The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 2 — Section 321

Vera. 17-28.-T/ie Christia,,,,, and the Jew. Here we have the Christian and the Jew brought into close contact; and there seems to have been as fair an opportunity for the latter to understand nnd appreciate the former e.s could ever have bee11 granted. With calmness, with the wisdom ancl fulness of long study and mature experience, the most enlightened Christian apolo;:;ist presented the case of Christianity to these men of the Jewish faith. We may look at- I. THE INTRODUCTION. Paul felt that his position was one which was open to mis- understanding on the part of his fellow-countrymen, and he resolved on a free and full explanation. In this we recognize (1) his c~mstant faithfulness; for it was in discharge of his duty to his Divine Master that he sou~ht to cnnciliate those who were his enemies ; aLSO (2) his habitual courtesy; for the whole strain of his o.ddress to the "chief of the jews" was suave and conrteous in a high degree (vers. 17-20). In their reply (vers. 21, 22) we recognize (1) a formal impartiality combined with (2) a real prepossession of mind decidedly against the cause of which he was the advocate, IL THE co?-.""FERENCE. (Vers.23-28.) We have: 1. Christian earnestness confront- ing Jewish curiosity. Paul "expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them," et.c., evidently with chara.ct.eristic zeal. They listened, curious and wondering what he had to say. "We desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest." Christian fervour on the one side, Jewish eagerness on the other. 2. Christian truth striving with Jewish prejudice. Paul marshalled his facts and his arguments, wo cannot doubt, to the full height of bis fervour and his practised ability, maintaining his plea at great length (ver. 23). But he spoke to men whose minds were occupied with prejudice. The "sect was everywhere spoken against," they said to him. They probably used much stronger la.ngu.age in speaking to one another. 3. Christian truth prevailing over ,lewish prejudice. But seldom do we read of men being "convinced against their will;" but we are glad to read here that" some believed," etc. (ver. 24). 4. But we have the old sad story of Jewish prejudice prevailing over Christian truth. "Some .believed not." 5. Finally we have Christian indignation uttering itself freely (vers. .25-27). We tum to-- • Ill. THE LESSONS WE GAIN FROM IT. 1. That it is right for us to invite and address the curious as well as the devout. We should summon to the sanctuary not only those who are wishful to worship God, but those also who are solicitous to learn what we have to say on any subject with which we dcaL 2. That we should exert ourselves to present truth in s.ll its phases and with all our force. As Paul macle his appeal to the Law and to the prophets, and developed and illustrated his argument at full length, so we should present the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, in all its fulness anti in all its force not being satisfied until we have "declared the whole couu,el of God." 3. '!'hat we ~y reasonably hope for some wea.sure of success. We have to contend, not indeed with Jewish prejudice, but with human obduracy. Yet armed with Divine truth and aided by the Divine Spirit, we should look for success, 4. That we need not be surprised at partial failure, Where apostles were baflled we may be beaten. 6. That the hour of rebuke sometimes comes in the ministry of Clrrist. 6. That one sphere failing, another will open to the earnest worker (ver. 2:,). The salvation of God is sent to ell men, ~.nd there are those who "wiU hear it," if there are many who will not.--C. Vera. 30, 31<-0onceming Uhrist and hia kingdom. "'l'he kingdom of God," which ..Paul preached in his own hired house for two years, was none other tho.n the "kingdow OH, Xlt VIII, 1-31.] i'HE Aurs OF THE APOS1'LEB. 331