Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc03/v04300

Text File | 1994-03-01 | 7KB | 119 lines

04305
 #7-21 We see from the words "purifying their hearts by faith,"
 and the address of St. Peter, that justification by faith, and
 sanctification by the Holy Ghost, cannot be separated; and that
 both are the gift of God. We have great cause to bless God that
 we have heard the gospel. May we have that faith which the great
 Searcher of hearts approves, and attests by the seal of the Holy
 Spirit. Then our hearts and consciences will be purified from
 the guilt of sin, and we shall be freed from the burdens some
 try to lay upon the disciples of Christ. Paul and Barnabas
 showed by plain matters of fact, that God owned the preaching of
 the pure gospel to the Gentiles without the law of Moses;
 therefore to press that law upon them, was to undo what God had
 done. The opinion of James was, that the Gentile converts ought
 not to be troubled about Jewish rites, but that they should
 abstain from meats offered to idols, so that they might show
 their hatred of idolatry. Also, that they should be cautioned
 against fornication, which was not abhorred by the Gentiles as
 it should be, and even formed a part of some of their rites.
 They were counselled to abstain from things strangled, and from
 eating blood; this was forbidden by the law of Moses, and also
 here, from reverence to the blood of the sacrifices, which being
 then still offered, it would needlessly grieve the Jewish
 converts, and further prejudice the unconverted Jews. But as the
 reason has long ceased, we are left free in this, as in the like
 matters. Let converts be warned to avoid all appearances of the
 evils which they formerly practised, or are likely to be tempted
 to; and caution them to use Christian liberty with moderation
 and prudence.

04320
 #22-35 Being warranted to declare themselves directed by the
 immediate influence of the Holy Ghost, the apostles and
 disciples were assured that it seemed good unto God the Holy
 Spirit, as well as to them, to lay upon the converts no other
 burden than the things before mentioned, which were necessary,
 either on their own account, or from present circumstances. It
 was a comfort to hear that carnal ordinances were no longer
 imposed on them, which perplexed the conscience, but could not
 purify or pacify it; and that those who troubled their minds
 were silenced, so that the peace of the church was restored, and
 that which threatened division was removed. All this was
 consolation for which they blessed God. Many others were at
 Antioch. Where many labour in the word and doctrine, yet there
 may be opportunity for us: the zeal and usefulness of others
 should stir us up, not lay us asleep.

04334
 #36-41 Here we have a private quarrel between two ministers, no
 less than Paul and Barnabas, yet made to end well. Barnabas
 wished his nephew John Mark to go with them. We should suspect
 ourselves of being partial, and guard against this in putting
 our relations forward. Paul did not think him worthy of the
 honour, nor fit for the service, who had departed from them
 without their knowledge, or without their consent: see ch.
 #13:13|. Neither would yield, therefore there was no remedy but
 they must part. We see that the best of men are but men, subject
 to like passions as we are. Perhaps there were faults on both
 sides, as usual in such contentions. Christ's example alone, is
 a copy without a blot. Yet we are not to think it strange, if
 there are differences among wise and good men. It will be so
 while we are in this imperfect state; we shall never be all of
 one mind till we come to heaven. But what mischief the
 remainders of pride and passion which are found even in good
 men, do in the world, and do in the church! Many who dwelt at
 Antioch, who had heard but little of the devotedness and piety
 of Paul and Barnabas, heard of their dispute and separation; and
 thus it will be with ourselves, if we give way to contention.
 Believers must be constant in prayer, that they may never be led
 by the allowance of unholy tempers, to hurt the cause they
 really desire to serve. Paul speaks with esteem and affection
 both of Barnabas and Mark, in his epistles, written after this
 event. May all who profess thy name, O loving Saviour, be
 thoroughly reconciled by that love derived from thee which is
 not easily provoked, and which soon forgets and buries injuries.
04340
 * Paul takes Timothy to be his assistant. (1-5) Paul proceeds to
 Macedonia, The conversion of Lydia. (6-15) An evil spirit cast
 out, Paul and Silas scourged and imprisoned. (16-24) The
 conversion of the jailer at Philippi. (25-34) Paul and Silas
 released. (35-40)

 #1-5 Well may the church look for much service from youthful
 ministers who set out in the same spirit as Timothy. But when
 men will submit in nothing, and oblige in nothing, the first
 elements of the Christian temper seem to be wanting; and there
 is great reason to believe that the doctrines and precepts of
 the gospel will not be successfully taught. The design of the
 decree being to set aside the ceremonial law, and its carnal
 ordinances, believers were confirmed in the Christian faith,
 because it set up a spiritual way of serving God, as suited to
 the nature both of God and man. Thus the church increased in
 numbers daily.

04345
 #6-15 The removals of ministers, and the dispensing the means of
 grace by them, are in particular under Divine conduct and
 direction. We must follow Providence: and whatever we seek to
 do, if that suffer us not, we ought to submit and believe to be
 for the best. People greatly need help for their souls, it is
 their duty to look out for it, and to invite those among them
 who can help them. And God's calls must be complied with
 readily. A solemn assembly the worshippers of God must have, if
 possible, upon the sabbath day. If we have not synagogues, we
 must be thankful for more private places, and resort to them;
 not forsaking the assembling together, as our opportunities are.
 Among the hearers of Paul was a woman, named Lydia. She had an
 honest calling, which the historian notices to her praise. Yet
 though she had a calling to mind, she found time to improve
 advantages for her soul. It will not excuse us from religious
 duties, to say, We have a trade to mind; for have not we also a
 God to serve, and souls to look after? Religion does not call us
 from our business in the world, but directs us in it. Pride,
 prejudice, and sin shut out the truths of God, till his grace
 makes way for them into the understanding and affections; and
 the Lord alone can open the heart to receive and believe his
 word. We must believe in Jesus Christ; there is no coming to God
 as a Father, but by the Son as Mediator.