of connection? How did the synagogue originate? Who
gave it definite organization? Wherein did it differ
from the temple and its services? Where were
synagogues formed? How many were in Jerusalem? What
buildings and places were used for the synagogue
service? To what secular uses were these buildings
put? What were the arrangements of the synagogue?
Where did the women worship? What was "the ark" in the
synagogue? Who were the officers? What was the
_chazzan_? Who were the _batlanim_? What were the
services of the synagogue? What influence did the
synagogue exert? Whom did the synagogue benefit
outside of the Jews? How did the synagogue prepare the
way for the gospel?
THIRTEENTH STUDY
The Church in Judea
PART ONE
From the Ascension of Christ A. D. 30, to the Appointment of the Seven
A. D. 35.
We now enter upon the second great subject in New Testament history, the
Early Church. This will include the annals of the church from the
Ascension of Christ, A. D. 30, to the end of the apostolic age, A. D.
100. This epoch of seventy years is divided into four periods:
1. _The church in Judea_, from the Ascension of Christ, A. D. 30, to the
Appointment of the Seven, A. D. 35.
2. _The church in Transition_, from the Appointment of the Seven, A. D.
35, to the Council at Jerusalem, A. D. 50.
3. _The church among the Gentiles_, from the Council at Jerusalem, A. D.
50, to the death of St. Paul, A. D. 68.
4. _The End of the Age_, from the death of St. Paul to the death of St.
John, about A. D. 100. It should be noted that all of these dates are
uncertain and historians are not agreed with reference to them.
Of these four periods we take up the first, the church in Judea, or "The
church of the First Days;" a space of about five years. During this time
the work of the church was confined wholly to the Jewish people, and
apparently to the immediate region of Jerusalem.
I. We notice the =Events of this Period=.
1. =The followers of Christ= immediately after the Ascension; a company
of people believing in Jesus as the Messiah of Israel.
1.) _Their number_ was 120 (Acts 1. 15). They were
mostly from Galilee (Acts 2. 7). They were all the
organized church at that time, although throughout the
land were thousands more ready to unite with them.
2.) _Their meeting place_ was "the upper room" (Acts
1. 13), on Mount Zion, probably the room where the
"Last Supper" was held. Some think that this may have
been the house of Mary the mother of Mark, referred to
in Acts 12. 1, 2.
3.) _Their religious condition_ between the Ascension
and Pentecost was probably that of belief in Jesus as
the King of Israel, but with the conception of an
earthly kingdom (Acts 1. 6). They were waiting with
prayer for divine direction (Acts 1. 14).
2. =The Outpouring of the Spirit= came upon this company on the day of
Pentecost, ten days after the Ascension, fifty days after the
Crucifixion. The spirit descended upon them all in the form of "tongues
of fire."
1.) _Physical effect._ This was "the gift of tongues," a mysterious
influence (Acts 2. 2, 3). This was not a power to speak foreign
languages at will; but probably a strange divine speech, sounding to
everyone who heard it as though it were the language of his own people
(Acts 2. 8).
2.) _Mental effect._ There came to these disciples a revelation, once
and for all, of Christ's kingdom, not as a political state, but as a
spiritual institution; a society of believers of which Jesus in glory is
the invisible yet real head.
3.) _Spiritual effect._ This was the personal presence of the Holy
Spirit with each member; an indwelling life given not merely to the
apostles, but to each and every disciple; a divine enthusiasm, giving
guidance, enlightenment, power. Nor was that divine life limited to that
company. It has dwelt ever since in the church of Christ, and in each
member of the church, (1 Cor. 3. 16; 6. 19).
3. =The Testimony of the Gospel.= 1.) The first effect of this new
endowment of the Holy Spirit was a strong testimony to the gospel of
Christ; a proclamation of _Jesus as the Messiah King_; and this
testimony was the conquering weapon of the church. 2.) This testimony
was given by _all_ the members. It is a mistake to suppose that the
church settled down in Jerusalem with Peter as its pastor and preacher.
Peter was the leader, but not the ruler of the church. Find four
addresses of Peter sketched in Acts 2-5; not "sermons" after the modern
method, but ardent declarations of Jesus as the Messiah; and similar
testimonies were given by all the members everywhere, in synagogues, in
houses, publicly and privately.
