principal Dawson's Nature and the Bible. Dr. E. Burgess' Antiquity and Unity of the Human Race. The Order of Creation. (Discussion by Gladstone, Huxley et al. ) President W. F. Warren's Paradise Found. ON THE DELUGE. — Hugh Miller's Testimony of the Rocks. Geo. Smith's Chaldean Account of Genesis. Tayler Lewis in Lange's Commentary on Genesis. Lenormant's Ancient History of the East. ON ABRAHAM TO MOSES. —Ebers' Uarda, and The Sisters. Tompkin's Studies in the Life of Abraham. J. Oswald Dykes' Abraham the Friend of God. Thornley Smith's Joseph and his Times. Taylor's Joseph the Prime Minister. Taylor's Moses the Lawgiver. Hamilton's Moses the Man of God. THE EXODUS. — Trumbull's Kadesh-Barnea. Edersheim's Exodus and the Wanderings. Brugsch's Egypt under the Pharaohs. Publications of the Egyptian Exploration Fund. Dawson's Egypt and Syria. Wardlaw on Miracles. Trumbull's The Blood Covenant. JOSHUA TO SOLOMON. — Thornley Smith's Joshua and his Times. Principal Douglas' The Gospel in the Book of Joshua. Miss Smiley's Fulness of Blessing. Edersheim's Samuel and Saul. Taylor's David King of Israel. Blakie's David King of Israel. McLaren's Life of David as reflected in the Psalms. Tuck's The First Thrke Kings of Israel. Maurice's Prophets and Kings. 2 Patriarchal and Hebrew History. i. General Character of the Bible, 1. Not one treatise, but several. There axe, in all, about sixty-six different books: thirty -nine in the Old Testament, and twenty-seven in the New. 2. A great variety in the character of the toriters. (a) There were about thirty of them in the Old Testament; and probably nine in the New. (fi) Some of them lived in palaces, and some in prisons. Some were princes; some were philosophers and scholars; and others were shepherds, fishermen, or mechanics. 3. The time covered. (a) They extend over fifteen hundred or sixteen hundred years. (fi) The earliest were probably written about 1500 B. C ; the latest about 96 A. D. 4. Division of the books. (a) Historical. (S) Poetical, (c) Prophetic, (d) Biographical, (e) Epistolary. Some of these embrace more than one of these characteristics. Let the student, as far as possible, classify the books according to the above dif ferences. 5. The great characteristic object of the whole collection : a revelation of Religious Truth from God to man. II. From the Creation to the Close of the Flood, Gen. i.— viii. A. M. 1—1656. B. C. 4004— 2348. 1. The opening statement of the Sacred History. Gen. i. 1. 2. Give in order the six formative periods, and what was done in each. Chap. i. 3 4 BIBLE STUDY. 3. The creation of man, the place assigned him, and the injunction laid upon him. ii. 4. The Fall of Man and the consequence, iii. 5. What promise here pointing to the Messiah? 15. 6. Story of Cain and Abel. iv. V. Genealogy of the descendants of Adam and Seth. Names and ages of the six who lived the longest. Relation of Methuselah to Noah. Was he contemporary with Adam, and how long before the Flood did he die? v. 8. The character of men as they multiplied, and the consequence. vi. 1—7. 9. God's command to Noah. The dimensions of the Ark, in English measure, vi. 13 — 22. 10. The story of the Flood, vii. 11. The subsiding of the waters. The place where the Ark rested. The going forth from the Ark. God's promise, viii. III. From the Flood to the Call of Abraham. Gen. ix.— xii. A. M. 1656—2083. B. C. 2348—1921. 1. The Divine Blessing, the Divine Injunction, and the Divine Cove nant. Gen. ix. 2. The sons of Noah. How many sons had each? x. 3. Through which of the three sons came the Messiah? and through which of his sons? x., xi. 4. Give an account of the confusion of tongues, xi. 1 — 9. 5. Who was Abraham, and what was his character? Who were some of his ancestors? His birthplace? What important personages among his descendants? Give the account of his call, his journeyings, and the kind of life he led. xi., xii. IV. From the Call of Abraham to the Birth of Isaac, Gen. xiii.— xix. A. M. 2083— 2107. B. C. 1921— 1897. 1. Separation of Abraham and Lot. Renewal of the Divine promise. m. 2. War of the confederates, and Abraham's rescue of Lot. xiv. 3. God's promise to Abraham concerning his posterity. Remarkable character of this promise, xv. PATRIARCHAL AND HEBREW HISTORY. 5 4. Destruction of the cities of the plain. Abraham's plea for Sodom. Lot's deliverance. Give the story, xviii., xix. 5. What do you think of the character of Lot? V. From the Birth of Isaac to Jacob's Journey to Fadan-aram, Gen. xxi.— xxviii. A. M. 2107— 2244. B. C. 1897— 1760. Abraham's character is one of the most interesting in the Old Testament history, or indeed in any history. He is among the few great men of all time. There is a majesty and dignity about him that is seldom equaled. It is all the more remarkable, from the fact that his situation is not such as to call into exercise the great energies of a great mind. The chief traits about him are his moral courage, his extraordinary faith, his profound religious convictions, all of which are evinced in his separation from his people, and beginning a wandering life among strangers; his generosity and magnanim ity, as evinced in his conduct towards Lot and on other occasions; and his dignity of demeanor, and power to command respect, which we see in his intercourse with all the princes and great men with whom he came into communication. They instinctively honored him. He appears also to have been a man of large intelligence and extraordinary wisdom. That he was not free from moral infirmities is evident; and the scriptural account sets them plainly before us, as the Bible is wont to do. 1. Age of Abraham at the birth of Isaac? xxi. 5. What great feast is mentioned, and what happened at the time? xxi. 8 — 21. The subsequent history of Ishmael and his race. xxv. 12. 2. The offering up of Isaac, xxii. 2 — 14. What virtue did Abraham manifest here in a remarkable manner? Renewal of the Divine covenant. xxii. 15 — 19. How many times is this covenant repeated in the history? 3. Death and burial of Sarah, xxiii. First record in history of the use of money. 8 — 16. 4. Selection of a wife for Isaac, xxiv. Reasons for seeking one at such a distance, xxiv. 3. The account of the journey of Abraham's servant, and what occurred at the end of it. xxiv. 10 — 35. Departure of Rebecca, and i!he meeting with Isaac, xxiv. 58 — 67. 5. Birth of Esau and Jacob. Difference in their character and style of life. xxv. 27. 6. How Jacob, who was the younger, came to have the pre-eminence which belonged to Esau. xxv. 29 — 34. 7. Isaac's sojourn in Gerar, and his false statement about his wife. His prosperity, and his trouble with his neighbors, xxvi. 6 BIBLE STUDY. 8. Esau's marriage, and its effect on his parents. Why was this? xxvi. 34, 35. 9. Jacob's fraud upon his father and against his brother; his mother's influence, xxvii. 1 — 24. He is constituted the head of the family, and re ceives the paternal and prophetic blessing, xxvii. 26 — 29. Esau's discovery of the fraud, xxvii. 30 — 36. Had Esau, who had bartered away his right, any real occasion to complain? Was Jacob's deception and general conduct, therefore, justifiable? 10. The purpose to send Jacob to his mother's relatives, xxvii. 42 — 46. Twofold reason for |iiis. xxviii. 1 — 9. VI. From Jacob's Journey to Padan-aram to the Selling of Joseph by his Brothers Gen. xxviii— xxxvii. A. M. 2244—2275. B. C. 1760—1729. 1. Jacob's journey and vision at Bethel, xxviii. 10 — 17. The effect of this vision on Jacob. The beginning of his religious life. 2. His arrival at Padan-aram, and what befell him there, xxix. 1 — 12. His sojourn with his uncle, Laban, the wages he was to have, and the fraud practiced on him. xxix. 15 — 26. 3. The change of Jacob's wages and his prosperity by reason of it. xxx. 27—43. 4. Jacob's departure from Padan-aram. Laban's pursuit of him, and the result, xxxi. 5. Continuation of the journey. News of the approach of Esau, and its effect upon Jacob. His prayer and precaution against hostilities. The wrestling with the mysterious stranger, and the Divine blessing. The change of name and its signification, xxxii. 6. The meeting with Esau, and its amicable result, xxxiii. 1 — 16. Ja cob's further journey, and temporary settlement. 17 — 20. 7. Jacob at Bethel, and the religious reformation of his household. xxxv. 1 — 7. The renewal of the Divine covenant. 9 — 15. Birth of Benja min, and death of Rachel. 16 — 20. Names of Jacob's sons. 23 — 26. Through which of these did Christ come? 8. Return of Jacob to his father. Death and burial of Isaac, xxxv. 27—29. 9. Esau's descendants, and their formation into a nation, xxxvi. 10. Jacob's partiality to Joseph, and its effect on his other sons. Jo seph's dreams, and what they indicated, xxxvii. 3 — 11. 11. The plot of Joseph's brothers, and their final disposal of him. 18 — 28. The report made to Jacob, and his great grief. 31 — 35. Joseph in Egypt. 36. 12. How old was Joseph at this time? PATRIARCHAL AND HEBREW HISTORY. 7 VII. From Joseph's Arrival in Egypt to his Death, Gen. xxxix— I. A. M. 2275—2368. B. C. 1729—1636. 1. Joseph becomes the slave of Potiphar, the Egyptian officer. Finds favor in his sight, and is promoted to be steward of his house, xxxix. 1 — 6. 2. Through the wickedness of Potiphar's wife, he is cast into prison. xxxix. 7 — 23. His experience there, and the remarkable incident which befell him. xl. 1—23. 3. Pharaoh's dreams, and failure of his wise men to interpret them. Xii. 1 — 8. Joseph sent for. His interpretation, consequent exaltation, and the success that came to him. 9 — 44. His marriage, and the birth of his children. 45 — 52. 4. The famine. It extends to Canaan, and affects Jacob's family, xiii. 1, 2. The sons of Jacob going down to Egypt for corn, and their meeting with Joseph. His conduct towards them, and their return. 3 — 38. 5. Their second journey to Egypt, and reception by Joseph. His de vice to try them, and their consequent distress, xliii., xliv. His final revela tion of himself, and his sending for his father's family, xiv. 6. Jacob's journey to Egypt, and his meeting with Joseph, xlvi. 1 — ,29. The settlement of the family in Goshen. 30 — 34. Introduction of Joseph's father and brothers to Pharaoh, xlvii. 1 — 10. 7. Continuance and effect of the famine, xlvii. 13 — 26. Jacob's old age, and charge to Joseph. 28 — 31. 8. His final conversation with Joseph, and his blessing of Joseph's children, xlviii. 9. Jacob's prophetic benediction upon his sons, and his death, xlix. 1—33. 10. The burial of Jacob in the land of Canaan. 1. 1 — 13. The appre hensions of Joseph's brothers lest he should avenge himself on them for their former ill-treatment of him. His magnanimous conduct towards them. 1. 15—21. 11. Joseph's last days and death. 1. 22 — 26. VIII. From the Death of Joseph to the Institution of the Passover. A. M. 2471—2513. B. C. 1533—1491. This period embraces nearly two-thirds of the life of Moses, one of the half-dozen most remarkable men that have ever lived. He was born of a Hebrew family while his people were slaves, and under an edict of the Egyptian king, which required every male child of his people to be put to O BIBLE STUDY. death. By a device of his mother, he was set afloat on the river in a little chest. Being discovered by the daughter of the king, he was adopted as her son, brought up as a royal prince, and instructed in all the learning of those times. His education, combined with extraordinary natural capabili ties, made him a person of great power, skill, and executive ability. How he used these in the emancipation of his people, and their organization into a nation with a system of religion which has endured unto this day, and which would have been marvelous had it been only human, is shown in the sacred narrative. But more than this is given, evincing the revelation of God to this, his chosen servant. It is from this time that we begin to get some scattered glimpses of ancient history. It was about this age that Athens is supposed to have been founded, and Troy built; also Corinth, and perhaps Thebes in Bceotia. Exodus i.- 1. Original number of Jacob's family in Egypt. Their rapid increase, and the apprehensions of the Egyptians. Exod. i. 1 — 10. 2. The enslavement of the Israelites. Attempt of the Egyptians to prevent their increase, by slaying the male children. 11 — 22. 3. Birth of Moses. His mother's device to prevent his being slain. His adoption by Pharaoh's daughter, and his education as a prince of Egypt. ii. 1—10. 4. He becomes acquainted with his people, sympathizes with them, and takes their part. 11 — 14. 5. His flight to Midian, and residence there. 15 — 22. 6. Miracle of the burning bush, and God's revelation to Moses. Moses' call to be the deliverer of his people, iii. 1 — 22. 7. Moses' hesitancy, and God's encouragement of him. Aaron, his brother, appointed to help him. iv. 1 — 17. 8. Moses' departure from Midian. His meeting with Aaron, and their announcement to the Israelites. 18 — 31. 9. Message to Pharaoh and his defiant tone. v. 2 — 4. The consequent persecution of the people, and the increase of their burdens. Their discon tent. 5—23. 10. God confirms his promise of deliverance, and sends Moses again to Pharaoh, vi. 11. Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh, and their miracle in his presence. vii. 1 — 14. The first plague : the water turned to blood. 15 — 28. 12. Second plague. Its effect upon Pharaoh. Its removal, and the hardening of his heart, viii 1 — 15. 13. Third and fourth plagues. Pharaoh's promise to let them go, and the violation of it. 16 — 32. 14. Fifth plague, ix. 1 — 7. Sixth plague. 8 — 12. 15. Solemn warning to Pharaoh. Seventh plague. Pharaoh's alarm. His promise, and its violation. 13 — 35. 16. Eighth plague. Its effect upon the king. x. 1 — 20. 17. Ninth plague. The wrath of Pharaoh. 21— 29. HEBREW HISTORY. 9 IX. From the Institution of the Passover to the Giving of the Law. Exod. xi.— xix. A.M. 2513. B. C. 1491. 1. The Lord's direction to Moses concerning the coming of the great and final plagne. xi. 1 — 10. 2. Institution of the Passover. Meaning of the word, and its memo rial character. A type of what? Description of the manner of its celebra tion, xii. 1 — 20. Moses' direction to the people. 21 — 27. 3. Destruction of the first-born in Egypt, and the consequent distress and terror of the inhabitants. Hurried departure of the Israelites, and their spoiling of their oppressors. 28 — 36. 4. Their first journey. The number of the people, the manner of their going out, and the importance of the event. 37 — 51. 5. Further instruction concerning the celebration of the event in tho future. Continuation of the journey, and how they were guided, xiii. 6. Pharaoh recovers from his fright, and attempts to recapture the Israelites, xiv. 1 — 10. The alarm of the latter, and their reassurance 'by Moses. 11 — 14. 7. The miraculous passage through the Red Sea. The destruction of Pharaoh and his army, and deliverance of the people. 15 — 31. 8. The song of victory, xv. 9. Continued journeys of the liberated Israelites. Their apprehension of famine, and their murmurings. The miraculous supply of quails and manna. Directions concerning the gathering of the manna. Disobedience and its consequences, xvi. 1 — 36. 10. Lack of water, and its miraculous supply, xvii. 1 — 7. 11. First battle with a hostile nation. 8 — 16. 12. Visit of Moses' father-in-law, and his counsel as to the method of governing the people, xviii. 13. Moses on Mt. Sinai, and God's charge to him and the people. The awe inspired by the demonstrations about the mountain, and the evidence of the Divine Presence, xix. X. From the Giving of the Law to the Worship of the Golden Calf. Exod. xx.— xxxii. A. M. 2513. B. C. 1491. PART FIRST. 1. The Ten Commandments, xx. 2—17. (To be committed verbatim.) 2. The two divisions of the decalogue, (a) The first table containing duties growing out of our relations to God: four commandments. 2 — 11. 10 BIBLE STUDY. (b) The second, containing laws growing out of our relations to our fellow- men: six commandments. 12 — 17. 3. How are these all summed up in the New Testament ? Matt. xxii. 37—39. 4. Effect upon the people of these utterances of the voice of God. xx. 18—21. 5. Sundry civil and moral ordinances given to Moses for the Govern ment of the Israelites, xxi. — xxiii. (a) What four offenses are mentioned, of which the punishment was death? xxi. 12 — 15. (b) What penalty for destroying an eye, a tooth, etc. ? 24, 25. (c) What restitution for stealing an ox or a sheep? xxii. 1. (d) What for other trespass or destruction of prop erty? 5 — 9. (e) What three great annual feasts were the Israelites commanded to keep? xxiii. 14 — 17. PART SECOND. 1. Account of Moses going up into the mount to meet God? xxxiv. 2. Offerings for the tabernacle and sanctuary, xxv. 3 — 7. 3. What three principal articles of furniture for the tabernacle are described in chapter xxv? 10, 23, and 31. 4. The tabernacle and its enclosure, (a) The dimensions ( English meas ure) of the enclosure or "court of the Jabernacle." xxvii. 9 — 18. (b) Di mensions of the tabernacle, xxvi. 15—22. (c) How was the tabernacle divided? xxvi. 33. (cl) What was in each of the divisions? xxvi. 33—35. 5. Whence, probably, came all the rich materials for the building and decorating of the tabernacle, and for its furniture? xii. 35, 36. 6. The great apostasy, (a) The worship of the golden calf, xxxii. 1 — 6. (b) Anger of the Lord. 7 — 10. (c) Moses' prayer, (d) Moses' discov ery of the idol, and its effect on him. 15 — 24. (e) The consequence to the people. 25 — 35. XI. From the Setting Up of the Tabernacle to the Appointment of Men to go and Explore the Promised Land, Exod. xl. ; Num. i.— xii. A. M. 2514. B. C. 1490. 1. The setting up of the tabernacle. Describe the divisions and the contents. Exod. xl. ^1 O HEBREW HISTORY. 11 8. The numbering of the tribes. Num. i. 19 — 46. Were all the tribes numbered, and why? Num. i. 47 — 50 and iii. 11 — 13. Did the numbers given embrace all the people of the other tribes? i. 45. 3. How nearly did the numbers of the first-born males of all the tribes correspond with the number of the tribe of Levi ? iii. 39 and 43. 4. Arrangement of the host into camps, and the location of the general camps in relation to the tabernacle, ii. 1 — 31. Where did the Levites take position? iii. 23, 29, 35, 38. 5. The offense of Nadab and Abihu. Probable cause of their sacri legious conduct. Lev. x. 8 — 11. 6. The offerings of the princes of the tribes for the service of the tab ernacle. What were the offerings of each? Num. vii. 7. How long after leaving Egypt before the Israelites left the vicinity of Mount Sinai? Num. x. 11. What was the occasion of their long delay, and what had occupied the time? (Last part of Book of Exodus, Leviticus, and the first part of Numbers.) 8. What was the signal for the departure of the children of Israel from any locality, and what the signal of their encamping? ix. 17. When was their signal of departure given in the wilderness of Sinai? x. 11. How long was their journey at this time? x. 33. Moses' invocation at setting out, and the halting, x. 35, 36. 9. Whither did they take their journey? Deut. i. 6, 7. What was the general direction? The character of the country? Deut. i. 19. 10. A spirit of mutiny among the people, and the cause of it. Num. xi. 4—6. How was the complaint met? 31, 32. Punishment of the people. 33. Allusion to this in Ps. lxxviii. 27 — 31. 11. What new feature in the government of the people was introduced? 16, 17 and 25. 12. Jealousy of Miriam and Aaron against Moses. The cause of it, and God's vindication of his servant, xii. The great characteristic of Moses. xii. 3. XII. From the Sending of the Spies to Explore the Land to the Invasion of Moab. Num. xiii— xxi. A. M. 2514 -3552. B. C. 1490—1452. 1. Appointment of men to explore the country. Num. xiii. 1 — 20. Their journey. 21—25. Their report. 26—33. 2. The effect of this report upon the people, xiv. 1—4. Remonstrance of Moses and Aaron, Joshua and Caleb. 5—9. The Lord's indignation and judgment against the people, and especially against those who brought back the evil report. 11 — 38. 3 12 BIBLE STUDY. 8. The too late repentance and rash undertaking. 39 — 45. Beginning of the forty years' wandering in the wilderness. 4. Three incidents of history during this period, (a) Punishment of a man for violating the Sabbath, xv. 32 — 36. (b) Mutiny of Korah, Dathan and Abiram, and their summary punishment, with the further fatal conse quences, xvi. 1 — 35 and 41 — 50. (c) The miracle of the rods. xvii. 5. Death of Miriam, xx. 1. Who was she, and what have we previ ously heard about her? 6. Complaint of the people of lack of water. The miracle of the fountain in the rock. The fault of Moses and his condemnation. 2 — 13. 7. Close of the forty years' wandering, and the preparation for the invasion of Canaan. King of Edom refuses permission to march by the direct route through his territory. 14 — 21. 8. Death of Aaron, and the mourning for him. 23 — 29. 9. The Israelites' journey around the land of Edom. xxi. 4. Murmur- ings of the people, and their destruction by serpents. The Brazen Ser pent. 5 — 9. 10. Continued journeyings toward the east of the Jordan. 10 — 20. First great battle, and beginnings of conquest and occupation. 21 — 25. Second great success, and acquisition of territory. 33 — 35. XIII. From the Conquest of Heshbon and Bashan to the Death of Moses. Num. xxii— Deut. xxxiv. A. M. 2552—2553. B. C. 1452—1451. 1. Alarm of Balak, king of Moab, and his device to thwart the Israel ites. Num. xxii. 2 — 6. 2. Character of Balaam. A worshiper of the true God — a prophet — but corrupt and mercenary. 3. The negotiations with Balaam. 7 — 21. How are we to reconcile God's permission to Balaam to go with the messengers, and his subsequent rebuke and condemnation. 4. Account of Balaam's journey. 22 — 41. Balaam's prophetic utter ances and the Divine overruling of his speech, and Balak's disappointment. xxiii., xxiv. 5. The Israelites lured into idolatry by their intercourse with the Moabites. xxv. 2, 3. The judgment of the Lord against them. 5 — 9. 6. New census of the tribes. Compare this numbering with the one at the beginning of the forty years, i. 46 and xxvi. 51. Compare also the numbering of the Levites at the different times, iii. 39 and xxvi. 62. What prediction was here fulfilled? xiv. 28 — 30, xxvi. 64, 65. 7. Overthrow of the Midianites, and the capture of their land and their wealth, xxxi. HEBREW HISTORY. 13 8. Request of the two and a half tribes to receive the portion of their inheritance in the recently conquered territory, xxxii. 1—5. Objections of Moses. 6—15. The pledge and contract and final consent. 16—42. 9. Directions concerning the previous occupiers of the Promised Land. xxxiii. 51 — 56. Appointment of a commission for the distribution of the land, xxxiv. 16—29. 10. Appointment of cities of refuge, and conditions which made them available, xxxv. 11. Farewell discourses of Moses, (a) Recapitulation of their experience in the wilderness, and exhortation to obedience. Deut. i — iv. (b) Rehearsal of the Law, and injunction to keep it in spirit and in truth, v. — xxvi. (c) Sanctions of the Law; prophetic blessings and cursings, xxvi. — xxx. 12. Writing of tbe Law and the sacred memorial song, and directions as to future use of them. xxxi. , xxxii. 13. Farewell blessing to the several tribes, xxxiii. 14. The vision and death of Moses, xxxiv. 15. Give an estimate of his character. (See introduction to No. VI.) XIV. From the Death of Moses to the General Conquest, Josh, i.— xii. A. M. 2553—2554. B. C. 1451—1450. 1. God's charge to Joshua, i. 1 — 9. The note of preparation. 10, 11. The tribes which have already received their inheritance on the east of the Jordan, renew their contract to render military aid in the subjugation of Canaan. 12 — 18. 2. Expedition of the spies, and the aid afforded by Rahab. ii. 3. Directions for the forward movement, and the miraculous passage of the Jordan, iii. The commemorative monument, iv. 1 — 8, 9, 20 — 24. What time in the year was this passage? 18. Effect of the approach of the Israelites on the people of the land. ii. 24, and v. 1. 4. What great national rite was here renewed, and what feast was cel ebrated? v. 2— 9 and 10. 5. What miracle ceased? 12. Confirmation of the Divine promise to Joshua. 13 — 15. 6. What is the meaning of the word Joshua, and of what other great name was it a type and synonym? 7. The taking of Jericho. The supernatural element in it. vi. 1 — 20. Rescue of Rahab. 22, 23 and 25. The predicted curse on the rebuilders of the city. 26. Was this prediction ever fulfilled? 1 Kings xvi. 34. Distance of Jericho from the Jordan? From Jerusalem? 8. The repulse at Ai. vii. 2 — 5. Its effect on Joshua, and the answer of the Lord. 6—15. The sin of Achan. vii. 1 and 16—23. The punishment. 24—26. 14 BIBLE STUDY. 9. Conquest of Ai. viii. 1 — 29. 10. What injunction of Moses was here observed? Deut. xxvii. 2, 3, 8, and Joshua viii. 30, 35. 11. The confederation of the Canaanitish kings against Israel, ix. 1, 2. The device of the Gibeonites to prevent their own destruction. 3 — 17. What did the princes of Israel do when they found out the deception? 18 — 27. 12. Discomfiture of the confederate kings. Extraordinary miracle con nected with the great battle, x. 1 — 14. Execution of the kings. 16 — 27. Subjugation of Southern Palestine. 28 — 43. 13. The northern confederation, xi. 1 — 9. Completion of the conquest. 10—23. How many kings did Joshua conquer on the west of Jordan? xii. 7—24. XV. From the General Conquest to the Death of Joshua. Josh, xiii.-xxiv. A. M. 2554-2577. B. C. 1450-1427. 1. Was the conquest described in the previous study a complete one? Josh. xiii. 1. What parts yet remained unsubdued? 2 — 6. 2. What tribes had already received their apportionment and where? 8—12 and 15—32. 3. The claim of Caleb, and the grant which satisfied it. xiv. 6 — 15. What gave him prominence at this time? 4. Draw an outline map, and mark the prominent historical localities. xv., xvi., and xviii. 5. How many and what tribes had not yet received their allotment? xviii. 2. What censure did Joshua utter against the people, and what was tlie effect? 3—9. 6. What tribe after this first received its assignment, and where was it located? xviii. 11. What important cities were included in this portion? 21—28. 7. Give the remaining allotments, and point them out on the map. xix. 8. The cities of refuge, their number, location, and the design of them. xx. 9. Inheritance of the Levites; why omitted among the others, and how the omission was compensated. How many cities were assigned them? xxi. 1—42. 10. The Reubenites, Gadites, and Manassites, who had been doing mili tary duty, released from further service and permitted to return to their places on the east of the Jordan, xxii. 1 — 9. What event came near causing a rupture of the nation, and civil war? 10 — 20. 11. Joshua's old age and final charge to the people. Exhortation to leligious fidelity, and his prophetic warning, xxiii. Rehearsal of the Provi- HEBREW HISTORY. 15 dential history of the nation, xxiv. 1 — "13 His solemn charge, his own choice, and his expressed fear for their constancy. 13—28. 12. Death of Joshua and Eleazar, and their burial. Conduct of the people at that time. 29—33. XVI. From the Death of Joshua to the Birth of Samuel. Judges 1— Ruth iv. A. M. 2577—2831. B. C. 1425—1171. During this period, we have, in the line of contemporary secular history, the institution of the Olympic and Isthmian games in Greece, the Argonautic expedition, the government of jEgeus and Theseus in Athens, the elopement of Helen, the Trojan war, the voyage of JSneas and his settlement in Italy, and the foundation of Tyre. PART FIRST. 1. Character of the Book of Judges, (a) Fragmentary, (fi) Unchrono- logical. (c) To a large extent the events are local and tribal rather than na tional, (d) Still presenting a view of the character and condition of the people which is historically important. 2. State of the nation, (a) Somewhat unorganized aad unsettled. (b) Destitute of any strong central administration of government, (c) Lack ing the moral energy and religious spirit, and obedience to the Divine direc tion necessary to the overcr™uig of the heathen nations in their midst. (d) Therefore frequently falling into their idolatrous customs, and becoming politically subject to them. 3. Outline of the conduct and history of the people duiing this period. Judg. ii. 10—23. 4. The First Apostasy and consequent servitude, iii. 7, 8. Who was raised up to be their deliverer and ruler, and how long did he govern? 9 — 11. 5. The Second Apostasy and servitude. 12 — 14. The new leader and deliverer. His exploits and the victory of the people and the long peace. 15—30. 6. The Third Apostasy. The . subjugation by the heathen nation. Character and resources of their oppressor, iv. 1 — 3. Peculiar character of the new leader. Means of regrining independence. Give the substance of the narrative. 4 — 24. 7. Song of victory. Give two or three of the notable passages, v. 4, 5, 20, 23. 8. Fourth Apostasy. What nation now became the instrument of pun ishment, and what was the condition of the people? vi. 1 — 6. The Divine warning. 7 — 10. 16 BIBLE STUDY. 9. The call of Gideon. 11—26. Result of this call and its further con firmation. 27—40. 10. Account of Gideon's revolt and its success, vii. Singular test in the organization of his forces, vii. 2 — 8. Foreshadowing of victory. 9 — 14. The assault and its success. 19 — 25. 11. Civil dissensions and punishment of refractory cities, vi". 1 — 9 and 18 — 17. Discomfiture of the Midianite people and princes. 10 — 12 and 18 — 21. PART SECOND. 1. The career of Abimelech. (a) Murder of his brothers and usurpa tion of the local government, ix. 1 — 6. (b) Jotham's pavabls and prophecy. 7 — 20. (c) Dissension and disorder and civil war. 21 — 49. (d) Death of Abimelech. 50—57. 2. Further relapses of the, Israelites and the evil con:equencoc. x. 3. Story of Jephthah and the revolt against the oppression of the Am monites, (a) His early history and character, xi. 1 — 3. (b) Appeal of the people to him when in trouble, and his first answei. 4 — 10. (c) His demand of the Ammonites, and their reply and Jephthah's answer, (d) Jephthah's rash vow, the great victory, and the dreadful consequence of his vow. 4. The Ephraimites again make trouble, and are punished for their folly, xii. 1 — 6. Other judges after Jephthah. 8 — 15. 5. Samson's career, (a) His birth and consecration by his parents, xiii. (b) His marriage and the beginning of his exploits, xiv. (c) Give the chief incidents of his subsequent life and his death, xv. and xvi. 6. Micah, the graven image, and the Levite acting as priest, xvii. Ex pedition of the Danites, and their treatment of Micah. xviii. 7. After the infamous conduct of certain Benjaminites related in chapter xix., what did the other tribes do? xx. 1—26. The contest and its results. 30 — 48. The subsequent sympathv for Benjamin, and the means of restoring the tribe, xxi. 8. Give the outlines of the history of Ruth. Ruth i. — iv. Into what important relationship does this Moabite woman come to some of the chief personages of the Jewish race? iv 18—22. What other woman, a foreigner, is also supposed to have been a connecting link in the lineage of Christ? Matt. i. 5. XVII. From the Birth of Samuel to the Demand for a King. I. Sam. i.— viii. A. M. 2863— 2909. B. C. 1141— 1 095. 1. Chronology of this period, (a) Probably embraced within the forty years mentioned, Judg. xiii. 1. (b) Samson's life probably partly contempo raneous with that of Samuel. HEBREW HISTORY. 17 2. Continued domination of the Philistines. Their geographical posi. tion, and the part of the nation exposed to them. ( See map.) 3. Moaning of the name Samuel. (Asked of God.) I. Sam. i. 20. Why was this name given? 4. What vow did Samuel's mother make concerning him, and how did she fulfill it? i. 11 and 37, 28. 5. Who was Eli, and what two offices did he hold? ii. 11 and iv. 18. 6. Who assisted Eli in the discharge of his offices in his old age? Their character? ii. 12 and 17. 7. Samuel's position in the house of Eli, and his character as a child. ii. 11 and 26. 8. God's revelation to Samuel concerning Eli. iii. 1 — 14. The com munication to Eli. 16—18. Samuel's reputation among the people? 20. Geographical signification of "from Dan to Beer-sheba?" 9. Continuation of the Philistine war. Defeat of the Israelites. The ark of the covenant brought to the camp. Disastrous result, iv. 1 — 11. The calamity reported to Eli, and the consequence. 12—18. 10. Effect of the presence of the ark among the Philistines, v. 11. Return of the ark; incidents connected therewith, vi. 12. Religious revival and reformation under Samuel's administration. vii. 1 — 6. Continued war, and defeat of the Philistines. 7 — 14. The govern ment of Samuel. 15 — 17. 13. The people's demand for a king, and Samuel's remonstrance. The Lord's direction to grant their request, viii. XVIII. From the Anointing of Saul to the Call of David. I. Sam. ix— xvi. A. M. 2909—2941. B. C. 1095—1063. The beginning of this period marks a radical change in the civil consti tution of the Israelitish nation. The broken and partially disorganized con dition of the tribes, the want of civil discipline among them and the frequent religious apostasies indicated the want of a strong central government. A monarchy would have been unnecessary for them, if they had been disposed to live together in obedience to the Divine law, under the direction of such religious teachers and judges as the Lord from time to time appointed. But, as it was evident that they would not do this, it was obviously better for them to be under a monarchy, than to go on drifting towards anarchy as they had begun to do. 1. Who was Saul, and what kind of a man was he? ix. 1, 2. Give an account of his adventures just before his call to the kingdom. 3 — 14, The meeting with Samuel and their communication. 15 — 25. 18 BIBLE STUDY. 2. The anointing, ix. 26— x. 1. Samuel's predictions to Saul of the ex perience of a day as the signs of a Divine appointment, and the fulfillment of them. 2 — 16. The public designation of Saul as king. 17 — 27. 3. Saul's first exploit as leader of the people, xi. 1 — 11. His magna nimity. 12, 13. Renewal of the kingdom. 14, 15. 4. Samuel's rehearsal of history, his surrender of authority, and coun sel concerning their future conduct, xii. What remarkable phenomenon in response to his words? Its effect on the people. 10 — 19. 5. Continuation of the troubles with the Philistines, xiii. 1 — 8. Saul's first transgression, and the predicted penalty. 9 — 14. Scarcity of weapons of war among the Israelites, and the inroads of their enemies. 17 — #3. 6. Daring adventure of Jonathan, and its marvelous success, xiv. 1—16. Further effects of this assault. 17—23. 7. Saul's injunction and imprecation. Jonathan's unconscious trans gression. 24 — 30. The great victory. The faintness of the peop'e and con sequent conduct, and Saul's reproof of them. 31 — 34. 8. Evidence of the Divine displeasure, and the investigation. 36 — 44. Why Jonathan was not slain. 45. 9. Saul's success and prosperity. 47 — 52. 10. The doom of Amalek, and the war against that nation, xv. 1 — 8. Saul's second transgression. Samuel's rebuke, and Saul's defense. 9 — 21. The condemnation and repentance. 22 — 31. 11. The Lord's direction to Samuel concerning the call of David to be the future king. xvi. 1 — 3. The feast in Bethlehem and the quest of Samuel for David, and the anointing. 4 — 13. 12. Saul's trouble, and the remedy recommended. 14 — 16. David sent for. His musical skill, and its effect on Saul. 17—23. XIX. From the Anointing of David to the Death of Saul. I. Sam. xvii— xxxi. A. M. 2941—2948. B. C. 10a3— 1056. PART FIRST. 1. Mention some of David's immediate ancestors. Ruth iv. 17 — 22. To what tribe did he belong? Who were some of the greatest of his de scendants? 2. The Philistine war. Gathering of the armies. I. Sam. xvii. 1 — 3. The giant champion's defiance. 4 — 11. Give his height in English measure;, also the weight of his coat of mail and his spear's head. 3. What was David's occupation? Give the account of his visit to the army, and what occurred on his arrival. 17 — 30. HEBREW HISTORY. 19 4. Effect of the situation on David. His presentation to Saul, and his utterances in the king's presence. 31 — 37. 5. Describe the going forth of David to meet Goliath, the combat and the conquest. 31—51. Subsequent events. 51—58. 6. Beginning of the remarkable friendship of David and Jonathan. xviii. 1 — 4. David's situation in the service of the king. His popularity, and Saul's jealousy. The attempt to slay him 5 — 12. 7. His appointment to dangerous positions, under promise of being the king's son-in-law. Treachery, and further promise on condition of slaying one hundred Philistines. What did Saul hope from this arrangement? How many Philistines did David slay? 13—30. 8. The king still more openly seeks the life of David. Jonathan's good offices in his behalf, xix. 1 — 7. 9. David's continued success, and Saul's increasing jealousy. Attempt to slay David, and Michal's device. Finds shelter with Samuel. Saul's sending for him and finally going himself, and the result. 8—24. 10. David still a fugitive. Interview with Jonathan, and plan of the latter to secure and furnish information concerning Saul's disposition and purpose. Covenant between the friends, xx. 1 — 23. Carrying out of the plan, and the result. 24 — 42. 11. David's flight, and the affair with Abimelech the priest, xxi. 1 — 9. Goes to the camp of the enemy. His behavior there. 10 — 15. PART SECOND. 1. Various persons resort to David, whom he forms into a company of which he becomes the chief. His disposal of his parents, and departure to a new locality, xxii. 1 — 5. 2. Saul's trouble about David, and appeal to his friends. 6 — 8. Doeg the Edomite gives information. Saul's cruel vindictiveness in the punish ment of Abimelech and his friends. 9 — 19. Abiathar escapes and takes refuge with David. 20—23. 3. David's exploit at Keilah. xxiii. 1 — 6. Saul's continued persecu tion. 7 — 15. Jonathan's interview with David, and his great magnanimity.1 16—18. 4. David's betrayal by the Ziphites, his escape from Saul, and sum mons of the latter to repel an invasion. 19 — 29. 5. Saul's pursuit of David with an army. Opportunity of David to avenge himself. His generous self-restraint. His revelation of himself and his disposition to Saul. xxiv. 1 — 15. Saul's humiliation and confession. Recognition of David's future kingship, and the covenant made. 16 — 22. 6. Death of Samuel, and the affair with Nabal. xxv. 1 — 12. David's angry purpose, and the mediation of Nabal's wife. 13 — 35. Death of Nabal, and the sequel. 36 — 42. 7. Saul again pursues David, and again is at David's mercy. David's magnanimity and religious scruples, xxvi. 1 — 25. 4 20 BIBLE STUDY. 8. Goes again to the Philistines. His conduct and his fortunes among them, xxvii. 1 — 7. Marauding excursions. 8 — 12. 9. The Philistine war renewed, xxviii. 1 — 4. Folly and wickedness of Saul, and his condemnation. 5 — 25. 10. David and the Philistines. Suspicions of the latter, xxix. 1—5. Dismissed by the king. 6 — 11. 11. The city of David's residence destroyed, and his family and friends captured. His distress, and what he did. The pursuit, adventures on the way, and success of the expedition, xxx. 1 — 20. 12. Dispute concerning division of the spoil. The decision, and estab lishment of a permanent rule. 21 — 25. 13. Last great battle of Saul. His discomfiture and death, and death of his sons. xxxi. 1 — 7. Triumph of the Philistines. Loyal conduct of the men of Jabesh-Gilead. 8 — 13. XX. From the Death of Saul to the Complete Establishment of David's Authority over the Whole Kingdom. II. Sam. i— vii. and I. Chron. xi— xvii. A. M. 2948—2964. B. C. 1056—1040. The character of David is one of the most remarkable, even among the eminent men of the Bible. It was complex, and, in some respects, contra dictory. In the previous lessons, we have had an account of his }routh and of his early manhood. During these years, he evinced great native abilities, as well as a simple faith and a profound religious purpose. These qualities were greatly developed by the extraordinary experiences through which he passed in these early years. As we find him in the following lessons, he has several marked characteristics. He has, first, military genius of a high order. Out of a partially subdued and demoralized people, he organized forces which, under his general direction, not only made the nation inde pendent, but brought most of the neighboring tribes under wholesome fear, if not into subjugation. In the second place, he had great administrative abilities, — a genius for government. This, with his military ability, ren dered him perhaps the most powerful ruler of his age, and extended his em pire far beyond the previous boundaries of the nation, and made other con siderable nations tributary. Thirdly, he was a man of remarkable intel lectual and poetic power. His writings are among the choice treasures of Hebrew literature, and, even aside from their religious value, belong to the small class of writings destined to be valued in all ages. Fourthly, he was a man of not only lofty religious sentiments, but of profound and earnest piety. Fifthly, he was a man, nevertheless, of mighty passions and im pulses, which, notwithstanding the restraints of his religion, now and then HEBREW HISTORY. 21 broke through their limits and carried him into grievous sins and acts fraught with peril to himself and his people. His remorse and contrition over these are indicated, both in the narrative and in some of his Psalms. 1. David hears the report of the battle in which Saul and his sons were slain. Punishment of the man who assisted in Saul's death. II. Sam. i. 1—16. 2. The lament for Saul and Jonathan. David's remarkable dirge. 17—27. 3. The men of Judah anoint David as king, at Hebron. His message to the men of Jabesh-Gilead. ii. 1 — 7. 4. Dissent of the other tribes, and appointment of Ishbosheth as king. Beginning of civil war. 8 — 17. Defeat and flight of the latter's army under Abner, and pursuit by Joab and Asahel. The latter slain. 18—23. End of the pursuit. 24 — 32. 5. Continuation of the war, and David's success. David's family, iii. 1 — 5. Quarrel of Ishbosheth with Abner, and desertion of the latter, who negotiates with David to bring in the dissenting tribes. 6 — 12. 6. Conditions of the league. 13 — 16. Progress of the negotiations. Abner's reception by David, ard his departure to effect the conciliation of his party. 17—21. 7. Indignation of Joab at the situation. Abner pursued, brought back, and treacherously slain. David's grief and imprecation on Joab. 22—39. 8. Murder of Ishbosheth. His slayers, thinking to be rewarded, are, by David's order, put to death, iv. 1 — 12. The kingdom united under Da vid, v. 1 — 5. Conquest of Jerusalem completed, and it is made the capital of the kingdom. 6 — 9; I. Chron. xi. 1 — 8. David's mighty men, and some of their exploits. I. Chron. xi. 9 — 47; II. Sam. xxiii. 8—39. 9. David's prosperity. Invasion by the Philistines, and their repulse. II. Sam. v. 10—25. 10. Removal of the ark. vi. 1 — 5. Disaster and admonition. 6 — 9. The ark with Obed-Edom, and the blessing to him. 10, 11. Its second re moval, and arrival in Jerusalem. The joyful celebration. 12 — 19; I. Chron. xvi. 1 — 3. Appointments for religious service. 37 — 43. 11. What Psalms are likely to have been composed for this occasion? cxxxii., lxviii., xxiv. What passages in these obviously refer to this time? Give the grand refrain of the last. 7 — 8. With what Psalm does the song in I. Chron. xvi. in part coincide? • - / 12. The king's purpose to build a temple unto the Lord. II. Sam. vii. 1 — 3; I. Chron. xvii. 1 — 3. David forbidden to build; the privilege to be granted to his son. 4 — 17. What explicit reason is elsewhere given for this prohibition? I. Kings v. 3; I. Chron. xxviii. 3. David's response and thanks giving. II. Sam. viii. 18 — 29. 13. Final subjugation of the Philistines, and conquest of the neighbor ing nations. David's brilliant success in war. vii. 1 — 15. Chief officers of his government. 16 — lo. 22 BIBLE STUDY. XXI. From David's Complete Establishment to the Close of Ab salom's Eevolt. II. Sam. ix— xviii. A. M. 2964—2982. B. C. 1040—1022. 1. David remembers his covenant with Jonathan, and shows kindness to the son of his friend. II. Sam. ix. 2. A kindly embassy to the king of Ammon is received with suspicion, and sent back with personal insult, x. 1 — 4. David's indignation, and the terrible punishment visited upon the Ammonites and their allies. 5 — 19. 3. David falls into flagrant sin, and attempts to conceal it by another, if possible, greater. The murder of Urijah. xi. 4. The prophet Nathan's parable, and the Divine rebuke and terrible judgment, xii. 1 — 14. Death of David's child, and the conduct of the king. 15—23. 5. Birth of Solomon. Conquest of Rabbah-Ammon. 24 — 31. 6. Amnon, David's oldest son, guilty of a great crime. The anger of the king, the revenge of Absalom, and his exile, xiii. 20 — 39. 7. Joab's stratagem to bring about the return of Absalom, and its suc cess, xiv. 1 — 24. Absalom's personal appearance. His family. His resto ration to the king's favor. 25 — 33. 8. He plots against the government, and cultivates the arts of popu larity. Rebellion and insurrection, xv. 1 — 13. Flight of David with his family and his body-guard. 14 — 23. 9. The king sends back the ark, which had been taken along in the flight. He also sends his friend Hushai to Absalom, to act secretly in the king's interest, and to counteract other counsellors. 24 — 37. 10. Device of Ziba, who traduces Mephibosheth and obtains a reward. xvi. 1 — 4. Continued flight. Indignity offered to the king by one of the family of Saul. David's forbearance. 5 — 13. 11. Absalom enters Jerusalem. Takes counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai. 15 — 23, and xvii. 1 — 13. Shrewd and successful device of the latter. Word sent to David concerning Absalom's plans. 14 — 21. The two armies. Sup plies for the king's troops. 24 — 29. 12. The battle. David's tenderness for Absalom. Defeat of the insur gents, xviii. 1 — 8. Absalom's death and burial. 9 — 19. 13. The news carried to David. 20—32. His intense sorrow and pa thetic utterances concerning his son. 33. HEBREW HISTORY. 23 XXII. From the Overthrow of Absalom to the Death of David. II. Sam. xix. — I. Kings, ii., and I. Chron. xxi. — xxix. A. M. 2982—2989. B. C. 1022—1015. 1. David's continued grief, and Joab's reproof, xix. 1 — 8. The return to Jerusalem. Incidents of Shimei, of Mephibosheth, and of Barzillai. 9— 40. Jealousies and dissensions among the people. 41 — 43. 2. Revolt of a party under Sheba the son of Bichri. Amasa, who had been Absalom's chief captain, is commissioned to organize the troops, but is delayed. Abishai and Joab ordered to pursue the insurgents. Joab slays Amasa. xx. 1 — 12. 3. The rebellion crushed, and its leader slain. 13 — 22. Chief officers of the king. 23—26. 4. A famine and its cause. The satisfaction demanded by the Gibeon ites for the cruelty of Saul toward them. xxi. 1 — 6. The barbarous offer ing to meet their demand. The touching devotion of the mother of a part of the victims. 7 — 11. Burial of the dead bodies with the bones of Saul and Jonathan, by David. 12 — 14. Exploits of David's mighty men. 15—22. 5. David's song of deliverance, xxii. With what Psalm does this sub stantially correspond? Mention any passages in it which strike you as re markable. 6. David, through vanity and ambition, tempted to make a census of the military forces of his realm. Joab's remonstrance, and the king's per sistence, xxiv. 1 — 9; I. Chron. xxi. 1 — 6. 7. David's repentance. The Divine message through the prophet Gad. The choice of penalties. 10 — 13. The king's remorse and his prayer. Di rected to build an altar to the Lord. The pestilence stayed. 14 — 25. For what did the locality of this altar afterwards become famous ? 8. Old age of David. Attempt of Adonijah to usurp the kingdom. I. Kings 1 — 10. Had he any natural claim to the succession? (See ii. 22, and II. Sam. iii. 4.) The matter reported to David, and his directions con cerning it. 11 — 35. 9. Solomon anointed and acknowledged as king. The effect on Ado nijah and his party. Solomon conditionally spares his brother's life. 38 — 53. 10. David's charge to Solomon. Gives directions concerning judgments against certain persons, ii. 1 — 9. 11. The particular charge concerning the temple. The preparations made, and the contributions of the people. I. Chron. xxviii., xxix. David's prayer, and grateful acknowledgment of the Divine goodness and mercy. I. Chron. xxix. 10 — 19. Sacrifices and rejoicings of the people, and happy inauguration of Solomon's reign. 20 — 25. David's death. I. Kings ii. 10; I. Chron. xxix. 28- 12. Give some of the prominent points of David's character. (See in troduction to No. XX.) 24 BIBLE STUDY. XXIII. The Eeign of Solomon. I. Kings ii.