Ye Are the Temple of God

Lesson 33: “Ye Are the Temple of God”, New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)

1 Corinthians 1–6

• What problem did Paul address in 1 Corinthians 1:10–13? How do divisions and contention affect our fellowship as disciples of Christ? (See Mosiah 18:21–22; 3 Nephi 11:29–30; D&C 38:27.) What did Paul counsel the Saints to do to be more unified? (See 1 Corinthians 1:10.)
  
• Paul taught that God’s wisdom will “make foolish” the wisdom of the world (1 Corinthians 1:18–21). How is God’s wisdom different from the world’s wisdom? (See Isaiah 55:8–9; D&C 38:1–2.) What are some examples of God’s wisdom making foolish the wisdom of the world? How can we know the “things of God”? (See 1 Corinthians 2:10–13.)
  
• What did Paul compare our bodies to? (See 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; 6:19–20.) What can we do to treat our bodies as temples? What are the blessings of being morally clean?
  

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Explain that Paul often communicated with the members of the Church by sending epistles, or letters. Discuss some ways prophets, apostles, and other Church leaders communicate with us today. As a family, read a conference address from the Ensign or another Church publication. Discuss how you can apply its message.

Scripture Chain: Moral Cleanliness

1 Corinthians 3:16–17

1 Corinthians 6:19–20

Galatians 5:16

3 Nephi 12:27–30

D&C 42:22

D&C 46:33

Lesson 32 - Live in the Spirit

Purpose

To encourage class members to seek promptings from the Holy Ghost and to avoid attitudes and actions that will keep them from receiving these promptings.
Preparation

1. Read Acts 18:23–19:41. Paul begins his third missionary journey. Aquila and Priscilla teach the gospel to Apollos. Paul teaches, baptizes, and confers the gift of the Holy Ghost on believers in Ephesus. Demetrius and the other silversmiths stir up the people of Ephesus against Paul.


Acts 20. Paul leaves Ephesus and preaches in Macedonia and Greece. On his way back to Jerusalem, he gives a farewell address to the Church leaders from Ephesus, warning against apostasy.


Galatians. Paul writes a letter chastising the Galatians for returning to the law of Moses. He reminds them of the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ and encourages them to seek the fruits of the Spirit.



Attention Activity



Think of a talent or skill (such as playing an instrument, sewing, writing, or playing a sport) they once developed but have not used for a long time.

• Would you feel comfortable using this talent or skill today? How successful would you be? What would you need to do to use this talent or skill as well as you did in the past?

Recognizing the promptings of the Holy Ghost can be thought of as a spiritual talent or ability. The more we use this talent, the better we become at it.

• How can we develop the ability to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost? (Answers may include by living righteously, by seeking inspiration through the Holy Ghost, and by obeying promptings when we receive them.) What will happen if we develop this ability and then neglect it?

Today’s discussion of Paul’s third missionary journey and his letter to the Galatians will include discussion of situations in which we need to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost and how we can be blessed by doing so.

Scripture Discussion and Application

1. Paul teaches, baptizes, and confers the Holy Ghost on believers in Ephesus.

Acts 18:23–19:41. Read selected verses. After Paul returned from his second mission, he spent some time in Antioch and then departed on a third mission (Acts 18:22–23). During this third mission he spent most of his time—nearly three years—preaching in Ephesus.

• Apollos was a Jew who knew about baptism as taught by John the Baptist but did not know about the gift of the Holy Ghost. When Aquila and Priscilla, two members of the Church who were in Ephesus, heard Apollos preaching, they taught him “the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26). What qualities made Apollos teachable? (See Acts 18:24–28.) How did these qualities also make him an effective teacher? How can we develop these qualities?

• What spiritual manifestation occurred when some of the Ephesians received the gift of the Holy Ghost? (See Acts 19:6.) At what other times had this kind of manifestation occurred? (See Acts 2:1–4; 10:44–46. The Apostles spoke in tongues when they received the gift of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost. Several Gentiles in Caesarea also spoke in tongues after Peter received a vision that the gospel should be taught to the Gentiles.) What manifestations of the Holy Ghost are frequently experienced today? (See D&C 6:15, 23; 8:2 for some examples; see also 1 Kings 19:12.)

• Why did Paul leave the synagogue in Ephesus and begin teaching in the school of Tyrannus? (See Acts 19:8–9. Note that disputing in these verses means preaching or reasoning.) How should we respond to people who criticize or oppose the gospel? (See 3 Nephi 11:29–30.)

Elder Marvin J. Ashton taught: “When others disagree with our stand we should not argue, retaliate in kind, or contend with them. … Ours is to explain our position through reason, friendly persuasion, and accurate facts. Ours is to stand firm and unyielding on the moral issues of the day and the eternal principles of the gospel, but to contend with no man or organization. Contention builds walls and puts up barriers. Love opens doors. … Contention never was and never will be an ally of progress” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1978, 10; or Ensign, May 1978, 7–8).

