ADSDAQ - The Banners That Pay!
Welcome to J. W. McGARVEY's series of FIFTY-TWO BIBLE LESSONS
2nd Quarter
[FBL 29-31] 00016
LESSON XIV.--Death of Jesus--Continued.
+++ JESUS LED TO GOLGOTHA.
At what hour of the day, according to John, was Jesus delivered up by Pilate? --Joh 19:14. At what hour, according to Mark, was he crucified? --Mr 15:25. How do you reconcile the two statements? Ans --It is supposed that the numeral in John's account has been accidentally changed by transcribers. As they led Jesus away, who bore his cross? --Joh 19:17. Who else bore it a part of the way? --Mr 15:21. Who were the Alexander and Rufus here mentioned as the sons of Simon? Ans --They were evidently well-known persons then, but they are unknown at present.
By whom was he followed? --Lu 23:27.
What did Jesus say to the weeping women? --Lu 23:28-31.
What is meant by the question about the green tree and the dry? --Lu 23:31. Ans --A green tree is one that is alive and growing; a dry tree, one that is dead and decaying. Jerusalem was then like the green tree, and it was yet to be like the dry when about to be destroyed by the Romans. The remark, then, means, that if the women of the city were distressed by what was now going on, how much more in the more distressing time that was coming, as indicated in --Lu 23:29,30.
Who were led forth with Jesus? --Lu 23:32. To what place did they lead him? --Lu 23:33. What was the Hebrew name of the place, and why was it so called? --Mt 27:33. Whence the name Calvary? Ans --It came into English from the Latin word calvaria, which means a naked skull. Is it proper to speak of Mount Calvary? Ans --No; for it was not a mount.
+++ THE CRUCIFIXION.
What did the Jews offer Jesus before they crucified him? --Mr 15:23. Why did he not drink it? Ans --It was an intoxicating drink, and supposed to be stupefying; but he was unwilling to take anything which would affect his mind.
Describe the crucifixion, and the disposal of his garments. --Lu 23:33,34. What caused them to cast lots in dividing the garments? --Joh 19:23,24. What prayer did Jesus offer as they crucified him? --Lu 23:34.
Describe the mockings of the multitude. --Lu 23:35-37. What was written over his head, and in what languages? --Lu 23:38. What passed between Pilate and the Chief Priests about this title? --Joh 19:21,22. State the different forms in which the four evangelists quote this inscription. --Mt 27:37 Mr 15:26 Lu 23:38 Joh 19:19. How do you account for the differences? Ans --Each quotes the idea expressed, and puts it in his own language.
+++ THE DYING THIEF.
Repeat the conversation between the two thieves. --Lu 23:39,40.
Repeat that between the penitent thief and Jesus. --Lu 23:41,42.
Where is Paradise? Ans --Jesus went that day into Hades; see --Ac 2:26,29-31; consequently the Paradise here spoken of is the place of the righteous in Hades. The word is elsewhere applied to the eternal state. --Re 2:7. It means a place of delight.
What does Matthew say about the two thieves? --Mt 27:44.
How is this reconciled with Luke's account? Ans --By supposing both to be true--that is, that they both reviled Jesus at first, but that one of them, after seeing the sun darkened, was convinced and changed his tone.
+++ THE DARKNESS AND THE END.
Describe the darkness and the last cries of Jesus. --Mt 27:45-50.
Why did they think he was calling for Elias? Ans --His sufferings were so great, and his mouth was so dry from thirst, that he could not speak distinctly.
What friends were standing by, and what did Jesus say to them? --Joh 19:25-27.
What was the effect of the scene on the centurion who commanded the soldiers? --Lu 23:47. What is Matthew's report of his remark? --Mt 27:54. How do you reconcile the two? Ans --By supposing that both are true--that is, that he exclaimed first: "Certainly this was a righteous man"; and second: "Truly this was the Son of God." What events accompanied the last cry of Jesus? --Mt 27:51.
[FBL 32-34] 00017
LESSON XV.--The Burial of Jesus.
+++ HIS SIDE PIERCED.
What request did the Jews make of Pilate about the bodies of Jesus and the thieves, and why? --Joh 19:31. Why break their legs? Ans --So as to be sure that they would not recover.
Describe the breaking of their legs? --Joh 19:32-34. Why did the soldier pierce his side, as he was already dead? Ans --We can see no reason for the act. What does John say about the certainty of this statement? --Joh 19:35. Why asseverate it so positively? Ans --Because it is unusual for blood and water to flow from the heart of a dead man.
What Scripture was fulfilled by the omission to break his legs? --Joh 19:36. Compare --Ex 12:46. As this was written concerning the passover lamb, how was it fulfilled in Jesus? Ans --That lamb was a type of Jesus, and the fact that no bone of it was broken was one of the points of analogy between it and Jesus.
What was fulfilled by piercing his side? --Joh 19:37. Compare --Ps 22:16,17.
+++ JOSEPH'S REQUEST.
Repeat Luke's description of Joseph. --Lu 23:50, 51. What is meant by counselor ? Ans --A member of the Jewish council or Sanhedrin. What is meant by saying he "waited for the kingdom of God?" Compare --Joh 19:38. What is said elsewhere of the class of men to which he belonged? --Joh 12:42,43.
