New Testament History

GOLDEN TEXT: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.”—Matthew 28:19

ACTS 1:8—The historical records of the New Testament may be divided in a general way into two parts: (1) that which pertains to the life and ministry of Jesus, and (2) that which has to do with the experiences of his apostles and associates in connection with the establishment of the Early Church. Our lesson for today is concerned principally with the latter, although it is introduced by the account of Jesus’ commission to his followers to go into all the world and preach the Gospel.

Before his crucifixion, as well as after his resurrection, Jesus outlined to his disciples what their work was to be, that they were to be his witnesses both in Judea and unto the uttermost part of the earth, that one of the purposes of giving them the Holy Spirit would be to authorize and empower them thus to serve in the divine cause. In the Book of Revelation, where we are furnished with a picture of the church’s work complete, we read that those who are faithful to this commission, who lay down their lives as “witnesses for Jesus and for the Word of God,” are rewarded with the high honor of living and reigning with Christ a thousand years.

Many have misunderstood the intent of Jesus’ command to go into all the world and preach the Gospel, supposing that faithfulness in this would result in converting all nations to Christianity, thus bringing peace on earth and good will among men. The conversion of the world ultimately will be accomplished through the church, but not until all her members have proved their faithfulness even unto death and have been brought forth in the “first resurrection” to live and reign with Christ. Meanwhile, the preaching of the Gospel serves merely to reach those who respond in full consecration to follow Jesus, and incidentally to give a witness to the world.

ACTS 4:1-4—When the Holy Spirit came upon the waiting disciples at Pentecost, they lost no time in responding to its inspirational power, for they began at once to preach the Gospel. However, they found, even as Jesus did, that the religious rulers of the people were not ready to receive it. In all Israel, trained under the law of God and witnessed to by Jesus through his teachings and by his miracles, only a few thousand were in the proper heart condition to respond, while the remainder walked on in darkness.

The Israelites believed in the resurrection—except those who belonged to the sect of the Sadducees—but their rulers were grieved because the disciples preached that it would come through Christ. In his preaching, Peter did not use the word resurrection. Instead, he referred to the hope of the resurrection as “times of restitution of all things,” and asserted that it had been spoken by the mouth of all God’s holy prophets. He explained furthermore that the promises of God pertaining thereto would be fulfilled through Christ, following his second advent. This grieved both the priests and the Sadducees.

ACTS 13:2, 3—Congregations of consecrated believers were soon established through the preaching of the Gospel, and these, being properly instructed in the truth, sensed their responsibility to carry the Gospel to others. In this scripture we are told of the action taken by the church at Antioch in sending Paul and Barnabas to represent them in the missionary field. And this, too, is indicated to be through the direction of the Holy Spirit.

ACTS 16:9, 10—The divine commission was to go into all the world and preach the Gospel, and the Lord himself, through his overruling providences, directed the course his workers took. This was not always done in the same way, but the divine will has been carried out in the matter. It was undoubtedly under divine direction that the Gospel spread north and west from Judea, more than it did south and east; although to some extent all countries have received a witness.

ACTS 28:16, 30, 31—It was in keeping with the thought just expressed that Paul was privileged to preach the Gospel in Rome, although he was taken there as a prisoner. He was a favored prisoner, being permitted to dwell in his own hired house, although chained to a guard. He preached the Gospel under these circumstances for two years, witnessing to all who came to him. Probably many of those who visited this outstanding prisoner were from various parts of Europe, and thus in this most unusual way the message spread.

It is noteworthy that the preaching of the Gospel by the early disciples was almost always accompanied by great difficulties. They were mobbed and stoned, imprisoned, and put to death, thus fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” Nevertheless they also realized the power of the Lord giving them strength to endure, and doubtless often recalled the Master’s further statement, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Should we not be faithful witnesses now, when the conditions are so much more favorable!

QUESTIONS:

What did the Lord expect would be accomplished by the preaching of the Gospel to all nations?

What term did Peter use when preaching the doctrine of the resurrection?

How did the Holy Spirit indicate the Lord’s choice of Paul and Barnabas to represent the church at Antioch?

How did the Lord direct Paul as to where he was to serve?

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