10 Dec 2012 Monday
Acts
Author: Luke is the author of the Acts of the Apostles (see the introduction to the book of Luke, p. 72). He wrote the Acts as a sequel to his Gospel (see Luke 1:1–4; Acts 1:1). In the Gospel of Luke he testified of the birth, life, death, and Resurrection of the Savior. The book of Acts adds the account of the Lord’s Apostles declaring this gospel message throughout the world (see Acts 1:1–8; see also Bible Dictionary, “Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 603–4; “Luke,” p. 726).
Audience: Luke wrote to a man named Theophilus, who may have been a Roman official. Who was Theophilus? The name itself means "beloved" or "friend of God". The gospel of Luke and the book of Acts were addressed to this man. Because he is referred to in Luke as "Most Excellent Theophilus", it has been inferred that he was of high rank. The title "Most Excellent" is thought to be equivalent to "right honorable" in English. All that can be safely assumed is that he was a gentile, possibly a Greek and an official. (commentary for Acts 1:1 in The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, p. 243).
Though Acts, like the book of Luke, seems to be addressed to a single individual, all who carefully read Luke’s writings will increase their understanding of the gospel.
Historical Background: The events described in Acts occurred over a period of about thirty years as the Church grew and expanded into areas of the world ruled by Rome. The book focuses mainly on the ministries of Peter and Paul. Luke served many years as a companion to Paul, so most of Acts deals with Paul’s missionary journeys. Acts concludes about A.D. 62 with an account of Paul’s preaching at Romewhile under house arrest (see “Date and Place of Writing” in The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, p. 242).
Unique Features: See “The Significance of the Acts of the Apostles” in The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles (pp. 242–43).
Theme: Acts 1:8 could serve as an outline for the entire book of Acts, which gives accounts of apostolic missionary work in Jerusalem (chapters 1–7), Judea and Samaria (chapters 8–9), and “unto the uttermost part of the earth” (chapters 10–28):
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8
The Apostles were to take up their ministry only after they had been “endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49), or in other words endowed with the Holy Ghost. President Ezra Taft Benson, then President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said: “If there is one message I have repeated to my brethren of the Twelve it is that it’s the Spirit that counts. It is the Spirit that matters. I do not know how often I have said this, but I never tire of saying it—it is the Spirit that matters most” (address delivered at mission presidents’ seminar, 3 Apr. 1985, in Missionary Guide: Training for Missionaries [1988], 73).
Introduction: For a period of forty days, the resurrected Christ visited His disciples and spoke with them of “the things pertaining to the kingdom of God”. The first chapters of Acts help us understand the power that came into the lives of the early Church leaders as a result of Christ’s ministry and the operation of the Holy Spirit. These chapters begin to unfold the story of how the Apostles preached the gospel and organized the Church in Jerusalem while the Lord prepared messengers to preach to an ever-widening audience.
Acts 1 & 2
11 Dec 2012 Tuesday
By studying the life of the Apostle Peter, we can see how the Lord directed the affairs of the Church through him.
• When you think of the Apostle Peter, what is the first event that comes to mind?
• How do these events affect how you feel about Peter?
Because of the death of Judas Iscariot it was necessary to fill the vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve.
Acts 1:13–16
Who directed the selection of a new Apostle?
What can we learn about Peter’s position from this account?
Quotation from Elder James E. Faust:
“A powerful precedent comes down through the ages to sustain the succession of authority. After the crucifixion of the Savior, Peter, as the senior apostle, became president of the Church. Since the restoration of priesthood keys to Joseph Smith, this practice has been followed in the successions to that office”. (Reach Up for the Light [1990], 22)
Statement by Neal A. Maxwell, later a member of the Quorum of the Twelve:
“Under the influence of Christ’s teachings, Peter developed from an obscure fisherman to be the president of the Church. Once uncertain and even somewhat fearful, he became virtually fearless”.
(“. . . A More Excellent Way”: Essays on Leadership for Latter-day Saints [1973], 38)
How are new Apostles selected?
The New Testament gives an example of how this was done anciently.
Acts 1:15–20
• What vacancy did the apostasy and death of Judas bring about?
Acts 1:21–22
• What qualifications did Peter set for the individual who was chosen to be the new Apostle?
(He needed to have “companied” with the Apostles and also to have been a witness of the resurrected Lord).
• Could a man living today fill both these requirements?
The modern Apostles might not have accompanied the ancient Apostles but each of them has a special witness.
A quotation by Elder Harold B. Lee:
“Some years ago . . . two missionaries came to me with what seemed to be a very difficult question, to them. A young Methodist minister had laughed at them when they had said that apostles were necessary today in order for the true church to be upon the earth. And they said the minister said: ‘Do you realize that when they met to choose one to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judas, that they said it had to be one who companied with them and had been a witness of all things pertaining to the mission and resurrection of the Lord? How can you say you have apostles, if that be the measure of an apostle?’
“And so these young men said, ‘What shall we answer?’ I said to them: ‘Go back and ask your minister friend two questions. First, how did the Apostle Paul gain what was necessary to be called an apostle? He didn’t know the Lord; had no personal acquaintance. He hadn’t accompanied the apostles. He hadn’t been a witness of the ministry, nor the resurrection of the Lord. How did he gain his testimony sufficient to be an apostle? Now the second question you ask him: How does he know that all who are today apostles have not likewise received that witness?’
“I bear witness to you that those who hold the apostolic calling may, and do, know of the reality of the mission of the Lord”.
(“Born of the Spirit,” unpublished address to seminary and institute faculty at Brigham Young University, 26 June 1962, 13).
Acts 1:23–26
• Who was selected to be the new Apostle?
• How was Matthias chosen?
• What key to the process is revealed in verse 24?
• Why is that important?
