lesson, and locate upon it the following =lands=: 1. Judea (Palestine).
2. Syria. 3. Phoenicia. 4. Cyprus. 5. Cilicia. 6. Pamphylia. 7. Pisidia.
8. Lycaonia. In all these lands churches were established and at work.
II. =Its Membership.= The members of the church consisted of two classes
of people, widely apart by nature, but brought together by the gospel:
1. There were churches where all the members were =Jews=, as in Judea.
These were all faithful to the regulations of the Jewish ceremonial law,
and many of them almost bigoted in their opinions concerning it (Acts
15. 1, 5).
2. There were other churches, as in Lycaonia, where all or nearly all
the members were =Gentiles= (Acts 14. 6-13). In these the Jewish rules
were unrecognized, almost unknown.
3. Between these two extremes was the great body of churches of =both
Jews and Gentiles=. The two classes worshiped together; Jews remaining
Jews, and Gentiles remaining Gentiles; but probably received the Lord's
Supper apart, as it was as yet a house-service, not held at the public
meetings.
4. While in most churches there was harmony, on both sides there were
some radical members; but especially among the Jews. These were the
=Judaizers=; men who sought to compel all the disciples to receive
circumcision, obey the ceremonial law and make the Christian church
subordinate to Jewish ritualism. These were the enemies of Paul to the
end of his ministry, perverting the Gentile churches and opposing the
apostle's work.
III. =Its Leaders.= Three names stand out prominently at this time: 1.
=Paul=, as the leader of the church in its world-wide plans, the apostle
to the Gentiles (Gal. 2. 7). 2. =James=, as leader of the Jewish but not
Judaizing elements (Acts 13. 13, 19). This was not James the apostle,
for he had been put to death some time before this (Acts 12. 2); but
James "the brother of the Lord" (Gal. 1. 19). He was the head of the
church in Jerusalem and author of the Epistle of James. 3. =Peter=, who
stood in friendly relation to both parties in the church, although his
conduct was not always perfectly consistent with regard to Jewish
regulations (Acts 11. 2, 3; Gal. 2. 11-14). Between these three leaders
there was a clear understanding and no strong division of spirit,
although they might not agree in all points. 4. Other leaders in this
period were =Philip= (Acts 8. 40; 21. 8). =Barnabas=, =Silas= of
Jerusalem and Antioch (Acts 15. 22, 32, 40), and =Titus= (Gal. 2. 1-4).
IV. =Its Government.= In our time the church is often a highly wrought
organization, with articles of faith, orders, and officials of various
grades. We are apt to assume such a condition in the early church. But
at the time of which we speak there was very little organization or
machinery; and there was little need of any, for a special reason:
_Every member was under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit_, living
in fellowship with God, without mediation of priest or church. Yet we
find certain officers named in the church:
1. =Apostles=, originally "the twelve," but changes arose and others
were called by the title, for example, Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14. 14);
James (Gal. 1. 19). The work of the apostles was not primarily
government, but inspired testimony to Jesus as the Christ (Acts 1. 22;
6. 4); nowhere in Acts are the apostles represented as ruling the church
(Acts 15. 6, 22).
2. =Elders= (Acts 11. 30; 14. 23; 15. 4). These were analogous to the
same officers in the synagogue, from which the plan of the local
churches was taken.
3. =Prophets= (Acts 11. 27, 28; Acts 13. 1; Acts 15. 32). Men who spoke
out of direct fellowship with the Lord, and under inspiration of the
Spirit; sometimes, though not always, giving predictions of future
events.
4. =Teachers= (Acts 13. 1). Men who gave instruction in the Christian
character; probably largely from recollection or knowledge of the
teaching of Christ. The difference between "prophesy" and "teaching" was
that the former was the more spontaneous and the latter the more
educative in the principles of the gospel.
V. =Its Doctrinal Views.= These remained substantially as in the first
period. There was little tendency toward intellectual questionings while
the church remained under Jewish influence. The discussion was rather
regarding Jewish ceremonial regulations. The Messiahship, Resurrection
and Return of Jesus were still the prominent teaching of the period.
