The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-05-18
Sunday School
Lesson
for
May 19.
INTRODUCTION.

CoNTEST--wc have no certain record Of
what iranspircd after the appearance OF Jesus
to the eleven in a mountain OF Gallcc. Having
there renewed their commission the saviour may
have putroscly withdrawn from the apostles that
they might have time and opportunity TO adjust
their thoughts to their worldwide mission. II
il probable, however. that lie came TO then.
occasionally. although the cvangclists make no
mention of such visits. II is believed that dur.
ing those days He was seen OF five hundred
brethren as mentioned by Paul q Cor, xv:G).
The whole band certainly returned to Jerusalem,
perhaps by appointment with the Master q Cor,
Nv:O. without doubt the appearance to James
occurred after the arrival in the sacred city.
DINlSION.--Ille passage set for our present
study may be divided into two great parts. Tie
first part Oversees ~ 10 10 inclusi,c), relates tie
instructions delivered by Jesus TO the apostles
in Jcrusalem-lis last words to them deserving
on that account most careful consideration. In
the second part ("crscs 80 10 j), have an
account Of His ascension. For all this we arc
indebted to Luke Mark makes only a slight
reference tChron., xvilo.2o). liable to be ms,in-
de,ttood. Matthew closes his Gospel with the
coinissio and John with the scene at Gali!ec
But the Beloved physician. the companion OF
Paul, lets the world know how and where Jesus
terminated His earthly abors giving in his rcc-
or'is of the apostles tActs. I.l9). much intorma.
ton not contained in lis Gospel.
THE TEACHING JESUS
sCRIPTURE--Being assembled once more in
the city of Jerusalem. probably in the upper
room, where they had often met ,Malk. Nv:15)
Jesus proceeded to deliver Ills final words tn
the apostles. Forty days had passed since tue
resurrection and before another day dawns His
t..,.l.l
their sight lie first recalled His statements
made before tha cruofxion CTatt., Xvi:2D that
the predictions concerning Messiah must all be
fulfilled in Himself. tie desired them to know
that what had t:nspred atilictivc aS it seemed
TO be- was necessary to support His claim. In
doing this lie honorcd all the sacred writings,
mentioning them under three hcads-Moses,
Prophets. Psalms. Thereby lie laid the basis of
tin. new diSprnSatlon. Christianity must he
Biblical. not a rcicrm. not a new beginning, but
an expansion and Il iunlmcnt. In after years
the apostles went TO their con'llNucn with this
teaching tActs, NNiii:sD.
1NSlGHr.-ild,,ne appealed TO scripture. Itsiis
sought 10 prepare the apostle 10 study Scrip
ture Alright. lie knew how they. as we'll aS
the whole Jewish nation, had stumbled over GER
tain parts Matt, xxi!:2W. lie therefore opened
the undersi andingS of the apostles, applying the
direct energy OF the Holy Spirit Psalms, cxX:-
lS). aitorward Lydia received help (Acts,
Xvi:1D. This spiritual Nuckcnng granted q.
Cor. i:lD lie explained certain passages that
referred TO the suffering, death and resurrection,
showing that these events We're iorctold by the
Christ. From that lie advanced to unfold the
alternate purpose OF Messiah. as religious and
not political, and tried 10 make them under.
stand that they We're called to he witnesses that
they were TO preach among all nations, begin.
ming at Jerusalem, that the themes OF their
preaching should be repentance and remission OF
sins in His name. This constituted a very
else statement of the apostolic function and of
the spirit and scope Of the Gospel tlsa., NliN 6
Hos, i:23).
POWER-rhis last instruction was doubtless
received with misgvng. How could these apos.
ties begin such work in Jerusalem and con-
tnue il TO distant cities and lands or Cor.
ii:6)? Jesus did not long leave them in doubt
"Tarry yc in Jerusalem until We be cnducd with
power from on high Verse 49, lie intended
that they should go, not in their own name and
strength. hut by that help which comes from
above III Cor. iv:'). Had they been attentive
to His former words they might have known
that Jesus would build His own church Matt.
Xvi:ls). Had they duly considered the lessons
of other days, they would have known that feeble
in Gods hands become mighty
IIudscs. vii:O a truth which aterward WAS
learned and applied with much force Il Cor.
i:21l.
klNGDOM.--lt is dithcult to say what impress
sion The foregoing made upon the minds OF the
apostles. But one matter. dear to their hearts.
and to the hearts of all their people, the Master
had omitted and the reference TO power may
have brought it mp. And they inquired,
''Nit thou at this time restore the kingdom
10 Israeli (Acts, i:6)? Shall the Roman yoke
lie broken and the people OF God delivered?
shall this be preliminary 10 that preaching?
Shall The promised power he used Tor govern
mental purposes? How strange the question
seems TO us. But the people had not learned
10 separate between church and state The