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Signs of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 23.

Editorial
Earlier text: PAPAL RELIGIOUS INNOVATIONS

The Sabbath School

By Editor

International Series.

LESSON XIII.—SABBATH, JUNE 26, 1897.

THE MEETING AT THE SEA OF GALILEE.

Lesson Scripture, John 21, R. V.

"AFTER these things Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and he manifested himself on this wise. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a-fishing. They say unto him, We also come with thee. They went forth, and entered into the boat; and that night they took nothing. But when day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; howbeit the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus therefore saith unto them, Children, have ye aught to eat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his coat about him (for he was naked), and cast himself into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits off), dragging the net full of fishes. So when they got out upon the land, they see a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now taken. Simon Peter therefore went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fishes, a hundred and fifty and three; and for all there were so many, the net was not rent. Jesus saith unto them, Come and break your fast. And none of the disciples durst inquire of him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus cometh, and taketh the bread, and giveth them, and the fish likewise. This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after that he was risen from the dead."
"So when they had broken their fast, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again a second time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest; but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. Now this he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned back on his breast at the supper, and said, Lord, who is he that betrayeth thee? Peter therefore seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. This saying therefore went forth among the brethren, that that disciple should not die; yet Jesus said not unto him, that he should not die; but, if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?"
"This is the disciple which beareth witness of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his witness is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that should be written."

QUESTIONS.

  1. Where did Jesus next reveal himself to his disciples?
  2. How many of them were together?
  3. What did Peter say? What reply did the others make? What did they then do? What success did they have?
  4. Who was on the land? Did they recognize him?
  5. What inquiry did Jesus make? What did they answer?
  6. What instruction did he then give them? What result attended it?
  7. What did one of the disciples then say? What did Peter do?
  8. How did the others reach the land? How far off were they?
  9. On reaching land what did they see?
  10. What did Jesus ask them to do?
  11. What was the extent of their catch? What remarkable fact is stated?
  12. What invitation did Jesus now extend to them? What was each one afraid to do? Why?
  13. How did Jesus minister unto them?
  14. How many times had Jesus now appeared to his disciples?
  15. After they had eaten, what did Jesus say to Peter? What was the reply? What instruction did he then give him?
  16. How were the question and reply repeated? What was the instruction?
  17. What did Jesus ask the third time? How did this affect Peter? What did he say? What instruction was again given?
  18. How did Jesus then contrast Peter's past and future experiences?
  19. What was he foretelling? What command did he then give?
  20. Who then attracted Peter's attention?
  21. What inquiry did he address to Jesus?
  22. What reply did Jesus make?
  23. What report was based upon this statement? Was this what Jesus said? What did he say?
  24. Who was this disciple? What is stated of his testimony?
  25. Are these all the acts of Jesus? How extensive would be the full record of his doings?
  26. What is the closing word?

NOTES.

1. "THEY remembered that at the commencement of his ministry a similar scene had been enacted to that which had just taken place. Jesus had then bade them launch out into the deep, and let down their nets for a draught, and the net had broken because of the amount of fishes taken. Then he bade them leave their nets and follow him, and he would make them fishers of men. This last miracle that Jesus had just wrought was for the purpose of making the former miracle more impressive; that the disciples might perceive that, notwithstanding they were to be deprived of the personal companionship of their Master, and of the means of sustenance by the pursuit of their favorite employment, yet a resurrected Saviour had a care over them, and would provide for them while they were doing his work. Jesus also had a purpose in bidding them cast their net upon the right side of the ship. On that side stood Christ upon the shore. If they labored in connection with him—his divine power uniting with their human efforts—they would not fail of success.
"The repetition of the miraculous draught of fishes was a renewal of Christ's commission to his disciples. It showed them that the death of their Master did not remove their obligation to do the work which he had assigned them."—Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, pp. 228, 229.
2. "THE disciples expected that Peter would no longer be allowed to occupy the prominent position in the work which he had hitherto held, and he himself had lost his customary self-confidence. But Jesus, while dining by the seaside, singled out Peter, saying, 'Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?' referring to his brethren. . . . 'Three times had Peter openly denied his Lord, and three times did Jesus draw from him the assurance of his love and loyalty, by pressing home that pointed question, like a barbed arrow, to his wounded heart. Jesus, before the assembled disciples, brought out the depth of Peter's penitence, and showed how thoroughly humble was the once boasting disciple. He was now intrusted with the important commission of caring for the flock of Christ. Tho every other qualification might be unexceptionable, yet without the love of Christ he could not be a faithful shepherd over the Christian flock.'—Id., pp. 229-231.
3. "JESUS here explicitly stated to Peter the fact and manner of his death; he even referred to the stretching forth of his hands upon the cross; and after he had thus spoken, he repeated his former injunction, 'Follow me.' The disciple was not disconcerted by the revelation of his Master. He felt willing to suffer any death for his Lord. Peter saw that John was following, and a desire came over him to know his future, and he 'saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.' Peter should have considered that his Lord would reveal to him all that it was best for him to know, without inquiry on his part. It is the duty of every one to follow Christ, without undue anxiety as to the duty assigned to others. In saying of John, 'If I will that he tarry till I come,' Jesus gave no assurance that this disciple should live until the second coming of Christ; he merely asserted his own supreme power; and that even if he should will this to be so, it would in no way affect the work of Peter. The future of both John and Peter was in the hands of the Lord, and obedience in following him was the duty required of each."—Id., pp. 232, 233.

