Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc03/v04400

Text File | 1994-03-02 | 9KB | 164 lines

04401
 #22-31 Here we have a sermon to heathens, who worshipped false
 gods, and were without the true God in the world; and to them
 the scope of the discourse was different from what the apostle
 preached to the Jews. In the latter case, his business was to
 lead his hearers by prophecies and miracles to the knowledge of
 the Redeemer, and faith in him; in the former, it was to lead
 them, by the common works of providence, to know the Creator,
 and worship Him. The apostle spoke of an altar he had seen, with
 the inscription, "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD." This fact is stated by
 many writers. After multiplying their idols to the utmost, some
 at Athens thought there was another god of whom they had no
 knowledge. And are there not many now called Christians, who are
 zealous in their devotions, yet the great object of their
 worship is to them an unknown God? Observe what glorious things
 Paul here says of that God whom he served, and would have them
 to serve. The Lord had long borne with idolatry, but the times
 of this ignorance were now ending, and by his servants he now
 commanded all men every where to repent of their idolatry. Each
 sect of the learned men would feel themselves powerfully
 affected by the apostle's discourse, which tended to show the
 emptiness or falsity of their doctrines.

04411
 #32-34 The apostle was treated with more outward civility at
 Athens than in some other places; but none more despised his
 doctrine, or treated it with more indifference. Of all subjects,
 that which deserves the most attention gains the least. But
 those who scorn, will have to bear the consequences, and the
 word will never be useless. Some will be found, who cleave to
 the Lord, and listen to his faithful servants. Considering the
 judgement to come, and Christ as our Judge, should urge all to
 repent of sin, and turn to Him. Whatever matter is used, all
 discourses must lead to Him, and show his authority; our
 salvation, and resurrection, come from and by Him.
04414
 * Paul at Corinth, with Aquila and Priscilla. (1-6) He continues
 to preach at Corinth. (7-11) Paul before Gallio. (12-17) He
 visits Jerusalem. (18-23) Apollos teaches at Ephesus and in
 Achaia. (24-28)

 #1-6 Though Paul was entitled to support from the churches he
 planted, and from the people to whom he preached, yet he worked
 at his calling. An honest trade, by which a man may get his
 bread, is not to be looked upon with contempt by any. It was the
 custom of the Jews to bring up their children to some trade,
 though they gave them learning or estates. Paul was careful to
 prevent prejudices, even the most unreasonable. The love of
 Christ is the best bond of the saints; and the communings of the
 saints with each other, sweeten labour, contempt, and even
 persecution. Most of the Jews persisted in contradicting the
 gospel of Christ, and blasphemed. They would not believe
 themselves, and did all they could to keep others from
 believing. Paul hereupon left them. He did not give over his
 work; for though Israel be not gathered, Christ and his gospel
 shall be glorious. The Jews could not complain, for they had the
 first offer. When some oppose the gospel, we must turn to
 others. Grief that many persist in unbelief should not prevent
 gratitude for the conversion of some to Christ.

04420
 #7-11 The Lord knows those that are his, yea, and those that
 shall be his; for it is by his work upon them that they become
 his. Let us not despair concerning any place, when even in
 wicked Corinth Christ had much people. He will gather in his
 chosen flock from the places where they are scattered. Thus
 encouraged, the apostle continued at Corinth, and a numerous and
 flourishing church grew up.

04425
 #12-17 Paul was about to show that he did not teach men to
 worship God contrary to law; but the judge would not allow the
 Jews to complain to him of what was not within his office. It
 was right in Gallio that he left the Jews to themselves in
 matters relating to their religion, but yet would not let them,
 under pretence of that, persecute another. But it was wrong to
 speak slightly of a law and religion which he might have known
 to be of God, and which he ought to have acquainted himself
 with. In what way God is to be worshipped, whether Jesus be the
 Messiah, and whether the gospel be a Divine revelation, are not
 questions of words and names, they are questions of vast
 importance. Gallio spoke as if he boasted of his ignorance of
 the Scriptures, as if the law of God was beneath his notice.
 Gallio cared for none of these things. If he cared not for the
 affronts of bad men, it was commendable; but if he concerned not
 himself for the abuses done to good men, his indifference was
 carried too far. And those who see and hear of the sufferings of
 God's people, and have no feeling with them, or care for them,
 who do not pity and pray for them, are of the same spirit as
 Gallio, who cared for none of these things.