— xi., and II. Chron. i— viii. A. M. 2989—3029. B. C. 1015—975. The reign of Solomon comprises the most brilliant period of the Israel itish nation. It might be compared, in some respects, with the Augustan age of Rome, or the age of Pericles in Greece; though, in several particu lars, it differed widely from them. It was, for the most part, a time of pro found peace, not only throughout the nation itself; but the neighboring ter ritories, which, far and near, had been made tributary under the reign of David, remained subject to Solomon till near the close of his reign. It ap pears to have been a time of extraordinary industrial prosperity, and, for the first time, we find the people engaging in a commerce which rapidly devel oped to large proportions. Solomon, as well as his father, David, though in quite another way, must be set down as one of the marked men, not only of Hebrew history, but of all time. His intellectual endowments were extraordinary, especially for the age in which he lived, and the versatility of his genius was very great. While he had no opportunity to evince or cultivate, and probably did not possess the military talent of his father, his administrative ability in civil affairs appears to have been superior even to his. A man of great in tuitive power, of remarkable insight into character, of comprehensive judg ment and a very wide range of intelligence, he must hold his place in history among the great rulers of men. He appears to have been a man of reflective and studious habits, and, amid the overwhelming cares of his government and the multitudinous projects of improvement both in his pri vate and in public affairs, he found time for extended literary culture and composition. The early part of his life was characterized by a marked and humble piety and communion with God. His own extraordinary prosperity. his foreign alliances, and especially his falling into that pernicious Eastern usage, which had been begun by his father, of maintaining an extensive harem and marrying many wives, at last utterly corrupted him, and led him into deplorable religious apostasy which brought disaster to his house. His reign was about three hundred and fifty years before the building of Rome, when Minos reigned in Crete, and Athens was governed by Archons. 1. The party of Adonijah cause suspicions of conspiracy. The promi nent men in it are put to death, or otherwise punished. I. Kings ii. 12 — 34. What predictions were fulfilled in the degredation of Abiathar and the punishment of Joab? I. Sam. ii. 31—36; II. Sam. iii. 39 and 27, 28. 2. Restrictions of Shimei. The violation of them, and his punishment. I. Kings ii. 36—46. 3. Solomon's piety. His public and solemn recognition of God. His prayer for wisdom, and God's answer. I. Kings iii. 3— 15; II. Chron. i. 1—12. HEBREW HISTORY. 25 4. Remarkable instance of his practical sagacity soon after this. I. Kings iii. 16—28. 5. Mention some of the chief officers of Solomon's government; his prime minister, iv. 5; head of religious affairs, 2; chief of the war depart ment, 4; secretary of the treasury, 6. 6. Describe the commissary department of the government, 7 — 19. Evidences of prosperity, both personally and politically. Mention some of Solomon's resources, 20—28; II. Chron. i. 14—17; and ix. 13—28. 7. His intellectual endowments. I. Kings iv. 29 — 34. 8. Account of the preparation for building the Temple. Treaty and amicable arrangements with the King of Tyre. I. Kings v. 1 — 12. The number of men employed in securing the materials, and the plan of labor. 8—18. II. Chron. ii. 9. The time of laying the foundation of the Temple. I. Kings vi. 1. How long before the building of Rome? About what period of Egyption history? Of Grecian history? 10. Dimensions of the Temple proper? vi. 2, 3, 17; II. Chron. iii. 3, 4. What were the more costly materials, and what the previous preparations? I. Kings vi. 7, 9, 15, 21, 31, 34; II. Chron. iii. 4—9. 11. Mention some of the more prominent appointments of the Temple. I. Kings vi, 19, 20; vii. 15—21,23—26; II. Chron. iv. 1. Give the dimen sions and capacity of the "brazen sea" or laver. I. Kings vii. 23 — 26. ( A "bath " is equal to 8 gallons, 5^ pints.) 12. How long was the Temple in building? vi. 37, 38. 13. Give some account of the dedication of the Temple. I. Kings viii. ; II. Chron. v. — vii. 14. Evidences of public prosperity. I. Kings iv. 17 — 28; II. Chron. viii. 1—8. 15. Visit of the Queen of Sheba; her surprise and admiration of Solo mon's greatness and wisdom. I. Kings x. 1 — 10. Commercial prosperity. 11—29. 16. The fall of Solomon, and the sad close of his reign. I. Kings xi. 17. What writings, supposed to be his, are contained in the sacred canon ? What is the mournful refrain of the Book of Ecclesiastes, and how does it correspond with Solomon's career? SECOND YEAR'S COURSE. HEBREW HISTORY, FROM THE REVOLT OF THE TEN TRIBES TO THE RETURN FROM THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY, TOGETHER WITH THE POETIC AND PROPHETIC BOOKS. BOOKS OF REFERENCE. SECOND YEAR. Smith's Old Testament History. Geikie's Hours with the Bible. Milman's Jewish History. Stanley's History of the Jewish Church, 2d and 3d Series. Josephus' Jewish Antiquities. Thompson's The Land and the Book. Stanley's Sinai and Palestine. Hutchinson's Music of the Bible. Sime's Kingdom of all Israel. Perowne's On the Psalms. Blakie's Manual of Bible History. Green's Kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Rawlinson's Herodotus and Egypt and Babylon. Palmer's History of the Jewish Nation. Birch's Ancient History from the Monuments. Eawlinson's Historical Illustrations of the Old Testament. Sayce's Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments. Life of Elijah : G. Taylor, Lowrie, Krummacher, Edersheim, Macduff. Maurice's Prophets and Kings. Phelps' Studies in the Old Testament. Taylor's Daniel the Beloved. By-Paths of Bible Knowledge. Rand, McNally & Co.'s Manual of Biblical History and Geography. 28 HEBREW HISTORY, FROMf THE REVOLT OF THE TEN TRIBES TO THE ACCESSION OF AHAB. A.M. 3029-3071. 975-909 B.C. A change from the power, prosperity, and glory of the kingdom under David and Solomon, becomes suddenly manifest after the close of the reign of the latter. The new king, Rehoboam, attempting to keep up the magni ficent state of his father, and to make the corresponding exactions, while being incalculably inferior to him in all those qualities which command respect, and so far forth enforce obedience, soon found a large part of his kingdom in insurrection and open revolt. The secession of the Ten Tribes under Jeroboam, and tlie erection of a new kingdom, left the royal family with only the powerful tribe of Judah, and the small tribe of Benjamin, — ¦ a small fragment of the great empire of David and Solomon. This civil dissension gave occasion to the previously subdued nations to abjure their allegiance, and still more reduced the power of the divided nation. From this time the decadence of the people was for many years constant and rapid, and they never again regained their previous prosperity. The part that went with Jeroboam fell into idolatry and religious apostasy, and so provoked the anger of God that their condition early became very miserable. The kingdom of Judah was more faithful to their religion, though there was also great wickedness among the people. The contemporary history of this period is mostly fabulous, and the data are very scanty. It is probable that Homer was born some time during these years, though the proof of this is by no means positive. KINGS OF JUDAH. KINGS OF ISRAEL. B.C. B.C. Kehoboam . . . 975-958 Jeroboam .... 975-953 Abijam .... 958-955 Nadab .... 953-951 Asa .... 955-914 Baasha .... 951-927 Elah .... 927-925 Zimri .... Omri .... 925-91-3 29 30 BIBLE STUDY. 1. Give the names of the kings of Judah during the period covered by this lesson. Of Israel. What changes took place in the line of the latter? 2. Who was the successor of Solomon ? What occurred at the begin ning of his reign ? Do you think Rehoboam acted the part of a prudent and sensible ruler? What was the result? 1 Kings xii. 1-16. 3. How many tribes seceded, and how many remained loyal ? What course did Rehoboam pursue, and with what consequence? 18-24. 4. AVho was made king over the seceding tribes? Give some account of his previous history. 1 Kings xi. 26, 28-33, 40. 5. What was Jeroboam's character, and what religious changes did he make ? xii. 26-33. What warning did he get from the prophet of the Lord, and how did he receive it ? What judgment followed? xiii. 1-6. 6. Give an account of what befell this prophet immediately after this. 11-32. 7. What was the subsequent conduct of Jeroboam? 33-44. What affliction befell him ? What did he do ? What answer did the prophet make? xiv. 1-16. 8. The moral and religious condition of Judah under Rehoboam ? 21-24. What calamity came upon the nation ? 25-28. 9. Who was Rehoboam 's successor? His character? xv. 1-8. Give an account of the war between Judah and Israel. 2 Chron. xiii. 10. Who was the next king of Judah? What was his general charac ter ? Give some of the incidents of his reign. What were some of his faults ? 1 Kings xv. 9-24. 2 Chron. xiv-xvi. 11. Who was Asa's successor? His character, and the character of his reign ? 2 Chron. xvii. 1 Kings xxii. 41-50. 12. Who succeeded Jeroboam in the kingdom of Israel? How long did he reign? How did his reign terminate? What prophecy was fulfilled 1 1 Kings xv. 25-30. 13. Who now usurped the throne? His character? What prophetic message was sent him? xv. 33; xvi. 7. Who followed Baasha, and how was the foregoing prophecy fulfilled ? 8-14. 14. Who succeeded Elah? How long did Zimri occupy the throne? What events followed? The character of Omri, and the character of his reign? 15-28. II. JTJDAH AND ISRAEL UNDER JEHOSHAPHAT AND AHAB. A.M. 3071-3107. 909-873 B.C. Under the reign of these two kings, both sections of the divided nation experienced a quarter of a century of peace with each, and, for the most part, of protection against the invasion of hostile neighbors. The two HEBREW HISTORY. 31 kings were remarkable men in their way. Jehoshaphat appears to have been a prince of decided ability, both in civil and military affairs. Under him, Judah prospered more than at any previous time after the death of Solomon. Ahab was also a man of no small power, and in many respects an efficient ruler. But he was morally weak, and was disastrously influenced by his wife Jezebel, a heathen princess, a woman evidently of great resources, but audacious and unscrupulous in wickedness. The consequence was, that the king sanctioned and encouraged the most unrighteous public conduct, and was himself led into acts of gross immorality. It is true lie was not desti tute of occasional compunctions of conscience. There are indications of con victions which, however, seem not to have been cherished. The nation sank into the most degrading idolatry and most abhorrent vices. The people suffered the judgments of God, but they never recovered their religious character. KING OF JUDAH. Jehoshaphat B.C. 914-889 KING OF ISRAEL. Ahab B.C. 913-891 1. How long did Ahab reign, and over which division of the nation? His character ? What source of powerful evil influence affected him ? 2. What remarkable prophet suddenly appears during this reign ? What judgment does he predict against Ahab and his people? 1 Kings xvii. 1. Give some account of Elijah's experience during the drought. Fed by ravens. The widow of Zarephath. What miracle did he work ? 2-24. 3. After this, what was Elijah told to do ? Whom did he meet? Char acter of this man? Give an account of his interview with the king. De scribe the meeting with the priests of Baal, and the results, xviii. 1-40. 4. Elijah on Carmel. The little cloud, the great rain. 41-46. 5. Elijah's action reported to Jezebel, and its effect upon her? What was the effect upon Elijah ? What followed? xix. 1-14. On what impor tant errand was he now sent? Incidents connected with this mission. Whom did Elijah call to be his associate prophet? 15-21. 6. Give an account of the action of Ben-hadad, and the war that fol lowed, xx. 1-21. Subsequent engagements and successes. 22-30. How did Ahab treat the conquered Ben-hadad ? Was this a wise leniency ? What rebuke did he receive ? 31-43. 7. Give the story of Ahab's crime against Naboth. Who inspired this wickedness? What terrible judgment was uttered against both? xxi. 1-24. What description is given of Ahab ? 25, 26. What was the effect of the prophet's denunciation? 26-29. 8 What was the name of the king of Judah at this time ? How long reign ? xxii, 42. His character, and the character of his reign ? did he 2 Chron. xvii. 9. Give an account of his alliance with Ahab. What was the object, 32 BIBLE STUDY. and how was it encouraged ? What contrary prediction was littered ? How did Ahab treat the utterer of this? What was the result? 1 Kings xxii. 1-37. 2 Chron. xviii. What prediction was fulfilled in the incident mentioned in 1 Kings xxii. 38? (See xxi. 19.) 10. What message came to Jehoshaphat on his return from this war ? 2 Chron. xix. 1-3. What points of excellence in his administration are mentioned? 4-11. 11. What combination was made against Jehoshaphat? 2 Chron. xx. 1, 2. What measures does he adopt ? The result ? How was the victory brought about ? The return to Jerusalem ? 3-29. 12. What rebuke did he receive, and for what ? 35-37. III. PROM THE DEATH OF AHAB AND JEHOSHAPHAT TO THE EXTINCTION OF THE HOUSE OF AHAB. A.M. 3107-3120. 873-884 B.C. After the death of Ahab and Jehoshaphat, both the kingdom of Judah and the kingdom of Israel entered upon a period of gradual, but more marked and rapid, decadence. This was more obvious in the case of the latter than in that of the former. The house of Ahab, by the increasing wickedness of his descendants, not only provoked the anger of the Lord against the family till the predicted curse was fulfilled in the extinction of that dynasty, but the nation had become demoralized beyond recovery. The kings of Judah, too, from this time, more frequently lapsed into idolatry, and thus brought mischief on the nation. Still the bad kings were less numerous than in Israel, and the evil consequences to the people were not as great. In the early part of this period, Homer flourished in Greece, and Lycur- gus governed at Sparta. Later, Carthage was founded by Dido. KINGS OF JUDAH. Jehoram . Ahaziah . Interregnum B.C. 889-8S1 881- -880 880- -874 KINGS OF ISRAEL. Ahaziah Jehoram B.C. 891-889889-877 1. Give an account of the reign and character of Ahaziah, son of Ahab. His accident, inquiry of a false god, meeting of the messengers with Elijah. The rebuke and prediction. The parties sent to bring Elijah, and the fatality attending them. The prophet's visit, and the death of the king. 2 Kings i. 1-18. 2. Give the story of Elijah's translation. The journey. Elisha's re- HEBREW HISTORY. 33 quest. The taking away. Elisha's return and the search for Elijah, ii. 1-18. 3. Give the story of the bad water and the remedy. Of the wicked children and their punishment. 19-25. 4. Who was the successor of Ahaziah V His character? What serious event occurred near the beginning of his reign ? What measures did Jeho ram take to remedy the evil? iii. 1-7. What peril befell the allies ? Upon whom did they call for counsel? How did he meet them, and what did he advise? What was the result ? 8-27. 5. Four incidents in the prophet's life, (a) The widow in distress relieved, iv. 1-7. (6) The hospitality of the Shunamite woman, her reward, and the miraculous restoration of the dead son. 8-37. (c) The poisoned pottage. 38-41. (d) The great multitude fed with small supplies. 42-44. 6. Give the story of Naaman. v. 1-14. What reward did he offer, and how was the offer received? Of what bad conduct was Elisha's ser vant guilty? What was the consequence ? 15-27. 7. Miracle of the axe. vi. 1-7. The Syrian war, and the miraculous aid to the Israelites through Elisha. 8-10. Attempt of the Syrian king to capture Elisha. The host smitten with blindness, led to Samaria, and delivered to the king. The latter not permitted to destroy them. 11-23. 8. Siege of Samaria, and the great distress. 24-30. Elisha threatened by the king. The messenger baffled. 31-33. 9. Elisha's remarkable prediction. The doubting officer, vii. 1, 2. Fulfilment of predictions, and the great deliverance. 3-20. 10. Further incidents relating to the Shunamite woman, viii. 1-6. Elisha goes to Damascus. Sickness of the king, and inquiry by Hazael of the prophet. The answer and startling disclosure. 7-13. Hazael's mur der of the king, and usurpation of the throne. 14, 15. 11. Jehoram, king of Judah. How did he begin his reign? Whom did he marry, and what was the consequence? 2 Chron. xxi. 1-6. 12. Revolt of Edom, which had before been tributary to Judah. War aud conquest by Judah, but the Edomites not wholly subdued. Continued wickedness of Jehoram. Solemn warning from the prophet. Beset with evils. Personal affliction and death. 7-20. Ahaziah 's wicked reign. xxii. 1-9. 13. Jehu anointed to be king over Israel. Rejection of Ahab's house. 2 Kings ix. 1-12. Revolution in the kingdom. Jehu destroys the whole house of Ahab as predicted Jehoram cast into the field of Naboth. Aha ziah, king of Judah, being also of the family and sympathizing with them, is slain. 13-28. 14. The end of Jezebel, and the fulfilment of the curse predicted 30-37. 34 BIBLE STUDY. IV. FROM THE OVERTHROW OF THE HOUSE OF AHAB TO THE CAPTIVITY OF THE TEN TRIBES, A.M. 3120-3283. 884-721 B.C. The civil disorders became, from this time, more frequent in the king dom of Israel. There were great wickedness and demoralization. Conspir acies, assassinations, and usurpations characterized a great part of this period. Yet there were also some symptoms of religious reformation. The prophet Hosea arose about this time, and preached powerfully and with some effect against the idolatry and general sinfulness of the nation. The style and character of his preaching are fully seen in the book of his prophecy, which should be read in connection with the historical narrative. Towards the close of the period, there was a manifest improvement in the morals of the nation, and in the character of the government. Probably the last of the kings was, in his general character, the best. But the cor ruption had become too great, and the health and strength of the nation had become exhausted. In the Assyrian invasion, the nation is subdued, and the people carried captive. The Jewish kingdom is involved in these calamities, but to a less extent. During this period is tlie epoch of the Greek Olympiads. Rome, also, was founded by Romulus. KINGS OF JUDAH. KINGS OF ISRAEL. B.C. B.C. Joash . 873-833 Jehu . 877-849 Amaziah . . S33-804 Jehoahaz . . 849-832 Azariah or Uzziah . 804-752 Jehoash . 832-816 Jotham . 752-736 Jeroboam II. . 816-775 Ahaz . . . 736-720 Zachariah . 775 Shallum . . 775 Menahem . . 775-765 Pekahiah . . 765-76:5 Pekah . 763-741 Hoshea . 743-731 1. What was the principal condition of the treaty which Jehu made with the adherents of Ahab's family ? 2 Kings x. 1-7. Give an account of what he did to the worshippers of Baal. 18-28. 2. Did Jehu maintain his character as a worshipper of the true God? What was the consequence ? What disaster befell the kingdom ? 29-36. 3. What disorderly proceedings took place in the kingdom of Judah about this time? xi. 1-3. How was the royal line saved from extinction ? HEBREW HISTORY. 35 4. Give an account of the counter-revolution. 4-21. 2 Chron. xxiii. 5. How old was the new king? How were the offices of the kingdom administered with so young a ruler? What reforms were instituted, and what improvements made under the regency of Jehoiada? 2 Kings xii. 1-16. 6. What change took place in the conduct of the king after the death of Jehoiada? What flagrant exhibition of ingratitude did he display? 2 Chron. xxiv. 15-22. What disasters followed V 23-27. 2 Kings xii. 17- 21. 7. Who succeeded Jehu? His character, and the consequences to the kingdom? 2 Kings xiii. 1-9. Give some account of the reign of Joash. The interview between him and the sick prophet. Death of the latter, and the miracle at his grave. 14-21. 8. Who succeeded Joash in Judah ? His character, his military success, and his relations with Israel? xiv. 1-7. 2 Chron. xxv. 1-12. 9. Give some account of the remainder of Amaziah's reign. What dis asters overtook him ? 2 Chron. xxv. 14-28. 2 Kings xiv. 8-20. Give an account of the reign of Jeroboam II. 23-29. 10. Who now reigned in Judah ? His character in the early part of his reign ? What disastrous change, and the consequences ? 2 Chron. xxvi. Who was his successor? Character and exploits of his reign? xxvii. 2 Kings xv. 32-38. 11. Give the main events in the kingdom of Israel from this time to the overthrow of the nation. How many revolutions and usurpations took place ? 2 Kings 8-31 ; xvii. 1-23. With whom was the land re-peopled, and what the effect? 24-31. 12. Who was king in Judah at this time? His character, and the char acter of his administration ? How did he compare religiously with his pred ecessors? What invasion and war took place, and what was the result? 2 Kings xvi. 1-9. 2 Chron. xxviii. 6-16. How did this reign terminate? 2 Kings xvi. 10-20. V. THE REIG/N OF HEZEEIAH OVER JUDAH. A.M. 3283-3312. 750-721 B.C.. After the destruction of the kingdom of Israel, there were indications for a time of returning prosperity, moral as well as political, in the kingdom of Judah. Hezekiah's reign, which began six years before the event referred to, was characterized by integrity and uprightness on the part of both the king and his court, and many reforms were introduced or attempted. Still, the growing power of the Assyrian empire was pushing its encroachments, and pressing severely upon the nation, and, at one time, seemed about to 36 BIBLE STUDY. destroy Judah as it had Israel. It would have done so but for the Divine interposition. As it was, the power of Judah was greatly diminished. Near the close of this reign, Babylon, for the first time, comes into noticeable relations to the Jews, by an embassy from that now rapidly developing power. To this embassy, Hezekiah, flattered by the attentions shown him, exhibited the resources of his kingdom, and the still remarkable treasures of the Temple; for which indiscretion he was rebuked by the prophet. During this reign flourished the prophet Isaiah, a man of extraordinary intellectual and spiritual power, and perhaps the most eloquent of the Old- Testament prophets. In these days, also, Hosea, Nahum, and TVLicah preached and prophesied against the prevailing evils. At this time Numa Pompilius was king of Rome ; Babylon, just coining into historical note, was a viceroyalty of the Assyria of which Nineveh was the capital; Media had revolted from Assyria, and become independent; and Athens was under the rule of the Archons. 1. Accession of Hezekiah, and his character. 2 Chron. xxix. 1, 2. Reforms introduced. Repairs of the Temple. The Levites exhorted. Purification of neglected rooms, courts, and implements. Renewal of reli gious service, and appointment of proper officers, ministers, and musicians for this purpose. 3-36. 2. Great preparation for renewed observance of the Passover. Invita tions sent throughout the territory of their brethren of the kingdom of Israel. How the invitation was treated by some, and heard by others. xxx. 1-12. The memorable feast. Revival influence resulting in destruc tion of idolatrous altars, and in the hearty devotion of the people. 13-27. 3. Further combined efforts to banish idolatry. Regulation of the religious service, and its thorough re-establishment. Hezekiah's devotion and energy, xxxi. 1-21. 4. What relic of former times and temptation to idolatry was destroyed early in this reign ? 2 Kings xviii. 4. Give some account of this object. Num. xxi. 5-9. 5. New enterprise infused among the people. Prosperity and victory over some of their enemies. 2 Kings xviii. 7, 8. 6. Invasion by the Assyrians. Hezekiah submits to their exactions, and pays large tribute, using the silver and gold, both of the treasury of the Temple and of its ornaments, to meet the demand. 13-16. 7. Second invasion by the Assyrians. Hezekiah 's preparations for de fence, both within and without the city. He also re-organizes his military forces. 2 Chron. xxxii. 1-8. 8. Siege of Jerusalem. Insulting demand of the officers constituting the Assyrian embassy, and their boastful threats. 2 Kings xviii. 17-37. 2 Chron. xxxii. 9-19. 9. Distress of Hezekiah. Message to Isaiah. The encouraging and assuring answer. 2 Kings xix. 1-7. Departure of the Assyrians for a HEBREW HISTORY. 37 season, with threats of future vengeance. They return, and renew the siege. Isaiah's prophecy against them. 8-34. 2 Chron. xxxii. Their miraculous defeat and utter overthrow. 2 Kings xix. 35. 10. Hezekiah 's apparently fatal sickness. He is greatly afflicted, and prays earnestly. The answer through the prophet. The sign of the shadow on the dial. 2 Kings xx. 1-11. Isa. xxxviii. 1-8. Hezekiah's song of thanksgiving. 9-20. 11. His subsequent prosperity and temporary worldliness. His peni tence and piety. 2 Chron. xxxii. 25-29. 12. Embassy from the king of Babylon with presents. Hezekiah's exhi bition of his treasures. Isaiah's rebuke. 2 Kings xx. 12-18. Isa. xxxix. Hezekiah's death. 2 Kings xx. 21. 13. Name the prophets of this reign. Contemporary history. (See Introduction to lesson.) VI. FROM THE DEATH OF HEZEKIAH TO THE DEATH OF JOSIAH. A.M. 3312-3410. 721-623 B.C. The reign of Hezekiah was succeeded by a calamitous reaction in the condition of the nation. The reign of Manasseh, though longer than that of any other Jewish king, was, during a considerable part of it at least, the most wicked. There seems to have been no known abomination practised by any heathen nation, which, under his influence, was not imitated, if not excelled. As a consequence, the most terrible civil disasters ensued. The land was invaded, Jerusalem probably taken, and the king himself carried in captivity to Babylon. To all appearances, the end of Judah had come, as that of Israel had come thirty-five years before. But the timely and ap parently genuine penitence of Manasseh, and the peaceable character of the Babylonian monarch, caused a restoration and continuance of the national life, though in a tributary relation to the conquering nation. Manasseh, after his return, undid much of the wickedness which he had committed, and introduced genuine reforms, though there was still a great lack of spirit ual loyalty among the people. The reign of Amon was short and wicked. The advent of the child-king, Josiah, was signalized by a religious revival of the most marked character ; and this reign appears to have been, more than any other since David's time, characterized by the deep piety of the king, and a spirit of sweeping reform among the people. The consternation caused by the discovery of the Book of the Law, — probably the Pentateuch, — which had been neglected, and perhaps lost for centuries, with its plain statements of what was required of the people, and the terrible penalties of disobedience, appears to have had a wholesome effect. But the nation had too far gone in moral decay to be more than temporarily reprieved by this 38 BIBLE STUDY. reformation. The prophets Isaiah and Nahum continue till about the be ginning of this period ; and Joel, Jeremiah, Zephaniah, and Habakkuk begin their ministry near the end of it. The northern Assyrian kingdom becomes subordinate to the southern, of which Babylon is the capital. It was the time of the Messenian war in Greece, of Pisistratus at Athens, and subse quently of the ascendency of Sparta. In Rome, Tullus Hostilius and Ancus Martius reigned, according to the not very certain tradition; and it is also supposed to have been the period of the Horatii and Curiatii. 1. AVho succeeded Hezekiah? What can you say of his character? 2 Kings xxi. 1, 2. How do the length and character of his reign compare with those of his predecessors ? What were some of the abominable things done by him? 3-9. 2 Chron. xxiii. 1-9. 2. What warnings and what threatenings were uttered? 2 Kings xxi 10-15. What was the effect? 2 Chron xxxiii. 10. 3. What calamity befell the nation and the king? 11. 4. What was the effect on Manasseh? The further consequence ? 12, 13. 5. AVhat did the king do after his restoration ? 14-17- 6. His death and burial. 20. What reason can you suggest why the account of this long and eventful reign is so brief and fragmentary, when there appear to have been very full details in the contemporary writings ? Also, why, possibly, he was not buried with his royal ancestors ? 7. The short, wicked, and uneventful reign of Anion, and his tragical death. 21-24. 8. Who was the successor of Amon ? What was there remarkable about the beginning of his reign ? General character of his reign. 2 Kings xxii. 1, 2. 2 Chron. xxxiv. 1, 2. Sets in operation a thorough and sweep ing religious reformation. 3-7. 9. Renovation of the temple, and restoration of parts fallen into decay. 2 Kings xxii. 3-7. What important discovery was made, and what was done with it ? 8-10. What was the effect of the reading of this document? 11-13. Of whom was inquiry made, and what information was given? Effect on the king and his officers ? What promise was made? 11-20. 10. AVhat public meeting took place, and what was done? xxiii. 1-3. What followed? How far did this reformation extend? What prophecy was fulfilled? 4-20. (See, also, 1 Kings xii. 32, 33, and xiii. 1-32 ) 11. The great Passover celebration. 21-24. AVhat high commenda tion is given Josiah ? 25. Regulation of the Temple worship and service. 2 Chron. xxxv. 1-19. Did these acts of repentance and reformation save the nation, and why ? 2 Kings xxiii. 26, 27. 12. AVhat invasion took place, and what calamity followed? 2 Kings xxiii. 29, 30. 2 Chron. xxxv. 20-24. The greatness of the mourning. 25, and Zech. xii. 11. 13. The prophets of this period? Contemporary history? (See Intro duction.) HEBREW HISTORY. 39 VII. FROM THE DEATH OF JOSIAH TO THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM UNDER NEBUCHADNEZZAR. A.M. 3410-3445. 023-588 B.C. The death of Josiah marks the virtual conclusion of the independence of the Jewish kingdom. His successors were both weak and wicked. Under them, the nation became subject first to the king of Egypt, who captured Jerusalem and deposed the king; and afterwards to the king of Babylon, from whose authority their abortive efforts to revolt brought upon them retribution, their fiual destruction and captivity. The records of these times are somewhat fragmentary and confused. But, besides what we find in the historical books, there are intimations and accounts of particular events in the prophets. The most noted of these was Jeremiah. He was a man of great probity, great faithfulness, and great power, fn his preaching, he warned and rebuked the people for their sins so uncompromisingly that he offended the leaders, and was subject to cruel persecutions, though he compelled the respect of the less abandoned. During this period or near it, also, prophesied Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Ezekiel, and Obadiah. About this time Nineveh, the northern Assyrian capital, was overthrown, as predicted by Nahum the prophet. The Persian and Median monarchies begin to become conspicuous, and are soon after united. Draco, and afterward Solon, flourished in Athens. It was the time of the seven wise men of Greece, and of Tarquiii the Elder and Servius Tullus in Rome, 1. Who was Josiah's successor, and what was his character ? 2 Kings xxiii. 31, 32. 2. AArhat national disaster occurred ? What change in the government, and under what condition? 33-35. Compute the amount of the trib ute. 33. 3. The reign and character of Jehoiakim. 36, 37. AA'hat celebrated prophet appears about this time ? His description of these last two kings, and especially of the public regard in which the latter would be held. Jer. xxii. 11-17, and 18, 19. 4. His predictions of the Divine judgments. Jer. xix. 3, 4, 7-9, 15. How was he treated ? xx. 1, 2. His reply to his persecutors. 3-6. The solemn warning of the prophet in the temple-court to the princes and priests. They threaten him with death, but he resolutely persists. His death sought by the king, but better counsels prevail. Jer. xxvi. 5. What further prophecy does he utter? xxvii. AVhat remarkable prediction does he make about this time ? Jer. xxv., especially vs. 11 and 12. See also xxix. 1-10. Dan. ix. 1, 2. 2 Chron. xxxvi. 21. 40 BIBLE STUDY. 6. What great invasion takes place, and what results ? 2 Kings xxiv. 1. 2 Chron. xxxvi. 6, 7. Dan. i. 1-6. 7. Subsequent conduct of Jehoiakim, and condition of the nation. 2 Kings xxiv. 1-4. A great fast proclaimed about this time. Baruch reads, in the hearing of the people, the prophecies of Jeremiah written in a book. The princes hear of it, and ask for the reading to them. Report being made to the king, he hears it read, but destroys ife. Sequences. Jer. xxxvi. 8. Give some account of the reign of Jehoiachin (or Coniah). What calamity befalls the nation ? 2 Kings xxiv. 10-16. 9. AVho succeeds Jehoiachin, and what was the character of his reign? 17-19. Jer. xxi. His rebellion, and Jeremiah's counsel. 2 Kings xxiv. 20. Jer. xxix. 1-14. 10. Give an account of the final catastrophe, and the condition in which the land was left. xxv. 1-21. VIII. INCIDENTS DURING THE CAPTIVITY. A.M. 3445-3497. 588-536 B.C. There is no consecutive historv of the nation during this period. Still, from the fragmentary accounts, and the allusions in the prophets, we get a tolerably correct notion of what transpired. It appears that nearly all the chief men of the nation, all the skilled artisans, and the more desirable indi viduals in all classes, together with the flower of the military forces, were removed from the country. The cities were depopulated, and the larger ones destroyed. The captives were placed in different localities, — a large proportion of them in Babylon and its vicinity, but many also in the distant provinces. The poorer and less influential of the people were permitted to remain in the land, and provision was made for their protection and govern ment. But there appear to have been dissensions among them from the beginning, and mutinous quarrels were attended with assassinations. There had been for some time an Egyptian party ; and this party after a time pre vailed, and, against the warning and remonstrances of the prophet Jeremiah, they emigrated with a large proportion of the remnant of the people to Egypt, leaving the land more desolate and abandoned than had been in tended. The people who went into captivity under Nebuchadnezzar appear to have been, for the most part, in comfortable conditions, though some of them were subject to hardships and serious persecutions. But the fact that they were captives, and that their land was desolate because of their disobe dience and rebellion, wrought in them a desire to return, and made them penitent and contrite. HEBREW HISTORY. 41 The great prophets of this period were Ezekiel and Daniel. The ex traordinary visions of the former, and his exhortations and predictions, had a powerful influence in preparing the nation for its restoration. The narra tives of Daniel form the minor historical incidents of the period, while his prophecies have a world-wide and far-reaching significance. The union of the Persian and the Median kingdoms, forming the great Medo-Persian monarchy, is the great contemporary event. This issued in the defeat of Croesus, king of Lydia, and the end of his kingdom ; also in the overthrow of the Babylonian empire, and its absorption by the Medo- Persian. It was the age of Pisistratus in Athens, and of Servius Hostilius in Rome. Thales, Anaxiinander, and iEsop flourished in these days. 1. AVhat arrangement did Nebuchadnezzar make for the government of the remnant left in Judah ? 2 Kings xxv. 22-24. 2. How was this appointment apparently received by the chief men who were left in Judah? Jer. xl. 7, 8. AVhat counsel did Gedaliah give them? 9, 10- AVhat other parties gathered to him? 10-12. 3. AArhat suspicions were excited concerning some of these men, and how did Gedaliah regard the matter ? 13-16. 4. How did this alliance eventuate? xii. 1-3. AVhat further outrages were committed by the insurgents ? 4-10. 5. What counter-revolution took place ? 11-15. AArhere did the re covered remnant settle, and for what reason ? 16-18. 6. To whom did the leaders go for advice, and what did they promise? xiii. 1-6. AA^hat counsel and warning did he give them ? 7-18. AVhat did he say about their insincerity, and the punishment of it ? 19-22. 7. How did they receive this message, and what did they do? xliii. 1-7. AVhat did Jeremiah predict? 8-13. 8. Can you mention any other events which belong to this period? (See Daniel, Esther, etc ) IX. FROM THE DECREE OF CYRUS, PERMITTING THE RETURN FROM THE CAPTIVITY, TO THE CLOSE OF EZRA'S OFFICIAL MISSION. A.M. 3408-3547. 536-457 B.C. The prophet Jeremiah had predicted, about the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim, 610 B.C , that the people of Judah should be carried captive to Babylon, and that their captivity should last seventy years. Though the destruction of Jerusalem did not occur till some twenty years after this, yet the fact, that, in the three or four years from the utterance of this prediction, Nebuchadnezzar conquered the Jews, and began to send many of the people 42 BIBLE STUDY. to Babylon, makes it evident that the period is to be reckoned from this point, or about 606 B.C. We have, in this lesson, the notice of the comple tion of the seventy years; the proclamation of the Persian king, now sover eign of Babylon and all its dependencies ; and the account of the return of the first instalment of the children of the captivity, comprising about fifty thousand persons. We have the history of the restoration of their worship, and the building of the temple, with the opposition and malicious interrup tions to which they were subject. The record is broken, and not continuous. After the completion of the temple, there is an interval of nearly sixty years, of which we have no information. Then there is an account of Ezra's jour ney with two thousand men, and the regulations and reformation introduced by him as governor or viceroy of the king of Persia. It is evident that there was no intention of restoring the independence of the nation. It was, and for many years continued to be, a province of the Persian empire. The his tory closes abruptly, and is not resumed again till many years afterward in the Book of Nehemiah. To this period unquestionably belong the incidents recorded in the Book of Esther. (See No. XI.) It seems to be given to exhibit and illustrate the fact, that, while a small proportion only of the Jews returned to Palestine, there were multitudes scattered abroad throughout the countries of the Gen tiles, and in various provinces of the Persian empire, preserving their distinct nationality, and keeping up their religious observances. AVe get from this a pretty fair idea of the relation of the Jews to the other nations, and learn from it that, though in exile, they usually enjoyed a good degree of freedom. It is believed by a large number of the best authorities, that the King Ahasuerus, who is so conspicuous in this narrative, was the Xerxes whose invasion of Greece resulted so disastrously. It was in this invasion that oc curred the battle of Thermopylae, and that of Salamis, and the defeat of the Persians at Plataea and Mycale. The scriptural narrative has reference to a time subsequent to the return of Xerxes. Within this period, embracing nearly a century, lived many noted histori cal characters, — Confucius, Zoroaster, Pythagoras, Sophocles, Miltiades, and Cimon, and, later, Pericles. Great events, too, took place, — the overthrow of Tarquin the Proud in Rome, and the establishment of the Roman republic, and the battle of Marathon. Among the Jews, Zechariah and Haggai were the prophets. 1. What important event took place soon after the conquest of Baby lon by the Medes and Persians, which greatly effected the fortunes of the Jewish people? Ezra i. 1. AVho issued the proclamation, and what was its purport? i. 1-4. Its effect? 5, 6. Did the king do any thing else to further this object? 7-11. 2. What does the catalogue of names in Ezra ii. represent ? How many were there in all? 64-67. (See Introduction.) AVhat further aid was furnished towards the enterprise ? 68, 69. HEBREW HISTORY. 43 3. AA'hat took place a few months after the return ? iii. 1-7. AVhat in the second year ? S-ll. How were some of the people affected ? 12, 13. 4. AVhat trouble arose, and from what source? AVhat followed on this account? AVhat was the effect on the Persian government, and on the plans of the Jews? How long was the work delayed? iv. 1-24. 5. AVhat prophets exercised their office in these times? v. 1. AVhat influence did they exert? Zech. i. 1-6; iv. 1-10, etc. Hag. i. 1-11; ii. 1-9. The effect? Ezra v. 2. 6. Conduct of the enemies? 3-6. AVhat did they do further? 6,7. Purport of the letter ? 8-17. 7. Action of the Persian government? AVhat was the result ? vi. 1-6. Commandment of the king to the intermeddlers ? 7-12. 8. AArhat was the consequence ? Give some account of the festivities at the completion of the temple. 13-22. 9. How long a period elapses here without any record ? (Introduction.) Give an account of appointment of Ezra, and commission given him by the king. vii. 1-20. AVhat further orders were given by the king ? 21-26. 10. AVhat was the number of men ? (Introduction.) AVhere did they gather, and what was done there V viii. 15-23. Mention some of the treas ures collected. 24-27. AA'hat was done on the arrival at Jerusalem ? 31-36. 11. AArhat condition of affairs did Ezra find at Jerusalem? ix. 1,2. How did it affect him ? 3-11. AVhat did he do ? 12, 13. 12. Effect upon the people ? x. 1-4. AA'hat was done ? 5-19. THE STORY OF ESTHER. A.M. 3468-3547. 536-457 B.C. 1. In the Book of Esther, what remarkable story is toid of the Persian king and his queen? Esth. i. AVith what king in profane history is Ahasuerus supposed to be identical ? (See Introduction to No. IX.) 2. AA'ho was Esther, and what wonderful experience came to her? ii. 1-20. AVho was her guardian and counsellor in this matter? 3. AA'hat animosity was felt by the king's prime minister against Mor decai? The cause of it? AVhat plan of revenge was devised by Hainan ? iii. Effect on Mordecai and the Jews ? iv. 1-3. 4. Give an account of Mordecai's communication with Esther on this subject. AVhat difficulties were in the way of Esther's influence ? How did the struggle in her mind result? Give the account of her meeting with the king, and what followed. 4-17. Effect on Hainan, and the advice of his wife ? v. 44 BIBLE STUDY. 5. Give an account of the reward of Mordecai for the service previously rendered the king. The advice of Hainan, and his terrible humiliation, vi. 6. AVhat was the final outcome of all this ? vii.-x. XI. THE ADMINISTRATION OF NEHEMIAH, A.M. 3545-3547. 446-434 B.C. Between the period embraced in the last lesson and the beginning of the present, there is an interim of about ten or twelve years. The main topic of the treatise of Nehemiah is the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Connected with this, is an account of the bitter opposition of the Samaritans and the neighboring tribes, and of the moral disorders prevailing among the Jews. The Babylonian captivity appears to have entirely cured the nation of its idolatrous proclivities. The evil tendency now was to amalgamate with the tribes surrounding them, and thus by intermarriage to obliterate the distinct and peculiar Jewish nationality. The chosen people would have thus been reduced to the conditions of the mongrel tribes now inhabit ing the old Israelitish territory at the north of them, and the idea of a the ocratic government would have been done away. It appears to have been the Divine intention not so much now to restore the political independence of the Jews, as to preserve the pure national stock with their religious economy intact as a contin uance of that preparation for the coming of the Messiah which had been going on from the beginning. It was with this motive that both Ezra and Nehemiah exerted themselves so strenuously against the admission of aliens, and the intermarriage with Gentiles. To this end, it was necessary to make Jerusalem the religious capital of the race, and to both rebuild the temple, and fortify the city with walls. The period of the present lesson covers only about twelve years, and concludes the sacred annals of the Jewish people. After 'this time, as we learn from secular history, the Jews were still subject to the Persian empire until the conquest of Alexander about a century later, when they came under his dominion. After the breaking up of his empire, it fell by turns under the sway of the Seleucian kings of Syria and the Egyptian Ptolemies. There were various revolts, and attempts at independence. In one of these, the Jews were conquered by Antiochus the Great, and subsequently by Antiochus Epiphanes, who committed various acts of abominable cruelty. After this came an heroic period, in which the Maccabasan or Asmonsean family flourished, and performed extraordinary exploits, achieving for a brief period actual independence, and some national prosperity. About 63 B.C., Judsea became a Roman province. Twenty years later Herod was made king, though his kingdom was tributary to the Romans. It was under this king that the advent of our Saviour took place. HEBREW HISTORY. 45 Nehemiah's mission to Jerusalem, and administration of the government there, was under the reign of the Persian King Artaxerxes Longimanus. It was about the time of Cincinnatus and the Decemviri in Rome. It was the time of the acme of Grecian civilization, when Pericles yet ruled at Athens; the time of Socrates, the greatest of philosophers ; of Euripides and Aris tophanes, great dramatists ; of Phidias, the noted painter ; and Thucydides, tlie historian. It was also the period of the Peloponnesian war. 1. AATiat important personage now appears in the Jewish history? AA'here was he, and in what situation? Neh. i. 1-11; ii. 1. How long was this after the events of the last lesson? (Introduction.) 2. AVhat report came to Nehemiah concerning matters in Judwa ? Neh. i. 1-3. AVhat was the effect upon him ? AVhat did he do ? 4-11. 3. Nehemiah's communication with the king, and its result? ii. 1-8. AArhat occurred on the journey? 9-11. 4. AA'hat survey did he make, and what did he ascertain ? 12-16. AA'hat did he counsel the people to do? How did the enterprise affect their hostile neighbors? 17-20. 5. What impression does the account of the workers and the division of labor give you of the general interest in the cause? iii. 6. AAThat hostilities and opposition were incurred? Give an account of the measures resorted to by enemies, and the precautions taken, iv. 1-23. 7. Of what moral improprieties were many among the higher classes accused? v. 1-5. How did Nehemiah treat the case? Reformation of these abuses. 6-19. 8. AA'hat was done by the hostile Gentile chiefs to hinder the work ? vi. 1-10. What treachery manifested itself? Did this permanently pre vent the carrying out of the enterprise ? 12-19. 9. Give an account of the re-organization of the government, vii. 1-5. What follows? 6-73. AA'hat was the number ? 10. What public meeting took place, and for what purpose? AA'ho was the reader and expounder? viii. 1-8. How was the occasion celebrated? 9-12. AA'hat new festival was established ? 13-18. 11. What took place still later in the same month? ix. 1-3. Give some account of the exercises. AA'hat were some of the topics of the prayer offered ? AVhat covenant was made ? 4-38. 12. AA'hat were some of the provisions of the covenant? x. 29-39. 13. AVhat arrangements were made for re-peopling Jerusalem ? Assign ment of work ? xi. and xii. 14. What abuses and disorders were subsequently developed ? xiii. 1-5. AVherewas Nehemiah at this time? 6. What did he do on his return? 7-9. What other sins did he rebuke ? 10-32. 