Suggestions for Further Study.

  1. In the fishing incident what lesson may we learn about Jesus' relation to us in our daily duties?
  2. To how many who love Jesus does he address the command, Feed my lambs; feed my sheep?
  3. According to verse 22, who am I to watch?
  4. What help have you received personally from the study of the lessons on the Gospel by John?
"Angels of God." (Spanish.) A collection of five Bible readings on the following subjects: 1. The Angels of God. 2. Satan and His Work. 3. Christ the Resurrection and the Life. 4. The Second Chapter of Daniel. 5. Signs of the Coming of Christ. Two illustrations; paper; price, 6 cents. Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.

LESSON I.—SABBATH, JULY 3, 1897.

DEPARTURE AND PROMISES.

Lesson Scripture, Acts 1:1-26, R. V.

"THE former treatise I made, O Theophilus, concerning all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, until the day in which he was received up, after that he had given commandment through the Holy Ghost unto the apostles whom he had chosen; to whom he also showed himself after his passion by many proofs, appearing unto them by the space of forty days, and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of God; and, being assembled together with them, he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, said he, ye heard from me; for John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."
"They therefore, when they were come together, asked him, saying, Lord, dost thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father hath set within his own authority. But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa and Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. And when he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they were looking steadfastly into heaven as he went; behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, which was received up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven."
"Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is nigh unto Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey off. And when they were come in, they went up into the upper chamber, where they were abiding; both Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. These all with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."
"And in these days Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren, and said (and there was a multitude of persons gathered together, about a hundred and twenty). Brethren, it was needed that the Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered among us, and received his portion in this ministry. (Now this man obtained a field with the reward of his iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it became known to all the brethren at Jerusalem; insomuch that in their language that field was called Akeldama, that is, The field of blood.) For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be made desolate And let no man dwell therein; and His office let another take. Of the men therefore which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and went out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto the day that he was received up from us, of these must one become a witness with us of his resurrection. And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, show of these two the one whom thou hast chosen, to take the place in this ministry and apostleship; from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place. And they gave lots for them; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."

QUESTIONS.

  1. To whom was this book addressed? What indicates that this was not the first portion of Scripture addressed to him?
  2. What is the "former treatise?" Luke 1:1-4. Then who is the writer of the book of Acts? What was the former treatise concerning?
  3. To what point does it bring the narrative? What did Jesus give to his chosen apostles before he was taken up? Through what power did he give these commandments?
  4. How long was he with his disciples after his sufferings? What did he do during this time?
  5. When Jesus was last assembled with his disciples, what did he command them? For what should they wait?
  6. What was this promise?
  7. What question did the disciples ask Jesus at this time?
  8. What was his reply?
  9. What did Jesus say the disciples should receive? How were they to receive this power?
  10. Having received the power, what should they be? Where were they to bear witness?
  11. When he had spoken these things, what took place? What hid him from their sight?
  12. As the disciples were still gazing up into the space where they had last seen Jesus, what happened?
  13. What did these men say?
  14. Having heard this promise, what did the disciples do?
  15. With what feelings did they return? Luke 24:51, 52.
  16. To what place did they go when they returned to Jerusalem? Who lodged there?
  17. How did they occupy their time? With verse 14 compare Luke 24:53.
  18. How many disciples were there in all? What took place on one of the days that they were together?
  19. Give in order the points of Peter's speech.
  20. To what psalm did he refer?
  21. What did he say must be done?
  22. How did they proceed to choose an apostle?
  23. Who was chosen?

Additional Questions and Suggestions.

  1. Were the disciples wrong in thinking that the kingdom was to be restored to Israel? See Eze. 21:25-27; Micah 4:8. When will it be restored? Matt. 25:31-34.
  2. Study the matter of witnessing. To what are all Christ's followers to witness? By what power only can they witness? What kind of witness is Jesus? To what did he come into the world to witness? What is always required of a witness? John 3:11.
  3. "This same Jesus." What other scriptures can you cite that show the same thing? Jesus ascended in a cloud; the angels said he should come in like manner as he ascended; how then will he come? Is there any direct statement to this effect?
  4. Are we also to be witnesses with respect to Christ's resurrection? May we be as sure of the resurrection of Jesus as the first disciples were? Can we have as good evidence of it as they had? and can we testify of it as positively as they did? Is it necessary to have been with Jesus during his earthly ministry in order to be a witness of his resurrection? How about Paul?
  5. What "exceeding great and precious promises" are recorded or referred to in this chapter?

