Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
The book of Acts continues the works of Christ through the Spirit and His apostles after His death. In this video, we will study the apostles' experiences that give hope to those who feel God may have 'passed by them' for an extended period. Peter's example will teach us our need for authenticity and sometimes spontaneity in our relations with others.
Book of Acts:
Theophilus from the Greek, means "beloved or friend of God"; he was perhaps a non Christian Roman officer or a Church member. Evidence from Acts 23:26 seems to favor his being an officer, for in the book of Acts, the Roman governor of Judaea, Felix, is addressed as "most excellent" one, just as Theophilus is addressed in Luke 1:3. (D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew C. Skinner, New Testament Apostles Testify of Christ Salt Lake City; Deseret Book, 1998, 30)
The Greek word for proofs is tekmerion "a sure sign or token" (Liddell, Scott, Jones, et al. A Greek and Hebrew Lexicon (Oxford: Claredon Press, 1966, p. 1768)
“Following his resurrection, the risen Lord “shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God’ (Acts 1:3). Though scripture is relatively silent, New Testament apocryphal writings (“forty day literature’) abound in teachings on washings and ritual cleansings, holy garments, new names, sacred marriages, etc. We know that the Master organized his church, but that with the death of the apostles the keys of the kingdom were taken. And thus for seventeen centuries the world was without sufficient power and understanding to comprehend the glory of the priesthood and the ordinance of eternal marriage.” (Robert L. Millet, Selected Writings of Robert L. Millet: Gospel Scholars Series Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 2000, 284-285.)
Outline of the Book of Acts
“A prophetic utterance by David (recorded in Psalms; see footnote references to Acts 1:16,20) is fulfilled in the betrayal and replacement of Judas Iscariot. From this point on, we see Peter teaching and reasoning from the scriptures. Undoubtedly, he learned this method from his Master, who not only encouraged disciples to study the scriptures (see John 5:39) but taught from them himself (see Luke 24:27). Teaching from the scriptures is an important theme for Luke, especially in the book of Acts.” (D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew C. Skinner, New Testament Apostles Testify of Christ Salt Lake City; Deseret Book, 1998, 32)
President Spencer W. Kimball: “Since I was ordained an apostle on October 7, 1943, I have participated and assisted in the call of a great many General Authorities. How were they called? May I assure you that every one of those men was called by God, by prophecy and by revelation. There was a process of elimination through much fasting and prayer. Many people may have been considered, but finally, one man from the entire Church was nominated by the Prophet of the Lord, approved by his counselors and by the members of the Council of the Twelve, sustained by the people, and ordained by the Prophet of the Lord.
“This is comparable to the same operation in the days of Peter following the ascension of the Christ, when the remaining apostles, with Peter presiding as the prophet of God, combed the area for great men and by the process of elimination brought it down to two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. Peter took leadership and explained the qualifications necessary, stating that the appointee must have been associated with them during the entire ministry of the Christ from his baptism to his ascension, thus being a special witness of the Christ.
‘And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen.’ (Acts 1:24.)
And Matthias was called and was numbered with the eleven apostles.” (Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1972, 45.)
“President [Heber J.] Grant received revelations as President of the Church to guide the Church as a whole. One such revelation came just after he was set apart as President of the Church, when he sought the will of the Lord in appointing a new member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. As he pondered this responsibility, his thoughts turned repeatedly to his lifelong friend Richard W. Young, a faithful Latter-day Saint and a proven leader. President Grant discussed this possibility with his counselors, who supported his decision.