VI. =Its Moral Standards.= The church is now face to face with the
heathen world and all its abominable vices. Heathen moralists
continually made excuse for the immorality which was so generally
practiced. But Christianity made no compromise; set forth the high
standard of the gospel, with the character of Christ as its ideal. This
high standard unswervingly maintained was one secret of the church's
power and growth. Notice, a little later than this period, in St. Paul's
writings, the strong ethical spirit.
VII. =Its Meeting-places.= As yet "churches" or buildings for worship
were not erected. The disciples met with the Jews in the synagogue or
established synagogues of their own (James 2. 2). Often they met, even
later than this period, in the upper rooms of private houses (Acts 20.
8; Rom. 16. 3-5; Philem. 2).
VIII. =Its Literature.= This was still the =Old Testament= only; no book
of the New Testament having been written as early as 50 A. D. These
writings were familiar to all the Jewish members, and almost equally
familiar to the Gentiles who attended the synagogue. Was there an "oral
gospel" in existence? Probably not in any set, authorized form; but
repeated as the narration of teachings and works of Jesus. The tendency
would naturally be for these teachings to settle into a few accepted
forms or "gospels."
IX. Wherein did =the Unity of the Church= consist? Not in organization,
nor government, nor doctrinal statement; but in a =common spiritual
life=. They were of one heart and one mind, loved each other,
contributed to each other's needs (Acts 11. 29; Gal. 2. 10), visited
each other's churches (Acts 11. 22, 27, 30; 13. 25; 15. 27, 32). This
was, and is, true church unity.
Blackboard Outline
=Ch. 20 Ye. af. Asc.=
I. =Ext.= Ja. Sy. Ph. Cy. Cil. Pam. Pi. Lyc.
II. =Mem.= 1. Je. 2. Gen. 3. Both J. and G. 4. "Judai."
III. =Lead.= 1. Pau. 2. Jam. 3. Pet. 4. Phi. 5. Bar.
6. Sil. 7. Tit.
IV. =Gov.= (Dir. Guid. H. S). 1. Aps. 2. El. 3. Pro. 4. Tea.
V. =Doc. Vie.= Mes. Res. Ret. Jes.
VI. =Mor. Stan.= "No comp."
VII. =Meet. Pla.= Syn. "Up. roo."
VIII. =Lit.= O. T. "Or. gosp."
IX. =Uni.= Com. spir. lif.
Review Questions
What stage in the church's progress do we now
consider? In what lands was the church established at
this time? What two classes of people constituted its
membership? How did these two classes worship
together? What service was observed in the homes of
members? Who were the Judaizers? What harm did they
do? Name the three great leaders at this time. Who was
James? Give an instance when Peter was not entirely
consistent in his conduct. Name four other leaders and
a fact about each. Why did the church of that time
need very little government? Name four kinds of
officers in the church. What was the special work of
the apostles? Where did the elders originate? With
what churches are elders named in this period? What
were the prophets in the church? Name some who are
called prophets in this period. What was the work of
teachers in the church? Were doctrinal studies or
discussions prominent at this time? What were the
three prominent doctrines of the church? Why do the
moral standards of the church come into prominence at
this time? What were those standards? Where did the
Christians hold their meetings? What was the
literature of the church at this time? What do you
understand by "the oral gospel?" Was such a gospel in
existence? Wherein did the unity of the church
consist? How was this unity shown?
SIXTEENTH STUDY
The Preparation of Paul for his Work
PART ONE
Before we enter upon the study of "The church among the Gentiles," our
next period, there is a preliminary topic to be considered. The only
record which we possess of the period before us, the Book of Acts, not
only represents Paul as the leading worker for the gospel, but it even
omits all reports of the work of other apostles and evangelists. There
must have been other workers: Peter, Barnabas, Philip, and other workers
were still living, and must have been active in founding churches; but
their work is not mentioned. We find mention of churches which Paul had
not founded (Acts 21. 3, 7; Acts 28. 13, 14, 15). Paul stands before us
as the leading and the typical worker in the gospel. We will therefore
take for our theme, =The Preparation and Methods of Paul=.
