LESSON III.—SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1897.
NOTE.—The section of scripture to be studied should be a review of chapter 1, lesson 2, and a careful study of the intervening scripture, Acts 2:14-31. In this first part of Peter's sermon he sets forth that the disciples could not be full of new wine, but that what was seen was the fulfillment of what God had foretold by his prophet Joel (chap. 2:28-32). He then declares that Jesus of Nazareth was the One foretold by the prophets, that he had power of death, and quotes, in proof of his declarations, Ps. 16:8-10. He then shows that this prophecy could not refer to David personally, because David was dead and buried, and his sepulcher was then with them; that David saw corruption, but that Christ's flesh did not; therefore David spoke of Christ's resurrection. Here our lesson begins. Lesson Scripture, Acts 2:32-47, R. V.
32 "THIS Jesus did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses. Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear. 33 For David ascended not into the heavens; but he saith himself,
The Lord said unto my Lord,
Sit thou on my right hand,
34 Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet.
35 Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified.
36 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? And Peter said unto them,12Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall 39 receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even 40 as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him. And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation. 41 They then that received his word were baptized; and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand 42 souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.
43 "And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and 44 signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed 45 were together, and had all things common; and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, accord- 46 ing as any man had need. And day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they did take their food with gladness and 47 singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were being saved."
Golden Text.—"The promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off." Acts 2:39. SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS ON THE TEXT.
(1) What two scriptures did Peter quote in proof of the work of God then manifest? See note above. (2) What did he say of Jesus who was slain and buried? Verse 32. (3) Where was this same Jesus now? and what had he done? Verse 33. (4) What does he say of David? Verse 34. Note 1. (5) What did David say? Verses 34, 35. Note 2. (6) What had the Lord done for this Jesus according to David? Verse 36. (7) How did these simple Bible truths affect the people? Verse 37. (8) What reply did Peter make to their question? Verse 38. Note 3. (9) What did he say was the scope of the promise of the Spirit? Verse 39. Note 4. (10) What further did he do? Verse 40. Note 5. (11) What was the result of his preaching? Verse 41. (12) What is said of the future of these converts? Verse 42. Note 6. (13) What was manifest among the people? Verse 43. (14) What is said of the union of believers? Verse 44. (15) How did faith affect them as regards their property? Verse 45. (16) What is said of their lives in general? Verse 46. (17) What was the effect of this unity and simplicity of Christian faith? Verse 47. (18) May not the same thing be seen now? Golden Text. 1. Not ascended into the heavens.—What could be more conclusive evidence that the future life of those who die depends on a resurrection from the dead than Acts 2:25-36? David died and was buried. Because of this the apostle knew that David ascended not into the heavens. He sleeps in Jesus; and he and all who sleep in him will be raised when "this same Jesus" shall come again.
2. The Lord said unto my Lord.—The Father said to the Son. See Ps. 110:1. This is Christ's exaltation to the Father's throne as priest, where he reigns the Lord of grace till his work as priest is over. See Rev. 3:21; Heb. 8:1.
3. Repent.—Think differently, different from former life, a change of mind which results in regrets for the past, and in change of conduct in present and future. It is not true repentance which does not so result. See 2 Cor. 7:8-11.
4. God designed that his Spirit should be in the church for all time. It was not his wish that the manifestation of his Spirit in its power, and in its gifts, ordinary and extraordinary, should exist till he should come again. God will work now as miraculously as he did then if his people are willing to be worked by the Spirit. Read what the Lord says of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 and Eph. 4:8-13.
5. Many other words.—He gave them instruction as to what was involved in accepting Christ, baptism, separation from the world, etc.
6. Steadfastly.—They did not backslide as soon as the excitement was over, they continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching. They continued to feed upon the word of God; without this there is no growth. Neglect to feed upon the bread of life is the cause of failure in many young Christians.