The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 1 — Section 22

Alpha of the kingdom, and he is the Omega. His doing and his teaching really one ; in mntter and in manner, Divine; the standard for npostlos and nil others ; tho Acts of the Apostles a continuation of the acts of their Master. Ho only began to do n11<l to teach in his ministry; he went on to manifest himself by the Spirit, according to his promise," He [the Father] shall give you another Comforter [Helper], that he may be with you for ever" (John xiv. 16). Consider, then- I. THE PRE-EMTh"ENCB OF JEsus. A spiritual pre-eminence. 'l'he short period of his life end ministry; yet cor.ta.ining deeds and words which have created the world nfresh. Not the bare history of mirncles, or record of religious discourses, but the manifestation to the world of the Divine Spirit through a human history, character, and speech. H. A PnE-EMINENOB ACKNOWLEDGED IN IIEAVEN. "The day when he was received up" is distinctly declared to be the consummation of the gospel story; the " doing and teaching" were not only before men, but before God, on behalf of men. Hence the distinction between Christ's ministry and that of all merely human "doers and teachers." God accepts his pre-eminence, is well-plellsed in his testimony-a testimony ,vhich v:as wrought out both in active efforts and patient suffering, His pre-eminence is prophetic, priestly, kingly. The necessity, especially in our times, of following Christ in thought to tho right hand of God. He is not merely the highest of the philanthropists and the wisest oft.he sages. He is the Heir of all things,•• received up" to heaven, that "in all things he might have the pre-eminence." III. THE PRE-EMINENCE OF JEsus IS GRAcrous. His own ministry is followed by the ministry of his apostles. The Acts only the first volume of an endless record of gracious ministration, of which Jesus is the Source and his people the instruments. Hence the value of the Acts. It helps us to see what a Christ-like ministry is; how it overcomes the world, how it reveals the Spirit. Yet compare the Acts and the Gospels, and we are taught how much the servants fall below their Lord. Instances of infirmity and sin in apostles. Encouragement in the great lesson, our life linked on to Christ's. "Acts" a continuation. Keep close to the doing and teaching of Jesus, in its essential features and ruling spirit.-R. Ver. 3.-ne risen JeS1J,S. "To whom he also showed himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing unto them by the space of forty days, and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of God." L Tm; WITNESSES. 1. Prepared and trained for the work. Not shown to all, but to those who could look at the miracle in its spiritual aspect, who could see the fulfilment of God's Word. 2. The certain knowledge of Christ's resurrection a solemn responsi- bility which all were not able to bear. "Nothing secret but that it may come abroad." Not to the wise of this world, who know not how to use Divine secrets, but to the babes in disposition, simple, humble, self-forgetful, waiting on God. 3. 'l'he main work of Christ's servants is witnessing, not theorizing ; not building up ecclesiastical structures ; not seeking dominion over the faith of others; but "showing forth'' the weat facts. Our preaching should be of the nature of witnessing. "Add to our seal that God is true." Although apostles had distinct duties as leaders and founders of the visible Church, they share with all the Lord's people the office of witnesses. "Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord." See to it that we speak as those who" know the certainty of the things. n IL THE PBOOtrll. The Resurrection must be proved infallibly (1'<1Cp.71p/o,s); that is, beyond all reasonable doubt. We mllSt build on a foundation of fact and testimony. Our first t~.achers mllSt be those who could say that they had tasted, handled, felt of the Word of Life (1 John i. 1-4). Now the proofs were: 1. Appearances of the risen JesllS, thirteen in number, in various circumstances, to different kinds of witnessell, and with amply sufficient tests of reali~y. 2. Coincidence of the facts with the words of our Lord himself and the promises of the Old 'l'estament. 3. IJistinction of the signs and proofs c,f the Resurrection from any other facts; from the possible mis- apprehensions or illusions of disciples. It was unexpected; proved against unbelief; with growing 8.IISur&nce; and with concurrence of many sincere and faithful men who knew their responsibility aa witnesses. 4. .Tuua 6howed himself alive after his resurrection. The fact to which apostles testified was 'Jot the mystery of the Resur- CII, I, 1-20.] nrn AUTS OF 'l'ilE APOSTLES. 17