1862 - Ward, R. Lectures from New Zealand - LECTURE VI. ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES.

[Image of page 107]

LECTURE VI.

THE portion of sacred Scripture known as "The Acts of the Apostles," reaches over about thirty-two years from the ascension of Christ, and refers to a considerable tract of country in the centre of the civilized world; which had long been the theatre of national disputes, battles and honours, and was now a part of the Roman Empire. Nearly six hundred years before the prophet Daniel had foretold that in the days of these kings the God of heaven would set up a kingdom which should never be destroyed; that the kingdom should not be left to other people, but it should stand for ever. The history of the setting up and early progress of this kingdom, the kingdom of Christ, is the subject of the present lecture.

The preliminary arrangements next to the sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus Christ, consisted of three events, two of which were of surpassing interest in themselves, and in their influence in our fallen world. The first was the ascension of Christ. About thirty-

[Image of page 108]

three years before, he came down from heaven to inhabit the body prepared for him. After he had fulfilled his ministry, and made his soul a sacrifice for sin, he rose from the dead, still bearing the marks of the conflict through which he had passed, and visibly ascended up on high, to receive the heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession; and to be enthroned a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance and remission of sins.

Forty days after this another event occurred of infinite importance to the Christian church, in the descent of the Holy Ghost. The Pentecostal feast was the time, an upper room in Jerusalem was the place, and one hundred and twenty devout men and women were the persons so remarkably favoured. The sound of his coming was like a rushing mighty wind, and the accompanying appearance was that of tongues of fire. Probably all heard the sound and saw the tongues of fire, and all were filled with the Holy Ghost. Strangers were then at Jerusalem, "out of every nation under heaven," to whom the apostles spoke as the Spirit gave them utterance. "The nations that are enumerated," in the sacred history, "present to us, the Parthians, at the utmost boundary of the Roman empire; the Medes, to whose cities the ten tribes were led captive; the Elamites, who may be called Persians; the dwellers in Mesopotamia, between the Tigris and Euphrates; Judea is specified because it differed in dialect from Galilee; the people of the lesser Asia are mentioned as speaking Greek; after which Africa presents Egypt, with its peculiar tongue, and the parts

[Image of page 109]

of Libya about Cyrene where a colony of Jews had been settled, near the modern Algiers; strangers of Rome, where Latin was spoken; native Jews and prosolytes from other nations; are followed by Cretes of the island on the farthest west, and Arabians on the Red Sea, where Arabic has been preserved for thousands of years." 1 These heard in their respective languages, at the lips of Galilean teachers, the wonderful works of God.

While the disciples were waiting for "the promise of the Father," they repaired the breach which the defection of Judas had made in their number. Two brethren, Barsabas and Matthias, were nominated for the apostolic office; to know which of these brethren God had chosen for this honourable work, special prayer was made and lots were drawn. Matthias was elected, and numbered with the eleven apostles. This having been done and the Holy Spirit having been given, the work of grace was commenced which is to fill the whole earth with righteousness.

To point out the triumphs of the Gospel in several cities of celebrity is our first purpose.

A beginning was fitly and gloriously made at Jerusalem, where the Temple was, whither the tribes of the Lord went to worship, and where Christ was crucified. This accorded with prophecy, for living waters were to go forth from Jerusalem; it was a continuance of the love which caused Jesus to weep over that city; and it illustrated the fact that the religion of Jesus invites examination, for its first trophies were won among men

[Image of page 110]

who had the best opportunity of searching the Scriptures to detect error, and to do homage to truth. The church at Jerusalem numbered many influential persons, "a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith," and converts were multiplied by thousands. They assumed the most lovely form of religion; selfishness was banished, "they were of one heart and of one soul, and great grace was upon them all." Such were the immediate effects of that Gospel which offers a full, free, and present salvation to all who repent and believe on the crucified Son of God.