At A. D. 50 Paul is now at Antioch, about fifty years old, having been
born probably about four years after Jesus Christ. His first missionary
journey has taken place, and he is now about to enter upon his second
missionary journey. Let us notice some of his advantages for leadership
in the gospel.
I. He was =a Jew=. (See Phil. 3. 5; Rom. 11. 1). The leader in this
movement must be a Jew. 1. Because as a Jew he would have a _training_
in Bible knowledge, and in the _faith_ of a coming Messiah such as no
Gentile could possess. 2. Moreover the work in nearly all places must
begin in the synagogue. (See Acts 17. 1; 2. 10; 18. 1, 4; 19. 1, 8). And
only a Jew could take part in its services.
II. He was a =Trained and Recognized Rabbi=: an accredited teacher of
the law; "a college man" with the prestige of scholarship won in the
school of Gamaliel, the greatest Jewish master of that age (Acts 5. 34;
Acts 22. 3). Such a teacher would be welcome in any synagogue. In this
respect contrast Paul with Peter and the other apostles (Acts 4. 13).
III. He was a =Hellenist=, or "Grecian Jew;" i. e., a Jew of the
Dispersion; by birth and environment broader than the Jews of Jerusalem,
who rarely came in contact with Gentiles. He was a traveler acquainted
with the world; spoke Greek as fluently as Hebrew, an absolute necessity
for preaching to Gentiles (Acts 21. 37, 40). He spoke to the Greek
philosophers in their own tongue and after their own manner. Contrast
Acts 17. 22 with Acts 22. 1. Tradition says that Peter, when at Rome,
used an interpreter in preaching to the church. Paul's ability to speak
at least two languages gave him a great advantage.
IV. Another advantage was that he was by birth a =Roman Citizen= (Acts
16. 37. Acts 22. 25-28). This privilege, at that time rare among those
outside of Italy, gave the apostle safety, immunity from imprisonment by
the local rulers, and the right to a trial before a Roman judge, with
appeal to the emperor. James was put to death, and Peter thrown into
prison by King Herod (Acts 12. 2-4); but Paul was by his citizenship
undoubtedly saved more than once from torture and from death.
V. He was a divinely-called =Apostle=. When he spoke it was with all the
fervor and authority of one who had seen the Lord and had received a
special command from the lips of the ascended Christ to bear testimony
to his gospel. His call came with his conversion (Acts 26. 12-19). He
claimed the authority of an apostle (Gal. 1. 1; 1 Cor. 9. 1). Notice
that in his letters Paul always places "apostles" before "prophets"
(Eph. 2. 20; 3. 5; 4. 11), as holding the higher office in the church.
VI. He possessed rare =Natural Endowments= for his work.
1. He was a man of _sympathy_, warm-hearted and tender; making strong
friendships, drawing men after him. Note how in every place he found
friends (Acts 19. 31; 20. 4; 27. 3, 43).
2. He was a _preacher_ of power. He was a master of the art of public
speaking; and people would always listen to him with the deepest
interest (Acts 17. 22-31. Acts 22. 1-2. Acts 26. 1-26).
3. He was a _theologian_. He saw the great truths of the gospel in
clearer light than any of his co-workers. Under the guidance of the
Spirit he formulated a system of doctrine (Gal. 1. 11, 12), which he
sometimes called "my gospel" (Rom. 2. 16; 2 Tim. 2. 8). This "gospel
according to Paul," presented in his great epistles, came to be the
theology of the church, and so remains.
4. He possessed rare _tact_ in dealing with men; knew how to adapt his
methods to people of varied races and views. His manner of preaching at
Athens was very different from that in Jerusalem. Note 1 Cor. 9. 19-22.
5. He was a _natural leader_ of men; ready to take responsibilities,
quick to decide, yet thoughtful of others. He possessed the ruling
spirit, yet was no imperious, self-willed man. People were as ready to
follow as he was to lead.