•Why were Demetrius and the other silversmiths upset with Paul’s preaching? (See Acts 19:23–28. They were creating and selling shrines for Diana, a false goddess, and were worried about losing customers as Paul helped people become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ.) How can concerns about material wealth or other worldly interests affect our loyalty to God? How can such concerns affect our ability to hear the promptings of the Spirit?

• Compare the attitudes of Demetrius and the silversmiths to the attitude of the Ephesians who destroyed their sorcery books when they began following Jesus Christ (Acts 19:18–19). How can we keep the proper perspective regarding earthly possessions?

2. Paul gives a farewell address to Church leaders from Ephesus.

Read selected verses from Acts 20. Explain that Paul left Ephesus and traveled throughout Macedonia and Greece, preaching the gospel. He planned to return to Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. On his way back to Jerusalem, he sent a messenger to ask Church leaders in Ephesus to meet with him in Miletus. He delivered a stirring farewell address and then resumed his journey.

• Believing that this would be the last time he would speak to the Ephesian elders, what did Paul emphasize in his farewell address? (See Acts 20:28–35.) Who were the “grievous wolves” Paul warned about? (See Acts 20:29. Enemies of the Church.) Who else did Paul warn about? (See Acts 20:30. Members of the Church who would apostatize and try to lead other members away.) How can we guard against apostasy in our lives?

• What did Paul tell the Ephesian elders they should do to help protect Church members from those who would try to lead them away from the Church? (See Acts 20:28; see also John 21:15–17.) How can we help protect God’s flock from “grievous wolves”?

• Paul concluded his address to the Ephesian brethren by reminding them of the Lord’s teaching that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). How have you found this to be true in your life?

3. Paul chastises and counsels the Galatian Saints.

Read selected verses from Paul’s epistle to the Galatians. Explain that while Paul was on his third missionary journey, he wrote a letter to the Saints in Galatia, many of whom had returned to keeping the law of Moses. He chastised those who believed that salvation could come through the works required by the law of Moses rather than through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

• What was the purpose of the law of Moses? (See Galatians 3:23–26; Jacob 4:4–5; Mosiah 13:29–30. The Lord gave the Israelites this law to help them remember him and to prepare them to receive salvation through his Atonement.) How was the law of Moses fulfilled? (See 3 Nephi 15:2–5; Alma 34:10; 3 Nephi 9:19. Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses through his Atonement, which was symbolized by many of the law’s ordinances.)

• Paul was amazed that the Galatian Saints had returned to the law of Moses so soon after having learned the gospel of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:6; 4:9). Why did this return to the law of Moses show a lack of faith in the Lord? (See Galatians 2:16; 3:1–5; 5:1–6.)

• In Paul’s day, some people sought to pervert, or change, the gospel of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:7–8). What are some modern-day evidences of this? How should we respond to efforts to pervert the gospel?

• What can we learn from Galatians 1:11–12 about how we receive a testimony of the gospel? Why is it important that our testimonies are based on revelation from Jesus Christ? (You may want to discuss how testimonies that are built on other foundations, such as social relationships or intellectual analysis, often do not withstand trials of faith.)

• Paul warned the Galatians against doing “the works of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19). What are the works of the flesh? (See Galatians 5:19–21.) What are the consequences of doing these works? (See Galatians 5:21.) Despite the prevalence of the works of the flesh in the world today, what can you do this week to improve the spiritual environment you live in?

• Paul encouraged the Galatians to seek the fruits, or results, of living by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 25). What are some of these fruits? (See Galatians 5:22–23.) How have these fruits been manifest in your life? What should we do if we feel an absence of these fruits in our lives?

• What did Paul teach the Galatian Saints about how to treat their neighbors? (See Galatians 5:14; 6:2; see also Mosiah 18:8–10.) How can we “bear … one another’s burdens”? How does doing so bring us closer to Jesus Christ?

• What did Paul mean when he said that “God is not mocked”? (See Galatians 6:7; see also D&C 63:58. One meaning is that those who disobey God and do not repent are mocking him and will be punished.) How do people mock God today?

• What does it mean that “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”? (See Galatians 6:7–9.) How does this principle apply to our ability to hear and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost? How does it apply to our relationships with other people? How does it apply to other situations in our lives?

Conclusion

We testify that unrighteous attitudes and actions, such as contention, worldliness, and apostasy, will prevent us from receiving promptings from the Holy Ghost. But if we strive to live righteously and follow the promptings we do receive, our ability to recognize and follow promptings will increase. Seek and follow promptings from the Holy Ghost.

Live in the Spirit

Lesson 32: “Live in the Spirit”," New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)

Acts 18:23–20:38; Galatians

• Paul concluded his address to the Ephesian brethren by reminding them of the Lord’s teaching that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). How have you found this to be true in your life?