A statement by President Gordon B. Hinckley:
“Here again is set forth a significant and unique feature established by the Lord in the governance of His church. The right to nominate rests with the superior officer or officers at whatever the level. But that nomination must be sustained—that is, accepted and confirmed—by the membership of the Church. The procedure is peculiar to the Lord’s church. There is no seeking for office, no jockeying for position, no campaigning to promote one’s virtues. . . . Under the Lord’s plan, those who have responsibility to select officers are governed by one overriding question: ‘Whom would the Lord have?’ There is quiet and thoughtful deliberation. And there is much of prayer to receive the confirmation of the Holy Spirit that the choice is correct”. (in Conference Report, Apr. 1994, 73; or Ensign, May 1994, 53)
What is the most critical consideration in choosing and ordaining a new Apostle?
Doctrine and Covenants 107:23
Ancient and modern Apostles are special witnesses of Jesus Christ.
12 Dec 2012 Wednesday 12 / 12 / 12
In Acts 3–5 the Apostles are shown directing the affairs of the Church in Jerusalem by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Peter, the senior Apostle, with John beside him, healed the sick and lame, preached the gospel, boldly confronted Jewish religious leaders, wrought many signs and wonders among the people, and testified of the divinity of Jesus Christ.
Elder Spencer W. Kimball, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, described Peter, “this great church president,” as a man of “great faith, bold leadership, unwavering testimony, unparalleled courage, and almost limitless understanding”. (Peter, My Brother, Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year [13 July 1971], 1; or The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, 488).
Acts 3
• Which would you rather have, one million dollars or your eyesight? Why?
• Would you rather have one million dollars or your ability to walk? Why?
Acts 3:1–11
• What did Peter offer the lame man that was more valuable than money?
Acts 3: 12–16
• What makes healings like this one possible?
Healings such as this can serve as types for spiritual healing. Just as the Lord has power to heal our physical illnesses and even disabilities, He can offer us forgiveness and strength to overcome our weaknesses and society’s ills.
Acts 3:2–8
• Who holds Peter’s position in the Church today?
(The prophet.)
• If we compare Peter’s healing the lame man to spiritual healing, who does the man represent?
• What do the words “fastening his eyes upon him” in verse 4 imply?
(The man was important to Peter.)
• How have the prophets of our time “fastened their eyes” on the youth?
(One example is the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet.)
• What does the word heed mean in verse 5?
(The man paid attention to Peter and John.)
• How does that apply to spiritual healing?
(We must listen to and obey the current prophet and other priesthood leaders.)
• What can we learn from Peter’s taking the man by the hand and lifting him up?
Quotation by President Harold B. Lee:
“Now in my mind’s eye I can picture [the lame] man, what was in his mind. ‘Doesn’t this man know that I have never walked? He commands me to walk.’ But the biblical record doesn’t end there. Peter just didn’t content himself by commanding the man to walk, but he ‘took him by the right hand, and lifted him up.’
“Will you see that picture now of that noble soul, that chiefest of the apostles, perhaps with his arms around the shoulders of this man, and saying, ‘Now, my good man, have courage, I will take a few steps with you. Let’s walk together, and I assure you that you can walk, because you have received a blessing by the power and authority that God has given us as men, his servants.’ Then the man leaped
with joy.
“You cannot lift another soul until you are standing on higher ground than he is. You must be sure, if you would rescue the man, that you yourself are setting the example of what you would have him be. You cannot light a fire in another soul unless it is burning in your own soul”
(in Conference Report, Apr. 1973, 178; or Ensign, July 1973, 123).
Acts 4
• Do we measure our success more by how much material wealth we have, or by how much more we have than someone else?
• How does society encourage this behavior?
Acts 2:44–45
Acts 4:32–37
What did the members of the Church do with their material wealth in Peter’s day?
Doctrine and Covenants 78:5–6
• Why is it important for Latter-day Saints to help each other in material ways?
• What does it mean to have “all things common”?
• What do we call this law today?
(The law of consecration.)
• What can we do to help others materially?
paying tithes and offerings, participating in service projects,
helping others find work, giving or aiding humanitarian service
Quotation from President Ezra Taft Benson:
“Everything we have belongs to the Lord; and, therefore, the Lord may call upon us for any and all of our property, because it belongs to Him. . . .
“. . . The law of consecration is a law for an inheritance in the celestial kingdom. God, the Eternal Father, his Son Jesus Christ, and all holy beings abide by this law. It is an eternal law. It is a revelation by God to his Church in this dispensation. Though not in full operation today, it will be mandatory for all Saints to live the law in its fulness to receive celestial inheritance. You young people today abide a portion of this higher law as you tithe, pay a generous fast offering, go on missions, and make other contributions of money, service, and time”.
(“A Vision and a Hope for the Youth of Zion,” in 1977 Devotional Speeches of the Year [1978], 74–75)
• What current Church programs embody the principles of consecration?
• How does the Church’s welfare program allow us to live a portion of the law of consecration?
13 Dec 2012 Thursday
Acts 5
Acts 5:1–11
What lessons can we learn from this story?
(We cannot lie to God; the consequences of lying may come immediately after the lie; we always suffer the consequences of our actions.)
A statement by Elder Gordon B. Hinckley:
“In our time those found in dishonesty do not die as did Ananias and Sapphira, but something within them dies. Conscience chokes, character withers, selfrespect vanishes, integrity dies”.
(in Conference Report, Apr. 1976, 91; or Ensign, May 1976, 61)
According to this quotation, what are some of the consequences of lying?
“Headline News”
How do you think people must feel about life if they believe that these conditions will always prevail in the world?
Acts 5:34–39
• What did Gamaliel believe about the contest between right and wrong?
• How can this knowledge help us have hope in a world filled with sin and error?
President Hugh B. Brown taught:
“You may be sure that ultimately righteousness will triumph. Truth will prevail. The Church has been organized and set up. It is the kingdom of God, and it will never be thrown down”.
(in Conference Report, Oct. 1961, 87)
Introduction to Acts 6-7
As Church membership increased, the Apostles called a group of seven men to assist them and to administer certain temporal needs of the Saints in Jerusalem.
