The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 1 — Section 371

The humility of both men exemplified. Both fitted to be masters because both eimplc- minded. 'l'eacliing must accompany ovangelization, or the work will fall to pieces. A wholo year they taught much people; hence their steadfastness at Antioch. VI. 'l'rm WORLD'S TESTIMONY TO THE NEW LIFE. "Called Christians." 'Antioch saw a distinct society arising; gave it a name, separated it in thought both from Judaism and heathenism. Recognized that the substance of it was Ghrist; that the mcmbors of it were like Christ and lived for Christ. The providential appointment of the name signalized the new start of the Church on its mission, with Saul at the head of it, to evangelize the World. An intere11ting line of progress from Jerusalem to Antioch. Divine guidance.-R. Ver. 26.-The <Jh?-iseian name. "And the disciples were called Christians first ir. Antioch." Three great cities identified with Christian history in a special manner- Jerusalem, .Antioch, and Rome. '!'he birth of the religion; its triumph in full man- hood over the world ; and between these two points its baptism as the religion of the East and West alike. Describe position and influence of the city. The name not given by Jews, as recognizing that Jesus was Messiah. Not by disciples, as other names in use-" believers," "brethren," "saints," "friends." Nor by Divine direction. It was either a name of reproach or a convenient designation of a rapidly enlarging society. Consider- !. THE NAME GIVEN. 1. Per&onal, testifying to the pre-eminence of Christ in the :first preaching. The facts came before the doctrines, as they always should. 2. A name of distinction. Separation from the world. Baptism in his Name. Worship of Christ. Spirit of Christ. "See how these Christians love one auother." Contrast with heathen world. 3. Prophetic. Christ expected to return. Judge of all the earth. Despondency the main feature of heathenism. Christians preached hope. The Resurrection and Ascension. Not as others, children of the night, but children of the light. II. 'l'm: NAME HONOURED. " <Jalled Christians." 1. The life should be evident before it is named. Baptismal regeneration is condemned by such a fact. 2. If the world looks upon the life, it will name it; let us see to it that it names it after Christ. It should be the sigu of conversation, and the testimony to a spiritual work. 3. The privilege is to wear the name. Are we ashamed of it? Secret disciples an anomaly. Connect the profession with teaching at Antioch, and the name will be itself a publication of the truth. 4. It is not what we are called that will decide our final state, but what we are. Let all who name his Name depart from iniquity. "Chri~- tendom" is an empty mockery. Seek the baptism of the Holy Ghost.-Il. Vers. 21-30.-Practical sympathy between Jew and Gentile. I. The test of REAL UNION must be an appeal to self-sacrifice. Antioch was wealthy; Judrea was poor. The prophets came from Jerusalem; the return was relief sent to poor brethren, both as a sign of obedience to the Spirit and as a pledge of future onenel'8. There could be no more decided evidence that the Gentile converts were really incorporated into the apostolic Church. II. The prophetic element quite consistent with the maintenance of A. SETTLED ORDER in the spiritual life. The extraordinary manifestations of the Spirit must be distinguished from the ordinary work of the Church. The collected relief was sent to "the elders." The hands of Barnabas and Saul carried it. Thus the new Gentile community at Antioch did not break away from the original centre at Jernsalem. It was not Saul's aim to disacknowleclge those who had preceded him; but, while care- fully maintaining the connection, preserving independence. III. WILLINGHOOD the principle of the Church's charity. "Every man according to his ability." "God loveth a cheerful giver." No sign of ecclesiastical rate-laying. Until the Church became corrupt, it had no need of any other law than spiritual l..w.-R. Ver. 18.-.A. model Church meeting. The worst hindrances to the spread of Chris- tianity and to its hold upon tho world have always been found to be, not so much the native opposition of the lrntnan heart, nor t)l.c direct conflict with S:itan and with sin,  THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. [011. XI. 1-30