Samaria was the next field sown with Gospel seed. Its inhabitants sprang from a remnant of the ten tribes of Israel, and a colony of Gentiles whom the king of Assyria brought from Babylonia,------Cushan, Ava, Hamath, and Sepharvaim; and who introduced the idols of their respective countries into Samaria. And when the worship of the true God was established in the land, they "feared the Lord and forsook their own gods." When the Jews returned from their captivity the Samaritans wished to unite with them in rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple, but were refused: from that time to the time of our Saviour the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans. Having obtained permission from Alexander the Great, they built a temple on Mount Gerizim; this temple was destroyed about one hundred and thirty years before Christ; but the people clung to the Mount as to a sacred place, and longed for the coming of the Messiah. "Herod the Great restored the city to its ancient splendour, placing in it a colony of six thousand men, and giving it the

[Image of page 111]

name of Sabaste, in honour of Augustus; so that in the time of our Saviour it contained a considerable population. The Samaritans are now reduced to a very small number, including not more than about thirty men, but they strictly adhere to the law of Moses, and still cling to the spot which has been held sacred by them for more than two thousand years."

Philip, one of the seven deacons, was honored to preach the Gospel in Samaria. The miracles which he wrought secured attention, and the truths which he preached affected their hearts; and there was great joy in that city. Unclean spirits cried with a loud voice as they came out of many, lame persons, just healed, were leaping for joy, and those who had been suffering through paralysis were made strong. The apostles Peter and John soon visited Samaria, and partook of their joy, and the baptism of water was followed by the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

Caesarea, on the coast of Palestine, rose to splendour and influence in the time of Herod. Its theatres resounded to the shouts of multitudes, and its gorgeous palaces and temples were enriched with the choicest works of art. It was the residence of the Roman proconsul. Here the apostle Paul delivered the speech which made King Agrippa almost a Christian; here the apostle spent two years as a prisoner, and from this port he set sail for Rome. The introduction of the Gospel into this city was a triumph over Jewish prejudices, and the opening of the gates of the Gentile world. Hitherto the peculiar people of God had rejoiced in the covenant blessing, but henceforth there is to be no difference between Jew or Gentile,

[Image of page 112]

bond or free, but Christ is to be all and in all. To commence this glorious work visions were seen, messengers were sent to Peter at God's command, the earnest prayers of a devout Roman officer were heard, and the story of Jesus was told to an anxious assembly in the house of Cornelius. The Holy Spirit descended, and baptized the congregation with his sacred influence. But the spot where the wall of partition fell, which separated the Jews from Gentiles, the place where divine love gushed forth filling the hearts of believers without respect of persons, the city in which so many gracious and glorious prophecies, first met their accomplishment, has been swept with the besom of destruction, not a house remains, not an inhabitant is left. The wild beasts make it their home; but its memory will never perish from the history of the Christian Church.

Antioch in Syria early became the scene of Gospel triumph. It is said to have been in the time of the apostles, the third city in the empire, and to have contained five hundred thousand inhabitants. But few cities have met with such calamities as Antioch has experienced; it was besieged and plundered fifteen times, in one instance one hundred and seventeen thousand persons were killed or taken prisoners, three times it was visited with famine, twice with fire, and once with the plague. Seven times it was almost destroyed by earthquakes before the end of the sixth century, and on August the thirtieth, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-two, another earthquake completely overwhelmed the miserable remnant of the once great and flourishing city of Antioch.

[Image of page 113]

The gospel was first preached in this proud city by those who were driven from Jerusalem by persecution; the means used to destroy the Gospel resulting in its further conquests. God applied the word of his servants with power to the hearts of the people, and many were saved. Barnabas and Paul spent a whole year in this city, and raised a numerous and influential church. Here the disciples were first called Christians. Whether they assumed this name, or whether it was given them by the tongue of persecution we do not know; but we cheerfully acknowledge its appropriateness. May we never dishonour it.

It was written in the prophets, the isles shall wait for his law; the fulfilment of this prediction was about to commence and to roll on till all "the isles of the heathen" shall be the Lord's. How forcible and beautiful is the language of the prophet: "Sing unto the Lord a new song and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof." Glorious scenes have been witnessed in the islands. The Christian institutions of Great Britain are a trophy of grace, and many of the islands of the South Seas stand out nobly for God. We are now to glance at the entrance of the Gospel into the island world.

The men sent on this mission were Barnabas and Saul, and the island first favoured with the Gospel was Cyprus. The mission was the result of much fervent prayer, and was commenced by the special appointment of the Holy Ghost. When they went on board ship at Seleucia, and saw the isle of Cyprus before them,

[Image of page 114]

what were the feelings of these men of God. Cyprus then contained about two millions of inhabitants; its chief object of worship was Venus, whose temple was horribly polluted; but the Gospel light was about to shine into its darkest chambers. Among the converts the Roman governor was numbered, and as he was the first proconsul who became a Christian, his conversion was an extraordinary event.