15. Give a brief account of the subsequent history of the Jews to the time of Christ. Contemporary events. (Introduction.) THE POETIC AND PROPHETIC BOOKS. THE POETIC AND PROPHETIC BOOKS. THE BOOK OF JOB. This has been supposed to be one of the most ancient of all existing writings in any language. It is thought by many to be prior even to a por tion of the Pentateuch. But tlie best recent authorities place it some what later. Its author is unknown. The narrative comprises only a small part of the book, and is a very simple story, though containing some remarkable incidents. Briefly, it is the history of a man of superior mental endowments, of lofty moral sentiments and godly life, who had also been greatly prospered in his temporal relations. It had been insinuated by the great adversary of human souls, that Job's piety was of a mercenary kind, prompted only by the motive that it would give him worldly advan tage. It was the sneering intimation, heard sometimes even in our day, that there is no such thing as disinterested goodness, 'and that every man is virtuous only so far as virtue is likely to pay. To refute this low and un worthy theory, seems to have been one of the great objects of the book. Another object was to show, that, contrary to the popular notion then and sometimes since prevailing, worldly prosperity is not always in proportion to moral goodness, nor is adversity any sure indication of wickedness on the part of its victim. It is upon this latter point that Job's three friends differ from him, and the larger part of the book is taken up with its discussion. They insist that he must have been guilty of some wickedness, or these afflictions would not have come upon him. He vindicates himself from this aspersion ; and, though sorely perplexed and despondent because of God's dealings with him, asserts his integrity, and avows his faith in God to the last extrem ity. "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." Still, Job's language at various points seems to imply that he regards God as somehow dealing unjustly with him. Doubtless this is the " cry of the human," in its pain and anguish, and its necessary ignorance of the ways of God. Of the twenty-nine chapters comprising the discussion between Job and his accusing friends, Eliphaz, who is the leading speaker on the adverse side, takes up four, Bildad three, and Zophar two. The other twenty are 49 50 BIBLE STUDY. occupied by Job. Elihu, who appears to have been a younger man than the others, listens with respectful silence till his elders have concluded, and then speaks at length on the subject under discussion. He frankly rebukes Job for so justifying himself as to imply an impeachment of the Divine justice: and is, at the same time, indignant at the three friends that they have failed to answer him. In this discourse, more than in the utterances of the others, there are gleams of a clearer light, and tokens of a higher faith, — an actual, though vague, discernment of the disciplinary nature of temporal afflictions, and a confidence, that, in some way which could not then be understood, the Divine AVisdom would so determine things that those which now appear to be evil would result in good to the believing and obedient soul. The four chapters which contain the utterances of the voice of God, set forth in sublime language the Divine greatness and power and wisdom and excellence, and show how little competent man is to understand God's ways, or to judge concerning his acts. 1. The antiquity of the book. General character of Job. The two leading objects of the book. Names of the persons represented in it, and the parts taken by them. (Introduction.) 2. The story of Job. (a) In what part of the world is it laid? (fi) Job's temporal condition ? (c) His family ? (d) Satan's accusation, and its im plied meaning ? (e) The first affliction ? Did his faith fail, or his piety diminish? AVhat did he say in view of his losses? i. 21. (/) The second calamity, and how he received it? ii. 7-10. 3. For what purpose did Job's friends come to him ? How long did they sit with him, and in what manner? ii. 11-13. 4. How large a part of the conversation that ensued is taken up by the three friends respectively ? AA'hat cause is assigned by them for Job's afflic tions? Is their theory of human sorrow a correct one? How does Job defend himself ? Is he wholly correct in his view of the situation ? AVhat excuse can be made for some of his utterances? (Introduction.) 5. The reason of Elihu's long silence ? xxxii. 6. AVhat is his feeling, in view of the discussion ? xxxii. 2, 3. In what respect are his views bet ter than those of the others, and how does he differ from them ? (Introduc tion.) AVhat do you hold to be the true doctrine of which Elihu seems to catch some glimpses ? 6. Who is the chief speaker in the last chapters of the book? The nature of the utterances, and the teachings implied ? The character of the writings in these chapters? 7. What is the nature of the writing of the principal parts of the book? The character of the poetry? Let each student bring in any passages which strike him as remarkable either for their imagery or sentiment. 8. The condition of Job in his last days ? AVhose part in the controversy did God most condemn ? THE POETIC AND PROPHETIC BOOKS. 51 If. THE PSALMS. This is the largest collection of Hebrew poetry now in existence. It is also one of the most remarkable poetical collections in the world. It does not, as we are apt to judge, belong to any one period of Hebrew history ; though the larger part of it may doubtless be assigned to a period about 1050 to 990 B.C. But the remainder ranges from about 1500 to 450 B.C. The popular opinion ascribes the entire authorship to David ; but, though probably considerably more than half of the psalms are his, it is nearly certain that a large proportion of them were due to other authors, both before and after the time of the royal poet. One bears the name of Moses ; others, of Asaph and the sons of Korah; while others still have been ascribed to Heze kiah and to his successors. The final collection and arrangement was prob ably made by Ezra about 450 B.C. Formerly, there were five divisions, or books, of which the following is the plan : — 1. Psalms almost entirely of David's composition, embracing i.-xli. 2. Those apparently in the main by the sons of Korah, though several of these also were by David : xlii.-lxxii. 3. Compositions principally by Asaph : Ixxiii.-lxxxix. There are rea sons for believing that many of these psalms were composed about the time of Hezekiah. 4. This book comprises the remainder of those written before the Cap tivity : xc.-cvi. 5. The last book is made up of those songs which pertain to the Cap tivity and the return from it : cvii.-cl. They are mostly anonymous, and, like the fourth book, are liturgic in style. Indications of an original and intentional division of this kind are seen in the peculiar form of doxology used at the end of the several terminal Psalms of the respective books. The psalms may be grouped, again, according to their different objects or kinds, as follows : — 1. Hymns of praise : viii., xviii., xix., civ., cxlv , cxlvii., etc. 2. National hymns : lxxviii., cv., cvi , cxiv., etc. 3. Temple hymns, or psalms for public worship; xv., xxiv., lxxxvii., etc. 4. Hymns relating to trial and calamity: ix., xxii., Iv., Ivi., cix., etc. 5. Messianic psalms : ii., xvi., xl., Ixxii., ex., etc. 6. Hymns of general religious character : xc, exxxix., xci., exxi., exxvii. The chief general characteristics of these writings are, — 1. Lyric poetry. 2. Devotional, — that is, adapted to religious worship. 52 BIBLE STUDY. They constitute the Hymn-book of the Hebrew church. 3. The third and fourth characteristics, though not so general, are that they are patriotic and prophetic. By lyric compositions are meant such as may be set to music, and can be accompanied by an instrument. Several of these songs have peculiar characteristics. The most remark able of these is the cxix. (a) It is the longest by far of all the collection. (b) It is divided into sections, named after the letters of the Hebrew alpha bet in order, (e) The several verses of each section in the original all begin with the letter designating that particular section, (d) The subject of the psalm is the excellence of the Divine Law ; and every verse of the whole psalm, with two or three exceptions, alludes to this in some form. Psalms cxiii.-cxviii. constituted a prominent part of the service in the Passover celebration. They comprise what was known as " The Great Hallel." It is this which is alluded to in Matt. xxvi. 30, in the account of Christ's last Passover with his disciples, where it is said, " They had sung a hymn." The religious character of the Psalms is most marked and definite. The following are some of the more prominent religious characteristics: (a) The one infinite, all-wise, and omnipresent personal God is recognized. (4) The universality of his love and providence and goodness, (c) Abhorrence of all idols, and rejection of all subordinate divinities, (d) Prophetic glimpses of the Divine Son, and of his redeeming work in the earth, (e) The terrible nature of sin, the Divine hatred of it, and God's great judg ments on transgressors, (f) The possibility of forgiveness, the Divine mercy, and the duty of repentance. (f Scripture. Farrar's Messages of the Books. MIRACLES OP CHRIST. — Trench On the Miracles. Bruce's Miraculous Element in the Gospels. AA'ardlaw On the Miracles: also MacDonald, Howson. PARABLES.— Trench On the Parables : also Arnot, Guthrie, Calder- wood, Cummings. Bruce's Parabolic Teaching. SO LIFE OF CHRIST. Historical Antecedents,— Birth of John and of Jesus. In the studies herstofore occupying our attention, we have had a pretty full account of the Israelitish and Jewish nations down to the fourth century before Christ. A very brief sketch during the intervening centuries, gath ered from secular sources, is given in the Introduction to Number XXXII. of Hebrew History. It is important to recollect at this point that all this his tory is a history of the world's preparation for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ on his mission of human redemption. The Roman power, the fourth of the great world empires described and predicted by Daniel, (ii. and vii.,) had now reached its summit. It had ex tended its sway over the larger proportion of the then known world. Though its successes had wrought deep and disastrous corruptions in its great cities, this period was outwardly that of its greatest brilliancy. Wealth was abundant; arts, letters and commerce flourished as never before. The Emperor, Augustus Cajsar, was perhaps in most respects the greatest and most generous of his line. The territory under his sway was in round numbers nearly three thousand miles in length and from one to two thousand in breadth. Judea lay at the south-western extremity of these domains. This coun try and its inhabitants had passed through many and extraordinary vicissi tudes since the restoration from the Babylonian captivity. Till within a few years it had been under the rule, real or nominal, of the Asmonean princes, descendants and successors of the great Maccabean family, members of which had performed such heroic exploits, and had achieved and for a time maintained the independence of the nation in the second century B. C. About 63 B. C, Judea had been made tributary to the all-conquering power of Rome, and Antipater, a noble but crafty Idumean, had been by Julius Csesar made procurator, though there was still a nominal government under one of the Asmonean house. Herod, the son of Antipater, after the death of Csesar, by various means ingratiated himself with the authorities at Rome, and was appointed king over a territory embracing substantially the whole of Palestine. His recognition by the people was achieved only after a fierce war and much bloodshed. He was a man of powerful character, and vast 81 82 BIBLE STUDY. energy and enterprise were displayed by him in the establishment of his gov ernment and the maintenance of his authority; but he was one of the most vindictive, cruel and violently wicked of princes. He slew his own sons out of jealousy, and put to death his beautiful, virtuous and accomplished wife Mariamne for the same cause. We see this character exemplified in his order for the slaughter of all the children in Bethlehem that he might make sure of the infant Jesus, the predicted and feared " King of the Jews." The nation, however, was in a fairly prosperous condition. Herod had built and beautified many cities, and almost reconstructed the Temple at Je rusalem. Almost for the first time for centuries the descendants of the Twelve Tribes occupied the whole of their ancient territory under a consol idated government, and it was the fullness of time for the advent of the Messiah. Luke i. 6—80 ; iii. 33—38. Matt. i. 1—33. 1. At what different points of time do the Evangelists begin their ac counts of the Life of Christ? Coincidence between the beginning of the Old Testament and the beginning of John's Gospel in the New. 3. Grounds of the expectation among the Jews that a Divine Person would appear among them at some period of their history, who would be a Redeemer and Restorer. Gen. xlix. 10. Numbers xxiv. 17. Deut. xviii. 15. Isa. ix. 6 and 7; xi. 1 — 10. Micah v. 2. (Give also other passages of simi lar import.) 3. Meaning of the words Messiah and Christ. 4. Coincidence between the ending of the old Testament and the begin ning of Mark's Gospel in the New. Mark i. 1 — 3. Malachi iii. 1; and iv. 5 and 6. Other predictions fulfilled in John the Baptist. Isa. xl. 3 — 5; Luke iii. 4—6. 5. Incidents connected with the birth of John the Baptist. (a) His parentage and lineage. Character of his parents and of fice of his father. Luke i. 5 — 9. (b) How many courses of priests were there for the temple ser vice, and to which of these did Zacharias belong? I. Chron. xxiv. 7 — 18. (See v. 10 and compare with Luke i. 5.) (c) The vision and announcement. Luke i. 11 — 17. The unbe lief of Zacharias and the penalty incurred. 18 — 20. (d) The birth and naming of the child. Cessation of Zacharias' affliction and his prophetic song. 57 — 79. 6. The genealogy of Jesus. Matt. i. 1 — 16. Luke iii. 23 — 38. (a) What difference do you find in these two lists? (b) Mention some of the more distinguished names, and give a brief account of them. (c) Is the genealogy that of Joseph, or of Mary? (d) What reason is there for supposing that Mary also belonged to this line? Lu. i. 27 and 32. 7. The annunciation. Lu. i. 26 — 38. (a) The Angel's visit. Where was Mary's residence? Its geo graphical situation. THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 83 (b) The announcement, and the consequent wonder in the mind of Mary. (c) The predicted character of the child. 8. Joseph's relation to Mary and his embarrassment. The prophecy concerning the manner of Christ's birth and its fulfillment. Isa. vii. 14. Matt. i. 22, 23. 9. The prescribed name of the child, and its meaning? Matt. i. 21. What others of the same name had appeared in previous great crises of the national history? Num. xxvii. 18—21; Haggai. i. 1, and Zech. iii. What was the difference between the salvation under the former Joshuas and that under Jesus? Matt. i. 21. 10. What other name had been applied to the future child, and its sig nification? Isa. vii. 14. Matt. i. 23. John i. 14. ¦11. The decree of the Roman government for the taxing or the census of all the subjects of the empire. Lu. ii. 1. The journey made necessary to Joseph and Mary by this decree. The length of the journey. 12. What previous allusions to Bethlehem are found in the Hebrew his tory? Gen. xxxv. 19; I. Sam. xvi. 1 and 4. What eminent ancestor of Je sus was born there? How far was it from Jerusalem? 13. The birth of the child. Where was he laid after his birth, and why? Lu. ii. 7. II. The Infancy. The visit of the Wise Men from some region at the east of Judea, is one of the remarkable and yet most mysterious events connected with the birth of Jesus. There have been many inquiries and speculations concerning the character and the coming of these seekers after the new-born child; but all that is essential to be known is doubtless implied in the narrative. They were in some sense representatives of the gentile world bringing a welcome to the Saviour not of the Jews only, but of the whole human race. They represented more than the Roman Empire, for they evidently came from be yond its limit. The title applied to them in the original record indicates that they came from the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates, where astronomy was early cultivated, and where the prevailing heathenism had taken on the form of worship of the heavenly luminaries. There were doubtless among such worshipers some who still cherished amid the corruptions of their religion traces of the One God, the Father of Lights, and spiritual conceptions of the truths of the primal revelations. This would seem also to be implied in the " Star" given for their guid ance. This, unquestionably, was a supernatural light, attracting the attention of those whose expectation of a coming Deliverer had already been excited by other means. For we have abundant evidence from authentic secular history that a wide-spread impression, both in tho Roman world and beyond 84 BIBLE STUDY. its limits, affected a certain class of persons — vaguely and indefinitely, it is true, but still really, — that a remarkable personage was about to appear, born somewhere in the East, and by many, as by these Wise Men, in Judea. Whether this had come from the Jews dispersed far or near among the na tions, or from the influence of the Spirit of God, operating upon the minds of the more devout among the heathen, or, as is more likely, by both these causes, the fact seems well established. The magi, guided by the star, had come to Judea, and already had the conviction that the new-born child was a royal personage and the ' ' king of the Jews." At Jerusalem, examination of the written prophetic revelations showed that the Messiah was to be born at Bethlehem; and thither, still guided by the celestial light, they resorted, and found the young child. The gifts they presented indicated that these foreigners were persons of very great distinction and wealth. They also imply not only homage given to a royal personage, but offerings to a Divine being which also coincides with the " worship " spoken of. " Ages before, a prophet from the same regions had predicted the Messiah by the sign of ' the star that should arise out of Jacob ;' and while these sages watched the heavens with the reverence of worshipers, it pleased God to use their own ideas as the source of new light." Luke ii. 8—38. Matt. ii. 1—18. 1 . To whom outside of the family, and by whom, was the first announce ment of the birth of this child? How was the announcement made? Lu. ii. 8 — 14. What did the shepherds do, and what did they find? 15 — 18. 2. The presentation in the Temple. Lu. ii. 22 — 24. What was the law concerning the offering on such an occasion ? Lev. xii. 6 and 8. Why did the mother of Jesus bring two doves or two young pigeons, instead of a lamb? 3. Simeon's meeting with the child, and his previous revelation con cerning it. Lu. ii. 25, 26. His utterance concerning the character of the child. 29—32 ; 34, 35. 4. The greeting of the aged prophetess Anna. 36 — 38. What do these prophetic declarations indicate concerning the character of the child? 5. Visit of the Wise Men. Matt. ii. 1—12. (a) From what region are they supposed to have come? (See Introduction.) About how far, probably, from Palestine? (b) Was there any expectation, outside of the Jewish race, of the advent of a mysterious royal and Divine person? (c) What guided them in their search ? (d) Fulfillment of prophecy in this coming. Isa. Ix. 3. (e) The arrival at Jerusalem and the inquiry there, the excite ment of the people, and Herod's jealousy lest his authority might be disturbed. (f ) The examination of the prophetic records by the priests and scribes, and the decision that the predicted Messiah must be born at Bethlehem. (g) Herod's strenuous and hypocritical charge to the magi. THE LIFE OF CHK1ST. 85 6. The finding of the child by the strangers, who bestow gifts and offer worship. 9 — 11. What does the character of the gifts brought indi cate concerning the condition of the briiigers? What do their offering and their worship show? (See Introduction.) 7. The Wise Men warned, and Herod baffled. 12. III. Childhood and Youth, Soon after the flight of Jesus and his parents to Egypt, the cruel and tyrannical King Herod died. The strong, compact, and, in some respects, powerful monarchy which he had created, embracing the whole of ancient Palestine, and which he had hoped to perpetuate in his own family, virtually came to an end with him. The scepter had departed from Judah, for Shiloh had come. Indeed, the reign of Herod had only been by permission of the imperial Roman government; and though there was a strong semblance of independence, yet the influence of Rome was constantly felt. Herod, by his will, had virtually divided the kingdom among three of his sons. Though Arehelaus was named as his successor, and had the cen tral government of Judea, Idumea and Samaria, Herod Antipas was to be made governor or tetrarch of Galilee and a portion of Peraea, while Herod Philip held the similar office of ruler of the north-eastern portion of the country beyond Jordan. Even this disposition of the government was of no avail, till it had the sanction of the Emperor Augustus. It was substan tially confirmed, though Arehelaus was not permitted to take the title of king, and after a few years, for his maladministration, was wholly displaced, and Judea became a Roman province, with governors or procurators appointed by the emperor. Pontius Pilate was one of those appointed about A. D. 26, and it was under his administration that the crucifixion of our Lord took place. The government of Herod Antipas, the ethnarch of Galilee, was milder and less disquieting to the parents of Jesus than that of Arehelaus, and for this reason they preferred to return to their old residence in Nazareth. Matt. ii. 13— 33. Luke ii. 39—52. 1. The flight to Egypt. The parents of Jesus divinely informed con cerning the purpose of the king, and directed to take the child to Egypt. 13 — 15. How long a journey would this probably be ? 2. Herod's wrath at the defeat of his plot. His infamous decree, and its execution. 16 — 18. 3. The return from Egypt and settlement at Nazareth. Matt. ii. 19—23. Lu. ii. 39. (a) What had taken place during the absence in Egypt ? 2 86 BIBLE STUDY. (b) Who was now ruler in Judea? Was his jurisdiction as ex tensive as that of his falher had been? (c) AVhy did the parents of Jesus turn aside from Judea, and go to Galilee? Who was the ruler here, and how did his government compare with that of Arehelaus. 4. Character of Jesus as a child. Lu. ii. 40. What is especially note worthy about the accounts of these early years of Christ's life? (See Intro duction to No. V.) 5 The annual visit of his parents to Jerusalem. Lu. ii. 41. What feast was the occasion of this visit and what was its origin ? How many public feasts were the Jews required publicly to celebrate ? Ex. xxiii. 14 — 17. Indications of the religious character of Joseph and Mary. 6. What occurred when Jesus was twelve years old? Lu. ii. 42, 43. (a) What was there remarkable about the situation in which his parents found him? 46, 47. (b) The effect upon them, and his mother's mild reproach. 48. (c) His answer and its significance. 49. 7. What is the sum of all that we know concerning the subsequent childhood and youth of Jesus? 51, 52. 8. Is there any thing extraordinary about this profound silence of all the Evangelists concerning the early years of so remarkable a person. IV. The Herald and Usher. During all these years, John, the son of Zacharias, appears to have dwelt in the "desert," — that is, the sparsely settled hill-country of Judea to the west of the Dead Sea. There were a very few cities and villages in this region, and in one of these his parents had dwelt at the time of his birth. But he evidently sought the solitudes apart from the towns, and lived an ascetic life, disciplining himself for his ministry to the people to prepare them for the coming of the Messiah. At about thirty years of age, — the age at which the priests entered upon their public work, he opened his mission in these same regions, going gradually to the north where the Jordan comes down above the Dead Sea. Here he would meet occasional companies of travelers, and to them he began to preach. The extraordinary character of his message, and his rude raiment of camel's hair cloth fastened with a leather girdle, — the traditionary prophetic garb,— and his abstemious primitive diet, together with the fervor and power of his preaching, attracted attention and occasioned the resort of multitudes to see and hear him. The excitement appears to have been very great, and the conviction produced by this min istry was almost universal throughout all Judea and much of the neighbor ing country. We have no detailed account of John's method, nor more than brief THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 87 fragments of any of his discourses, and a summary statement of his main topics. The selfishness and wickedness of the people were denounced, and repentance and reformation were enjoined as a preparation for the coming of tlie Messiah, whom he announced as immediately at hand. The baptism which he administered to all who accepted his exhortations, was simply sym bolic of the putting away of the defilement of sin, and the purpose of a clean life. This ministry began about six months before the public career of Jesus opened, and continued for some time, though probably not many months, after. John, who had gradually made his way up the Jordan, came at last into the jurisdiction of Herod Antipas, and, for the bold reproof which he administered to that prince for his criminal conduct, was by him thrown into prison and shortly after executed. AVe shall meet frequently with the designation Pharisees and Sadducees. These were two distinct and prominent religious parties among the Jews. The Pharisees were strict formalists and legalists, though to the letter of the law they had added many traditions and fanciful casuistic interpretations. Their religion was ritual and mechanical, and utterly incompatible with the liberty and spirituality of genuine godliness. They were bigoted and exclu sive to an extraordinary degree, and would not eat and drink with the masses of the people. A large proportion of them rigidly adhered to their doctrines, and carefully observed all the petty artificial rules which they had laid down for themselves. They were not socially aristocratic, but they were morally and religiously so, assuming a higher sanctity than others. Nor were they connected exclusively with the wealthier classes. These facts gave them great influence with the masses of the people. The Sadducees disagreed in all prominent points with the Pharisees. But the great, marked characteristic of their sect, was the denial of the resurrec tion of the dead and of spiritual existence. This party embraced a consider able proportion of the wealthy and cultivated Jews. There was also the sect of the Essenes, about which, however, little is said in the Evangelists. They appear to have been more devoutly and spirit ually religious than either of the other parties. Luke iii. 1—17. Matt. iii. 1—11. Mark i. 1—5. John i. 1—34 ; iii. 37— 36. 1. What changes had taken place in the civil government of Palestine since the birth of Christ? (See Introduction to No. 111.) At what time did John the Baptist begin his ministry? Lu. iii. 1. 2. The burden of his preaching. Matt. iii. 8 ; Mark i. 5 ; Lu. iii. 3. The meaning of the words repent and repentance. Was there any large occasion in the character of the people for this kind of exhortation? 3. The localities of his religious gatherings. Matt. iii. 1 and 5 ; Mark i. 4, 5 ; Lu. iii. 3 and 7. What was the nature of the country in this vicinity, and what its direction from Jerusalem? (Introduction.) Were these meet ings, in any respects, like certain modern religious gatherings? 4. The attendance upon John's preaching. Matt. iii. 5 ; Mark i. 5. What parties are especially mentioned? Matt. iii. 7. What was the charac ter of these respective parties? (See Introduction.) 88 BIBLE STUDY. 5. The vigorous rebukes addressed especially to the members of the two chief Jewish parties. Matt. iii. 7 — 10 ; Lu. iii. 7 — 9. What were the people, therefore, generally admonished to do? How is genuine repentance and conversion likely to evince itself? Matt. iii. 8 ; Lu. iii. 8. Will a godly parentage or ancestry avail any thing necessarily towards one's justification? Matt. iii. 9, 10 ; Lu. iii. 8. 6. Instruction, as to practical conduct, to various classes of inquirers. Lu. iii. 10 — 14. Who were the publicans, and what was the cause of their unpopularity? Was their calling essentially improper? 7. Excitement of the people at the nature and powerful effect of John's ministry. Their eager and interested questionings. Lu. iii. 15 ; Jno. i. 19. 8. His prompt and modest denial of any claim of his own to the Mes siahship. Jno. i. 20 — 23. His testimony concerning Christ. Matt. iii. 11 ; Mark i. 7; Lu. iii. 16, 17; Jno.' i. 26, 27. 9. John the Baptist's introduction of Christ, and further testimony con cerning his character. Jno. i. 15 — 18, and 29—34. Also, Jno. iii. 27 — 36. AVhat extraordinary titles are here applied to Jesus? What profound signifi cance is attributed to ihe lamb, in the Jewish ceremonial service? 10. AVhat does John the Evangelist say of the personage concerning whom John the Baptist gives this testimony? Jno. i. 1 — 14. Taken in con nection with the Baptist's declarations, what may be gathered from these statements concerning the previous existence, mission and Divine character of Christ? V. Preparation of Jesus for the Beginning of His Ministry. In studying the Life of Christ, we need to take into careful consideration the character of the records from which we derive our information. These are comprised in four brief treatises known as "gospels," written severally by men who lived in the time of Christ, two of them by his immediate com panions, and the other two by persons most intimate with his apostles. Al together they do not occupy as much space as the one-half of an ordinary twelve-mo book, and they severally average scarcely so much as a moderate modern pamphlet. They do not profess to be biographies or complete lives of Jesus ; but are rather fragmentary and somewhat disconnected memoirs or collected reminiscences. Yet they so set forth the prominent facts and characteristics of this remarkable life, that the world has received a vivid impression of a grand, unique and perfect human person, the greatness of whose humanity can be accounted for only on the supposition that it was also Divine. Three of these memoirs, though entirely independent of each other, ap pear to have been written from nearly the same point of view, and present in large measure the same facts. For this reason they are called the synop tical gospels. These reminiscences are, for the most part, confined to Christ's THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 89 Galilean experience. John, the fourth Evangelist, appears to have written some time after the others. His work is to a considerable extent supple mentary to theirs. He gives more full information concerning Christ's min istry in Jerusalem and Judea, and dwells more upon the spiritual character and doctrines of the new dispensation. One remarkable characteristic of these writings, is their freedom from any literary intention. The writers seem to give to the world such facts of Christ's career as will convey a clear impression of his character and his object in coming to the world. They give no connected or protracted doc trinal discussions. They are as simple and free from all preconceived theo ries and theological or philosopical bias as it is possible to conceive. They do not even profess to give their statements of facts in a wholly logical or chronological order; but only as the events come uppermost in their minds and press for expression, do they utter them. Another characteristic is the silence of all these writers about many things on which multitudes of people, reasonably or unreasonably, desire informa tion. There is not the least attempt to gratify a vulgar curiosity, or to in dulge in any spirit of gossip. We have nothing at all about Christ's personal appearance, and only the most meager information about his childhood and youth. Two of the Evangelists do not allude to any event in his life till the beginning of his public career. Only one of them gives us the slightest glimpse of him during the twenty-eight or nine years between his infancy and his baptism; and that one speaks only of a single event in that long pe riod. Yet out of these records of only a small fraction of a not very long life comes an influence affecting humanity more powerfully than all other lives together since the world began ! Matt. iii. 13— 17; iv. 1— 11. Mark i. 9— 13. Luke iv. 1—13. John i. 37— 51; ii. 1—13. 1. Jesus leaves his home in Nazareth, and resorts to the place near the Jordan where John the Baptist was holding his convocation. He presents himself as a candidate for baptism. Matt. iii. 13; Mark i. 9. 2. John's objection to performing this office for one whom he recog nizes as his spiritual superior. Matt. iii. 14. Can any other reason be given why it might be deemed unnecessary for such an one as Jesus to be bap tized with the baptism of repentance f 3. Jesus overrules the objection, on the ground of ceremonial pro priety. 15. 4. The extraordinary occurrence immediately consequent on the bap tism. Relate what was seen and heard. Matt. iii. 16,17; Mark i. 10, 11; Lu. iii. 21, 22. How old was Jesus at this time? Lu. iii. 23. 5. Under the direction of the Holy Spirit coming upon him especially at his baptism, Jesus goes into the desert of Judea, far from human habita tions, and exposed to wild beasts, he fasts forty days. Matt. iv. 1, 2; Mark i. 12, 13; Lu. iv. 1, 2. 6. The great conflict with Satan. Matt. iv. 2 — 10; Lu. iv. 2 — 11. (a) Jesus, after the long fasting, tortured with hunger, is urged. 90 BIBLE STUDY. to exert his miraculous powers for his personal gratification. An appeal to physical appetite. The answer to this solicitation. (b) Appeal to selfish sensationalism and the desire for human praise. How is this met? (c) Appeal to selfish ambition, — the desire of power. His prompt rebuke of the infamous suggestion. (d) The refusal throughout to cherish a willful and wayward spirit in preference to a patient and self-denying one. 7. Do we find other instances, in the Bible, of a forty days' religious seclusion and fasting at important epochs? Ex. xxiv. 18; xxxiv. 28; I. Ki. xix. 8. 8. The ministry of angels. Matt. iv. 11; Marki. 13; Lu. iv. 12. 9. After his return from his great spiritual conflict, Jesus is sought by two of John the Baptist's disciples, who had heard their master's testimony concerning him. Jno. i. 37 — 39. Andrew finds his brother Simon, and in troduces him to Jesus, who bestows upon him the new name of Peter. 10. The calling of Philip. The introduction of Nathanael, and his conversation with Jesus. 43 — 51. What do you infer from Nathanael's re mark about Nazareth as to the reputation of that city? 46. What title does Nathanael give to Jesus, and how does Jesus designate himself? 49 and 51. AVhere was the probable residence of all the disciples who had now joined themselves to Jesus? 44. 11. The marriage at Cana. Jno. ii. 1 — 11. The distance of Cana from Nazareth? AVhat does the attendance of Jesus upon this social festivity in dicate as to his character and disposition? The exhaustion of the supply of wine, and what was done by the direction of Jesus, and the result. 3—10. What evidence is there that this was a genuine and not an apparent transfor mation? 10. 12. Was this transformation natural or supernatural? 11. How does a miracle or supernatural event differ from a natural event? ( See Introduction to No. VI. 13. The visit to Capernaum. 12. In what direction and how far from Nazareth was this place ? VI. Christ's First Public Appearance in Jerusalem, A conspicuous characteristic of Christ's ministry was the miraculous power which he exercised. A miracle may be defined as an event not expli cable on the basis of merely natural laws or causes, but requiring a power above nature, indicating a divine agency and certifying a divine authority in the person performing the act, and never occurring except in attestation of some religious movement. It was the firm belief among intelligent Jews that no genuine miracle could be wrought but by the power of God, and that this power was never granted except to a good man. Hence the miracles wrought THE LIFE OF CHRIST. DI by Christ appeal with demonstrative) force lo all candid men. Thus Nicode mus: "No man can do these miracles that thou docst, except God be with him." Prejudiced partisans and enemies of Christ endeavored to destroy the force of them by impeaching their genuineness. But their reasoning was so palpably superficial and inconsequential, that, it required little effort to refute them. It was to these works as credentials of this divine authority, that Christ so frequently referred; and to the Jews, and in that age, they were so incontestable, that they could not well be rejected without guilt. Attention is asked to some characteristics of these miracles. 1. They were never wrought for the personal gratification cither of Jesus or of his friends. 2. They were never allowed to minister to mere curiosity. 3. They were never performed as mere tests of individual power, nor in response to a sensational demand. 4. They were, almost without exception, in the way of some benevolent ministration to the afflictions of men. John ii. 13—35; iii. 1—30. 1. Jesus, according to his custom, goes to Jerusalem on the occasion of the passover next, after the beginning of his ministry. Jno. ii. 13. Explain the origin and nature of this memorial, and its relation to Christianity. 3. Astonishment and grief of Jesus at the profanation of the Temple to the uses of secular commerce. He drives out the traders and speculators. The dignity and force of character in him which prevented resistance. 14—16. 3. The pious zeal manifested excites the admiration of his few friends, and the jealousy of the multitude. The latter demand of him a sign, — some evidence of his authority for this extraordinary action. 17, 18. His answer; their cavilings; the impression on his disciples. 19 — 22. 4. Having taught, and wrought some miracles, many were convinced of his divine character and mission; but, owing to their vague and carnal conceptions, he did not commit himself to them. 5. Visit of Nicodemus. Jno. iii. 1. Who was he, and what estimate do you form of his character? 6. His recognition of Christ's miracles and consequent divine power. 2. 7. The chief topic of Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, and the ruler's failure to apprehend its real spiritual import. 3 — 8. What designa tion do Christians of this age give to the change here implied? By what power is it effected? 5, 6 and 8. 8. Jesus' assertion of the sacred truth of his teaching, and reference to his authority as evinced by his exercise of supernatural power ; also, his sole ability to reveal these truths, and the reluctance of men to receive them. 9—13. 9. The great doctrine of Redemption by Christ as the Son of man and the Son of God. 14, 15. Greatness of the divine love. 16. Men condemned, not so much because of their natural condition or past sinfulness, as because of the rejection of the Redeemer. 17 — 20. 92 BIBLE STUDY. VII. The Close of John the Baptist's Ministry.— -Jesus among the Samaritans, The Samaritans occupied the portion of Palestine between Galilee and Judea. The inhabitants of the regions both to the north and south of them were orthodox Jews, while they themselves were reckoned as aliens, or at best as unworthy of religious fellowship. They were, in reality, the descend ants of the inhabitants which had been colonized in the depopulated country of the kingdom of Israel, after the conquest of that nation by Shalmaneser, king of Assyria. The former inhabitants had been carried away captive, and others from various Assyrian cities, had been sent to occupy the land. It is not unlikely that a remnant of the Israelities still remained. A mongrel race was formed, and it was thought best to conform to the religion of the land, though they still worshiped their own idols. On the return of Judah from the Babylonian captivity, the Samaritans claimed national and religious affin ity with them, and asked to be allowed to participate in their religious enter prises. This was peremptorily refused, and henceforth there was an irre pressible enmity between the two sections of country and kinds of people. Gradually the idolatry of the Samaritans gave way to more exclusive mono theism, and a temple was built on Mt. Gerizim as a rival to that at Jerusa lem. The people came to claim that theirs was the purer Hebrew faith. The animosity was great between the Jews and Samaritans, and even the common courtesies of life were often denied. Christ himself, though rebuk ing the bitterness and hatred of the two peoples, yet regarded the Samari tans as aliens, or as not comprised among the covenant people. Still they appear to have cherished similar hopes and expectations concerning the Mes siah to those of the Jews. Jno. iii. 33—36 ; i v. i— 44. Matt. xiv. 3—5 ; iv. 13—17. Mark vi. 17—30 ; i. 14, 15. Lu. iv. 14, 15. 1. Jesus leaves Jerusalem, and goes into the rural sections of Judea, near the Jordan, not far from the place where John the Baptist was holding his assemblies. Jno. iii. 22, 23. 2. A little spirit of rivalry and jealousy apparent among the disciples of John, when they hear of the people coming to Jesus. They appeal to their master, who readily reiterates his declaration of his own subordinate character, and the divine mission and character of Jesus. 25 — 36. Give some of the more striking utterances. 30, 35 and 36. 3. Herod's interest in John and his regard for him, and John's influence over him. Mark vi. 20. What changed all this? Matt. xiv. 3, 4; Mark vi. 17—19; Luke iii. 19, 20. What indication does this give of John's character as a preacher? THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 93 4. What was the result? At whose instigation? Why did not Herod put John to death? See above; also, Matt. xiv. 5. What relation was this Herod to the one who was king at the time of Christ's birth? 5. Jesus departs to go to Galilee. What two reasons are given for his leaving Judea? Jno. iv. 1, 3; Matt. iv. 12; Mark i. 14. In what condition does he return? Lu. iv. 14. 6. The halt for rest and refreshment near Sychar, in Samaria. Jno. iv. 4 — 6. What was there noted about this spot? What allusions to it in the Old Testament? Gen. xxxiii. 19, and xlviii. 33; Josh. xxiv. 1. 7. Who were the Samaritans, and what was their relation to the Jewish religion and to the Jews? (Introduction.) 8. Conversation with the woman at the well. Jno. iv. 7 — 26. Why was the woman astonished at his request? 9. To what did this request for water lead? 10 — 15. What proof of supernatural power did Jesus give in this conversation? 16 — 18. AArhat great spiritual doctrine did he announce? 20 — 24. His first announcement of his Messiahship. 25, 26. Is it any way singular that it should have been made at this time and place? 9. Return and surprise of the disciples. 27. They are mystified at his refusal to eat. His reference to spiritual things in reply. 31 — 38. 10. The effect of his teaching on the Samaritans. 39 — 42. 11. Arrival in Galilee. Was Jesus likely to be more popular there than elsewhere? Jno. iv. 44. The beginning of his more special ministry. The burden of his preaching. The effect. Jno. iv. 43, 44; Mark i. 14, 15; Matt. iv. 17; Lu. iv. 14, 15. VIII. Jesus at Cana Again, and at Nazareth. Galilee was the name of the northernmost of the three sections into which Palestine was divided, in the time of Christ. It had originally desig nated, as the name implies, a little circle or circuit round about Kedesh in the tribe of Naphtali at some distance north of the Lake of Tiberias. It embraced the twenty cities which Solomon had given to Hiram, king of Tyre, in payment for service in the building of the Temple, but which Hiram had rejected, applying to them the term "cabul," disagreeable or dirty. I. Kings ix. 11 — 13. The region had been largely inhabited by other than Jews; hence the term "Galilee of the Gentiles." Later, the territory so designated gradually increased in extent, till it embraced the whole Plain of Esdraelon down to a line some distance below the Sea of Tiberias. During the Babylonian captivity, it was no doubt wholly occupied by Gentiles. But, by the time of Christ, these had in great measure given place to Jewish or Israelitish families returning from the dispersion, though doubtless there were still some communities of aliens among them. 94 BIBLE STUDY. It appears that the Jewish inhabitants of this region were less cultivated than their brethren in Judea; that their dialect was ruder, and that they were affected, to some extent, with the character of their heathen neighbors, though their religious faith was uncorrupted, and the simple forms of the synagogue worship were preserved in their purity. It was in the cities, villages and hamlets of this extensive territory that a very large proportion of Christ's ministry was exercised; and he appears to have traveled over, not only the densely populated Plain of Esdraelon and the shores of the inland sea, but sixty or seventy miles farther north to the border of Phoenicia and the neighborhood of Ceesarea-Philippi, near the foot of Mount Hermon. John iv. 46—54. Luke iv. 16—31. Matt. iv. 14—16. 1. The second visit to Cana. Jno. iv. 46. What had taken place at a former visit? 2. Relate the remarkable event which occurred at this time. 47 — 52. (a) The distance of Cana from Capernaum? (b) The rank of the man who came to Jesus asking help for his child? (c) The rebuke of Jesus to the eager curiosity of the people. 48. (d) What appears to have been the state of the father's mind? (e) Did Jesus do just what the man asked him to do, or did he take some other method of meeting his want? 50. (f) Do you see in this any special relation of his action to the morbid curiosity of the multitude? (g) What time in the day did the disease abate? How long before the father's return? What does this length of time indicate on the part of the father? (h) The consequence in the relations of the family to Christ? 3. Jesus' return to the city where his home had been. Lu. iv. 16. What took place on the Sabbath? 17. What was the synagogue? Can you think of any reason why Jesus, more than any other man, should have been expected to address the people ? 4. What passage did he read from the Hebrew scriptures, and where is it found? 18, 19. To whom had the Jews uniformly applied this descrip tion? To whom did Jesus apply it? 20, 21. 5. How did his actions affect the people? 22. His discernment of their expectations and desires. 23. 6. Did he meet that expectation? What did he say in reference to it? 24 — 27. What do these words imply? Would miracles among this people have been productive of any profitable result, and why? 7. The effect upon the people. 28, 29. What was the reputation of Nazareth? Jno. i. 46. Did their action, on this occasion, agree with their reputation? 8. The frustration of their evil purpose. 30. 9. Jesus' change of residence. Matt. iv. 13; Lu. iv. 31. What was their part of the country called? Matt. iv. 15. What prophecy was fulfilled? 14—16; Isa. ix. 1, 2. 10. Give some account of Galilee. (See Introduction to this number.) THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 95 IX. Christ's Ministry in the Neighborhood of the Western Coast of the Galilean Lake. There has been much discussion, especially in modern times, on the sub ject of demoniacal possessions, — of which there are many instances in the narrative of Christ's life and work. There are three leading theories. The first makes the accounts of these merely symbolical, and having no basis of fact. The possession of the devils is, according to this theory, only repre sentative of the prevalence of evil in this world; and their cas'ting out, the overthrow of this evil b}' the power of truth. But evidently this is a part of the mythical theory of the Bible held by Strauss and others, and must fall with that theory. The second view is, that the condition of the afflicted was caused by some species of epilepsy, or some cognate disease, generally accompanied by insanity. Those that hold to this theory, of course, reject all notions of any spiritual personality controlling the "possessed," and claim that Christ and his apostles in treating these cases only adapted themselves to the notions prevailing at the time among the Jews. Bui certainly this was not at all in accordance with Christ's method in dealing with Jewish superstitions, tradi tions and errors. He was accustomed to repudiate and openly rebuke them. His method, too, of direct and personal address to these agencies, indicated that he regarded them as actual, conscious intelligences, independent of their victim. That, as such, they were regarded by him as malevolent and vicious, there is no doubt. The simplest and most natural interpretation, then, is here, as elsewhere in the Bible, the best; and following this, we must conclude that, at the time of Christ's appearing in our world as the Redeemer of men, with credentials of divine power, the kingdom of darkness was also permitted to put forth its malign but extraordinary energy in the opposite direction, and that Jesus here, in a concrete and typical manner, showed not only his antagonism to wicked spirits but his complete and ready mastery of them. Matt. iv. 18—30 ; vii. 38, 39 ; viii. 14—17. Mark i. 16—34. Luke iv. 32—41; v. 1—11. 1. Jesus being on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and a crowd of peo ple gathering about him, he enters a boat belonging to one of his friends and addresses them. Lu. v. 1—3; Matt. iv. 18; Mark i. 16. 2. Miraculous draught of fishes. Lu. v. 4—7. (a) Improbability of suc cess, but obedient disposition, (b) Have we previously met those to whom this direction was given? (c) Result of the venture, (d) What practical lesson do we learn? 3. The effect on Peter. 8, 9. What conviction was wrought in his mind concerning Jesus? 96 BIBLE STUDY. 4. How many disciples were together at this time, and what appears to have been their vocation? Had any others been called by Jesus, up to this time? 5. Jesus' answer to Peter, and his promise to them all. Lu. v. 10; Matt. iv. 19. AVhat did they do? Matt. iv. 20; Lu. v. 11; Mark i. 20. 