same discussions, but more especially in his private confidential intercourse with his disciples, he adds deep views of his relation to the world, as the only revealer of God’s truth, the only source of spiritual life, and the only way of access to the Father; and to believers, as the true vine, through vital union with which they have life, nourishment, and fruitfulness.  He unfolds also more fully than the other evangelists the office of the Comforter, whom the Father shall send to make good to the church the loss of his personal presence.  Thus the gospel of John becomes at once an inexhaustible storehouse of spiritual food for the nourishment of the believer’s own soul, and a divine armory, whence he may draw polished shafts in his warfare against error.  This last record of our Lord’s life and teachings owes its present form, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, partly to the peculiar character of the writer, and partly to the lateness of the period when it was composed.  In both these respects we ought devoutly to recognize the superintending providence of him who sees the end from the beginning.

VI.  THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES.

37.  The author of the Acts of the Apostles is identical with that of the third gospel, as we learn from the dedication to the same Theophilus.  Chap. 1:1.  Both are ascribed to Luke by the unanimous testimony of the ancient church.  The genuineness of this book, its credibility, and the time of its composition—­about A.D. 63-65—­have been already shown.  Chap. 5, Nos. 2-5.  It remains to consider its plan and its office in the system of revelation.

38.  In respect to plan this book naturally falls into two main divisions, the former embracing the first twelve chapters, the latter the remainder of the work.  The first division contains the history of the apostolic labors after the ascension, in Jerusalem and from Jerusalem as a centre.  Here, if we except the events connected with the martyrdom of Stephen (chs. 6, 7), the conversion of Saul (chap. 9:1-31), and the Ethiopian eunuch (chap. 8:26-40), Peter everywhere appears as the chief speaker and actor, being first among the twelve, though possessing no official authority over them.  It is he that proposes the choice of one to supply the place of Judas, and that is the foremost speaker on the day of Pentecost, at the gate of the temple, before the Jewish Sanhedrim, and in the assembly of the church.  Chaps. 1:15-22; 2:14-40; 3:4-26; 4:8-12; 5:3-11, 29-32.  Associated with him we often find the apostle John.  Chaps. 3:1; 4:13, 19; 8:14.  When the Samaritans are to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, Peter and John are sent to them from Jerusalem.  Chap. 8:14-25.  When the gospel is to be carried for the first time to the Gentiles, Peter is sent by the Holy Ghost to the house of Cornelius in Cesarea (chap. 10), for which mission he afterwards vindicates himself before the brethren at Jerusalem.  Chap. 11:1-18.  Further notices of Peter we have in chaps. 9:32-43; 12:3-19.  We know that the other apostles must have been actively and successfully employed in prayer and the ministry of the word (chap. 6:4), but it does not come within the plan of this narrative to give a particular account of their labors.