6. He was a _tireless worker_; indomitable and undiscouraged, caring
little for hardship (2 Cor. 11. 23-28), although he seems to have been
delicate in health. See allusions 2 Cor. 12. 7-10. Gal. 4. 13. Notice
the field of his labors, in the middle of his ministry (Rom. 15. 19).
Notice too his plans for regions more distant (Rom. 15. 24).
Blackboard Outline
PART ONE
=Pau. Prep. & Meth.=
I. =Je.= 1. Train. fai. 2. Part in Syn.
II. =Trai. Rec. Rab.= Sch. of Gam.
III. =Hell.= "Gre. J." Trav. Gre. Lang.
IV. =Rom. cit.=
V. =Apos.=
VI. =Nat. Endow.= 1. Sym. 2. Pre. 3. Theol. 4. Tac. 5. Nat.
lead. 6. Tir. Work.
Review Questions
PART ONE
What prominence does the book of Acts give to Paul in
the period of the church among the Gentiles? How do we
know that there were other workers at that time? Name
some of these other workers. What churches are named
which could not have been founded by Paul? What was
Paul's age at the opening of this period? What were
some advantages which Paul possessed for his work?
What were the advantages of his birth and training as
a Jew? What education did he receive, and wherein was
it a help to him? To what great branch of the Jews did
Paul belong? How was this fact an advantage in his
work? Of what nation was he a citizen? Name instances
when this fact was of avail to Paul. With what
authority could Paul speak? Whence came this
authority? What were some of Paul's natural endowments
for his ministry? What does Paul mean by the
expression, "my gospel"? What showed his industry as a
worker?
PART TWO
VII. We must also study Paul's =Methods of Work=. These were varied
greatly according to circumstances, but in them we may note certain
principles.
1. _He took fellow workers_ with him. Notice his companions on his first
journey. Acts 13. 2-5. On his second journey. Acts 15. 40; 16. 1-3. What
other companion is indicated in the word "we" in Acts 16. 10? On his
third journey. Acts 19. 22, 29. Other companions on this journey. Acts
20. 4, 5. This method gave 1.) _Mutual encouragement_. Paul was social,
loved companionship; was sometimes melancholy when alone (Acts 17. 15,
16; 2 Cor. 2. 12, 13; 2 Cor. 7. 5, 6). 2.) _Power in co-operation_; two
can do much more than twice as much as one. 3.) There was also
_training_ for younger workers, whom Paul always took with him; e. g.,
Mark, Timothy, and perhaps Titus.
2. _He chose the cities_; and of these the largest and most important
centers of population. Antioch, Thessalonica, Corinth, Ephesus, Rome.
Paul was, in training and tastes, a man of the city, not of the country.
He took great interest in men, but apparently none in nature. Contrast
Paul in this respect with Christ, most of whose illustrations were drawn
from nature. One result of Paul's choice of the cities was the wide and
rapid diffusion of the gospel. The cities became Christian long before
the country-places. The word "pagan" literally means "countryman," but
it came to mean a worshiper of idols. See the effect of Paul's two years
in Ephesus (Acts 19. 10). "The seven churches of Asia" (Rev. 1. 11) were
the outgrowth of Paul's work in Ephesus.
3. _He supported himself by his trade._ His occupation. Acts 18. 3.
References to his self-support in different places. 1 Cor. 4. 12; 1
Thess. 2. 9; Acts 20. 34; Paul's was a "self-supporting mission,"
because there was no society to support him and he would not lay the
burden upon those just converted. But although he asked no
contributions, he accepted them when tendered. Phil. 4. 15; 16. 18.
