The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 2 — Section 175

Vere. 27-40.-Fa11.aticism and d1NOredness. It is impossible not to read theso verses with a smile of contempt in view of the folly and guilt of fanaticism, and, at the same time, \\ith a smile of satisfaction in new of the calmness and nobility of Christian zeal. I. THE FOLLY Al."D THE GUILT OF F'ANATIOISH. 1. Its folly. (1) In the first placci, it employs a weapon with which it is easily matched. It bas recourse to violence (ver. 31); but violence is a usage which others can easily adopt, and it may be \\ith more effect (ver. 32). If religion ea.Us in the aid of the sword, it is likely enough to find the sword directed, at the nei;t turn of events, against itself. (2) It uses_ a weapon which is not at all fitted to its hand. Physical force is not the appointed method for regenerating the world ; "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal," but spiritual. The "kingdom not of this world" does not want its servants to "fight" with steel and {:Unpowder. (8) It a.o;sails those who, if it would but consider, are its truest friends. Out of r~"ll.rd for the Law, these fanatical Jews "went about to kill" Paul. 'l'he multitude shouted ".A.way with him I" (ver. 86). But if they had known better they would, out of regard for the Law, have speeded Paul on his mission. For Judaism, pure and simple, would inevitably have perished; but Judaism, as surviving in the truths and institutions of Christianity, is destined to last as long as time itself, and to be universal in its range. Had they thought more and looked further, they would have honoured him whom they were in such haste to kill. 2. Its guilt. (1) It charges a man with a crime of which he is absolutely innocent (vers. 28, 29). (2) It proceeds to punish without giving a chance of defending (vers. 80, 81). (3) It denies to a. man that which God has bestowed, and which it claims for itself-a right to his convictions. (4) It dashes itself blindly and vehemently against tbe purposes of God. At this time it was striking at Christ's chosen ambassador, and, without exception, the most useful servant of God then living. At many times since then, it has stricken the men who represented the truth of Christ, and has done sore evil to the Church, and-so to the world. II. 'l'HE EXCELLENCY OF CHRISTIAN DEVOTED1'"ESS. How admirably the attitude of Paul contrasts with the movements of this excited, tumultuous, sanguinary mob I We admire (1) his courage in placing himself in the position; (2) his calmness through- out (vers. 37-39); (8) his readiness (ver. 40)-he was prepared at any emergency tu speak the needful word. We admire it because we are sure that it all rested upon (4) his consecration t.o the cause, and his &BSnrance of the presence of his Divine Master.--C. Vers. 1-16.-Ineufent, 'by the way. L THE POWER OF CBilISTIAN LOVE TO BRING THE m."KNOWN NEAR. At Tyre Christian disciples, loving Christian hearts, are found. They wam Paul againbt possible coming dangers, they entertain the little band, and dismiss them with commendatory prayer. "The finding of disciples must have been a main feature in the diaries of the apostle." 'l'o meet with welcome, with hospitality, with congenial discourse upon journeys,-how refreshing! Well may it remind us of the universal providence, and the living Jove which is ever at work to overcome strangeness, aud to bring the far-off near I Delays in business need be no delays in the work of the kingdom of God. While the departure from 'l'yre was delayed, Paul found time to instruct the disciples at '1'yre. II. PHILIP THE EVANGELIST. 'fhe name is an excellent one for a true teacher. It means one who carries the good news. All that we know of him from eh, vi. 6; viii. 6; 26, -«l, and his earnest preaching of Jesus, bears out this character. It seems to he.ve l,cen his object a.nd his _peculia.r gift t.o make clear from the Old 'l'eslament ocriptures tl1at J"-"118 was the Christ. 'l'he gift of hie daughters seemed to be a fulfilment of Jool'1 on, x.u. 1-40.J 'l'lll!l ACTS OF 'l'llE APOSTLES. 1e1