1. TIME.

From the death of Stephen, 35 A. D., to Paul's first missionary journey, 45 A. D.

2. SCRIPTURE.

Acts 8:5-12:25.

3. PLACE.

During this period the work in the church was confined to the land of Palestine with few exceptions. Some Christians were found at Damascus and Antioch in Syria, but these were under the direction of the Palestine church.

4. SUBDIVISIONS.

(1) The Work of Philip. — Acts 8:5-40.

On account of the persecution at Jerusalem, Philip went to Samaria where he preached and wrought many miracles. Many believed and Peter and John came from Jerusalem to lay their hands upon the converts and pray for the gift of the Spirit. But in the midst of Philip's success he was bidden by an angel of the Lord to go into the desert southwest of Jerusalem. In this desert he met the Ethiopian eunuch, and, after teaching him, baptized him. Then Philip was found at Azotus; and preaching in all the cities along the coast, he came to. Cæsarea where he worked for many years. Acts 21:8.

(2) The Work of Saul. — Acts 9:1-30.

Before Saul's conversion he was a strict Pharisee, very zealous for the cause of Judaism. He was eager to put down the sect of Christians and obtained letters of authority to go even as far as Damascus to bind Christians and bring them to Jerusalem for judgment. On his way to Damascus he was stricken blind by a great light from heaven and was led into the city. Ananias, a disciple of Christ, was sent to him to pray over him, restore his sight and bid him to be baptized. Saul's life was now completely transformed, and after preaching awhile in Damascus he retired to Arabia where he spent some time. Returning to Damascus he preached the Gospel with such power that he escaped the enraged Jews by being let down over the wall in the basket. He then returned to Jerusalem where Barnabas introduced him to the church; but after a fortnight's stay he went to his old home at Tarsus, where he remained until Barnabas brought him to Antioch to assist in the work.

(3) The Work of Peter. — Acts 9:32-11:18.

After Saul's conversion the Christians about Jerusalem enjoyed a period of peace. During this period Peter visited the churches in Judea, and coming to Lydda he healed Æneas, who had been palsied eight years. He was called from Lydda to Joppa, where he raised the good woman Dorcas. Then he was summoned to Cæsarea, where he baptized Cornelius, the first Gentile convert.

(4) The Work of Barnabas.

The early home of Barnabas was in Cyprus, but he sold his possessions and consecrated his money to the work of the church. Acts 4:36, 37. When the Jerusalem church heard of the converts at Antioch they sent Barnabas to care for them and organize the church. His work at Antioch was so successful that in a short time he went to Tarsus to seek Saul, who came to Antioch and helped in the work several years.

(5) The Persecution Under Herod. — Acts 12:1-23.

Herod Agrippa I. was king over Palestine, and in order to please the Jews he persecuted the Christians. He beheaded James and imprisoned Peter; but Peter was released by an angel. Herod died by the judgment of God at Cæsarea.

5. EVENTS.

(1) The Conversion of the Samaritans, 36 A. D. — Acts 8:5-8.

(2) The Conversion of Saul, 36 A. D. — Acts 9:1—18.

(3) The Conversion of Cornelius, 38 (?) A. D. — Acts 10:30-48.

(4) The Beheading of James, 44 A. D. — Acts 12:1.

(5) The Deliverance of Peter, 44 A. D. — Acts 12:6-11.

6. CHIEF CHARACTERS.

(1) Philip, the evangelist.

(2) Cornelius, the first Gentile convert.

(3) Barnabas, the consecrated Christian.

(4) James, the martyred apostle.

(5) Herod, the persecutor.

QUESTIONS.

• What is the fourth period?
• What are the opening and closing events?
• What are the dates?
• What Scripture contains its history?
• What places are connected with this period?
• What are the subdivisions?
• What was Philip's work? Saul's? Peter's? Barnabas'?
• What Herod persecuted the church?
• What special persecutions are mentioned?
• Name five important events.
• Who are the chief characters?
• For what is each distinguished?