LESSON XIII.—SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1897.
NOTE.—The experiences of Paul during the time covered by the lessons of the quarter may be outlined as follows: “The attack upon him in the temple; his rescue and Roman citizenship; in prison at Cæsarea; preaching before Felix; preaching before Agrippa; the first journey by sea; the storm; the shipwreck; experiences in Malta; greetings on the way to Rome; in prison at Rome; writing epistles; waiting for the crown.” LESSON 1.—Paul's Last Journey to Jerusalem. Acts 21:1–15. Golden Text: “I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13. The incidents of the lesson are Paul's journey from Miletus to Jerusalem, saluting the brethren on the way, and the prophecy of Agabus in regard to Paul's captivity. LESSON 2.—Paul a Prisoner at Jerusalem. Acts 22:17–30. Golden Text: “If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed.” 1 Peter 4:16. Paul in making his defense tells of the vision given him while praying in the temple, and the command of the Lord to him to leave Jerusalem and preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. The uproar caused by the Jews results in preparation for Paul's scourging, whereupon he declares his Roman citizenship. LESSON 3.—Paul before the Roman Governor. Acts 24:10–25. Golden Text: “Fear thou not, for I am with thee.” Isa. 41:10. Paul makes his defense before Felix against the accusations of the Jews; and also preaches to Felix and Drusilla in regard to faith in Christ. LESSON 4.—Paul Before King Agrippa. Acts 26:19–32. Golden Text: “Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 10:32. Paul has been kept in prison at Cæsarea two years before being brought before the king. He now makes his defense before Agrippa and Festus. LESSON 5.—Paul's Voyage and Shipwreck. Acts 27:13–26. Golden Text: “Be of good cheer; for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” Acts 27:25. During the disheartening storm Paul comforts the crew and passengers, tells of the message brought him by the angel, and foretells that they will be wrecked upon a certain island without loss of life. LESSON 6.—Paul in Melita and Rome. Acts 28:1–16. Golden Text: “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” Rom. 8:28. The lesson deals with Paul's experience in Melita and the completion of his journey to Rome. LESSON 7.—Paul's Ministry in Rome. Acts 28:17–31. Golden Text: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Rom. 1:16. Paul addresses the Jews at Rome, and continues there two years preaching the Gospel, “none forbidding him.” LESSON 8.—The Christian Armor. Eph. 6:10–20. Golden Text: “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Eph. 6:10. The entire lesson is an exhortation to the Christian to triumph over wickedness within the church and without by the help of the Gospel armor. LESSON 9.—Salutary Warnings. 1 Peter 4:1–8. Golden Text: “Be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7. The apostle here warns the followers of Christ against the wickedness specially prevalent among the Gentiles. It is a temperance lesson. LESSON 10.—Christ's Humility an Exaltation. Phil. 2:1–11. Golden Text: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 2:5. Paul urges upon Christians a spirit of humility, giving us the great example of the humiliation of Christ. He also points out the exaltation which such humility brings, as exemplified in the exaltation of Christ by the Father. LESSON 11.—Paul's Last Words. 2 Tim. 4:1–8, 16–18. Golden Text: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Tim. 4:7. This is Paul's charge to Timothy in reference to the spiritual food which he should give to the followers of Christ. LESSON 12.—John's Message about Sin and Salvation.131 John 1:5 to 2:6. Golden Text: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” 1 John 1:9. John exhorts the Christian to walk in the light of God and keep all the commandments of God, showing that if we know God we will keep his commandments.