The Sabbath School

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 8, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 26.

The Sabbath School

International Series.

LESSON IV.—SABBATH, JULY 24, 1897.

FAITH IN THE NAME.

Lesson Scripture, Acts 2:41 to 3:16, R. V.

41 "They then that received his word were baptized; and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls. 42 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 signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were 44 together, and had all things common; and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any 45 man had need. And day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they 46 did take their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were being saved. "Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the 2 hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man that 3 was lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; who seeing 4 Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked to receive 5 alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him, with John, 6 said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, Silver and gold 7 have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. And he took him by the right 8 hand, and raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankle-bones received strength. And leaping up, he stood, and 9 began to walk; and he entered with them into the temple, 10 walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God; and they took knowledge of him, that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. 11 "And as he held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly won- 12 dering. And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this man? or why fasten ye your eyes on us, as tho by our own power or godliness we 13 had made him to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Servant Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied before the face of 14 Pilate, when he had determined to release him. But ye denied the Holy and Righteous One; and asked for a murderer to be 15 granted unto you, and killed the Prince of life; whom God 16 raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And by faith in his name hath his name made this man strong, whom ye be- hold and know; yea, the faith which is through him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all."

QUESTIONS.

Recall Peter's talk on Pentecost.
What was done for those who gladly received the Word?
How many were there?
How did they continue?
What effect was produced on the people? What was done by the apostles?
How did all the believers live?
What did they do with their possessions?
What spirit characterized them?
As they praised God, and their lives honored him, what did they have? and what did the Lord do?
On one of these days, what did Peter and John do? At what time?
Who was at the gate of the temple? Why was he there? How long had he been afflicted?
When he saw Peter and John, what did he do?
What did Peter do and say?
Why did the man give heed?
What did Peter then say? What did he tell the man to do?
What took place as Peter helped him to his feet?
How did his newly acquired strength affect him?
What was the effect on the people who recognized him?
How did the poor man show his gratitude and affection for those through whom he had been raised up? What did the people do?
When Peter saw it, what did he say to the people?
To whom did he direct their attention? In what terms did he refer to God? What did he say that God had done? What had they done?
Instead of the Giver of life, what had they desired?
To what did Peter again give witness?
What did he say had made the lame man strong? How complete was the man's cure? and what had given him that perfect soundness?

Additional Questions and Suggestions.

In what scripture do we find the words, "All they that hate me, love death"? How is this strikingly illustrated in this lesson?
By what power was the lame man made to walk? Did he have anything to do with giving himself strength, save to accept the gift in faith? Who, then, was his strength? and by what power did he walk? Did the fact that Christ was his strength, and that it was Christ's power in him that made him walk, make it unnecessary for him to use his legs? What lesson may we learn from this?
"With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Rom. 10:10. How does this lesson show that faith has power to produce actual righteousness?
Note what a striking comment this lesson is upon the reality of Isa. 40:29.
Does the lack of money prevent God's true children from supplying the wants of the needy? Compare Acts 3:6 with Matt. 10:7-9.