“When he finally felt confident with this course of action, he wrote his friend’s name on a piece of paper and took the paper with him to the weekly temple meeting with the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. However, when he was about to present the name for the approval of his Brethren, he was unable to do so. Instead of presenting the name of Richard W. Young, he presented the name of Melvin J. Ballard, a man whom he hardly knew. President Grant later told of the impact this experience had on him:
“‘I have felt the inspiration of the living God directing me in my labors. From the day that I chose a comparative stranger to be one of the apostles, instead of my lifelong and dearest living friend, I have known as I know that I live, that I am entitled to the light and the inspiration and the guidance of God in directing His work here upon this earth’” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant [2002], 181–82)
Feast of the Pentecost:
“In the evening I met with the officers of the church in the Lord’s house. The Spirit was poured out – I saw the glory of God, like a great cloud, come down and rest upon the house, and fill the same like a mighty rushing wind. I also saw cloven tongues, like as of fire rest upon many (316). While they spake with other tongues and prophesied.” (Oliver Cowdery’s Kirtland Ohio Sketch Book BYU Studies 1972)
“Brother George A. Smith arose and began to prophesy, when a noise was heard like the sound of a rushing mighty wind, which filled the temple, and all the congregation simultaneously arose, being moved upon by an invisible power; many began to speak in tongues and prophesy, others saw glorious visions; and I beheld the Temple was filled with angels.” (History of the Church 2:428)
The prophecy of Joel was fulfilled in the days of Peter but will be fulfilled again an example of multiple fulfillment of prophecy. In 1823, Moroni quoted these same words from Joel 2 to Joseph Smith, saying that they were not yet completely fulfilled but were soon to be (see Joseph Smith History 1:41).
Joseph F. Smith: “I believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit unto men, but I do not want the gift of tongues, except when I need it. I needed the gift of tongues once, and the Lord gave it to me. I was in a foreign land, sent to preach the gospel to a people whose language I could not understand. There was a purpose in it.” (Gospel Doctrine p. 251)
Joseph Smith: “The devil can speak in tongues. Let no one speak in tongues except by the consent of the one who is placed to preside. Be not so curious about tongues; the ultimate design of tongues is to speak to foreigners. The gifts of God are all useful in their place, but when they are applied to that which God does not intend, they prove an injury, a snare and a curse instead of a blessing.” (TPJS 162, 247)
The Holy Ghost:
President Ezra Taft Benson: “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).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “While we sometimes think of Peter's spontaneity as being related to his earlier impulsiveness in certain errors he made, we should also remember his spontaneity for episodes such as his quick and correct response to the lame man who sought alms: “. . . Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have I give thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.’ (Acts 3:6.) Our need for authenticity in our relations with others...could be met if there were more spontaneity, if we could act out or say “such as I have I give thee’ without elaborate forethought and calculation as to whether what we have is really needed.” (A More Excellent Way: Essays on Leadership for Latter day Saints, 38)
Harold B. Lee: “The greatest miracles I see today are not necessarily the healing of sick bodies, but the greatest miracles I see are the healing of sick souls, those who are sick in soul and spirit and are downhearted and distraught, on the verge of nervous breakdowns. We are reaching out to all such, because they are precious in the sight of the Lord, and we want no one to feel that he is forgotten.
“I read again and again the experience of Peter and John, as they went through the gate beautiful on the way to the temple. Here was one who had never walked, impotent from his birth, begging alms of all who approached the gate. And as Peter and John approached, he held out his hand expectantly, asking for alms. Peter, speaking for this pair of missionaries-church authorities-said, “Look on us.’ And, of course, that heightened his expectation.
Then Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.’ ("Acts 3:4)
“Now in my mind's eye I can picture this man and 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. . . .’ ("Acts 3:7)
“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. You teachers, the testimony that you bear, the spirit with which you teach and with which you lead, is one of the most important assets that you can have, as you help to strengthen those who need so much, wherein you have so much to give. Who of us, in whatever station we may have been in, have not needed strengthening?”(Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye in Holy Places Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974, 186 187.)
“The qualities of … leadership are also carefully defined in this revelation...There is a classic example of how our Lord would have us minister to those who need our aid ... Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up. Remember that it wasn't enough for Peter to command him to walk; he then took him by the hand and lifted him up.
“So must we, in dealing with our faltering saints, not be merely priesthood holders who criticize, scold, and condemn. We must like the apostle Peter: take them by the arm, encourage them, and give them a sense of security and respect for themselves until they can rise above their difficulties and can stand on their own feet.” (Stand Ye in Holy Places Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974, 254-255.)
Joseph Smith said of Peter’s epistles, “Peter penned the most sublime language of any of the apostles” (Teachings, 301). As you read his message taught to the Jews in the temple, you can see the brilliance of his teaching (Acts 3:17-26).
“[Peter] did not say to them, ‘Repent and be baptized, for the remission of your sins;’ but he said, ‘Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.’ [Acts 3:19.]
“… They could not be baptized for the remission of sins for they had shed innocent blood” (in History of the Church, 6:253).
