The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 1 — Section 270

Churoh with spiritual gifts, than a treasury full of hypocrites' offerings and no Holy Ghost descending on the world.-R. Vere. 25---40.-The se«m,dfUg'l,t of tl,e gospel. Samaria evangeli11ed both by Philip and the apostles, and both in the city and country districts-a preparation of the Ohurch (or yet greater expansion. Necessity that such a flight 88 from Samaria to the desert on the way to Ethiopia should be supernaturally commanded. 'l'he step- by-step process of opening the Jewish mind to the idea.of a world-message. The eunuch was a prosel_yte ~f the gate, so would be rep;ardoo. as holding an intermediate position. Contrast this childhood of the Church with our advanced knowlclge of the Divine purposes. Moreover, at that time no New Testament. 'l'he work to be done must await the instruments. The gospel cannot be preached fully till the apostles have fulfilled their testimony.-R. Ver. 36.-JesTLS the Hope of the world. "'Then Philip opened his mouth," etc. The two lines meeting in the desert. The Ethiopian traveller led on by Providence; the evangelist led by the angelic message; ignorant of one another, yet both in their way following Divine guidance. The importance of that meeting-place to the world's future, both as opening the South and East to the gospel, and as helping the Church to look away to the ends of the earth. The underlying facts, the Old Testament and its work. Proselytes. Devout men. Isaiah preparing for Christ. "Of whom spenketh the prophet?" The world was ready and asking questions, and the Church was prepared to answer them. The Spirit presiding over all. I. JESUS THE BEGO.'NING ..U."D THE E1'"D OF ALL GoD'B REVELATIONS. 1. Atonement the great want of the world. 2. The gospel facts fulfilments of the Old Testament prophecies. 3. A personal Redeemer preached as an object of faith, the satisfaction of the heart. II. TBE PREACHING OF JEBUB THE TRUE OPENING OF TIIE CmraoR'B LIPS TO THE WORLD. 1. In distinction from mere dry theology, vague sentiment, or barren specula- tion. 2. With no feeble or uncertain sound he opened his mouth. Boldness, direct- ness, persuasiveness, faithfulness, he preached to him. 3. Scriptural preaching the great demand of the age. Beginning on a firm foundation of the written Word and the con victfons of hearers. llL DrvnmLY GIVEN OPPORTUNITY HUMllLY USED PBODUOTIVE OF GBEAT RESULTS. 1. Missionary work should recognize the preparation God makes in men's minds for his truth. 2. Individuals the objects of gracious communications, that messengers may be raised up who shall carry the Word into the strongholds of heathenism. We should always follow the Spirit. 3. Deserts rejoicing, prophecy of a recovered world. The nations shall be baptized. Ilut we must see to it that we preach unto them Jesus.-R. , er. 39.-The way of pleasantness. "He went on his way rejoicing." I. A ll.ETROSPECT. 1. Heathenism compared with Christianity. 2. A state of doubt and inquiry compared with knowledge, faith, decision, open dedication. 3. Loneliness ch:i.nged into fellowship; some one helping and guiding; remembered instructions, and opened Scripture. II. A PROSPECT. The way of rejoicing opened. 1. Sense of reconciliation. Inward peace. Joy" springing up as a well of water into everlasting life." 2. Hopes for him- self and for others. He was carrying the gospel to his home, to his duties, his anxieties, his sovereign, his fellow-countrymen. a. A baptized man rejoicing in the sense of Divine approval of his conscience and a new position in life. We get rid of much difficulty both within and without by public confession of Christ. We draw round our souls the visible tokens of Divine presence and favour. We associate ourselves with God's people in every age, and feel that our way ia- "The way the holy prophets went- God's highway from banish.ment.n Recognize the turning-point. Take the straight road that leads through a joyful obedience to glory.-H. Vers. 1-4.-Diacordant element, obediene to the accompliahing of one pwrpose. Olf. 't'IIJ. 1---40.J THE AC7T8 OF THE APOSTLES. 267