Ver, 31.-EdificatiO'TI, "Then had the Churches rest," etc. ( cf. Revised Version). The events of the past had been exciting, stimulating activity, spreading the Word. But excitement checks growth in character. Wonderful appointment of l'rovidence- tbe leader of the persecution becoming the chief example of Christian activity. I. THE BIGHT USE OF A TIME OF PEACE AND BEST. 1. The cnltivation of 1Yrotherly intercourse. The Churches (or the Church) throughout Juwea, Samaria, and Galilee, in a time of peace, could communicate with the apostles and with each other. 2. The exercise of spiritual gifts, knowledge, prophecy, tongues, etc., the stndy of Scriptures, especially with a ,iew to future claims on the Church's activity. 3. The mani- festation of steadfast Christian character; ., Walking in the fear of the Lord." The times of external danger less suited for the observation of individual graces. II. 'l'HE CHUROH OF CHRIS'l' A SPIBITUAL EDIFICE. The foundation is Christ. The superRtructure is: 1. Eminently simple; not a hierarchy, not a complicated system of ecclesiastical offices, not an imitation of civil society, but the amplification of the germ seen in the upper room at Jerusalem, 2. Spiritual. Full of the Holy Ghost; not built up with worldly materials; maintaining discipline, purity, fellowship. 3. 'Multiplied from within, not from without; by its own graces coming forth on the world; not by mere accession of material resources or combination with. worldly elements. Take care that our multiplication is genuiue.-R.
Vers. 32-35.-Wonderful ministry of the Apostle Peter. Introdnction to what is about to be descrihed-the extension of the apostolic ministry to the Gentiles. "Peter went through all quarters," i.e. where there were already Churches of believers. The general superintendence of the apostles was not in the way of despotic rule, but brotherly guidance. Situation of Lydda on the way to Joppa and so to Cresarea. But Peter's intention went no further than Joppa., i.e. not beyond the limits of present fellowship. The Holy Ghost leads him further. The healing of the palsied lEneas a sign to the neighbourhood. L JESUS CHBIST THE lilUllSTANCE OF THE APOSTLE'S ?4INISTBY. The servant behind the Master. II. TBB TESTIMONY (')F MAN .ACCOMPANIED BY THE POWER OF GoD. Miracles were accessory as proclaiming the kingdom of Christ in distinction from a. mere message of preachers. lEnea.s the healed man would preach the Word with power. Ill 'l'Bll: RAPID SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL lN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD A WITNESS TO TlilB .APOSTOLI0 A'DTBOBITY OF PETER. They "turned to the Lord,'' but were doubtless introduced to the Church through the apostle. The record is preserved that Peter's fOSiUoD. mii.y be understood, There is no necessity to accept the Roman Catholic view THE AOTS OF THE .APOSTLES. [ou. IX, 1--4:3,