• Paul encouraged the Galatians to seek the fruits, or results, of living by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 25). What are some of these fruits? (See the scripture chain in this section.) How have these fruits been manifest in your life? What should we do if we feel an absence of these fruits in our lives?

• What does it mean that “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”? (See Galatians 6:7–9.) How does this principle apply to our ability to hear and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost? How does it apply to our relationships with other people and to other situations in our lives?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Ask family members how they can tell when the influence of the Spirit is in the home. Discuss things you can do as a family to invite the Spirit. Set goals as a family to invite the Spirit into your home during the coming week.

Scripture Chain: Fruits of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22–23
John 14:26
John 15:26 Moroni 8:26
Moroni 10:3–5
D&C 6:22–23

Lesson 31 - And So Churches Were Established in the Faith

Purpose
To help class members learn from Paul’s teachings about how to share the gospel and how to live as Saints.

Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:

a. Acts 15:36–41; 16; 17:1–15; 18:1–22. After the dispute over Gentile converts and the law of Moses is resolved, Paul and Barnabas prepare for their second missionary journey. They disagree over a missionary companion and decide to separate. Paul takes Silas and Timothy and begins missionary labors in Macedonia and Greece. They are frequently persecuted but convert many people.

b. Acts 17:16–34. Paul visits Athens and sees the whole city taken in idolatry. He testifies to the Athenian philosophers and preaches on Mars’ Hill about the nature of God, the unity of people as offspring of God, and the Resurrection.

c. 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians. Paul writes two letters to the Saints in Thessalonica, a city in Macedonia. He counsels them about sharing the gospel, preparing for the Second Coming, and living as Saints.

2. Additional reading: 1 Corinthians 2:4–5, 10–13; Bible Dictionary, “Pauline Epistles: Epistles to the Thessalonians,” 743.

Lesson

1. Paul, Silas, and Timothy preach throughout Macedonia and Greece.

Read Acts 15:36–41; 16; 17:1–15; 18:1–22. Read selected verses. The book of Acts was written by Luke. He apparently traveled with Paul on some of Paul’s missionary journeys, because he often uses the word we when referring to the actions of Paul and his missionary companions (Acts 16:10).

• During his second missionary journey, Paul preached in many Macedonian and Greek cities, including Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Corinth, and Athens. (Point out these cities on the map.) How did the Spirit direct Paul and his companions during the journey? (See Acts 16:6–10; 18:9–11.) How has the Spirit directed your efforts to serve the Lord?

• The scriptures record that Lydia heard and believed Paul’s words because the Lord had opened her heart (Acts 16:14–15). Why is an “open heart” necessary for conversion to the gospel? (See Mosiah 2:9; D&C 64:34.) Think about experiences when the Lord has opened your heart (or the heart of someone you know) to the gospel.

• Why were Paul and his companions imprisoned in Philippi? (See Acts 16:16–24.) How were they freed? (See Acts 16:25–26.) How did they use this experience as a missionary opportunity? (See Acts 16:27–34.) What are some other examples, from Church history or your own life, where good has come out of persecution?

• What did Paul teach the people in Thessalonica when he spent three Sabbaths in the synagogue with them? (See Acts 17:1–3.) What were the results of Paul’s teachings in Thessalonica? (See Acts 17:4–10.)

• How did the people in the synagogue in Berea receive Paul’s teachings? (See Acts 17:10–12.) How can we develop a “readiness of mind” for learning the gospel?

2. Paul preaches on Mars’ Hill to the Athenian philosophers.

Read selected verses from Acts 17:16–34. Explain that after Paul left Berea, he came to Athens, which was then a center of world culture. Philosophers there viewed God as an abstract being or power, rather than as the literal Father of our spirits. They worshiped God’s creations rather than God himself. They replaced revelation with reason and debate, valuing the wisdom of men more than the truths of God.

• The philosophers in Athens “spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing” (Acts 17:21). How is this tendency evident today? What dangers could there be in always seeking “some new thing”?

• What did Paul teach the Athenians about God? (See Acts 17:22–31; see also the Joseph Smith Translation of Acts 17:27 in footnote 27b.) Why is it important to know that “we are [God’s] offspring”? (Acts 17:28). How does an understanding of God’s true nature and his role as our Father help us love and worship him?

• Paul countered the philosophers’ reason and logic with a sincere witness of God, our Father. In teaching the gospel, why is a sincere testimony more convincing than logic and reason? (See 1 Corinthians 2:4–5, 10–13.)

• Why did the philosophers listen to Paul? (See Acts 17:18–21.) How do you think this motive affected their response to Paul’s message? (See Acts 17:32–33.) How can we prepare ourselves to hear and understand the words of Church leaders?

3. Paul writes letters of counsel to the Saints in Thessalonica.

Read and discuss selected verses from 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians.