Repeat Mark's account of Joseph's request. --Mr 15:43-45. Why does Mark say he went in "boldly?" Ans --It was a bold act to step forward as a friend of Jesus when his enemies were triumphant and his former friends had nearly all deserted him. Though naturally a timid man, he had been aroused to boldness by the cruelty of the Jews toward Jesus. What would have been done with the body had he not called for it? Ans --It would have been buried with those of the two thieves, in an ignominious manner.
+++ THE BURIAL.
After obtaining Pilate's consent, what did Joseph do? --Mr 15:46. Who assisted Joseph? --Joh 19:39. What do you know of the previous history of Nicodemus? --Joh 3:2 7:32,45-52. What kind of man was he? Did he show as much boldness on this occasion as Joseph did? What assistance did he render to Joseph? --Joh 19:39,40.
What is said about the location of the sepulcher, and the use which had been made of it? --Joh 19:41. What bearing had the proximity of the sepulcher on the burial? --Joh 19:42. How did they close up the sepulcher? --Mr 15:46. Why was this done? Ans --Merely to protect the body against disturbance by beasts or birds. Most likely the stone was one which had been already fitted to the door of the sepulcher.
Was the sepulcher dug down perpendicularly into the rock, or horizontally into the side of the cliff? Ans --It was the latter, as appears from the stooping down in order to look into it. --Joh 20:5-11.
Who witnessed the burial? --Mt 27:61. What did they see, and what did they then do? --Lu 23:55,56. Why prepare other spices besides those used by Nicodemus? Ans --They wished to complete the process which Nicodemus had only begun. Why is it added that "they rested the Sabbath day"? Ans --To show how faithful they were in observing the Sabbath; they would not violate it even to embalm the body of Jesus.
+++ THE SEPULCHER GUARDED.
State the request of the chief priests and Pharisees concerning a guard for the sepulcher. --Mt 27:62-64. If this was the "next day," how long was it after the burial of Jesus? Ans --It was most likely between sunset and dark the same evening; for that, according to the Jews, would be the next day, and the priests would not allow a single night to pass without the guard.
If he was not to arise till "after three days," why wish a guard till only "the third day"? Ans --The Jews used the expression "after three days" in a loose way as the equivalent of the expression "on the third day." This will be discussed more fully in a future lesson.
What was Pilate's answer, and what did they do? --Mt 27:65,66. Why seal the stone? Ans --To prevent the soldiers from allowing the body to be taken away: for the stone could not be removed without breaking the seal.
[FBL 34-37] 00018
LESSON XVI.--The Resurrection of Jesus.
+++ THE WOMEN AT THE SEPULCHER.
Repeat --Mt 28:1. Who is the other Mary here mentioned? See --Mt 27:61,56.
What does John say as to the time of this visit? --Joh 20:1. How do you reconcile John's statement with Matthew's? Ans --When it "began to dawn" it was "yet dark." What does Luke say of the time? --Lu 24:1. How does Mark state the time? --Mr 16:2. How do you reconcile his statement with that of the others? Ans --He speaks of the time when they arrived at the sepulcher, and the others of the time when they started.
Is it unusual for persons to write or speak in this manner? Ans --No. If a man should leave Lexington at daylight and walk out to Ashland by sunrise, one person might say he went to Ashland at daybreak, and another, thinking of the time when he arrived there, might say he went to Ashland at sunrise; and both would speak the truth.
From what place did the women start? Ans --Jesus and his company had been staying at Bethany at night during that previous week, and it is most likely they started from that place. --Lu 21:37 Mr 11:11. Would it take them from daylight till sunrise to walk that distance? Ans --Yes; it is about two miles.
What question did the women ask each other as they approached the sepulcher? --Mr 16:3. Did they know then that the stone had been sealed and a guard placed there? When they saw that the stone had been taken away, what did Mary Magdalene do? --Joh 20:1,2. Describe how the stone had been rolled away. --Mt 28:2-4. Did the women see this? Ans --No, for when they came in sight of the sepulcher the stone, as we have seen, was already rolled away? How, then, did this become known? See --Mt 28:11.
What did the angel say to the women? --Mt 28:5-7. Where did this occur, and what was the appearance of the angel? --Mr 16:5-7. What movement, then, did the angel make between the time that he sat down on the stone, and the time that the women saw him?
Did they see the angel when they first went into the sepulcher? --Lu 24:3,4. Did they see more than one? Why did Matthew mention only one? Ans --It seems that one spoke for both, and Matthew mentions only the one who spoke, who was also the one that opened the sepulcher. What prophecy of Jesus did the angel bring to their remembrance? --Lu 24:6-8. How many women were there in all? --Lu 24:10 Mr 16:1. When they left the sepulcher what occurred? --Mt 28:8-10.
+++ PETER AND JOHN AT THE SEPULCHER.
While the other women were in the sepulcher talking with the angel, where was Mary Magdalene? --Joh 20:1,2. What did she say to Peter and John? --Joh 20:2. How did she know that the body of Jesus was gone? Ans --She did not know it certainly, but she thought so because she could see no reason for opening the sepulcher except to take away the body.