Stephen, one of these seven, was described as “full of faith and power” and as one who “did great wonders and miracles among the people”. Some of the Jews accused Stephen of blasphemy for teaching that Christ “shall change the customs which Moses delivered us”. Stephen defended himself before the council by reminding them that true prophets had always been rejected by Israel. He testified that “as your fathers did, so do ye” and said they had rejected the Son of God.
Stephen saw a vision and testified of seeing God the Father and Jesus at His right hand. This so enraged the people that they stoned him, and Stephen became one of the early Church’s first martyrs.
Acts 6
• Who are the General Authorities responsible to?
• What might happen if they ignored their calling?
• How does this relate to the object lesson?
Acts 6:1–6
• How did the Church leaders solve this problem?
• Who was called to assist the Apostles in caring for the widows?
(Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, Nicolas)
A statement by Elder Bruce R. McConkie:
“The work assigned them fell within the realm of those temporal matters normally handled by the Aaronic Priesthood, thus leaving the apostles free to handle the more difficult matters of their Melchizedek ministry”.
(Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 2:65)
• What similar challenges do we face today?
• How do Aaronic Priesthood holders help in caring for widows?
• How does it lighten the load of Church leaders if Aaronic Priesthood holders faithfully perform their duties?
Acts 6:3
• What qualities did the Apostles look for in selecting the seven men?
• How do these same qualities help qualify us to serve in the Church today?
Acts 6:7–8
• In what ways can priesthood holders bless the widows and the entire Church?
17 Dec 2012 Monday
Acts 7
How might people of the world describe the Godhead?
A quotation by Elder Dallin H. Oaks:
“Many Christians reject the idea of a tangible, personal God and a Godhead of three separate beings. They believe that God is a spirit and that the Godhead is only one God. In our view these concepts are evidence of the falling away we call the Great Apostasy.
“We maintain that the concepts identified by such non-scriptural terms as ‘the incomprehensible mystery of God’ and ‘the mystery of the Holy Trinity’ are attributable to the ideas of Greek philosophy. These philosophical concepts transformed Christianity in the first few centuries following the deaths of the Apostles. . . .
“The consequences persist in the various creeds of Christianity, which declare a Godhead of only one being and which describe that single being or God as ‘incomprehensible’ and ‘without body, parts, or passions.’” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 112–13; or Ensign, May 1995, 84–85)
Acts 7:55–56
D&C 130:22
Latter-day Saints believe that each member of the Godhead has a separate body.
• How does it make you feel to know that we can pray to our Father in Heaven,
whose children we are, and who hears and answers prayers?
• How does knowing that Jesus is an individual help us follow His example?
• Why do many parents keep journals and write letters to their children?
(They love their children and want them to know them.)
• Why do you think Heavenly Father has revealed His nature to His children? (see John 17:3)
A statement by Elder Dallin H. Oaks:
“In common with the rest of Christianity, we believe in a Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. However, we testify that these three members of the Godhead are three separate and distinct beings. We also testify that God the Father is not just a spirit but is a glorified person with a tangible body, as is his resurrected Son, Jesus Christ”.
(in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 112; or Ensign, May 1995, 84)
18 Dec 2012 Tuesday
In Acts 8–9 we see the beginning of the worldwide mission of the early Christian Church. Before this time missionaries preached the gospel primarily to the Jews in Jerusalem and Judea. Now Philip, one of the seven men chosen to assist the Apostles, preached to non-Israelites in Samaria and in Gaza.
(see Bible map 11).
As you study chapter 8 look for the first principles and ordinances of the gospel being taught and applied.
These chapters also recount the conversion of Saul, one of the greatest missionaries who ever lived. Saul, whom the Lord raised up “to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel”, was the same who was renamed Paul and who wrote most of the Epistles in the New Testament. Notice how his zeal for persecuting the Saints changed, after his conversion, to zeal for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• What are some ill effects that could result from and arm or hand injury?
learning to write with the other hand
• What good might result?
gaining more empathy for people who suffer physically,
meeting a doctor or nurse who is interested in the gospel.
Acts 8
What good came from the trials experienced by the Church Members in Acts 8:1-4?
(Those who were scattered abroad preached in the places they went.)
Philip was one of those who preached the gospel as a result of being scattered from Jerusalem.
Acts 1:8
How did this scattering help the Church fill a commandment given by the resurrected Lord?
Nephi’s broken bow 1 Nephi 16:18–32
Do not be discouraged when bad things happen to you, but to look for the good things that might come from these experiences.
19 Dec 2012 Wednesday
Acts 9
In the scriptures: Find an account of the priesthood being used to bless someone’s life.
Read and Compare: Acts 9:32–35 Acts 9:36–43
Mark 2:1–12 and Luke 7:11–17
• Who performed the miracles in the accounts found in Mark and Luke?
• Who performed them in the accounts in Acts?
• From whom did Peter receive his priesthood power?
• Who restored this power to the earth in our day?
(Peter, James, and John; see D&C 128:20).
When was your life blessed by the power of the priesthood?
Christ’s priesthood authority or power is with us in the Church today.
20 Dec 2012 Thursday
Jesus told His Apostles, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature”. The book of Acts shows the Apostles fulfilling this divine assignment. Foreign Jews and proselytes (gentile converts to Judaism) heard the gospel preached in their own language on the day of Pentecost.
Nicolas, one of the seven called to care for the widows, was a proselyte from Antioch.
Philip baptized many in Samaria and a man from Ethiopia.
Ananias prophesied that Saul would preach Christ “before the Gentiles”.
The Lord gave Peter a vision showing him that “God is no respecter of persons” but that “he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him”, regardless of nationality.
The Church rejoiced in this revelation, saying, “Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life”.
These developments launched Paul’s great missionary work among the Gentiles.
Acts 10
Jesus directs His Church through revelation today just as He did in the times of the ancient Apostles.
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matthew 10:5–6
• What does this scripture say about missionary work?
• Can the Lord give different instructions regarding missionary work at different times? Why?
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Acts 10:44–48
• How did missionary work change at this time? (Gentiles were baptized.)
• How would this change affect the mission of the Church?
From Acts 10:
• How did the Lord prepare Cornelius, a Gentile, to receive the gospel?