4. =The Apostolic Miracles.= 1.) At the opening of the history of the
church we read of a _number of miracles_. a) A lame man healed. (Acts 3.
1-10). b) A miracle of judgment (Acts 5. 1-10). c) More miracles of
healing (Acts 5. 12-16). 2.) We can see the _purpose of these_ miracles
and how they were needed by the church in the day of its weakness. (a)
They attracted _attention_ to the gospel. (b) They gave _authority_ to
the apostles as teachers. (c) They were _illustrations_ of the spiritual
work of the gospel; i. e., healing of the lame man a type of salvation.
5. =The Persecution of the Apostles.= It was inevitable that the
preaching of the apostles and the growing prominence of the church
should arouse opposition from the men who a few months before had
crucified Jesus. A persecution was begun, at first upon Peter and John,
then upon all the apostles. It was not sharp, murderous, crushing out
the church. The apostles were first threatened (Acts 4. 17), then
imprisoned (Acts 5. 18), then scourged (Acts 5. 40). The persecution
only attracted greater notice to the gospel, and led to increasing
numbers of believers.
6. =The Growth of the Church= went on through all these experiences.
Beginning with 120, on the day of Pentecost 3,000 were received by
baptism (Acts 2. 41). There was a daily growth after (Acts 2. 47). Soon
the number grew to 5,000, besides women and children (Acts 4. 4).
Another increase is named in Acts 5. 14; also again in Acts 6. 7.
7. The last event in this period was =the Appointment of the Seven=.
Read the account in Acts 6. 1-7. Notice for the first time in this
history a reference to the two great classes of Jews. 1.) _Hebrews_,
Jews whose ancestors had lived in Palestine, and who spoke the Hebrew
tongue, though with Syriac admixture. 2.) _Grecian Jews_ (frequently
called Hellenists). Jews descended from exiles who had remained abroad
in foreign lands, otherwise "Jews of the Dispersion." Everywhere except
in Palestine these foreign Jews were far more numerous than the Hebrews,
and they were also the richer and more intelligent. They spoke the Greek
language.
Note also that the seven men named in this account are nowhere spoken of
as "deacons." From Acts 21. 8 we learn that they were called "the
seven." They were not an order in the church, but a committee appointed
for a service.
Blackboard Outline
Per. 1. Ch. Jud. 2. Ch. Trans. 3. Ch. am. Gen. 4. E. A.
=Ch. in Jud.= 1. =Ev. Per.=
1. =Foll. Ch.= 1.) Num. 2.) Meet-pl. 3.) Rel. Con.
2. =Out Sp.= 1.) Phys. eff. 2.) Men. eff. 3.) Spir. eff.
3. =Tes. Gosp.= 1.) Jes. Mess. K. 2.) By all.
4. =Ap. Mir.= 1.) Num. mir. 2.) Pur. Att. Auth. Illus.
5. =Per. Ap.=
6. =Gro. Ch.= 120, 3,000, 5,000. "Multitude."
7. =App. Sev.= Heb. Gre. (Hellen.)
Review Questions. Part One
How long a period is embraced in the history of the
New Testament church? Name four periods in the
history, and the events with which each begins and
ends. How long a time is embraced in the first period?
By what name is the first period called? State in
order the seven events in the first period. What was
the number of Christ's followers in Jerusalem
immediately after his Ascension? Where did they meet?
What was their religious condition? What took place
ten days after the Ascension of Christ? On what day
did this outpouring occur? What were the physical
effects of this outpouring? What were the mental
effects? What were the spiritual effects? What
testimony was given by the apostles and church? How
many addresses of Peter at this time are mentioned?
What miracles were wrought? How did these miracles
benefit the church? What persecution arose? What was
the nature of this persecution? Against whom was it
directed? Did it harm the church? What is said of the
growth of the church during this epoch? Who were "the
seven"? How were they chosen? For what were they
appointed? What two classes of Jesus are named? Define
each class.
PART TWO
II. Having studied the history we now look at the =General Aspects of
the Pentecostal Church=.
