The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 1 — Section 79

we ree.ch with our word by not throwing round them quickly the net of our Christian community and institutions, 3. A great lesson on the importance of waiting /(YI' God', time, ond being ready to receive the Spirit, All mere got-up revival.a result in failure. God's Spirit will himself teach us how and when to expect the succese. Follow the leadings of Providence.-R. Vere. 43-47.-The spiritual common'!Dealth, The Bible not intended t.o be a statute-book for nations, but a. Book of Divine principles, which, while they should underlie all legislation, are not intended to supersede the natural development of human law. The glimpse into the earliest Church life specially helpful to God's people, indi- rectly so to the world. Confirmation of the Acts in heathen authors, as Lucian, in his • Peregrinus Proteus,' who refers to the community of goods and other features of the early Church. I. THE EDIFIOE OF THE CHBISTUN CHUBOII BESTS UPOY THE 8Ul'EBNATUBAL, Fear on every soul; signs and wonders. Divine work both in the outward world and in the hearts and consciences of men. II. 'l'HE STRENGTH OF THE UNITING BOND in the new society is spiritual; not mere companionship, or social instinct, or common necessity, or political aim, but brotherly love springing out of faith-a faith showing itself in self-sacrifice and steadfastness. III. THE SPEOIALITY AND DISTINCTNESS of the Christian life in the midst of such a world. Unselfishness, mutual consideration, compassion for the needy, gladness and singleness of heart, devoutness, purity of home life, steadfast continuing in well-doing. IV. '!'HE MIGHTY EFFEOT of a pure Church upon an impure world. The true method of spreading religion is not by breaking down the distinctions between Church life and worldly life, but by revealing the spiritual power of Christ's kingdom. "They had favour with all the people." The people know how to distinguish between reality and pretence. They will be always moved by sincerity. The Lord will add to bis own work. The method which we see in nature is a type of that which is ordained in grace. The vigorous life is selected to carry on the increase. Half-hearted Christianity cannot convert the world. Multitudinism is a great mistake, as well as mockery of Christ. Let the Lo,·d add to the Church; let not our desires, or even our observances of Christian institutions, multiply numbers without increasing etrength.-R. Ver. 41.-God's W(Yl'k amongst men. "And the Lord added," etc. Difficulty of reading history, especially Christian history, without reading into it our own prejudices and opinions. Infancy of the Church an important study; bnt as an adult oft.en mis- understands a child, so we must beware of misconstruction of the simple facts. Yet a great good in getting as near as possible to the purity and unsophisticated artlessness of the primitive Church; a fresher, sweeter, more beautiful life. Connect this last verse of the chapter with what goes before. It is all a testimony to the Lord and his work. The prejudice against the supernatural is best overcome by pointing to the facts of Christian history and life. How could the Church have conquered the world unless the Divine had been manifested specially in the human ? The few verses which describe the immediate sequel of the day of Pentecost like an open door into the new temple, which should take the place of the old. The disciples clung to the building in Jerusalem, but they themselves were the prophecy of a higher, spiritual edifice which should be filled with a greater glory. I. SALVATION A FACT. "Be saved," or "those being saved." 1. ThB rescue. Salvation from self-as sinful, condemned, corrupt, dying; from the "untoward genera- tion," i.e. from the world-from the sinful life and habits. If the message was understood in Jerusalem, so everywhere. Salvation is coming out of the old world into the new. 2. 'l'he graciousreception and pledged security. "Saved "-like the fugitive passing through the gate of the fortress. Necessity that there should be a separation unto Christ. The baptism was a confession by the mouth "unto salvation,'' i.e. unto 11afety within the fold. Not that the fold is itself equivalent to salvation, but it is the pledge of Divine grace. The presence and operation of the Holy Spirit set the promises of God clearly before men's eyes. They were invited to put themselv~s into the embrace of Divine power. So still, men are scarcely safe when they despise the fold of Christ. 74, THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLF.8. [ou. u. 1-47,