• Paul was concerned about the Saints in Thessalonica but was unable to return to visit them, so he sent Timothy (1 Thessalonians 2:17–18; 3:1–2, 5–7). After Timothy’s return, Paul wrote two letters giving counsel and encouragement to the Thessalonian Saints. What can we learn from Paul’s efforts in behalf of new members of the Church?

• What does Paul teach in 1 Thessalonians 1:5 and 1 Thessalonians 2:2–12 about how to teach the gospel to others? (List class members’ responses on the chalkboard.) How has following these principles helped you teach the gospel?

• What concerns of the Thessalonian Saints are reflected in Paul’s explanations of the Second Coming? (See 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 5:1–3.) What did Paul tell the Thessalonians would happen before the Second Coming? (See 2 Thessalonians 2:1–4.) How was this prophecy fulfilled? (See D&C 1:15–16; 112:23; Joseph Smith—History 1:19.)

• What did Paul tell the Thessalonian Saints they should do to prepare for the Second Coming? (See 1 Thessalonians 5:4–8.) What should we do to prepare for the Second Coming?

• What counsel did Paul give the Thessalonians about living as Saints? (See 1 Thessalonians 4:9–12; 5:11–22.) List responses. As the Spirit directs, ponder some of the points of counsel you have listed. Think about how we can more fully follow the counsel and how we are blessed as we do so.

Conclusion

We bear witness of the truths Paul taught about the qualities that successful missionaries and compassionate Latter-day Saints should possess. Seek to develop these qualities so they can help prepare yourselves and others for the Lord’s Second Coming.

Reading Assignment for Next Sunday - Lesson 31 NT

"Lesson 31: “And So Were the Churches Established in the Faith”," New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)

Acts 15:36–18:22; 1 and 2 Thessalonians

• How did the people in the synagogue in Berea receive Paul’s teachings? (See Acts 17:10–12.) How can you develop a “readiness of mind” for learning the gospel?

• What did Paul teach the Athenians about God? (See Acts 17:22–31; see also the Joseph Smith Translation of Acts 17:27 in footnote 27b.) Why is it important to know that “we are [God’s] offspring”? (Acts 17:28). How does an understanding of God’s true nature and his role as our Father help us love and worship him?

• What does Paul teach in 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 1 Thessalonians 2:2–12 about how to teach the gospel to others? How has following these principles helped you teach the gospel?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Make plans to invite the full-time missionaries in your area to your home for dinner. Ask them to share their feelings about the importance of missionary work and to talk about how they prepared to serve as full-time missionaries.

As part of this discussion, you may want to sing together “Called to Serve” (Hymns, no. 249; Children’s Songbook,174–75) or “I Hope They Call Me on a Mission” (Children’s Songbook, 169).

Scripture Chain: Characteristics of Successful Missionaries

1 Thessalonians 2:1–12

2 Corinthians 4:5

D&C 4:1–7

D&C 38:41

D&C 88:81

D&C 123:12–14

Lesson 30 - God is No Respecter of Persons

Purpose

To recognize that the gospel is for all people and that the Church is guided by continuing revelation.

Attention Activity


Give the following clues, one at a time, and ask class members to determine what significant event in Church history they refer to:

1.Revelation
2.8 June 1978
3.President Spencer W. Kimball
4.Priesthood
5.Official Declaration 2


Turn to Official Declaration 2 (located at the end of the Doctrine and Covenants) and read the second paragraph to themselves (beginning with “In early June”). Official Declaration 2 records the revelation that made the priesthood available to all worthy male members of the Church.

Remember the day the revelation was announced, and describe how they felt when you learned of it.

• Who made the priesthood available to all worthy male members of the Church? (The Lord.) How did the Lord make his will known to the Church? (He revealed it to the prophet, who then announced it to the Church members.) How did this revelation affect the Church?

This revelation is an example of how the Lord continues to direct his Church through revelation. This lesson discusses a similar revelation that was given to the members of the Church shortly after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Scripture Discussion and Application

As you teach the following scripture passages, emphasize the importance of continuing revelation from the Lord to his Church. Encourage class members to share their testimonies of continuing revelation.
1. Peter learns in a vision that the gospel should be preached to the Gentiles.

Discuss Acts 10:1–11:18. Read selected verses.