1. =Its locality=: entirely in Judea, and apparently in and around
Jerusalem. There is no mention during this early period of churches in
Galilee, although most of the earliest members were Galileans (Acts 1.
11; 2. 7). Individual believers doubtless were to be found throughout
the land, but outside of Jerusalem they were not yet gathered together
in assemblies and not yet endowed with the Spirit.
2. =Its membership= was composed wholly of Jews. As yet not a single
Gentile had been received, and apparently there was no thought of
Gentile believers. Christianity began as a Jewish society. Three classes
of Jews were embraced in its membership: 1.) _Hebrews_, or Palestinian
Jews. 2.) _Grecians_ or Hellenists, Jews of the Dispersion. 3.)
_Proselytes_, or Gentiles who had embraced Judaism and received
circumcision (Acts 6. 5).
3. =The qualifications for membership= were: 1.) _Repentance_, which
meant not so much sorrow as decision for Christ. 2.) _Faith in Jesus_ as
Christ; i. e., submission to Jesus as the true King of Israel. 3.)
_Baptism_ in the name of Jesus the Christ as the outward form of
consecration.
4. =The spirit of the Pentecostal Church.= 1.) In theory, and for the
most part in fact, every member _possessed the Holy Spirit_, an
abounding, directing spiritual life. Every member was conscious of the
immediate presence of God, and lived in this fellowship. 2.) This
inspired a _Christian fellowship_, the love of the brotherhood. 3.) As a
result of this divine and human fellowship came _liberal giving_ to each
other's needs. There was a voluntary and limited "community of goods,"
the rich giving freely to aid the poor; which led to some insincere
imitation. See the contrast of Barnabas and Ananias (Acts 4. 34-37; 5.
1-11).
5. =Doctrines.= The doctrinal aspects of Christianity at that early
period were less prominent than its spirit. As yet there was no such
theological system as arose later. Three great doctrines were held
fervently: 1.) _The resurrection of Jesus_; that he had risen and was
living. 2.) _The Messiahship of Jesus_; that he was the prince of the
true spiritual kingdom of Israel. 3.) _The return of Jesus as Christ_;
that he would soon come again to earth.
6. =Worship and institutions.= These were: 1.) _The temple worship_
attended by the disciples of Christ as by all worshiping Jews (Acts 2.
46; 3. 1). 2.) _The synagogue services_, twice each week; held
everywhere throughout the city; with Scripture reading, prayer and
testimony. 3.) "_The upper room_" was for a time the headquarters of the
church; but Solomon's porch in the temple soon took its place (Acts 5.
12). 4.) "Breaking bread," which was the Holy Communion or the Lord's
Supper; at that time observed not in public assemblies but as a family
ordinance, at home (Acts 2. 42, 46). 5.) _The baptism_ of new members.
7. =Government.= Scarcely any government or discipline was needed in a
church where the Spirit of God was recognized as dwelling in each
member. The apostles were revered as leaders, but were not exactly
rulers over the body of believers. "The Seven" (Acts 6. 3) were not
officials or "deacons," but laymen charged with specific duties.
8. =Literature.= 1.) _The Old Testament_; familiar to all, read in the
synagogue, was seen now in a new light and with new meaning. 2.) _The
teachings of Jesus_, as yet unwritten, were in the memory of most of the
members who had heard his words; and especially in the memory of the
apostles; but no books of the New Testament were by this time in
writing.
9. =Leaders of the church.= 1.) Throughout this period _Peter_ stands at
the front as the ruling spirit of the church, by his endowments of mind,
and especially by his promptness in word and act. 2.) With him stands
_John_ (Acts 3. 1; 4. 19). 3.) _Barnabas_ won notice by his liberality
and gifts of preaching (Acts 4. 36, 37). His name means "the speaker" or
"the preacher." 4.) At the end of the period _Stephen_ comes into
notice.
Blackboard Outline
II. =Gen. Asp. Pen. Ch.=
1. =Loc.= Jud. Jer.
2. =Mem.= Jews. 1.) Heb. 2.) Gre. Hel. 3.) Pros.
3. =Qual. Mem.= 1.) Rep. 2.) Fai. 3.) Bap.