6. His visit to Capernaum, and his preaching there. Mark i. 31. The effect of his preaching on the people. 33; Matt. vii. 38, 29; Lu. iv. 33. Can you give any characteristics of Christ's teaching? Did he reason much, or quote authorities? 7. Cure of the demoniac. Mark i. 33—28; Lu. iv. 33—37. (a) The nature of the malady, (b) Source of the utterance, "Let us alone," and the cause of the antagonism to Jesus? (c) The word and power of Jesus, — to what addressed? (d) Effect upon the afflicted man? Effect upon the peo ple? (e) What did this power indicate upon the part of Jesus? (f) Effect on the inhabitants of the neighboring regions? 8. Miraculous healing of Peter's mother-in-law. Mark i. 29 — 31. Matt. viii. 14, 15; Lu. iv. 38, 39. What visible means were used for the restora tion? Was there any natural efficacy in these ? 9. Effect of these events upon the inhabitants of Capernaum? Mark i. 32—34. Matt. viii. 16; Lu. iv. 40, 41. AVhat did Jesus do to the gathering multitudes? What injunction did he lay upon the evil spirits? AVhat testi mony did these attempt to give? Why should he rebuke them? 10. What messianic prophecy was here fulfilled? Matt. viii. 17. Where is it found in its original form? X. Continued Travels and Ministering throughout Calilee. Matt. iv. 23—35; viii. 3-4; ix. 3-9. Mark i. 35-45; ii. 1—14. Lu. iv.43T44; v. 13-38. 1. The early rising and retirement for devotion. Mark i. 35 ; Lu. iv. 42. Was this an exceptional act? Can you mention other instances? 2. The disciples, seeking him, urge the desire of the people to see and hear him. Mark i. 36, 37. What does he propose, and what does he do? 38, 39; Lu. iv. 43, 44. 3. Extensive journeys and labors. His work and its consequences. Matt. iv. 23 — 25. How far did his fame extend and what was the result? 4. Healing of the leper. Mark i. 40—45; Matt. viii. 2—4; Lu. v. 12—15. (a) Nature of this disease? How was it regarded under the Levitical law? Lev. xiii. and xiv. (b) What does the leper ask of Jesus, and what does the expression show as to the way in which the disease was regarded among the Jews? Mark i. 40. (c) How was the cure effected? 41, 42. (d) What charge did Jesus give and wny? (e) What ceremony and offering of cleans ing was required in such a case? Lev. xiv. 2 — 20. In case of poverty, what modification? 21 — 32. (f) What did the man do who had been healed? The effect on the work of Jesus? Mark i. 45. THE LIFH OF CHRIST. 97 5. Where do we next find Jesus and under what conditions? Mark ii. 1. Distinguished visitors present, and their purpose? Lu. v. 17. 6. Cure of the paralytic. Lu. v. 18—26; Matt. ix. 2— 7; Markii. 3—12. (a) Action of the sick man's friends. AVhat did it indicate? (b) Startling announcement. Effect on the religious teachers present? What was their reasoning? Was it sound reasoning? (c) Reply of Jesus, and the sequence. What powerful and conclusive argument was implied in this? Was it sup posed that any being could give the power to work miracles, who could not also forgive sins? (d) Effect on the convictions and views of the people. 7. The call of Levi. Mark ii. 13, 14; Matt. ix. 9; Lu. v. 27, 28. (a) By what other name was this disciple known? What important position did he fill in relation to Christianity? (b) What had been the office and occupation of this new disciple? What was its reputation among the Jews? Did Jesus know of the character of the employment ? (c) What did the man thus called do? The practical lesson? (d) Did Jesus choose his special disciples, or did they choose him? XI. Beginning of the Second Year of Christ's More Public Ministry. His Second Public Visit to Jerusalem. — The Ordaining of the Apostles. We find occasional allusions in the Evangelists to a party designated as Herodians. There is also very frequent mention of the Scribes. The for mer comprised those among the Jews who were in favor of securing the title of king to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee. This prince was the son of Herod the Great, and is the same one who imprisoned John the Bap tist at the instigation of his unlawful wife, and afterward put him to death under the same influence. He himself and his adherents doubtless had some hope that in some way the extensive dominions and power of his father, of which only a small fraction had fallen to him, might be restored. But of this there was never any even moderate prospect, as the Roman government had already reduced the whole region to the condition of a province, and the efforts made by Herod Antipas to enlarge his power ignominiously failed. But this party during the life of Christ were very active, and owing to the intimations and mysterious outgivings which were prevalent concerning the new teacher, they manifested an intense antipathy to Christ. The grow ing interest in the character and teaching of Jesus, the extraordinary deeds which he did, the messianic hopes excited every -where, the fear that he might become the leader of a great popular party the influence of which must be adverse to the claims of Herod, made it for their interest to create a hostile public sentiment by whatever means lay in their power. As the same kind of feeling prevailed in the Pharisaic party, which also was bitterly jealous of the increasing influence of Jesus, a coalition for the common purpose of 98 BIBLE STUDY. bringing Christ into disrepute was readily effected, — though the two parties were, for other reasons, antagonistic to each other. The Scribes, as the name implies, were originally mere writers or copy ists of the law. Gradually, and not unnaturally, they came to have such familiarity with it that they were often called upon for information or inter pretation, and so in time to be teachers and to have authority. In the time of Christ, they constituted a kind of professional order similar to that of law yers. They had, so far as popular respect and reverence were concerned, come to take the place of the priests, though the chief of the latter still main tained an official dignity. The scribes were principally of the Pharisaic party, and, as such, were hostile to Jesus, whose natural yet spiritual inter pretation of the Scriptures was utterly opposed to their technical, formal and baldly literal notions. We find them frequently approaching him with puzzling questions, and misleading and entangling forms of statement, hoping to expose him in some way to contempt. AVe all know how, at almost every point, he met them with so much ease, and disposed of their objections with so much wisdom, that we almost overlook the fact that there had been any difficulty at all. It became necessary for them, and for the whole party to which most of them belonged, if they would make any headway against Jesus, to resort to other methods. John v. 1—47. Matt. xii. 1—31. Mark ii. 23— 38 ; iii. 1—19. Luke vi. 1—16. 1. Jesus goes to Jerusalem to attend a feast. Jno. v. 1. 2. The impotent man healed. 2 — 9. (a) The pool of Bethesda, and the popular belief concerning it. (b) The infirm man, the length of his sickness and the reason why he had not been cured, (c) Jesus' inquiry, and the an swer, (d) The word of Jesus and the effect. 3. Rebuke of the man by the Jews, and the ground of it? 10. His reply. What was the force of the argument? 4. Did the restored man recognize Jesus, when lie healed him? 13. How did he find him out? The advice given. 14. What does this seem to imply? 5. How did the knowledge that it was Jesus who had cured him affect the Jews? What fault did they find? 16. 6. Reply of Jesus. AArhat additional offense did they see in this? 17, 18. 7. He discourses of his relation to the Father, and the assurance of more marvelous things to come. 19, 20. Assertion of his participation, as the Son of God, in the power and honor of the Father. 21 — 23. 8. Solemn assertion that faith in him is essential to salvation from eternal condemnation. 24. 9. Explicit announcement of the Resurrection and the Judgment, — their relation to Christ, and the alternative result. 25 — 29. 10. The judgment and witness of Christ not in his human personality, but in his divine. 30 — 32. Testimony of John the Baptist, and his character. A higher testimony found in Jesus' works. 33 — 36. 11. What does he say to the Jews respecting their rejection of evidence?. THE LIFE OF CHRIST. ' 99 The character of the Scriptures? The selfish greed of their worldly life? 37—44. 13. Reference to Moses and his testimony. 45 — 47. What did Moses say? Gen. xxii. 18; Deut. xviii. 15 and 18. 13. The disciples pluck and eat the corn by the wayside on the Sab bath. The Pharisees criticise. Matt. xii. 1,2; Mark ii. 23, 24; Lu. vi. 1,2. Did they object to the taking of the grain, or to the violation of the Sab bath? AVas it lawful for them to take the corn of another in this way? Deut. xxiii. 25. AVhat indication do we have as to the worldly condition of the disciples? 14. Examples cited in justification of the disciples. Matt. xii. 3 — 5. (Also Luke and Mark.) What was the case of David referred to? I. Sam. xxi. 6. 15. Further fundamental and spiritual principles adduced. 6 — 8. Mark ii. 27. 28. 16. Cure of the man with a withered hand. Mark iii. 1 — 5. Matt. xii. 9 — 13; Lu. vi. 6 — 10. (a) Who were the scribes? (b) Their cavilings about the Sabbath, (c) The Lord's answer. (See Matthew.) Had they any reply to this, or was any possible? How did their conduct affect Jesus? Mark iii. 5. AVhat did he do? (d) What effect did this have upon the caviling scribes? AA'hat did thej* do? AA'hy were they angry? (e) Who were the Herodians? (See Introduction.) 17. Jesus' withdrawal to the sea-coast, and the occasion of it. Resort of multitudes to him, from great distances. Mark iii. 7, 8; Matt. xii. 15. 18. Inconvenient experience, and how remedied. Mark iii. 9, 10. The effect of his presence upon the evil spirits. Why did he forbid their testi mony? 11, 12. Where, in the Old Testament, do you find the prophecy quoted in Matt. xii. 18 — 21? AVhat remarkable intimation in the last clause? What is meant by the statements in 19 and 20? 19. The night of prayer and solemn preparation. Lu. vi. 12. What special importance was involved in the action about to take place? 20. The twelve apostles selected. 13—16. Mark iii. 13—19; Matt x. 2 — 4. Give the names. Meaning of the word? Can you think of any rea son why twelve were chosen? 21. Continuation of his ministry. Extraordinary power and efficacy. Lu. vi. 17—19. XII. The Sermon on the Mount. Matt, v., vi. and vii. Lu. vi. 20—38. 1. The Beatitudes. Matt. v. 1—10. (Commit.) Special blessings to persecuted believers. 11,12. Woes upon the self-complacent and greedy of worldly flattery. Lu. vi. 24—26. 2. Believers described as salt of the earth and light of the world. Matt. v. 13—16. Meaning of these metaphors. 100 BIBLE STUDY. 3. He rebukes the low, mechanical morality of the Jews of that age. 17 — 48. (a) Divine character and perpetuity of the moral law of the Old Testament. 17 — 19. (b) Insufficiency of the formal righteousness of the Pharisees. Murder, adultery and such sins not merely in the outward act, but in the hatred and lust of the heart. The crime of easy divorce. 20 — 32. (c) Profanity more extensive than verbal utterance of oaths. Simplicity of speech enjoined. 33 — 37. (d) Retaliation forbidden; concession to foes rec ommended. 38 — 42. (e) Enemies, as well as friends, to be loved. 43 — 47. (f) A purpose of perfect assimilation to the divine character, required. 48. 4. Unostentatious performance of religious duties, (a) Benevolent deeds should be quiet and private, vi. 1 — 4. Individual prayer to be offered secretly, and with simple sincerity and directness. The Model Prayer. The spirit in which we are to pray. 5 — 15. (c) Fasting private, and between the individual and God. 16 — 18. 5. Treasure in heaven and not on earth. Singleness of purpose indis pensable. 19 — 24. 6. Reliance on God to supply all our wants. All real needs providen tially met. Illustrated by the feeding of the birds, and the array of the grass and the flowers. Man far dearer to God than any of these. 25 — 32. The true method of life. 33, 34. 7. Charity and carefulness in condemning others. We are to scru tinize our own character first, vii. 1 — 5. Circumspection in counseling others. 6. 8. The assured effectiveness of prayer. God's affection prompts him to give what is needed. 7 — 11. 9. The Golden Rule. Necessity of intense diligence in seeking the way of truth. Definiteness and exclusiveness of this way. False teachers to be avoided. 12 — 15. 10. A good character to be known by its effects. A good heart incompatible with bad actions. Profession versus practice, and the result, 21—23. 11. Christ's words the only foundation. They must, however, enter into the life, and not merely the intelligence. 24 — 27. 12. Effect of this teaching upon the populace. 28, 29. XIII. Continuance of Christ's Galilean Ministry.— Miracles and Teaching, Matt. viii. 5-13; xi.2— 19; xii. 22— 50. Mark iii. 19— 25 ; 38—30. Luke vii. 1—50 ; viii. 1—3, 30, 31 ; xi. 15, 24—28 ; 37-54. 1. Cure of the centurion's servant. Lu. vii. 1 — 10; Matt. viii. 5 — 13. (a) Meaning of the word, "centurion ? " (b) Character of the officer ? Was he a Jew ? (c) Why did he not himself come to Jesus ? (d) Why did not THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 101 Jesus go to the man's house ? What was implied in the message ? (e) How did Jesus regard the message and the state of the centurion's mind ? (f ) What did he say concerning the extension of his kingdom beyond the limits of the Jewish nation ? (g) Remarkable feature of this cure ? 2. Raising of the widow's son at Nain. Lu. vii. 11 — 17. (a) How far, and in what direction, was this from Capernaum ? (b) Give the particulars. (c) Effect on the people ? 3. John the Baptist sends to Jesus to inquire more particularly con cerning his messiahship. Lu. vii. 18 — 20. Where was John, at this time? Matt. xi. 2. 4. The evidence furnished. Lu. vii. 21 — 23. Is it probable that John was familiar with any prophecy which applied these marks to the Messiah ? Isa. xxxv. 5, 6; Ixi. 1. 5. Jesus' testimony concerning John. Lu. vii. 24—28; Matt. xi. 7 — 12. (a) How did John's character differ from that implied in the question of Jesus ? Matt. iii. 4. (b) Identification of John with the Elias prophesied of as the forerunner, (e) John's greatness as a prophet and preacher, and his influence. Lu. xvi. 16; Matt. xi. 12. (d) Inconsistency of the people, in their judgment of John and of Christ. Matt. xi. 16 — 19. (e) The class of people that accepted John, and the class that rejected him. Lu. vii. 29, 30. 6. Jesus dines at a Pharisee's house. Remarkable occurrence there. Lu. vii. 36 — 38. (a) The character of this woman. Did she give evidence of penitence? 38. (b) The evil thought of the Pharisee. How did Jesus know it, and what did he reply ? 40 — 42. The host's answer, (c) Jesus contrasts the Pharisee's want of courtesy, and scant hospitality, with the conduct of the woman. 44 — 46. (d) His bold declaration concerning her. 47, 48. (e) Further cavil, and renewed assurance to the woman. 49, 50. 7. Who accompanied Jesus, from this time, in his further travels ? What remarkable woman do we first meet here ? Did these women, in any way, aid in his work ? Lu. viii. 1 — 3. 8. Apprehensions of Jesus' friends, because of the vast multitudes thronging about the house where he lodged. Mark iii. 19 — 21. 9. Exorcism of a demon which had made the victim blind and dumb. Conviction of the people concerning Christ. Matt. xii. 22, 23. 10. The Pharisaic party, troubled at the growth of this conviction, re sort to a singular expedient to diminish it. 24; Mark iii. 22; Lu. xi. 15. 11. How does he confute this reasoning ? Matt. xii. 25 — 28. What is the inference concerning himself ? 12. The strong man's house and the robber. Jesus and Satan, — the an tagonism. 29, 30. The unpardonable sin. 31, 32. Mark iii. 28 — 30. 13. The tree and its fruit, — men's moral condition and their acts. Char acter of the Pharisees. Human accountability. Matt. xii. 34 — 37. 14. Desire of the Pharisees for a sign. 38. Was it sincere ? Reply of Jesus? 39—42. 15. Case of the man from whom the spirit of evil has been expelled, but who has not received the Spirit of God. 43—45; Lu. xi. 24 — 26. 16. Admiration of a woman in the audience, and the reply of Jesus. Lu. xi. 27, 28. 4 102 BIBLE STUDY. 17. Visit of his mother and brothers. Spiritual relationship placed above temporal. Matt. xii. 46—50; Lu. viii. 20, 21; Mark iii. 21—25. 18. Another invitation to dine with a Pharisee. Marvel of the host at the neglect of a ceremonial custom. Lu. xi. 37, 38. Jesus discourses on in ward and outward purity, and rebukes the practice of the Pharisees. 39 — 44. (Also, Matt, xxiii. 25—28.) 19. The lawyer reproved. Plots of the Pharisees. Lu. xi. 45 — 54. XIV. Continued Teaching and Working in Galilee.— He Begins to Make More Constant Use of Parables. We note about this time, a change in our Lord's method of teaching. Heretofore, it is true, his discourses and conversations have abounded in fig urative expressions, similes, metaphors, and various apt comparisons. The terms, parable and parabolic, have often been applied to these; but the parable proper seldom appears in the. portion of the narrative over which we have now gone. The full meaning of the parable implies that it is a story, in which imaginary or fictitious incidents are made to illustrate moral and re ligious truth. It differs from simile and metaphor, in that these merely suggest the comparison or analogy, without embodying it in a narrative. It differs from a fable, in that the latter teaches some homely prudential maxim by attributing to lower animals and inanimate objects the qualities and properties of rational beings, and so far forth, though attractive and enter taining, they are not and do not pretend to be true to nature; while the par able is used to convey moral and spiritual truth by a higher order of figures, in stories which, though fictitious, are always true to nature, it differs from the allegory in the narrower sense of the latter, in the fact that the allegory is the offspring of a poetical imagination, while the parable is conversant with the actual relations of life.* "The parables uttered by our Saviour claim preeminence over all others, on account of their number, variety, appositeness and beauty. Indeed, it is impossible to conceive of a mode of instruction better fitted to engage the attention, interest the feelings, and impress the conscience, than that which our Lord adopted." f Of these parables of Christ, there are some fifty in all, and most of them were uttered by him after the middle of the second year of his public ministry. In the interpretation of a parable, it is not necessary to find a figurative meaning for every expression or every phase in the story. Something doubt less, in most cases, belongs to the filling up of the narrative, or to the dress and decoration which is designed to make it presentable and attractive. There is always one main thought or principle to be conveyed, and this should * See McClintock & Strong's Cyclopaadia,— article, " Parable." + Ibid. THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 103 be first sought. Not unf requently there are subordinate and incidental les sons which may be deduced; but, in looking for these, care should be taken not to produce confusion in respect to the main object. The chief motive of Jesus, in speaking in parables, is obvious from what has been already said. To the people to whom he primarily addressed him self, it was both a most attractive and effective method of conveying truth, and, in some instances, no doubt, truth was presented in this way which could not be in any other. But there was another reason which he himself avers, and which has been widely misunderstood. He says, Matt. xiii. 13, 14, that he speaks to the Jews in parables, "because they, seeing, see not, and hearing, they hear not, neither do they understand," thus fulfilling the pre diction of Isaiah. It was not that the truth was ever hidden from those sin cerely desirous of knowing it; but doubtless it was not intended to be revealed to those who, through obstinacy and perverseness, were indisposed to receive it. There was light enough in these parables, so that all candid and sincere souls would follow it up and seek the full meaning, as did the disciples of Jesus, while "those who had pleasure in unrighteousness" would not "come to the light, lest their deeds should be reproved." To such, the clear revela tion of truth would be "the casting of pearls before swine." Luke xii. 1—21; xiii. 1—9, 18, 19 ; viii. 4-13, 33— 56 ; ix.57— 63; v. 33-38. Matt. x. 36—31 ; xiii. 1—33,31—52 ; viii. 31—34. Mark iv. 1—41 ;. v. 1—43 ; ii. 18—30. 1. Jesus rebukes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. Concealment and de ception only temporary. Lu. xii. 1 — 3; Matt. x. 26, 27; Mark iv. 22. 2. The only proper object of fear. God's careful and particular provi dence. He takes care of sparrows, — how much more of men ! Lu. xii. 4 — 6; Matt. x. 28—31. 3. Consequences of confessing and denying Christ. The Holy Spirit will give aid in all trying exigencies of Christ's disciples. Lu. xii. 7 — 12. 4. Requested to arbitrate between two brothers. Parable of the rich man and his meditation, illustrating the folly of covetousness. 13 — 21. 5. Calamities not proportioned to the particular sins of the victims. Illustrations, xiii. 1 — 5. 6. Parable of the barren fig-tree. 6—9. Danger of unbelief and im penitence. 7. Preaching to the assembled multitudes, from a boat near the shore. Parable of the sower. Matt. xiii. 1—9; Mark iv. 1—9; Lu. viii. 4—8. 8. Objection to the parables, and the answer of Jesus. Matt. xiii. 10—15; Lu. viii. 9—12; Mark iv. 10—12. Was there any thing arbitrary or unjust in this ? ( See Introduction, — last part.) How do men become keen to perceive and quick to learn truth, and how do they grow dull and obtuse and undiscerning ? 9. Interpretation of the parable. Matt. xiii. 18—23. (Also, Mark and Luke.) 10. Parable of the tares and the wheat. Matt. xii. 24—30. Of the hus bandman's seed sown. The power of truth to produce effect. Mark iv. 26—29. 11. Of the mustard seed. The extensive development of God's king 104 BIBLE STUDY. dom from small beginnings. Of the leaven in tlie dough. Intensive devel opment. Matt. xiii. 31—33; Lu. xiii. 18, 19; Mark iv. 30—32. 12. Characteristics of Christ's teaching, from this time. Matt. xiii. 34, 35. What is a parable ? How does it differ from a fable ? What note worthy features in Christ's parables ? (See Introduction.) 13. Interpretation of the parable of the tares and the wheat. 36 — 43. What is the lesson taught ? 14. Treasure hid in the field, and pearl of great price. Supreme value of religion. 44 — 46. The well furnished householder. Varied methods of teaching truth. 51, 52. 15. Parable of the net and the fishes. Mixed character of the church on earth. 47 — 50. 16. Going to the other side of the lake, a scribe comes to Jesus, volun teering to be his disciple. He is taught that, to do this, he must be prepared to sacrifice all worldly considerations. Matt. viii. 18 — 20; Lu. ix. 57, 58. Another, also, instructed that there must be no conditions in his discipleship. Matt. viii. 21, 22; Lu. ix. 59—62. 17. Jesus on the sea asleep in the storm. The terrified disciples awake him. He rebukes the storm and makes a calm. Their astonishment. Matt. viii. 23—27; Mark iv. 38—41; Lu. viii. 22—25. 18. Cure of the demoniacs. Matt. viii. 28—34; Mark v. 1 — 20; Lu. viii. 26 — 39. (a) How do the Evangelists differ in their statements ? (b) How- did the evil spirit affect the victim ? (c) Effect of the sight of Jesus ? (d) Conversation with the man. (e) Request of the evil spirits, (f) The per mission and the consequences, (g) Effect on the people ? On the man healed ? 19. Feast at Levi's house. Who was Levi? The kind of people pres ent. Cavils of the Pharisees, and Jesus' reply. Matt, ix 10—13; Mark ii. 15—17; Lu. v. 29—32. 20. The Pharisees find fault with the disciples for not fasting. Reply of Jesus. Matt. ix. 14, 15; Mark ii. 18—20; Lu. v. 33—35. 21. Parables of patched garments, and new wine in old bottles. Actions must be adapted to circumstances. Matt. ix. 16, 17; Mark ii. 21, 22; Lu. v. 36—38. 22. Jesus summoned to the daughter of Jairus. Faith of a woman on the way, and her marvelous cure. Death of the ruler's daughter, and her miraculous restoration. Mark v. 22 — 43; Matt. ix. 18—26; Lu. viii. 41—56. XV. Jesus Continues to Teach in Galilee and to Manifest his Divine Power, Matt. ix. 37— 38 ; xiii.54— 58; x. 1—14, 40— 43 ; xiv. 6— 36; Markvi.7— 56; Lu. ix. 1— 17; John vi. 1—71. 1. Cure of the two blind men. Matt. ix. 27—31. What is implied here and elsewhere by the title, " Son of David," as applied to Jesus ? THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 105 2. A dumb man under the dominion of an evil spirit dispossessed, and his speech restored. Effect on the people; on the Pharisees. 32 — 34. 3. Jesus revisits Nazareth, and teaches in the synagogue. Astonish ment and questionings of the inhabitants. What is implied in their utter ances ? The effect of the state of their minds on the work of Jesus. Mark vi. 1, 6; Matt. xiii. 54—58. 4. Jesus, in his travels, is greatly affected at the condition and wants of the masses of the people. Laments the fewness of workers. Matt. ix. 35 — 38; Lu. x. 2. 5. The apostles sent on their first mission, and their directions. Matt. x. 1—14; Mark vi. 7—11; Lu. ix. 1—5. (a) To whom sent. Matt. x. 5, 6. (b) Their message. 7. (c) Their work, land 8. (d) Provision for their journey. 9, 10. (e) Support among the people, and what they have a right to expect. (f) Rule in case of rejection. 6. What is implied in the acceptance or rejection of Christ's ambassa dors? Matt. x. 40; Lu. ix. 16. A reward for any service, however simple, if rendered in the name of Jesus. Matt. x. 41, 42. 7. The apostles depart to do the work assigned them. Jesus, also, goes on with his own work. Mark vi. 12; Matt. xi. 1. 8. John the Baptist put to death by Herod Antipas, at the instigation of Herodias. The festival; the dance; Herod's rash oath ; the atrocious and unexpected demand; the judicial murder; the action of John's disciples. Mark vi. 21—28; Matt. xiv. 6—12. 9. Herod alarmed at the fame of Jesus. His fear and perplexity as he remembers his flagrant guilt concerning John. Mark vi. 14 — 16. (Also, Matt, and Luke.) 10. Return and report of the apostles. They retire to i ecuperate at a distance from the throngs coming and going. But the multitude still eagerly following, Jesus, in his compassion for them, continues his instruction. Mark vi. 30 — 34; Lu. ix. 10, 11; Jno. vi. 1 — 9. Another reason why Jesus deemed it advisable to leave the more central parts of Galilee. Matt. xiv. 13, 14. 11. Miraculous feeding of the five thousand. Give the particulars. How did the fragments remaining at the close of the meal compare with the original amount ? Mark vi. 35—44; Matt. xiv. 15—21; Lu. ix. 12—17; Jno. vi. 5—13. 12. Effect of this miracle on the people, and their disposition towards Jesus. How did he act ? Jno. vi. 15. 13. The disciples, leaving Jesus to dismiss the multitudes, embark to cross the sea, and are troubled with a rough wind. Jesus, after spending a part of the night in prayer, comes to them, walking on the water. Their fright. He allays it. Peter's impulsive request granted. His failure and rescue. Jesus enters the ship, and the storm ceases. Amazement of the disciples. Matt. xiv. 22—31; Mark vi. 45—56; Jno. vi. 15—21. 14. Arrival in Gennesaret, and miraculous work there. Matt. xiv. 34 — 36; Markvi. 53—56. Return to Capernaum, and the people follow and seek him. Jno. vi. 22—24. 15. His discourse. 25—65. Give some of the principal points of this conversation. 106 BIBLE STUDY. 16. Some of the disciples withdrawing on account of the smallness of their faith, he asks the Twelve whether they will also leave him. The reply of Peter. Christ's prediction of the treachery of one of them. 66 — 71. XVI. Beginning of the Third Year of Christ's Public Ministry,— Continues his Labors in Galilee. — The Pharisaic Party still Watch, Cavil and Plot to Entangle Him, — Begins gradually to Unfold to his Immediate Disciples what the Tragical Outcome of his Mission will be. John vii. 1. Mark vii. and viii. Matt. xv. and xvi. Lu. xii. 54— 57 ; ix. 18— 37. 1 . On account of the animosity of the Jews, Jesus does not go up as usual to the Passover at Jerusalem. Jno. vii. 1. Pharisees and scribes come from Jerusalem to watch him. They find fault with the disciples for not observing the traditional washings. What were some of these ? Mark vii. 1—5; Matt. xv. 1, 2. 2. Jesus rebukes this undue stress on mere outward forms, and so little on inward purity; and this scrupulousness towards human traditions, while neglecting divine injunctions. Instances. Mark vii. 6 — 13; Matt. xv. 3 — 6. The real source of defilement. Mark vii. 14, 15; Matt. xv. 10, 11. 3. The Pharisees offended. Jesus' remarks thereat. 12—14. The matter further explained to the disciples. 15 — 20; Mark vii. 17 — 23. 4. Jesus going to the border of Phoenicia to seek retirement, is eagerly sought by a Gentile woman, who beseeches him to relieve her afflicted daugh ter. Jesus intimates that his work is among the Israelites. But this only emphasises her faith and humble devotion. This faith honored, and her child healed. Matt. xv. 21—28; Mark vii. 24—30. 5. Returning near the Sea of Galilee, Jesus cures a deaf man with an impediment in his speech. The charge not to publish it. The charge dis regarded. Mark vii. 31 — 37. 6. Great numbers resort to Jesus to be healed. Four thousand mirac ulously fed. He recrosses the sea. Matt. xv. 30 — 38; Mark viii. 1 — 10. 7. The caviling Pharisees demand a sign in the heavens. He refuses the sign, and shows them their insincerity and inconsistency. Matt. xvi. 1—4; Mark viii. 11, 12; Lu. xii. 54—57. 8. The disciples, in returning, forget to take bread. They are cautioned concerning the leaven of the Pharisees, etc. They misunderstand, and are rebuked for the spiritual dullness. The explanation. Matt. xvi. 5 — 12; Mark viii. 13— 21. 9. Cure of the blind man at Bethsaida. Method of the restoration Gradual restoration. Mark viii. 22 — 26. THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 107 10. In the neighborhood of Csesarea-Philippi. Where was this ? Inquiry as to the popular opinion concerning Christ. Reply of the disciples. In quiry as to their own belief. Peter's declaration. Christ's approval and grand announcement. Silence enjoined for the present concerning their faith in his Messiahship. Matt. xvi. 13—20; Mark viii. 27—30; Lu. ix. 18—21. 11. Jesus begins to show his disciples what must be the issue of his earthly mission. Matt. xvi. 21; Mark viii. 31, 32; Lu. xvii. 22. 12. Peter's ardent remonstrance. Jesus rebukes him for his worldly conceptions. Matt. xvi. 22, 23; Mark viii. 32, 33. 13. The great condition of Christian discipleship. Loss and gain of soul and life. The great problem; Matt. xvi. 24—26; Mark. viii. 34—36; Lu. ix. 23—25. 14. Confessing and denying Christ. His coming kingdom and judg ment. Matt. xvi. 27, 28; Mark viii. 38; Lu. ix. 26, 27, and xii. 8. XVII. The Transfiguration,— Instructions to the Disciples.— Sending Out of the Seventy, Matt, xvii.; xviii. 2—25 ; x. 33—26. Mark ix. 3—50. Lu. ix. 38—56 ; x. 1—11. Jno. vii. 2—10. 1. The Transfiguration. Matt. xvii. 1—8; Markix. 2— 8; Lu. ix. 28 — 30. (a) The three special friends of Jesus chosen to accompany him to the mountain, (b) Jesus at prayer, and the sudden strange radiance of his countenance, and the brilliant appearance of his raiment, (c) The manifes tation of Moses and Elias conversing with Jesus, (d) Effect on the disciples. Peter's wish, (e) The bright cloud and the supernatural voice. 2. The disciples charged not to divulge the vision till after Christ's res urrection. The questioning as to the meaning of this resurrection. Matt. xvii. 9; Mark ix. 9, 10; Lu. ix. 30. 3. Inquiry concerning the prophecy of Elias' coming. Where is this prophecy? How does Jesus explain it? He again instructs them that his life will end in persecution and violence. Matt. xvii. 10 — 13; Mark ix. 11 — 13. 4. Cure of the demoniac, whose case was too obdurate for the disciples. Characteristics of this possession. Terrible convulsions at the exorcism. Mark ix. 14 — 27; Matt. xvii. and Lu. ix. 5. The disciples inquire concerning their inability to effect this cure. The Lord's reply, and mild rebuke. Mark ix. 28, 29. What illustration is given of the power of faith ? Matt. xvii. 20; Lu. xvii. 5, 6. 6. Jesus, for the present, avoids public notice, and privately instructs his disciples. He still urges upon their reluctant minds the facts of his coming sufferings and sacrifice and subsequent triumph. Mark ix. 30—32. Matt. xvii. 22, 23; Lu. ix. 43—45 108 BIBLE STUDY. 7. Return to Capernaum. The tribute money, and the coin in the fish's mouth. Matt. xvii. 24—27. 8. Dispute among the disciples about precedence in the coming king dom. Why were they silent when Jesus questioned them? What did he say? Mark ix. 33—35; Lu. ix. 46, 47. 9. Illustration of the nature of conversion. What are the qualities essential to Christian discipleship ? What further is said concerning the re lation of childlike character to himself ? Mark ix. 36, 37; Matt, xviii. 2—5. Lu. ix. 46—50. 10. How are we to regard persons doing good, but who are not full be lievers, or are possibly unbelievers ? Mark ix. 38, 39; Lu. ix. 49, 50. 11. The guilt and doom of those who make others to fall. The grace of God in the soul like salt in its conserving power. Mark ix. 42 — 50. 12. Caution against thinking lightly of the humblest of Christ's real followers. Matt, xviii. 10. 13. How to act in case of a difficulty with a Christian brother. Power and authority of the Christian body. Power of united faith. 15 — 20. 14. Forbearance, charity, repeated forgiveness to an offending brother. Parable of the servant whose great debt was forgiven, but who forgave not the most trifling debt of a fellow-servant. What is the application ? 21 — 35. 15. Jesus appoints and commissions seventy additional disciples for evangelistic work. Instructions to them, as also to the apostles. Lu. x. 1 — 11. Matt x. 23—26. 16. Jesus urged by some to go to Jerusalem to the Feast of Tabernacles. Their professed reasons. His reasons for not going immediately. He after wards goes up privately. Jno. vii. 2 — 10. 17. The journey through Samaria. Inhospitality of the people. Indig nation of James and John. The rebuke. Lu. ix. 51 — 56. 18. Healing of the ten lepers. What direction was given, and the result? Thoughtful gratitude of one, and the unappreciativeness of the others. AVhat made it more singular in the case of this one ? Lu. xvii. 11—19. XVIII. Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles,— The Pharisees . Dispute ¦with Him.— His Discourses and Works. John vii. 11— 53 ; viii.; Matt. xi. 35-30 ; Lu.x. 17— 43; xi.5— 8. 1. The people inquire for Jesus at the feast, and discuss his character. His arrival among them. He teaches in the Temple, and the people wonder at his ability, as he had not been a scholar in any of the great schools. Jno. vii. 11—15. 2. Jesus, answering their thought, assures them that he receives his doc trine from God. 16. Lays down the grand, simple, comprehensive method THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 109 by which all essential, saving truth may be ascertained by each man for him self. 17. Consider its full meaning. 8. Difference between the man who speaks in his own name and him who speaks in God's name. 18. Men not made righteous by the law. Why! Reproaches the leaders with the intent to put him to death. 19. 4. They accuse him of having a devil, and deny their intent. He shows their inconsistency. 20 — 26. 5. His boldness and ready mastery of his foes excites anew the wonder of the people, who also wonder that the leaders do not carry out their hostile purpose. They stifle the conviction that this is the Messiah, by a popular fallacy. 25—27. 6. Their cavils answered. Their convictions shown to be strong enough. The desire to put him to death still thwarted by fear. The Phar isees, alarmed at the inclination of the people towards him, attempt and again fail to cause his arrest. 28 — 32. 7. The Jews puzzled at his discourse of his personal presence and his future going away. 33 — 36. 8. He is declared as the source and inspiration of life to believers. 37—39. How does he put this thought elsewhere ? Matt. xi. 28—30. 9. Deepening conviction, opposition and dispute. Jno. vii. 40 — 44. Singular report of officers sent to arrest him. Ill-natured rebuke of the council. Protest of Nicodemus. Persistence of the opposition, which is still futile. 45—53. 10. A night out of the city. Return to the Temple. The adulterous woman. Jesus' marvelous judgment, and the discomfiture of the accusers. viii. 1—11. 11. Continued discourse. " The Light of the world." Dispute of the Pharisees, as to his record and testimony, and Jesus' reply. Intimate divine relationship. The Pharisees ignorant because of the state of their hearts. 12 — 20. Their great destroying sin. Replies to their oft- repeated question who he is, by referring to his previous answer and to his mission from the Father. "Lifted up " and thus revealed. Perpetual acceptance with the Father. 21—29. 12. Freedom by the truth, and truth through obedience. The Jewish claim of freedom as a birthright refuted. The only genuine freedom. In consistency of claiming righteousness through descent from Abraham, and (lien seeking to murder him who was speaking the truth in Abraham's spirit. The children of Satan rather than Abraham. 30 — 45. 13. Challenges proof of any wrong in himself. Accused of being a Samar itan and a demoniac. He calmly denies this. Startles them by announcing that those who obey him shall never see death. Jews ask, Was he greater than Abraham ? He refers to the honor which the Father puts upon him. 46 — 55. 14. Jesus declares his antecedence and consequent superiority to Abra ham. The rage of the zealots impel them to stone him, but he passes out unharmed. 56 — 59. 15. Return and report of the seventy. The true ground of rejoicing. Lu. x. 17 — 20. - Thanks that the simple may understand that at which the wise stumble. 21, 22; Matt. xi. 25—27. 110 BIBLE STUDY. 16. The lawyer's question and the answer. "Who is my neighbor?" Parable of the man falling among thieves. Lu. x. 25 — 37. 17. Visit to Mary and Martha. Characteristics of the sisters. Jesus' discrimination. 38 — 42. 18. Importunacy in prayer illustrated. Lu. xi. 5 — 8. XIX. Continued Teaching at Jerusalem, — Extraordinary Miracles. Increasing Bitterness of the Pharisaic Party, The careful observer can hardly fail to see that, as Jesus approaches the end of his earthly career, his discourses become more profoundly spiritual. It is to the period with which we are now dealing that most of the extended discourses in John's Gospel are to be referred. That these, together with the startling miracles of this period, greatly affected the masses of the people and tended to draw them to him, is evinced not only by the record but also by the fact that the growing malignity of the Pharisees and their extraordi nary efforts to destroy his popularity barely succeeded, notwithstanding the powerful influence which they had, and the machinery at their command. We are now in the last six months of Christ's pnblic ministry. The time occupied in the present study extends from November to January of our time. Most of this was spent in Jerusalem and the vicinity, though there appear to have been two excursions to the neighborhood of the Jordan and to the country beyond. Some of his most remarkable miracles were now performed right here at Jerusalem, and in the most public manner possible, so that there was no disputing them except by resort to the most shallow sophistry. Indeed, in spite of the powerful partisan and malicious motives to the contrary, there appears to have been an almost universal belief, even among the priests and scribes and Pharisees, that the miracles performed by Jesus were genuine. The force of these could only be broken or minified by the pretense that they were wrought by diabolical rather than divine power. Yet this opinion could have had but little weight among the people, as the prevalent doctrine did not allow of such a supposition. Accordingly, we see that the most desperate measures were necessary, in order to prevail against Jesus. Even these would have doubtless been unavailable, but for the fact that it was our Lord's purpose to lay down his life, in execution of his grand scheme of redemption. John ix.; x.; xi. 1—54 ; Mark x. 1 ; Matt. xix. 1, 2. 1. Cure of the man blind from his birth. Jno. ix. 1 — 7. Astonishment and questionings of the people. Statement of the man. 8 — 12. 2. The man brought to the Pharisees, who examine him closely. The THE LIFE OF CHRIST. HI simple story of the cure. The enemies of Jesus, having no other ground of fault, denounce the deed because done on the Sabbath. The common sense of the people revolts from the notion that such a deed can be sinful. 13—16. The malignants ask the opinion of the cured man, but immediately reject it and pretend to suspect him of imposture. They inquire of his parents who confirm the story of his congenital blindness, but warily refrain from ex pressing an opinion. 17 — 23. 3. The man being exhorted to reject his deliverer, makes a memorable answer. 24, 25. Questioned again, he answers somewhat sharply. Vexed that they can find no ground of accusation, they use invective, to which he replies with keen sarcasm. They reproach him, and expel him from the synagogue. 26 — 34. 4. Jesus finds him. He becomes spiritually as well as physically healed. 35 — 38. The Pharisees rebuked and condemned. 39 — 41. 5. Parable of the shepherd and sheep. Jesus both a shepherd and a door to his flock, x. 1 — 5. Explanation. 6 — 9. Difference between real and false leaders and guides. The love of Christ for his people evinced by his giving his life for them, thus again showing his divine character and re lationship. 10 — 15. 6. He desires to save all, and for this voluntarily suffers death, having so covenanted with the Father. The people divided; some malign, others favor him. 16 — 21. 7. Some proof, which shall compel belief, demanded. He refers to his works as sufficient evidence, and rebukes the moral perversity which rejects it. 22 — 26. Where and when was this ? Does God compel religious faith? 8. Reverts to the sheep and shepherd. Christ's infinite saving power. The same as that of the Father, with whom he claims to be one. 28 — 30. 9. The Jews, astonished and enraged at his words, threaten to stone him. He calmly reasons with them, and appeals to his works, which, by their own doctrine, could only be wrought by the power of God, and which no bad man could do. Confounded by his unanswerable words they seek to ar rest him, but are not able. 31 — 39. 10. The difference between him and John the Baptist. 40—42. 11. Sickness of Lazarus announced. Relation of Jesus to the family. How he regarded this sickness. His delay, xi. 1 — 6. 12. Return to Judea. Conversation by the way. Announcement con cerning Lazarus misunderstood, and explained. Special design in the cir cumstances, the end of which will be the increase of the disciples' faith. 7—15. 13. Arrival at Bethany. Distance from Jerusalem ? Mourning and sympathy. Martha's partial faith. Jesus' assurance of Lazarus' restoration referred by her to the general resurrection. Grand announcement of Christ's relation to the resurrection. 17 — 28. 14. Mary meets Jesus. Resort to the grave. The Jews sympathize but question. The command of Jesus, and astonishment of Martha. Jesus prays. Lazarus called, and comes forth from the tomb. 29 — 44. 15. Some Jews convinced by this astounding event. Others report to 112 BIBLE STUDY. the Pharisees. Their consternation. Uuconscious prophecy of the High Priest. 42—52. 16. The still more settled purpose to effect Christ's death. His with drawal to another place. 53 — 54. What effect does more than sufficient evi dence have on those that reject that ? Goes beyond Jordan, and again teaches the multitudes who gather to him there. Mark xii.; Matt. xix. 1, 2. XX. Traveling and Laboring in the Country North-East of Jerusa lem and on the East of the Jordan, — Parables and Miracles, Luke xiii. 10 — 33; xiv.; xv.; xvi.; xvii. 30,31. Matt. vii. 13, 14; xxii. 5— 14; xviii. 11— 14. 1. The woman afflicted eighteen years healed on the Sabbath. The synagogue ruler indignant at this profanation of the day. Discomfited by Jesus' reply. Lu. xiii. 10 — 17. 2. Disciples' inquiry concerning the number of the saved. They are ad vised that it is a more important question to determine their own salvation. A mere profession not enough to save a man. Desperate condition of those who have only this to plead. 22—27; Matt. vii. 13, 14. 3. Descent from the patriarchs gives the Jews no claim to the kingdom of God. May be excluded for unbelief, while Gentiles are admitted through faith. Lu. xiii. 28—30. 4. The Pharisees attempt to intimidate him, by showing Herod's hos tility. His reply. 31—33. 5. Enemies watch his action in respect to a case of healing on the Sab bath. He asks a question which they dare not answer. The cure performed. xiv. 1—6. 6. Parable of guests at supper, and the assumption of positions of honor. Propriety of humility in self -estimation. Givers of feasts exhorted to invite the poor instead of the rich. A more unmistakable and genuine hospitality. 7 — 14. 7. Parable of the Wedding Supper. Invitation to men universally to partake of the provisions of grace. Matt. xxii. 1 — 4; Lu. xiv. 16, 17. Ex cuses made and the rejection by those to whom the invitation primarily comes. These often perish while the despised and outcast are brought in. The Jews, and the highly-favored in Christian lands, in the former class. Matt. xxii. 5—10; Lu. xiv. 18—23. 8. The guest without the wedding-garment. Matt.xxii.il — 14. What does it symbolize ? 9. The multitude instructed that Christian discipleship implies sacrifices and self-denial. They are exhorted to count the whole cost before pledging themselves to him. Does this apply now as well as then ? Lu. xiv. 25—33. 10. Jesus' association with the wicked and despised people censured. Lu. xv. 1, 2. What utterance of his, elsewhere, explains this ? Lu. xix. 10. THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 113 Matt, xviii. 11. Further illustrated by parables, (a) The rejoicing of the finding of the lost sheep, (b) The lost piece of silver. Lu. xv. 3 — 10; Matt. xviii. 12—14. 11. Parable of the Prodigal Son. Much greater joy over the return of a lost, soul, than over those who have not apostatized. Give the story, and show its application. Lu. xv. 11 — 32. 12. Parable of the dishonest steward. We may make such use of those temporal advantages ¦which are a snare to selfish and worldly men as to make them of great spiritual advantage. Lu. xvi. 1 — 9. 13. Faithfulness in temporal things essential to spiritual excellence. Singleness of purpose necessary. 10 — 13. 14. Covetous Pharisees offended at his discourse. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. The best conditioned in this world often totally unpre pared for eternity; while those who are destitute here, may be abundantly provided for there, through faith and faithfulness. Permanency of the fu ture state. 14 — 26. 15. Extraordinary and astonishing evidence of no value to those who already are convinced by the ordinary means. 27 — 31. 16. The kingdom of God not outward and temporal, but inward and spiritual. Lu. xvii. 20, 21. XXI. His Labors in Perea, and Between the Jordan and Jerusalem, Luke xviii.; xvii. 7— 10; xix. 2— 27. Matt. xix. 3— 29; xx.; xxv. 14— 30; xxvi. 6—13. Mark x.; xiv. 2 — 8. John xi. 55—57 ; xii. 1—8. 1. Parable of the unjust magistrate and the widow. Value of persist ent prayer. Lu. xviii. 1 — 8. 2. Parable of the Pharisee and the publican at prayer. Self -righteous ness and genuine humility contrasted. 9 — 14. 3. The Pharisees still ply him with questions intended to embarrass. The subject of divorce. His clear statement of the true doctrine. A defi nite moral rule. The sacredness of marriage, and the sin of its violation. Matt. xix. 3—9; Markx. 2—12. 4. Disciples dejected at the severity of the doctrine. Jesus' reply. Matt. xix. 10—12. 5. Blessing little children. Objection of the disciples. He rebukes them and receives the children. Mark x. 12, 13; Matt. xix. 13 — 15; Lu. xviii. 15—17. 6. How to be saved. Conversation with the rich yotmg ruler. Mark x. 17— 22; Matt. xix. 16—22; Lu. xviii. 18—24. (a) The earnest inquiry. (b) Direction to observe the commandments, (c) Profession of entire legal obedience, (d) "One thing thou lackest." Inordinate love of wealth must be crucified, (e) Mortification and sorrow at the discovery. 7. Jesus' view of the perilous character of the love of wealth. The 114 BIBLE STUDY. disciples astonished. The principle enforced by a striking simile. The dis ciples reassured. Mark x. 23—27; Matt. xix. 23—26; Lu. xviii. 24—27. 8. Peter's profession, and Christ's reply. The vast compensations. Matt. xix. 27—29. (Also, Mark and Luke.) 9. Parable of the servant's relation to the master. Man's obedience not meritorious. Lu. xvii. 7 — 10. 10. Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. The laborers of an hour receive the same as the toilers of a day. God's bestowment not according to merit, as we merit nothing; but on other grounds. Matt. xx. 1 — 18. 11. On the way towards Jerusalem. Feeling of fear and dread falling upon the disciples. Jesus again instructs them concerning his coming arrest, prosecution, maltreatment and death. Their slowness to apprehend the case. Mark x. 32—34; Matt. xx. 17—19; Lu. xviii. 31—34. 12. Ambitious request of James and John, through their mother. Mis apprehension of the nature of Christ's kingdom. Jesus' remonstrance and mild rebuke. Matt. xx. 20—23; Mark x. 35—40. 13. Jealousy of the other disciples. Reproof and instruction of the Master. Matt. xx. 24— 28; Mark x. 41— 45. 14. Healing of Bartimeus and another of their blindness. Where was this ? The multitude rebuke the afflicted as they cry for help. But Jesus invites them to him, and makes them whole. Mark x. 46 — 52; Matt. xx. 29—34; Lu. xviii. 35—43. 15. The story of Zaccheus. Lu. xix. 2 — 9. (a) What was Zaccheus' office ? Was it a popular one ? Why ? (b) His eagerness to see Jesus, and his device, (c) The Saviour's recognition of his sincerity, and the honor bestowed on him. (d) Zaccheus' practical penitence and proposed righteous ness, (e) His acceptance by Christ. 16. Parable of the Talents. Our responsibility in proportion to our abilities. Doom of unfaithful servants. 11 — 27; Matt. xxv. 14 — 30. 17. The enemies of Jesus inquire about his coming to the Passover. Jno. xi. 55 — 57. Their malevolent purpose. 18. The anointing with the precious ointment, (a) The feast, the host and the guests, (b) Mary's costly offering, (c) The censure of the expensive- ness of the offering. Who made this objection ? Was there a reason ? (d) Mary justified by the Master. The action anticipatory of his near decease. Jno. xii. 1—8; Matt. xxvi. 6—13; Mark xiv. 2—8. What prediction con cerning this act of Mary's is still being fulfilled ? XXII. Christ's Public Entry into Jerusalem in Fulfillment of Messi anic Prophecy, and Subsequent Events. We now come to the last week of Christ's public ministry. It was a week voluminous in the number and weight of the incidents which belong THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 115 to it. In the record are found some of the most remarkable instances of the utter discomfiture and humiliation of his foes by the ready replies of Jesus to their most skillfully devised and ingeniously complicated questions. So complete was this defeat, even in the estimation of the populace, that the most ordinary worldly prudence might have turned it into a permanent triumph, and have made Jesus the enthroned leader of the people to the utter overthrow of the power of the Pharisaic and priestly party. It was the very event which this party had wrought so desperately and unscrupulously to prevent, — a position which Jesus, at the moment when it was within his easy reach, resolutely but calmly declined to accept; since he had come forth, not for the purpose of worldly dominion and triumph, but to die a cruel and ig nominious death. He had "power to lay down his life," and this power, instead of the other, he accepted and exercised. This was the period, too, of several of those most powerful and marvel ous discourses of Christ, chiefly to his disciples, recorded in the last part of Matthew's and John's Gospels. The week began with the Sunday before the Passover, commemorated since by the Christian Church as "Palm Sunday." Jesus had been journey ing from the Jordan with his disciples, and had just arrived in the vicinity of Jerusalem when he made preparation for this prophetically predicted public entry, as the Messiah, — the anointed Prince of Israel, of David's line, — into the capital city of his nation. It was the only public official demonstration that he made. And what a strange demonstration it was 1 It was one of min gled grandeur and simplicity, of exulting triumph and genuine humility. There was no military display, no magnificent civic procession, no chariots or horsemen, no even moderate elaborate previous preparation. Simply himself, in his ordinary garb, surrounded by his few humble companions, who, in stead of more gaudy trappings, had spread their outer garments upon the young ass on which the Master rode. But the progress and the entry were triumphant, nevertheless. The multitude, moved as by one mighty impulse, hailed him with hosannas as David's royal heir, divinely designated, and coming to assume his throne. Nor was Jesus for a moment deceived by this universal popular acclamation. He knew that, ere the week would end, all this enthusiasm would cease ; that a disastrous revulsion would come; and that the same lips that now shouted, "Hosanna," would cry: " Away with him ! Crucify him !" Nevertheless, it became him thus to present himself to his nation, and to enter in this kingly way into the sacred city. Matt, xxi.; xxii. 15 — 46. Mark xi.; xii. Lu. xix. 29— 48 ; xx. John xii. 12— 19. 1. The preparation for the official entry. Matt. xx. 1—9; Mark xi. 1 —10; Lu. xix. 29—38; Jno. xii. 12—18. (a) The two disciples sent to secure the young ass. (b) They find it according to the prediction, and, having explained to the owner what was wanted, bring it to Jesus, (c) He rides upon the beast, with no other trappings but the disciples' raiment, (d) The prophetic declaration. Where is it found ? (e) Greeting of the people, and their joyful acclamations acknowledging him as the Messiah. What event had enhanced this enthusiasm ? Was it lasting ? 116 BIBLE STUDY. 2. Depression of the Pharisees. Jno. xii. 19. They, with unconcealed disgust, ask him to rebuke his friends. His remarkable reply. Lu. xix. 39, 40. 3. The pathetic lamentation over Jerusalem. Its grand rejected oppor tunity about to cease forever. The appalling consequences. Lu. xix. 41 — 44. 4. Excitement in the city at Christ's entrance. Inquiry and answer. Matt. xxi. 10, 11. 5. Jesus in the Temple. Expulsion again of the traffickers. How does his denunciation of their conduct differ from that uttered on the former occasion ? 12, 13; Mark xi. 15 — 17; Lu. xix. 45, 46. ( See, also, John ii. 16.) 6. He exercises his healing power upon those who come to him in the Temple. Laudation and joy of the people, and even of the children. Dis pleasure of the Pharisees who surlily call his attention to this. The strik ing reply. Matt. xxi. 14 — 16. 7. Lodging at Bethany on Sunday night, he returns in the morning to Jerusalem. The Barren Fig-Tree cursed. The moral and spiritual lesson implied. 17—19. 8. Teaches in the Temple. Eagerness of the people to hear him, and the growing malice of the Pharisees seeking for pretexts to destroy him. Lu. xix. 47, 48; also, xxi. 37, 38. 9. Tuesday morning, returning from Bethany, the disciples marvel at what had befallen the fig-tree. Jesus makes it the occasion of teaching the power of real faith. Matt. xxi. 20, 22; Mark xi. 20—24. 10. The Pharisees demanding of him the authority for his assumptions, Jesus, in turn, demands of them their opinion concerning John's mission. Their painful dilemma, and humiliating and cowardly answer. Matt. xxi. 33—27; Mark xi. 27—33; Lu. xx. 1—8. 11. Parable of the two sons. Obedience better than profession. Ap plied to self-righteous Pharisees, and penitent publicans and harlots. Also, of universal application; Matt. xxi. 28 — 32. 12. Parable of the murderous tenant husbandmen. The atrocious guilt and final rejection of the Jewish church. Matt. xxi. 33 — 41; Mark xii. 1 — 9. Lu. xx. 9—16. 13. The rejected stone. Anger of the Pharisees at the application of these parables. Their plotting still baffled. Matt. xxi. 42 — 46; Mark xii. 10—12. 14. The Pharisees unite with the Herodian party in an attempt by hypo critical words to entrap him into some dangerous statement. The question of the lawfulness of the Roman tax. Their easy and palpable discomfiture. Matt. xxii. 15, 22; Mark xii. 13—17; Lu. xx. 20—26. 15. The Sadducees attempt to puzzle him with a question pertaining to the future state. He rebukes their ignorance of spiritual things, and asserts, and briefly cites authority for, the doctrine of the resurrection. Matt. xxii. 22 — 32; also, Mark and Luke. Verdict of both people and scribes. 33; Lu. xx. 39. 16. A scribe and lawyer sent with the device of drawing him out to make invidious distinctions between the precepts of the Decalogue. Dis comfiture of the questioner. Mark xii. 28 — 34; Matt. xxii. 34 — 40. THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 117 17. Jesus, in turn, confounds the Pharisees by questioning them as to the descent of the Messiah from David, who yet calls him Lord. The effect on the people. Matt. xxii. 41 — 46; Mark xii. 34 — 37; Lu. xx. 41 — 44. XXIII. Conclusion of the Last Day of Christ's Public Ministry.— Pro phetic Discourses and Conversations, Matt, xxiii.; xxiv.; xxv. 1—13, 31— 10 ; xxvi. 1—18. Mark xii. 38— 44; xiii. 1,3; xiv. 1, 3. Luke xx. 45—47 ; xiii. 34, 35 ; xxi. 1— (j ; xxii. 1—6. 1. His indignant exposure of the character of the Jewish religious lead ers. Matt, xxiii. 1 — 36; Mark xii. 38—40; Lu. xx. 45—47. (a) Ostentatious in their religion. Matt, xxiii. 1 — 6. (b) Eager for popular approbation, con trary to the spirit of true religion. 7 — 12. (c) Hypocritical in their prayers and proselytism. 13 — 15. (d) Corrupt in their teachings, making fanciful distinctions where none exists. 16 — 23. (e) Their religion outward. Par ticular to practice the cheap virtues, but disregarding the more costly. 23 — 28. (f) Worshipers of the past; building monuments to the memory of those whom they themselves would have slain. 29 — 32. (g) Deadly and poisonous in their influence. Wicked and cruel towards the divine messen gers. 33—39. 2. Lamentation over Jerusalem, on account of the sins of its leaders. 37—39; Lu. xiii. 34, 35. "3. The small contribution of the poor widow. Such offerings more valuable, in God's sight, than the treasures of the rich. Mark xii. 41 — 44; Lu. xxi. 1 — 4. 4. Greek proselytes ask an introduction to Jesus. He shows them that there is no worldly advantage to be expected by accepting him. The spirit ual benefit great and glorious, must come, if at all, through his own death and the self-renunciation of his followers. Jno. xii. 20 — 26. 5. Jesus, oppressed in spirit, cries out in prayer. The heavenly voice, and the effect on the people. 27 — 30. 6. The great crisis at hand. Christ to be lifted up, in order that he may draw all men to him. Questionings of the people as to his meaning. Jesus' parting exhortation to accept him as the Light of the world, lest they stumble. 31—36. 7. The close of his public teaching, and his final withdrawal from the Temple. Rejected of his own people. Fulfillment of prophecy. 36 — 41. 8. He reproves the moral timidity of those chief men who were con vinced of his real character, but were afraid to acknowledge him. In reject ing him, they denied God, loving the praise of men instead. 42 — 50. 9. He retires with his disciples. They call his attention to the magnifi cent architecture of the Temple, and its splended adornments. He predicts the utter overthrow of all these. Matt. xxiv. 1, 2; Markxiii.1,2; Lu.xxi.5,6. 10. The threefold inquiry of the disciples as he sat down with them on 6 118 BIBLE STUDY. the Mount of Olives. He enjoins upon them sobriety of judgment. Ru mors of extraordinary events, great excitements and fierce wars, not necessa rily precursors of the final catastrophe. Matt. xxiv. 3 — 8. 11. Fierce persecutions to befall his followers, and they are to be hated even to death. In these, many will lose faith and apostatize. Endurance and salvation. 9 — 13. 12. General spread of the gospel, before the final destruction of Jerusa lem. The awful calamities attending this destruction. Christians, warned by indications which he now suggests, to flee from the city. 14 — 22. 13. They are not to be imposed upon by rumors of extraordinary occur rences and of Christ's reappearance. Attempted deception. When Christ comes, his coming will be palpable to all. 23 — 28. 14. Second advent described. Natural signs of its proximity. The time unknown to all men and angels. The event analogous to that of the Flood. Duty of watchfulness. 36 — 51. 15. Parable of the Ten Virgins. Necessity of perpetual vigilance, xxv. 1—13. Same thought illustrated by parable of servants waiting for their Master. Lu. xii. 36—38. 16. Illustration of the character of the General Judgment. Separation of the good and the bad. The principles which determine this separation and destiny. Eternal reward and punishment. Matt. xxv. 31 — 46. 17. The disciples reminded that the Passover is at hand, and that it is to be accompanied by his own betrayal. Matt. xxvi. 1, 2; Mark xiv. 1; Lu. xxii. 1. 18. Priests and scribes plot for his arrest, but are fearful of taking any open action. Judas yields to the temptation of Satan, and offers, for a sum of money, to betray the Lord. They eagerly accept his proposition. Matt. xxvi. 3—16; Mark xiv. 1, 2, and 10, 11; Lu. xxii. 2—6; Jno. xiii. 2. XXIV. The Passover Feast.— Conversation and Discourse,— Institu tion of the Lord's Supper.— The Betrayal and Arrest. After the previous remarkable discourse with his disciples, at the close of that last great day of his public ministry, Jesus appears to have retired to Bethany, and to have remained in seclusion and solemn silence from Tuesday evening till the afternoon of Thursday. That was the day of the preparation for the Passover, the great national and religious feast of the Jews, which had been observed for nearly fifteen hundred years in commemoration of the de liverance from Egyptian bondage; also in typical anticipation of the immeas urably greater deliverance now about to be achieved by the offering of the "Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." It was meet that he, who had come to be the infinite paschal victim, should fulfill all righteousness by observing to the very last this typical and ceremonial feast, — that up to the THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 119 very hour when the " eternal victim slain " should be ready for the sacrifice, that which had been its foreshadowing and prophecy should be scrupulously maintained. There is some dispute as to just what time in the day the paschal lamb was to be slain; but probably it was between the hour of the evening sacrifice and sunset of Thursday,— that is, soon after the ninth hour, or about three o'clock in the afternoon. The Jewish day began at sunset, and the supper lasted till evening. It was to this feast, prepared especially for them in Jeru salem, that Jesus came with his chosen Twelve. Here, in the brief period which by the greatness of the events seems almost to have occupied days rather than hours, occurred not only the simple ceremonies pertaining to the occasion, but also the affectionate, familiar conversation; the calm but start ling announcement of the traitor in their midst; the lesson of humility; the prediction of defection in which they would all be involved; the institution of a new, solemn and sacred memorial service, to continue till the second ad vent, and which is observed by millions of Christ's followers still; the pro- founder discourse with which he comforted and encouraged the hearts of his friends, and left on record for all the generations of those who were to be lieve on his name; and the wonderful intercessory prayer. From this feast, too, he went out to the appalling agony of the garden, the betrayal, the ar rest, the foretold trial and condemnation. Lu. xxii. 7— 54. Matt. xxvi. 17— 56. Mark xiv. 33— 51. John xiii.; xiv.; xv.; xvi.; xvii. xviii. 1—11. 1. Peter and John sent to prepare the Passover Feast for Jesus and the Twelve. Directions for finding a place. They make the requisite prepara tions. Lu. xxii. 7—13; Matt. xxvi. 17—19; Mark xiv. 12—16. 2. The feast, and the words of Jesus. Give some account of the char acter and signification of the feast, both in its commemorative and in its typical aspects. Lu. xxii. 14 — 17; Matt. xxvi. 20; Mark xiv. 17. 3. The discussion as to who should be greatest in the new kingdom. Lu. xxii. 24. The great, memorable lesson of humility. Tlie washing of the disciples' feet, and instruction. Peter's objection. The disposition enjoined upon them towards one another. Jno. xiii. 3 — 15. Jesus repeats some former words on service, not lordship, as the distinguishing trait of Christian disciple ship. Lu. xxii. 25 — 30. 4. Jesus, greatly distressed, divulges his knowledge that one of them would betray him. Their consternation. The anxious inquiry, the answer, and the sign. Jno. xiii. 17 — 26. Judas goes out on his errand, though unsus pected by the others, yet indicated by Jesus. 27 — 30. 5. Jesus speaks of his departure and his glorification. They still fail to apprehend him, and Peter resolutely purposes to follow him even to death. Jesus foretells to the astonished disciples his denial of him that very night. Jno. xiii. 31 — 38. 6. The defection of them all predicted. Peter warmly asserts his con stancy, even if all alone. The Lord's further warning, and Peter's emphatic reassertion. Matt. xxvi. 31—35; Mark xiv. 27— 31; Lu. xxii. 31— 34. 120 BIBLE STUDY. 7. Modified instructions to the disciples concerning the conduct of theil future mission. Lu. xxii. 35 — 38. 8. Institution of the Lord's Supper. Matt. xxvi. 26 — 29; Mark xiv. 22—25; Lu. xxii. 18—20. 9. The consequences to them of his going from them. Thomas' ques tion, and Jesus' answer. Philip's request. Christ's union with the Father. The resources of real believers. Jno. xiv. 1 — 14. 10. Effect of loving Christ. His absence implies the presence of the Comforter, the Holy Ghost. His peace. His departure and future coming. 15—31. 11. Love to Christ the spring of Love. The Vine and the branches. Mutual love of Christians. The new commandment. The world's hatred. Testimony of the Comforter, xv. 12. Persecutions, fierce and bitter, foretold. But though he leaves them to this bitter experience, they will not be as orphans or comfortless. The divine support. The Spirit's office. Christ will return. The interval to them. The disciples seem to apprehend him, and express unbounded confi dence; but he sees that, even immediately, their faith will fail. xvi. 13. The great Intercessory Prayer, (a) For himself, xvii. 1 — 5. (b)For the apostles. 6—19. (c) For all believers. 20—26. 14. The company sing a hymn, — probably the " Great Hallel." (Ps. cxv. — cxviii.) This closes the feast, and they go out toward the Mount of Olives. Jno. xviii. 1; Matt. xxvi. 30; Mark xiv. 26; Lu. xxii. 39. 15. The Agony in Gethsemane. (a) Arrival at the garden. Leaving the disciples, except Peter, James and John, (b) The profound and crushing sorrow. He goes alone to pray, (c) The cry of intense anguish, yet resolute submission, (d) The return to his companions, to find them asleep, (e) He goes and prays the second and third time, in the same awful agony. The intensity of suffering; the bloody sweat. Exhausted nature succored by the ministry of an angel. His return to his still sleeping friends. Matt. xxvi. 36—44; Mark xiv. 32—40; Lu. xxii. 40—44. 16. He announces his instant betrayal. The immediate arrival of Judas, with a large company, sent by the priestly party to arrest him. Matt. xxvi. 47; Mark xiv. 43; Lu. xxii. 47; Jno. xviii. 2, 3. 17. The Betrayal. The traitor's kiss. Christ's gentle but severe re proach. Matt. xxvi. 48 — 50. (See, also, Mark, Luke and John, following above.) 18. Jesus' voluntary presentation of himself to the company. The mar velous effect of his presence and words. Jno. xviii. 4 — 9. 19. The disciples disposed to repel the assault. Peter's impulsive attack, and the rebuke of Jesus, who also miraculously repairs the mischief done by the sword. Matt. xxvi. 51 — 56; Mark xiv. 47; Lu. xxii. 50—54; Jno. xvii. 10, 11. 20. Jesus, while yielding himself a prisoner, reproaches the band for their manner of arrest. Matt. xxv. 55, 56. (Also, Mark and Luke.) What was the probable reason of this nocturnal and strategic method? The dis ciples, terrified and panic-stricken, forsake him and flee. Matt. xxvi. 56; Mark xiv. 50, 51. THE LIFE OF CHRIST. J21 XXV. The Trial and the Condemnation. It was probably about midnight between Thursday and Friday, when the arrest of Jesus was made. There appears to have been still among the leaders a great fear of a popular uprising in favor of Jesus, if they proceeded at once publicly against him. They therefore took him first to the house of Annas, who seems to have been a man of great authority in religious matters. He was the father-in-law of the high priest, and is reported by some reputable writers as having previously been the high priest himself, but deposed by the Roman government. The proceedings here were doubtless informal and tentative, rather than judicial. The leaders were still in doubt as to how far they might safely go. But it was determined to go on with the prosecution, and he was taken to the high priest, the highest judicial functionary of the Jews. The brief examination by the high priest, perhaps, indicates a desire to ascertain how far the rulers themselves had become infected with the con viction of his Messiahship. The Sanhedrim, or great council, was called to gether at early dawn, and, in unseemly haste, they proceeded to the formal trial. There was a remarkable lack of testimony against Jesus. It was only at the last that two false witnesses were found, who, on the slight cross-exam ination which some fair-minded members of the council seem to have made, so contradicted one another that their testimony, not very important even if true, was quite annihilated. Jesus made no defense, called no witnesses, asked no questions. They, at last, called him to testify concerning himself. He calmly expressed his confident conviction that nothing which he could say would avail any thing with them; that the result was a foregone conclu sion, and that his condemnation was determined. But he boldly assured them of his future appearance on the throne of the world's judgment, at God's right hand. He was then directly asked, under the form of solemn oath, to declare whether he were the Messiah and Son of God. He, with equal directness, with simplicity and solemnity, affirmed that he was. This was instantly seized upon as satisfactory evidence against him, and, in token of this, the high priest gave the usual sign of distress and horror by rending his clothes. It needs to be said that this fully sustained the charge of blasphemy, unless there was also evidence that Jesus was what he professed to be. But this evidence had been furnished, in great abundance, before the eyes of all of them; and to this, Christ had constantly appealed, and, in view of it, had already pronounced their condemnation. They had willfully, wickedly and obstinately rejected the most palpable evidence of their own Messiah. The next step, in accordance with simple Jewish law, would have been to conduct Jesus outside of the city, and then for the people to stone him to death. But there were two reasons for not doing this. One was, that Judea was now a Roman province, and Jewish tribunals had not the power to inflict the punishment of death. That must be left to the imperial authorities. Very likely, however, this of itself would not have prevented that result, as we 122 BIBLE STUDY. find there were previous occasions on which they would have resorted to this method, even without form of trial, had not Jesus disappeared from the midst of his foes. The other reason probably was, that, in the light of the recent popular enthusiasm for Jesus, it was not deemed entirely safe to risk it. In this, too, was the fulfillment of his own prediction, that he should be delivered to the hands of the gentiles, and be crucified. For both the reasons assigned, it was desirable that there should be a formal condemnation of Jesus by the Ro man authority ; and yet it was only by the utmost urgency and clamor that Pi late, who was fully disposed to acquit him, could be persuaded to condemn him. John xviii. 13 ; xix. 4 — 17. Matt. xxvi. 57— 75; xxvii. 1 — 34. Mark xiv. 53 — 73; xv.l — 24. Luke xxii. 4—7, 54—71 ; xxiii. 1—32. 1. Jesus brought to Annas. Jno. xviii. 13, 14. Who was he? (See Introduction.) 2. Peter follows, is accused of being Jesus' disciple, and denies, repeat ing his denial once and again, as Jesus had foretold. Jesus' look at Peter, and Peter's remorse. Matt. xxvi. 58, and 69 — 75; Mark xiv. 54, and 66 — 72; Lu. xxii. 54 — 62; Jno. xviii. 15 — 18. 3. The preliminary examination. Jesus' answer. The smiting. The remonstrance. Jno. xviii. 19 — 23. 4. Jesus sentto Caiaphas. Gathering of the council. Attempt to bring testimony. The evidence meager, trivial, and contradictory. Though urged to reply, he makes no defense. Jno. xviii. 24; Matt. xxvi. 57 — 65; Mark xiv. 53—61; Lu. xxii. 66. 5. Jesus himself questioned and adjured. His bold, dignified and ma jestic reply; his calm assumption of Messiahship and Divinity. Lu. xxii. 66 —70; Matt. xxvi. 63, 64; Mark xiv. 61, 62. 6. Excitement and indignation of the council, who, on this profession, summarily condemn him. Contemptuous and insulting treatment. Lu. xxii. 63—65 and 71; Matt. xxvi. 65—68. Mark xiv. 63—65. 7. What would be the usual course after the condemnation ? Why was it not pursued ? (Introduction.) Jesus before the Roman governor. The accusation called for by Pilate. What reply was made ? What did Pilate wish them to do, and what did they answer ? Jno. xviii. 28 — 32; Matt, xxvii. 1, 2; Mark xv. 1; Lu. xxiii. 1. 8. New accusations. Was there any evidence ? Lu. xxiii. 2. Pilate examines him as to the charge of setting himself up for a king. What does Jesus say as to his kingship and his kingdom ? Jno. xviii. 33—38. The im pression left on Pilate's mind. 39. 9. Christ's silence at the accusations, and Pilate's wonder. Matt, xxvii. 12—14; Mark xv. 3 — 5. The disposition of Pilate toward Jesus at this point, and its reception by the people. Lu. xxiii. 4, 5. The mention of Galilee, and what occurred. 6, 7. 10. Reception by Herod. His motive. What Herod was this ? The conduct of Jesus here. Insulted by Herod and his attendants. Effect on the relations between Pilate and Herod. Lu. xxiii. 6 — 12. THE LIKE OF CHIUST. 123 11. Pilate's decision. The custom of release. Jesus or Barrabbas ? Pilate's wife's entreaty. Matt, xxvii. 15—21; Mark xv. 6—11; Lu. xxiii. 13 —19; Jno. xviii. 39, 40. 12. Pilate's continued disposition to release Jesus. Overcome by the fury of the mob, he yields, but washes his hands of the crime. Did this ex culpate Pilate ? Matt, xxvii. 22—26; Mark xv. 12—15; Lu. xxiii. 20—24. 13. Jesus delivered to the Roman soldiers. Their maltreatment of him. Matt, xxvii. 27—30; Mark and Luke. 14. John's account of Pilate's final action. Further conversation with Jesus. Fear, perplexity, vacillation, and final consent. Jno. xix. 4 — 16. 15. Remorse of Judas. Futile attempt to repair his error. His despair and suicide. Use made of the returned bribe. Matt, xxvii. 3—10. 16. Jesus carrying the cross on which he was to suffer. Another com pelled to help. Matt, xxvii. 31, 32; Mark xv. 20, 21; Lu. xxiii. 26; Jno. xix. 16, 17. 17. Great concourse of people. Weeping women. Words of Jesus to them. Lu. xxiii. 27 — 31. 18. Arrival at Golgotha or Calvary. The customary stupefying draught offered and declined. Mark xv. 22, 23 ; Matt, xxvii. 33, 34; Lu. xxiii. 33. Jno. xix. 17. XXVI. The Crucifixion and the Burial. Matt, xxvii. 35— 66; Mark x v. 25— 46 ; Luke xxiii. 33— 56; Jno. xix. 19— 42. 1. The two malefactors. Fulfillment of prophecy. Prayer of Jesus. Mark xv. 25—28; Matt, xxvii. 35—38; Lu. xxiii. 32—34. 2. Title of tlie accusation, in the three languages of the three great civi lizations. Chagrin of the Jews, and Pilate's mockery. Jno. xix. 19 — 22; Matt, xxvii. 37; Mark xv. 26; Lu. xxiii. 38. 3. Distribution of Christ's garments, and lottery for the outer robe. Revilings of the people, and tauntings of scribes and priests. What great truth did they unconsciously utter ? Jno. xix. 20 — 24; Matt, xxvii. 35 — 37. Mark xv. 24—32; Lu. xxiii. 24—37. 4. Conduct of the malefactors. Penitence and salvation of one. Lu. xxiii. 39—43. Matt, and Mark. 5. The women at the cross. Jesus commends his mother to the care of John. Jno. xix. 25—27; Matt, xxvii. 35; Mark xv. 40, 41. 6. The great darkness at noonday. The terrible cry of Jesus. Re sponse of the by-standers. The thirst; the sponge and the vinegar. "It is finished." Final utterance and death. Matt, xxvii. 45 — 50; Mark xv. 36, 37; Jno. xix. 28—30; Lu. xxiii. 44—46. 7. Rending of the sacred veil, convulsions of nature, and other extra- 124 BIBLE STUDY. ordinary phenomena. Conviction of the centurion, and alarm of the people. Matt, xxvii. 51—54; Mark xv. 38, 39; Lu. xxii. 45—48; Jno. xix. 30. 8. What was the Jewish law concerning the bodies of criminals who had been put to death ? Deut. xxi. 22, 23. What special reason why this should be observed in the case of Christ and the malefactors? Jno. xix. 31. 9. Measures taken that they might be dead, in order to burial. How was it that Jesus had died sooner than usual ? Precaution of the centurion. Fulfillment of prophecy. 32 — 36. What was the rule in the offering of the paschal lamb, the type of Christ ? Ex. xii. 46; Num. ix. 12; I. Cor. v. 7. 10. The burial by Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy counselor. Assist ance and offering of Nicodemus. Mark xv. 42—46; Matt, xxvii. 57 — 60; Lu. xxiii. 50— 54; Jno. xix. 38 — 42. What prophecy was thus fulfilled? Isa. liii. 9. 11. The women watching and preparing to embalm the body. Lu. xxiii. 55, 56. 12. Fear and precaution of the Pharisees, lest the prediction of Jesus' resurrection should be verified. The heavy stone, the government seal, the military guard. Matt, xxvii. 62 — 66. XXVII. The Eesurrection and the Ascension. Matt, xxviii. 1—20. Mark xvi. 1—19. Luke xxiv. 1—52. Jno. xx. 1—39; xxi. 1—23. Acts i. 1—13. 1. The Resurrection. Matt, xxviii. 1 — 7; Mark xvi. 1—7; Lu. xxiv. 1—8 ; Jno. xx. 1 — 10. (a) The earthquake, — the angel, — the terror and swoon of the soldiers, (b) The early coming of the women to embalm the body. (c) Fear that the stone can not be moved from the door of the sepulchre. Their astonishment to find it rolled away, (d) The hastening of Mary Mag dalene to find Peter and John, (e) Discovery by the other women that the body was gone (f) Announcement by the angels that Jasus was risen, (g) Peter and John visit the sepulchre. Their experience. 2. The manifestation, (a) The women, going to tell the disciples, meet Jesus in the way. (b) Mary Magdalene returns and weeps at the sepulchre. She suddenly discovers Jesus, who talks with her. (c) These things an nounced to the disciples, who are still incredulous; Matt, xxviii. 8—10; Mark xvi. 8—10; Lu. xxiv. 9—12; Jno. xx. 11—18. 3. Walk of the two disciples to Emmaus, and conversation on the re cent events. Jesus joins them, but does not manifest himself. Instructs them that what has taken place was just what was to be expected, according to the Scriptures. Reveals himself as they are at the table. They return, and report to the other disciples. Lu. xxiv. 13—35. 4. What measures were taken by the Pharisees, when the soldiers re ported the occurrences at the sepulchre ? What was the penalty when a Ro- THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 125 man soldier slept on guard ? Is the testimony of what was done when tlie witness was asleep regarded as good evidence ? How, then, does this whole story appear ? Matt, xxviii. 11 — 15. 5. The disciples being assembled together in a room with closed doors, Jesus appears in the midst of them. Their fright and Jesus' assuring. He convinces them of his identity, and they rejoice. Gives them further in struction concerning the correspondence of the events with the Scriptures and with his own previous teachings. Lu. xxiv. 36—49; Jno. xx. 19—21. 6. Commissions them anew to preach and establish this gospel of his every- where. His promise and assurance of aid. The special endowment of the Holy Ghost. Mark xvi. 15—18; Jno. xx. 22, 23. 7. Doubting Thomas. His reassurance and Jesus' gentle rebuke. Jno. xx. 24—29. 8. The disciples return to Galilee, and meet again with Jesus there. At work in their vocation on the sea. The toilsome and fruitless night. Jesus seen on the shore in the morning, but not recognized. The conversa tion and revelation. Jno. xxi. 1 — 14. 9. Tender, suggestive and effective conversation with Peter. Peter's grief and contrition. Allusion to John and his future. Jno. xxi. 15 — 23. 10. Another meeting, probably with other disciples, on a mountain in Galilee. Renews their commission, and promises power for all their future needs. Matt, xxviii. 16—20. 11. The Ascension, (a) The apostles meet him in Jerusalem, and ac company him as far as Bethany on the Mount of Olives, (b) He gives them his final benediction, (c) He disappears from their sight, and departs from the earth, a cloud receiving him. (d) Two angels appear, and assure the disciples that as Jesus has gone into heaven, so he shall return again. Mark xvi. 19; Lu. xxiv. 50—52; Acts i. 1—12. FOURTH YEAR'S COURSE. THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. BOOKS OF REFERENCE. FOURTH YEAR. McClintock's and Strong's Cyclopaedia. Kitto's Cyclopaedia. Conybeare and Howson's St. Paul. Farrar's Life and Work of St. Paul. Stalker's Life of St. Paul. Taylor's Paul the Missionary. Macduff's Footsteps of St. Paul. Thomas Lewin's Life and Epistles of Paul. Neander's Planting and Training of the Christian Church. Farrar's Early Days of Christianity. Fisher's Beginnings of Christianity. Uhlhorn's Conflict of Christianity with Heathenism. Schaff's History of the Apostolic Church. Vaughn's Church of the First Days. Geikie's Hours with the Bible. Smith's Bible Dictionary. Kitto's Daily Bible Illustrations. Smith's New Testament History. F. W. Robertson's Lectures on Corinthians. Farrar's Messages of the Books. Lewin's Fasti S acri ( for dates, and corresponding secular history ). Arnot's Church in the House. Bernard's Progress of Doctrine. Green's The Apostle Peter. Taylor's Peter the Apostle. Howson's Evidential Value of the Acts. Paley's HorAe Paulinae. Eugene Stock's Lessons on the Acts. Joseph Parker's Apostolic Life, as revealed in the Acts. 128 The Propagation of the Gospel. The Disciples Waiting for the Gift of Power. The scriptural history of the planting of the Christian Church, is found in the book of the Acts of the Apostles, and in the letters to societies, to in dividuals, and to scattered classes of believers. The title of the first of these, as Dr. Smith has well observed, is misleading. The " acts " or works of only a few of the apostles are alluded to, at all. Only four of them are in any way prominent; and most of the treatise is occupied with the missionary la bors of Paul, who, at the beginning of the history, was not even a disciple. But while, like the narratives of the life of Christ, this book is free from any appearance of literarj' intention on the part of the writer, and while it is also somewhat fragmentary and not altogether connected and chronological, it gives just what the Church in subsequent ages has needed, a simple, definite and impressive account of the manner in which the religion of Jesus was propagated after his departure, and how it was received by the people to whom it was first preached. It is a wonderful story, abounding in marvel ous facts, yet one in which the writer is free from self -consciousness, with no trace of sensationalism, — bound only to give a plain, simple and natural nar rative of the events as they transpired. We are to remember that this whole New Testament history, including the fragmentary allusions and statements in the epistles, covers scarcely so much as forty years from the death of Jesus, while yet the events were distributed over a vast territory, and many of them took place in some of the most important cities of either the ancient or mod ern world. Jesus had commanded the disciples to remain at Jerusalem till they should receive the promised baptism of the Holy Ghost, which was to espe cially qualify them for their work. After his ascension, ten days had elapsed, during which they continued closely united in prayer for the fulfillment of the promise. At the end of this time, occurred the wonderful event, when they were not only filled with the Spirit, but gave palpable evidence of it both physically and in its convincing energy upon the people. 129 130 BIBLE STUDY. The time was remarkably favorable to the event. It was the feast of Pentecost, which, as the name implies, was fifty days after the Passover. It was the great national festival of first-fruits, which had been kept from the earliest period of the nation, and was wont to be more numerously attended than even the Passover itself. Hence the vast multitudes that were now present, embracing not only visitors from every part of Palestine, but also great numbers of Israelites scattered abroad in almost all nations of the known world. Hence, too, this first powerful impression of the gospel of Jesus was likely to be felt, to some extent, in the most distant places. Acts i. ; ii. Tiberius, Emperor, A. D. 14—37. Pentecost, May 27th, A. D. 30. 1. The writer alludes to a former narrative of his. i. 1 — 2. What was this? Rehearsal of the events between the resurrection of Jesus and his as cension. The commission to the apostles, (a) Manifestation of Christ and personal intercourse with the disciples. 3. (b) Injunction to wait at Jerusa lem. 4 — 5. (c) Inquiry of the disciples respecting the restoration of the Israel itish kingdom, and the answer. 6 — 8. (d) The ascension. The astonished gaze of the disciples, and the appearance and assurance of the angels. 9 — 11. 2. The return to Jerusalem, and the constant meeting for prayer. Names of the apostles. 12 — 14. 3. Peter rehearses the story of the treachery of Judas, showing in it the fulfillment of prophecy, and an allusion to Judas' death. 15 — 20. He pro poses that some one be chosen in the place of the apostate apostle. Condi tion of apostleship? Manner of the choice ? The election? 21 — 26. 4. Pentecost and meeting of the disciples, ii. 1. Meaning of " Pente cost?" What is the name of this feast in the Old Testament, and the order for its observance? Lev. xxiii. 15, 16. To about what time does it corres pond in our calendar? How long was this after the crucifixion? How long after the ascension? 5. What occurred at this time? 2, 3. The effect upon the disciples? 4. What is meant by ' ' other tongues ? " 6. The multitudes of Jews present from remote countries, their amaze ment, and the cause of it. 5 — 12. Why were so many present? Give the geographical situation of the countries referred to. What does this indicate concerning the state of the Jewish people? 7. What reason was assigned by certain persons for this remarkable phenomenon? 13. Peter's answer? 14, 15. 8. Peter's address, — give an outline. 16 — 36. How would you charac terize some of his declarations concerning Jesus, and the conduct of the people toward him? What bold avowal was made concerning Christ's pres ent state? 9. Effect upon the people. Exhortation and direction. 38 — 40. What intimation here that the Gentiles were to share in the benefits of the Mes siah's advent? 39. The result of the demonstration? 41, 42. 10. What power came to the apostles? 43. Beginning of the Christian Community, and its character. 41 — 46. THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 131 II. Rapid Progress of the New Faith. The Beginning of Oppo sition and Persecution. Acts iii.; iv.; v.; vi. 1—7. Tiberius, Emperor, A. D. 14-^37. Events of Lesson, A. D. 30. 1. Healing of the cripple at one of the chief gateways of the Temple. iii. 1—10. What time in the day was this, and what service always took place at this time? 1. How old was the man? Also, iv. 22. 2. Effect on the people. 11. Peter's address. 12—26. How did the miracles of the apostles differ from those of Jesus? (Examples of the latter, as compared with this.) How docs Peter explain the phenomenon? 12 and 16. What does he declare concerning Christ, and how does he speak of the Jews' treatment of him? 13—15. Mitigation of their crime, and exhorta tion to repentance, with a glance at the future. 17 — 21. Testimony of the prophets; promises to those to whom he spoke. 22 — 26. 3. Interruption of the discourse. The immediate cause of it? iv. 1, 2. Who were the Sadducees? What effect was the preaching of the apostles likely to have on the popular estimate of their creed? 4. Imprisonment of the apostles. 3. Did this destroy the effect of the sermon? The number of converts by this time? 4. 5. Arraignment of the apostles. Does the examination appear to have been thoroughly judicial, and were there any definite charges? 5—7. 6. Peter's answer. Does he speak in his own wisdom? 8. How does he meet the inquiry? 9 — 12. What do you think of the character of the reply? What great doctrine was laid down? 12. 7. How did this speech affect the leaders? 13. Conference and per plexity of the latter. Why perplexed? Their determination. 14 — 17. Was this candid and honest? 8. Communication of the decision to Peter and John, and their answer. 18 — 20. Why did not the rulers punish or detain them? 21, 22. 9. The return and report of the apostles. 23. Effect on the company. Their thanksgiving and praise. 24 — 30. The divine answer, and the result. 31. 10. What remarkable disposition manifested itself among the believers? 32 — 37. Was there any command or positive obligation that the disciples should dispossess themselves of property ? 11. Story of Ananias and Sapphira. v. 1 — 11. Lesson of the divine ab horrence of false-heartedness and hypocrisy, at the very beginning of the history of the Church. Is it probable that there had been any uttered lie? What is meant by " Thou hast not lied unto man, but unto God " ? 12. Indications of divine power in the apostles. Wholesome fear on the multitude. Effects of the fame of these facts. 12 — 16. 13. Effect of the apostle's success on the rulers? Their action. 17, 18. The sequence. 19 — 21. Report of the officers; perplexity of the council. The apostles heard from. Their re-arrest and careful treatment, and re appearance in the council. 22 — 27. 14. Renewal of charges. What great fear seems to have affected the 132 BIBLE STUDY. rulers? 28. Why had they no reason to complain? (See Matt, xxvii. 25.) Peter's courageous answer. What grand principle does he lay down con cerning the relation of moral to civil obligations? His repeated assertions concerning Christ. 29 — 32. 15. Effect on the Sanhedrim. Give the outline of Gamaliel's speech. 34 — 39. Who was he, and what important position did he hold? 16. What influence did this speech have on the council? 40. What were they previously disposed to do? 33. Effect on the apostles? 41, 42. 17. The Hellenistic* Jews complain of favoritism. The occasion of the first institution of offices in the Church. Seven men chosen to attend to the temporalities, that the apostles might not be diverted from their special work. vi. 1 — 6. Character cf the men. Increase of the reformation. 7. III. From the Martyrdom of Stephen to the Conversion of "Saul It is a matter of interest to observe the difference between the discourses in support of the religion of Jesus addressed by the apostles to the Jews, and those addressed to the Gentiles. Of the former, we have a complete type in the speech of Stephen before the Sanhedrim. It is, perhaps, the longest dis course on this subject in the New Testament, or at least more fully reported; for we can hardly think that, of most of the addresses, we have more than a brief epitome or outline. The great characteristic of this, as well as of the others addressed to Jewish audiences, is that it reasons with entire exclusive- ness from the Old Testament Scriptures. The whole argument is, granting what no one in such an audience disputed, that the whole Patriarchal, Hebrew and Jewish history implied the coming of a Messiah, and that types, cere monies and explicit predictions had unmistakably foretold such a one as the Deliverer of the people, then Jesus is that Messiah. Even the fact of his re jection by the very nation which had for ages expected him, the humiliation to which he was subjected, the ignominious death visited upon him, all became evidence in his favor, and were abundantly indicated in prophecies concern ing him. This general characteristic we find in Peter's addresses at the very opening of the work in Jerusalem, as also in Paul's discourses to the Jews everywhere. So we learn that whenever any of the apostles or disciples, in their missionary journeys, went into the synagogues, they preached first to the Jews; out of their own Scriptures "opening and alleging that this is the very Christ." In the speech of Stephen, however, there is this peculiarity, that he charges upon the Jews and sustains his charge with most palpable evi dence, that the nation has always resisted any new revelation of the divine will, or any demand for moral reformation. This rejection of Christ, there- *The term "Grecians," in the text, refers to the Jews who were scattered throughout the Gentile world, and who had come under the influence of the Greek culture and used the Greek language. They were called " Hellenistic," in dis tinction from the Hebrews who dwelt in Palestine. THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 133 fore, by the elders and the people, argued nothing against the genuineness of his Messiahship, as it was in perfect keeping with the character of the nation in its whole history to discard and repudiate the highest and most essential truth. The speech of Paul, on Mars' Hill in Athens, is a type of the reasoning used with the Gentiles. There, he begins with what may be known of God by the teachings of nature, and from these principles of natural religion pro ceeds to show the necessity of a new revelation both of his will and of him self. The latter condition leads easily to Christ, the facts of whose life and works and character, we may suppose, would be set forth. It is true we have no complete discourse in which this is done, but there are many intimations of this general method. Acts vi. 8— 15; vii.; viii.; ix. 1—30. Tiberius, Emperor, A. D. 14—37. Stephen, Martyr, A. D. 36. Saul's Conversion, A. D. 37. 1. Faith and power of Stephen. Opposition aroused by his preaching. vi. 8, 9. Arrest and persecution. False charges and false witnesses. Ste phen's appearance. 10 — 15. 2. Stephen's defense and remarkable discourse, vii. 1 — 53. What is the main argument of his address? Of what does he accuse his nation, in its whole history? Does the fact that the nation had rejected Jesus and condemned him to death and treated him with ignominy, make against the truth of his Messiahship? Why? (Introduction.) 3. How did this powerful presentation of the case against the nation affect the people? What was Stephen's condition amid the excitement? His ecstatic vision. His startling declaration, and its effect on the mob. The violent assault. Stephen's prayer and death. 59, 60. What remarkable character first comes to light here? 58. 4. Fierce persecution of the Christians. Saul conspicuous, viii. 1 and 3. What incidental advantage to the cause from this persecution? 4. 5. Philip preaching to the Samaritans. 5 — 8. Simon Magus and his pretensions and influence. 9 — 11. Difference between his tricks and Philip's miracles. Have we any thing like this in modern times? 6. Effect of Philip's preaching. 12. Simon's apparent conversion. 13. What was Philip's office? vi. 5. 7. Action of the Church at Jerusalem, when they heard of the work in Samaria. 14. Special effect of the coming of Peter and John. 15 — 17. Had the baptism of the Spirit been given, except through the apostles' in strumentality? 8. Effect of this manifestation on Simon. What kind of a character is indicated? What English word do we have from this occurrence. Its meaning? Peter's terrible rebuke and Simon's professed penitence. 18 — 24. 9. Philip and the eunuch. 26 — 38. Who was this eunuch? Where was the kingdom of Ethiopia? What was the religious condition of the eunuch? How did Philip explain the passage which he read? 35. What was the result? 36—38. What occurred to Philip? -39, 40. 10. Saul's mission to Damascus. Where was this city, and how far from Jerusalem? Saul's business there? ix. 1, 2. 134 BIBLE STUDY. 11. The vision, the voice, the revelation, the conviction and inquiry. 3 — 6. Effect on Saul's companions? Physical effect on Saul? 7 — 9. 12. Ananias sent to him. His reluctance and the reason. How was it overcome? The errand and the result? 10 — 18. Was it Saul's conviction or his conversion that was miraculous? 13. What did he do? Effect on the Damascene Jews? Plot to kill him. His escape and subsequent return to Jerusalem. Was this return imme diate? What occurred meantime? Gal. i. 17, 18. Alarm of the disciples. Re-assured by Barnabas. Paul's powerful preaching and the persecution aroused. Escape to Tarsus. 