Describe the visit of Peter and John to the sepulcher. --Joh 20:3-10. What difference between the two men is here exhibited? --Joh 20:4,5,6. When it said "they saw and believed" (--Joh 20:8), what its referred to? Ans --The statement of Mary that the body had been taken away. Did they yet believe that Jesus had risen from the dead? --Joh 20:9. How long was it after the women left the sepulcher when Peter and John reached it? Ans --It could not have been long; perhaps not more than one or two minutes.
+++ APPEARANCE OF JESUS TO MARY MAGDALENE.
When Peter and John went away, what next did Mary do? --Joh 20:11-13. When had she returned to the sepulcher? As the angels were still in the sepulcher why did not Peter and John see them? What next occurred with Mary? --Joh 20:14-17. Why did she not know Jesus at first? Was this appearance of Jesus to Mary before or after his appearance to the other women? --Mr 16:9. How long before? Ans --It could have been only a few minutes, or perhaps a few seconds; for the other women were still on their way to the other male disciples when he appeared to them. See --Mt 28:9.
[FBL 37-39] 00019
LESSON XVII.--Resurrection of Jesus--Continued.
+++ THE STORY OF THE SOLDIERS.
When the soldiers recovered from their fright, what did they do? --Mt 28:11. Repeat all that the soldiers had seen. --Mt 28:2-4. Had they seen Jesus? Why did they report to the chief priests rather than to Pilate? See --Mt 27:65,66.
Repeat the contract which was made with the soldiers. --Mt 28:11-15. Why promise to persuade the governor? Ans --Because a Roman soldier who went to sleep while on guard was liable to punishment with death. How, then, did the Jews account for the disappearance of the body of Jesus? --Mt 28:15. Is there any other way to account for it if his resurrection is denied? Why not suppose that his enemies took the body away?
What was the expectation of the disciples in regard to the body? --Mr 16:1. How did they feel when they found that it was gone? --Joh 20:2-10 Lu 24:12. Is it possible, then, that they could even have wished to take it away?
What is the probability that the soldiers would all have gone to sleep? If they had been asleep, how could the disciples have passed between them, rolled the stone away, and carried the body out, without waking them. If they were too sound asleep when the body was removed to hear men getting it away, could they know how it got away? What, then, does their story carry on its face? What should be regarded as the real testimony of the soldiers: this story, or the one which they first told to the chief priests?
If we had no evidence except that of the soldiers, would it be probable or improbable that Jesus rose from the dead?
+++ SECOND AND THIRD APPEARANCES OF JESUS.
When the women told what they had seen and heard, what did the male disciples think of it? --Lu 24:8-11. When Peter saw the tomb empty, what did he think? --Lu 24:12.
Describe how Jesus joined company with two on their way to Emmaus. --Lu 24:13-16. How were their eyes holder? Ans --Partly by the state of their feelings, and partly by the effort Jesus made to keep himself concealed from them. Compare --Mr 16:12.
How did he open conversation with them? --Lu 24:17-19. What account did they give of what had occurred that morning? --Lu 24:20-24. Had any of the male disciples seen Jesus before these two left the city? --Lu 24:24.
What did Jesus then say to them? --Lu 24:25-27. Describe the remainder of the interview. --Lu 24:28-32. Why did he make as if he would go further? What opened their eyes? Why did their hearts burn as he talked with them? Ans --Because he revived their hopes, and enabled them to understand more correctly the events which had transpired.
Describe the next movement of the two men. --Lu 24:33-35. What time in the day must it have been when they reached Jerusalem? --Lu 24:29,13. Had the appearance of Jesus to Simon been before or since his appearance to them? Ans --It is not certain which.
+++ FIRST APPEARANCE TO THE ELEVEN.
While the eleven were yet talking with the two men from Emmaus, what occurred? --Lu 24:36,37. What made his entrance into the room the more surprising to them? See --Joh 20:19.
What did Jesus say to them? --Lu 24:38,39. Did he appear, then, in his natural body? How did he further satisfy them that it was he? --Lu 24:40-43. What reference did Peter make to this in his speech in the house of Cornelius? --Ac 10:40,41.
What more did Jesus say and do during this interview? --Joh 20:21-23. Did he send them at that time, or afterward? Did they receive the Holy Spirit then, or not till the day of Pentecost? See --Ac 2:1-4. Why, then, did Jesus breathe on them, and say, Receive the Holy Spirit? Ans --To assure them that it would be given them as promised. Compare --Joh 16:7. In what way were the apostles to remit and retain sins? Ans --By prescribing the conditions on which sins would or would not be forgiven.
[FBL 39-42] 00020
LESSON XVIII.--Resurrection of Jesus--Continued.
+++ SECOND APPEARANCE TO THE ELEVEN.----Joh 20:24-31.
When Jesus first appeared to the eleven, was Thomas with them? --Joh 20:24.
Repeat the conversation with Thomas when he returned. --Joh 20:25.
Why did he wish to see the nail prints and the spear wound? Ans --He was afraid that some person precisely like Jesus would be palmed off on him for Jesus, and he knew that no one could imitate the holes through his hands and in his side.