4. =Spir.= 1.) Poss. H. S. 2.) Chr. fell. 3.) Lib. giv.
5. =Doc.= 1.) Res. Jes. 2.) Mess. Jes. 3.) Ret. Jes.
6. =Worsh. and Inst.= 1.) Tem. 2.) Syn. 3.) "Up. ro" 4.) "Bre.
br." 5.) Bap.
7. =Gov.= Sp. Apos. Sev.
8. =Lit.= 1.) O. T. 2.) Tea. Jes.
9. =Lead.= 1.) Pet. 2.) Jo. 3.) Bar. 4.) Ste.
Review Questions. Part Two
Where was the church located during the Pentecostal
period? Were there churches or members in Galilee? To
what race did all the members belong? What were the
three classes in its membership? Who were Hebrews? Who
were Grecians? By what other name were they called?
Who were the "proselytes"? What were the requisites
for membership in the church? What is said of the
spirit of this church? How did this spirit lead the
members to regard each other? What is said of their
gifts to each other? Were doctrines made prominent in
the church? What three doctrines were held by the
members? What institutions of worship were maintained?
What other institutions were observed? What is meant
by "breaking bread"? Where was this service held? What
is said as to the government of the church? What was
the position of the apostles? What were "the seven"?
What literature did the church possess at this time?
What knowledge did they have of the teachings of
Jesus? Who were the leaders of the church in this
period?
FOURTEENTH STUDY
The Church in Transition
From the Appointment of the Seven, A. D. 35, to the Council at
Jerusalem, A. D. 50.
We enter upon the study of a brief period, only fifteen years, but of
supreme importance and of vast results to the world; a period, too, in
which we have the deepest interest, for if its events had never taken
place Christianity would have been only a Jewish sect and we would not
be members of it.
1. At its opening, 35 A. D., the church was in and around Jerusalem
only; and every member was a Jew, bound by the restrictions of the
Jewish law and ceremony. There was no thought that the church would ever
include Gentiles except as Gentiles might first become proselytes to
Judaism.
2. At its close, 50 A. D., we see a church planted all around the
northeastern portion of the Mediterranean Sea; and, what is even more
remarkable, a church wherein Jews and Gentiles were worshiping together
on terms of equality. A wonderful transition this!
I. Let us draw =the Map of the Lands= occupied by the church during
those fifteen years. 1. Draw the coast line of the Mediterranean Sea. 2.
The island of Cyprus. 3. The lands east of the Mediterranean Sea. Judea
(or Palestine), Syria, Phoenicia. 4. The lands north of the
Mediterranean Sea, in Asia Minor, Cilicia, Pamphylia, Pisidia, Lycaonia.
5. The places: Jerusalem, Joppa, Cæsarea and Samaria in Judea, Damascus
and Antioch in Syria, Tarsus in Cilicia, Antioch in Pisidia, Lystra and
Derbe in Lycaonia.
II. Let us carefully note the =Progress of Events= in this remarkable
evolution of the church.
1. =The Preaching of Stephen.= Stephen was a Hellenist, or a Jew of
foreign origin. He was the man who first had the vision of a church
wider than the bounds of Judaism; and he proclaimed this great truth.
See evidences of this in:
1.) The new and bitter _enmity_ which his teaching
aroused (Acts 6. 12).
2.) The _accusation_ against him, which contained a
half truth (Acts 6. 11, 13, 14).
3.) The _prominence_ of the man, and his discourse,
the longest public discourse reported in the New
Testament, except the Sermon on the Mount (Acts 7.
1-53).
4.) The _logical aim_ of his address: to show that the
Jews had shown themselves unworthy of their trust,
implying that it would be given to others. This sermon
was never finished, being broken up by the riotous
acts of the council.
2. =Saul's Persecution= (Acts 8. 1-3). We shall study this man's early
history later. (See page 96). He was intense and furious in his loyalty
to Judaism, and undertook to crush out the gospel of Christ by violent
measures. See Acts 22. 4; 26. 10, 11; Gal. 1. 13. 1.) As a result the
Pentecostal church was broken up and its members were scattered. 2.)
