The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 1 — Section 144

the spiritunl interests of men, Other names in the Church, The priest hiding the Saviour; the ritual shutting out the truth; sectarianism dishonouring Christ; names of leaders and teachers made into t~mptations to spiritual pride, and mere herc>-worship substituted for simple-minded obedience to Christ's commandments, Yet the Name above every name in/act, and must be seen to be so. The Name of the corning Judge, who, though he find not faith on the earth, will still destroy all that exalteth itself against him, "that God may be all in all." III. AN INVITATION. 1. To acceptance of a free gift. "Given amongst men." Contrast between Christ's method of helping men and that of the world's teachers. 2. To separation from a lost cause. The no.mes of the world represent the old things which are passing away. Come out and he separate. Namo the N:nne of Christ in order to realize salvation. Half-hearted religion no joy. 3. To anticipation of a final 'Victory. As the Name we honour represents a life which went up from the lowliest places on earth to the highest in heaven, so those who are called after the Name rise to the throne to reign with Christ. Will you sell such a birthright for vain delight? Will you forfeit such a prospect for lack of faith ?-R. Vers.13-22.-.Tlre impotence of unbe'liej. I. In the presence of FACTS. The his- torical evidence of the gospel must be pressed home on men's consciences. Mnke them acknowledge, "We cannot deny it." The facts of Christian life and character before their eyes. Hence the power of great movements like those of the evangelical revivals. II. In contrast with the HORAL STRENGTH OF DEEP CONVICTION AND STRAIGHT- FORWAilD ALLEGIA..XCE To TRUTH. The shifting of ground, the sophistry, the blasphemy, the dishonesty, the malice, and yet the cowardice of modern unbelief. "What shall we do to these men 1" The question was not "What shall we dd with the facts? n but "How shall we escape dealing fairly with them?" Personality is the resort of wenk and dishonest minds. If they will not believe, they persecute. III. In SENSELESS THREATENINGB AND PRESUMPTION in the presence of the mysteries an<l glories of aavancing faith. "That it spread no further among the people." Folly of such a policy. The people see through the devices of a false Church-nre not long deceived by the vain boastings of infidelity. A bold and aggressive method must be the hope of the Christian Church in the climax of opposition now reached. We must plant ourselves firmly on the rock of undeniable facts, and hearken unto God rather than unto men. "All men then will glorify God for what is done."-R. Ver. 13.- Witnessing for CltriBt. "They took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." Fulfilment of the promise, "Ye shall be witnesses unto me.n Reward for obedience to the precept, depend on the Spirit. No mere human resources applied to; the men simply spiritual men, bearing w;tness to Divine facts. I. A GllEAT CHANGE lliADE HA:t-."IFEST. Fishermen, Jews, once filled with fear, now bold, eloquent, full of the Holy Ghost, proclaiming a doctrine once hateful to them, uplifted to a lofty conception of the kingdom of God. The whole explanation in the fact they had been with Jesus, as disciples, as chosen out by him for their mission, as qunlified for it by his gifts of the Spirit. II. A GREAT EF'F'ECT PRODUCED. 1. By the clear and decided expression of Christian faith.. The world is much more impressed by beholdii;ig a wonderful contrast to itself, tl,an by seeing Christians compromising principles for the sake of enlarging the Church. 2. By fearless condemnation of evil and proclamation of the kingdom of Christ. We should remember that all wickedness is weakness. We must speak like Peter and John. We must keep the Head of the comer in view. 3. By the wonderfulness of spiritual work and life. Unlearned and ignorant men can render an incalculable service to the cause of Christ by making others marvel, when they speak out boldly their humble testimony. Dut let all who hear it say, "They have been with Jesus." IIL A GREAT LESSON TAUGHT. 1. To the apostles themselves. The power of faith ; the protecting presence of God; the safety of boldness; persecution making opportunity; the suffering servant honouring the Master. 2. 'l'o the council. To judj!O righteous judg- mcnts; to learn the method of gra~; to see the errors of the past. But we should be warned ; for 11uch lcbsons were in vain, iuthough enforced with such power. 3. To en. IV. 1-37.J '.rHE AC'rs OF' TttE APOSTLES.