The gospel had not yet visited Europe, although it had become a very influential portion of the world. In Greece the fine arts flourished. Many men of highly cultivated minds wrote books which continue to stamp their impression on society. In Italy was the chief seat of power. Excepting a few Jews, Europe, which was destined to share in the triumphs of the gospel in every part of the earth, was in heathen darkness. No apostle had set his foot upon its shores when Paul saw the Macedonian vision, and heard the touching cry, "Come over into Macedonia and help us!"

Paul, Silas, Luke, and Timothy formed the apostolic band, and Philippi was the first European city in which the gospel was preached. At first, the blessing descended upon Philippi like the sunshine and the dew, gently opening the heart of Lydia. Then a storm arose, as though the Prince of Darkness would make a desperate effort against the Prince of Peace. But the demon was expelled from the soothsayer, the earthquake struck the jailer with conviction, the gospel led him at once to the Saviour, and the next day found him rejoicing in God with all his house. The church so singularly commenced, became a happy specimen of pure

[Image of page 115]

religion. In the epistle written to the Philippians many years after, the apostle says, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel, from the first day until now."

Thessalonica was a populous and splendid city; it still flourishes with a population of about 60,000 souls. The first efforts of the apostles were very successful here, and a church was planted, which continues to this day. Two inspired epistles were sent to this church, the first of which being probably the earliest addressed to any of the churches. In it the apostle says, "Our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance."

Corinth was one of the most celebrated cities of Greece, and on some accounts human reason would have pronounced it most difficult to sow with gospel seed, so as to give much hope of success. Peculiarly situated for commerce, it became populous and wealthy. Its public buildings were renowned through the world. The Isthmian games increased its attractions. On account of its schools it was called, "The eye of Greece." The vices to which luxury generally gives rise abounded; and prostitution was a part of the worship paid to the gods by the people of Corinth.

In this proud city the Apostle Paul wrought for his support at the trade which he learned in his youth, while he sought every opportunity to exhibit the Saviour. The Apostle stayed in Corinth a year and a half, and met with considerable success. Two inspired epistles were afterwards addressed to this church.

[Image of page 116]

Athens was the most famous city in the world, in the time of the apostles, for its schools of philosophy, buildings, eloquence, refinement, military art, and superstition. Founded 1,500 years before the Christian era, and containing 120,000 inhabitants, it was venerable and influential. Many of the names best known in Grecian history belong to Athens. But the city was wholly given up to idolatry, for "man by searching cannot find out God." How touching was the inscription on one of their altars,--"To the unknown God." But the messenger of Christ traversed the streets of this ancient city, and the light of revealed truth was about to penetrate its thick darkness.

To the Jews in the synagogue, and to the heathen in the market-place, or forum, the place where they met for conversation and discussion, the Apostle boldly proclaimed Jesus as the Saviour, and the resurrection of the dead through him. And being conducted before the highest tribunal in Greece, that he might be examined concerning the strange doctrines which he preached, a noble opportunity was presented to set before men of most cultivated minds the folly of idolatry; and had the Apostle been permitted to finish his discourse, he would have exhibited Christ as the only Saviour, and worthy of all acceptation. Although he was interrupted in his discourses, and his stay in Athens was short, a few persons were converted to Christ, and among them was one of the judges of the supreme court.

Another noted city of Greece was now visited by those who brought gospel tidings. This was Ephesus,

[Image of page 117]

which in the time of the apostles was populous, proud, and wealthy. Here was the Temple of Diana, which vast numbers worshipped, and her temple was esteemed as being one of the most wonderful specimens of architecture in the world. The Apostle Paul spent a considerable time in Ephesus, and planted a flourishing church. Many instances of thrilling interest, shewing the operation of the gospel on heathen minds, might no doubt have been recorded. The following sacred anecdote belongs to this class. The Ephesians were much addicted to magical arts, and as the books in which these were taught endangered the souls of the people, the Christian converts resolved to commit them to the flames. Accordingly a fire was kindled, and a collection of these books, valued at a considerable sum, was burnt; a type of light chasing darkness, and truth consuming error. In this act the Ephesian Christians set us a noble example. How many books full of sensual poetry and infidel sophistry, how many romances and novels, how many obscene pictures and packs of cards, should be at once committed to the flames! By giving them a place on your walls and on your shelves, they may corrupt the morals and endanger the souls, both of yourselves and your children.