When did Jesus appear to the eleven again? --Joh 20:26. What day of the week was the first appearance? --Joh 20:19. What day, then, was the second appearance? Ans --This was also the first day of the week; for with the Jews the time from a certain day in the week to the same day of the next week was called eight days.
Describe the second interview with the eleven. --Joh 20:26-29. How did Jesus get into the room? --Joh 20:26. Is there any possibility that Thomas was deceived? What advantage to us can you see in the incredulity of Thomas?
What does John say about other signs wrought by Jesus? --Joh 20:30. What does he state as his object in writing? --Joh 20:31. What then did John consider the real source of faith?
+++ APPEARANCE AT THE LAKE OF GALILEE. --Joh 21:1-25.
Where was the next appearance of Jesus? --Joh 21:1. What is the sea of Tiberias? Ans --This is another name for the sea or lake of Galilee; it was so called from the city of Tiberias, which was built by Herod the tetrarch on the southwest shore of the lake and was the capital of his tetrarchy.
Name the disciples who were present on this occasion. --Joh 21:2. Who were the sons of Zebedee? Was Nathanael one of the apostles? Ans --He was not, unless, as some suppose, he was the one called Bartholomew.
State how the seven happened to be at the lake. --Joh 21:3. Was this intended as a single fishing excursion or a return to the business? What had caused the disciples to return into Galilee? --Mt 23:10. Why did they fish at night? Ans --Because they were more likely to catch fish, and because they thus avoided the intense treat of the day. It was now hot weather, being but a short time before Pentecost, which came in June.
Describe the appearance of Jesus to them in the morning. --Joh 21:4-8. Why did John conclude that it was the Lord? --Joh 21:7. Why did Peter leap into the sea? How far did he have to swim? --Joh 21:8.
What was said and done when they came to shore? --Joh 21:9-13. Who provided the fire and food? --Joh 21:9. If the "great fishes" weighed two pounds each, how many pounds were there? Is it surprising that the net was not broken?
Was there any room to doubt that the person they saw was the Lord? --Joh 21:12. What evidence had they besides his voice and his person?
What does John say as to the number of times Jesus had now showed himself? --Joh 21:14. Was this the third time he had been seen, or the third time he had appeared to the disciples as a body?
What conversation passed between Jesus and Peter? --Joh 21:15-17. "Lovest thou me more than" what? --Joh 21:15. Ans --More than the bread and fish they were eating, and the worldly things which these represented. Why was the question asked? To rebuke Peter for having gone back to his old business instead of waiting for the command of Jesus. What more did Jesus say to Peter, and what was meant by it? --Joh 21:18,19. How did the remark signify what his death should be? Ans --Because stretching forth a man's hand was done in no kind of death except death by crucifixion.
What was said about John? --Joh 21:20-23.
What is John's concluding remark about the things which Jesus did? --Joh 21:25. Why could the world not contain the books? Ans --This is a hyperbolical expression to indicate the great number of books that would have to be written.
[FBL 42-44] 00021
LESSON XIX.--Resurrection of Jesus--Continued.
+++ APPEARANCE ON THE MOUNTAIN IN GALILEE. --Mt 28:16-20.
How did the disciples know the place and time of this meeting? --Mt 28:16. What occurred when they first saw him? --Joh 21:17. Why did some doubt? Ans --He probably appeared at a distance, and he had not yet spoken to them.
When he came to them, what did he say? --Mt 28:18-20. What was the propriety of telling them that all power had been given him? Ans --To show that he had the right to give the command which follows.
What was the largest number of disciples who saw Jesus at one time after his resurrection? --1Co 15:6. When was this? Ans --It is supposed to have been when he appeared on the mountain in Galilee: for that was an appointed meeting, giving opportunity for all who desired to be present, while all the other meetings recorded were unexpected.
+++ THE LAST APPEARANCE TO THE ELEVEN.
Give Mark's account of the last appearance to the eleven. --Mr 16:14-18. How do you know that this was the last appearance? --Mr 16:19,20. Why did he upbraid them for their unbelief, seeing they now believed? --Mr 16:14. Ans --It was for not believing those who told them of his resurrection before they themselves had seen him. Does Mark tell where this interview took place?
Where according to Luke, did Jesus have this last interview with the eleven? --Lu 24:50-52. Was this, then, the same as the one last mentioned by Mark? Does Luke clearly distinguish between the first and last appearance to the eleven? Ans --No. He begins at --Lu 24:36 with the first interview, and continues it to --Lu 24:43, and then passes to the conversation which occurred just before his ascension at the close of the last interview. See --Lu 24:44-51.
How did Jesus satisfy his disciples that all things had happened to him according to God's purpose? --Lu 24:41-46. What was to be preached in his name, and where was the preaching to begin? --Lu 24:47. Till when were they told to tarry at Jerusalem? --Lu 24:49.
Describe the departure of Jesus, and the subsequent conduct of the eleven? --Lu 24:50-53.
Is there any other account of the ascension of Jesus? See --Ac 1:4-9. Repeat the description as there given. --Ac 1:9-11. What two men were these, and how do you know who they were? --Ac 1:9-11. What did they mean by saying he would come in like manner?
