The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 1 — Section 76

Ver. 33.-Royal bounty. "Being therefore," etc. I. RECEIVED OF THE FATHER. The throne of Christ is the right hand of the Father. "Righteousness and peace have kissed each other." '!'he obedience of Christ rewarded. The highest manifestation of the Divine in the Man Christ Jesus, The only true view of infinite power is that which sees it on Christ's throne as the source of the Spirit of lire. Man's power destroys, God's power creates and saves. The thrones or this world fall, because they are so unlike Christ's throne. II. The HIGHEST SUMMIT which Jesus reached; to which he was exalted. He did not throw off humanity, but carried it with him. For the sake of it he endured the cross. The glory of the throne shines through the earthly scenes of his history. So we can see the summit of our blessedness beyond and through the steep sides of the earthly path. Exalted for us, Jesus shows us that there is a holy ambition which is not self-worship, but self-sacrifice. James and John were not reproved for desiring to sit beside Jesus, but for desiring it apart from Divine appointment-as mere personal favour. IlL THE GIF"l' ITSELF. " He bath shed forth this, which ye see and hear." Spiritual power is given that it may be manifested; not in the world's forms, not as ecclesiastics have claimed to exhibit it, but with Pentecostal grace-distinguished men, subduing :i.nd captivating messages. The poverty of the Church without this gift. The evidence of its presence in the spirit of loyalty to the King from whose throne it descends. Christ-like power is what we want. The individual appeal: "Ye see and hear." The gift is already bestowed. Why should any be without it? An appeal (as in ver. 36) to the Crucifix.ion. " Ye slew him; l8t he offers you his grace. Ye said, 'We will not have this man to reign over us; yet he holds out his sceptre, and invites you to sit down with him on his throne." Is not this a love to put on the throne of our bearts?-R. Vers. 87-42.-The day of spiritual wonders. I. WROUGHT IN TBJC HEART. Re- pentance. Anxio11S inquiry. Submission to Divine teaching. Separation from the old life. Depth of the work revealed in progressive steadfastness. II. The fruit of HUJUN AGENCY accompanied by Divine power. Preaching, the testi- mony of believers, the sight of wonders, the open gate of the Church. Ill. SEALED with the appointed sign of the Spirit. Baptism, both selective and consecrative in meaning. It was to separate and to unite. Save yourl!8lves from this generation. God calls you unto him. IV. Given in GB.EAT .A.Bu:NDANOE. "Three thousand souls;" as encouragement to the Church; as a sign of promise and invitation to the world 5 as a confirmation of the ~oapel ; as a preparation for immediate assault upon the mass of unbelief, For thouih OH, II, 1-47,] THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 71