• How did the Lord prepare Peter?
• What impact did the revelation to Peter have on the Church?
This revelation can be compared to Official Declaration 2 in the Doctrine and Covenants. Just as Peter’s revelation instructed the early Church to take the gospel to the Gentiles, this modern revelation through President Spencer W. Kimball is allowing the modern Church to expand missionary work and the blessings of the temple throughout the world.
A statement by Elder Harold B. Lee:
“When there is to be anything different from that which the Lord has told us already, he will give it to his prophet. . . . I have said, ‘Do you suppose that while the Lord has his prophet on the earth he is going to take some round-about means of revealing things to his children? That is what he has a prophet for, and when he has something to give to this Church, he will give it to the President’”.
(“The Place of the Living Prophet, Seer, and Revelator,” address to religious educators, 8 July 1964, in Charge to Religious Educators, 2nd ed. [1982], 109)
Before we watch:
This video portrays a time when the Church was not yet officially organized in Ghana and Nigeria. Consequently, there were no missionaries and no members of the Church there. However, some individuals had been able to obtain a few Church tracts and copies of the Book of Mormon.
While many blacks were members of the Church, the prophet taught that blacks could not then hold the priesthood. Just as the Lord’s revelation to Peter lifted the restriction on taking the gospel directly to the Gentiles, the Lord’s revelation to a latter-day prophet lifted the restriction on giving the priesthood to blacks. After the revelation, all worthy male members of the Church could be ordained.
New Testament Video presentation 11, “Long-Promised Day” (8:35)
Time for Seminary Grades: A B+ B B- C (Grades issued by height of student)
Is this grading system fair?
In order to be fair, grades need to be related to what they measure, and all of you should have a chance to earn a high grade. If only tall students can get the highest grade then we would say that Bro B is partial.
Remember the story of Cornelius …
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. Acts 10:34–35
What does it mean that God is no respecter of persons?
Receiving blessings from Heavenly Father does not depend on our race, tribe, culture, or economic status. Everyone can receive blessings from Heavenly Father by obeying His commandments.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16–17
Jesus Christ suffered for all, and that all who come to Him
Homework: Read Acts 11 & 12
Acts 13–14 contains an account of Paul’s first missionary journey to the Gentiles.
Paul’s companion was Barnabas, although John Mark also accompanied them during the beginning of the mission. This mission led to the establishment of branches of the Church in areas far removed from Jerusalem.
Paul entered cities where there were no members and where most had not even heard of Jesus Christ. When he left, however, there were thriving branches of the Church.
In these chapters we see Paul’s eagerness to preach the gospel to all men, regardless of their station or background. He usually preached first to the Jews, many of whom rejected his message, and then to the Gentiles.
As you read, notice the qualities that made Paul such a great missionary.
Acts 13
“Every time you kick ‘Mormonism’ you kick it upstairs; you never kick it downstairs.
The Lord Almighty so orders it”.
(Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, 351)
Acts 14
Trace the course of Paul’s first missionary journey.
• According to the map, approximately how far did Paul travel?
• Considering the time and the paths indicated on the map, what modes of travel might Paul have used?
• What difficulties would these circumstances present to a missionary living then?
• What modes of travel do missionaries use today?
• What difficulties do these create for present-day missionaries?
We can learn how to become good missionaries through Paul’s example.
• How was missionary work in Paul’s day similar to missionary work in our day?
• What can we learn from Paul’s example to help us be better missionaries?
Prepare to serve the Lord by following Paul’s example.
Acts 15 gives an account of an important Church council held in Jerusalem about A.D. 50, just before Paul’s second missionary journey. Church leaders attending the conference included Peter, James, Paul, Barnabas, and Titus.
Many Gentiles had been baptized after hearing Paul and Barnabas preach.
Some Jewish members of the Church in Jerusalem became concerned because the new male converts had not been circumcised. Church leaders convened the council at Jerusalem to consider whether or not gentile converts to the Church should be required to obey the law of Moses.
As you study Acts, notice how cultural and emotional factors often influence the behavior of people, sometimes running contrary to the teachings of Church leaders.
Acts 15
We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. (the ninth article of faith)
When Heavenly Father reveals something for the entire Church,
He reveals it through the prophet.
• Can you think of any recent revelations the Lord has given to the Church through the prophet?
Official Declaration 2 [1978]
“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” [1995]
The decision to build small temples [1997]
Acts 15 illustrates how in the ancient Church, just as in the modern Church, the Lord revealed His will to Church leaders. These leaders in turn taught the people and helped them understand and obey.
From Acts 15:1–6:
• What issue did this Church council deal with?
Whether circumcision was necessary for salvation.
“Except Ye Be Circumcised After the Manner of Moses, Ye Cannot Be Saved”
The ordinance of circumcision was instituted by Jehovah himself. It was first given to Abraham and his descendants as a token of the covenant which assured sacred and eternal blessings to all who served the Lord in righteousness. According to the law of Moses, every male child was to be circumcised when he was eight days old. The prime purpose for the token was to serve as a reminder of God’s covenant with Abraham.
Following the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the need for the special token was removed. No longer was the gospel and its blessings exclusively reserved for the Jews; the gospel was for all. In a revelation given to Mormon and recorded in the Book of Mormon, Jesus said: “Little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them; and the law of circumcision is done away in me.” In the days of Jesus and the apostles it was popular to refer to people as those of the circumcision and those of the uncircumcision, the former as a synonym for the Jews and the latter for the gentiles. Although the special Council of Jerusalem settled the question by revelation, Paul still found it necessary to combat the problem wherever he went. Many of his converts were Jewish and insisted that all gentile Christians must also obey the Mosaic rite. Paul made it clear that circumcision for either Jew or gentile was done away in Christ. (Commentary for Acts 15:1 in The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, p. 264.)
• Why was it difficult for Jewish Christians to give up certain requirements of the law of Moses?
• What difficulties might old traditions present to members of the Church today?
