The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 1 — Section 424

reli:ci0us movement. Here ,certain feelings in their minds are appoalcd to, antagonistio 1;o the gospel. It would be easy to misrepresent it. Th8118 proselyto women might say that they had learned to be religious without the gospel, and what could It do more for them? Or it might be represented that it subverted sound piety, whereas it really fulfils every noble ideal learned elsewhere. Among the proselytes to Judnism we see elsewhere that it received a warm welcome. The lesson from such incidents is the practical one-that we should test any new teaching for ourselves, not accept reports at aecond hand. The seeming new ia often not true ; the new and the true are ever the fulfilment of the old.-J. Vers. 4-12.-~ gospel in Oypr,,& Break in the narrative, the second portion, referring to the missionary labours of St. Paul, reminding us that the chief purpose of the book is to describe the growth of the Church, not directly its constitution or doctrines or discipline. Notice- I. THE TE1'"TATIVE CBARAOTEB of this first missionary journey, which embraced Cyprus, Pamphylia, Pisidia, Lycaonia, and so back through Atta.Ha to Antioch. The Church at Antioch kept in view, and the report of the work brou!!:ht back to it. This showed that the double aspect of the work was remembered-its bearing on the world and its bearing on the Church itself. All ag~essive efforts should be thus held closely to the vital centre of fellowship. Paul and his companions did not aim at preaching th.,mselves, but Christ. So diffusion is strength, not weakness. IL The faithful observance of the Lord's rule, TO THE JEW FIRST. Thus the mission of God's ancient people still recognized. The unity of truth. The continuity of grace. "Salvation is of the Jews." III. THE SPIRITUAL 001'""DITION OP CYPBtrll A TYPE OP THAT OP THE WORLD, Corrupt synagogues, side by side with heathen ignorance and superstition. Bar-jesus, or Elymas, between the Gentiles and Christ; false prophecy hiding the true. So in Europe during the :Middle Ages. The infidelity which broke out in the French Revolution the natural product of a monstrous travesty of Christianity. Yet there is hope in "the men of understanding" to whom the gospel can appeal. IV. Mm.ACULOus Mil'IFEST.ATION brought in to break the spell of falsehood. Paul's first miracle. He wrought it when under the special influence of the Holy Ghost. No ,indictive feeling in the apostle, but a simple obedience to the voice of the Spirit. The miracle was one of mercy, both as regards Sergius Paulus and the heathen population generally. Nothing would more open the way of the gospel People that were accustomed to magic could be easily impressed by such a sign, especially as it fell on the sorcerer. May it not be that some such iafluences are to be watched against in modern society'/ Those in high station often listen to spiritualists, thinking to aid their own weakness by such means. Yet the wonders of the gospel far greater than all the deceits of false prophets. We may safely employ the feeling of astonishment, if only we ll8Ilctify it by the preaching of the Word.-R, , Vera. 13-15.-.d rapuljourney by BetJ a-nd land. Paphos to Perg<J. Perga. through Pisidia to .dnti<>chia, the northern extremity of the province. L JoBN MA.Rx: separated and returned to Jerusalem. Probably a failure of spiritual courage. Yet notice the change which afterwards occurred. He is, according to many, the evangelist; perhaps Jewish in feeling, and hence attaching himself more to Peter. Sign of the Jewish prejudice still at work, and the difficulties in 11tore for the Church. IL The PROVIDEN'lliL PBEP.ABATION of Paul for his entire devotion to the Gentiles. 1. There was no self-f181181'tion in it. He simply followed the leading of events. We should watch the guidance of God in our work. 2. The attitude oC the Jews ol .Antioch showed that the lVord was brought to them in a respectful and reverent manner. 3. Glimpse into the synagogue life shows what an opportunity the Jews had among the heathen. The Law and the prophets still read. On that foundation the gospel was placed. The Law was the schoolmaster to bring the nations to Christ, but the schooling was corrupt.-R. Vera. 16-48.-Paul', sermon in the syMgogtu at Antlocll, I. The JUDI PUBl'OIIB OIi, Xlll. 1-62.) 'rHE ACTS OF TllE APOSTLJl!S. 421