But, as another effect, these disciples who were scattered went
everywhere preaching (Acts 8. 4). These "preachers" were not the
apostles; they were lay-members; not delivering sermons, but testifying
in country synagogues and in homes the gospel of Christ. 3.) Another
result followed, churches sprang up throughout Judea (Acts 9. 31),
Samaria (Acts 8. 14), and Syria (Acts 9. 2, 10; Acts 11. 19). Thus Saul
by his persecution unconsciously aided the spread of the gospel.
3. =The Gospel in Samaria= (Acts 8. 5-8). One of these disciples, Philip
(not the apostle, but one of the "seven" Acts 6. 5), went to Samaria,
and there preached with great success. A significant event, showing
breadth of view and victory over prejudice. See John 4. 9. The
Samaritans were regarded, not exactly as Gentiles, but as irregular and
inferior, and despised even more than Gentiles. Still more significant,
the Samaritan church was recognized by the apostles and received the
gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8. 14-17). Note also that, after his work
in Samaria, Philip went down to the coast and established a chain of
churches from Azotus to Cæsarea (Acts 8. 40).
4. =Peter's Vision= (Acts 10. 1-48), and the events accompanying it, was
the next step in the forward movement of the church. The leading apostle
and most prominent man in the church, under direction of the Spirit,
journeys thirty miles to preach to a little company of Gentiles; the
Spirit falls upon them, another Pentecost; and Peter baptizes them.
Here, then, is a genuine church of Gentiles founded by an apostle; the
first fruits of a great harvest.
5. The next step is even more momentous in its results, =the Conversion
of Saul= (Acts 9. 1-19). It seems to be a sudden conversion, but one
expression (Acts 9. 5) shows that Saul had been struggling against
conviction. His enmity had not been so greatly against "Jesus as Christ"
as against "Christ for all the world" i. e., the gospel as preached by
Stephen; and when converted he went fully over to Stephen's view, and
became Stephen's successor, with even larger vision. Note the order of
events in Saul's early ministry. 1.) Preaching in Damascus (Acts 9.
20-22). 2.) Retirement to Arabia (Gal. 1. 17). This may mean almost
anywhere to the east or south of Palestine. In our opinion, he went
thither not to meditate nor to study theology, but to preach in the
cities between Palestine and the desert. 3.) Again preaching in Damascus
(Gal. 1. 17). His escape (Acts 9. 23-25). 4.) Visit to Jerusalem (Acts
9. 26-28). Whom he met on this visit (Gal. 1. 8, 19). The event which
led to his departure from Jerusalem (Acts 22. 17-21). 5.) His return to
his birthplace (Acts 9. 29, 30. Gal. 1. 21). Let the student draw on the
map all the journeys of Saul, beginning with his journey from Jerusalem
to Damascus before his conversion.
VI. =The Church at Antioch.= (Acts 11. 19-30). Antioch was the third
city of the Roman empire; capital of Syria, of which Judea was a
dependency. Its many Jews had their synagogues, each with its "court of
the Gentiles," where the Gentile worshipers sat during the services. In
the story of this church note 1.) Its unnamed founders (Acts 11. 19).
2.) Its membership of both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 11. 20). See American
Revised Version. 3.) Its prominence (Acts 11. 22-26). 4.) Its liberality
(Acts 11. 27-30). 5.) Some of its workers (Acts 13. 1). 6.) Note how
Saul came to be associated with this church (Acts 11. 25, 26).
VII. =The First Missionary Journey= (Acts 13. 1-4). Another step in
advance was taken when two missionaries went out to plant churches of
both Jews and Gentiles. 1.) They were called by the Holy Spirit (ver.
2). 2.) Approved by the church (Ver. 3). 3.) Their method; whenever
possible beginning with the synagogue, where they would have access both
to devout Jews and devout Gentiles (Acts 13. 5). 4.) The lands visited.
Cyprus (Acts 13. 4-6). Pisidia (Acts 13. 14). Lycaonia (Acts 14. 6). On
the return journey, Pamphylia (Acts 14. 24, 25). Let the student draw
the maps showing the lands and places, and the route of the journey. One
province in the southern tier was left unvisited, Cilicia, because Paul
had already preached there (Gal. 1. 21-23).
