The Carlisle independent., 1917-01-04

i 1t is possible in lessons one to nine to review the past quarters work, in a logical, chronological manner, but i lessons seven and nine are not in their proper chronological setting. These les. sons extend over five years of Pauls They are five wonderful years, and the last of the authentic years we have of the life of this wonderful man. The review should of course center in Paul, his conduct, character and teachings.
 The first twelve chapters of the Book of Acts, in which We have chiefly beer studying, cover a period of about six teen years, A. D. 30-46, with Jerusalem as the center. The rest of the Book of Acts cover another period of approxi- mately Is years from 46 to @, and is the record of the foreign missionary work of Paul and his companions, Paul being of course the central character. The series for this quarter close with the vision of the final triumph of Chris tianity as seen by John in the Revela- tion. Maps should be employed if pos sible to show the journeys of Paul. The risen Christ and the enduement of the Holy Spirit were the vision and the power which wrote this first Church History, and which have been writing Church History ever since. The home church (Chs. 2-7) began with about 120 praying men and women. Peters first sermon brought into ''the way" 5000 mOre From time to time others were added. Persecution and deliverances, the first martyr, Stephen, and the dissatisfaction which led to the choice of the deacons, are the out standing events of this period. The home mission period, with Jerusalem as the center and Palestine as the field Chapters S-12) covers period of about ten years. Persecution scattered the disciples throughout the country. Paul was converted on the road to Damascus, Philip goes to Samaria, and Peter carries on the work throughout Lydda, Joppa and Caesarea. In this section we have the story of Philip and the Ethiopian, of Peter curing the palsied man at Lydda, the raising of DOrcas and Paul and Barnabas return ing to Jerusalem with help to those at that city who were suffering from famine. Then begins the period of for eign missions, covering about sixteen years, from about A. D. 47 to 62. The principal characters begin of course with Paul and Barnabas, though Paul soon takes his place of leadership. Paul's first missionary journey lasted for about two years, from say A. D. 47 to 43, Barnabas being his principal companion. Returning to Antioch from Jerusalem, Paul soon began his second journey, this time taking with him SiIas. Again there is period of about two years from A D. 50 to g. Paul had his Macedonian vision during this time, and the gospel first entered Eur ope, beginning with the conversion of the Phillipian jailor. Paurs preaching at Athens and his service at Corinth are perhaps the most outstanding fea- lures Of this journey. Paul's third jour- ney lasted nearly three years, A. D. B to 56 or 57. He re-yisits the Asia Minor churches to strengthen them, spends nearly three years at Ephesus, and has some outstanding adventures as, for instance, the riot at Ephesus about the shrines of Diana. Returning to Jerusalem to take part il the feast, he is told of the ultimate prosecutions which he must endure. For a long time he has desired to preach the gos- pei in Rome. Everyone of the trials, hindrances, oppositions and attacks proved to be the means by which he gained that desired end.
 In this particular quarter, in lesson one, we see Paul's calmness in persecu- ton, his prudence under danger. In lesson two, his delicate courtesy and shrewdness In seizing every opportu- nifty that he might witness for his Lord. In lesson three Is manifested his un- shaken belief in everything found In the Scriptures, and his wise use there of In leading men to Christ. In lesson five, his fearlessness amidst danger and his absolute confidence in God. In lesson six, his humility. In lesson sev- en, his well balanced common sense and his love of peace among his breth- ren. In lesson eight, we see him long ing for human companionship and sympathy. and have an evidence of his love for his own countrymen, and yet his faithfulness declaring the word of God to them as we'll as to the Gentiles.
 Last Sunday we stood with Isaiah, looking down through the centuries to the man of Galilee TOO years hence. Today, as we review this quarter and the lessons Of the past year, we are
 looking back nearly two thousand years to the one who wrought out our salva- ton on Calvary, but we may also turn our faces the other way, and look for him whose returning will bring peace to the earth, and at whose con-
 Ing the brightness of his glory shall cover the earth even as the waters cover the sea.
 We have seen the breaking down of armed peace"