_Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and behold a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus._ TIMOTHEUS 1. The first of Paul’s missionary journeys reached its furthest limit at Lystra--the most uncivilised place he ever visited. Even here, however, he left a Church which he now found standing stea... [ Continue Reading ]
_Him would Paul have to go forth with him._ USING NEW CONVERTS It is good for young converts to be set at work; it is good for them. It is good for every Church to set its young converts at work; it is good for the Church. “All at it, and always at it,” was the old Wesleyan cry. And it was in that... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia._ PAUL’S FIRST VISIT TO GALATIA, A.D. 51 OR 52 The form of the Greek expression implies that Phrygia and Galatia are not to be regarded as separate districts--but the land originally inhabited by Phrygians, but subsequently occupi... [ Continue Reading ]
_And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas and a vision appeared to Paul in the night._ PAUL’S VISION AT TROAS I. Its benevolence. What is the gospel? Help for man. It helps man-- 1. To know God. 2. To preach Christ. 3. To promote civilisation. II. Its influence. It recognises-- 1. The ind... [ Continue Reading ]
_And from thence to Philippi._ PHILIPPI The apostle had not paused at Samothrace--an island celebrated for its sanctity and its amulets, its gods and orgies, its Cybele and Cobira--a scene where the mysteries of Eastern and Western superstition seem to have met and blended. Nor did he stop at Neapo... [ Continue Reading ]
_And on the Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side where prayer was wont to be made._ THE DUTY OF CHRIST’S SERVANTS WHEN FROM HOME This may be gathered from what the apostles did not do, and what they did when they reached Philippi. I. Negatively. They did not-- 1. Give up going to pray... [ Continue Reading ]
_She was baptized and her household._ INFANT BAPTISM I. Although from the earliest days infant baptism has been practised, there are some who deny its scriptural authority. 1. At first sight their position seems to be a strong one, when they say, “Where is there any command for it?” In reply to t... [ Continue Reading ]
_A certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination._ THE PYTHONESS The words, literally, are as in the margin, a spirit of Python, or, as some MSS. give it, a Python spirit. The Python was the serpent worshipped at Delphi, as the symbol of wisdom, from which the Pythian priestesses and Apollo,... [ Continue Reading ]
_These men are servants of the Most High God and show to us the way of salvation._ THE CONFESSION OF THE GIRL What a strange thing have we here! the devil preaching the gospel; at least confirming the word of those who preached it. How was it that the prince of darkness could thus support the men w... [ Continue Reading ]
_And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone._ APOSTOLIC DUTY AND VICISSITUDES I. Christ’s servants will use whatever power they possess to set the slaves of Satan free. Paul did not act from mere impulse, but upon the principle of compassion with which all true Christians are a... [ Continue Reading ]
_And suddenly there was a great earthquake._ THE EARTHQUAKE AT PHILIPPI A miraculous act of the breaker of all bonds. I. He breaks the bonds of tribulation, when His elect call to Him day and night (Paul and Silas). II. He tears asunder the fetters of sin, when bound souls sigh after Him (the ja... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the keeper of the prison … would have killed himself._ SUICIDE Suicide is not to fear death, but yet to be afraid of life. It is a brave act of valour to contemn death; but where life is more terrible than death, it is then the truest valour to dare to live; and herein religion has taught us... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling._ THE PHILIPPIAN JAILER I. The state of his mind before conversion. 1. He was a careless sinner. This appears not so much from his official acts; for the guilt of persecution rested on the people and magistrates: but from his conduct a... [ Continue Reading ]
_What must I do to be saved?_ …Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. THE GREAT QUESTION AND THE PLAIN ANSWER The keeper of a Macedonian gaol was not likely to be a very nervous or susceptible person. And so the extraordinary state of agitation and panic into which this rough j... [ Continue Reading ]
_And they spake unto him the Word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house._ HOUSEHOLD SALVATION It sometimes happens that a good man has to go alone to heaven: God’s election has separated him from the midst of an ungodly family. But though grace does not run in the blood, yet it frequently... [ Continue Reading ]