Lesson 28: “We Are Witnesses”," New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, (2002)
1. Introduction
a) End our study of the Gospels
b) Begin the study of Acts – complete title is The Acts of the Apostles
i) Written by Luke
(1) Part 2 of Luke’s testimony and account to Theophilus
ii) An account of the 30 years (approximately) following the death and resurrection of Christ
(1) Is not a comprehensive history of the Church, more of a personal journal and testimony
iii) Division
(1) First 12 chapters describe on activities in and around Jerusalem
(a) Focus on Peter as the president of the church
(b) Include the conversion of Paul
(2) Chapters 13-28 focus on Paul and his missionary journeys
iv) Luke
(1) Missionary companion to Paul
(2) Physician
(3) Of Gentile origin and joined Paul on his second missionary journey
v) READ - According to Bruce R. McConkie, the book of Acts is foremost "in telling how the Church and kingdom of God on earth operates when Jesus the King is not personally resident on planet earth." (DNTC, 2:19)
2. The Lord ascends into heaven. Matthias is called to be an Apostle.
a) Reading 1 – Acts 1:1-8
1The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
2Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
3To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
4And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
i) Verse 3 – he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days
ii) Verse 3 - speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God
(1) Other Christian churches don’t know what to make of the 40 days of teaching by Christ because the Bible only records little
(2) ASK – What do we have that gives us some ideas about what Christ might have taught?
(a) 3 Nephi
(b) Joseph Smith and Brigham Young said Christ gave the endowment and likely other temple ordinances during this time
(c) READ Luke 24:49 – After Christ was resurrected
(i) 49¶And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
1. Note the footnote for endued - clothed, invested
2. Think of the initiatory and endowment
(d) Reading 2 – 3 Nephi 15:1
1And now it came to pass that when Jesus had ended these sayings he cast his eyes round about on the multitude, and said unto them: Behold, ye have heard the things which I taught before I ascended to my Father; therefore, whoso remembereth these sayings of mine and doeth them, him will I raise up at the last day.
(i) Whoever would be raised back up to the Father must remember and do the commandments
1. Sacrament – always remember Him and keep His commandments which He has given to us
(3) Verse 4 - commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father
(4) Verse 5 - ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence
(a) Difference between manifestations of the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost
(b) Reading 3 - Elder Bruce R. McConkie, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, illustrated the difference between the influence of the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost: “Before baptism [all people] may receive revelation from the Holy Ghost for the purpose of giving them a testimony of the truth and divinity of the Lord’s work on earth. After baptism they receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and it is then their right to have the constant companionship of that member of the Godhead if they keep the commandments. The testimony before baptism, speaking by way of analogy, comes as a flash of lightning blazing forth in a dark and stormy night; it comes to light the path on which earth’s pilgrims, far from their heavenly home and lost in the deserts and swamps of the world, must walk if they are to return to the Divine Presence. The companionship of the Holy Ghost after baptism is as the continuing blaze of the sun at noonday, shedding its rays on the path of life and on all that surrounds it” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [1985], 262, included in Missionary Preparation Student Manual, Chapter 3 - The Companionship of the Holy Ghost).
(5) Verse 6 - they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
(a) Apostles asking about the Second Coming
(6) Verse 7 - It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power
(7) Verse 8 - But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you
(8) Verse 8 - ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth
b) Reading 4 – Acts 1:9-11
9And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
i) Why are you standing here staring at heaven? He will return in the same way and at the same place from which he departed. In the meantime, there is work to be done. Get on with it. We must not spend our time worrying about his return (staring steadfastly into heaven), but in preparing the world for the time of his return.
c) Selection of Matthias
i) After the Ascension, the eleven apostles returned to an upper room in Jerusalem for prayer
ii) The betrayal and death of Judas left a vacancy in the Twelve Apostles
iii) Peter took the lead in discussion, which included the apostles and about 120 others, including several women.
