are aware that two strangers are with them. These men say to them that
this same Jesus will return again in like manner as they have just
seen him go. Satisfied with this message, they return to Jerusalem,
there to tarry until they be endued with that power of which the
Master had just spoken to them. How this power came and the results of
its coming we shall see in the lesson on the Acts of the Apostles.

Test Questions

What explanation of the resurrection of the Lord do some critics give?

In reply to this false contention, give the first truth.

Give the second truth.

Give the third truth.

Give the fourth truth.

Give the fifth truth.

Give the sixth truth.

Mention in their order the various appearances of our Lord to his
disciples.

What other appearances may we add to these?

Describe the final ascent on the Mount of Olives.

After his ascension, where did the Apostles go?

For what did they then wait in the city of Jerusalem?

Lesson 8

The Early Church

New Testament Division--Third and Fourth Periods

#The Pivotal Events of the Book of Acts.#--Pentecost--the
bestowal of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-47). The healing power
given, as well as spiritual power (Acts 3:1-11; Acts
5:12-16). Persecution came to the disciples (Acts 4:1-22;
Acts 5:18). The great persecution (Acts 6:1 to 7:60). The
conversion of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1-22; Acts 22:1-21; Acts
26:1-20). The gospel given to the Gentiles (Acts 10:3 to
11:48). Missionary work organized (Acts 13:1-3). The Council
at Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-31). The gospel crossed from Asia to
Europe (Acts 16:9). The first preaching at Philippi (Acts
16:14, 15.) Lydia the first convert. (The life of Paul is
treated more fully in the next lesson.)

#TIME.#--A. D. 30 to A. D. 51.

#PLACES.#--Jerusalem, Damascus, Caesarea, Tarsus and Cilicia, Troas,
Philippi.

#SIGNIFICANCE OF EVENTS.#--Here the gospel ceases to be local in
character and becomes universal--held no longer by national or
geographical boundaries.

Development of the Early Church

#157. Importance of the Book.#--The Acts of the Apostles is the most
important book in the New Testament, for if we were to lose one of the
Gospels, we should still have three left, and if we lost one epistle,
the others would still be ours. But if we had no "Acts," we should be
left with no story of the ascension, (except Luke 24:51) and the next
record