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v04150
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1994-03-01
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04159
#44-48 The Holy Ghost fell upon others after they were baptized,
to confirm them in the faith; but upon these Gentiles before
they were baptized, to show that God does not confine himself to
outward signs. The Holy Ghost fell upon those who were neither
circumcised nor baptized; it is the Spirit that quickeneth, the
flesh profiteth nothing. They magnified God, and spake of Christ
and the benefits of redemption. Whatever gift we are endued
with, we ought to honour God with it. The believing Jews who
were present, were astonished that the gift of the Holy Ghost
was poured out upon the Gentiles also. By mistaken notions of
things, we make difficulties for ourselves as to the methods of
Divine providence and grace. As they were undeniably baptized
with the Holy Ghost, Peter concluded they were not to be refused
the baptism of water, and the ordinance was administered. The
argument is conclusive; can we deny the sign to those who have
received the things signified? Those who have some acquaintance
with Christ, cannot but desire more. Even those who have
received the Holy Ghost, must see their need of daily learning
more of the truth.
04164
* Peter's defence. (1-18) The success of the gospel at Antioch.
(19-24) The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.
(25-30)
#1-18 The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when
godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God
has been received, because their own system has not been
attended to. And we are too apt to despair of doing good to
those who yet, when tried, prove very teachable. It is the bane
and damage of the church, to shut out those from it, and from
the benefit of the means of grace, who are not in every thing as
we are. Peter stated the whole affair. We should at all times
bear with the infirmities of our brethren; and instead of taking
offence, or answering with warmth, we should explain our
motives, and show the nature of our proceedings. That preaching
is certainly right, with which the Holy Ghost is given. While
men are very zealous for their own regulations, they should take
care that they do not withstand God; and those who love the Lord
will glorify him, when made sure that he has given repentance to
life to any fellow-sinners. Repentance is God's gift; not only
his free grace accepts it, but his mighty grace works it in us,
grace takes away the heart of stone, and gives us a heart of
flesh. The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit.
04182
#19-24 The first preachers of the gospel at Antioch, were
dispersed from Jerusalem by persecution; thus what was meant to
hurt the church, was made to work for its good. The wrath of man
is made to praise God. What should the ministers of Christ
preach, but Christ? Christ, and him crucified? Christ, and him
glorified? And their preaching was accompanied with the Divine
power. The hand of the Lord was with them, to bring that home to
the hearts and consciences of men, which they could but speak to
the outward ear. They believed; they were convinced of the truth
of the gospel. They turned from a careless, carnal way of
living, to live a holy, heavenly, spiritual life. They turned
from worshipping God in show and ceremony, to worship him in the
Spirit and in truth. They turned to the Lord Jesus, and he
became all in all with them. This was the work of conversion
wrought upon them, and it must be wrought upon every one of us.
It was the fruit of their faith; all who sincerely believe, will
turn to the Lord, When the Lord Jesus is preached in simplicity,
and according to the Scriptures, he will give success; and when
sinners are thus brought to the Lord, really good men, who are
full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, will admire and rejoice in
the grace of God bestowed on them. Barnabas was full of faith;
full of the grace of faith, and full of the fruits of the faith
that works by love.
04188
#25-30 Hitherto the followers of Christ were called disciples,
that is, learners, scholars; but from that time they were called
Christians. The proper meaning of this name is, a follower of
Christ; it denotes one who, from serious thought, embraces the
religion of Christ, believes his promises, and makes it his
chief care to shape his life by Christ's precepts and example.
Hence it is plain that multitudes take the name of Christian to
whom it does not rightly belong. But the name without the
reality will only add to our guilt. While the bare profession
will bestow neither profit nor delight, the possession of it
will give both the promise of the life that now is, and of that
which is to come. Grant, Lord, that Christians may forget other
names and distinctions, and love one another as the followers of
Christ ought to do. True Christians will feel for their brethren
under afflictions. Thus will fruit be brought forth to the
praise and glory of God. If all mankind were true Christians,
how cheerfully would they help one another! The whole earth
would be like one large family, every member of which would
strive to be dutiful and kind.
04194
* The martyrdom of James, and the imprisonment of Peter. (1-5)
He is delivered from prison by an angel. (6-11) Peter departs,
Herod's rage. (12-19) The death of Herod. (20-25)
#1-5 James was one of the sons of Zebedee, whom Christ told that
they should drink of the cup that he was to drink of, and be
baptized with the baptism that he was to be baptized with, #Mt
20:23|. Now the words of Christ were made good in him; and if we
suffer with Christ, we shall reign with him. Herod imprisoned
Peter: the way of persecution, as of other sins, is downhill;
when men are in it, they cannot easily stop. Those make
themselves an easy prey to Satan, who make it their business to
please men. Thus James finished his course. But Peter, being
designed for further services, was safe; though he seemed now
marked out for a speedy sacrifice. We that live in a cold,
prayerless generation, can hardly form an idea of the
earnestness of these holy men of old. But if the Lord should
bring on the church an awful persecution like this of Herod, the
faithful in Christ would learn what soul-felt prayer is.
04199
#6-11 A peaceful conscience, a lively hope, and the consolations
of the Holy Spirit, can keep men calm in the full prospect of
death; even those very persons who have been most distracted
with terrors on that account. God's time to help, is when things
are brought to the last extremity. Peter was assured that the
Lord would cause this trial to end in the way that should be
most for his glory. Those who are delivered out of spiritual
imprisonment must follow their Deliverer, like the Israelites
when they went out of the house of bondage. They knew not
whither they went, but knew whom they followed. When God will
work salvation for his people, all difficulties in their way
will be overcome, even gates of iron are made to open of their
own accord. This deliverance of Peter represents our redemption
by Christ, which not only proclaims liberty to the captives, but
brings them out of the prison-house. Peter, when he recollected
himself, perceived what great things God had done for him. Thus
souls delivered out of spiritual bondage, are not at first aware
what God has wrought in them; many have the truth of grace, that
want evidence of it. But when the Comforter comes, whom the
Father will send, sooner or later, he will let them know what a
blessed change is wrought.