iv) Reading 4 – Acts 1:21-26
21Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
(1) Verse 21 – Qualifications for an Apostle - these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us
(2) Verse 22 - Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us
Verse 22 - must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
(3) Verse 23 - appointed two
(4) Verse 24 - they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen
(5) Verse 25 - That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship
(6) Verse 26 - they gave forth their lots (Votes); and the lot fell upon Matthias
v) Reading 5 - President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote: "There is no set rule in regard to the choosing of apostles. For instance: The first Twelve chosen in this dispensation were selected by the Three Witnesses. Others, both in the day of the Prophet and since his day, have been chosen by direct revelation through the President of the Church. Others have been chosen as was Matthias in the days of the ancient apostles. At other times, the members of the Presidency and the Twelve present names which are considered by the First Presidency and one chosen by 'lot' much as Matthias was." (Doctrines Of Salvation, 3:150-151)
3. On the day of Pentecost, the Apostles are filled with the Holy Ghost.
a) The Feast of Pentecost
i) A harvest celebration
ii) 50 days after the Feast of the Passover
(1) About one week after Christ’s Ascension
iii) Jews from many nations came to Jerusalem for this feast.
b) Reading 6 – Acts 2:1-4
1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
i) Go through scripture
ii) READ – Speaking of the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, Joseph Smith wrote: "Brother George A. Smith arose and began to prophesy, when a noise as heard like the sound of a rushing mighty wind, which filled the Temple, and all the congregation simultaneously arose, being moved upon by an invisible power; many began to speak in tongues and prophesy; others saw glorious visions; and I beheld the Temple was filled with angels, which fact I declared to the congregation. The people of the neighborhood came running together (hearing an unusual sound within, and seeing a bright light like a pillar of fire resting upon the Temple), and were astonished at what was taking place." (HC, 2:428)
c) READ – Acts 2:5-12
5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilæans?
8And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
12And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
i) Because of the Feast of Pentecost, Jerusalem was filled with Jewish pilgrims from all over the known world, speaking many different languages
ii) Verse 6 - every man heard them speak in his own language
iii) This was the beginning of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ all over the world
iv) 3,000 new members were baptized
v) When missionaries were sent out later, they would find baptized members of the Church waiting for them in many different lands
d) Peter takes the lead in preaching to this large group
i) Reading 7 – Acts 2:14, 32-33, 36-40
14¶But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judæa, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
SKIP
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, [Pentecostal Outpouring] which ye now see and hear.
SKIP
36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37¶Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
(1) NOTE: Peter has called the Savior “Jesus of Nazareth” in verse 22, “Jesus” in verse 32, testified that “God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” in verse 36. Then finally, after those present ask what they should do, Peter says in verse 38, “be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins”
(a) This is the first time in the New Testament that we have record of anyone calling the Savior by one of his proper names – Jesus Christ. Not Jesus of Nazareth, not Jesus, but Jesus Christ – the Savior of the world.
(2) Compare Verse 38 with Fourth Article of Faith
(a) READ 4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
4. Peter and John heal a lame man by the power of Jesus Christ.
a) Reading 8 – Acts 3:1-8
1Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
2And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
3Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
4And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
5And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
6Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
7And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
8And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
b) Another example of the new Peter, stepping into his calling
i) So powerful will Peter’s use of the priesthood become that people from Jerusalem and and places all around “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.” And every one was healed. (Acts 5:15-16)
c) Peter goes into the temple with the healed man and begins teaching and testifying of Christ again
i) Says something very important that most Christian churches overlook
ii) READ Acts 3:19-21
19¶Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
20And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
(1) Important missionary scripture
(2) Verse 21 – Restitution of All Things/Restoration of All Things
(3) Restoration of the Gospel in the latter days
5. Reaction of the Pharisees and Saducees
a) Peter converts 5,000 more who hear his preaching
b) Jewish leaders arrest Peter and John
c) Bring them before some of the same Jewish leaders who plotted to crucify Christ and ask them
d) Reading 9 – Acts 4:7-12
7And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
e) The Jewish leaders issue a command:
i) READ Acts 4:18-20
18And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
f) Later, Peter and John would be thrown in prison and released by an angel. Immediately, they went back to teaching in the temple. (Acts 5:19-20)
g) The high priest and the chief priest bring Peter and the other apostles back before them
i) READ – Acts 5:27-32
27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
28Saying, Did not we straitly 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.
29¶Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him
Conclusion
