The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 1 — Section 45

life and influence is concerned, we find it in the holy living of his Church, and the teachings of apostles and ministers. In application, It may be urged that a work so graciously introduad in our Lord's life on earth, o.nd so graciously continued in his present working in his Church, must have its completion some day. Such completion is reMhed in the believer's "full sanctification;" and, for the Church, in that day when the "kingdoms of this world shall have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ," and the "Church" shall he the redeemed world.-R. T. Ver, l.-Tl1e origin of the Gospel recorda. Luke reminds Theophilus of his having written bis Gospel, and of the circumstances which called for his labours (comp. Luke i. 1-4). Incidentally we are assured that the historical figure of Clhrist is the essential foundation of the Christian system; and, therefore, such extreme care was necessary in securing authentic records of his words and works, The trustworthiness of our Gospels may be efficiently impressed by the illustration and enforcement of the following points, which are suggestive enough to be presented without elaboration:- ], Snow THE LEADING POINTS OF APOSTOLIC PREACHING .um T1':ACHl:SG. They were facts, of Christ's coming, teaching, personnel, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. II, IN DECLARING THESE, THE APOSTLES D."VITED COMPAJIISON WITH THE OLDER ScnIPTUREB. They appealed to existing and recognized inspired writings. III. THEIR FACTS NEEDED TO BE SET IN DEFINITE WRITTEN FOnM. If comparisons were to be efficiently made, the precise facts must be assured. As preached, there would be variety in the statement of the incidents and expressions of our Lord's life, and no suitable basis for faith. IV. 'l.'HE MATERIALS FOR SUCH WRITING HUST BE GATHERED FBOM VAnlOUS SOURCES. Each disciple remembered some special thing. Our Lord's mother could tell what nobody else could know. Other women had special narratives to give. Peter, James, and John were on several occasions of importance alone with Christ. v. Suen MATERIALS REQUIRED THE EDITING OF SOME COMPETENT HEN. Illustr~te Luke's fitness-as educated, as Paul's companion, as evidencing a careful, critical habit, and as having access to the best information. Show that, of the many Gospels, and parts of Gospels, that may have been written, there was a Divine selection of/our. The wisdom of the selection may be pointed out and impressed; and also the special bearing of Luke's two treatises on the basis-facts of the l:'auline theology. Luke's/acts underlie Paul's doctrines.-R. T. Ver. 1.-The threefold aspect of our Lord's human life. The aspects that need to be so carefully recorded. 'l'wo are stated in the text-to do, and to teach; the third we gather from the Gospel itself-to suffer. I. OUR LoRD oura TO no. It has been said that" conduct is three-fourths of life;" and upon our Lord's daily life and doings we, first of all, reverently fix our gaze. 1. He came to live; to express in pure, beautiful character, and in sweet, self-denying, helpful intercourse with men, the example of the holy lifu. Show how this became inspiration for all sincere hearts, and conviction for all self-servers and time-servers. 2. He came to work mighty works. In miracles, of healing and of power, revealing to men the true God and Father, in whom we "live, and move, and have our being;" and making trust in the "living God the Saviour" possible for man. II. Oun Lonn CAME TO TEACH. And the teaching was in full harmony with the life, and unfolded the gracious design and mission of the worlcs. 1. Jle taught ihe people. As in the sermon on the mount, by his parables, and in the temple porch ai Jerusalem. 2. He fought the disciples. By explanation of parable and miracle, by 11rivate instructions, by trial missions, and in his modes of dealing with them. 3. Ha taught his enemies. By severe warnings and denunciations, seeking to arou,o the sensi> of sin, in which alone lies the hope of salvation. III. OUR LoRD CAME TO su~·FER. He could not but su!Ter personally, in carrying out such a mission; but he, further, suffered mediately and vicariously, as "bearing our sin~." For us it "pleased the Lord to bruise him." Conclude by workinu out the h11rmony of this threefold aspect, in the light of Christ's perfect and co~plete obedience to his heavenly Father's will. He did, he taught,  THE ACTS OF THE A.POSTLES. [OIL L 1-~