After the angels had spoken, what did the disciples do? --Ac 1:12,13. How did they return from the Mount of Olives, when the ascension took place (--Lu 24:50) near Bethany? How much is a Sabbath-day's journey? Ans --Seven-eighths of a mile. It was not the law, but Jewish tradition that fixed it.
Where did the apostles now abide? --Ac 1:13. Why does Luke here give us the names of the eleven again? Ans --To show that all were at their posts waiting for the power from on high which the Lord had promised them. Did they spend the days shut up in their room, or only make it their home? Compare --Lu 24:53. How were they spending their time, and who were with them? --Ac 1:14.
[FBL 44-46] 00022
LESSON XX.--Review of the History of the Resurrection.
+++ THE APPEARANCES OF JESUS.
Did any man or woman see Jesus when he arose? Where and in whose presence did his first appearance take place? --Mr 16:9 Joh 20:11-16. His second appearance? --Mt 28:9. His third appearance? --Lu 24:13-15. His fourth appearance? --Lu 24:33,34 1Co 15:6. His fifth appearance? --Lu 24:36. His sixth? --Joh 20:26. His seventh? --Joh 21:1-4. His eighth? --Mt 28:16-18. His ninth? --1Co 15:7. His tenth? --Mr 16:14-19 Lu 24:50,51 1Co 15:7. Is there any account of his visible appearance after his ascension? See --Ac 9:4,5 1Co 15:8 Re 1:12-18. How many times, then, was Jesus seen after his resurrection?
+++ SUFFICIENCY OF THE PROOF.
Are the accounts of the evangelists in regard to the resurrection credible? Ans --They certainly are as to what was stated by the witnesses; for they could have no reason for misrepresenting what the various witnesses claimed to have seen and heard.
Did the witnesses, or any of them, claim to have seen him only at a distance, or in a dim light? Mention some of the circumstances which show how well they saw him, if the story is true. When he did appear to them at a distance, or under such circumstances as not to be recognized at first, how was it before the interview was concluded? Mention some instances of this kind.
What other sense besides sight was employed in testing his personality? Did they hear his voice under a sufficient variety of circumstances to be certain they were not mistaken?
Supposing the possibility of their being deceived as to his form and countenance and voice, was there any other circumstance which must have rendered deception impossible? See --Joh 20:25-27. Is there any possibility, then, that the eleven were mistaken?
If these witnesses were not mistaken, on what other supposition can the story be untrue? Had they any motive to tell this story, if it were not true? If it were not true, would they have told it with so little regard to verbal agreement among themselves? What motives had they not to tell the story: that is, what would their love of money, their love of popularity, and their love of life have prompted them to do? Is it possible, then, that they were deliberately and willfully lying when they gave their testimony? If they were neither false nor mistaken, what must be our conclusion as regards the resurrection of Jesus?
+++ VALUE OF THE RESURRECTION.
What did the resurrection of Jesus prove? --Ro 1:4. What would we been the value of all that he did in life had he not risen from the dead? --1Co 15:17-29. If he did arise, what does this fact prove in reference to what he taught? What does it prove in reference to what he authorized the apostles afterward to teach? What bearing has it, then, on the truth of the New Testament? As he endorsed the Old Testament, what bearing does his resurrection have on the truth of that book? What, then is the most conclusive proof of the divine origin and authority of the whole Bible? What bearing has Christ's resurrection on our resurrection? --1Co 15:20-23.
[FBL 46-48] 00023
LESSON XXI.--The Apostolic Commission.
+++ MATTHEW'S VERSION.
Repeat the commission as given by Matthew. --Mt 28:18-20. What is a commission? Ans --It is a document which commits to a person some official authority. Was any authority committed to the apostles in the words just quoted? if so, what are the items of it? Had they not baptized and preached before? See --Joh 4:2 Mt 10:7. What new authority, then, was committed in the commission? Ans --They were now to baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, which they had not done before; and they were to go to all nations, instead of being confined, as before, to the Jews. Compare --Mt 10:5.
In Matthew's version, what is mentioned for the apostles to do, and what for those to whom they preached? What is the difference between the teaching mentioned in --Mt 10:19, and that mentioned in --Mt 10:20? Ans --The last is teaching the practical duties of Christian life; the first is improperly translated teaching, it should be disciple, or make disciples; and it refers to that preaching before baptism by which sinners are made disciples.
What is the force of the promise: "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world?" Ans --It guaranteed to the apostles not merely the presence, but the help of Christ in their work.
+++ MARK'S VERSION.
Repeat the commission as given by Mark. --Mr 16:16-18. What were the apostles here told to do? What is the difference between "preach the gospel to every creature," and "disciple all nations"? What duty of the apostles mentioned by Matthew is omitted by Mark?
What conditions of salvation are mentioned? --Mr 16:16. If it were equally true that He that believeth and is not baptized shall be saved, could you account for baptism being mentioned in this way? Under this commission is there any promise of salvation to the unbaptized, and could the apostles, without transcending it, make any such promise? In a parallel passage in Luke, what other duty of sinners is mentioned? --Lu 24:47. What is the difference between the remission of sins there mentioned, and the salvation mentioned by Mark? Combining all the items of the commission as given by the three evangelists, what were the apostles to do, what were sinners to do, and what were the baptized to do?
+++ THE PROMISED SIGNS.