19 — 30. IV. From the Conversion of Saul to the Death of Herod Agrippa I. The city of Antioch deserves attention as being, next to Jerusalem, the most important center for the diffusion of the Christian faith. It was situated near the north-eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea, and was about three hundred miles north of the Jewish capital. It was founded about 300 B. C. by one of the Seleucid kings, and became the capital of the territory ruled by that dynasty. At the time with which we are now engaged, it was the capital of the Roman province in Asia, and was a city of probably 200,000 or 300,00() inhabitants. It was a place of great wealth, culture and refinement. Many Jews resided in the city, and enjoyed both great privileges as citi zens, and a large degree of political liberty, not a few of them being Roman citizens. It was not strange that, in the " scattering abroad " which took place because of the persecution at Jerusalem, some of the disciples should have been found at Antioch; nor was it strange that they should have found a degree of readiness there to receive the gospel, inasmuch as there were doubtless many from this city present on the day of Pentecost. It is probable that the number of converts there was second only to that at Jerusalem. Thither came Saul, under the escort of Barnabas, after his escape from Jerusalem to Tarsus. There he labored with Barnabas for a year, and thence he departed on his great missionary journeys. Here, too, was the first great strife in the Church as to the status of the Gentiles, which was settled by an appeal to the brethren at Jerusalem. The name of " Christians " was first applied at Antioch. By some, it is supposed to have been a nick-name and given in derision. If so, it was not the last time in which a term, intended for reproach, has become a name of honor and renown. Acts ix. 30—43 ; x. ; xi. ; xii. 1—25. Claudius, Emperor, A. D. 41—54. Caligula, Emperor, A. D. 37—41. Conversion of Cornelius, A. D. 40. 1. Cessation of persecution, and prosperity of the churches, ix. 31. Visitation by Peter. Cure of the paralytic iEneas. Popular effect. 32—35. 2. Peter at Joppa, and the occasion of his coming. Character of Dor cas. The mourning and the mourners. Peter's action. Restoration and its influence. Peter's abode there. 36 — 43. THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 135 3. Cornelius; his character and office. \. 1, 2. The vision and instruc tion. 2—6. Peter sent for. 7, 8. 4. Peter's vision and its significance. 9—16. AVhat was the Jewish law concerning some of the animals presented in the vision? Lev. xi. 5. Arrival of the messenger from Cornelius. 17, 18. The divine an nouncement and direction. Introduction and statement of the errand. Peter's ready compliance. 19—23. Can you think of any reason why Peter might have hesitated? Why did he not? 6. The meeting with Cornelius and the gathering. Peter's introduc tion and inquiry, and the explanation of Cornelius. 24 — 33. 7. Peter's discourse. Announcement of his conviction of the error of Jewish exclusiveness. His brief and simple statement of the substance of the gospel facts and doctrines. Give this. 34 — 43. 8. What followed the preaching? Surprise of the Jews who were present, and the reason of it. Baptism of the first Gentile converts. 44 — 48. 9. Report of these facts at Jerusalem. Peter's conduct criticised. His plain account of the matter. His own doubts — how they were resolved — ¦ and the confirmation of his convictions by the events at Capsarea. The con clusion to which the council came. xi. 1 — 18. 10. Disciples, scattered from Jerusalem, preach in other cities to the Jews, and gather congregations of believers. The work at Antioch among the Hellenistic (" Grecian") Jews. 19 — 21. 11. Barnabas sent from Jerusalem to superintend the work. His char acter. 22 — 24. What did he do soon after his arrival? 25. How long did Paul and Barnabas labor together at Antioch? What name was first applied here? 26. 12. The prophets. Prediction of Agabus, and action of the Church at Antioch. Barnabas and Saul go to Jerusalem. 27 — 30. 13. Persecution under Herod Agrippa I. Who was he, and what rela tion to Herod the Great? What was his territory? Martyrdom of James, and imprisonment, of Peter. Precautions concerning him. Prayer of the Church, xii. 1 — 5. 14. Peter's deliverance by the angel. 6 — 11. His coming to the house where the prayer-meeting was held. Astonishment, of the brethren and his statement to them. James notified. Who was this James? 11 — 17. 15. The excitement occasioned by Peter's disappearance. Action of Herod. 18, 19. Circumstances of the king's death. 20 — 23. Progress of the cause. Return of Barnabas and Saul from Jerusalem to Antioch. 24, 25. V. Paul's First Missionary Journey. Henceforth, in this history, by far the most conspicuous and commanding figure is Saul of Tarsus, — afterwards known as Paul the Apostle. He is one of the most powerful characters in the history of the world, and probably more of history has been affected by his influence than by that of any other 136 BIBLE STUDY. one man. Though not one of the original apostles, yet all "the signs of an apostle " were manifest in his work, and he doubtless does not exaggerate when he says that he "labored more abundantly than they all." He was born at Tarsus, near the north-eastern corner of the Mediter ranean Sea, not more than a hundred miles from Antioch. It was the capi tal of the province of Cilicia, and had been for several centuries a city of much distinction. At the time of Paul, Strabo says that, in all that relates to philosophy and general education, it was even more illustrious than Athens and Alexandria. It was, so far as culture and the character of its educated classes was concerned, a Greek city. For some time previous to Paul's birth, the province had been under the Roman government. About fifty years before the birth of Paul, Cicero, as proconsul, had this as his assigned province, with his official residence at Tarsus. Tarsus was a "free city," — that is, it had the privilege of being governed by its own magistrates, and many other franchises, but that of Ro man citizenship was not one of these. There were many Roman citizens there, but they had received this privilege by some special favor of the government. Paul's father, though a Jew, was a citizen, and Paul himself was thus " free-born.'' Paul was thus a Hellenistic Jew, — that is, he was a Jew speaking the Greek language and having the Greek culture to a certain extent, at least. But neither he nor his family appear to have ranked themselves as belonging to the Hellenistic party, according to the divisions between that party and the Asmonean or Hebrew party. They rather held more closely to the Jerusalem traditions and the more exclusive faith. Paul regarded himself as a "He brew of the Hebrews," and preserved his family lineage and tribal descent, as he also bore the name of the most illustrious of that tribe. After his general education at Tarsus, he went in his later youth or early manhood to Jerusalem; and there, under the direction of the most famous rabbi of his time, the celebrated Gamaliel, he became familiar with all the learning of the Jews. He adopted the tenets of the Pharisaic party, and became a bigoted enthusiast in their defense. Of his bitter and fierce opposition to Christian ity, we have already had evidence. The conversion of such a man was a remarkable event to the struggling young Church, and a terrible shock to its Jewish opposers. A more power ful human instrumentality for the establishment and diffusion of the faith, can scarcely be conceived. In him were combined results of the three great civilizations, which, meeting at that time in history and at that geographical point, met also in this one man. He was, both by birth and by the most thorough and determined training, a Jew, giving promise of becoming per haps the ablest defender of that faith. He was a Creek by language and by culture, thus coming into communication with the whole learned world. He was a Roman citizen, and entitled to a degree of protection and consideration which was denied to most of his countrymen. Such a man was eminently fit to be, not merely the scholar among the apostles, but, more especially, to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. Dr. Smith gives the following table of the chief epochs of Paul's life: I. His First Appearance at Jerusalem as a Persecutor. THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 137 II. His Conversion on the way to Damascus. III. His Introduction to the Apostles at Jerusalem, and retirement for a time to Tarsus. IV. His Labors at Antioch and visit to Jerusalem, A. D. 44. V. His First Missionary Journey in Asia Minor. VI. His Visit to Jerusalem about the Gentiles. VII. His Second Missionary Journey, and Introduction of the Gospel into -Europe. VIII. His Third Missionary Journey, and long slay at Epliesus. IX. His Seizure at Jerusalem, and Imprisonment at Corsarea. X. His Voyage to Rome, and First Imprisonment. XI. His Release, and subsequent labors. XII. His Second Imprisonment, and Martydom. Acts xiii. ; xiv. Claudius, Emperor, A. D. 41—54. Events of Lesson, A. D. 45^8. 1. Give an account of the relation of Paul to the early propagation of Christianity. His birthplace, character of the city, and his early culture. His religious and national relations before conversion ? What three great characteristics united in him gave him special human fitness for his work? 2. Conference at Antioch. Direction of the Holy Ghost, xiii. 1 — 3. 3. Departure of Barnabas and Saul to Scleucia and Cyprus. Preach ing in the synagogue at Salamis. Adventure at Paphos. Elymas the sor cerer, and the Roman proconsul. Miraculous judgment on the former, and conversion of the latter. Saul henceforth known by a Latin instead of his Hebrew name. 4 — 12. 4. Paul's company continue their tour. Mark, who had been with them hitherto, returns to Jerusalem. 13. What was a subsequent effect of this departure? xv. 37 — 40. 5. Arrival at Antioch in Pisidia. Attendance upon the synagogue ser vice. Paul's address. 16 — 41. Outline of the argument that Jesus was the Messiah. Why does he dwell so much upon Christ's humiliation? What false ideas had the Jews acquired on the subject? What warning does he give them? 6. Desire of the Jews. 42. Candid and serious-minded Jews exhorted. Vast multitudes of Gentiles and Jews drawn to hear Paul. Envy of the latter and their opposition. 43 — 45. 7. The rebuke administered. What was the regular order of present ing the Gospel? 46. The Gentiles invited. Greatness of the work. 47 — 49. 8. Persecution and expulsion of the apostles. 50. How does their con duct agree with the direction of their Master? 51, and Mark vi. 11. Their departure to Iconium, and their state of mind. 51, 52. 9. The apostles at Iconium. Preaching to the Jews first. Conversion of Gentiles, xiv. 1. Persecution incited by hostile Jews. Progress of the work nevertheless. Combination of Jews and heathen, and flight of the apostles to Lystra and Derbe. 2 — 7. 10. Miracle at Lystra. Compare it with the first apostolic miracle at Jerusalem. Effect on the people. Attempt to offer sacrifice to Barnabas and Paul as gods. Action and address of the apostles. Give the line of the 3 138 BIBLE STUDY. argument. 8 — 17. Difference between the method of their argument and that usually addressed to Jews. The sacrifices prevented. 18. 11. Jews from Antioch and Iconium instigate persecution. Paul nearly killed. They go to Derbe. Return to the cities recently visited, organizing the churches and encouraging believers to persist even through tribulation and persecution. 19 — 23. 12. Continued journey and preaching. Return to Antioch. They make report of their mission and abide for a time. 24 — 28. VI. The Council at Jerusalem, Second Missionary Journey, and Introduction of the Gospel into Europe, The first marked division of sentiment in the infant Church was concern ing the relation of the converted Gentiles to the Jewish ceremonial law. The controversy appears to have broken out at Antioch, where the Jewish element of the population was large, and great numbers, both of Jews and Gentiles, had been converted. The more rigid Jews among the converts held, not only that all the converted Jews should carefully continue to observe the Mosaic ceremonial ordinances, but that the Gentile converts should also be required to conform to them, — doubtless regarding Christianity only as a development of Judaism, in which nothing of the latter wdas to be abrogated. To this the converted Gentiles would naturally object, and with them Paul and Barnabas and the more liberal and spiritual of the Jews held. The controversy seems to have reached a stage of grave importance soon after the return of the two apostles to Antioch from their first missionary journey. The situation in volved was so serious that Paul and Barnabas were sent with a deputation to Jerusalem to consult the apostles and leaders there. The result of the de liberations there is given in the history. It evidently was not perfectly satis factory to the extremists of the Jewish party, and there are symptoms of disturbance on this account at subsequent points in the scriptural narrative. Still it was a substantial general settlement of the question. The city of Philippi, distinguished by being the first point in Europe at which the Gospel of Christ was preached, was also noted for several other things. It had been founded or rebuilt by Philip, king of Macedon, and father of Alexander the Great. It was doubtless the birthplace of the latter, and the capital of his hereditary domains. It was also in the immediate vicinity that were fought the decisive battles between the imperialists and republicans of Rome, in which Octavius and Antony triumphed over Brutus and Cassius. At the time of Paul, it was under Roman dominion, and be longed to the class of cities designated as "colonies." By this term was meant something different from the modern signification attached to that word. It had a peculiar form of government under its own magistrates, and the governing element of the inhabitants were Roman citizens. THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 139 There were only a few resident Jews, as it was rather a military than a commercial city; and they had no synagogues, only a slighter structure where they met for prayer. Acts xv.; xvi. Claudius, Emperor, A. D. 41—54. Events of Lesson, A. D. 50—51. 1. Controversy concerning the relation of the converted Gentiles to the Mosaic law. Paul and Barnabas resist the demands of the Jewish party. A deputation sent to Jerusalem to consult the leaders there, xv. 1, 2. 2. Their journey, and events by the way. Arrival at Jerusalem, and report to the authorities. Opinion of the Pharisaic party in the council. Peter's argument against their demand. Paul and Barnabas show that God had wrought salvation obviously among the Gentiles, in the absence of the condition supposed to be required. 3 — 12. 3. James's statement of the case, and decision against the Judaizing plan, and in favor of simple moral and spiritual conditions. His views ac cepted, and a deputation appointed to bear a letter embodying them to An tioch. 13—29. 4. The arrival at Antioch, and the meeting of the believers. Delivery of the message, and joy of the Church. Silas remains with Paul and Bar nabas, who go on with their work. 30 — 35. 5. Preparation for another missionary tour. Dissension of Paul and Barnabas. The cause of it. 36 — 38. When did the desertion referred to occur? xiii. 13. 6. Result of the controversy. What are the probabilities of the amount of the good and evil growing out of this difference? Does it prove that either was right? Paul's course. 39 — 41. 7. Paul at Derbe and Lystra. Conversion of Timothy. His family connections and character, and Paul's purpose concerning him. Why does Paul circumcise Timothy, when he generally opposes the subjection of Gen tile converts to the ceremonial law? xvi. 1 — 3. Do we hear much of Tim othy after this? 8. Visitation of the churches, and communication to them of the regu lation adopted at Jerusalem. 4. Condition of the churches and the work. 5. 9. Through what parts did they travel, and where were they forbidden to go?* 6, 7. Describe the situation of the regions and the cities named. Arrival at Troas. 8. Where was this, and what famous events of classic in terest took place in this vicinity? 10. Paul's vision and call to go over into Europe. The call accepted, and the voyage to Philippi. Trace out the course on the map. First preach ing of the Gospel in Europe. Paul and Silas at Philippi. Labors among the Jews. A notable convert and her hospitality. 9 — 15. What is indicated by the change of the narrative here to the first person? 13. Give some ac count of Philippi. 11. The demoniac young woman. Her conduct. The demon exorcised in the name of Christ. 16 — 18. *The "Asia" mentioned in the text and elsewhere in this history, was simply a proconsular Roman province of no very great extent, embracing the western part of Asia Minor, and having Ephesus for its capital. 140 BIBLE STUDY. 12. Resentment of her employers, and the reason for it. The malicious prosecution; the accusation and condemnation. The punishment. 19 — 24. How did Paul and Silas act? 25. 13. What occurred in the night? Its effect on the prison? On the jailer? Why this desperation? Paul's re-assurance. Inquiry of the officer, and his conversion. What did he do further? 26 — 34. 14. Action of the magistrates the next day. Paul's dignified attitude. How did this affect the magistrates, and why? 35—39. Can you state some of the privileges of a Roman citizen? Were most of the apostles or the Jews generally or a very large proportion of the inhabitants of the empire entitled to these privileges? VII. Continuation of the Second Missionary Journey. Thessalonica, which was the first city in which Paul made any consider able stay after leaving Philippi, was, at that time, the chief city of Macedonia, as well as the most populous and wealthy. It was, also, the seat of the Ro man government for that province. It was situated at the head of the Ther- maic Gulf or inlet of the pEgean Sea, and was favorably located both for commerce and for military purposes. It was of no small note in the ancient world for a long time previous to the Christian Era, and has several times been of great importance in the subsequent ages. The Jewish population, at the time of Paul's visit was very great, and it appears to have had the only synagogue in all that region of country. It became an important center for the diffusion of Christianity, and an active and vigorous church was formed there at Paul's first visit, notwithstanding the storm of persecution that so soon greeted him. The two epistles to the Thessalonians, written not very long after Paul's visit, are probably the earliest of his letters to the churches. Athens is the next of the great cities visited by Paul on this missionary tour. Of it little need be said here, since all students of Ancient History are supposed to be somewhat familiar with the character of this, in many re spects, the most noted city of the ancient world. Perhaps no city in any period has ever attained to such eminence in the arts, in letters, in philosophy and in the general culture of society as this. Probably there never were found within the time of a single century so many men of brilliant intellect and great power grouped in one city, as were found in Athens between 350 and 450 B. C. The time of Paul's visit was several centuries after that, and it had fallen far below the standard of its highest fame. It was not now even the capital of the Roman province of which it was a part. It was, however, a "free city," under the general government of the empire, and, as such, had many privileges. Yet, even now, it was a wonderful city, crowded with temples, palaces, and statues and other marvelous works of art. " We go through the gate: and immediately the eye is attracted by the sculptured forms of Minerva, Ju- THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 141 piter, and Apollo, of Mercury, and the Muses, standing near a sanctuary of Bacchus. We are already in the midst of an animated scene, where temples, statues, and altars are on every side, and where tho Athenians, fond of pub licity and the open air, fond of hearing and telling what is curious and strange, are enjoying the climate and enquiring for news If wc look up to Areopagus, we see the temple of that deity from whom the eminence had received the name of ' Mars' Hill.' .... If we look forward to the Acrop olis, we behold there, closing the long perspective, a series of little sanctuaries on the very ledges of the rock, — shrines of Bacchus and pEsculapius, Venus, Earth, and Ceres, ending with that lovely form of that Temple of Unwinged Victory which glittered by the entrance of Propylaea Thus every god in Olympus found a place in the Agora. But the religiousness of the Athenians went even further. For every public place and building was like wise a sanctuary The Council-House held statues of Apollo and Ju piter, with an altar of Vesta The Pnyx, near which we entered, on whose elevated platform they listened in breathless attention to their orators, was dedicated to Jupiter on High, with whose name those of the Nymphs of the Dennis were gracefully associated. And as if the imagination of the Attic mind knew no bounds in this direction, abstractions were deified and publicly honored. Altars were erected to Fame, to Modesty, to Energy, to Persuasion and to Pity It is needless to show how the enumeration (which is no more than a selection from what is described by Pau- sanias) throws light on the works of St. Luke and St. Paul; and especially how the groping after the abstract and invisible, applied in the altar alluded to last, illustrates the inscription ' To the Unknown God ' which was used by the apostolic wisdom to point the way to the highest truth."* We have hinted at only a very small fraction of the works of art and the religious memorials in this wilderness of beauty, into the midst of which this apostolic missionary of the cross of Jesus Christ had come. But he felt his spirit " stirred within him" as he saw the whole city given to idolatry. He visited the synagogue of his Jewish brethren, and made known both to them and the people of the city his mission. The latter were attracted by the nov elty of his views, and determined, without much serious intent doubtless, to give him a public hearing. Then he began that wonderful oration worthy of the place and subject, which, as he touched upon the doctrine of the resurrec tion, appeared so like "foolishness to the Greeks " that they jeeringly inter rupted him, and he was not permitted to finish. Only a few were convinced, and there appears to have been no organized body of believers formed there. Another scarcely less important city, visited by Paul at this time, was Corinth. In its relation to Christianity, it was indeed vastly more important. Even in its political relations, it was, just at this time, much superior to Athens. It was the capital of the Roman province of Achaia, which now em braced nearly the whole of ancient Greece, and was under the government of the proconsul Gallio, a brother of the celebrated philosopher Seneca. This man has become famous and his name proverbial, from his relation to and be cause of his treatment of the case in which the Jewish opposers of Paul * Conybeare and Howson. " Life and Epistles of St. Paul." 142 ' BIBLE STUDY. brought the latter before him for trial, and which he somewhat contempt uously but not without good reason dismissed. The situation of Corinth was about thirty miles west of Athens, on the fa mous isthmus which connects ancient Peloponnesus, — the modern Morea, — - with the main land. It was here that the great contests of racing, wrestling, and other games were celebrated, and to witness which, multitudes assembled from all parts of Greece. To these, as was not unnatural, Paul in his epistle to the Corinthian church refers, and from them draws some of his most effect ive illustrations. No more eligible spot could have been chosen for a com mercial city than this, where a harbor could be found on each side, and ships through different waters approach from opposite directions. Hence the wealth and luxury of the city were very great. It was a place, it is true, of much culture and refinement, — second, perhaps, in this respect, only to Athens. The arts flourished here and the city gave a name to an order of ar chitecture perhaps the most elegant of any age, and which continues to exist and be admired even now. But the abundance of wealth had its not unusual effect of breeding self-indulgence, low worldliness, sensuality and carnal cor ruption of the most offensive character; — these were among the chief obsta cles to the prosperity of the Christian Church there. It forms one of the prominent topics in both of the apostle's letters to the converts, and it is evi dent that they had suffered severely from these causes. Hither Paul came from Athens ; and here, after having first declared his message to his own countrymen, and by the majority of them being rejected, he turned to the Gentiles, among whom he made many converts. It is a re markable fact that though Paul always maintained the doctrine that it was the duty of the churches to support those who preached the Word to them, yet in this wealthy city where evidently there were many Christian converts, for some reason, he chose to waive this claim, and supported himself by daily la bor as a mechanic, with some assistance received from places previously vis ited. Fortunately, he had not only, like the children of the Jews generally, learned a trade in his youth, but here at Corinth he had met and formed the acquaintance of two persons of the same trade, whom he joined in industrial labor, and who became also his efficient fellow-workers in spiritual things. For a year and a half, he continued here, pursuing his secular occupation, and at the same time laying the foundations of a powerful Christian church. Acts xvii ; xviii. 1-22. Claudius, Emperor, A. D. 41 — 54. Events of Lesson, A. D. 52-54. 1. The rest at the house of Lydia, and the departure from Philippi. xvi. 40. The journey to and arrival at Thessalonica. xvii. 1. Give some account of this city. State what Paul and Silas did in Thessalonica, and the result. 2—4. 2. Conduct of the unbelieving Jews. What social element did they make use of, and what did they do? In the accusation made, do you dis cern any important but unintended truth? 5 — 7. 3. Action of the city authorities. The apostle's party sent away pri vately to Berea. Character of the Berean Jews, and their sensible conduct. The consequence. 10 — 12. What class is particularly mentioned, both here and at Thessalonica, as among believers? 4 and 12. THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 143 4. Emissaries from Thessalonica, and their malign influence. De parture of Paul, and arrival at Athens. 13—15. Give some account of this city. Can you mention any of the eminent men among its citizens? What was its religious character? 5. How was Paul affected, as he looked about the city ? What did he do ? What schools of philosophers did he encounter ? What did these schools gen erally believe? What impression did Paul make on them? 16—18. 6. Paul on Mare' Hill. What was this place ? The object of his being there — a judicial trial, or merely a public hearing? What was a noted char acteristic of the people? 19 — 21. 7. The speech. Was the opening remark a compliment or reproof? To what might the phrase " too superstitious " (far better and more literal, "your carefulness in religion,") have reference? Does he propose to intro duce any new deity among them? How is this skillfully avoided, without in the least compromising his own faith? Give the line of argument, and the main points. 22 — 31. 8. At what point was his discourse interrupted? With what disposi tion did the hearers treat this doctrine of the resurrection t Were there any converts? 32 — 34. Do we ever hear of a church at Athens? 9. Paul at Corinth. Give some account of this city, — its geographical situation, — its political, intellectual, social and moral condition. What new acquaintances does the apostle make, and what glimpses do we get of his condition in life and of the independence of his character? xviii. 1 — 3. 10. Labors on the Sabbath among the Jews. Arrival of Silas and Tim othy, and the putting forth of more vigorous efforts. Rejection of the Gos pel by many of the Jews, though some believe. The Gentiles addressed, many of whom are converted. Paul's vision and encouragement. How long was this ministry among the Corinthians? 4 — 11. 11. Disturbance and persecution by unbelieving Jews. Paul's arrest and accusation before the proconsul. How did Gallio treat the case? The con duct of the Jews provokes the violence of the Greeks. Gallio's indiffer ence. 12 — 17. 12. Paul's subsequent course. Who accompanied him in his journey, and whither did he go? What was his ultimate destination, and his object? Return to Antioch. 18—22. VIII. The Epistles to the Thessalonians. Though the writing affixed at the end of these epistles names Athens as the place where they were sent, a careful examination of all the data makes it evident that the apostle wrote them sometime during his residence at Corinth. Though in the order of their arrangement they are among the last of Paul's letters to the general churches, yet in the order of time they are regarded by competent critics as the earliest of all his communications of 144 BIBLE STUDY. this kind. The First Epistle was doubtless written during the earlier part of Paul's residence in Corinth. Silas and Timothy had been left in charge of the work at Thessalonica when Paul departed to go to Athens, but they were expected to join him soon after. We have already seen that they ar rived at Corinth just at the time when Paul was most severely pressed in his contests with the unbelieving Jews. The intelligence which they brought was doubtless the occasion of the first letter. The other epistle seems to have been written something like a year later. Each of the epistles of Paul appears to have some one especial characteristic. That of the letters to the Thessalonians, is the subject of the Second Coming of Christ, — to which some allusion is made in nearly every chapter, though, for the most part, only casually in the First Epistle. This subject had engaged the attention of the members of the church in Thessalonica to an unusual degree, and many of the brethren were morbidly affected by it. Misinterpreting cer tain expressions in the first letter, some appear to have regarded the event as so near, that they were neglecting their business, and were falling into fanat ical ways concerning it. It was, in part, to correct these evils that the Second Epistle was written. But both abound in affectionate counsels and wholesome suggestions to the persecuted and otherwise afflicted band of be lievers. FIRST EPISTLE. Claudius, Emperor, A. D. 41—54. Date of Epistles, A. D. 52 or 53. 1. Where was this Epistle probably written? Who are joined with Paul in the salutation? Can you think of any reason for this? (bee Acts xvii. 10; also, I. Thess. iii. 2). 2. What are some of the things concerning this church, for which the apostle gives thanks? i. 2 — 6. What important position did this church occupy and what had been the effect? 7 and 8. What evidence is there that these Christians had formerly been heathen instead of Jews? 9, 10. 3. Paul reminds them of the circumstances under which he came to them. What were some of these? ii. 2, and Acts xvi. 12 — xvii. 14. How is Paul's sincerity evinced? ii. 1 — 5. What do you gather respecting his de pendence upon them for support, and his reasons for this? 6 — 9. (See, also, II. Thess. iii. 8 and 9; also his action at Corinth). 4. What was Paul's method among them? ii. 10 — 12. The effect of it? 13. What were some of the conditions which made their state similar to that of Jewish converts? What Jewish opposition does he refer to? What opposition had the Thessalonians encountered? 14 — 16. 5. What had Paul's longing to know about them, while he was in Athens, resulted in? What was the effect? iii. 1 — 9. What did he still de sire? 10—13. 6. Some instructions on practical morals. Give the principal duties enjoined, iv. 1 — 12. 7. What statements does he make concerning the second advent and the resurrection? 13 — 17. What fears appear to have been entertained by the Thessalonians? 13. How does he allay them? 14, etc. Does he give any intimation concerning the exact time? What does he teach? v. 1 — 3. How THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 145 are Christians to be prepared for the great day? 4—10. What other allusions to this event are found in this epistle? (See last verses of Chaps, i., ii. and iii.) 8. Special brief exhortations. Give them in order. 12—22. SECOND EPISTLE. 9. Where and when was this probably written? What appears to have been the character of the church at Thessalonica at this time? i. 3 and 4. What would be the consequences to persecutors and persecuted ? 10. What great event does he describe? 5 — 10. What erroneous impres sions does he correct? ii. 1, 2. What are to be the conditions precedent to this event? 3, 4, 8 — 10. When are men in danger of being left to believe in lies and delusions, and the destruction consequent? 11, 12. How did these Christians stand in this respect? 13, 14. 11. What are some of the things for which the apostle asks the prayers of these brethren? iii. 1, 2. What confidence is expressed? 3 — 5. What command does he lay upon them? 6. What right had he to give this order? Was there reason for it? 12, 13. 12. What was the general principle of the relation of the apostles to the churches in respect of support? I. Corinth, ix. 13 and 14. Why did he not claim this right? 7 — 9. What is the general benediction? 16. What the personal ? Why two ? IX. The Third Missionary Journey. Eesidence at Ephesus and Journey to Jerusalem, The eastern coast of the iEgean Sea opposite Achaia was early settled by colonies from Greece. They gave the name of "Asia" to this region, and it gradually came to characterize a considerable extent of territory in that neighborhood. After some time, the name attached itself to the whole peninsula between the Mediterranean and the Euxine, and finally to the whole continent. Thus, what was primarily the designation of only a di minutive region, became the name of the largest of the grand divisions of the earth. In the time of our history, Asia proper was as yet only the Roman prov ince embracing about one-third of what is known in modern times as Asia Minor. It is interesting to Christian students from the fact that the Gospel was here widely disseminated at an early day, and that here were situated all of the Seven Churches to which special revelations were made through St. John, — the last of the prophets, the mysterious seer of the new dispensation. Of this Roman province, Ephesus was the capital; and as this was for a longer period than perhaps any other the residence of Paul, and at a later pe riod for some years the home of John, and as it was a most influential center from which the Gospel was propagated, it is proper that we have some brief account of it. Its situation was most favorable for commerce both by sea and by land. It consequently became a large, populous and very wealthy 4 146 BIBLE STUDY. city, long before the Christian Era. In the time of Paul, it was probably as flourishing as at any previous period, and its influence was felt far and near. It had many distinguished and costly buildings. Prominent among these, was the theater, — the ruins of which are with difficulty traced, but which is doubtless the same in which the Ephesian populace assembled in the excite ment caused by the outcry of Demetrius and his fellow-silversmiths against Paul, whose successful preaching of Christ was likely to interfere with their trade in the shrines of the chief deity of their city. But the most famous of its edifices, was that of the Temple of Diana, the tutelary goddess of the Ephesians. This was so magnificent and costly as to be accounted one of the seven wonders of the world. It was several times rebuilt, each time doubtless with increased splendor. The edifice before that of the time of which we are now speaking, had been destroyed by fire on the very night of the birth of Alexander the Great, being set on fire by a certain Erostratus who confessed that he had no other motive but to immortalize his name. Such immortality as it is he seems to have achieved. The new temple was 220 years in building, and was the largest of all the Greek temples, being about four times the size of the Parthenon at Athens. "It was magnificently decorated with sculptures by Praxiteles, and a great painting by Appelles. The statue of Diana was of ivory, furnished with ex quisitely wrought golden ornaments." A considerable part of the trade of the city was concerned with the manufacture and sale of silver miniature images or models of the statue of the idol. Hence the purely secular mo tive of Demetrius and his fellow-tradesmen is evident. It is also evident that Paul's preaching had been very successful, when such numbers were converted from idolatry as to endanger the business of producing these shrines of the goddess. Acts xviii. 23—26 ; xix. ; xx. Nero, Emperor, A. D. 54^68. Events of Lesson, A. D. 55-57. 1. Beginning of the Third Missionary Journey. Tour of Galatia and Phrygia. xviii. 23. Where were these regions? 2. Apollos at Ephesus. What was his character and his religious rela tions? What did he need in order to profitable preaching? How was this supplied? 24—26. 3. Whither did he go after this? How was he introduced to the brethren there, and what was the effect of his ministry among them? 27, 28. Do we find any incidental confirmation of Apollos' ministry at Corinth, in Paul's writings? I. Cor. iii. 4 — 6 and 22. 4. Paul again at Ephesus. What singular facts are here mentioned? xix. 1 — 3. How do you connect it with xviii. 24, 25. Paul's instruction of these disciples and the result. 4 — 7. 5. How long did Paul continue to present the Gospel in the Jewish synagogue? 8. What was the consequence of his preaching to his country men, and what did he do on this account? 9. How long did he continue to preach in this Gentile locality, and with what success? What is meant by "Asia" here? What powerful manifestations accompanied his preaching? 11,12. THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 147 6. Attempted imitations of Paul's miraculous power, and the result. 13 — 16. Effect upon the people. 17. 7. Evidences of religious reformation in the converts. 18—20. The value of the magical books destroyed? (A silver piece or denarius was worth about fifteen cents, our money). What did this indicate? 20. 8. Paul's purpose. What preparation did he make towards carrying it out? 21, 22. Disturbance excited by Demetrius. What was the real mo tive? What does it indicate as to the success of Christianity in Ephesus? What was the most notable edifice in Ephesus? Can 3rou give any account of it? Relate any remarkable incident connected with its history. 23—27. 9. The result of the harangue of Demetrius? Effect on the disciples? Meeting in the theater, and Paul's bold venture kindly prevented. The con fusion and uproar, and the futile attempt of Alexander to speak. What pos sible reference is made to this person, in Paul's writings? (See II. Tim. iv. 14, 15). Why would not the multitude hear him? 28 — 34. Cry and uproar. Appeal of the magistrate. His argument and advice. 35 — 41. 10. Paul's departure to Macedonia. What were some of the places he would be likely to visit there? Arrival in Greece. What city would he probably make his headquarters there, and how long did he stay? What occurred to change his mind as to his journey to Syria? xx. 1 — 3. 11. Companions of his journey. 4. What reason have we to suppose that Luke was of this party? 5. Philippi to Troas, and conference with the disciples at Troas. Protracted address, and one of the consequences. The restoration. Further conference and departure. 6 — 12. 12. Further incidents of the journey. Arrival at Miletus. 13 — 15. Where was Miletus? In the neighborhood of what important city? Paul's haste and the reason of it? 16. What took place at Miletus? Give the main points of Paul's address. 17 — 35. What expectation does he utter concern ing himself? 22 — 25. What warning does he give the Ephesian brethren? 29, 30. What elements of character are manifest in this address? 19, 20, 24, 27, 33—35. Effect on the Ephesian disciples? 36—38. X. The First Epistle to the Corinthians. Within the period covered by the previous study, at least four of Paul's Epistles to particular churches appear to have been written; viz., the two Epistles to the Corinthians, the one to the Galatians, and the one to the Ro mans. The first to the Corinthians was probably written during the third year of the apostle's residence at Ephesus, about A. D. 56 or 57. There are some allusions in the epistles to a brief visit to Corinth during the ministry at Eph esus, but there is no record of it in the narrative by Luke. He had heard reports of certain disorders and irregularities in the church, and probably his visit was intended to rectify them. These evils continuing, there are indica- 148 BIBLE STUDY. tions that he wrote them a letter which is not now extant. In this letter he had evidently written (for one thing) requiring them to separate themselves from certain impure and profligate persons of their number. This they failed to understand fully, and wrote for an explanation. In the letter now known as the "First Epistle to the Corinthians," he states his meaning more explicitly. ( See v. 9 — 13.) Among the evils which had sprung up in the Corinthian Church, was, first and foremost, that sensual immorality which was characteristic of the city, and which it was difficult to overcome among the Gentile converts. Upon this, Paul was especially severe, and with reference to it exercised his apostolic authority to its utmost extent. Then closely connected perhaps with this, was a kind of Antinomianism — a sentiment that trust in Christ was sufficient to save the soul; and that moral conduct was not essential, omitting the important fact that faith in Christ implies obedience to him. There were also divisions into parties. Four of these are referred to as the parties "of Apollos," "of Paul," "of Peter," and, singularly, "of Christ." Neither of the apostles were leaders of these parties, or lent the least coun tenance t^ them. Probably there was some prejudice against Paul on the part of the more worldly and profligate members, on account of his thorough ness of discipline. There would also be an ultra Jewish party, which per haps was substantially one with those who are called the party of Cephas, who would be prejudiced against Paul on account of his catholic disposition towards the Gentile converts and his opposition to the Jewish exclusiveness. Then, too, very likely, Apollos, who appears to have been a man of great rhetorical powers and perhaps learned in Greek philosophy, may have been a favorite with certain of the philosophizing Greeks, and he may thus have un wittingly aided in building up a sentiment against Paul. Of the party "of Christ" it is difficult to determine the basis. Probably this was a self-as sumed title, like that of the Jesuits or ' ' Society of Jesus " in modern times. We get in both these epistles, and especially in the first, many historical intimations, and much light is thrown on the condition of the early Church. Analysis of the Epistle. I. Salutation and Introduction, i. 1 — 9. II. Ex hortations relative to their dissensions, i. 10 — iv. 21. III. Concerning the person guilty of incest; the purity of marriage; and warnings against sensu ality, v. — vii. IV. Concerning the eating of things offered to idols; law and liberty in respect to Christian conduct, viii. — x. V. Certain ecclesiastical regulations, orderly action in the congregations, and the exercise of right dis positions, xi. — xiv. VI. Concerning the Resurrection, xv. VII. Concern ing collections for the poor of other churches; miscellaneous exhortations; salutations, etc. xvi. Chapters i.; ii.; iii.; iv. Nero, Emperor, A. D. 54—68. Date of Epistle, A. D. 56 or 57. 1. When and where was this letter probably written? What reason have we for supposing that a previous letter not now extant had been writ ten? v. 9. A prominent object of that letter? 2. What were some of the evils which had sprung up in the Church at THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 149 Corinth? What parties had been formed, and under what names? i. 12. What were some of the causes of opposition to Paul? 3. Give the chief topical divisions of the Epistle. 4. How does Paul describe the people to whom he writes, i. 2. For what particular things does he give thanks? 4—7. Is this description of the Corinthian Church consistent with some characteristics set forth in this epistle? 5. How does the apostle meet the case of their dissensions and partisan divisions? 13 — 17. What appears from this to have been Paul's chief work? 6. What do we learn concerning the philosophy and wisdom of this world as compared with the simplicity of the Gospel? 18 — 21. What did the Jews demand, and what the Greeks, and what did the apostle present in place of these? 22—25. 7. From what classes have the great majority of Christ's followers usually come? 26 — 29. Lady Huntington, a pious woman of the nobility of England, thanked God for one letter in this description. What was it? 26. What does Christ become to those who trust in him? 30. 8. The fundamental principle and purpose of Paul's ministry among them? ii. 1 — 3. The effect of it? 4. How does he describe the greatness and grandeur of what is implied in spiritual wisdom and wealth? 7 — 9. How revealed and discerned? 10 — 16. 9. What condition of the Corinthian brethren prevented their spiritual discernment? iii. 1 and 2. What evil grew out of this condition? 3, 4. How does the apostle treat these divisions? 5 — 10. What is the sole basis and foundation of all Christian character and Christian work? 11 — 13. What is the grand final exhortation, and the basis of it? 21 — 23. 10. What position do ministers hold in relation to the sacred things of religion? iv. 1. To whom are they accountable? 2 — 4. What rule is laid down concerning criticism and fault-finding? 5. What tendency does Paul here wish to correct ? 6. 11. What contrast is made between those who set themselves up as phi losophizing Christians, and the apostle? 7 — 13. Are the differences among men always and altogether matters of praise or blame? 7. Are there any in stances in Paul's experience verifying the description in 11—13? 12. What had been said about Paul's visit by those opposed to him? 18. How does he meet it and how assert his authority? 19 — 21. XI. Continuation of the First Epistle to the Corinthians. Chapters v. ; vi. ; vii. ; viii. ; ix. ; x. 1. What is the subject of the Third Division of the book? What was the moral reputation of the city of Corinth? How did the evils implied affect the Christian community? 2. What rebuke does the apostle administer, because a member had been allowed to marry his step-mother? What does he say of the moral 150 BIBLE STUDY. flagrancy of this act? What had the church done in regard to it, and what should have been done? What direction does Paul give? Had he author ity to thus order? v. 1 — 5. 3. What further direction is given, and for what reason ? 6 — 8. What is meant by the " old leaven? " What is the lesson taught concerning our associations in the world and in the Church? 9 — 11. 4. What practice respecting the settlement of controversies among Christians, and on what grounds? vi. 1 — 7. What practices does he rebuke? 8 — 10. Were these vices probably generally prevalent among Christians? 11. What rule is laid down concerning the use of the body? 12, 19, 20. 5. Was there any reason why those who were already married should separate and families be broken up? vii. 10, 11. The rule concerning tha Christians who had unbelieving wives or husbands? 12 — 17. 6. What was there in the condition of Christians, and especially of Christian ministers, in those times, in some respects unfavorable to marriage? What tendency was possible in the married life, which was not as likely to be in the unmarried? 26 — 34. 7. What is the main subject of the Fourth Division of the epistle? Was the flesh of an animal that had been offered in sacrifice to an idol any worse on that account? viii. 8. Was it not possible nevertheless that in the estimation of some, the eating of such flesh might sanction idolatry? 7. What damage may be done by thus using one's liberty, even where it is not against one's own conscience, and what rule is laid down? 9 — 13. 8. What were some of the things which Paul and other apostles were at liberty to do, but from which, for the sake of others, they abstained? ix. 1 — 13. The reasons for this? 14 — 23. What figure does he use here, and why would it be familiar to the people of Corinth? 24 — 27. 9. What examples of warning are given to the Corinthian Christians? x. 1 — 11. What privileges and advantages did God's ancient people enjoy? What sins did they commit, and what punishments were consequent? Can you find in the Old Testament the instances referred to? Is any temptation to sin irresistible? 12, 13. 10. How were the Corinthian brethren to regard idolatry? 14 — 22. Was it a sufficient argument in favor of indifference to say " the idol is noth ing," and why? 20, 21. What final rule is laid down respecting the eating of things offered to idols? What are some points of the argument? 