• What kind of man was Cornelius? (See Acts 10:1–2, 30–31. He was a righteous man who believed in God, but he was a Gentile, or non-Jew.) What was the angel’s message to Cornelius? (See Acts 10:3–6.) How did Cornelius react to this message? (See Acts 10:7–8, 33.) Why is it important to act immediately on instructions or promptings from God?
• While Cornelius’s men were traveling to Joppa, Peter had a vision (Acts 10:9–16). What did Peter see in this vision? (See Acts 10:11–12.) What was Peter told to do? (See Acts 10:13.) Why did Peter resist? (See Acts 10:14. He did not want to eat animals that were considered unclean under the law of Moses.) How did the Lord respond to Peter’s concern? (See Acts 10:15–16.)
• As he met with Cornelius, Peter understood his dream. What did it mean? (See Acts 10:28, 34–35. The gospel was for all people, not just the Jews. Explain that “God is no respecter of persons” means that God will provide every person with the opportunity to receive the blessings available through the plan of salvation.) Why were the Gentiles represented in the dream by unclean animals? (The Jews thought the Gentiles were spiritually unworthy or unclean, like the animals that the law of Moses forbade Jews to eat. By saying that the animals in the dream were now “cleansed,” the Lord was telling Peter that the gospel should now be preached to all people.)
• After Peter explained his dream, he began teaching Cornelius and his friends. What did he teach in his first sermon to them? (See Acts 10:36–43.) What happened as Peter was preaching? (See Acts 10:44, 46.) Why did this convince Peter that Cornelius and his friends should be baptized? (See Acts 10:47–48; see also Acts 11:15–17.)
• How did some Church members react when they heard that Peter had been teaching the gospel to Gentiles? (See Acts 11:1–3.) Why were these members upset? (They did not consider the Gentiles to be part of God’s chosen people.)
• How did the Church members’ opinions change after Peter told them about his vision and his experience with Cornelius? (See Acts 11:4–18.) What should we do when we receive new instructions from our Church leaders, even if we initially dislike the instructions or find them difficult to understand? (See John 7:17; 2 Nephi 28:30; D&C 6:11, 14–15.)
• Why was Peter the one who received the revelation to teach the gospel to the Gentiles? (He was the leader of the Church at that time.) Who receives revelation today for the entire Church? Why is it important to have only one person who receives revelation for the entire Church? (See D&C 43:2–6.)

2. Peter is miraculously freed from prison.

Study selected verses from Acts 12.

• King Herod killed the Apostle James, then cast Peter into prison and placed him under heavy guard (Acts 12:1–4). How did members of the Church respond to Peter’s imprisonment? (See Acts 12:5.) How can our prayers help the prophet and other Church leaders today? (See D&C 43:12; 93:51; 107:22.)

President Joseph F. Smith stated, “There never should be a day pass but all of the people composing the Church should lift up their voices in prayer to the Lord to sustain his servants” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 223).
•How did Peter escape from prison? (See Acts 12:6–10.) At what other times has the Lord miraculously preserved someone’s life until that person completed his or her earthly mission? (Examples from the scriptures include Daniel; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; Abinadi; Alma and Amulek; and Joseph Smith.)
• What happened to King Herod after Peter’s escape? (See Acts 12:21–23.) Compare what happened to Herod with what happened to the Church, as described in the next verse (Acts 12:24). How have you seen the Church flourish despite the efforts of some people to destroy it?

3. Saul (now known as Paul) and Barnabas preach the gospel to the Gentiles.

Readselected verses from Acts 13–14. If you are using the map, point out the places Paul and Barnabas visited as you discuss them.

• What does the calling of Saul and Barnabas show about how Church members are called to God’s service? (See Acts 13:1–3. Discuss the need for prayer and fasting, revelation, and priesthood authority in calling members to serve in the Church.) What experiences have helped you know that Church callings are inspired by the Spirit?
• The rulers of the synagogue in Antioch invited Paul to speak in the Sabbath service (Acts 13:14–15). What was Paul’s main message? (See Acts 13:23–31, 38–41.) How did the Gentiles in Antioch respond to the missionaries and their message? (See Acts 13:42–44, 48.) Why did some of the Jews persecute Paul and Barnabas? (See Acts 13:45–47.)
• How did the people in Lystra react when Paul healed the crippled man? (See Acts 14:8–13. Explain that Jupiter and Mercurius were false gods the people worshiped.) How did Paul and Barnabas respond to this praise and attention? (See Acts 14:14–18.) Point out that true teachers of the word of God always seek to give God the glory and turn attention away from themselves. How have you seen this attitude demonstrated by today’s Church leaders?
• In each city Paul and Barnabas visited, they found people eager to accept the gospel, but they also found people who persecuted them and stirred up others against the Church (Acts 13:43–45, 50; 14:1–6, 19). Why did Paul and Barnabas return to each of the cities even though they had been persecuted there? (See Acts 14:21–23. They had established branches of the Church in the cities, and they returned to encourage and instruct the new members of these branches.) What can we do to support new members of our ward or branch?

President Gordon B. Hinckley remarked: “With the ever increasing number of converts, we must make an increasingly substantial effort to assist them as they find their way. Every one of them needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with ‘the good word of God’ (Moroni 6:4). It is our duty and opportunity to provide these things” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 66; or Ensign, May 1997, 47).

