Preparation
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Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:
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a. Acts 1. After ministering among his disciples for 40 days, the resurrected Lord ascends into heaven. Matthias is chosen to fill the vacancy left by Judas in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
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b. Acts 2. On the day of Pentecost, the Apostles are filled with the Holy Ghost and speak in many languages. Many who hear them are converted.
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c. Acts 3–4. Peter and John heal a lame man and testify that the man was healed by the power of Jesus Christ. The Apostles pray for and receive great power through the Holy Ghost.
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d. Acts 5:12–42. The Apostles continue to preach and heal with great power. They are arrested and jailed but are released from prison by an angel. They declare to the chief priests that they obey God rather than men. Gamaliel counsels the Pharisees not to kill the Apostles.
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Additional reading: Mark 16:19–20; Luke 24:49–53; Joseph Smith—History 1:21–25.
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If the picture The Ascension of Jesus (62497; Gospel Art Picture Kit 236) is available, use it during the lesson.
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If you use the attention activity, arrange to have two people come into the classroom before class starts, while class members are settling down. (If possible, these should be people who do not normally attend your class.) Have them enter the room, do something briefly (for example, speak with you or carry something into the room), and then leave. They should not speak to class members or call attention to themselves.
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Suggestion for teaching: Teachers must testify that what they teach is true. Testify of Jesus Christ and his gospel whenever the Spirit prompts you, not just at the end of the lesson. Bearing testimony brings power to your teaching. (See Teaching, No Greater Call [36123], pages 10, 43–44.)