Look for the roles played in the council by Peter, Barnabas, Paul, and James:
Acts 15:7–21
• What is significant about Peter’s testimony in the council?
• Whose will was it that the gospel be preached to the Gentiles?
• What evidence did Peter give that the Gentiles were accepted by God through faith without circumcision?
From Acts 15:22–35:
• Why was circumcision such a critical issue in the Church at this time?
• How did the leaders tell the members that circumcision was no longer required?
• How do modern Church leaders communicate decisions and counsel to members of the Church?
• What is our obligation regarding the counsel and direction of Church leaders?
• What can we do if we don’t understand something our leaders ask us to do?
• What should we do if we don’t agree with something our Church leaders ask us to do?
(See also The Teachings of the Living Prophets [Religion 333 student manual, 1982], chapters 8–11; and Dallin H. Oaks, “Criticism,” Ensign, Feb. 1987, pp. 68–73.)
The Lord’s prophet will never lead us astray.
We should always prayerfully follow the counsel of the living prophet and sustain him in every way.
Once the decision was made not to require gentile converts to keep the law of Moses, Paul set out on a second missionary journey to the gentile nations. This time Silas was his companion. Acts 16–18 focuses primarily on the people, places, and events that Paul encountered. This mission ends in Acts 18:22, and the account of Paul’s third missionary journey begins in verse 23.
Notice the teaching methods that made Paul a successful missionary.
Acts 16
• According to the map, approximately how far did Paul travel on his second mission?
• How does that compare to his first missionary journey?
(It is nearly twice as far.)
This journey gave Paul an opportunity to revisit branches of the Church he had founded during his first missionary journey and also to establish several new branches in areas not yet touched by the gospel message.
• What are some examples of customs or manners in other cultures that are different from ours?
(Possibly: table manners, dating customs, laws, etc.)
To keep from offending people, missionaries need to be sensitive to differences between their own culture and the cultures of the places they are called to teach the gospel.
Acts 16:1–3
• Who is the missionary described in verse 1 as “he”?
(Paul; see Acts 15:40)
• Who did Paul choose to serve as his companion?
(Timothy)
• What Jewish rite had not been performed in Timothy’s case?
(He had not been circumcised, perhaps because his father was Greek.)
• What did Paul do in this case? Why?
(He circumcised Timothy to make him more acceptable to the Jews they would be teaching.)
• How do we know Paul did this for cultural, not religious, reasons?
(see Acts 15:1–11)
Name a place where a friend or relative is currently serving as a missionary.
• What do you know about the culture of these places?
• What aspects of the culture in that place do you think would be important for a missionary to understand?
• Can you think of and share an experience where you unexpectedly had an opportunity to share the gospel?
• What might have happened if you had not been prepared?
• Who can be witnesses of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
We should be “witnesses of God at all times and in all things”. (Mosiah 18:9)
From Acts 16:9–15:
• What made these circumstances unexpected?
• What evidence can you give that Paul was prepared?
From Acts 16:16–33:
• What can we learn from Paul’s experiences?
• What can you do now to prepare yourselves to share the gospel, whether as a full-time missionary or a member?
A quotation from Elder L. Tom Perry, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve:
“I often greet young priesthood bearers of the Church as we meet them throughout the world with the question, ‘Future missionary?’ Their faces usually brighten with a positive reply. Then I encourage them to start today preparing for that great experience.
“What preparation is necessary for this exciting service? First and most important is that the Lord expects it of us. He expects us to be involved in building His kingdom. Our prophets have continually reminded us that every able, worthy young man is expected to serve a full-time mission.
“Your preparation must have you ready to sit in front of your bishop and certify to him of your personal worthiness to be a full-time missionary. You will be much more comfortable with the interview with your bishop if he is already your friend”.
(in Conference Report, Apr. 1991, 52; or Ensign, May 1991, 39)
Acts 17
Fill in the blanks …
The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “No man can preach the Gospel without ___ ____ _____.”
(Several answers could make the statement true but we are looking for one in particular.)
“All are to preach the Gospel, by the power and influence of the Holy Ghost; and no man can
preach the Gospel without the Holy Ghost”. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 112)
Doctrine and Covenants 42:6–7, 12–13
• According to these verses, what should missionaries teach?
• According to verses 13–14, how should gospel principles from the scriptures be taught?
Paul is a good example of following this divine pattern for teaching the gospel.
What happened in: Thessalonica (see Acts 17:1–4),
Berea (see Acts 17:10–12),
Athens (see Acts 17:16–18, 32–34), and
Corinth (see Acts 18:1–8).
• In what settings did Paul teach the gospel?
• How did Paul teach? (He taught from the scriptures.)
• What evidence is there that he taught by the power of the Holy Ghost?
• What are the results of teaching the gospel by the power of the Spirit?
• What can we learn from Paul’s example?
During his second missionary journey, Paul taught the intellectuals at Athens a most important doctrine.
• What difficulties might we experience trying to worship an unknown god?
• How would worshiping an unknown god affect our understanding of the gospel?
• How would worshiping an unknown god affect our faith?
Acts 17:22–23
• Why would Paul say they “ignorantly” worshiped this unknown god?
• If God were unknown, how would we know how to worship Him?
• What did Paul say he would do for them?
Answer the following questions from Acts 17:24–29:
1. Who made the earth and “all things therein”? (see v. 24)
2. What did Paul declare about God’s need for worship? (see vv. 24–25)
3. What does the true God give each of us? (see v. 25)
4. How are all the nations of the earth “one blood”? (see v. 26)
(see also 2 Nephi 2:19–20)
5. What two things did God determine before we were born? (see v. 26)
6. If we were to seek God, why would we be able to find Him? (see v. 27)
7. What is our relationship with God? (see vv. 28–29)
8. How does knowing these principles help us worship God more appropriately?
Was Paul Teaching About the Premortal Existence When He Spoke of the “Times Before Appointed”?
Here is an important doctrinal point that squares precisely with that taught by Moses, who speaks of how God divided “to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam,” and “set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.” The doctrinal implication of these scriptures is plain: “If the Lord appointed unto the nations the bounds of their habitation, then there must have been a selection of spirits to form these nations.” President Harold B. Lee explained further:
“. . . may I ask each of you again the question, ‘Who are you?’ You are all the sons and daughters of God. Your spirits were created and lived as organized intelligences before the world was. You have been blessed to have a physical body because of your obedience to certain commandments in that premortal state. You are now born into a family to which you have come, into the nations through which you have come, as a reward for the kind of lives you lived before you came here and at a time in the world’s history, as the Apostle Paul taught the men of Athens and as the Lord revealed to Moses, determined by the faithfulness of each of those who lived before this world was created.”
Commentary for Acts 17:26 in The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles (p. 266).
What responsibilities do we have as we come to know who we are?
Acts 18
Trace Paul’s third missionary journey
• According to the map, approximately how far did Paul travel?
• How does this compare with his other missionary journeys?
Not only did he travel farther but he also spent more time (about four years) than on any of his previous missionary journeys.
Paul’s third missionary journey is a testimony to his character and his dedication to the cause of Christ.
Acts chapter 19 contains several accounts of Paul in Ephesus. While there he taught and baptized, healed the sick, dealt with Jewish exorcists, and narrowly escaped mob violence at the hands of worshipers of Diana. All of these experiences bear witness to the power of the Holy Ghost as it worked through Paul.
Chapter 20 shows him raising a young man from the dead in Troas and counseling Church elders in Miletus. To these leaders of the branch in Ephesus he cited a teaching of Jesus not found in any other passage of scripture:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive”. (Acts 20:35)
Acts 19
• What evidence can you give that miracles really happen?
• What do you think brings miracles about?
When the Saints were driven from Missouri, they camped along the banks of the Mississippi River, where they were stricken with severe illnesses. One day the Prophet Joseph Smith rose from his own sickbed, assembled several of the brethren, and proceeded to heal as many people as he could lay his hands on.
President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote:
“In this manner the Prophet and the brethren passed from house to house, healing the sick and recalling them from the mouth of the tomb. It was on this occasion that a man, not a member of the Church, seeing the mighty miracles which were performed, begged the Prophet to go with him and heal two of his children who were very sick. The Prophet could not go, but said he would send some one to heal them. Taking from his pocket a silk handkerchief he handed it to Elder Wilford Woodruff and requested him to go and heal the children. He told Elder Woodruff to wipe the faces of the children with the handkerchief, and they should be healed. This he did and they were healed”. (Essentials in Church History, 27th ed. [1974], 224)
• By what power did Joseph Smith heal?
• How would you react if you were asked to do the same thing as Wilford Woodruff?
• Do objects or articles of clothing have miraculous power?
• What part did the handkerchief play in bringing about this miracle?
And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. Acts 19:11–12
An explanation by Elder Bruce R. McConkie:
“Healings come by the power of faith; there is no healing virtue or power in any item of clothing or other object, whether owned by Paul or Jesus or anyone. But rites and objects may be used to help increase faith” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 2:169).
Other objects that have been used in this way in the scriptures:
spittle and clay (see John 9:6–7),
Jesus’ clothing (see Matthew 9:20–22), and
the shadow of Peter (see Acts 5:15–16).
Faith in the Lord is essential for healing to occur.
Acts 19:13–16
• What did the sons of Sceva think one had to do to cast out evil spirits?
• Why did just using the name of Jesus fail?
• Why did the evil spirit recognize Jesus and Paul but not these men?
• Why is it vital to have priesthood authority to heal in Jesus’ name?
(see D&C 63:60–62)
Acts 20:7–12
Healings occur through priesthood authority and the power of faith.
Acts 20
Paul foresaw the apostasy of the Church Jesus Christ established.
Which are orange, red and pink?
Just as it is difficult to distinguish some of these colors, it is also difficult to discern spiritual truth when the light of revelation goes out. Paul and other early Apostles predicted such a spiritual darkness.
Acts 20:28–30
• What did Paul say would happen to the Church after he was gone?
• Who are the “grievous wolves” and the men “speaking perverse things”?
• How are people who teach false doctrine like wolves?
• How can false doctrines destroy the Savior’s flock (the Church)?
Apostasy
“Apostasy” means abandoning one’s religious beliefs or departing from the truth.
This is the word we use today to describe what happened in the early Church.
Paul spoke about the Apostasy many times in his writings:
Acts 20:28–30
1 Corinthians 11:18
Galatians 1:6–8
2 Thessalonians 2:1–3
1 Timothy 1:5–7; 4:1–3
2 Timothy 3:1–7
Titus 1:10–16
With the death of the Apostles and the acceptance of false doctrines, the ancient Church departed from the truth. This was not just an apostasy of members from the Church but an apostasy of the Church. Because of this apostasy, within a relatively short time of its establishment by Christ, the true Church was withdrawn and could no longer be found on the earth.
In the sixteenth century religious reformers in Europe tried to correct the damage done by the Apostasy. This movement was known as the Reformation. But only a Restoration could bring back the truths and authority that had been lost.
Joseph Smith was the prophet through whom Heavenly Father began this Restoration.
Some of the same influences that led to the apostasy of the ancient Church cause some people to apostatize from the Church today.
A statements by President Gordon B. Hinckley:
“As surely as this is the work of the Lord, there will be opposition. There will be those, perhaps not a few, who with the sophistry of beguiling words and clever design will spread doubt and seek to undermine the foundation on which this cause is established. They will have their brief day in the sun. They may have for a brief season the plaudits of the doubters and the skeptics and the critics. But they will fade and be forgotten as have their kind in the past”.
(in Conference Report, Apr. 1994, 76; or Ensign, May 1994, 60)
“There is a tendency on the part of some to become indifferent. There are those who drift off, seeking the enticements of the world, forsaking the cause of the Lord. I see others who think it is all right to lower their standards, perhaps in small ways. In this very process they lose the cutting edge of enthusiasm for this work. For instance, they think the violation of the Sabbath is a thing of unimportance. They neglect their meetings. They become critical. They engage in backbiting. Before long they have drifted from the Church.