“This designated period, this times of refreshing, is to take place at the second coming of the Son of Man, in the day when the Lord sends Christ again to earth.
“… It is the day when ‘the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.’ (Tenth Article of Faith.) It is the day of the ‘new earth’ that Isaiah saw (Isa. 65:17), the earth which will prevail when wickedness ceases, when the millennial era is ushered in” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1967, 43).
Robert J. Matthews: “Significantly, the word “restitution” has more meanings than just a “restoration.” Restitution means to make payment for something or to restore something to its original condition. Certainly, the Restoration encompasses all the keys, priesthood, covenants, gospel principles, doctrines, and ordinances necessary for us. But the Lord has much more than this in mind. His plan of restitution includes gathering “together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him’ (Eph. 1:10). Think of all the things for which restitution has not yet come. All these must occur when the Lord comes again. They include:
“Although we now live in the “last days’ and much restoration has taken place, in truth, the Restoration has barely begun. Perhaps we have identified the Restoration primarily in terms of priesthood, Church organization, and gospel ordinances as given through the Prophet Joseph Smith. While these were the beginning, and without priesthood none of the other things could occur, the Restoration events yet to take place are more in number and of greater earth shaking consequence than those that have so far taken place. The Restoration will continue throughout and beyond the Millennium until every soul is resurrected and judged and until all mankind and the earth itself have reached their final status.” (Selected Writings of Robert J. Matthews: Gospel Scholars Series Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1999, 394.)
David O. McKay: “‘There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.’ (Acts 4:12.) It was a most dramatic scene when that sentence was uttered, and so you have this thought expressed as follows: The world's hope and destiny, the world's hope and destiny are centered in the Man of Galilee, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
“In your moment when you are fighting out the battle of the day, will you look introspectively and see whether you really believe that? Paul Kane once asked this question: “Is Jesus only a legendary figure in history, a Saint to be painted in the stained glass of church windows, a sort of sacred fairy not to be approached and hardly to be mentioned by name, or is he still what he was when he was in the flesh, a reality, a man of like passions with ourselves, an elder brother, a guide, a counselor, a comforter, a great voice calling to us out of the past to live nobly, to guide bravely, and keep up our courage to the last.’
“What is he to you, my fellow laborer? When you kneel down to pray at night, do you feel his nearness, his personality hearing you, do you feel a power that operates perhaps as the radio or a greater power so that you feel that you are communing with him? You are not just saying your prayers, you are praying. Do you know tonight that he is real, our Savior, the Head of the Church? I know he is, and I know, too, that a whole nation right tonight is trying to teach a million boys that Christ is but a myth and there is no God.” (Conference Report, October 1954, General Priesthood Meeting 84.)
President 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, self-respect vanishes, integrity dies.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1976/04/an-honest-man-gods-noblest-work)
C. Wilfred Griggs: “The New Testament also alludes to the cross of Jesus as a tree. (See Acts 5:30; Gal. 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24.) Some have noticed that the Greek word used in these passages is the same as that used for the tree of life in the Septuagint, different from the usual New Testament word for tree. According to a number of sources, some early Christians thought of the cross as a tree of life. Later sources likewise relate the cross to the tree of life, as in some hymns attributed to St. Ephraem the Syrian:
“The tree of life is the cross which gave a radiant life to our race. On the top of Golgotha Christ distributed life to men. And henceforth he further promised us the pledge of eternal life.
“Our Savior typified his body in the tree, the one from which Adam did not taste because he sinned.’
“Even a spare sampling of writings from the early Church Fathers shows their awareness of the power of the symbol of the tree of life in ancient Christianity. The Instructions of Commodianus, for example, states in chapter 35 that “by this tree of death we are born to the life to come; ... therefore, pluck believingly the fruits of life.’” (“The Tree of Life in Ancient Cultures,” Ensign, June 1988, 27)
“The grandson of the famous rabbi Hillel and famous in his own right, Gamaliel was a member of the Sanhedrin and a distinguished scholar of the Jewish law during the time when the early church was first getting underway. Paul states that he was “brought up at the feet’ of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), an idiomatic expression meaning that he was tutored by the famous master of the law. Gamaliel had a reputation for being tolerant and kindhearted, emphasizing the humanistic considerations of the law, relaxing the demands of Sabbath observance so they were not so rigorous, and encouraging more humane treatment of the woman in divorce laws.” (Institute Manual, The Life and Teachings of Jesus & his Apostles, 2nd ed., p. 245)
The Greek version of Gamaliel means "God is the one who brings recompense." He was the tutor of Saul prior to his conversion and call as an apostle, and he is the Pharisee who prevented the Sanhedrin from taking the lives of the Twelve by proclaiming, "Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God" (Acts 5:38-39). Gamaliel's name highlights his teaching: God is in charge. Let him decide who should be rewarded and who should be punished.