What signs did Jesus say should follow the believers? --Mr 16:17,18. How long did he say they should follow? How many persons among the believers did he say should work these signs? If, then, we find that they were wrought by a portion of the disciples in every country, and that they continued for a number of years, would it be true that they followed the believers? What is the truth as to the generality of these signs in the apostolic age? Did they continue throughout that age? Was it expected by the apostles that they would be permanent? See --1Co 13:8. Is it any objection to Christianity that these signs are not now wrought? If miracles had continued would they now be regarded as extraordinary, or only as ordinary events? Is it wise, then, that they ceased?
[FBL 48-50] 00024
LESSON XXII.--The First Gospel Sermon.
+++ TARRYING IN JERUSALEM.
Where were the apostles told to begin preaching under their commission? --Lu 24:47. When were they to begin? --Lu 24:49. What power from on high was this? Compare --Ac 1:5-8. Why was Jerusalem selected as the place? Ans --Because it was the place where Jesus was condemned; it was the place where the most successful beginning could be made; and it had been prophesied that the word of the Lord should go forth from Jerusalem. --Isa 2:2,3. Why receive the Holy Spirit before beginning? Ans --To give them infallible guidance, and to enable them to prove by miracles their divine authority. How long did they wait? --Ac 1:3. Compare --Ac 2:1.
+++ THE APOSTLES INSPIRED. --Ac 2:1-21.
What first occurred to the apostles on the day of Pentecost? --Ac 2:1-4. What effect had this on the multitude? --Ac 2:6-8. How many countries were represented there? --Ac 2:9-11. What was their question after they saw that it was a miracle? --Ac 2:12. What did some say? --Ac 2:13. Were they in earnest? How did Peter explain the miracle? --Ac 2:15-18. Was there any other explanation that could be given? What did it prove for the apostles? How, then, were the people bound to receive all else that they might say?
+++ PETER'S DISCOURSE;
What four distinct statements did Peter first make concerning Jesus? --Ac 2:22-24. In the quotation from David, --Ac 2:25-28, which of these was he aiming to prove? But in the words quoted, David speaks in the first person, as if he were speaking of himself; how does Peter meet this difficulty in --Ac 2:29-31?
Having proved from David that the Christ was to rise, what is Peter's next proof? --Ac 2:32. Were they merely ordinary witnesses, or were they inspired witnesses?
What does Peter next assert concerning Jesus? --Ac 2:33. How does he show that this also was predicted? --Ac 2:34,35. What is the conclusion of his argument? --Ac 2:36. What is it to be Lord, and what to be Christ? Ans --The former asserts his divinity, and the latter his identity as the Messiah foretold by the prophets.
+++ QUESTION, ANSWER AND EXHORTATION
What was the effect of Peter's discourse? --Ac 2:37. In the remark, "When they heard this, they were pricked in their heart," to what cause is the effect ascribed? What did they mean by the question, "What shall we do?"
Repeat Peter's answer. --Ac 2:38,39. For what were they to repent and be baptized? Can the expression "for the remission of sins" be understood as meaning "because your sins are remitted"? Is it a fact that their sins were already remitted? If they were, would the persons still have been pricked in the heart? Would they have been told to repent?
What was promised to those who would repent and be baptized? --Ac 2:38. Was this the promise of inspiration such as the apostles possessed; or of that gift of the Spirit which all enjoy who repent and are baptized? To whom is this promise extended besides those on Pentecost? --Ac 2:36. What children are meant? Ans --As it was a conditional promise, only those are meant who were old enough to comply with the conditions, and who would do so--that is, those who would repent and be baptized.
Is the foregoing report of Peter's speech all that he said, or only a synopsis of it? --Ac 2:40. What was the substance of his exhortation? --Ac 2:40. How could they save themselves? How did they save themselves? --Ac 2:41. What saving is here meant? Compare --Ac 2:38.
Why is this sermon by Peter called the first gospel sermon? Was a sermon ever preached before under Apostolic Commission? Was Christ ever preached before as having died and arisen again? Was he ever preached before as having ascended to heaven and having sent down the Holy Spirit? Could the gospel have been preached except in promise before this time?
[FBL 50-53] 00025
LESSON XXIII.--Conversion of the Eunuch. --Ac 8:26-40.
What was the official position of the eunuch? --Ac 8:27. Where had he recently been, and what was he now doing? --Ac 8:27,28. Was he an Ethiopian by blood, or a Jew living in Ethiopia? Ans --He was the latter, for Gentiles had not yet been received into the church.
Repeat the passage in Isaiah which he was reading. --Ac 8:32,33. Where is this found in the book of Isaiah? --Isa 53:7,8. What question was on his mind in reference to this passage? --Ac 8:34. Do you suppose that God looked with approval on the man thus engaged?
What had the angel of the Lord done for him a short time previous? --Ac 8:26. What was the object of the angel's command? By whom was the angel sent to Philip?
When Philip got into the road from Jerusalem to Gaza, what did he see before him? --Ac 8:27. How did he happen to get there just as the chariot did? How did he overtake the chariot, and what caused him to do so? --Ac 8:29,30.