“The Prophet Joseph once declared, ‘Where doubt is, there faith has no power’. (Lectures on Faith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1985], p. 46)
“I invite any who may have so drifted to come back to the strong and solid moorings of the Church. This is the work of the Almighty. Whether we as individuals go forward will depend on us. But the Church will never fail to move forward”.
(in Conference Report, Sept.–Oct. 1995, 95; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 72).
What causes individual apostasy?
What can we do to avoid and prevent it?
The account of Paul’s third missionary journey to the Gentiles ends with Acts 21:16.
During the roughly ten years of his three journeys Paul traveled many thousands of miles and boldly testified of Jesus “before the Gentiles . . . and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15).
Acts 21:17–23:35 records events that transpired between the end of these missions and his appearance before Felix, the Roman governor at Caesarea. They include Paul’s telling of his conversion and of other occasions when the Lord spoke to him. They end with Paul under arrest in Herod’s judgment hall in Caesarea awaiting a hearing before Felix.
Notice Paul’s boldness as a missionary and his ability to seize every opportunity to teach the gospel, no matter how difficult the circumstances.
Acts 21
If we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we will be guided, protected, and comforted.
Why is it sometimes difficult to follow the promptings of the Spirit?
Acts 20:22–25
• What consequences did Paul know would come if he followed the Spirit’s direction to go to Jerusalem?
Imagine receiving a mission call knowing that if you went you would never be able to return to their family or friends.
• In what ways would your faith be tested?
• How is that similar to what Paul faced?
Acts 20:36–38
• How did Paul react to his call?
Review Acts 21:1–17
• How did Paul’s friends react to his decision to go to Jerusalem? (see vv. 4, 10–12).
• Why do friends sometimes try to keep you from doing something you feel you should do?
• When this happens, how do you react?
• How did Paul respond to his friends? (see v. 13).
• What does that show about Paul’s testimony?
• In what ways could we follow his example?
• How did Paul’s friends react to his commitment? (see v. 14).
• Have you ever had an experience in which a friend’s standing up for truth helped you follow the Lord?
A statement by William Law, an eighteenth century English clergyman:
“If you have not chosen the Kingdom of God, it will make in the end no difference what you have chosen instead”. (in Neal A. Maxwell, The Smallest Part [1973], 1)
It is important to follow the Lord in spite of any opposition we receive from other people.
• How does the culture differ in other parts of the world?
• About how many people join the Church each year?
New Children of Record during 2011 119,917
Converts Baptized during 2011 281,312
New Members 401,229
(Total Membership (2011) 14,441,346)
• What are the religious backgrounds of some of these new converts?
• What challenges might a person from another religion face when joining the Church?
(There are many concepts, doctrines, beliefs, and practices that new converts need to abandon in order to fully embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ.)
• What teachings or practices of the Church do you think new converts might have the hardest time adjusting to? Why?
Acts 21:16–20
• Where did Paul’s missionary journey lead him?
• How did the Jewish members of the Church in Jerusalem feel about the law of Moses?
Acts 21:21–26
• What did Paul do out of respect for the feelings of Jewish converts in his day?
• How might their feelings be similar to the feelings of new members of the Church today?
• What can we learn from Paul’s example?
A quotation from President Gordon B. Hinckley:
“Unfortunately, people can’t seem to be tolerant and respectful of the views of others in so many cases. We must cultivate . . . an attitude of tolerance and respect for the beliefs and rights of others. We must cultivate an increased spirit of civility among people in their expressions one to another, and toward the beliefs and practices of others. We can disagree with people without being disagreeable. We can disagree without raising our voices and becoming angry and vindictive in our ways. We must learn to do so. We . . . must practice a greater spirit of Christ in our lives, of love one for another, and extend that to all people regardless of whom they worship or how they worship, so long as they do not infringe upon the rights of others”.
(Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 666–67)
How do you feel about this statement?
Think of an individual in the ward or stake who recently joined the Church or is just becoming active.
What could you do to show tolerance and charity toward this individual?
We should follow Paul’s example of respecting the feelings of new converts.
Acts 22-23
Sometimes the Lord accomplishes His will for us through the actions of other people.
Certain people helped Paul accomplish something that Heavenly Father had in mind for him.
From Acts 23:11–31:
• What did the Lord desire Paul to do? (see v. 11).
• What plans were made to prevent Paul from doing the Lord’s will? (see vv. 12–15).
• Who helped make it possible for Paul to accomplish the Lord’s will? (see vv. 16–18, 23).
Other people sometimes help us accomplish what the Lord wants us to do.
• How do other people help us prepare for missions?
• How do other people help us enjoy the scriptures?
• How do other people help us give service?
Sometimes the Lord even enlists other people to help Him answer our prayers. For example, when we pray for help in understanding a gospel principle, He might prompt a teacher to discuss that principle in a lesson.
The Lord may also use them to help other people accomplish what the Lord wants them to do.
Be prepared to help whenever the Lord calls.
Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea. While there he made a brave and straightforward defense before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa, which eventually led him to a trial before Caesar in Rome.
There he would have the opportunity to complete the mission the Lord gave him to bear testimony of Jesus “before the Gentiles, and kings”.
Look for what Paul’s conduct teaches us about respecting the law of the land.
Sedition
One of you has the real answer. The others must make up an answer that would fool everyone into believing they have the real answer.
se·di·tion [si-dish-uhn] Noun
incitement of discontent or rebellion against a government.
2. any action, especially in speech or writing, promoting such discontent or rebellion.
Acts 24
Imagine going with a nonmember friend to another state or country. The newspapers there have printed some untruths about the Church, and your friend asks you for an explanation.
• What would be the most difficult part of this experience? Why?
• Why do you think some members might find it hard to defend the Church in a situation like that?
• If you could talk with the leader of that country for twenty minutes, what would you say about the Church?
Those with testimonies of the truth should always be willing to testify of Jesus Christ, the scriptures, and the words of the living prophets.