Teaching Thoughts:
Book of Acts:
- Written 60-64 AD
- Final form 80-85 AD
- Author is Luke
- Luke is a gentile writing to gentiles. He appeals to philosophical minds, emphasizes women, love, peace and compassion.
- Acts is a continuation of the works of Christ through the Spirit and His apostles after His death.
Theophilus from the Greek, means "beloved or friend of God"; he was perhaps a non Christian Roman officer or a Church member. Evidence from Acts 23:26 seems to favor his being an officer, for in the book of Acts, the Roman governor of Judaea, Felix, is addressed as "most excellent" one, just as Theophilus is addressed in Luke 1:3. (D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew C. Skinner, New Testament Apostles Testify of Christ Salt Lake City; Deseret Book, 1998, 30)
The Greek word for proofs is tekmerion "a sure sign or token" (Liddell, Scott, Jones, et al. A Greek and Hebrew Lexicon (Oxford: Claredon Press, 1966, p. 1768)
“Following his resurrection, the risen Lord “shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God’ (Acts 1:3). Though scripture is relatively silent, New Testament apocryphal writings (“forty day literature’) abound in teachings on washings and ritual cleansings, holy garments, new names, sacred marriages, etc. We know that the Master organized his church, but that with the death of the apostles the keys of the kingdom were taken. And thus for seventeen centuries the world was without sufficient power and understanding to comprehend the glory of the priesthood and the ordinance of eternal marriage.” (Robert L. Millet, Selected Writings of Robert L. Millet: Gospel Scholars Series Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 2000, 284-285.)
Outline of the Book of Acts
- Jerusalem – Acts 1-5
- Judea and Samaria – Acts 6-9
- Uttermost Parts of the Earth – Acts 10-28
“A prophetic utterance by David (recorded in Psalms; see footnote references to Acts 1:16,20) is fulfilled in the betrayal and replacement of Judas Iscariot. From this point on, we see Peter teaching and reasoning from the scriptures. Undoubtedly, he learned this method from his Master, who not only encouraged disciples to study the scriptures (see John 5:39) but taught from them himself (see Luke 24:27). Teaching from the scriptures is an important theme for Luke, especially in the book of Acts.” (D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew C. Skinner, New Testament Apostles Testify of Christ Salt Lake City; Deseret Book, 1998, 32)
President Spencer W. Kimball: “Since I was ordained an apostle on October 7, 1943, I have participated and assisted in the call of a great many General Authorities. How were they called? May I assure you that every one of those men was called by God, by prophecy and by revelation. There was a process of elimination through much fasting and prayer. Many people may have been considered, but finally, one man from the entire Church was nominated by the Prophet of the Lord, approved by his counselors and by the members of the Council of the Twelve, sustained by the people, and ordained by the Prophet of the Lord.
“This is comparable to the same operation in the days of Peter following the ascension of the Christ, when the remaining apostles, with Peter presiding as the prophet of God, combed the area for great men and by the process of elimination brought it down to two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. Peter took leadership and explained the qualifications necessary, stating that the appointee must have been associated with them during the entire ministry of the Christ from his baptism to his ascension, thus being a special witness of the Christ.
‘And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen.’ (Acts 1:24.)
And Matthias was called and was numbered with the eleven apostles.” (Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1972, 45.)
“President [Heber J.] Grant received revelations as President of the Church to guide the Church as a whole. One such revelation came just after he was set apart as President of the Church, when he sought the will of the Lord in appointing a new member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. As he pondered this responsibility, his thoughts turned repeatedly to his lifelong friend Richard W. Young, a faithful Latter-day Saint and a proven leader. President Grant discussed this possibility with his counselors, who supported his decision.