What conversation first took place between Philip and the eunuch? --Ac 8:30,31. Why could he not understand it? Ans --It was fulfilled in the death of Jesus and therefore men who did not know the history of Jesus and his death could not explain it. Why did Philip ask him if he understood the passage? Ans --In order to see whether the man was a believer in Jesus or an unbeliever, How did Philip know what passage he was reading?
When Philip took a seat in the chariot, how did he proceed? --Ac 8:35. What made the passage a suitable text?
How was Philip's preaching interrupted? --Ac 8:36. What had Philip preached to him? --Ac 8:35. How then had he learned that it was his duty to be baptized? When we preach Jesus fully, is baptism a part of the sermon?
What more was said? --Ac 8:37. What of the genuineness of this verse? Ans --It has been decided by scholars that it is an interpretation put in because it was supposed that Philip would not baptize the man without a confession of his faith.
What was then done? --Ac 8:38,39. What was done before the baptism, and what after? Where, then, were they when the baptizing was done? Would they have gone into the water if baptism had been sprinkling?
How did the eunuch feel after he was baptized? --Ac 8:39. What was the cause of his rejoicing? If his sins had been forgiven before he was baptized, would he not have rejoiced at that time? At what time, according to this example, can a sinner properly rejoice in the forgiveness of his sins?
What beings took part in the conversion of the eunuch? --Ac 8:26-29. What part did the angel perform? What part did the Holy Spirit perform? What part did Philip perform? --Ac 8:27,30,35,38. Would the parts performed by the angel and by the Holy Spirit have converted the man without that performed by Philip? Through what means did all that was done by the angel and the Holy Spirit reach the mind and heart of the eunuch? --Ac 8:35.
Into what country was the gospel sent by this man's conversion?
In what way does this incident illustrate the importance of studying the word of God?
[FBL 53-55] 00026
LESSON XXIV.--Saul's Conversion.
+++ HIS EARLY HISTORY.
What was Saul's birth-place? --Ac 22:3.
Of what Jewish tribe and sect was he? --Php 3:5. What mechanical trade did he learn? --Ac 18:3.
Where and from whom did he receive his education? --Ac 22:3.
Describe his connection with the death of Stephen? --Ac 7:58-8:1. How did he proceed after Stephen's death? --Ac 8:3.
What does he himself say of the extent of these cruelties? --Ac 26:9-11.
+++ HIS JOURNEY TO DAMASCUS.
In what passages have we partial accounts of Saul's conversion? --Ac 9:1-19 22:1-10 16:9-20.
What was the purpose of his journey to Damascus? --Ac 9:2. How does Luke describe his feelings at this time? --Ac 9:1. What was the object of the letters he desired?
Describe his interview with Jesus. --Ac 9:3-6. In what sense was Saul persecuting Jesus?
Why did not Jesus himself tell him what to do?
What was the effect of the vision on Saul? --Ac 9:8,9. What had blinded him? --Ac 22:11. What did he not neither eat nor drink? What was he doing? --Ac 9:11.
Was Saul now a believer in Jesus? What had convinced him? Was he penitent? What made him so?
What three statements are made in reference to his companions? --Ac 9:7 22:9 26:14. How is it that they " stood speechless" (--Ac 9:7), when they all fell to the ground? --Ac 26:14. Ans --They all fell at first, but all except Paul, not hearing their names called, got up and ran to a safe distance, and there stood speechless. How do you reconcile the two statements about their hearing the voice? Ans --They heard the sound of the voice, but, on account of the distance to which they fled, they did not hear the words that were spoken.
+++ ANANIAS SENT TO HIM.
What did the Lord say to Ananias in a vision? --Ac 9:10-12. What was the reply of Ananias? --Ac 9:13,14. What did the Lord then say? --Ac 9:15,16. What was the character of Ananias? --Ac 22:12.
What did Ananias then do? --Ac 9:17,18. Describe more particularly how Ananias gave Saul his eye-sight. --Ac 22:13. What did Ananias say to him about being baptized? --Ac 22:16. How could he wash away his sins in being baptized? In what sense did Ananias come that Saul might "be filled with the Holy Spirit"? Ans --The Holy Spirit was promised to those who were baptized (--Ac 2:38), and he came to baptize him in order that he might receive the Holy Spirit.
What was Saul sent to Damascus for? --Ac 22:10. What was he told to do? --Ac 22:16. When a man, then, is a penitent believer, like Saul, what is he to do?
When did Saul receive comfort and cease his fasting? --Ac 9:18,19. When then, did he consider his sins forgiven; before or after his baptism? As his misery continued up to the time of his baptism, did he receive the Holy Spirit before he was baptized?
[FBL 55-57] 00027
LESSON XXV.--The Conversion of Cornelius. --Ac 10:1-48.
+++ HIS VISION OF AN ANGEL. --Ac 10:1-8.
What was the office of Cornelius? --Ac 10:1. What is meant by "the Italian band"? Ans --A band, or, as the Romans called it, a cohort composed of Italian soldiers.
What was the character of Cornelius? --Ac 10:2. Being of heathen parentage, by what means had he became so faithful a servant of God? Ans --He had doubtless learned the true religion from the Jews.