04431
 #18-23 While Paul found he laboured not in vain, he continued
 labouring. Our times are in God's hand; we purpose, but he
 disposes; therefore we must make all promises with submission to
 the will of God; not only if providence permits, but if God does
 not otherwise direct our motions. A very good refreshment it is
 to a faithful minister, to have for awhile the society of his
 brethren. Disciples are compassed about with infirmity;
 ministers must do what they can to strengthen them, by directing
 them to Christ, who is their Strength. Let us earnestly seek, in
 our several places, to promote the cause of Christ, forming
 plans that appear to us most proper, but relying on the Lord to
 bring them to pass if he sees good.

04437
 #24-28 Apollos taught in the gospel of Christ, as far as John's
 ministry would carry him, and no further. We cannot but think he
 had heard of Christ's death and resurrection, but he was not
 informed as to the mystery of them. Though he had not the
 miraculous gifts of the Spirit, as the apostles, he made use of
 the gifts he had. The dispensation of the Spirit, whatever the
 measure of it may be, is given to every man to profit withal. He
 was a lively, affectionate preacher; fervent in spirit. He was
 full of zeal for the glory of God and the salvation of precious
 souls. Here was a complete man of God, thoroughly furnished for
 his work. Aquila and Priscilla encouraged his ministry, by
 attendance upon it. They did not despise Apollos themselves, or
 undervalue him to others; but considered the disadvantages he
 had laboured under. And having themselves got knowledge in the
 truths of the gospel by their long intercourse with Paul, they
 told what they knew to him. Young scholars may gain a great deal
 by conversing with old Christians. Those who do believe through
 grace, yet still need help. As long as they are in this world,
 there are remainders of unbelief, and something lacking in their
 faith to be perfected, and the work of faith to be fulfilled. If
 the Jews were convinced that Jesus is Christ, even their own law
 would teach them to hear him. The business of ministers is to
 preach Christ. Not only to preach the truth, but to prove and
 defend it, with meekness, yet with power.
04442
 * Paul instructs the disciples of John at Ephesus. (1-7) He
 teaches there. (8-12) The Jewish exorcists disgraced. Some
 Ephesians burn their evil books. (13-20) The tumult at Ephesus.
 (21-31) The tumult appeased. (32-41)

 #1-7 Paul, at Ephesus, found some religious persons, who looked
 to Jesus as the Messiah. They had not been led to expect the
 miraculous powers of the Holy Ghost, nor were they informed that
 the gospel was especially the ministration of the Spirit. But
 they spake as ready to welcome the notice of it. Paul shows them
 that John never designed that those he baptized should rest there,
 but told them that they should believe on him who should come
 after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. They thankfully accepted
 the discovery, and were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
 The Holy Ghost came upon them in a surprising, overpowering
 manner; they spake with tongues, and prophesied, as the apostles
 and the first Gentile converts did. Though we do not now expect
 miraculous powers, yet all who profess to be disciples of
 Christ, should be called on to examine whether they have
 received the seal of the Holy Ghost, in his sanctifying
 influences, to the sincerity of their faith. Many seem not to
 have heard that there is a Holy Ghost, and many deem all that is
 spoken concerning his graces and comforts, to be delusion. Of
 such it may properly be inquired, "Unto what, then, were ye
 baptized?" for they evidently know not the meaning of that
 outward sign on which they place great dependence.
04449
 #8-12 When arguments and persuasions only harden men in unbelief
 and blasphemy, we must separate ourselves and others from such
 unholy company. God was pleased to confirm the teaching of these
 holy men of old, that if their hearers believed them not, they
 might believe the works.