23 — 33. XII. First Epistle to the Corinthians— continued. Chapters xi. ; xii.; xiii.; xiv.; xv. ; xvi. 1. What is the subject of the Fifth Division? What are some of the directions concerning the conduct of women in religious assemblies? xi. 2 — 16. Was there any condition of the times and the places which rendered these directions more applicable than to modern society? 2. What great religious ordinance does the writer next speak of ? 1 7 — 34. THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 151 What abuses had crept into this solemn service? What scene does he de scribe? 23—25. The object of this ordinance? 26. What dreadful crime is committed by participating unworthily in this? 27,29. What difference is there between partaking unworthily and being unwwthy to partake. 3. What is said concerning the diversity of ability among men and among Christians? xii. 1 — 10. Is this opposed to unity? Wherein does the latter consist? 11, 13. How is it illustrated? 12, 14 — 26. The application? 27—31. 4. What is the subject of Chapter xiii. ? How does the writer compare it with other virtues? 1 — 3. How many distinct characteristics does he give of charity or love? 4 — 8. How does it differ from certain special gifts or abilities? 8—12. In what respect is it greater than faith and hopet 13. 5. To what spiritual gift does the apostle give the pre-eminence? xiv. 1. To what modern vocation was this similar or equivalent? (See i. 17, 21, 23, etc.) What special gift does he speak of at length, and what restrictions does he lay upon it? 2 — 28. What are some of these regulations? What direc tions concerning prophesying, preaching or exhortation? 29 — 33. What di rections concerning the speaking of women? 34, 35. Is this direction of universal and perpetual application, or only designed for that time and place ? The final, comprehensive charge? 40. 6. What heresy had been disseminated by certain persons at Corinth as well as elsewhere ? xv. 12. What proofs of Christ's resurrection were com mon to the preaching of all the apostles? 3 — 7. What additional evidence did Paul have? 8. 7. The argument from Christ's resurrection to that of men generally? 13 — 23. What consequences would come to Christianity and Christians if this doctrine were false? 17, 19, 30 — 32. What caviling question was some times asked? 35. What relation is the resurrected body to have to the present body? 36—38, 42—50. 8. What general and awful event is portrayed? 51, 52. The nature of the change? 53, 54. The triumphant conclusion? 55 — 58. 9. What directions concerning benevolent collections are given? xvi. 2. For what purpose were these taken, and what was to be done with them? 3, 4. What is indicated concerning his future movements? 5 — 9. Whom will he send in the meantime ? 10. 10. Of what special friends does the apostle make particular mention? 15 — 18. The final salutation and benediction? 21 — 24. XIII. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians. After writing the First Epistle to the Corinthians, Paul probably remained only a few months at Ephesus. It was not long after, that the riot and tu mult excited by Demetrius took place. He had intended, as we have seen in the closing part of the First Epistle, very soon to make a journey through 152 BIBLE STUDY. Macedonia, visiting the churches there, and to come to Corinth. Whether his departure was hastened by the tumult referred to, is not known, though probably he did not leave much earlier than he had intended. We find in the Epistles many incidents alluded to, of which we have no other account. It appears that he spent some time at Troas, waiting for the return of Titus, who had been sent on an embassy to Corinth, and who for some reason was long in coming. But the apostle found a large opening for the exercise of his calling in that neighborhood, and appears to have preached very effect ually and to have gathered a good company, and perhaps several companies, of believers. We learn further by the general tone of this epistle as well as by specific allusions, that Paul was, during the whole interval and up to the time of his writing this letter, suffering severe afflictions. These appear to have been partly of the nature of physical disease; and partly in consequence of the state of the churches, and especially that of Corinth, in which much mischief was being wrought, both in opposition to Paul's authority, and through this and other means by the demoralization of brethren and the damage to the cause generally. There was the "thorn in the flesh; " "without were fight ings, within were fears." After his arrival at Philippi, Titus' long deferred coming took place. He brought him the good news that the apostle's direc tions had been obeyed, and the most prominent offender in the church had been brought to trial, and excluded for his immorality. But there were other items of intelligence less encouraging, to the effect that false disciples had come to Corinth, and had stirred up among the very members of the church an opposition to Paul, thus aggravating the divisions previously mentioned. This opposition appears to have been of a bitter and malignant kind, and was both unjust and cruel. This faction, though a minority doubtless of the church, appears to have been led by a certain person or persons bearing "let ters of commendation " from Judea, who questioned Paul's authority as an apostle, and otherwise calumniated him, to the detriment of the cause. This was an additional grief to Paul. But, though cast down by all these things, yet we find him rejoicing in the midst of his distresses. The present letter was written, in part, to meet these calumnies, and to induce in the Corinth ians a better mind. It was probably written within a year after the sending of the first epistle. The following are the prominent divisions of the epistle : I. The apostle's account of the character of his spiritual labors, accom panied with notices of his affectionate feeling towards his converts, i. — vii. II. Directions about the collections for the poor Christians in Judea. viii. — ix. III. A defense of his own apostolical character against those who were impeaching him in this respect, x. — xiii. Chapters i. ; ii. ; iii. ; iv. ; v. 1. Where was Paul when the former letter to the Corinthians was writ ten? What took place between the writing of the First and Second Epistles? How long after the former was the latter written? Where was Paul when he wrote it? THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 153 2. What experiences had he been subject to, in the interval? (See In troduction; also i. 8; ii. 12, 13; vii. 5). What effect did the return of Titus and his report have? Was there any unfavorable intelligence mixed with the favorable? What was the character of the opposition to Paul in the church? 3. Give the prominent divisions of the book. Arc these very clearly defined? 4. With what assertion concerning Paul's apostleship does the epistle open? i. 1. Was there any special occasion for this? 5. What may we infer from the apostle's language concerning his state of mind? 4, 6, 9. What compensation did he find? 3, 4, 5, 10, 12. 6. What purpose had Paul originally formed concerning a visit to them ? 15,16. Why had he changed his mind ? 23. Was the state of things in Cor inth at the time of writing his former epistle a good reason why he should wait to see the effect of that appeal ? ii. 1 — 4. Of what had some accused him when he failed to come, and how docs he vindicate himself? i. 17 — 23. 7. What had evidently been the consequence of the discipline of the offending member, and what does Paul further counsel concerning his treat ment? ii. 5 — 11. 8. What marked change in Paul's feelings is manifest on his going from Asia to Macedonia? 12 — 14. What had transpired to produce this effect? vii. 5, 6, 13. Different effects of the Gospel on believers and unbe lievers? ii. 15, 16. 9. How does he compare his authority and standing among them with one who had come with ' ' letters of commendation " and was endeavoring to disparage Paul ? iii. 1 — 3. Is there any conceit or self-sufficiency in this ? 4 — 7. 10. How does he compare the old with the new dispensation; and what apt illustration does he use? 8 — 17. What is the historical incident to which he refers? What grand sentiment is here uttered, and what is its import? 18. 11. How does he further vindicate himself and his cause? iv. 1 — 7. What is the Christian preacher's business? 5, 6. 12. What antithesis of experience docs he present ? 8 — 16. What great hopes buoy him up, and more than compensate his distresses? 10, 14, 17, 18. 13. What glorious expectation does he cherish? v. 1 — 4. The doctrine of the general judgment? 10. The great motive of the apostle's preaching? 11—13. 14. What radical change of purpose is implied in and essential to con version or regeneration? 14 — 17. Paul's theory of the atonement, and his office as a minister? 18 — 21. What is implied concerning the costliness of this redemption? Can you find other expressions in the Bible implying this? XIV. The Conclusion of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, Chapters vi. ; vii.; viii.; ix. ; x. ; xi.; xii.; xiii. 1. The costliness of the divine offering for man's redemption has been spoken of; does it also involve any sacrifice on the human side? What was 154 BIBLE STUDY. involved in the publishing of it by the apostles and early Christians? vi. 1 — 9. Were there any, even temporal, compensations? 9, 10. 2. In view of all this, what affectionate injunction does the apostle lay upon the members of the Church? 11—18. How should Christians live in relation to those who are not Christians? Was it more necessary then than now? 3. What general exhortation of high import does the writer base on this foundation? vii. 1. What personal entreaty is made, and what allusion to his relation to them? 2—4. How had his former letter affected them? Was the grief occasioned by it salutary? 8 — 11. How did this react on Paul? 12—16. 4. The subject of the Second Division of the Epistle? viii., ix. Mean ing of "we do you to wit? " viii. 1. What example of liberality is cited, and the character of it? 1 — 5. The object of these contributions? (I. Cor. xvi. 3.) What exhortation to the Corinthian brethren, under the stimulus of this ex ample? 6 — 8. What grand example of divine offering? 9. 5. What further advice is given? 10 — 15. What provision had been made for collecting and forwarding this offering? 16 — 24. What had Paul said then concerning the Corinthian liberality, and what did he fear on ac count of it? What precautions did he take? ix. 1—5. 6. What does he show as to effect of generous charities? What quo tations are made? 6 — 15. 7. The Third Division of the epistle? x., xiii. What insinuations had some of Paul's enemies made as to his personal appearance and address? x. 1, 10. How does he defend himself from the carnal motives imputed to him? 2 — 7. How does he assert his authority? 8, 9, 11. What was Paul's assertion concerning his work as a pioneer? And what his conclusion con cerning self -glorying and self -commendation ? 12 — 18. 8. Some one or more had come to Corinth endeavoring to alienate the converts from Paul, and bringing in new religious tests. How does Paul speak of them? xi. 1 — 4. How does he assert himself? (a) as to his apostle ship? (b) his competence? (c) his self-denying interest for them? 5 — 8. 9. For what reason did he decline to receive support from them while their minister? 9 — 12. Were the opponents of Paul probably honest and honorable men, or were they insincere? 13 — 15. 10. They had boasted of their Judaism. What could Paul say on that point? 18, 22. What concerning his devotion to Christ? 23 — 33. Was this a vain boast, or was it a necessary reminder? 11. What other evidence of his apostleship and special divine commission does he give? xii. 1 — 6. What humiliation was given, lest he should unduly exult in the extraordinary honor bestowed? 7. What lesson do we learn concerning Paul's prayer and the effect of it concerning his affliction? 8 — 10. 12. How does he again state his disinterestedness in their behalf? 12 — 21. 13. What does he give them to understand as to the exercise of his au thority in matters of discipline, when he shall come to them again? xiii. 1, 2. What mingling of weakness and power does he point out in the gospel, and how does he apply the principle to himself? 3, 4. What final exhortations does he offer? 5 — 14. THE PROPAGATION OF THE UOSPKL. 155 XV. The Epistle to the Galatians, After writing the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, Paul tarried for some time longer in Macedonia. But not wishing to hasten his journey to Corinth in the then condition of the church there, he appears to have spent some time in the regions north of Greece, visiting new fields, and establishing churches where none had been founded before. It is likely that it was at this time that he extended his apostolic labors "around aboutunto Illyricum," accord ing to the allusion in Romans xv. 19. We have no account of this in the his tory contained in the book of the Acts; but we are to remember that this does not profess to give a complete history, and that there are many labors and experiences of Paul alluded to in his epistles, to which there is no refer ence in the narrative of Luke. How long he continued in this region we do not know, but evidently not a very long time. When matters were in a suitable state, he made his con templated visit to Corinth, where he remained about three months. It was during this time that, according to some of the best authorities, the Epistle to the Galatians was written. There are others who place it earlier, namely, be fore his departure from Ephesus; and some, though on quite insufficient grounds, place it still earlier, making it the first of his epistles to the churches. Galatia was a region in the central part of Asia Minor. It was a rough, mountainous region, and contained no large towns or cities. It was inhab ited by a simple, hardy race of men, who had come to this territory from the northern part of Greece, but whose ancestors had emigrated some ages pre viously from Germany. As the name implies, they were evidently of the Gallic stock, and related to the Gauls and Celts of western Europe, whom, also, they resembled in many respects both in character and in certain ele ments of their language. It was among the scattered villages and hamlets of this region that Paul had gone, preaching the gospel, during his second missionary journey. We have no details of this work, and no account of the particular churches gath ered, except what is implied in this epistle. The epistle itself differs from all others of Paul's epistles to the churches, in that it is addressed not to a par ticular church, but to " the churches " — a group of churches — in Galatia. The occasion of the communication appears to have been this : After Paul had left this people, certain of the Judaizing teachers came among them, endeavoring to modify the doctrine which Paul uniformly proclaimed to the Gentile converts concerning their relation to the Mosaic dispensation. This was, substantially, that it was unnecessary for them to obey the cermonial law. This had been only preparatory to the coming of Christ, and was not intended by itself to be a means of salvation; and that to trust in it after the coming of Christ, to lead to whom was its sole use, was to make Christ of no avail. While he did not object to the present observance of these ceremo nies by the Jews who had been brought up in them, and while he himself 156 BIBLE STUDY. observed them, he evidently anticipated the time when they would be re garded as of no account by both Jews and Gentiles. But the more rigid of the Jewish converts, aided doubtless by emissaries from abroad, antagonized Paul in this respect, and, as we have seen, formed a party hostile to him. They went so far as to cherish a prejudice against him, and to belittle his authority and cast suspicion upon his apostleship; and some of the more bitter partisans, to malign his character. We have had an account of the opposition at Corinth, which was partly incited by this party. In Galatia, the emissaries of this sect had scattered the seeds of doubt and dissension among a warm-hearted, simple-minded and impulsive people. Paul evidently was very tenderly attached to them, and he was over whelmed with distress at the mischief that had been wrought among them. This letter was written to remonstrate with them, and to endeavor to correct their false notions. It is energetic, direct and unsparing, but at the same time tenderly affectionate. He finds it necessary, not only to correct the views which had been imposed upon them, but also to vindicate himself from the aspersions cast upon his office and teaching. Nero, Emperor, A. D. 54—68. Date of Epistle, A. D. 56 or 57. 1. What was the situation of Galatia, and the origin and character of the Galatians? How does this epistle differ from others in its address? i. 2. Where do we find the account of Paul's first visit to this region? 2. What was the particular occasion of this communication? Have we seen any hostility to Paul of similar character elsewhere ? (Introduction to Epistles to Corinthians). What were some of the intimations concerning Paul? What allusions to this in the epistle? i. 7; ii. 4; iii. 1 ; iv. 17; vi. 12, 13. 3. What feeling was excited against the apostle? How does he vindi cate his apostleship? i. 1; ii. 12. What narrative does he give in support of this? 13 — 24. What particular event subsequent to his conversion does he give, not elsewhere found? 17. 4. What confirmation of his divine call did the church at Jerusalem and the apostles give him? ii. 1 — 10. Had there been any opposition to him at this time? 3, 4. What influence had these opponents afterwards on Peter at Antioch, and what was the effect on the relations of the two apostles? 11 — 14. Is it probable that there was any permanent estrangement? II. Peter iii. 15. 5. What evidences have we of the warm-heartedness of the Galatians, and the affectionate relations existing between Paul and them? iv. 13, 14, 15, 19, 20. Was it their personal estrangement that pained him, or something else? i. 6, 8; iii. 1. 6. What was the position taken by Paul concerning the relations of converted Gentiles to the Jewish or Mosaic law? What the position taken by his opponents? (See introduction). What is the main question discussed in chapters iii. and iv. ? Under the Jewish dispensation, what was deemed necessary to salvation? Under the Christian, what? iii. 2. 7. What is meant here by " the Law?" Could the law really save any one? Was Abraham, or any of the good men anterior to him, considered righteous because of their relation to the law? Why? iii. 6, 15 — 17. Is the THE PROPAGATION OF TIIIC GOSPEL. 157 " faith" that saves, simply believing the truth about a person? Does it im ply any purpose and determination; and if so, what? 8. What, then, was the design of the law? 23, 24, 25. How did a godly man under the law differ from one under faith? iv. 1, 3 — 7. 9. What allegorical illustration of his doctrine does he give? 21 — 31. What is the condition of the man of faith as distinguished from the man under the law? v. 1. What argument is made concerning the uselessness of the sacrifice and atonement of Christ, if men could be saved by obedience to the law? 2—4. 10. What is the great, essential thing in religion? 6; vi. 15. What cau tion is given concerning the use of liberty? 13. What is the one great key word of the religion of Christ? 14. Is it good doctrine that, if we have the right belief, the way we live is of little consequence? If men do not disci pline their carnal impulses, what effects will ensue? 19 — 21. What will the discipline of a soul really trusting in Christ, lead to? 22 — 24. Do you no tice the difference in the number of virtues and that of the vices? 11. What is the general rule for our treatment of one another? 26. What, in case of a brother's fault? vi. 1. What particular rules of mutual spiritual relationship? 2 — 6, 10. What important doctrine as well of practi cal philosophy as of spiritual and moral conduct? 7, 8. XVI. The Epistle to the Eomans. Paul's three months' visit to Corinth must have been a time of much labor and many cares. It was not a small undertaking to restore order and har mony among the factions which were injuring the church, and to exercise the needful discipline upon the members guilty of immorality. There were also parties, as we have seen, which were bitterly antagonistic to Paul, and that, too, because of his condemnation of the false doctrines which they were disseminating to the hurt of the cause. Two of these were in diametrical opposition to each other, and had no band of unity except hostility to the apostle. One of these was the Judaizing party, who insisted that all Chris tians were bound to obey the whole ceremonial law. The other was the Anti- nomian party, who held that even the observance of the moral law was not implied in faith in Christ, and that the latter liberated the believer from all moral obligation. Doubtless, out of this teaching had come much of the im morality which called for the exercise of apostolic authority. Though there is no detailed account of Paul's action during this visit, there is good reason to believe that he excommunicated the immoral members, that he gave proofs through the miracles he was permitted to work, of his apostleship which had been impeached, that his maligners were discomfited and rendered powerless, and that order and harmony were restored. This work, the attention to the collection for the indigent Christians in Ju dea, visits to the churches in the vicinity and the epistle to the Galatians, would occupy his time. The letter to the Romans was probably written just 158 BIBLE STUDY. before his departure on the journey to Jerusalem. There is this peculiarity about this epistle, that it was written to a church he had never visited. Still as an important church, occupying a position in the metropolis of the civil ized world, a place to and from which there would be many comers and goers of all classes, and especially, as we see from the great number of salu tations at the close of the epistle, a church in which Paul must have had many personal acquaintances, he felt desirous to communicate with them. Concerning the establishment of Christianity in Rome, we have no cer tain account. The Roman Catholics claim that it was founded by Peter, but there is no reliable proof of this, and it is even disputed by some, that Peter ever was at Rome. Yet it is easy to see that in the constant and abundant communication of Rome with all parts of the vast empire of which it was the capital, some Christians would inevitably find their way thither. We read that among the multitude present on the day of Pentecost, " strangers of Rome " are mentioned. It is probable that Jewish Christians here as well as elsewhere formed the nucleus of the church, but we judge that there was a large proportion of Gentiles in the body of believers. There do not ap pear to have been any such antagonisms between the two elements here as at Corinth and in some other places, and the impression we get from this epistle is of a united, devoted and energetic church, having in it many men and women of ability and some distinction. The epistle, while in many respects, and especially in the particular sub jects discussed, similar to that to the Galatians written not long before, differs from it in this respect, that the latter was designed to correct erroneous views and perversions of doctrine, and was therefore highly polemical; this has no such object to accomplish, and therefore, while being thoroughly doctrinal, is also almost purely didactic. It is a profound and masterly setting forth of the fundamental doctrine of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. One lead ing part of this is the relations of the Law to the Gospel, while the prelimi nary showing of the universal sinfulness, the insufficiency of ceremonial and moral observance to remedy this, the method of righteousness \>y faith, the existence of which had been indicated in the case of Abraham, and through him had become the inheritance not of the Jews only but also of the Gentiles, with the bearings of this doctrine on all the interests of human ity, with practical and hortatory directions, complete this masterly treatise. Chapters i. ; ii. ; iii.; iv. ; v.; vi. Nero, Emperor, A. D. 54— 68. Date of Epistle, A. D. 57 or 58. 1. Where was Paul when the epistle was written? What matters occu pied his attention mainly while there ? What trials did he have at this time ? 2. What importance did the church at Rome have? What was there peculiar ahout Paul's writing to them ? How is it supposed that Christianity was first introduced into Rome? Of whom was the church composed? The character of the church? 3. To what other epistle is this similar? How does it differ from that? What is the main subject? What is one of the principal topics? What are some of the subjects preliminary and subsidiary to this ? 4. To what authority does the apostle appeal in proof of the truth of THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 159 the Gospel? 1, 2. To what fact in relation to Christ, here and elsewhere, is reference made as certifying to his divine character and mission? 4. 5. What commendation of the church at Rome is made? 8. The feel ing of Paul towards them? 9 — 11. 6. What does he announce and make the grand, paramount subject of his letter? 16, 17. 7. Are the heathen who have not the Bible wholly excusable on that ac count? 18—20. By refusing to obey the light they had, what followed? 21— 25. What dark picture does the writer draw of the heathen world? 26—32. 8. If the Gentiles who had no direct revelation were to be condemned, how was it with the Jews? ii. 1, 3, 5. If the latter with all their light still sinned, how would their condemnation compare with that of the former? What is the general doctrine comprehending both those who have and those who have not a revelation? 12, 13 — 15. 9. What is the teaching concerning unapplied knowledge? 17 — 24. Would an outward observance of the ceremonial law among the Jews render them really the people of God? 25 — 29. How does this apply to Christians? 10. What advantage had the Jews over the Gentiles? iii. 1 — 4. Did this necessarily save them? 5 — 9. What terrible indictment does the apostle bring against the human race as a whole? 10 — 20. 11. If then men are not saved by the law, what is the remedy? 21 — 26. Is " the righteousness of God " something to be substituted for our righteous ness, or is it a method by which we arc to be made righteous ? What is the conclusion, then, concerning the relations of the Jews and Gentiles as regards the Gospel dispensation? 27 — 31. 12. What example does the apostle cite to prove that this very idea of justification by faith is anterior to the giving of the law? iv. 1 — 3, 9, 10, etc. Were the Jews alone, then, the spiritual heirs of Abraham, and to whom did God's covenant with him pertain? 11 — 17. 13. Why could there be no room for grace if men were to be saved by keeping the law? 4. How, then, are men saved? 5 — 8, 24, 25. Is this faith that saves, a belief in certain facts, or doctrines, or creeds, or even concern ing the person and character of Christ? If it be a disposition of heart, what is the disposition and how is it related to the divine law? 14. What is the plan and method by which God rescues men from the condition in which the law leaves them? v. 6 — 11. What is the process? 1, 2. The effect? 3—5. 15. What contrast is drawn between Adam and Christ? 12 — 19. Does the redemption by Christ simply cancel sin, or does it avail something vastly more? 20, 21. 16. Does the fact that we have exercised faith and are under grace, ren der it of no consequence whether we sin or not? vi. 1 — 14. (See also topic 13 in this lesson, last question). Can one be under grace who does not purpose to renounce sin? If we are in the practice of any sin or desire to commit it, what is doubtless our condition? 17. What is the condition of him who yields to the service of sin? 16. The effect of faith and the character of Christ's service? 17, 18, 20, 21—23. What illustration is given of a converted man's relation to the law? vii. 1—6. 160 BIBLE STUDr. XVII. Continuation of the Epistle to the Eomans. Chapters vii. ; viii. ; ix. ; x. ; xi. 1. What inference might possibly be drawn as to the character of ihe law from some of Paul's previous statements ? vii. 7 How does Paul reply to such intimations? 7 — 13. Is the evil of a wrong course of conduct really any less because not known to be wrong? What is the office and effect of the moral law? 7, 11, 13. Is the law a creator or a revealer of sin? The character of the law and of the violator of the law? 12, 14. 2. What is the great conflict in the unsanctified soul in the presence of the divine law? 15 — 24. What is the only salutary outcome? 25. What are opposite effects of the carnal and spiritual victoiy? viii. 4, 6. 3. The first effect of the subordination of the carnal to the spiritual? 1. The second effect? 2. Can one be a Christian without the new spiritual life? 8, 9. What is the grand condition of those in whom the spiritual life has thoroughly subdued the carnal? 14 — 18. What is said concerning the sym pathy even of the inanimate creation in the degradation and also in the redemption of man? 19 — 23. 4. What other and still richer advantages are implied in this life of the spirit? 26, 28, 31, 32. What is said of the predetermination of God con cerning this salvation? 29 — 31. What exulting confidence does the apostle express? 35 — 39. ' 5. What intensity of desire does he exhibit in behalf of his own people ? ix. 1 — 3. What exalted conditions were theirs? 4,5. Were they all rejected? 6. Are the temporal conditions of men and nations altogether of their own ap- poinment, or of God's purpose? 7 — 24. Does God harden men's hearts that they may sin, or because they sin? Does he reject and elect men arbitrarily and capriciously, or does he elect those who believe and reject those who do not? 6. Why are the Gentiles accepted, while many of the Jews are re jected? Were the latter all rejected? 25—30. Why were any rejected? 31—33; x. 1—5. 7. What is the one condition of salvation, both for Jew and Gentile? 6 — 13. Is faith mere belief? What is necessary in order that men may be lieve? -14 — 21. How does this bear on missionary work? 8. What hopes does the writer cherish concerning the Jewish people? xi. 1, 2. What instance is cited of apparently universal apostasy, when there were still some faithful? 2 — 4. Were all the Jews shut out from the new covenant? 5. How were they saved, and why were the others lost? 6 — 10. 9. What does he predict concerning the future of the Jews, and their relation to the Church, and the Gentiles? 23 — 32. What exultation does the apostle utter concerning this? 33 — 36. THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 161 XVIII. Conclusion of the Epistle to the Eomans. Chapters xii. ; xiii. ; xiv. ; xv. ; xvi. 1. Having completed his doctrinal statement, what is the character of the following chapter? What is the personal duty of each one? xii. 1, 2. In their relations as members of the spiritual body, what important fact is to be kept in mind? 3 — 8. 2. What dispositions are to be cherished? 9, 10. What particular virtues are enjoined? 11—16. Against what evil impulses are they advised? 17 — 21. 3. Relations of Christians to government? xiii. 1 — 7. Does this appear as though Christians in early times formed a community antagonistic to the civil power, as has sometimes been charged? 4. What is the teaching of the next passage? 8 — 10. Is it enough that we keep the bare letter of the commandments? What is the spirit and es sence of them? 5. What exhortation concerning the redemption and economy of time; and what as to sobriety and virtue? 11 — 13. The grand summing up? 14. What is the full meaning of this ? 6. What is the direction concerning persons possibly over-scrupulous concerning unessential observances? xiv. 1 — 6. What grand general prin ciple is always to be remembered? 7, 8. On what ground is this brotherly consideration based? 9 — 13. 7. What good rule of charitable action is laid down? 14, 15. How is this further enforced? 16 — 23. What disposition founded on the example of Christ is enjoined? xv. 1 — 7. What is given as the doctrine of the Jew ish scriptures concerning Christ as the Saviour of the Gentiles as well as the Jews? 8—13. 8. Under what especial title and office does he commend himself to them, and excuse the liberty of his exhortations? 14 — 16. What evidence is adduced of his apostleship? 17 — 21. What does he divulge concerning his future movements? 22 — 28. 9. What assurance is expressed? 29. What does he ask of them? 30 — 32. As matters eventuated, was there special occasion for this? Did Paul go to Rome in the manner here anticipated? 10. What is the first part of the last chapter taken up with? xvi. 1 — 16. What should you judge concerning Paul's acquaintance with the Roman Christians? Is not this singular, seeing that he had never been there? Are there any of these names with which you have previously met? 11. What caution is given, and what commendation? 17 — 19. What prediction is made? 20. Who join with the apostle in salutation? 21 — 23. 6 162 BIBLE STUDY. XIX. The Apostle's Visit to Jerusalem, and the Persecution Stirred up against him by the Jews, Very soon after writing the Epistle to the Romans, Paul took his de parture from Corinth, and, accompanied by several brethren, journeyed through Macedonia, visiting the churches there, and spending some time at Thessalonica and Philippi. From the latter place, he embarked by ship and went to Troas, where, after some days, he re-embarked and began the voyage along the coast toward Cassarea, stopping at various ports on the way. Of this journey and voyage as far as Mitylene, where he had the deeply interest ing meeting with the representatives of the Ephesian Church, we have had a brief account in Number IX. From Mitylene they pursued their course to Tyre on the Syrian coast, where they also found, as already in almost every considerable city, a com pany of disciples with whom they tarried a few days. From thence to Ptol- emais, the modern Acre, it was a short voyage, and the remainder of the journey appears to have been by land. Paul himself had prophetic forebod ings of serious experiences and sore trials awaiting him ; and there were other inspired disciples, both men and women, who predicted much temporal evil as the result of his present journey. Yet he felt as though led by the Spirit to go on and meet whatever was ordained for him. He had scarcely been at Jerusalem even a few days when the outcry against him began, and he was soon after arrested, and was doubtless only saved from violence by asserting to the Roman officer his rights as a Roman citizen. Foiled in their purposes to destroy him under color of law, his enemies laid a plot for his assassination. Fortunately this was discovered and brought to the ears of the military governor, who sent Paul away se cretly with a guard to Cassarea, the residence at that time of the governor of the province. Here he was detained for some time, and had a hearing before the magistrate, and should have been set at liberty; but, being detained on one pretext or another, and fearing that he might be again exposed to the machinations of the Jews, he appealed to the supreme authority at Rome, and thus precluded any further danger of a trial at Jerusalem. It was by this means, also, though in a way far different from what he had contemplated, that he was permitted to visit Rome. Acts xxi. ; xxii. ; xxiii. Nero, Emperor, A. D. 54—68. Events of Lesson, April 16 to May 25, A. D. 58. 1. Voyage from Miletus to Tyre. Stopping-places on the way. Acts xxi. 1 — 3. Can you give any account of this latter city, either from sacred or secular history? What dissuasion was attempted by the brethren there? 4. Religious services at the departure. 5, 6. 2. Continued journey and arrival at Csesarea. Family of a man of whom we have previously heard. Gift of the daughters. What were the predictions of the prophetic Agabus? 7 — 11. THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 163 3. What did Paul's friends endeavor to do, on this account? Journey to and reception at Jerusalem. 12 — 17. 4. Conference with James the apostle, and with the elders of the church, and report of the work among the Gentiles. 18 — 20. Advice of the elders. 21 — 25. What apprehensions had been created among the Christian Jews concerning Paul's teaching of the Gentiles? What did their rigid Judaism lead them to think concerning the Gentile converts? What had been previ ously determined by the elders on this subject? 21 — 25. (See.also, xv.23 — 29.) Why, then, enjoin upon Paul that he should observe the ceremonies? 24. 5. What occurred while Paul was thus engaged ? 27, 28. Who were the men crying out thus against Paul? What misapprehension was used? 29. 6. Excitement and riot. Attempt to kill Paul, and how prevented? 30—32. What did the officer do, and what followed? 33—36. Paul's re quest of the captain, and the latter's surprise when he found what kind of a man he was. Permission given him to speak. 37 — 40. 7. Paul's address, xxii. 1 — 21. What is the main topic? 5 — 16. In what language did he speak? How does the narrative of his conversion differ from that in Chap. ix. ? What does he say took place when he returned to Jerusalem? What hearty and humble conf ession does he make ? 17 — 20. 8. What remark greatly enraged the people? Why? What did they do? 21 — 23. Order of the officer? Why not carried out? The officer's ap parent doubt. In what respect was Paul's citizenship superior to that of the Roman captain? 24 — 28. What was done the next day? 29, 30. 9. Paul's address before the Sanhedrim. Insolent violence toward him. Indignant rebuke. Remonstrance and apology, xxiii. 1 — 5. 10. Adroit announcement, which caused a division in the anti-Christian party, and the consequence. 6 — 9. Paul taken under the care of the Ro man authority. 10. 11. Paul's vision and assurance. 11. Conspiracy and oath-bound plot of his enemies, and attempts to carry it out. How it was frustrated. 21, 22. 12. The Roman officer's plan for delivering Paul. Conveyance to Caes- area and custody there. 23 — 35. XX. Paul's Continued Imprisonment at Caesarea. His Appearance before the Procurators, Felix and Festus, and King Agrippa, Felix, who was the Roman procurator or governor of the province of Judea at this time, was a freedman of the Emperor Claudius, and one of his favorites. He had been useful to his master in ways none too scrupulous, and had been rewarded by one place after another of emolument and power, till we find him the ruler of an important and extensive province, with almost the state of a king. The reports that we have of him indicate a profligate, unprincipled and thoroughly corrupt man. His government of the province for two years was distinguished, for violence, disorder and discord. Though 164 BIBLE STUDY. his treatment of Paul was personally courteous and humane, yet his manage ment of his case was regardless of the rights of the prisoner, and with an eye to his own interest and emolument. Of Festus, who came in the place of Felix after the removal of the lat ter, we have very little knowledge. He appears to have been an upright judge and an honorable man. His course with regard to Paul was straight forward and fair, though he evidently was desirous to ingratiate himself with the Jews at Paul's expense. Still it is not probable that he had any suspicions of the plots against the apostle's life, when he proposed his going to Jerusa lem for trial before the Sanhedrim. It was this incident, however, that pre vented Paul's being set at liberty, as he unquestionably would have been had Festus made an immediate decision of the case as he had a right to do. Paul's "appeal to Csesar," while it prevented his transferrence to Jerusalem, also took him out of the jurisdiction of Festus, and determined his appear ance at Rome. The Agrippa who appears so conspicuously at this point of the history, was a son of the Herod who had persecuted and put to death some of the first disciples in Jerusalem and very soon after died a miserable death just as he had received the adulation of the citizens of Cassarea. He was also the great-grandson of Herod the Great. He was governor and titular king of Chalcis, a region to the north-east of Jerusalem, and on the other side of the Jordan. He appears to have had some sort of authority in Judea, though no absolute jurisdiction. He was a descendant of the Asmonean princes, and, of course, had Jewish blood in his veins. He was also familiar with the Jew ish polity and usages, and knew perfectly well how to appreciate Paul's re lation to them. The rancor and malignity with which the Jewish party pursued the apos tle, is significant. It shows how important a factor he was in the establish ment of Christianity in the place of Judaism, and how great was his influence in so establishing it that the Jews would have no pre-eminence over the Gen tiles in admission to its privileges and advantages. Acts xxiv. ; xxv. ; xxvi. Nero, Emperor, A. D. 54—68. Events of Lesson, May 25, A. D. 58, to July, A. D. 60. 1. Prosecution of Paul before Felix. Presentation of the Jewish side of the case by the advocate Tertullian. Outline of the speech, xxiv. 1 — 8. Was the compliment to the administration a just one? 2. Testimony sub mitted. 9. 2. Paul's defense. Give the substance of it. 10 — 21. Was there any effort to disprove this? 3. What was the action of the procurator, and on what pretext? 22. What reason is there to suppose he knew "of that way?" (See Chap, x.) Was Christianity at this time obnoxious to Roman law? Felix's leniency to the prisoner. 23. 4. Paul asked to set forth the system of Christianity before Felix and his Jewish wife. What seems to have been the character of the discourse? What was the character of the procurator? How did the discourse affect him? 24, 25. THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 165 5. What sordid hope animated Felix that he kept Paul in custody? Why did he not discharge him, on retiring from office'? 26, 27. 6. Who was the new procurator, and what did he do? What petition did he receive, and the motive of it? What did he say to it? xxv. 1 — 5. What reason was there for this? 16. 7. The hearing before Festus. The accusers' failure to prove their charges. Proposal of the procurator, and the motive for it? Was it in his discretion to determine the case himself? What grand right did Paul exer cise and how did he state it? Could any other apostle have done this? Could Festus exercise any further jurisdiction? 6 — 12. 8. King Agrippa's visit. Who was he? The case reported to him. 13 — ¦ 21. Festus' estimate of it as a whole? 19. 9. Agrippa's desire. 22. The appointment and preparation for the hear ing. 23. Festus introduces Paul. What difficulty does he find in the case? Would it have been more or less difficult if Paul had been guilty, or even had any semblance of guilt? 24 — 27. 10. Paul's speech. Graceful compliment to the king. His account of himself? xxvi. 1 — 5. How does he represent his case as related to the Jewish nation? 6 — 8. His conduct before conversion? Account of the great change. 9 — 18. Does the narrative differ much from the previous recitals? 11. The apostle's life after conversion. Character of his teaching and doctrine. Appeal to the Old Testament prophets. 19 — 23. 12. What was the effect of his allusion to the resurrection of tlie dead, on Festus? How did Paul defend himself from the imputation of insanity? 24 — 26. Personal appeal to the king, and reply of the latter. Paul's rejoin der. 27—29. Retirement and consultation of the officials. Agrippa's con clusion. 30—32. XXI. Voyage and Journey to Eome, Eesidence and Experience there. The voyage of Paul and his companions from Csesarea to the coast of Italy, is given with the circumstantiality and minuteness of immediate per sonal observation. It is evident that the narrator was one of the company, and this accounts for the particularity of detail which characterizes the narra tive. This, too, has enabled modern writers to trace with great exactness the actual course pursued, and to verify the places mentioned, even where the modern names differ from the ancient. It was a remarkable voyage, abound ing in disagreeable conditions and perilous experiences. It was only a nar row escape from the destruction of the whole company of soldiers, sailors and prisoners; and but for the counsels of Paul, and the divine interference, most of them would no doubt have perished. The journey from Puteoli, which was not far distant from where Naples now stands, to Rome was by land. It was about two hundred miles, and was over the famous Appian Road, over which the armies of the Republic and Empire, embassies, prffitors and proconsuls, with vast throngs of merchants 166 BIBLE STUDY. and citizens and travelers from foreign ports, had come and gone. The traces of this famous road still exist throughout most of its extent, and in the vicin ity of Rome it is still traveled, and the entrance to the city is the same as of old. The voyage and journey occupied from the last of August till some time in March. Rome has been for ages one of the great centers of power and influence in the world. No city probably has drawn to it so much of the attention and interest of mankind, and none has been of so much importance even in the estimation of the Christian, save Jerusalem. Even now when its political power has been gone for ages, and its ancient grandeur lies in scattered ruins, it probably draws more travelers to it and is the object of more general desire than almost any other spot. For ages both before and after the beginning of the Christian era, its history was substantially the history of the world. In the apostolic age, Rome was nearly at its greatest splendor. The city and its suburbs, within a radius of three or four miles, contained a popula tion, as some of the best authorities estimate, of about two millions. There were many private residences of considerable costliness and elegance, and public buildings of much magnificence. There were temples, tombs, basil icas, aqueducts and fountains in abundance, while statues and monuments of many kinds were everywhere found. The ruins of many of these are seen at this very day. At the time of our Saviour's advent, Augustus was Emperor, although the forms of the Republic were still maintained. He was a man of great force of character, as well as a broad, generous, and on the whole, a just man. Under him, literature flourished, and the arts were cultivated. His successors were of a different type. Tiberius, who reigned during the latter half of our Lord's earthly life and a few years later; Caligula, who followed during the next five years; and Claudius, the Emperor for the succeeding fourteen years, were, all of them, selfish, cruel, sensual and degraded specimens of humanity. Nero, who had been Emperor about eight years when Paul ar rived in Rome, was doubtless a man of greater abilities than his immediate predecessors, but his moral character was of the vilest, and his conduct has seldom been excelled in infamy. The population of Rome was made up of many different nationalities. There were many thousands of Jews. Some of these had been brought there as captives in war; others had come in the pursuit of business. As we have seen, Christianity had been for some time established there, and among its adherents were already some persons of reputation. There had as yet been no -molestation sanctioned by the government, though two years later there began a cruel and savage persecution under the brutal Nero, which was to be followed at intervals by similar bitter hostilities for two hundred years. Acts xxvii.; xxviii. Nero, Emperor, A. D. 54—68. Events of Lesson, August, A. D. 60, to March, A. D. 61. 1. Paul and other prisoners committed to an officer of the Prastorian Guard. What relation had this guard to the emperor? How was the con- THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 107 veyancemade? The first stage? Treatment of Paul by the officer? xxvii. 1—3. 2. Second stage of the journey ? Point out on the map. 4, 5. What change of conveyance, and with what intention? What hindered? Where did they find shelter? Where was this? 6—8. 3. What time in the year was this? 9, compared with Lev. xxiii. 27, 29. What advice did Paul give? 10 Why was it not taken? What was the de sign? 11 — 13. What occurred? The effect? What precautions were taken? 14—19. 4. Desperateness of the situation. 20. What does Paul now advise and what grounds had he for his encouraging prediction? 21 — 26. 5. After how long a time did they discover a change, and what did they discover? 27, 28. What precaution did they take? 29. What treacherous action did the seamen intend, and how frustrated? 30 — 32. 6. Paul's further advice and assurance. 33, 34. The effect? How many were there in all ? What further did they do ? 35 — 38. 7. What was discovered in the morning, and what was done? 39 — 41. Project of the soldiers, and how frustrated? The result? 