What does this book treat of?

Of the principal events in the first thirty years after our Lord's Ascension.

What were they?

The election of Matthias. The descent of the Holy Ghost; the assembling and acts of the first council. The increase of the Church by means of the preaching of SS. Peter and Paul; an account of the conversion of the latter, the martyrdom of St. Stephen, and the sufferings of some of the early Christians under the persecutions that were raised.

How did the apostles act after our Lord's Ascension?

They retired to the upper part of a house in Jerusalem, where, in company with the Mother of our Lord and others of the faithful they persevered in prayer, expecting the fulfilment of our Lord's promise to send the Holy

Ghost; and in the meantime they filled the place vacated by the fall of Judas.

Who proposed to them to fill the vacancy?

St. Peter; and they selected two, Joseph, surnamed Justus, and Matthias, and praying that God would manifest His will, they gave them lots; and the lot falling on Matthias, he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

How long after the Ascension of our Lord did the Holy Ghost descend on the apostles?

Ten days, and fifty after His Resurrection.

The feast is kept by the Church on Whit-Sunday, otherwise called Pentecost.

Describe the coming of the Holy Ghost?

When the days of the Pentecost were accomplished, they were all together in one place, and suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with divers tongues according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak." (Acts ii. 1.)

What did the people, at that time assembled in Jerusalem, from various nations, say, when they heard the apostles speaking different languages?

Some were astonished, and inquired into the meaning; others mocked, saying they were intoxicated.

Which of the apostles explained the matter to the mul titudes?

St. Peter, who informed them that what they then wit nessed was what the prophet Joel had foretold and having quoted the words of the prophecy, he took occasion to preach the coming, death, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and so efficaciously exhorted and admonished them, that about three thousand were converted on the spot and baptized.

MANNERS OF THE

Lesson Forty-sixth.

FIRST CHRISTIANS AND MIRACLES PER

FORMED BY THE APOSTLES.

What kind of life did the early Christians lead? One of great piety and simplicity; they had all things in common, those who had possessions and goods sold them, and laid the price at the feet of the apostles, who divided it according to the necessities of each.

What two persons unhappily yielded to temptation by pretending to lay the price of the field they sold at the feet of the apostles like the rest, but fraudulently keeping back a part?

Ananias and his wife Saphira; the former came in first, and, being reprehended by St. Peter, fell down and died. In about three hours after, Saphira, not knowing what had passed, came in, and being questioned by St. Peter, made the saine statement as her husband, on which reprehending her for her deceit, he told her that they who had carried out her husband, and who had only just returned from burying him, should also carry her out. Immediately she fell down and died, and they buried her by her husband.

Did the apostles perform great and frequent miracles?
They did. It was by miracles their divine mission was

proved, and according to our Lord's promise, they performed as great as He did whilst on earth.

Relate some of them?

SS. Peter and John going into the Temple by the gate which was called Beautiful, saw a man begging who was lame from his birth, and who used to be daily carried there to ask alms of those who went in. St. Peter looking at him said, "Silver and gold I have none; but what I have I give thee; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, arise and walk;" and taking him by the hand, he raised him. And the man immediately leaping up, went into the Temple with them, walking and leaping, and praising God.

What did St. Peter say to the multitudes that collected round him and St. John, wondering at the miracle that had been wrought?

That the lame man had been cured through faith,* in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the author of life, whom they and their rulers had put to death, but whom God had raised from the dead. And quoting the prophets, he showed that what they had fortold had been done to Christ. He then earnestly exhorted them to sincere conversion, and great numbers believed.

How did the priests and the Sadducees act when they found the apostles preaching to the people?

They put them in prison for the night, and on the next morning brought them before the council, in which Annas, the High Priest, and Caiphas presided; for they were grieved that the apostles preached in Jesus the Resurrection from the dead, and all knew that they had been with Him.

What answer did St. Peter make when called to account before the council?

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"Ye princes of the people and ancients hear, if we this day are examined concerning the good deed done to the infirm man, by what means he hath been made whole. Be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, of Nazareth,

There is probably a question here of faith on the part of the apostles, not on the part of the lame man himself, of whose faith in Christ before his cure there is at least no mention in the Scripture.

whom you crucified whom God hath raised from the dead, even by Him, this man standeth here before you whole. This is, the stone which was rejected by you the builders, which is become the head of the corner; neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved.

How did the High Priest and council act on hearing St. Peter's defence?

They threatened him and St. John, commanding them to preach no more; but they did not inflict corporal punishment that time for fear of the people. However, not long after they scourged St. Peter, and the other apostles, threatening them and charging them to preach no more, for they were filled with envy at seeing the numerous and manifest miracles they wrought. Among the rest, one by which St. Peter raised to life a pious widow, named Tabitha.

Lesson Forty-seventh.

MARTYRDOM OF ST. STEPHEN.-ORDINATION OF THE SEVEN DEACONS.-MISSION OF ST. PHILIP.

Who were the first deacons?

Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas; seven in number, on whom, the apostles praying, imposed hands, and appointed to their office. Who was the first martyr?

St. Stephen, the first of the seven deacons, a man of extraordinary holiness, and a performer of many and great miracles.

Why did the Jews put St. Stephen to death?

Because when he was dragged by them before the council, he steadfastly maintained what he had before preached, that our Lord Jesus Christ is He whom all the prophets foretold. And as he continued to urge the subject, looking up to heaven he saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, which he