To this church two inspired epistles wore written; one by Paul, the other was one of the seven epistles written by the Apostle John from Patmos. When the last epistle was written, the church had lost her "first love;" and was exhorted to regain it, and was threatened, that unless she repented, her "candlestick would be removed out of its place." Here was a church, in

[Image of page 118]

which the ministry of Timothy was exercised, and where the last years of the Apostle John, the last of the apostolic company, were probably spent, on the point of danger. The divine threat has been fulfilled; the church has been swept away, and all which remains of the city is a mere wreck of its former greatness.

Rome is the last and most important city which we shall notice. During the history of the New Testament, it was the metropolis of the world. Being the seat of imperial power, all that learning could secure and wealth could purchase was there. It "contained four hundred and twenty temples crowded with pagan deities, two amphitheatres, five theatres, and seven circuses of vast extent; there were sixteen public baths, built of marble, and furnished with every convenience that could be desired. From the many beautiful aqueducts, a prodigious number of fountains were supplied. The palaces, public halls, columns, porticos, and obelisks, were without number. It had one hundred and fifty thousand houses, besides the mansions of the nobility; and the population may have amounted to about three millions." 2 But this great city was given up to the grossest idolatry, and their practices were so disgusting, that they may not be described.

It appears that the gospel was introduced into this great city by private persons--probably by those Jews from Rome who were converted at the outpouring of the Holy Ghost in Jerusalem. Paul strongly desired to visit Rome, and after several unsuccessful attempts to do so, he found himself in the imperial city, but it

[Image of page 119]

was as a state prisoner. The report of his coming having preceded him, Christians by whom his inspired Epistle, written sometime before to the Romans, had been properly valued, went to meet him; some going thirty miles, and others fifty miles, not being ashamed of his bonds. Being permitted to live where he pleased, the brethren probably hired a commodious house at considerable expense, where he expounded the Scriptures and exalted the Saviour. The church prospered, and enrolled among its members persons belonging to Caesar's household. Several inspired epistles were written from Rome, probably by an amanuensis, as the right arm of the Apostle was chained to the left arm of the soldier who was appointed to be his guard. What a privilege was afforded to those soldiers who relieved each other as "guards!" Was any impression made on the minds of those men? Were no prayers of the Apostle heard on their behalf, resulting in their salvation? We know not, but the day of the Lord will declare it.

We have now glanced at most of the principal cities of those times, and have seen the gospel boldly preached in them all, winning not a few of the educated and influential, as well as the common people, to the faith of Christ; illustrating the beautiful language of the Apostle, "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place."

We now proceed to notice the conversion of eminent persons, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.

[Image of page 120]

The conversion of Saul of Tarsus is the most influential of any on record; but as its history is so well known, we will make only two remarks on it. One is, that Saul's conversion was brought about immediately by Christ, and not by a course of means such as God generally uses to save the souls of men. No doubt this extraordinary conversion was of great use when narrated to the Jews, to silence their objections and to secure their attention. The other is, that he never doubted the fact, or the time and manner of his conversion. The soul derives much benefit from an enlightened and satisfactory consciousness of salvation. The experience of many is confused on this important subject, because it is not properly studied. Saul studied his conversion, every stop which led to it was distinctly seen; and he was not more certain that his sight was restored when the hands of Ananias were laid upon his head, than he was of his rescue from the grasp of Satan, and of his entering into the liberty of the children of God.

Ethiopia began to stretch forth her hand unto God. An officer of high rank in the service of that country, having a knowledge of the true God, had been to Jerusalem to worship. What he had heard there, and what impressions might have been made on his mind, we are not told, but he sits in his chariot examining a prophecy which related to Christ, but of whose meaning he was ignorant. The Holy Spirit leading Philip to speak to him, the subject on which the Ethiopian was reading was immediately explained, the way of salvation was opened, and he entered by faith into the

[Image of page 121]

kingdom of Christ. How many since then have been led into the kingdom of Christ by a word fitly spoken on the high way. The time spent on a journey may be improved to the salvation of the soul.

A professed conversion of a singular kind occurred in the city of Samaria. For some time the people had been astonished at the singular feats of a juggler, and concluded that he was "the great power of God." But the miracles wrought by the servant of God threw the works of the sorcerer into the shade. Awe-struck at the miracles which were wrought, he believed the doctrines taught, and was admitted to the ordinance of baptism. But he dishonoured his profession, supposing that spiritual gifts could be purchased with money. The withering blast, "Thy money perish with thee," should not only have convicted Simon of his folly and sin, but should have prevented any one afterwards from presuming, that the "gift of God may be purchased with money."