[Illustration]
VIII. =The Council at Jerusalem= (Acts 15). Of course such a spread of
the gospel among the Gentiles would be very unwelcome to narrow Jewish
believers. Their complaint and demand (Acts 15. 1, 2). Who attended the
Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15. 2-4). Who took prominent part in it
(Acts 15. 7, 13). The conclusion of the Council (Acts 15. 27-29).
The great question was now settled. Jews and Gentiles were standing at
last on equality in the church, and the great transition from a Jewish
church to a church for all the world was accomplished.
Hints to the Teacher and the Student
1. Read carefully in the book of Acts from the 8th to
the 15th chapter, inclusive.
2. Draw the map first from copy, then without copy;
not seeking for accuracy, but aiming rather for
correct relation of the lands to each other.
3. Study each section of the lesson; look up every
reference, and note its relation to the general
subject. Master the eight points in the outline
thoroughly.
4. Draw on the map (or, better, on a series of maps)
the following journeys: 1.) Philip's journeys. Acts 8.
2.) Peter's journeys. Acts 8 and 10. 3.) Saul's early
journeys. 4.) The journey of Saul and Barnabas. 5.)
The journeys in connection with the council at
Jerusalem, going and returning.
5. Let the teacher call upon the scholars to tell as a
story each of the eight points in the lesson, not from
the text-book but from the book of Acts; each story by
a student in turn.
Blackboard Outline
=Ch. in Trans.= 1.) Op. 2.) Clo.
I. =Map.= Lands. Cy. Ju. Syr. Ph. Cil. Pam. Pi. Lyc. Places. Jer.
Jop. Cæs. Dam. Ant. Tar. An (Pi) Lys. Der.
II. =Prog. of Ev.= 1. =Pre. Ste.= 1.) En. 2.) Acc. 3.) Prom.
4.) Log. ai.
2. =Sau. Per.= Res. 1.) Pen. Ch. bro. up. 2.) Dis. everyw. prea.
3.) Chur. spr. up.
3. =Gosp. in Sam.= Phil.
4. =Pet. Vis.= Pet. and Corn.
5. =Conv. Sau.= Sau. ear. Min. 1.) Dam. 2.) Ara. 3.) Dam.
4.) Jeru. 5.) Tar.
6. =Ch. at. Ant.= 1.) Foun. 2.) Mem. 3.) Prom. 4.) Lib.
5.) Work. 6.) Sau. asso.
7. =Fir. Miss. Jour.= 1.) Cal. 2.) App. 3.) Meth. 4.) Lands.
C. P. L. P.
8. =Coun. at Jer.=
Review Questions
With what events did the period of transition begin
and end? How long was it? What was the state of the
church when it opened? What was the state of the
church when it closed? Name an island and seven lands
connected with this period. Name ten places connected
with the period. State the eight great events in the
history of the church at this time. What preacher
introduced this epoch? How do we know that he preached
salvation for the Gentiles? What man's persecution at
this time proved a help to the church? Tell the story
of this persecution. What three results followed it?
Who formed the church in Samaria? Who were the
Samaritans? How was the church recognized? Tell the
story of a remarkable vision on a housetop. To what
did that vision lead? Tell the story of a persecutor's
conversion to Christ. Where did this conversion take
place? What were the events in Saul's life that
followed this conversion? What important church arose
in Syria? Who were its founders? Who constituted its
membership? Who were its leaders? What facts showed
its prominence and influence? How came Saul to be
associated with this church? Who went out as
missionaries? Who went with them as helper? What
became of this young man? What was their method of
work? What lands did they visit? In what cities did
they found churches? What led to the council at
Jerusalem? Who attended the council? Who spoke in it?
What were its conclusions? How did this end the period
of transition in the church?
FIFTEENTH STUDY
The Church Twenty Years After the Ascension
We have now studied the two earliest periods in the history of the
Christian church and have come to the year 50 A. D., twenty years after
the Ascension of Christ and the outpouring of the Spirit on the first
Pentecost. Let us look over the field and see what at that time was the
state of the church.