1. TIME.

From the ascension of Christ, 30 A. D., to the death of Stephen, 35 A. D. 5 years.

2. SCRIPTURE.

Acts 1:1-8:4.

3. PLACE.

The work of the church during this time was confined to the city of Jerusalem.

4. SUBDIVISIONS.

(1) The Founding of the Church. Acts 1:1-2:41.

After the ascension of Christ the 120 disciples went to an upper room in Jerusalem where they tarried in prayer and worshiped ten days waiting for the promised gift of the Spirit. During this time they cast lots to choose one of their number to take the place of Judas. On the Day of Pentecost the Spirit was given them and they spoke in other tongues, so that all the different people who had come to the feast could understand them. Some accused them of being drunken, and Peter preached his great sermon to prove that they were not drunk and to show that the power came through the crucified Christ. As the immediate result of this sermon 3000 were converted.

(2) The First Persecution. Acts 3:1-4:31.

One day as Peter and John went up to the temple to pray they found a lame man begging alms at the Beautiful Gate. They healed him, and the man who had never walked before leaped for joy and went with them into the temple. This miracle caused a multitude to come together in Solomon's Porch, where Peter declared unto them that it was by the power of the risen Jesus whom the Jews had crucified that the lame man was healed. The priests and Sadducees were offended because of this preaching and arrested Peter and John, putting them in hold until next day. The next day the apostles were tried before the Sanhedrim, but after their defense the Jewish rulers only charged them to teach no more in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

(3) The Second Persecution. Acts 5:1-42.

The early church held all things common and the apostles distributed to those in need. Ananias and Sapphira had sold a possession and, though pretending to give all to the apostles, they retained part of the price. For this sin of lying unto the Holy Ghost both fell down dead in the presence of the church. After this great multitudes were added to the church and the apostles wrought many miracles, healing the sick and casting out demons. The Sadducees, alarmed at the growing power of the church, put the apostles in prison, but that night an angel opened the prison doors and the next morning the apostles were found again teaching the people in the temple. The Sadducees then took counsel to kill them; but by Gamaliel's advice they were beaten and warned, then set free.

(4) The Third Persecution. — Acts 6:1-8:4.

The church grew so rapidly that the apostles could no longer distribute to all the needy, so seven wise and devout men were chosen to assist in the work. Stephen was one of these Seven who not only distributed gifts among the needy, but also preached and worked miracles. Because he contend ed that the Gentiles had a right to salvation, the Jews falsely accused him of blaspheming Moses and God. He preached a great sermon to his accusers, but it only made them the more angry, and they stoned him. This was the beginning of a great persecution of the church at Jerusalem, and the Christians were scattered throughout Palestine.

5. EVENTS.

(1) The Ascension of Christ, 30 A. D. — Acts 1:9-11.
(2) The Baptism of the Spirit, 30 A. D. — Acts 2:1-4.
(3) Healing the Lame Man. — Acts 3:1-8.
(4) Death of Ananias and Sapphira. — Acts 5:1-11,
(5) The Seven Chosen, 35 A. D. — Acts 6:1-8.
(6) The Death of Stephen, 35 A. D. — Acts 7:57-60.

6. CHIEF CHARACTERS.

Peter, the Pentecostal preacher.

Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

QUESTIONS.

• What is the third period of New Testament History?
• What are the opening and closing events?
• What are the dates?
• How long was the third period?
• What Scripture records the history?
• Where was the church confined during this period?
• What are the subdivisions of this period?
• How was the church founded?
• What gave rise to the first persecution?
• To the second persecution?
• How were the apostles delivered?
• What caused the third persecution?
• What was the result of the third persecution?
• What are the six important events of this period?
• Who were the chief characters?
  For what were they distinguished?