Chapter I: Preface

"Ancient Apostles" is written as one of the series of text books prepared for use in the Sunday Schools of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its purpose is to give a simple account of the leading incidents in the lives of the chief Apostles of Christ in the Holy Land, with the view of developing faith in the hearts of the children in the principles of the Gospel, and in the divine organization of the Church.

Prominent traits of character in the different disciples are pointed out as the circumstances in the lessons permit. These should be so emphasized in the presentation to the class that the pupils will be led not only to appreciate them as commendable and emulative, but to realize that by personal exertion all these good traits may become theirs. Virtuous and honorable actions are the stones by which we build the mansion of character.

Each chapter is planned, also, to emphasize one general aim, which should be correlated with the incident or incidents with which the personality of the Apostle and his companions is associated. Since it is difficult, if not impossible to teach morality and doctrine without personality, the wise teachers will ever keep in mind that the persons, settings, actions, and conversations in this little work are only a means of teaching truths and principles of conduct that will contribute to the moulding of God-like character in their boys and girls.

The suggestive outlines and aims in the appendix are offered as helps and guides to teachers. Only a few suggestive _applications_ are offered; but no lesson should be given, or even prepared, without the teachers attempting, at least, to devise the most efficient means of introducing into the children's daily lives the aims and ideals taught.

The sincere wish of the author is that at least part of the pleasure experienced in writing these lessons may be realized by those who prepare to teach them, and by those who read them, and that their studious efforts through the blessings of the Lord, will bring to them that peace and satisfaction which come with the realization of having helped to make better and more efficient the men and women of tomorrow.

CONTENTS

PART ONE

Peter and His Associates

I. "Light-Fountains"

II. Early Life and Surroundings

_John the Baptist, Andrew, John_

III. A Period of Preparation

_Jesus, James and John, Sons of Zebedec; Andrew_

IV. A Special Witness

_Names of the Twelve_

V. Peter's Faith Tested

VI. Peter's Testimony

VII. A Marvelous Manifestation

_Moses and Elias_

VIII. Lessons in True Leadership

IX. On the Night of the Betrayal

X. Out of Gloom Into Light

XI. A True Leader and Valiant Defender

_Matthias_

XII. Peter and John Arrested

XIII. Persecuted But Undismayed

_Gamaliel_

XIV. A Special Visit to Samaria

_Stephen, Philip_

XV. At Lydda and Joppa

_Eneas, Tabitha_

XVI. The Third Imprisonment

XVII. Closing Scenes of a Righteous Ministry

PART TWO

XVIII. James, the Son of Zebedee

_Salome, Mary Magdalene, Mary, mother of Jesus; the first martyr, Apostle_

PART THREE

John the Beloved Disciple

XIX. With the Redeemer

XX. With Peter and the Twelve

XXI. Closing Scenes of His Ministry

PART FOUR

Paul and His Companions

XXII. Saul of Tarsus

_Gamaliel_

XXIII. Saul's Conversion

_Ananias_

XXIV. In Another School

_Barnabas_

XXV. Special Messengers to Jerusalem

_Agabus, John Mark_...

XXVI. First Missionary Journey

XXVII. First Missionary Journey--_Continued_

At Lystia and Derbe

_Timothy, Eunice, Lois_

XXVIII. A Great Controversy

XXIX. Paul Begins His Second Missionary Journey

_Silas, Luke_

XXX. At Philippi

_Lydia_

XXXI. At Thessalonica and Berea

_Jason_

XXXII. At Athens and Corinth

_Aquilla and Priscilla, Crispus, Justus_

XXXIII. Third Missionary Journey

From Antioch to Ephesus

_Apollos_

XXXIV. Third Missionary Journey--Continued

_Paul's farewell visit to the churches he had established_

XXXV. Exciting Experiences in Jerusalem

XXXVI. Two Years in Prison

XXXVII. The Voyage to Rome

XXXVIII. The World Enriched by a Prisoner Chained

[IMAGE: CHRIST'S CHARGE TO PETER.]