#156. The Ascension.#--At last we come to the final scene. We are on the Mount of Olives. He is there, and with him the eleven. As he blesses them, lo, he begins to ascend. In rapt amazement they gaze on his disappearing figure. Then a cloud intervenes, and he is lost to their sight. Still they gaze, hoping once more to see him, when they are aware that two strangers are with them. These men say to them that this same Jesus will return again in like manner as they have just seen him go. Satisfied with this message, they return to Jerusalem, there to tarry until they be endued with that power of which the Master had just spoken to them. How this power came and the results of its coming we shall see in the lesson on the Acts of the Apostles. Test Questions What explanation of the resurrection of the Lord do some critics give? In reply to this false contention, give the first truth. Give the second truth. Give the third truth. Give the fourth truth. Give the fifth truth. Give the sixth truth. Mention in their order the various appearances of our Lord to his disciples. What other appearances may we add to these? Describe the final ascent on the Mount of Olives. After his ascension, where did the Apostles go? For what did they then wait in the city of Jerusalem? Lesson 8 The Early Church New Testament Division--Third and Fourth Periods #The Pivotal Events of the Book of Acts.#--Pentecost--the bestowal of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-47). The healing power given, as well as spiritual power (Acts 3:1-11; Acts 5:12-16). Persecution came to the disciples (Acts 4:1-22; Acts 5:18). The great persecution (Acts 6:1 to 7:60). The conversion of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1-22; Acts 22:1-21; Acts 26:1-20). The gospel given to the Gentiles (Acts 10:3 to 11:48). Missionary work organized (Acts 13:1-3). The Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-31). The gospel crossed from Asia to Europe (Acts 16:9). The first preaching at Philippi (Acts 16:14, 15.) Lydia the first convert. (The life of Paul is treated more fully in the next lesson.) #TIME.#--A. D. 30 to A. D. 51. #PLACES.#--Jerusalem, Damascus, Caesarea, Tarsus and Cilicia, Troas, Philippi. #SIGNIFICANCE OF EVENTS.#--Here the gospel ceases to be local in character and becomes universal--held no longer by national or geographical boundaries. Development of the Early Church