“When he finally felt confident with this course of action, he wrote his friend’s name on a piece of paper and took the paper with him to the weekly temple meeting with the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. However, when he was about to present the name for the approval of his Brethren, he was unable to do so. Instead of presenting the name of Richard W. Young, he presented the name of Melvin J. Ballard, a man whom he hardly knew. President Grant later told of the impact this experience had on him:
“‘I have felt the inspiration of the living God directing me in my labors. From the day that I chose a comparative stranger to be one of the apostles, instead of my lifelong and dearest living friend, I have known as I know that I live, that I am entitled to the light and the inspiration and the guidance of God in directing His work here upon this earth’” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant [2002], 181–82)
Feast of the Pentecost:
- “Nine days after Christ's ascension on the Mount of Olives came Pentecost, a name which means “fiftieth.’
- “Pentecost was applied to the Jewish feast celebrated 50 days after the second day of unleavened bread, or the Passover day. It is also known as “the feast of weeks’ (Exodus 34:22; Deut. 16:10), because according to the Hebrew style, it fell seven weeks, or a week of weeks, after the Passover. It was also known as “the feast of harvest’ (Exodus 23:16) and as “the day of the first fruits.’ (Numbers 28:26.)” (LDS Church News, 1991, 06/22/91)
- The feast lasted a single day, which was a day of holy convocation (Lev. 23:21); and the characteristic rite was the new meal offering, that is two loaves of leavened bread made of fine flour of new wheat. Special animal sacrifices were also made (Lev. 23:18) and freewill offerings (Deut. 16:10).” (Bible Dictionary, “Feasts”)
“In the evening I met with the officers of the church in the Lord’s house. The Spirit was poured out – I saw the glory of God, like a great cloud, come down and rest upon the house, and fill the same like a mighty rushing wind. I also saw cloven tongues, like as of fire rest upon many (316). While they spake with other tongues and prophesied.” (Oliver Cowdery’s Kirtland Ohio Sketch Book BYU Studies 1972)
“Brother George A. Smith arose and began to prophesy, when a noise was heard like the sound of a rushing mighty wind, which filled the temple, and all the congregation simultaneously arose, being moved upon by an invisible power; many began to speak in tongues and prophesy, others saw glorious visions; and I beheld the Temple was filled with angels.” (History of the Church 2:428)
The prophecy of Joel was fulfilled in the days of Peter but will be fulfilled again an example of multiple fulfillment of prophecy. In 1823, Moroni quoted these same words from Joel 2 to Joseph Smith, saying that they were not yet completely fulfilled but were soon to be (see Joseph Smith History 1:41).
Joseph F. Smith: “I believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit unto men, but I do not want the gift of tongues, except when I need it. I needed the gift of tongues once, and the Lord gave it to me. I was in a foreign land, sent to preach the gospel to a people whose language I could not understand. There was a purpose in it.” (Gospel Doctrine p. 251)
Joseph Smith: “The devil can speak in tongues. Let no one speak in tongues except by the consent of the one who is placed to preside. Be not so curious about tongues; the ultimate design of tongues is to speak to foreigners. The gifts of God are all useful in their place, but when they are applied to that which God does not intend, they prove an injury, a snare and a curse instead of a blessing.” (TPJS 162, 247)
The Holy Ghost:
- Acts 1:22-26 – witness of Jesus Christ.
- Acts 2:1-11 – give gifts of the Spirit (like tongues).
- Acts 2:13-18 – enable prophesy.
- Acts 2:22-24, 32 - see miracles that build faith.
- Acts 2:25-28 – witness of the hope that is in Christ.
- Acts 2:37-40 – encourage us to act on apostle’s teachings.
- Acts 2:41,47 – help us to join God’s flock and praise Him.
- Acts 2:44-46 – be as one “with gladness.”