4. The Apostles determine that Gentiles do not need to keep the law of Moses.

Read selected verses from Acts 15:1–35.

• What dispute did Paul and Barnabas go to Jerusalem to resolve? (See Acts 15:1–2; see also Bible Dictionary, “Circumcision,” 646. Explain that circumcision was symbolic of the entire law of Moses. A circumcised man was one who kept the law. Although Jesus Christ had fulfilled the law of Moses, some Jewish Christians still practiced it and wanted Gentile converts to practice it as well.) How was the dispute resolved? (After a thorough discussion, the Apostles decided through inspiration not to require circumcision.)
•How do the events described in Acts 15:6–31 demonstrate the pattern by which decisions about Church policy and practices are made?
a. Church leaders meet to consider the matter (verse 6).
b. They discuss the matter thoroughly (verses 7–21).
c. They make a decision in accordance with the Lord’s will (verses 19–21).
d. The Holy Ghost confirms that the decision is correct (verse 28).
e. The decision is announced to the Saints for sustaining (verses 22–31).

Conclusion

We testify that the Church has always been guided by divine revelation and that revelation continues today. Follow the counsel of the living prophet and other Church leaders.

Reading Assignment for Coming Week

"Lesson 30: “God Is No Respecter of Persons”," New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)

Acts 10–14; 15:1–35

• How did some Church members react when they heard that Peter had been teaching the gospel to Gentiles? (See Acts 11:1–3.) What should we do when we receive new instructions from our Church leaders, even if we initially dislike the instructions or find them difficult to understand? (See John 7:17; 2 Nephi 28:30; D&C 6:11, 14–15.)
• What does the calling of Saul and Barnabas show about how Church members are called to God’s service? (See Acts 13:1–3.) What experiences have helped you know that Church callings are inspired by the Spirit?
• Paul and Barnabas return to the cities where they had established branches of the Church to help the Saints “continue in the faith” (Acts 14:22; see also verses Acts 14:21 and Acts 14:23). What can you do to support new members of your ward or branch?

Suggestion for Family Discussion and FHE Tonight

Discuss the experiences of Saul and Barnabas as missionaries (Acts 13–14). Share experiences you had as a full-time missionary, or invite a returned missionary to share his or her mission experiences. Discuss how the experiences of Saul and Barnabas are similar to the experiences of today’s missionaries. As a family, write a letter to a missionary. As part of family prayer, ask Heavenly Father to bless and protect the missionaries.

Scripture Chain: “God Is No Respecter of Persons”

Acts 10:34–35

Acts 15:7–11

Romans 2:9–11

2 Nephi 26:33

The Number of the Disciples Was Multiplied - Lesson Outline

Lesson 29: “The Number of the Disciples Was Multiplied”, New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, (2002)

1. Introduction

a) Continuing in the first half of Acts, tracking the growth of the early Church beginning in Jerusalem

b) We will begin this lesson in the Old Testament

i) I will give you an instruction you have never heard in Sunday School class before

ii) TURN TO – Nehemiah 3 – Page 650

(1) Nehemiah was a Jew and, during the Babylonian captivity was the cupbearer in the court of Artaxerxes, the King of Persia, from whom he obtained a royal commission authorizing him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

(2) When Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians and the Jews were taken into captivity, Nebuchadnezzar had ordered the city to be destroyed.

(3) When Nehemiah lead a return of some of the Jews, one of the first things they needed to do was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

iii) READ Nehemiah 3:1-4

1Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

2And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.

3But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

4And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.

(1) We see here an example of the work of the Kingdom of God upon the earth

(a) Each person working on a particular part of building a New Jerusalem

(b) In Verse 1, we see Eliashib the high priest and the other priests performing manual labor building the sheep gate

(c) As we go through the verses, we see the names of the faithful, one after another, each building their section of the wall

(d) If one person failed to build carefully or did not complete the work, the wall would have a weak place

iv) We know recording angels keep a record of the events in our lives and the work of building the Kingdom of God in our day.

(1) Record the names of the bishops and Relief Society and Elders Quorum presidents

(2) Record the names of the visiting teachers and home teachers and who they visited.

(3) Record who served at Girls Camp and Scout Camp

(4) Record those who cleaned the building

c) There are many ways and places to serve in the Kingdom.

d) In our study of Acts today, we begin to see the work of the Gospel begin to be divided among those other than the Apostles.

i) We will see how some of those who held new offices carried out their responsibilities

2. Seven men are ordained to supervise the temporal work of the Church

a) Reading 1 – Acts 6:1-7

1And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

5¶And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

i) Verse 1 – when the number of the disciples was multiplied – growth in the Church

ii) Verse 1 - there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration

(1) Murmuring of Grecians against the Hebrews

(a) Separation based upon background

(2) Their widows were neglected in the daily ministration

(a) Evidently a welfare system had been established in the early church to care for the poor and needy.

