_And it came to pass in Iconium._ ICONIUM A considerable city of Asia Minor, generally considered as belonging to Lycaonia. It lay in a fertile plain at the foot of Taurus, on the great line of communication between Ephesus and the more eastern cities of Tarsus and Antioch, and the Euphrates. From... [ Continue Reading ]
_But the multitude of the city was divided._ THE EFFECTS OF THE GOSPEL I. Division. “Behold I come not to cause peace, but division.” So said the Master; so felt the disciples. 1. The gospel causes division in-- (1) The man himself--between inclination and conviction; interest and conscience; in... [ Continue Reading ]
_And there sat a certain man at Lystra._ PAUL AND BARNABAS IN LYSTRA I. The incident. 1. The case of the cripple resembles that of the man at the gate Beautiful; and a particular statement of it is given, to show the reality and the greatness of the miracle. It was not an incidental, but a radical... [ Continue Reading ]
_The same heard Paul speak: who … perceiving that he had faith to be healed, said … Stand upright._ FAITH TO BE HEALED I. What preceded his faith? Faith cometh by hearing; but the bearing of what? The gospel (Acts 14:7). Yes, he declared to these ignorant, superstitious fanatics the very same trut... [ Continue Reading ]
_The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men._ THE THEOLOGY OF HEATHENDOM In the words and acts of these heathen Lystrians, there comes out the native theology of human hearts everywhere and in all conditions. There are three great theological beliefs involved in their conduct: I. That t... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sirs, why do ye these things?_ APOSTOLIC SINCERITY In a position similar to that of Herod, they act in an opposite manner (Acts 12:22). And yet there was no small temptation in the matter. They might think this idolatrous prejudice must be excused: there is a spark of truth in it; the esteem for... [ Continue Reading ]
_And there came thither certain Jews … Who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city._ THE FICKLENESS OF THE LYSTRIANS It would not be difficult to find a parallel to this among modern converts, and it is easy to account for it. The Jews would be ready with another in... [ Continue Reading ]
_We must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of God._ CONTINUANCE IN THE FAITH I. The disciples had been but newly converted to the faith, and they required to be established through grace. They were very likely to have been discouraged by the sufferings of the apostles, their instructors in... [ Continue Reading ]
_And thence sailed to Antioch … And when they were come, and had gathered the Church together, they rehearsed all that God had done._ APOSTLES AND CRUSADERS AT ANTIOCH: A HISTORICAL CONTRAST If when we contrast the voyage of Paul and Barnabas across the bay of Attalia with the voyage of those who s... [ Continue Reading ]