CHAPTER XXV. 567 with devils were relieved both in Jerusalem, and the citiesround about; Versés 15, 16. 21. Q. Did the high-priests and rulers let the apostles go on at this rate ? A. They again put them in prison, but the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison-doors, and sent them again to preach this gospel ; Verses 17 -21. 22. Q. When they were brought again before the rulers, how did they behave themselves ? A. They charged the rulers with putting Christ to death, and declared they were witnesses of his resurrection ; and that God had exalted him to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins , Verses 29-32. 23. Q. What effect had this speech upon the rulers and elders? A. At the advice of Gamaliel, who doubted whether the hand of God was not with the apostles, they dismissed them again ; but they beat them first, and again commanded them to preach Jesus Christ no more ; Verses 33-42. 24. Q. When there were such multitudes of converts, how could the apostles both preach the gospel, and distribute the money to the poor ? A. The apostles were sensible that the labour was too much for them, and therefore they bid the disci- ples chose out seven men, who were afterwards called deacons, to take care of the poor, that they might more constantly be en- gaged in preaching and prayer ; Acts v. 1 -5. 25. Q. How did the apostles separate those whom the peo- ple chose to this office of a deacon ? A. They prayed, and laid their hands on them ; Verse 6. 26. Q. Who were the most considerable of these seven men ? A. Stepheii and Philip, who were full of faith and zeal, and had great gifts communicated to them. 27. Q. What is related concerningStephen ? A. He wrought wonders, and no doubt he preached the word with power, till he' was accused to the council for blasphemy against God and Mó- ses : Verses 8-15. 28. Q. How did Stephen defend himself ? A. By a long rehearsal of their ancient histories, he charged them and their fathers with resisting the holy Spirit, with killing the prophets, and with breaking the law of God, and upbraided them at last with the murder of Christ; Acts vii. 1-53. 29. Q. What did they do with Stephen after so bold a speech ? A. When he told them further, that he saw the hea- vens opened, and Jesus standing at the right -hand of God, they cried out against him as a blasphemer, with a loud voice; they cast him out of thepity, and stoned him ; Verses 54-58. 30. Q. How did Stephen behave at his death ? A. He being the first martyr for Christ, gave a glorious instance of faith and love. 31. Q. Wherein did his faith appear ? A. At his death he prayed, and said, " Lord, Jesus receive my spirit ;" Verse59. ,
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