The Sabbath School

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 29, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 29.

The Sabbath School

International Series.

LESSON VII.—SABBATH, AUGUST 14, 1897.

A PURE CHURCH.

Lesson Scripture, Acts 4:32 to 5:16, R. V.

32 "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and great grace was upon them all. For neither was there among them any that lacked; for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles' feet; and distribution was made unto each, according as any one had need.

33 "And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of exhortation), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, having a field, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

34 "But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, did it not remain thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thy power? How is it that thou hast conceived this thing in thy heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost; and great fear came upon all that heard it. And the young men arose and wrapped him round, and they carried him out and buried him.

35 "And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. But Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and they shall carry thee out. And she fell down immediately at his feet, and gave up the ghost; and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all that heard these things.

12 "And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. But of the rest durst no man join himself to them; howbeit the people magnified them; and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women; insomuch that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that, as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might overshadow some one of them. And there also came together the multitude from the cities round about Jerusalem, bringing sick folk, and them that were vexed with unclean spirits; and they were healed every one."

QUESTIONS.

Relate briefly the story of the healing of the lame man, and tell all that followed.
How were the company of believers affected by the threats of the rulers?
In what condition were all the believers? How did they regard their property?
How did the apostles give witness of the resurrection? What was the source of all this? Compare 1 Cor. 15:10.
What prevented the suffering of poverty by the believers?
On what basis was distribution of goods made?
What man who afterwards became prominent was among those who thus disposed of their property?
What other two are especially named in this connection?
How did they act in this business?
What question did Peter put to the man?
Had there been any compulsion in the matter? What questions show this? Of what did Peter say the pair had been guilty?
What took place when Ananias heard these words?
What occurred about three hours later?
What did Peter intimate that the two had conspired together to do?
What became of the woman, also?
What was the result of this affair?
What was done by the hands of the apostles?
Whose hand was clearly seen in all these things? Heb. 2:4; Acts 2:22; John 5:30.
To whom were believers added? In what numbers?
But what of the rest who were not sincere?
How did the people regard the apostles?
How did they show their confidence?
How widely did their influence extend? Did they seek aid in vain?