The Sunday School

International Series.

LESSON XIII.—SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 1897.

REVIEW.

LESSON 1.—Peter Working Miracles. Acts 9:32–43. Golden Text: "Jesus Christ maketh thee whole." Acts 9:34. The time of this lesson is about A.D. 40. Peter was engaged in preaching the Gospel, going from place to place, and confirming the churches which had been raised up by those scattered by the persecution. At Lydda Peter healed Æneas, who had been suffering eight years with the palsy; and it was at this place he received the messenger from Joppa who conducted him to the death-bed of Dorcas, where that mighty miracle of restoration to life was performed.
LESSON 2.—Conversion of Cornelius. Acts 10:30–44. Golden Text: "Whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." Acts 10:43. Peter, having received from the Lord a vision teaching him that God is no respecter of persons, visits Cornelius by his request, and preaches to him and his assembled friends the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Cornelius also had been shown in vision what he should do, God bearing him witness that his good deeds and his devotion were held in remembrance. While Peter was telling of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, and testifying that all who believed on him should receive remission of sins, the Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the Word.
LESSON 3.—Gentiles Converted at Antioch. Acts 11:19–26. Golden Text: "Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." Acts 11:18. The missionaries at the time represented in the beginning of this lesson began to extend their labors into other regions. Some went to Phenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching to the Jews only. Others, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, preached to the Greeks at Antioch. The success attending the work of the latter led the church at Jerusalem to send out Barnabas, who strengthened the work and workers at this place by his words and life. At this place Barnabas and Paul remained a whole year; and here the believers were first called Christians.
LESSON 4.—Peter Delivered from Prison. Acts 12:5–17. Golden Text: "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." Ps. 34:7. Herod Agrippa, who had murdered James, cast Peter into prison, thinking to put him to death also as soon as the Passover had ended; but the church continued to pray for Peter's release. In answer to their prayers an angel entered the prison cell and led Peter forth. He reported his wonderful deliverance to the praying company, and went forth to another place.
LESSON 5.—Paul Begins His First Missionary Journey. Acts 13:1–13. Golden Text: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15. At this time Claudius Cæsar is emperor of Rome, and Sergius is governor of Judea. The church has been growing now about sixteen years; and at a special meeting the Holy Ghost signified that Barnabas and Saul should be set apart for the missionary work. They accordingly went forth, visiting Seleucia, Salamis, Paphos, and Perga in Pamphylia. At Paphos the conversion of Sergius Paulus took place, and judgment was visited upon Bar-Jesus for withstanding the truth.
LESSON 6.—Paul Preaching to the Jews. Acts 13:26–39. Golden Text: "Through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins." Acts 13:38. Paul now begins his work in new fields, and this lesson contains his first missionary address. He preaches first to the Jews, accusing them of the death of the Redeemer, and proclaiming his resurrection from the dead. Paul teaches the Jews that Christ fulfilled the writings of the prophets concerning the Messiah, and that through him alone could remission of sins be obtained.
LESSON 7.—Paul Preaching to the Gentiles. Acts 14:1–22. Golden Text: "I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles." Acts 13:47. The Lystrans, to whom Paul and Barnabas were preaching, were idolaters, and seeing the miraculous healing of the impotent man, supposed the gods had visited them, and the idolatrous priests brought sacrifices, intending to make an offering to Paul and Barnabas. This the apostles prevented, and used the occasion to teach the people the truth of God. Paul was stoned at this place, and with Barnabas went to Derbe.
LESSON 8.—The Conference at Jerusalem. Acts 15:1–6; 22–29. Golden Text: "Through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." Acts 15:11. A great question had come up in the church, which bade fair to rend it in twain, the question of circumcision. Some maintained that the ordinance was still binding, and must be performed upon the Gentile convert before he could rightfully be received into the church. The discussion finally resulted in the church taking a decided stand against the necessity of continuing an ordinance, the significance of which had passed away.
LESSON 9.—"Christian Faith Leads to Good Works." James 2:14–23. Golden Text: "I will show thee my faith by my works." James 2:18. The lesson is an exhortation to deeds of charity, showing how genuine faith will be manifested by good deeds on the part of the believers, and that "faith apart from works is barren."
LESSON 10.—Sins of the Tongue. James 3:1–13. Golden Text: "Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile." Ps. 34:13. This lesson shows the wonderful power of the tongue for evil. The tongue is likened in this lesson to a fire, a rudder, a world of iniquity, a restless evil, full of deadly poison, an untamable creature, an unnatural fountain, sending forth blessings to God and curses to men who are made after the similitude of God.
LESSON 11.—Paul's Advice to Timothy. 2 Tim. 1:1–17; 3:14–17. Golden Text: "From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation." 2 Tim. 3:15. This epistle contains the last recorded words of Paul. It was written from Rome and was received by Timothy at Ephesus, about A.D. 67. Paul exhorts Timothy to stir up the gift that is in him, and urges him to abide in the things which he has learned and been assured of, assuring him that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is necessary for the complete furnishing of the followers of Christ.
LESSON 12.—Personal Responsibility. Rom. 14:10–21. Golden Text: "It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth." Rom. 14:21. The members of the church had been judging one another in regard to personal conduct. Paul here teaches the personal accountability of each one to his Maker, and the personal responsibility of each one for acts which he does that cause others to stumble. Paul does not condemn eating meat, but if eating meat caused his brother to stumble, he would deny himself for that brother's sake, that the work of God should not suffer through his indulgence.