Describe his interview with the angel. --Ac 10:3-6. What was Cornelius doing when the angel appeared to him? --Ac 10:30. If his prayers were heard, why was he not already saved? Did God answer his prayers by an immediate forgiveness of his sins? What answer did he send to him? --Ac 10:5,6. If, then, God should audibly hear the prayers of an unconverted man at this day, what according to this example, would be the answer?
When the angel disappeared what did Cornelius do? --Ac 10:7,8.
+++ PETER PREPARED FOR THE MESSAGE. --Ac 10:9-24.
Describe Peter's vision on the housetop. --Ac 10:9-16. What time of day was this, and how long after Cornelius had started the messengers? --Ac 10:9. What was Peter's objection to eating animals? --Ac 10:14. What effect did the answer have (--Ac 10:15) on the old distinction between clean and unclean meats?
Did Peter at first fully understand the vision? --Ac 10:17. What occurred while he was thinking about it? --Ac 10:17-20. How did the men happen to arrive just after the vision passed away?
What then passed between Peter and the messengers from Cornelius? --Ac 10:21,22. When did he go with the men? --Ac 10:23. For what purpose did some of the brethren go with him? Ans --As this was the first time the gospel was to be preached to the Gentiles, they went as witnesses of what would be done. --Ac 11:12.
+++ MEETING OF PETER AND CORNELIUS. --Ac 10:24-33.
What congregation had Cornelius collected? --Ac 10:24. Of what character must you suppose these kinsmen and near friends to have been? Describe the meeting between Peter and Cornelius. --Ac 10:25,26. Do you suppose that Cornelius intended to worship Peter as a God? Ans --No; the word translated "worship" here means to prostrate one's self, as the ancients did in the presence of one greatly their superior.
What explanation did Peter give of going into the house of a Gentile? --Ac 10:27-29. How does he now understand the vision? --Ac 10:28. What reason did Cornelius give for sending him? --Ac 10:30-33. How many days had it actually been since the angel appeared to him? Compare --Ac 10:3,9,23,24. Why, then, did Cornelius say it was "four days ago?" Ans --The Jews always counted the first and last days partly included in any series as whole days, and Cornelius spoke according to this custom.
What did Cornelius say was the purpose of his friends in coming together? --Ac 10:33.
[FBL 57-58] 00028
LESSON XXVI.--The Conversion of Cornelius--Continued.
+++ PETER'S SPEECH. --Ac 10:34-43.
Repeat Peter's introduction. --Ac 10:34,35. When had Peter learned that God was no respecter of persons? --Ac 10:28. According to --Ac 10:35, what is he a respecter of?
What does Peter say of the knowledge which his hearers already had of the word of God? --Ac 10:37. Where does he locate the beginning of Christ's preaching? --Ac 10:37. How does he describe the good works of Jesus? --Ac 10:38. What does he assert of himself and others? --Ac 10:39. What does he say of the death and resurrection of Jesus? --Ac 10:39,40. What of the witnesses of his resurrection? --Ac 10:41.
Is it not an argument against the resurrection, that Jesus appeared only to chosen witnesses? Ans --It would be if the witnesses were chosen because they would be inclined to bear false testimony; but they were chosen because they knew Jesus perfectly, and could not be deceived as to his person. Others who did not know him so well would not have been so competent witnesses.
What is the next point in Peter's speech? --Ac 10:42. What command of Jesus is here referred to? --Mr 16:15,16.
What does he then state as the condition of remission of sins? --Ac 10:43. Whose testimony to this does he give besides his own? --Ac 10:43. What is the force of "through his name" in this verse? Ans --In stating that the believer shall receive remission of sins through his name, Peter means that he shall receive it when he comes into connection with his name, and this is done when one is baptized into his name. Compare --Ac 10:48.
+++ THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVEN. --Ac 10:44-48.
What occurred to interrupt Peter's speech? --Ac 10:44. What did the six companions of Peter think of this? --Ac 10:45. How did they know the Holy Spirit had fallen on them? --Ac 10:46. What did Peter say? --Ac 10:47,48. Did Peter think that the Holy Spirit baptism made water baptism unnecessary?
As Cornelius received the Holy Spirit before baptism, ought not this to be the case now? Ans --No; for it was the miraculous gift of the Spirit which he received, and this is not now given; the gift of the Spirit promised to all comes after baptism. See --Ac 2:38.
Does not the fact that he received the Holy Spirit before baptism prove that his sins were forgiven before baptism? Ans --It does not, because the miraculous gift of the Spirit has no connection with the forgiveness of sins.
For what purpose was this miraculous gift imparted to Cornelius and his friends? Ans --We are to learn this from the use which Peter made of it: he used it at first to prove to the Jewish brethren with him that Gentile believers ought to be baptized, --Ac 10:47; and he used it afterward to convince the Jewish brethren in Jerusalem of the same thing. --Ac 11:15-17.
Why was this baptism in the Spirit not repeated? Ans --Because when Christians were once convinced that Gentiles were to be baptized on the same conditions as Jews, they never needed to be convinced again, and therefore there was no need of repeating the miracle.
Did any one besides Cornelius and his friends ever receive the Holy Spirit before baptism so far as we read in Acts of the Apostles? If it had been necessary to salvation would it not have occurred in every case of conversion?