The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-03-22
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The Great Prophet Promised. Deut. xviii 1922
The Suherings Of Christ -------.--.-..-.-I lisa lii
Christs Glorious Reign Pisa Xxi
CHARACTERS There are three persons in this
lesson-the Apostle, the Governor and the King.
Paul. Festus and Agrippa. Their personal his
tories have been studied and should be well in
mind of both teachers and pupils.
The PLAcE.-The Judgment hall of Cesarea.
TTME.-6Q A. d.
THE LEsSoN-This lesson concludes Pauls
address before Agrippa, part of which constr
tured the last lesson. Pauls character was in
tense. lie was not man to temporlze, and
whatever he recognized to be his duty he in
stantly set about performing He undoubtedly
had seen Jesus and heard him preach in Jerusa-
lem. he may even have witnessed some OF the
Lords miracles; but the veil was then upon his
heart He had all the prejudices of his nation.
and regarded the Messiah as an earthly con-
queror When he saw the Nazarene prophet he
may have considered him as a wellmeaning but
mistaken teacher; and while ne may have been
pleased with the morality Of his doctrine, he ut
tery rejected his claim to be the promised Christ
Miracle and prophecy in vain appealed to his
judgment But the dazzling light which flashed
upon him on the road to Damascus and struck
him to the ground, while 1t blinded MS mortal
eyes opened the eyes of his soul. He saw with
light not of earth. His spiritual vision was
purged, and he began to understand the import
OF prophecy and the nature Of the Messianic
kingdom. He recognized the call which Jesus
of Nazareth made to him, and at one entered
upon his wonderful career as minister and wit
ness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In the midst Of his address before Festus and
Agrippa, the Governor interrupts Paul. TO
Festus this state prisoner whom he had received
from his predecessor, was an enigma, and he
hoped for some light ON his perplexity from this
hearing before Agrppa. Hitherto he had fol-
lowed Paufs narrative in silent interest; but
now his Roman stoicism was overborne, and his
loud ejaculation, Paul. thou art mad" showed
his utter failure to comprehend a real spiritual
experience. The reply was as courteous
been mad ". Ill though in different
sense, but than now was never moro sober
minded and self-possessed. The rude in
terruption did not discomfort him, nor make him
unmindful of what was due to one In authority;
yet he could not quietly rest under an unjust
charge With the courteously direct denial to
the Governor, Paul referred the question to the
tribunal of wiser Judgment sThe King knoweth
of these things" which manifestly the Governor
did not; and Festus retired to the background
while Paul continued his discourse. alleging the
publicity of the occurrences to which he had
referred, and the unlikeliness Of any deception
about the trial, and crucifxion, and resurrection
of Jesus.
Taking advantage of the interruption and of
the silencing of Festus, Paul quickly turns to
Agrippa. With startling directness he appealed
to the Kings own conscience. liking Agrippa
beievest thou the prophetsW You are Jew;
do you believe your national Scripturess
And quickly the questioner answered his own
query-.l know that thou believest, leaving to
the King the responsibility of denial if he felt so
disposed. The response neither denial nor
acquiescence. Whether it was sincere or sar-
castle is aquestion with exegetes, but it is sgnf
cant that the word christian" occurring but
three times in the New Testament, is in neither
case used in favorable sense, and was, doubt
less a sheer in the mouth of the King. The
irony but awakened the flaming zeal of the
Apostle With rare tact he turned the edge of
the royal taunt, and uttered his devout prayer
that if it were possible, not only the King, but
his courtiers might share his hope and joy The
King might scornfuly characterize him as q
Christian" if he chose as earlier the Jews
spoke in contempt of the "Nazarenes;" for him
and all with him Pauls earnest desire was that
they might know the Savior as their prisoner
knew Him. Paul comes out triumphantly from
his defense He had completely indicated HIM
self, and the verdict was in the words of Agrp-
pa TO Festus, This man might have been set at
liberty if he had not appealed unto Caesar"
TRUTHS TO BE IMPRESSED.
Obedience tests sincerity. Not Lord Lord"
but doing Gods will indicates true discipleship
Matt. vii, q.
Having found the will of God, any man who is
determined to do it, regardless of the personal
sacrifice involved, may depend upon divine help.
No one can stand in his own strength Our
sufficiency is of God" Having, therefore,
obtained help of God I continue to this dav."
Thou art beside myself" whoever thou art,
who dost reject Christ, thy only hope.
'Believest thou the prophets" They testify
of Christ His name is first and last in their
testimony. Search the Scriptures, for in them
We think We have eternal life, and they are they
which testify of Me-"
The primary purpose of Paurs address was in
dividual Christian persuasion; incidentally only
wasit intended for self defense. He who would
lose his life for my sake shall find it,"