Acts 13:32

GLAD TIDINGS!

‘We declare unto you glad tidings.’

Acts 13:32

In his Epistle to the Philippians St. Paul uses the word ‘joy’ no less than eighteen times—and yet he wrote that letter while he himself was chained to a soldier at Rome! The Apostle never let passing clouds obscure the blue of heaven. He had seen the vision of the Almighty; but what is more, he could help others to see it too. And is not that exactly what you want your preachers to-day to do for you? In his address, St. Paul emphasised three special points:—

I. The Resurrection of Christ.—In proof of this he quotes three texts from the Old Testament: Psalms 2:7; Isaiah 55:3; Psalms 16:10. Why is Christ’s Resurrection glad tidings? The Resurrection of Christ is an Evangel indeed, because He made this promise to His people—‘Because I live, ye shall live also.’ St. Paul writes his second Epistle to Timothy in a dungeon; outside, death awaits him, where is his comfort? ‘Remember that … Jesus Christ … was raised from the dead’ (2 Timothy 2:8).

II. The forgiveness of sin.—Read Acts 13:38. And compare Acts 26:18; Ephesians 1:6; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 2:13; 1 John 2:12; Revelation 1:5 (R.V.). Christ carried the sins of all believers to the Cross, and left them behind Him in the grave. ‘The atoning work is done.’ The sacrifice has been offered. The veil has been rent. If I ask, How can my sins, which make me ashamed and make me afraid, be forgiven? The answer is ready—‘ Through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.’

III. The happiness of faith.—Our Lord taught St. Thomas this: ‘Happy are they that have not seen, and yet have believed’ (John 20:29). When we try to explain to children the nature of faith we tell them it is trust.

—Rev. F. Harper.

Illustrations

(1) ‘I remember once walking in the long galleries of the Vatican, on the one side of which there are Christian inscriptions from the catacombs, and on the other heathen inscriptions from the tombs. One side is all dreary and hopeless, one long sigh echoing along the line of white marbles, Vale! Vale! in æternum vale! (Farewell, Farewell, for ever farewell.) On the other side, In Christo, in Pace, in Spe (In Christ, in Peace, in Hope).’

(2) ‘And just as the different members of a family, when the morning has dawned, come forth from their several sleeping-chambers, and greet one another, and enter upon the employments of a new day, so in the morning of the Resurrection, the great Easter of the world, the children of God come forth from their graves, the night is past, there are new songs, and fresh energy; and the onward march, the progress and high achievement, the restful communion and brotherly love of eternity has begun.’

(3) ‘A man seeking after God had a strange dream. He was on the edge of a precipice and fell over. As he was falling he caught hold of a twig hanging near the top. He thought he heard the voice of Christ calling, “Let go the twig and I will receive you in My Arms.” But he could not trust himself, and his strength growing feebler, he cried, “Lord, save me!” Again the Voice answered, “Let go the twig, and I will save you,” but still he would not let it go. In a few minutes more he cried again, “Oh, save me, save me!” Again the Voice said, “If you do not let go the twig I cannot save you; quit it, and you are safe in My Arms.” In despair he quitted his hold and fell into the Arms of Christ. And he awoke, and, behold, it was a dream. But he had learned that faith was trust.’

ST.