(3) Issues in a church growing rapidly among people of different backgrounds and cultures

(4) Reading 2 – 2 Nephi 26:33

33For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.

(5) Reading 3 - President Howard W. Hunter said: “It is in understanding and accepting [the] universal fatherhood of God that all human beings can best appreciate God’s concern for them and their relationship to each other. This is a message of life and love that strikes squarely against all stifling traditions based on race, language, economic or political standing, educational rank, or cultural background, for we are all of the same spiritual descent. We have a divine pedigree; every person is a spiritual child of God” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 22; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 18)

iii) BACK to ACTS 6

iv) Verse 2 – Apostles said It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

(1) Note that directly giving food to the widows would take the Apostles away from the word of God – their wider responsibilities

(2) Callings vary

(3) We would love to have Elder Holland come teach Sunday School, but that isn’t what the Lord wants him to do

v) Verse 3 - look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom

(1) Note qualifications

(a) Honest report

(b) Full of Holy Ghost

(c) Full of wisdom

vi) Verse 3 - whom we may appoint over this business

(1) Assigning some of the responsibilities which the Apostles held

vii) Verse 5 - the saying pleased the whole multitude

viii) Verse 5 – Among those chosen - Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip

(1) a man full of faith

(2) full of the Holy Ghost

ix) Verse 6 - they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

x) Verse 7 – The result of this appointment of the seven - the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith

b) Organizational changes in the Church

i) Addition of Quorums of the Seventy

ii) Organization of the Church into areas presided over by Area Presidencies

iii) Do we have testimonies of the organization or testimonies of the Gospel?

iv) Because we are lead by Prophets and Apostles, at all times, the organization of the Church is appropriate and according to the will of God.

v) When changes come to the organization, that is appropriate and according to the will of God

3. Stephen testifies before the Sanhedrin and is stoned to death

a) Talk about one of the seven men appointed to “serve tables” and much more - Stephen

b) Reading 4 – Acts 6:8, 12-15

8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

SKIP – Members of the Sanhedrin were upset with Stephen and had him brought before them

12And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,

13And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

14For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

15And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

c) Stephen will stand before the Sanhedrin in a manner similar to Abinadi standing before the court of King Noah and preach the Gospel

d) Stephen teaches the history of Israel and the mighty works of God, beginning with Abraham, including the captivity and exodus lead by Moses, the kingdom of David and Solomon

i) Spoke of how often Israel had disobeyed the commandments of Jehovah

e) READ – Acts 7:51-60

51¶Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

54¶ When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

55 But he [Stephen], being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

56And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

57Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

58And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.

59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

4. Philip preaches and performs miracles in Samaria

a) Saul takes the lead in persecuting the members of the Church

b) They scatter into Judea and Samaria

c) One of the Seven – Philip – Goes into Samaria

d) Reading 5 – Acts 8:5-8

5Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

6And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

7For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

8And there was great joy in that city.

i) The healing power the Apostles had was also given to the Seven

e) After the Apostles in Jerusalem hear about Philip’s missionary work in Samaria, Peter and John travel there

i) They bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost upon those Philip has baptized

ii) Evidently, Philip was operating with the Aaronic Priesthood

f) One of those baptized by Philip was Simon the Sorcerer “which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one” (Acts 8:9)

g) Reading 6 – Acts 8:18-20

18And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

i) Reading 7 – President James E. Faust said: “This greatest of all powers, the priesthood power, is not accessed the way power is used in the world. It cannot be bought or sold. … Worldly power often is employed ruthlessly. However, priesthood power is invoked only through those principles of righteousness by which the priesthood is governed” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 59–60; or Ensign, May 1997, 43).

h) Reading 7 – Acts 8:26-31, 36-38

26And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

27And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

30And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

31And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

SKIP

36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

i) All the components of missionary work

i) Work guided by the Lord - Verse 26 - the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go

ii) Obedience – Verse 27 - he arose and went

iii) The Spirit prepares the hearts of the humble – Verse 28 – The Ethiopan was sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet

iv) When an investigator is ready, a missionary will be guided to him – Verse 30-31 – 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

v) Conversion leads to baptism and other ordinances – Verse 38 - and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him

5. Saul is converted and baptized and begins to preach the gospel

a) Background on Saul

i) Saul is his Hebrew name. Paul is his Roman name

(1) Took the Roman name as he began to teach in various parts of the Roman Empire

ii) Is both a Jew and a Roman citizen

iii) Born and raised in Tarsus

(1) Now part of Turkey

(2) A center of great learning

iv) At about the age of 15, Paul came to Jerusalem to study under Gamaliel

(1) Gamaliel was a renowned rabbi and teacher

v) Probably returned to Tarsus after his education was complete

vi) Probably a member of the Sanhedrin which would mean that he was married and had at least one child

b) Paul returns to Jerusalem as a great persecutor of the Christians

i) READ 1 Corinthians 15:9 - For I am the least of the Apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God.

