breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

And he gave heed something of them.

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple, at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man, lame from his birth, was carried and laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered in ; who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. unto them, expecting to receive Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God and they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that

C C

which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people came together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. And when Peter saw it, he said unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why look ye so earnestly at us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? Then preached he Jesus and the resurrection to them. And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold until the next day: for it was now eventide. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

How many days was it after the resurrection before our Lord's ascension?

the

What promise did He make to the apostles on leaving them? Who was chosen to succeed Judas Iscariot, and make number of the twelve apostles?

What happened on the day of Pentecost?

How many were baptized after Peter's first sermon ?
Did the first Christians live peaceably together?

What happened at the gate Beautiful of the temple?

up

Lying.

HILDREN, always speak the truth,

God abhors a lie;

Even though it brings you blame,

Speak truth fearlessly.

Have you read how, long ago,

Ananias lied,

And his wife Sapphira too?

Just for that they died.

Falling down at Peter's feet,
Dying as they fell;

And the last words that they spoke
Were a lie to tell.

It may be that no one knows
You are telling lies;

But how can you hope to sin
Hidden from God's eyes?

He will punish you one day
For your falsehoods here;
Be, then, careful what you say,
Think that God is near.

He it was that gave you life,
Tongue, and language too;
Some day you will have to tell
If all you said was true.

CHAPTER XLIX

Peter and John speak boldly.

Ananias and Sapphira.

Stephen the first Martyr.

ND it came to pass on the morrow, that the rulers, and elders, and scribes, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and many others, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set Peter and John in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people and elders of Israel, if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant

men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Then they commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people : for all men glorified God for that which was done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed. And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy word, by stretching forth Thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy Holy Child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul; neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own. But they had all things in common.