4. _He began in the synagogue._ In every large city there were Jewish
synagogues; and in these Paul could speak as an accepted Rabbi. Note how
constantly he made use of the synagogue. Acts 13. 4, 5. Acts 14. 1. Acts
17. 1. Acts 18. 4, 19. This method gave him access to the worshiping
Scripture-loving _Jews_, to whom he felt called to give the gospel first
(Rom. 1. 16). But it also gave him access to the thoughtful, serious
_Gentiles_ who were seeking after God; and from this class came many of
the early Christians. Notice that in Paul's opening address in Antioch
in Pisidia he addressed both these classes (Acts 13. 16). The synagogue
among the Jews of the dispersion was a great aid to the gospel.
5. He formed _acquaintance with rulers_ and influential men in many
places; in so many that it cannot have been accidental, but must have
been a part of his plan. Examine the following references, and note
names and places: Acts 13. 7. Acts 17. 34. Rom. 16. 23. Acts 19. 31.
Acts 28. 7. These friendships were often of great service to Paul,
especially when opposed by his own people.
6. _He used the pen_ as well as the voice. He wrote many letters, not so
much to spread the gospel as to strengthen and instruct the churches
which he had planted. A number of his letters to churches and to
individuals have been preserved; but it is evident that some have been
lost (1 Cor. 5. 9. Col. 4. 16).
7. He strengthened his work by frequently _revisiting his churches_.
Notice a re-visitation on his first journey (Acts 14. 21). The same
churches visited again on his second journey (Acts 16. 1-4). Again on
his third journey he passed through the same places (Acts 19. 1). A
re-visitation of the European churches (Acts 20. 1, 2).
VIII. Note, lastly, =Paul's Enemies=; those who throughout his journeys
opposed, fought, persecuted him. Almost everywhere his work stirred up
violent antagonisms. This came in different places from three sources:
1. _The Jews_, whose opposition came not so much from his preaching
Jesus as the Messiah as from his willingness to receive Gentiles into
the church. He was regarded as breaking down the distinctions between
Jew and Gentile. Note instances of persecution from this source (Acts
13. 45, 50. Acts 14. 1, 2. Acts 14. 19. Acts 17. 5. Acts 21. 27).
2. _The Judaizing Christians_; professed disciples who were opposed to
Gentile membership in the church (Acts 15. 1, 5. Acts 21. 20, 21. Phil.
1. 14-17). As the years passed the proportion of Jews to Gentiles in the
church became less and less, and this party diminished in power.
3. _The Gentiles._ In only two places do we find persecution stirred up
against Paul by Gentiles without suggestion by Jews. Note the places and
circumstances in Acts 16. 16-24. Acts 19 23-30. In each instance private
interests caused the trouble. As yet there was no strife between
Christianity and the imperial government. But Paul saw the trials
impending, and not far distant, and he forewarned his churches of
sharper persecution soon to come (Thess. 2. 3-10. Acts 20. 29. Phil. 1.
28-30).
Blackboard Outline
Part Two
VII. =Pau. Meth. Wor.= 1. Fell. work. 2. Ch. cit. 3. Sup. by tra.
4. Beg. syn. 5. Acq. w. ral. 6. Us. pen. 7. Rev. chu.
VIII. =Pau. Ene.= 1. Je. 2. Jud. Chr. 3. Gen.
Review Questions. Part Two
Name seven facts about Paul's methods of work in the
gospel. Who were his companions on his first, second,
and third journeys? What were the benefits of having
fellow-workers? Name some cities where Paul labored
longest. How is Paul contrasted in this respect with
Jesus Christ? What was the effect of beginning the
work in the great cities? How was Paul supported while
preaching? Why did he follow that plan? In what place
did Paul begin his work wherever possible? Whom did he
reach in that method? Name some rulers and influential
people in different places who were friends of Paul.
What use of the pen did Paul make in his ministry?
Show how he frequently revisited his churches. What
three classes of people were enemies of Paul in his
work? Name instances when the Jews opposed him. What
was their reason for their opposition? What opposition
did he meet from fellow-Christians? At what places was
he persecuted by Gentiles? What was the attitude of
the Roman government at that time toward Christianity?
SEVENTEENTH STUDY
The Church among the Gentiles
From the Council at Jerusalem, A. D. 50, To the Death of St. Paul, A. D.
68.