ii) READ Galatians 1:13 - For ye have heard in my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the Church of God, and wasted it.

c) Reading 8 – Acts 9:1-9

1And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

3And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

7And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

8And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

9And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

d) Reading 9 – Acts 9:10-18

10¶And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

11And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

13Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

14And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

18And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

e) Reading 10 – Then-Elder Ezra Taft Benson said: A man can ask no more important question in his life than that which Paul asked: “… Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” A man can take no greater action than to pursue a course that will bring to him the answer to that question and then to carry out that answer. What would the Lord Jesus Christ have us do? (Ensign, January, 1973)

Conclusion

The Number of the Disciples Was Multiplied – Scriptures and Quotes

Lesson 29: “The Number of the Disciples Was Multiplied” – Scriptures and Quotes

Nehemiah 3:1-4

Reading 1 – Acts 6:1-7

Reading 2 – 2 Nephi 26:33

Reading 3 - President Howard W. Hunter said: “It is in understanding and accepting [the] universal fatherhood of God that all human beings can best appreciate God’s concern for them and their relationship to each other. This is a message of life and love that strikes squarely against all stifling traditions based on race, language, economic or political standing, educational rank, or cultural background, for we are all of the same spiritual descent. We have a divine pedigree; every person is a spiritual child of God” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 22; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 18)

Reading 4 – Acts 6:8, 12-15

Reading 5 – Acts 8:5-8

Reading 6 – Acts 8:18-20

Reading 7 – President James E. Faust said: “This greatest of all powers, the priesthood power, is not accessed the way power is used in the world. It cannot be bought or sold. … Worldly power often is employed ruthlessly. However, priesthood power is invoked only through those principles of righteousness by which the priesthood is governed” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 59–60; or Ensign, May 1997, 43).

Reading 8 – Acts 8:26-31, 36-38

1 Corinthians 15:9

Galatians 1:13

Reading 9 – Acts 9:1-9

Reading 10 – Acts 9:10-18

Reading 11 – Then-Elder Ezra Taft Benson said: A man can ask no more important question in his life than that which Paul asked: “… Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” A man can take no greater action than to pursue a course that will bring to him the answer to that question and then to carry out that answer. What would the Lord Jesus Christ have us do? (Ensign, January, 1973)

Philip and Stephen

One of the earliest, if not the earliest mission outside of Judea was carried out by Philip.

From the Bible Dictionary:

Philip: One of the seven; an evangelist (Acts 6:5; 21:8); preaches at Samaria, and to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8); entertains Paul (Acts 21:8).

Stephen. One of the seven, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5); did great wonders and miracles (6:8); his disputations with the Jews (6:9–10); the charge brought against him and his trial before the Sanhedrin (6:11–15); his defense (7:2–53); his martyrdom (7:54–60) and burial (8:2); the scattering of the brethren that followed his death (11:19).

Stephen was one of the Christian martyrs of N.T. times, and is the first of whom we have record who proclaimed that the law of Moses was fulfilled in Christ and ought not to be continued in the Church. In this thing he foreshadowed the great work of Paul. In his speech before the Sanhedrin he justified his position by an appeal to Israelite history, showing that acceptable worship was offered to God before the law was given, and also pointing out that Israelites who lived under the law had persecuted the prophets whom God had sent. Paul was present when this speech was made (Acts 8:1; 22:20), and was probably influenced by it, though at the moment he was a consenting party to his death. A few years later he went on with the work that Stephen had introduced to him.

The Number of the Disciples Was Multiplied

"Lesson 29: “The Number of the Disciples Was Multiplied”," New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)

Acts 6–9

• As the early Church grew, groups within it sometimes had disagreements with each another (Acts 6:1). How can we as Church members overcome disagreements and divisions among us? Why is it important that we do so?

• How did Philip meet the Ethiopian eunuch? (See Acts 8:25–29.) What blessings came to Philip and to the Ethiopian because Philip followed the Spirit? (See Acts 8:30–38.) What blessings have come to you (or to someone you know) because you have followed the Spirit?

• Saul changed from a persecutor of the Saints to a great servant of the Lord after he heard the Lord’s voice (Acts 9:1–9, 17). How can we hear the voice of the Lord? (See D&C 1:38; 6:23; 8:2; 18:34–36.) How can hearing his voice help us become converted?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

After reading and marking the scripture chain in this section as a family, ask the following questions:

• Why do you think it is important to be a member of a ward (or branch)? Who are some of the leaders and teachers in our ward? What do they do to help and support us? What can we do to help and support them?

Scripture Chain: Working Together in the Kingdom of God

Exodus 18:13–26

Acts 6:1–3

D&C 64:33–34

D&C 107:99

1 Corinthians 12:12–21

Ephesians 4:11–16