The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 2 — Section 215

proof, like the orucifixlon of Jesus, that the Jewish state wa.s ripe for judgment. The Messia.hship of Christ rested on the facts of the Resurrection. IV. Tm: HOLLOW HYPOCRISY OF UNBELIEF. The Sadducees were not open to convic- tion. Nor are unbelievers generally. Their professed love of truth is sincere. They will inquire in order to decry, but not to reach a. conclusion contrary to their inclinations. No dogmatists a.re so bigoted a.nd so tyrannical a.s the dogmatists of the Sa.dducean echooL Ae in Paul's time, so still, worldly influence is called in to help unbelief. The Badducees were the wealthy party. There was a. root of faith in the Pharisaic school, but it wa.s being destroyed by worldliness, a.nd they loved the praise of men more tha.n the praise of God. Had the Sadducees been willing to hear Paul, they might ha.ve been convinced of their own error. Had the Pharisees not hoped for victory over their antagonists more than for light, the council might have been held.-R. Ver. 3.-~ human Judge in the presence of the Divine. "Sittest thou to judge me," etc.? (see celebrated sermon by Rev. Sydney Smith, preached at York, March 28, 1824). L The la.w of ma.n rests on the Law of God. 1. In its aims. 2. In its execution. II. The blessing of a. faithfully kept and righteously administered system of justice, which, notwithstanding all human infirmities, can be maintained. IIL The ba.r of human law both a prediction and an evidence of the future judg- ment. Yet the imperfections of earthly justice remind us that God shall ma1te up all inequalities, and show hereafter perfectly that all justice is love. IV. The corruption of Jewish Law proved the necessity of a better law, the law of Christ, which is not a despotic law, but" peace, and righteousness, and joy in the Holy Ghost;" not smiting our neighbour, but" bearing one another's burdens."-R. Ver.11.-Light in the darkness. "And the night following," etc. Review the position of the apostle. In prison. Hated by the Jews. Only rescued by a heathen hand, which itself may be turned against him. Perplexed by his own thoughts (cf. Elijah in the cave at Mount Horeb). Conflict of fears and desires-his hope to do greater things, his desire to see Rome; his sense of a great vocation as the leading missionary; his apparent helplessness among his enemies. The vision had a. twofold purpose-to prepare the apostle for its work, to give encouragement to all who resembled him in single-heartedness and spiritual heroism. I. To ASSlJBlNOE GIVEN. 1. The strengthening of faith in the personal Redeemer. His resurrection ; his sympathy ; his approval of the apostle's life ; the progress of his kingdom. 2. The certainty conveyed that all that would occur in Jerusalem would be overruled for good. 3. The prospect held out corresponding to the apostle's own aims and desires, that Rome would be visited-a prospect which emboldened him to appeal to Cesar, although it might lead to greater sufferings eventually. ' IL TBB LESSON TAUGHT. 1. In the darkest night the appearana, of Jesua is new strength. 2. Faithful and heroic work is never left without encouragement. 3. Though visions of the night may not be granted to the Church now, except on very rare occasions, still there a.reforesights of thefutuN which can be obtained by deep insight, prayerful vigilance, elevated faith and study of events in the light of the Saviour's words, and the facts of his past intercourse with his disciples. 4. Hol,y ambition is accompanied with the spirit of apostolic self-devotion, and is rewarded with the accom- plishment of our desires. "Expect greai things; attempt great things." Why not aim at Rome? Ja.mes and John were not reproved by Christ for desiring a place beside him, but were reminded that they must purge all such desires of the sordid and selfish, and be prepared for the baptism of blood. If we take up the cross, we may sit with Jesus on the throne. 6. The highest description of a Christian's life is "bearing witness." Obrist is al\ and in all. We reflect his light. Even at Rome a simpi. testimony is enough.-R. Ven. 12-85-0on,plracy defeated. The "mwt" of the Lord's midnight message interpreted by events. Divine providence working. The Christian stands still and 11ee11 the Rl'lvation. The Word of God is ins~ of hwnan calcQJ.ationa ll!ld predictions.  122 THE ACTS OF TlIE APOSTLES. [mr. um. 1-36.