great power did the apostles give testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them in want: 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 down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas,* (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and a native of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

WORDS, &C. TO BE EXPLAINED IN LESSON III.

WHERE were Peter and John going at the ninth hour? At what hour was that, according to our reckoning? Whom did they find at the gate of the temple?

What did they say to him?

What effect was produced upon the man?

How were the people affected?

Where did they assemble?

Who addressed them?

To whom did he ascribe the honour of the miracle ?

What did he accuse them of having done ?

What reason did he give for their having done so ?

What did he exhort them to do?

How did he confirm his statement respecting Jesus Christ? Who came upon them while he was thus speaking?

Who were the Sadducees?

What did these persons do to the apostles?
What did they do with them next day?

What did they ask of the apostles?

* Barnabas, probably the same Joses (i. e. Joseph) whose original surname was Barsabas, and who had been put in nomination with Matthias for the apostleship.

What answer did Peter make?

What then did the high priest and the others command the apostles?

What reply did they give?

Where did they go to, and what did they do there?
What did their own company do?

After their prayer what happened?

What effect was produced on their hearts?

What did they do with their lands and possessions? and

what with the price?

Who particularly is mentioned as selling his lands?

LESSON IV.

Death of Ananias and Sapphira for falsehoodapostles work miracles of healing-Jewish rulers put. Peter and John in prison-they are set at liberty by an angel-they go to the temple to preach-they are again apprehended, but set at liberty, on the advice of Gamaliel.

FROM ACTS V.

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 having brought a certain part, laid it at the feet of the apostles. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whilst it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thy heart? thou hast not lied to men, but to God. And Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and expired: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men

* In thine own power.—This shows that the contributions to the common fund were voluntary. It is not impossible that Ananias might propose to himself to be supported out of the common fund, while he retained some private property.

arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in. And Peter addressed her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said to 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 shall carry thee out. And she fell immediately at his feet and expired: and the young men coming in, found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all who heard these things.

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: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women ;) insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about Jerusalem, bringing sick persons, and persons who were troubled with unclean spirits: and they were all healed.

Then the high priest rose up, and all those that were with hin, (being of the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation; and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and bringing them forth, said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. And when they heard that, they entered at day-break into the temple, and taught. But the high priest and they

that were with him having come, called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But the officers having come, found them not in the prison, but returned and reported, saying, The prison truly we found shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors; but on opening it,. we found no man within.

Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple* and the chief priests heard these things, they were in doubt about them, what this might come to. Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

Then

went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, Did not we strictly command you, that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

But Peter and the apostles, answering, said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye put to death, hanging him on a tree.+ Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be Prince and Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

* Captain of the temple. This officer seems to have been the commander of the Priests and Levites, who kept guard in the temple.

"For it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree." Gal. iii. 13, from Deut. xxi. 23.

When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and were taking counsel to put them to death. Then one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, had in reputation among all the people, standing up, commanded to put the apostles forth a little while; and said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves respecting those men, what ye intend to do, for before these days rose up Theudas,* boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain, and all, as many as obeyed him were scattered, and brought to nothing. After this man rose up Judas* of Galilee, in the days of the enrolling, and drew away much people after him; he also perished, and all, even as many as obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from those men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nothing: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest ye be found even to fight against God.

And by him they were persuaded. And when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and they dismissed them. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily, in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

WORDS, &c. TO BE EXPLAINED IN LESSON IV.

Being privy,

Wound him up, Cut to the heart.

* Theudas, Judas. Judea was then in a very disturbed state, the Jews being impatient of the Roman government; and restless men, regardless of human life, were from time to time collecting followers, and raising seditions and rebellions, till Jerusalem was totally destroyed by the Romans, most of the people put to death, and the rest sold for slaves.