42 — 44. 8. Name of the island ? Where situated, and its present name? Char acter of the inhabitants, and their treatment of the strangers? What remark able incident befell Paul, and how did it affect the people? xxviii. 1 — 6. 9. Hospitality of the governor. The miraculous healing of his father. Other miracles. What was the disposition of the people? 7 — 10. 10. How long stay was made here? Describe the voyage hence to the Italian coast. Where did they land? How far from Rome, and in the vicin ity of what great modern city? 11 — 13. 11. Whom did they find here ? Journey to Rome, and incidents on the way. 14, 15. Arrival at Rome. Delivery of the prisoners to the Praetorian Prefect. What special favor was shown to Paul? 16. 12. How did he use his privileges? Give the substance of his address. Reply of his countrymen. 17 — 22. 13. Paul explains to them the grounds on which the Messiahship of Jesus was based, and sets forth the Old Testament proofs of the Christian system. 23. How did they receive it? Does Paul find in their very disagreement and disbelief any confirmatory evidence? Why and how? What is his resort here, as usual? 24 — 29. 14. Paul's subsequent action at Rome? Was he still a, prisoner, or dis charged? How could he do this religious service? 30, 31. XXII. The Closing Years of Paul's Life, and his Last Letters. During the two years that Paul waited as a prisoner for his trial, he ap pears, both from the closing remark of Luke and from sundry allusions in 168 BIBLE STUDY. his letters, to have been actively engaged in advancing the cause of the Gos pel in Rome. It is true that he was confined to his house, and always under the surveillance of a soldier to whom he was chained. But he had the privi lege of receiving any who were disposed to wait on him, and his home evi dently became the resort of great numbers, so that he had abundant oppor tunity to teach and preach. He dwelt doubtless within the limits of the Prgetorium, or the quarters assigned in the city to the Prastorian guards, and his influence throughout these quarters appears to have been very great in be half of the Gospel. To this he alludes, Phil. i. 13, where he says, "My bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace " (or prmtorium, as some translate it). In the same epistle, there is a clear intimation that he had some converts among the Emperor's own servants — slaves or freedmen. iv. 22. The Scripture narrative breaks off abruptly with the statement of the apostle's two years of imprisonment in Rome,,giving no details of the life ex cept what has been already referred to. But we have some more or less trust worthy traditions, which, taken in connection with intimations in letters written subsequently to this time, give us a fair account of the remainder of his career. It appears from these sources that when his trial came on, proba bly in the year 63 A. D., he was readily acquitted and set at liberty. In his letter to Philemon, written not long before his discharge as well as in that to the Philippians, he had expressed the intention of traveling eastward and visiting the churches in Asia Minor. Philem. 22; Phil. ii. 24. This he un doubtedly did, lingering but a little among his friends at Philippi and the neighboring churches, and hastening on to Ephesus which he made the cen ter of his operations among the churches in that vicinity. There is a tradi tion, which seems to be well-founded, that, having regulated matters in the churches in the province of Asia, he went to Spain and remained there about two years; but of the details of this journey, or his labors in connection with it, we have not the slightest account. In the year 66 A. D., he returned to Ephesus to find there grievous errors and disorders, such as were beginning to characterize many of the churches. Having spent some time in correct ing these as far as possible, and leaving Timothy in charge of the work of further setting the church in order, he went to Macedonia. From thence he wrote his First Epistle to Timothy, giving him direction as to his course of conduct in the ecclesiastical administration, as well as much affectionate personal counsel. It is probable that he returned to Ephesus, but left after a brief visit, for a tour in Crete with Titus. Here there were also similar disorders to be rectified, and some time was given to the work, as we learn from the Epistle to Titus, written soon after his departure, and giving the latter instructions as to the administration of affairs among the Cretans. In this letter, he speaks of a determination to spend the ensuing winter in Nicopolis, a city of Epirus on the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea, where also he wishes Titus to meet him. The probability is, however, that the apostle was not permitted to spend the whole winter as he had proposed. Some three years before this, a bitter, malignant and horrible persecution had been incited against the Christians in Rome, and the government had taken part in it. The infamous Nero, who, it was thought by many, had set Rome on fire and was the cause of the tremendous conflagration of that THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 169 time, was willing to avert the rage of the populace from himself lo the Christians. The sufferings of the latter were almost too horrible to contem plate. Paul had been set at liberty from his first imprisonment the year pre vious, so that he was far distant when the terrible outbreak came. But, though three or four years had elapsed, the hostility had not ceased, and it had spread, to some extent, to the provinces. It is probable that he was ar rested at Nicopolis, in the winter of which he speaks, and taken to Rome. The charge was probably made by some one of his numerous enemies. It is also likely that his imprisonment was short, and that the only ac count we have of him during this time is his Second Epistle to Timothy, written from his prison. He was probably tried at separate times, on two distinct charges; first, on being concerned in the burning of Rome. On this, he was acquitted. The circumstances and outcome of this trial we have in his own words. (See II. Tim. iv. 16 — 18). The second trial was doubtless on the charge of his being a Christian, which, as a religio nova et illicita, rendered him liable to prosecution, though the law in this respect had been a dead letter for a long time till revived by the bitter hostility against the Christians. On this charge, on which he evidently did not anticipate ac quittal, he was convicted and suffered martyrdom early in the summer of 68, and not many months after his second letter to Timothy. Besides the epistles to Timothy and Titus, of which mention has been made, he wrote during this period, and indeed during his first imprisonment at Rome, the epistles to the Ephesians, the Colossians and the Philippians. Of the first of these, there is much doubt concerning the church to which it was addressed, some contending that the address in the title is wrong, and that it is the epistle alluded to in the letter to the Colossians as having been sent to Laodicea. Col. iv. 16. The two epistles are very similar in their style and matter, and there are very few passages in either which have not something corresponding in the other. They are both, as well as the epistle to the Philippians, characterized by a glowing personal affection and sym pathy, a hearty and sometimes intense enthusiasm for the cause of the Gos pel and the experience of its power and influence. There are many pas sages of almost unequaled eloquence, in which he gives utterance to these feelings. They also abound in practical exhortations, in kindly rebukes and cautions. Of the occasions of the Pastoral Epistles, we have already spoken. The brief letter to Philemon was occasioned by the discovery in Rome of a slave of the latter, who, in absconding, had also stolen from his master. Philemon appears to have been one of Paul's converts to whom he was much attached. The slave, converted under Paul's teaching at Rome, is restored to his master with this remarkable letter, and in such a way as most likely to secure his practical freedom. Our limits will allow only a partial considera tion of these epistles. Philemon. Ephesians. 1 . Where was Paul at the last previous account we have of him ? How long did he remain there at that time? In what condition? How did he employ himself, and with what success? 170 BIBLE STUDY. 2. What do we learn from apparently trustworthy traditions connected with intimations in his letters concerning his release and subsequent experi ence? What city appears to have been his headquarters for a time ? Whither did he probably go afterwards, and what were some of the principal inci dents of his life? 3. What intention does he express in a letter to Titus? iii. 12. About what time did the first persecution of the Christians at Rome begin? Under what emperor? His character, and the character of the persecution? 4. How long after this was Paul arrested? Where? What were the charges against him? Was he convicted on the former? How does he de scribe the outcome to Timothy? What was the second charge? Of what Roman law was it a violation? Had this law been practically operative? 5. What was the result? When and how was he put to death ? What letters did he write during this period? 6. The Epistle to Philemon. Who was Philemon, and where did he live? Who was Onesimus? Where and when was the letter written, and what was the situation of the writer? Give some account of the contents. 7. The Epistle to the Ephesians. When and where was this written? What doubt is there concerning its destination? What are some of the grounds of this doubt ? What other epistle contains almost the entire sub stance of this? 8. Analysis of the Epistle. Part First, i. 1 — 14. After the salutation, what are some of the several things in general for which the writer blesses God? 9. Second Part. i. 15 — ii. 10. What does he thank God for, and for what does he pray concerning those to whom he writes? 15 — 19. What does he say of the exaltation of Christ? 20 — 23. What change had taken place in them? How had this been effected? ii. 1 — 10. 10. Third Part. ii. 11 — iii. 21. What had been their former estate? 11, 12. Their present condition? 13. What had Christ done both for the Jews and the Gentiles, and in what relation did it place both? 14 — 18. What high privilege was thus theirs? 19. What figure is used? 20 — 22. What was the great new revelation concerning this, and to whom had it been spe cially committed? iii. 2 — 12. What grand spiritual gifts does he invoke for them? 13—21. 11. Fourth Part. iv. 1 — 16. What exhortation does he give? 1 — 3. How is the unity enjoined described? 4 — 6. What diversity consists with this unity? 7 — 15. What beautiful figure illustrates this? 16. 12. Fifth Part. iv. 17— v. 21. What was their former state ? What rad ical change, and how figured? 17 — 24. What particular sins {fre they to put awray ? 25—31. What disposition is enjoined? 32 — v. 2. What contrast be tween the light and darkness of the soul? 8, 11 — 14. What are some of the special exhortations? 15 — 21. 13. Sixth Part. v. 22 — vi. 9. What kind of relations are here referred to? Mention some of the duties enjoined. 14. Seventh Part. vi. 10—24. What fine figure is here used to illustrate the Christian character and calling? What are the principal points? THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 171 XXIII. The Last Letters — Concluded. Philippians; I.Timothy; Titus; IT. Timothy. (The Epistle to the Colossians is omitted as being similar to that to the Ephesians.) 1. The Epistle to the Philippians. Where was Philippi? What have we in the history concerning the first preaching of the Gospel there ? What disposition had the Philippians manifested towards Paul? iv. 14 — 16. 2. What disposition does he manifest towards them? i. 1 — 7. How does he describe his present condition? 12, 13. How had his persecution and imprisonment, on the whole, affected his usefulness? 14 — 20. 3. What opposite desires does he express? 21 — 24. To what does he exhort the brethren? 27, 28; also ii. 1 — 4. What, beautiful presentation of the example of Christ is given? 5 — 8. 4. What was Paul's situation as regards companionship when he wrote? 19 — 22. What account does he give of his temporal advantages and former spiritual .def ects, and how does he regard them? iii. 4 — 10. What allusions are made to the kindness of the Philippians? iv. 10 — 16. 5. The First Epistle to Timothy. When and where written? (Introduc tion to XXII.) Where was Timothy and what was his office? For what purpose had he been appointed to this office? i. 3, 4. The condition of the Ephesian church at this time? 4, 6, 7, and Introduction. What instance of church discipline and excommunication? 19, 20. 6. Instructions concerning public assemblies of Christians? ii. What prayers are to be especially offered? Instructions concerning women in pub lic? Why was this appropriate to that time and place? 7. What church officers are mentioned, and what character are they severally to have? iii. What remarkable statement of the character of the Gospel? 16. 8. What prophecy of evils in later times? iv. 1 — 3. How is Timothy to prove himself a good minister? 4 — 7. The advantage of genuine religion? 8. As a young man, what is Timothy advised to do? 12 — 16. 9. What wholesome directions to servants? vi. 1, 2. What is said of contentment? 6— 8. Danger of avarice? 9, 10, 17 The better way. 18, 19. What grand ascription to Christ? 13 — 16. 10. Epistle to Titus. Where written? What happened to Paul soon after? (Introduction to XXII.) Where was Titus and holding what office? What evils were in the churches there? What vices does Paul attribute to the Cretans generally? i. 10 — 13. 11. What are some of the general directions to Titus concerning the management of affairs, and concerning what particular classes? 13, 14; ii. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6—8, 9, 10, 15. For what reasons? 11—14. 12. What other practical injunctions are given? iii. 1, 2. What experi ence is cited? 3 — 7. What indication does the apostle give of his situation and intention? 12, 13. 172 BIBLE STUDY. 13. The Second Epistle io Timothy. Where and when written? How long before the apostle's martyrdom? How does he address Timothy? i, 2. What is his feeling toward him? 3—7. What is the condition of Paul and his bearing in it? 11, 12. What is evident concerning some who should have stood by him? 15. Did this include all his friends? 16 — 18. 14. What are some of the special exhortations to Timothy? ii. 3, 14, 15, 22, 23. What errors of some teacher does he deprecate? 16—18. What fu ture evils are predicted? iii. 1 — 5. Examples of perverted teachers? 6 — 9. How does he set forth his own example and the natural consequences? 10 — 12. Value of the Scriptures? 14—17. 15. The final charge? iv. 1 — 5. Paul's grand summing up and glorious expectation ? 6—8. How do you think at this point Paul, a prisoner and soon to die as a criminal, would have answered the question, Is life worth living? What was evidently his condition in respect to many of his friends? 9 — 11. His confidence nevertheless? 17, 18. XXIV. The Epistle to the Hebrews. There has been more controversy about some points in relation to this epistle than perhaps any other book in the New Testament. The discussion, however, has had to do mostly with its authorship, the language in which it was originally written and the parties to whom it was sent; for there is very little doubt about its canonicity and its inspiration. The notion has widely prevailed that it was intended as a kind of encyclical epistle for the Jewish converts generally, like the epistle of James which explicity states that to be its intention. The marked absence of any note of address at the beginning such as characterizes every other epistolary book in the New Testament, not only leaves this point, but also that of the author, in doubt; while it in some degree indicates a difference in the object of the writer. But as nearly as can be ascertained, the best authorities agree in this, that it was not addressed to the Jews, nor Jewish Christians generally, but either to a particular church composed principally of Jews, or to a particular circle or class of Jewish Christians, in Alexandria or Jerusalem. The best authorities also agree in the opinion that it was originally written in Greek, and therefore doubtless addressed to some body of Hellenistic Jewish Christians The last would seem to indicate Alexandria as the locality, while some other circumstances point to Jerusalem as the place, and a special class as the persons addressed. As to the writer, the popular idea has been that it was written by Paul, although he is not alluded to in the book. Careful criticism, however, finds so much evidence against the validity of this opinion, as to, at least, make it doubtful. The thoughts themselves and the general course of the reasoning are sufficiently Pauline, but the language and style are dissimilar to Paul's. But whoever may have been the author, there is, as has been said, little room THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 173 for doubt concerning the genuineness and inspiration of the book. There is another peculiarity about ii; it is less like an epistle than any other book that bears that name. Though not destitute of epistolary characteristics, its style is somewhat that of a treatise Having a particular subject to discuss. It is of the nature of a theological essay. The object of the writing seems to have been to correct a tendency among those addressed, to slide into a formal Judaism and thus apostatize from spiritual Christianity; to rest in the ceremonies of the temple service, instead of entering into that higher experience of which these were only types and shadows. This gives the writer an opportunity to set forth in order the actual relation of the Mosaic system to Christ and Christianity. The book furnishes a masterly representation of the connection between the Mosaic and the Christian dispensations. The leading topic is the grand pre eminence of Christ, and his completeness for the deliverance of humanity from allits evils and the supply of all its spiritual wants j as contrasted with the imperfectness, insufficiency and incompetency of the Mosaic system without him as its complement and the antitype of its principal ceremonies. 1. What difference of opinion has prevailed concerning this book? What has been a common opinion? Are there any reasons for a contrary opinion? How does the beginning differ from that of every other epistle? 2. What theory of some weight do we have concerning its character and the parties to whom it was written? What difference of opinion con cerning the writer? What are some of the reasons for supposing it to be Paul's writing? What reasons against this supposition? 3. Do these diverse views affect the question of its authenticity or in spiration? What other peculiarity of the book? Its main object? What is set forth? The leading topic? 4. What two methods of revelation are spoken of? i. 1, 2. How is Christ compared with the angels? 3 — 14. What very forcible argument is drawn from this, respecting obedience to Christ? ii. 1 — 4. 5. What is man's rank as compared with angels? 6 — 8. Why was it necessary when as we have seen Jesus was infinitely superior to the angels, that he should be made inferior to them? What objects were to be achieved? What nature did he take on? 9 — 18. 6. In what respect is Christ greater than Moses? iii. 1 — 6. What is ar gued from this respecting the consequences of disbelief in Christ? 7 — 11, 12 —19; iv. 1, 2. What remarkable description of the divine word? 12, 13. 7. How is Christ superior to the Aaronic high priests? 14, 15; v. 1 — 4, 5, 6, 7, 9; vii. 28. What is said concerning the superiority of Christ's priestly order to that of Aaron? v. 10; vii. 13, 14, 21, 22, 23—26. What is the argu ment to show the superiority of Melchizedec to Aaron? vii. 1, 2, 4 — 10. 8. How does the holy place or sanctuary of which the Jewish high priest was minister compare with that of Christ? viii. 2, 5. How do the two covenants compare? 6 — 9, 10 — 12. 9. Were the ordinances, and offices and appointments of the former dis. pensation effectual and satisfactory, or only typical? ix. 1 — 8, 9, 10, 12, 13; 174 BIBLE STUDY. x. 1 — 4. What does Christ do that the former can not do and which they only prefigure? ix. 11, 14, 23, 24 — 28. What is the inference, then, concerning the continuance or cessation of the Jewish ritual? 10. What is the real and effectual offering, the substance of which the Levitical sacrifices were the shadow — the antitype of which they were the type? x. 5, 7, 9, 10. Is there need for further sacrifice? 14, 18. The effect of this sacrifice upon those who in faith accept it? 16, 17. 11. What rebuke is administered to the heathen? v. 11 — 14. What is the process of the spiritual life when once begun? vi. 1 — 3. What peril is involved in remaining stationary or receding? 4 — 6. How does the great inheritance come to God's children? 11, 12. How does he represent the as surance of the inheritance and the value of the hope? 13 — 20. 12. (Having completed the doctrinal exposition, the writer now proceeds to apply the principles evolved.) How does he group the particulars in which Christ becomes the fulfillment of the types implied in the Jewish altar service, and what encouragement is held forth? x. 19 — 23. What is said concerning religious communion? 24,25. What dangers are involved, and how do these compare with those under the old dispensation? 26 — 31. 13. What had these Christians already suffered; and to what does the writer exhort them ? 32 — 39. What is the subject of chapter xi.? Mention some of the prominent examples of faith. 4 — 32. How does, faith differ from belief? What power had faith imparted to many not named? 33 — 40. 14. What is the inference? xii. 1 — 3. What is said concerning the bene fit of affliction? 4 — 11. What special exhortations follow? 12 — 17. What remarkable comparison is made, illustrative of the two dispensations? 18 — 29. 15. What particular virtues are commended? xiii. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 16. Against what are they warned, and on what ground? 8 — 15. XXV. The General Epistles of James and Peter. There have been some doubts concerning the epistle of James both as to its being a really canonical book and as to the writer. In modern times the chief objection to its canonicity has arisen from the supposed antagonism of a part of it to other writings of the New Testament. This objection, how ever, when critically examined is found to have little weight, and there is at present a nearly unanimous opinion among evangelical, writers that it is a genuine part of the New Testament. There appear to have been three or four prominent persons by the name of James among the early disciples. Two of these were apostles, viz., James the brother of John, and James the son of Alphseus. James "the Lord's brother" is also spoken of; and there is also a possible fourth James, Matt. xiii. 55; Mark vi. 3. The best authorities identify "the son of AI- THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 175 phseus" and "the Lord's brother " as the same. The only difficulty is in the family relationship, but tho term "brother" is often used in the Bible lo de note a near kinsman, and there are still other ways of accounting for the legitimate use of the term. The epistle could hardly have been written by the brother of John the apostle, as he suffered martyrdom in the first persecution of Christians under Herod. There is not much doubt that it was written by James the son of Alphseus, who also appears, by the narrative of Luke and the letters of Paul, to have had a kind of primacy among the apostles at Jerusalem. It was probably written about A. D. 62. As has been intimated, one great occasion of contention concerning this epistle is found in the author's comparison of Faith and Works, in which he has been by some supposed to be in flat contradiction to Paul. It is strange that such an impression could have so widely prevailed. Clearly enough to a careful and critical reader, while one writer makes Faith prominent and the other Works, there is no antagonism. The one is insisting on Faith as the vital and essential thing, as against those who teach a righteousness to be secured through observance of the ceremonial law. The other defends such Works as are implied in obedience to the divine commands against those who teach that moral conduct is of no consequence so long as the belief is correct, or so long as one trusts in Christ whose righteousness will then be substituted for one's own. Neither teaches that mere opinion or blind trust, or that legal obedience, will meet the want of the soul; both believe that such a trust in Christ is necessary as implies a purpose to do and be and bear what God requires. The epistle is addressed to the converted Jews and Israelites who were scattered abroad among the nations, though some of the allusions point also to the Jews in their national capacity. It is evidently intended to convey to them positive instruction on the subject of Christian morals. It also guards them against the harmful notions which were beginning to be disseminated in certain quarters to the effect that a formal acceptance of Christ was all that was essential, and that the moral character availed nothing. It abounds in forcible appeals, bold rebukes, earnest exhortations and whole some advice. The First Epistle of Peter was written, as the address indicates, to companies of Christians scattered throughout the world, though more par ticularly to those of Asia Minor. The phraseology might indicate that the classes addressed were the same as those to whom James wrote, viz., Chris tian Jews; but there are intimations in the text of the epistle which would not agree with this supposition. Such are those contained in ii. 10 — iv. 3. The apostle appears to have been at Babylon when he wrote; and though there have been differences of opinion as to what particular place is meant, the majority of reputable authorities agree that it was the new Babylon built in the vicinity of the site of the famous imperial city. There were many Jewish residents there, and Peter had doubtless made that the center of one of his great missionary campaigns. The time of its writing was probably somewhere between A. D. 60 and 64. 176 BIBLE STUDY. The design of the epistle wherewith also the contents correspond, was: 1. To comfort and encourage the Christians, many of whom were passing through severe trials. 2. To enforce the practical duties involved in their religious profession. 3. To warn them against special temptations attached to their position. 4. To remove all doubt as to the completeness and sound ness of the system which they had received. This last was the more need ful as we have seen in Paul's epistles that there were parties opposed to the latter, and who endeavored to divert the churches founded by him, on the ground that Peter and the older apostles were of higher authority. The in structions and exhortations of this epistle were well calculated to set at rest any such agitations and dissensions. It is also worthy of note that the churches to which the parties here ad dressed belonged, were founded chiefly by Paul, and this fact as well as the tone of the epistle wholly dissipates the ancient themy of any antagonism between the two apostles. The style of the epistle is what we might expect in one written by Peter; earnest, fervid, impulsive and emotional; yet with all these qualities chast ened and controlled. There are many passages of great power and glowing eloquence. The Second Epistle op Peter, unlike the first, has been a subject of much controversy, both as to its authenticity and its canonicity. The chief ground of doubt concerning it is found in its supposed dissimilarity of style to the first epistle. It is true that there are some grounds for this supposi tion. The two epistles are in some respects unlike, yet this lack of similarity is not predicable of the whole of the two epistles. There are also some parts of this epistle which bear a striking resemblance of that of Jude, so that some have surmised that they had one author. On the other hand there are internal evidences that the First and Second Epistles were both by the author whose name they bear. The opening pas sage of this epistle announces the writer to be " Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ." It is also said, (iii. 1,) "This second epistle, be loved, I now write unto you, in both which I stir up your pure mind by way of remembrance." He also alludes in a striking way to the Transfiguration, and the voice "from the most excellent glory ;" and goes onto declare, "And this voice which came from Heaven we heard when we were with him in the holy mount." i. 17, 18. These passages would indicate the authorship clearly enough unless this was an intentional forgery, and we can hardly divine a motive for so audacious an act. Moreover a forgery would have been likely to have imitated the style of the assumed writer rather than to have differed so much from it. This letter was evidently written to the same parties to whom the former was addressed. The time and place of its writing are unknown. If Peter ever came to Rome, it was probably written there. In any case, its date was probably not long before his death, or about the year 64 A. D. The design of the epistle was to remind those to whom it was written of the true princi ples of the Christian faith, and to warn them against the pernicious teachings of some whom the writer foresaw would undertake to lead them away from the simplicity of the truth. The characteristics of these teachers and their THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 177 teaching are somewhat vividly set forth. There arc some important doc trines which are brought out more fully here than elsewhere in the Bible. Among these arc the statements concerning the final conflagration of tho world, and the new heavens and the new earth. James; I. Peter; II. Peter. 1. How many different persons bear the name of James among the disciples of Jesus? Which one is supposed to be the author of the epistle bearing this name? What was formerly the main ground of doubt concern ing the authenticity of this epistle? To what other apostle was it supposed to be opposed and in what respect* 2. To whom is the epistle addressed? i. 1. What instruction does it convey? What cautions does it contain? 3. How may trials prove a benefit? i. 2 — 4. If we lack wisdom, what are we to do? 5 — 8. Will it do any good to ask for what we do not mean to use? What is implied in faith here? 4. What of the vanity of wealth? 10, 11. The cause of temptation? 12 — 15. Whence all gifts? 17. Difference between mere hearing and doing? 22—25. Genuine religion-? 26, 27. 5. What is said of the greater probability that the poor will be accept able to God than the rich? ii. 5 — 7. The royal law and its application? 8—13. 6. How does the writer represent the relation of faith and works? 14 — 26. How is this to be reconciled with the doctrine of faith as the condition of salvation? (Introduction.) There isa faith which is mere assent or belief , and another which implies the practice of the divine requirements; which does this writer mean? 7. What instruction is given concerning the liabilities of the tongue? iii. 1 — 12. What two kinds of wisdom and their difference? 13 — 18. 8. What do you find concerning selfishness in living and in religious effort? iv. 1 — 6. Rule for calculations of the future? 13—16. 9. What rebuke to mere worldly and selfish men? v. 1 — 6. Advice to the pious and persecuted. What great hope is expressed? 7. Examples of endurance. 10, 11. 10. Simplicity of speech? 12. Utility and power of prayer? 13 — 18. The good effected by converting a soul? 19, 20 11. To whom was the first epistle of Peter written ? Where and when? What Babylon was this, and why was Peter there? What is there in the epistle and the circumstances calculated to dissipate the theory of any antag onism between Peter and Paul? (Introduction.) 12. What were some of the objects of the epistle? (Introduction.) Under the first design what encouragements are mentioned? i. 3, 4, 6, 7; iv. 12, 13. 13. What are some of the duties enjoined under the second head; as for instance, what duties of consecration? 1. 13 — 16; iii. 15. Of society? ii. 13— 17. Of domestic life? 18; iii. 1, 7. Of Christian brotherhood? i. 22; ii. 1— 5; iii. 8, 9; iv. 8—11; v. 1—3, 5. Of watchfulness? v. 8. 8 178 BIBLE STUDY. 14. What warnings against special temptations? Sensuality? ii. 11, 12, iv. 2, 3, 4. Vanity? iii. 3, 4. Vindictiveness? 9. 15. What confirmation does the writer give of the chief doctrines of re demption? i. 8—12, 18—21; ii. 21—25; iii. 18—22. Do you find any intima tion in favor of those Jewish observances on which the enemies of Paul in sisted? 16. What controversy has there been concerning the Second Epistle of Peter? The ground of the supposition that it is unauthentic? What inter nal evidence in favor of its genuineness? Introduction, and i. 1; iii. 1; i. 17, 18. What are the probabilities of a forgery? 17. To whom and when was it written? The design of the letter? What are some of the characteristics of the false teachers, against which warning is given? ii. 1—3, 10, 12—14. The style of their teaching? 17—19. 18. The results of such living and teaching, as illustrated by Old Testa ment examples? ii. 4 — 6, 15, 16, 21, 22. Against what does he particularly warn those to whom he writes? iii. 2 — 4. How does he illustrate this spirit? 5,6. 19. What predictions, more explicit than we find elsewhere in the New Testament, are given concerning the termination of the present period? 7, 10, 12, 13. What exhortations are founded on this declaration? 11, 14, 17. What reference to Paul's writings? 15, 16. 20. Give the list of Christian virtues, in their logical order? i. 5 — 7. What is the character of the address and exhortation of the opening chapter? XXVI. The Epistles of John and Jude, The Epistles of John do not bear his name, and there is nothing specific in them to indicate the writer, except the style. But this is so obvious that there can be scarcely any doubt as to the authenticity. They were probably written at or near Ephesus, and near the end of the First Century, or 91 or 92 A. D. The First Epistle was written primarily doubtless to churches in Asia Minor, over which John probably exercised a kind of supervision, and in which he was particularly interested. But it was also designed for Chris tians generally. It is supposed by many that one object of the epistle was to warn those to whom it was especially addressed against certain heretical teachings then being diffused among the churches. Gnosticism was the chief of these, and consisted in the doctrine of the inherent viciousness and cor ruption of matter, and hence as one of its tenets inferred that Christ did not come in the flesh, because this would be degrading to him. Out of this, there arose a variety of confusing and conflicting ideas which were full of mischief. There are several passages in which very likely this false doctrine is alluded to. The more prominent of these are l. 1,2, and iv. 2, 3. THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 179 But probably this was only incidentally his object. The epistle is not controversial, hut rather hortatory and instructive. It every-wherc incul cates and enforces that spirit of love of which this apostle was so eminent an example. The Second Epistle is addressed to "an elect lady," probably some emi nent Christian woman in the East. In it he gives similar warnings to those in the First Epistle. Indeed, it is said, that of the thirteen verses which com pose this epistle, eight are the same in substance as an equal number con tained in the first. The Third Epistle was addressed to a prominent Christian by the name of Gaius. He is very likely the same person of whom Paul speaks, Rom. xvi. 23, as " mine host, and of the whole church." The same characteristics appear in John's commendation in this epistle. 5, 6. " Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatever thou doest to the brethren and to strangers; which have borne witness of thy charity before the church. " He was probably a wealthy layman whose house was a home for the apostles and Christian evangelists. This epistle appears to be a personal letter of friendly and affectionate char acter, but written more especially to commend to the hospitality of the per son to whom it is written some Christians who were traveling that way. It seems that he had before written to some of the elders of the church, but at the instigation of one Diotrephes, the brethren had not been received. The Epistle of Jude has been the occasion of some doubt, both as to its authorship and its canonicity. The name given in the title is the same as that in the list of apostles given by Luke (vi. 16.) Some have thought, how ever, that this was not the apostle, but one of the same name, and a brother of another James. There is little doubt among evangelical writers of its right to be in the canon. It is not known at just what time it was written, but the prevailing opinion makes it about A. D. 66. It was addressed to Christians generally, but primarily probably to those churches in Asia Minor to which the Epistles of Peter and perhaps the First of John were sent. The contents of the epistle coincide, in a large measure, with a part of the Second Epistle of Peter. The object of the epistle is expressed in the third verse, and the reason given in the fourth. The adversaries of pure doctrine and life, who at tlie same time professed to be Christian disciples, are portrayed, and the brethren are carefully warned against them. First, Second, Third Epistles of John ; Jude. 1. What is there in the three Epistles of John to show that they were written by the apostle of that name? Can you mention any phrases or ex pressions which are similar to some in the Fourth Gospel? About what time were they all probably written? 2. To whom was the First Epistle written? Its object and some of its contents? What was the heresy which John is thought to oppose? What are some of the expressions indicating this? i. 1; iv. 2, 3. By what term does he designate these errorists? ii. 18. 180 BIBLE STUDY. 3. What is the great characteristic of this epistle? How does this com port with the character of the Apostle John? 4. Mention some of the passages in which this spirit of love predomi nates or is enjoined? What other important quality is largely referred to, and what is meant by it? i. 5, 7; ii. 9, 10. 5. What passages prove that faithful obedience is a means of light and truth? i. 6; ii. 3, 4, 5, 27, 29. What important office of Christ is declared? ii. 1. What reasons does he give for writing to the different classes men tioned? ii. 12—14. 6. What high privilege belongs to believers? iii. 1, 2. The distinction between those who are Christians and those who are not? 4 — 10. An essen tial mark of real believers? 14. How is hatred characterized? 15; iv. 20. . 7. The mark of genuine faith? v. 1, 2. The power of such a faith? 4, 5. How do men know of their regeneration? 10 — 12. The prayer of faith and its effect? 14, 15. 8. To whom was the Second Epistle written? How does it compare with the First Epistle? What significant warning is given? 9, 10. 9. Who was the recipient of the Third Epistle? Do we probably meet this name elsewhere? What seems to have been the character of this man? The object of the epistle? 5 — 7. What rebuke to some of the officers of the church? What may we gather concerning the character of the family of Gaius? 4. 10. What difference of opinion has existed concerning the Epistle of Jude ? To what other of the apostles was the first Jude or Judas mentioned by Luke related? Is it certain that this is that one? 11. To whom was it written? To what other epistle is it similar? Point out any similarities that you find. 12. The object of the epistle? 3. What reason was there for this? 4. What lessons are we taught concerning those who have once been subjects of saving grace, but have afterwards forsaken the faith? 5, 6. 13. What were some of the characteristics of the perverters concerning whom Jude writes? 8 — 10, 12, 13, 16, 19. What had some of the apostles foretold concerning such characters? 17 — 19. XXVII. The Eevelation of John. The Book of Revelation was written by "John, a brother and compan ion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ," to some of those to whom he wrote; who was also under banishment to the island of Patmos for his adherence to Christ. Certain German critics and some others have denied that this was the Apostle John. The chief ground of this de nial is the difference of style. But this, in so far as it exists, is readily ac- THE PROPAGATION OF TH E GOSPEL, 1K1 counted for in the vastly and radically different character of the subjects, A simple narrative of events readily conceived by any one, or a letter to familiar friends on topics concerning which they were accustomed to eon- verse, would not demand a style like the stupendous and astonishing visions and utterances which the writer of the Book of Revelation was called upon to record. Besides, a careful examination will reveal not a difference, but a striking similarity of style in the simple narrative parts of the book, as com pared with the Fourth Gospel and the Epistles. This, taken with the almost unanimous traditions of the early Christian centuries, secures the majority of authoritative suffrages in favor of the Apostle John as the writer. As to its date, the' authorities are more nearly equally divided. Many names of great weight are found in favor of the opinion 'that it was written in the time of Nero, and not long after the death of Paul. The main reason for this early date, is the belief that much of the prophetical part of the book was fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem and the life and death of Nero; this belief being founded on the intimation that the things here revealed would "shortly come to pass*" i. 1. (See also xxii. 6, 7,10, 12,20.) But a number of weighty facts and circumstances militate against this. In the first place, there is the nearly unanimous voice of the fathers and of those near est John's time who assign a later date. Then there is the fact that the ex pression of "the Lord's day" for Sunday did not begin to be used till near the end of the first century. In the third place, the condition of some of the churches could not have been so early such as is represented. Finally, the fulfilled prophecies of the Bible, it would seem, should be more obvious in order for the edification of believers. These and similar considerations furnish weighty reasons for believing that the book was written by John the apostle during the reign of the Em peror Domitian, under whom the second fierce persecution of Christians occurred, and in which John had been banished to the island of Patmos. The contents of the book may be loosely grouped as follows: — 1. After the title of the book (i. 1 — 3) and the salutation to the seven churches (4), the writer sets forth his fundamental idea, viz., Jesus Christ as the central figure and power in the government of the world. (5 — 8.) 2. There is tht vision of the seven golden candlesticks with the Son of Man in the midst of them, whom he describes (9 — 20), and who dictates the messages which are to be sent to the seven churches in Asia, of which John seems to have had the general supervision, (ii. 1; iii. 22.) 3. Then comes the second vision— that of the throne of God,— the slain Lamb opening the otherwise insoluble seven seals of the book, which, as they are severally opened, furnish each its appropriate revelation, (iv. 1 — viii. 1.) 4. Next is the vision of the seven angels with trumpets, the sounding of which in order is the signal of suc cessive judgments, (viii. 2 — xi. 19.) 5. A series of visions of varied char acter, (a.) The woman and the child, persecuted by the dragon, and pro tected by divine power, (xii.) (b.) The living creature with seven heads and ten horns, persecuting the people of God, and a two-horned beast of the same spirit and having a mystical number, (xiii.) (c.) The Lamb and the 144,000 who celebrate his praises; the angels proclaiming the fall of Babylon, blessing the faithful dead, and pronouncing the doom of the wicked; the 182 BIBLE STUDY. harvest, (xvi.) (d.) The saints who had overcome the beast, sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. The seven angels pour out the seven vials of divine wrath upon the several objects uf It. (xv., xvi.) (e.) The harlot sitting on the scarlet beast with the seven heads and ten horns — a great and wicked city on seven hills and controlling many kings. The destruction of this city and evil power, (xvii., xviii.) (f.) The triumph of the Lamb. Satan bound for a thousand years. His release at the termination of this period, and vain attempt to regain his power. His final destruction, the resurrection of the dead and general judgment, with the new heaven and the new earth. (xix., xxi. 1.) (g.) The description of the eternal city, and injunctions to the prophet. The interpretations of this book have been almost as various as the com mentators. It is more than probable that the time for its complete interpre tation, or the interpretation of any considerable part of it, has not yet come. The Bible was written not only for all men in all nations and conditions, but also for all generations in aU time. Much that would not be explicable or applicable to one class or in one age, may be clear and well suited to another. It is more than probable that, as in the past progress of the world new truth has been constantly appearing in the Bible which no preceding age had dis covered, so it may be in the future, and that many passages which are now partially sealed to us will be clearly understood by those who come after us. But this does not necessarily imply that any part of the Divine Word is use less to any generation. Even some of its obscurest parts have some lessons of instruction to all who prayerfully study them. So this wonderful and mysterious book of the Revelation conveys every-where to the devout soul intimations of the power and wisdom and perpetual providence of God. 1. By whom was the book written? What are the reasons against and in favor of the opinion that this was John the apostle? 2. What difference of opinion as to its date? The grounds of each opinion? To whom was the book addressed or dedicated? i. 4. 3. What is the fundamental idea of the book? 5, 6, and Introduction. The location of the "seven churches? " What is meant by Asia? 4. Give the subjects of the first two divisions of the book? (Introduc tion.) Take up severally the messages to the seven churches, and give in order the following particulars concerning each : — (a.) What is commended? (b.) What is censured? (c.) What is enjoined? (d.) What is promised to the overcomers ? 5. What is the subject of the third division? How is Christ repre sented in v. 5? How in 6? What is the subject of the song of praise? 9. 10. What followed the opening of the first five seals severally? vi. 1 — 11. 6. What extraordinary events consequent upon the opening of the sixth seal? 12—17. What other important transaction during this period? vii. 2, 3. How many of each tribe, and in the aggregate, of the old covenant peo ple, were sealed ? 4 — 8. 7. Did these comprise all the glorified? 9. What had been the pre- THE PROPAGATION OF THE (tOSPKI,. 1S:{ vious experience of these? 13, 14. Their glorified experience? 15 — 17. What followed the breaking of the seventh seal? viii. 1. 8. What scries of events comprise the fourth division? What events in order followed the sounding of the first four trumpets? viii. 2 — 13. What terrible commotions were consequent on the sounding of the fifth trumpet? ix. 1 — 12. What would be the condition of wicked men in this period? 5, 6. 9. The sequence of the sounding of -the sixth trumpet? Its effect on men? 14 — 18. Did the survivors repent? 20,21. The final grand and aw ful catastrophe declared? x. 1, 5 — 7. Was this to take place in this period, or in the next? 8. The sounding of the seventh trumpet? xi. 15 — 19. 10. Mention some of the more conspicuous of the visions comprising the fifth division. AVhat moral characteristics are embodied throughout, in the dragon, the beasts with many heads and many horns, and in the notable woman arrayed in purple and scarlet? What is always in antagonism with them, and finally overcomes them? xii. 7 — 11; xiii. 7, 8; xiv. 9, 10, etc. 11. What was the character of ancient Babylon? ( See Ofd Testament Prophets.) Could these predictions apply to it? What then must have been the character of the power or agency designated by this name here? What are some of the things said of it? What was to be its fate? xiv. 8; xvi. 19; xvii. 5, 18; xviii. 12. What is the subject of the song of the glorified, in view of the judg ments before described? xix. 1 — 8. What judgment of Satan is spoken of? xx. 1—3. Was this to be final? 7. What is the final doom? 10. 13. How are the general resurrection and judgment described? 11 — 15. What are some of the characteristics of the heavenly Jerusalem? xxi., xxii. 5565