The conversion of an amiable youth comes next under review. Instructed by a pious mother in the scriptures of the Old Testament, he was prepared to receive the history of their fulfilment in the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. We may suppose Timothy going often with willing feet to hear more of Jesus, and returning with a glad heart, resolving, "This people shall be my people, and their God shall be my God." The exemplary conduct and fervent zeal of this youth led the Apostle Paul to select him as his travelling companion. He became an eminent minister of the Gospel. The last epistle of the Apostle

[Image of page 122]

Paul was written to him, containing the charge, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine."

We will now consider the persecutions recorded in the Apostolic history.

Miscalculating its power, persecution has often defeated its object; injuries endured for conscience' sake having sometimes excited attention and sympathy, and the people of God, being filled with the Holy Spirit, have been aroused to nobler deeds of moral daring, while the flames of persecution were burning fiercely around them.

The Apostles Peter and John, were the first persons against whom the shafts of persecution were levelled. The Jewish rulers, true to their hatred of Christ, now attacked his servants. The object of the rulers was to stop the progress of the Gospel; but, while Christians were faithful to their God, the Gospel could no more be stopped than the tide or the hurricane. The kings of the earth may set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed; but "he that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision." Being freed from their first imprisonment the apostles pursued their labours with increased zeal and power. But another attempt was made to silence the men whom Christ had commanded to preach the Gospel to every creature. Again they found themselves in prison for the Gospel's sake; but to show them that bonds and imprisonment could not stop the Gospel, an angel was

[Image of page 123]

sent in the silent hour of night to open the prison doors and lead them out. This increased the excitement and led many others to hear the word, which was made the power of God unto their salvation.

The next efforts of the spirit of persecution were directed against the converts. The short but glorious career of Stephen, a man full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, gave rise to them. Here we are first introduced to Saul of Tarsus, giving his voice that Stephen should die, and taking care of the garments of those who stoned him to death. A general imprisonment of the disciples of Jesus took place, and irrespective of age or sex they were driven from Jerusalem. Many a home was broken up, and many a family were on their way to distant places. Prayer for divine guidance was constantly offered, and the resolution was formed to preach Christ whither they went. By these means the Gospel was introduced into many places with great success; large numbers being converted, and influential churches being planted by them that were scattered abroad. It was at this time that Saul of Tarsus breathed out threatenings against the saints, and became "exceedingly mad against them."

The persecuting spirit still reigned in Jerusalem. In the short time which elapsed since the death of Christ, Pontius Pilate had been ordered to Rome, impeached before the Emperor, and banished to Gaul, where it is said he perished by his own hand. Herod Agrippa had been placed over Judea and some other provinces with the title of king. But his dissipation and dishonest proceedings were hateful to the Jews, and an effort

[Image of page 124]

must be made to gain their favour. The life of an apostle must be sacrificed for this purpose! There, in the prison, with no friendly companion to drop the tear of sympathy, or to whisper a word of consolation, to hear his last words or catch his last glance, he fell by the sword of a Roman soldier. Salome, his mother, once came to Jesus leading her two sons, James who now fell by the sword, and John whose life was drawn out to a good old age, and preferred this singular request--that they might sit with Christ in his kingdom; the one at His right hand and the other at his left. Happy is the mother who leads her sons to Jesus, and seeks their highest honours in his kingdom; and happy are the sons who are led by a mother's hand to Christ, and whose greatest ambition is to be near him. One of these brothers was the first of the " twelve" who died, and the other the last; one died a violent death, and the other, according to the general tradition of the Church, wore gently out. Happy brothers so honourably appointed! reminding us of Simon Peter, and Andrew his brother, of John Wesley and Charles his brother, of J. A. Haldane and Robert his brother, of Hugh Bourne and James his brother. What accumulation of wealth, and what of all the honours of earth, could equal theirs!