LESSON I.—SUNDAY, JULY 4, 1897.

FIRST CONVERTS IN EUROPE.

NOTE.—We take up now a new epoch in the history of the church—the beginning of Gospel missionary work in Europe. The work was started there about A.D. 52. For companions on this journey Paul had Silas (Silvanus), Timothy, and Luke. The lesson section includes chapter 15:35 to 16:15. Commit verses 13 to 15.

Lesson Scripture, Acts 16:6–15, R. V.

6 "And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden of the Holy Ghost to speak the word in Asia; 7 and when they were come over against Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia; and the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not; 8 and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: There was a man of Macedonia standing, beseeching him, and saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 10 And when he had seen the vision, straightway we sought to go forth into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us for to preach the Gospel unto them. 11 "Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace, and the day following to Neapolis; 12 and from thence to Philippi, which is a city of Macedonia, the first of the district, a Roman colony; and we were in this city tarrying 13 certain days. And on the Sabbath day we went forth without the gate by a riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which 14 were come together. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one that worshipped God, heard us; whose heart the Lord opened, to give heed 15 unto the things which were spoken by Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us." Golden Text.—"The entrance of thy words giveth light." Ps. 119:130.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) Through what regions did Paul and his companions journey? Verse 6. (2) What had they been forbidden to do? How? (3) Where did they next attempt to go? (4) What prevented? Verse 7. Note 1. (5) What place did they visit? Verse 8. (6) What occurred at this place? Verse 9. (7) Whom did he see in the vision? (8) What was his prayer? Note 4. (9) What did Paul immediately set out to do? Verse 10. (10) What conclusion had he reached? (11) What places did they touch on the way? Verse 11. Note 2. (12) At what port did they land in Macedonia? Verse 12. What is said of this place? Note 4. (13) On the Sabbath where did Paul and his companions go? Verse 13. Note 5. (14) What did they do? (15) What noted woman listened to the teachings of the apostles? Verse 14. (16) What is stated in regard to her? (17) What had the Lord done for her? (18) What did this cause her to do? (19) What step of faith did she take? (20) What did she urge upon the apostles?

NOTES.

1. The Spirit of Jesus suffered them not.—Permitted them not. God not only hedged up the ways he did not wish them to go, but he doubtless "supernaturally directed them in the right way." This illustrates Paul's willingness to be led by the Spirit—to be guided by the unerring Guide. 2. Come over into Macedonia, and help us.—The great cry of all foreign fields from that time to this—an indicator of the open doors of a sin-sick, needy world. "It does not come in the shape of a command from Christ, but in that of a petition from man."—Maclaren. Macedonia lay to the north of Greece. Its capital was Thessalonica, which, with the cities of Berea, Appolonia, Amphipolis, and Philippi, in the Acts, formed the scene of the apostles' labor. 3. Samothrace.—This was an island of the Ægean Sea, between Troas and Neapolis. The latter place was the seaport of Philippi, and was about sixty-five miles from Troas. 4. A Roman colony.—Whether this city is here called "first" because of size and importance, or because it was the first one reached, is not known. Being a Roman colony, it was subject only to the laws of Rome, and not to the laws of the State in which it was situated. Such colonies were governed by their own senate and magistrates, and the Roman law was scrupulously enforced. 5. On the Sabbath day.—The women who resorted to this place were evidently Jewish women, and Lydia a Jewish proselyte, as will be seen from the verses following. The day on which they met must, therefore, have been the seventh-day Sabbath. Notice that the Bible writers still continue to recognize this day as the Sabbath; and they never departed from the custom.
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