PART ONE
The history of this period of eighteen years, as contained in the book
of Acts, is limited to the labors of St. Paul, who was pre-eminently the
apostle to the Gentiles (2 Tim. 1. 11).
I. Let us draw the =map of the lands= embraced in the later journeys of
the apostle Paul.
1. _The Lands_: 1.) Asia Minor. 2.) Thrace. 3.) Macedonia. 4.) Greece or
Achaia. 5.) Italy. 6.) Africa, not visited by Paul. 7.) Palestine or
Judea. 8.) Syria.
2. _The Localities._ 1.) Jerusalem. 2.) Antioch. 3.) Ephesus. 4.) Troas.
5.) Philippi. 6.) Thessalonica. 7.) Berea. 8.) Athens. 9.) Corinth. 10.)
Rome.
II. =Paul's Second Missionary Journey.= The gospel in Europe (A. D.
51-53). Notice:
1. _His companions_: the quarrel with Barnabas and separation (Acts 15.
36-39). Barnabas at this point drops out of the record. Silas, Timothy,
and later Luke, accompany Paul (Acts 15. 40; 16. 1; 16. 10). Luke's
profession, perhaps therein helping the apostle (Col. 4. 14).
2. _Asia Minor revisited._ Note and locate the provinces through which
they passed, starting from Antioch: 1.) Cilicia (Acts 15. 41). 2.)
Lycaonia (Acts 16. 1, 3.) Probably Pisidia (Acts 16. 4). 4.) Galatia.
5.) Phrygia (Acts 16. 6). Through Mysia to Troas (Acts 16. 8). Locate
these provinces on the map.
3. _The Gospel in Europe._ Note the events which led to the voyage
across the Ægean Sea (Acts 16. 9). Trace the route on the map--from what
city? to what city? The three cities in Macedonia (Acts 16. 12; 17. 1;
17. 10). The two cities in Greece (Acts 17. 15; 18. 1). Note the long
stay in Corinth (Acts 18. 11); the largest city in Greece and the
commercial metropolis, at that time far more important than Athens.
Review and locate the five cities in Europe thus far visited, P. T. B.
A. C., and recall the peculiar events at each place.
4. _The two Epistles to the Thessalonians_ were written while Paul was
at Corinth, perhaps 52 and 53 A. D. These are the earliest extant
writings of Paul, and the earliest books of the New Testament. Two
subjects are presented in both letters: 1.) General precepts concerning
_Christian character_. 2.) The _second coming of Christ_.
5. _A visit to Ephesus_, the chief city of Asia Minor (Acts 18. 18, 19).
Notice what would be the direct route from Corinth. Paul's stay at this
time was short, but with promise of a speedy return.
6. _Return to Antioch._ The route, from Ephesus to Cæsarea, thence to
the mother church at Jerusalem; thence 250 miles either by land via
Damascus, or by water via Cæsarea (Acts 18. 22). The great result of the
second missionary journey was the planting of the gospel in Europe. The
churches founded were composed of both Jews and Gentiles, with the
latter largely in the majority.
Blackboard Outline
PART ONE
I. =Map.= 1. Lands. 1.) A. M. 2.) Th. 3.) Mac. 4.) Gre. 5.) It.
6.) Af. 7.) Pal. 8.) Syr.
2. =Pla.= 1.) Jer. 2.) Ant. 3.) Eph. 4.) Tro. 5.) Phi.
6.) Thes. 7.) Ber. 8.) Ath. 9.) Cor.
II. =Pau. Sec. Miss. Jour.= 1. Comp. S. T. L.
2. _As. Min. Rev._ 1.) Cil. 2.) Ly. 3.) Pi. 4.) Gal. 5.) Ph.
6.) My. T.
3. _Gos. in Eur._ Tro. Phil. Thess. Ber. Ath. Cor.
4. _Ep. Thess._ 1.) Chr. Char. 2.) Chr. sec. com.
5. _Vis. Eph._
6. _Ret. Ant._ Result-Gosp. Eur.
Review Questions. Part One