President Ezra Taft Benson: “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).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “While we sometimes think of Peter's spontaneity as being related to his earlier impulsiveness in certain errors he made, we should also remember his spontaneity for episodes such as his quick and correct response to the lame man who sought alms: “. . . Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have I give thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.’ (Acts 3:6.) Our need for authenticity in our relations with others...could be met if there were more spontaneity, if we could act out or say “such as I have I give thee’ without elaborate forethought and calculation as to whether what we have is really needed.” (A More Excellent Way: Essays on Leadership for Latter day Saints, 38)
Harold B. Lee: “The greatest miracles I see today are not necessarily the healing of sick bodies, but the greatest miracles I see are the healing of sick souls, those who are sick in soul and spirit and are downhearted and distraught, on the verge of nervous breakdowns. We are reaching out to all such, because they are precious in the sight of the Lord, and we want no one to feel that he is forgotten.
“I read again and again the experience of Peter and John, as they went through the gate beautiful on the way to the temple. Here was one who had never walked, impotent from his birth, begging alms of all who approached the gate. And as Peter and John approached, he held out his hand expectantly, asking for alms. Peter, speaking for this pair of missionaries-church authorities-said, “Look on us.’ And, of course, that heightened his expectation.
Then Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.’ ("Acts 3:4)
“Now in my mind's eye I can picture this man and 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. . . .’ ("Acts 3:7)
“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. You teachers, the testimony that you bear, the spirit with which you teach and with which you lead, is one of the most important assets that you can have, as you help to strengthen those who need so much, wherein you have so much to give. Who of us, in whatever station we may have been in, have not needed strengthening?”(Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye in Holy Places Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974, 186 187.)
“The qualities of … leadership are also carefully defined in this revelation...There is a classic example of how our Lord would have us minister to those who need our aid ... Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up. Remember that it wasn't enough for Peter to command him to walk; he then took him by the hand and lifted him up.
“So must we, in dealing with our faltering saints, not be merely priesthood holders who criticize, scold, and condemn. We must like the apostle Peter: take them by the arm, encourage them, and give them a sense of security and respect for themselves until they can rise above their difficulties and can stand on their own feet.” (Stand Ye in Holy Places Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974, 254-255.)
Joseph Smith said of Peter’s epistles, “Peter penned the most sublime language of any of the apostles” (Teachings, 301). As you read his message taught to the Jews in the temple, you can see the brilliance of his teaching (Acts 3:17-26).
“[Peter] did not say to them, ‘Repent and be baptized, for the remission of your sins;’ but he said, ‘Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.’ [Acts 3:19.]
“… They could not be baptized for the remission of sins for they had shed innocent blood” (in History of the Church, 6:253).
“This designated period, this times of refreshing, is to take place at the second coming of the Son of Man, in the day when the Lord sends Christ again to earth.
“… It is the day when ‘the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.’ (Tenth Article of Faith.) It is the day of the ‘new earth’ that Isaiah saw (Isa. 65:17), the earth which will prevail when wickedness ceases, when the millennial era is ushered in” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1967, 43).
Robert J. Matthews: “Significantly, the word “restitution” has more meanings than just a “restoration.” Restitution means to make payment for something or to restore something to its original condition. Certainly, the Restoration encompasses all the keys, priesthood, covenants, gospel principles, doctrines, and ordinances necessary for us. But the Lord has much more than this in mind. His plan of restitution includes gathering “together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him’ (Eph. 1:10). Think of all the things for which restitution has not yet come. All these must occur when the Lord comes again. They include:
- Restitution made to the righteous saints for their righteousness (Isa. 59:18)-this includes all the blessings of the Christ’s Millenial reign
- Restitution made to the wicked for their wickedness (Isa 40:31; 54:17, D&C 45:58)-”for this was the day of vengeance which was in my heart’ (D&C 133:51).
- A geographical restitution-meaning a) that the city of Enoch will return to the earth and be joined to Zion (Moses 7:62 64), b) that the continents will return to their original position (D&C 133:23), c) mountains shall be broken down and deserts will become pools of living water (D&C 133:22, 29).
- The earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory as in the days of the Garden of Eden (Isa 51:3). This will include the lamb lying down with the lion (Isaiah 11:6 9), a return to the pure Adamic language (Zeph. 3:9), and a return to peace and harmony among men and all creatures.
- Many doctrinal practices will be restored again, including the law of consecration…
- The promises made to the house of Israel will all be fulfilled. Abraham’s descendants will inherit the land promised them (Gen 15:15), Israel will be gathered to Jerusalem and Zion (Isa 51:1), and will finally live in peace as prophesied.