Finding the way to popular favour so easy by shedding an apostle's blood, Herod apprehended Peter also. It is night; the next day Peter is to be brought forth. We are favoured with a prison scene. All is quiet; three men fastened together with chains lie fast asleep; two of them are in military costume, and between them

[Image of page 125]

lies the apostle. A few days before one of his brethren was beheaded, his head may fall to-morrow; but for him to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Suddenly, in answer to prayer, an angel enters and awakes Peter, noiselessly his chains fall off, gates open, the guards are passed, and having done his work the angel leaves him. Rescued from the grasp of the persecutor, Peter continued his work; but Herod was soon after smitten with a loathsome disease in the midst of a pompous display, and died in the greatest agony.

Let us turn to Lystra, in Lycaonia, where, a few hours before, Paul and Barnabas had excited the admiration of the people by healing a cripple, but now they are determined to stone Paul to death. What a scene was presented! a company of fierce looking men dragging a human body, bruised and apparently dead, out of the city. Having thrown the body down outside the city they left it, and a few sympathizing friends gathered around it. There lies the body of the Apostle Paul, lately so full of energy, the eye is glazed, the muscles are rigid, not a pulse stirs. No doubt prayer was now offered most fervently by the disciples who stood round, and their prayer is heard; the heart begins to beat, the eyelids move, he sits up, rises, and departs to other lands and further conquests.

After this Paul was the subject of long and fierce persecution. He fought with beasts at Ephesus; in Jerusalem, more than forty men bound themselves by an oath that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed him; he suffered two year's imprisonment at Caesarea; and the writer of the Acts of the Apostles

[Image of page 126]

concludes his history by telling us that Paul was two years a prisoner in Rome.

We next ask your attention to the miracles recorded in this history.

Some of them were instances of severity, and were intended to preserve the purity of the Church, as in the case of Ananias and Sapphira. The design of others was to remove hindrances out of the way of the Gospel. Thus was Elymas, the sorcerer, struck blind in the Island of Cyprus, when he attempted to turn away the mind of the governor from the truth; and with the same object in view the evil spirit was cast out of the Pythoness at Philippi. To shew the rulers that they had no power, only as it was given them from above, miracles were wrought, rescuing the servants of God from chains and prisons.

But the general design of the miracles wrought by the apostle was twofold. To afford evidence of a divinely appointed mission, languages which had never been learned were spoken, persons afflicted with divers diseases were restored, and, in some instances, the dead were raised to life again. Miracles were wrought to illustrate the benevolent character of the religion of Christ. When the lame man cast away his crutches, and the cripple who had never walked, leaped for joy at the apostle's word; when they who had long been the subjects of parylasis were exercising their limbs freely; when persons maddened by the evil spirit, who had taken possession of them bodily, were found restored to their right mind, it was evident that both

[Image of page 127]

power and benevolence were prominent features in the religion of Jesus Christ.

A few general remarks may bring this lecture to a conclusion.

1. The history which we have reviewed presents the finest specimens of moral daring which the world has seen. Assailing the entire system of idolatry, and aiming at the conquest of the world for Christ, the first Christians throw their whole soul into their work, exclaiming, "The love of Christ constraineth us." Their heroism was not sustained by the shouts of admiring nations, but by the glory and presence of their Saviour, by a great cloud of witnessing spirits, and by multitudes who had been saved through their instrumentality. Nor has their example been lost upon those who came after them; in every age some have been found to do the work of an evangelist, counting it joy and honour to suffer for Jesus' sake.

2. Every order of talent was made available in the Gospel cause; "first, apostles; secondarily, prophets; thirdly, teachers; after that, miracles; then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues." Holy women also laboured in the Gospel. The talents of every one found room for exercise, and Christ was all in all.

3. The religion of those days was of large dimensions, for great grace was upon them all. Their peace, and love, and faith, and zeal, and success, were great. The idea that some places were not prepared for the Gospel, or that some minds were so degraded, and some hearts so hard that the Gospel could not reach them, or that

[Image of page 128]

circumstances were so forbidding that they had better wait for a more convenient season, such a thought never entered their minds.

4. The scripture narrative furnishes us with pleasing evidence that the gospel is fitted for all classes of persons. In Jerusalem many of the priests were obedient to the faith. Persons of rank, education and influence became Christians in many lands. Officers commanding the Roman legions, Governors of the provinces, and members of the household of the Emperor, believed and were saved. The slave as well as the free man, the most abandoned as well as the refined and the amiable, found salvation through faith in Jesus.

Without professing to be a complete history of the church of Christ during the time to which it refers, the Acts of the Apostles is an invaluable record of Christian labour and gospel triumph; a record which demands our devoutest gratitude, and which shews how the world may be won for Christ.