Acts 26:12–18
• To whom was Paul sent to preach the gospel?
• What message was Paul to deliver?
• How was Paul’s message like the one we bear today?
Refer to: Acts 24:10–21; Acts 25:8–11; Acts 26:2–29.
• What did Paul teach?
• How did he teach?
• Who did he teach?
• When did he teach?
• What was his attitude toward teaching the gospel?
What can we learn from Paul about being valiant in our testimonies of Jesus Christ?
A statement by Elder Dallin H. Oaks:
“What does it mean to be ‘valiant in the testimony of Jesus’? Surely this includes keeping his commandments and serving him. But wouldn’t it also include bearing witness of Jesus Christ, our Savior and our Redeemer, to believers and nonbelievers alike? As the Apostle Peter taught the Saints of his day, we should ‘sanctify the Lord God in [our] hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh [us] a reason of the hope that is in [us]’.
(1 Peter 3:15)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1990, 38; or Ensign, Nov. 1990, 31)
Prepare to teach the gospel to others.
Acts 25
Let’s become familiar with the key figures in Acts 24–26.
Tertullus = accused Paul of being “a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes” (see Acts 24:1–5)
sister of Agrippa = Bernice (see Acts 25:13; Bible Dictionary, “Herod,” pp. 700–701)
Festus = took Felix’s place as governor (see Acts 24:27; Bible Dictionary, “Festus,” p. 674)
Tertullus presented Paul to _____ = Felix (see Acts 24:1–3)
Roman emperor = Caesar (see Acts 25:10–12; 26:32)
Paul = “This thing was not done in a corner” (see Acts 26:26)
“Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” = Agrippa (see Acts 26:28)
Lysias = chief captain (see Acts 24:7)
Acts 26
After two years of imprisonment in Caesarea, Paul set sail for Rome to be tried by Caesar. He traveled in the company of 276 prisoners and sailors. Paul foresaw that the voyage would be troubled and advised the sailors to wait out the winter near Lasea. The centurion refused to follow his advice, and the ship was wrecked off the island of Melita. Paul was inspired to reassure the passengers that all would be saved. While stranded on the island, Paul healed the sick and was himself bitten by a poisonous snake but suffered no harm. Finally arriving in Rome, Paul lived as a private citizen, though guarded by a soldier. He spent the next two years preaching the gospel, thus fulfilling the Lord’s promise (see Acts 23:11).
This is where the book of Acts ends.
Acts 27
“In January of 1975, on a dark, rainy night in Tasmania, a 7,300-ton barge smashed into two piers of the Tasman Bridge, which connects Hobart, Tasmania, with its eastern suburbs across the bay. Three spans of the bridge collapsed. An Australian family by the name of Ling were driving across the bridge when suddenly the bridge lights went out. Just then a speeding car passed them and disappeared before their very eyes. Murray Ling ‘slammed on his brakes and skidded to a stop, one yard from the edge of a black void’ (Stephen Johnson, “Over the Edge!” Reader’s Digest, Nov. 1977, 128).
“Murray got his family out of the car and then began warning oncoming traffic of the disaster ahead. As he frantically waved his arms, to his horror, a car ‘swerved around him and plummeted into the abyss’ (p. 128). A second car barely stopped in time, but a third car showed no sign of slowing down and crashed into the Lings’ car at the edge of the bridge.
“Suddenly a loaded bus headed toward Murray, ignoring his waving arms. In desperation, risking his very life, he ‘ran alongside the driver’s window. “There’s a span missing,” he yelled’ (p. 129). The bus swerved just in time and came to a halt against the railing. Dozens of lives had been saved” (Spencer J. Condie, in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 21; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 17).
Paul was in a similar position to the man on the bridge.
Review Acts 27:9–26:
• What difficulties did the ship’s passengers face when the centurion chose not to listen to Paul?
• What can we learn from this experience?
Review verses 27–44:
• How was Paul vindicated as a prophet?
• What does this teach us about the confidence we can have in what a prophet says?
Regarding the “downed bridges,” or dangers, we face in life:
• Who has the Lord given us to warn about the dangers ahead?
• What have the prophets warned us about recently?
• What could happen if we choose not to listen to the prophets?
• What happens when we do listen and heed?
A statement by Elder Spencer J. Condie, a member of the Seventy:
“I am grateful for these Brethren whom we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators who forewarn us of bridges not to be crossed”.
(in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 21; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 17)
Work to develop this same appreciation for the living prophets and to carefully heed their counsel.
Facing difficulties with courage can strengthen our character. Having faith in God gives us courage.
What are some difficulties people face in their lives?
(illness, loss of loved ones, work-related stress, etc.)
And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. Acts 27:13–15
How can this be compared to the difficulties or “storms” of life?
Muscles grow and become strong as they overcome resistance.
• How do character and spiritual growth compare to muscle growth?
• What happens to us as we overcome the obstacles in our life?
2 Corinthians 1:3–4
2 Corinthians 4:8–9
2 Corinthians 4:17
Philippians 3:8
Philippians 4:13
• What was Paul’s attitude toward the challenges of his life?
• What can we learn from Paul in facing our own challenges?
• How would having the wrong attitude toward life’s challenges affect our strength of character?
• How can we develop an appropriate attitude toward dealing with the trials of life?
Testimony from Elder Richard G. Scott, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve:
“The Lord is intent on your personal growth and development. That progress is accelerated when you willingly allow Him to lead you through every growth experience you encounter, whether initially it be to your individual liking or not. When you trust in the Lord, when you are willing to let your heart and your mind be centered in His will, when you ask to be led by the Spirit to do His will, you are assured of the greatest happiness along the way and the most fulfilling attainment from this mortal experience. If you question everything you are asked to do, or dig in your heels at every unpleasant challenge, you make it harder for the Lord to bless you”.
(in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 33; or Ensign, May 1996, 25)
Acts 28
From Acts 28:1–10:
• How did the spiritual strength and character Paul showed in these verses allow him to bless others?
• What are some ways we can allow the Lord to help us become a blessing to others also?