“Although we now live in the “last days’ and much restoration has taken place, in truth, the Restoration has barely begun. Perhaps we have identified the Restoration primarily in terms of priesthood, Church organization, and gospel ordinances as given through the Prophet Joseph Smith. While these were the beginning, and without priesthood none of the other things could occur, the Restoration events yet to take place are more in number and of greater earth shaking consequence than those that have so far taken place. The Restoration will continue throughout and beyond the Millennium until every soul is resurrected and judged and until all mankind and the earth itself have reached their final status.” (Selected Writings of Robert J. Matthews: Gospel Scholars Series Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1999, 394.)
David O. McKay: “‘There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.’ (Acts 4:12.) It was a most dramatic scene when that sentence was uttered, and so you have this thought expressed as follows: The world's hope and destiny, the world's hope and destiny are centered in the Man of Galilee, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
“In your moment when you are fighting out the battle of the day, will you look introspectively and see whether you really believe that? Paul Kane once asked this question: “Is Jesus only a legendary figure in history, a Saint to be painted in the stained glass of church windows, a sort of sacred fairy not to be approached and hardly to be mentioned by name, or is he still what he was when he was in the flesh, a reality, a man of like passions with ourselves, an elder brother, a guide, a counselor, a comforter, a great voice calling to us out of the past to live nobly, to guide bravely, and keep up our courage to the last.’
“What is he to you, my fellow laborer? When you kneel down to pray at night, do you feel his nearness, his personality hearing you, do you feel a power that operates perhaps as the radio or a greater power so that you feel that you are communing with him? You are not just saying your prayers, you are praying. Do you know tonight that he is real, our Savior, the Head of the Church? I know he is, and I know, too, that a whole nation right tonight is trying to teach a million boys that Christ is but a myth and there is no God.” (Conference Report, October 1954, General Priesthood Meeting 84.)
President 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, self-respect vanishes, integrity dies.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1976/04/an-honest-man-gods-noblest-work)
C. Wilfred Griggs: “The New Testament also alludes to the cross of Jesus as a tree. (See Acts 5:30; Gal. 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24.) Some have noticed that the Greek word used in these passages is the same as that used for the tree of life in the Septuagint, different from the usual New Testament word for tree. According to a number of sources, some early Christians thought of the cross as a tree of life. Later sources likewise relate the cross to the tree of life, as in some hymns attributed to St. Ephraem the Syrian:
“The tree of life is the cross which gave a radiant life to our race. On the top of Golgotha Christ distributed life to men. And henceforth he further promised us the pledge of eternal life.
“Our Savior typified his body in the tree, the one from which Adam did not taste because he sinned.’
“Even a spare sampling of writings from the early Church Fathers shows their awareness of the power of the symbol of the tree of life in ancient Christianity. The Instructions of Commodianus, for example, states in chapter 35 that “by this tree of death we are born to the life to come; ... therefore, pluck believingly the fruits of life.’” (“The Tree of Life in Ancient Cultures,” Ensign, June 1988, 27)
“The grandson of the famous rabbi Hillel and famous in his own right, Gamaliel was a member of the Sanhedrin and a distinguished scholar of the Jewish law during the time when the early church was first getting underway. Paul states that he was “brought up at the feet’ of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), an idiomatic expression meaning that he was tutored by the famous master of the law. Gamaliel had a reputation for being tolerant and kindhearted, emphasizing the humanistic considerations of the law, relaxing the demands of Sabbath observance so they were not so rigorous, and encouraging more humane treatment of the woman in divorce laws.” (Institute Manual, The Life and Teachings of Jesus & his Apostles, 2nd ed., p. 245)
The Greek version of Gamaliel means "God is the one who brings recompense." He was the tutor of Saul prior to his conversion and call as an apostle, and he is the Pharisee who prevented the Sanhedrin from taking the lives of the Twelve by proclaiming, "Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God" (Acts 5:38-39). Gamaliel's name highlights his teaching: God is in charge. Let him decide who should be rewarded and who should be punished.
Teaching Thoughts:
- Comparing a person to a lamp. We are enlightened with the gift of the Holy Ghost.
- Hope for those who feel God has ‘passed by them’ for many years.
- “Our need for authenticity in our relations with others…could be met if there were more spontaneity”
- Take a friend by the hand and lift them up.