Suggested Lesson Development

Attention Activity

As appropriate, use the following activity or one of your own to begin the lesson.

Ask class members if they noticed the two people who entered the room and then left before class began (see the “Preparation” section). If any class members noticed, have them tell what they observed about the people, such as who they were, what they were wearing, and what they did. Point out that the class members who saw these visitors are witnesses. (If no one noticed the visitors, tell what they did and explain that you are a witness.) A person who sees or experiences an event and tells others about it is a witness.

Ask any class members who did not see the visitors:

Explain that today’s lesson is about the early Apostles, who were witnesses of the resurrected Jesus Christ. When they testified of him, many people believed them and were baptized into the Church.

Scripture Discussion and Application

As you teach the following scripture passages, emphasize the faith and power with which the Apostles testified of the resurrected Lord. Discuss with class members how they too can be witnesses of Jesus Christ.

Explain that the book of Acts is Luke’s account of important events in the Church during the 30 years or so following Jesus Christ’s mortal life. Luke tells of the resurrected Lord’s 40-day ministry and his Ascension. He then describes the great spiritual outpouring on the day of Pentecost, Peter’s leadership of the Church, the Apostles’ early missionary efforts, and Paul’s dramatic conversion. The second half of the book focuses on Paul’s missionary labors among the Gentiles.

1. The Lord ascends into heaven. Matthias is called to be an Apostle.

Discuss Acts 1. Invite class members to read selected verses aloud. Display the picture of the Ascension.

2. On the day of Pentecost, the Apostles are filled with the Holy Ghost.

Read and discuss selected verses from Acts 2. Explain that the Feast of Pentecost was a harvest celebration held 50 days after the Feast of the Passover. Jews from many nations came to Jerusalem for this feast. (See Bible Dictionary, “Feasts,” 673.)

3. Peter and John heal a lame man by the power of Jesus Christ.

Read and discuss selected verses from Acts 3–4. You may want to have a class member read Acts 3:1–11 aloud.

4. The Apostles continue to preach and heal with great power.

Read and discuss selected verses from Acts 5:12–42.

Conclusion

Explain that after the Apostles received the gift of the Holy Ghost, they became powerful witnesses of Jesus Christ. While Apostles have a special calling to be witnesses of Christ, each member of the Church also has the responsibility to bear witness of him. Bear testimony that the Holy Ghost can help us know when and how to testify of Christ. As we follow the Spirit’s promptings, our faith will increase, our sensitivity to the Spirit will grow, and we will become more effective witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ.