The National tribune., 1891-10-01

IL is judged n matter OF so much importanc
that both 70 with the Greeks request TO Sc,
1 Christ The grand demonstration In favor o
/ Christ bad been made by Jews IL was cues
tion whether that was Just the best momeu
for Greeks TO seek m interview.
J. BY whom? The interview was sought
Who were tho parties thus anxious to NEE
Christ?
n Their number. We cannot tell.
b. Nationality. They evidently came from
the West. They were not merely Jews who
/, spoke Greek. They were not heather Gcntiles
for they knew much about the Jewish religion
| We may suppose that they were p.oselytes IA
the Hebrew faith. Though not circumcissi
they loved jewish forms and sought as,Ocia
tion with Jewish worshipeTs. The Grecians
| spoken Of in Acts, G:1; 9:29; lI:20 were
| Hellenists (Such is the original in the refer.
| encesl, or Jews using the Greek language
| Where Jews and Greeks arc spoken Of in con.
ncction with each other, as i'm Acts. I4:l: 10:
| 10; 20: q, We understand by Greeks none
| other than Gentiles. The original for Greeks Is
IN all cases the same. Doubtless in the lesson
Greeks mean Gentiies who were interested in
the Jewish religion.
We cannot suppose the persons spoken of as
certain Greeks were merely some peripa-
tetics going mp and down the world stud wing
all new systems Of thought
Nor can We imagine said Greeks, happening
to be IN Jerusalem, were looking around for
the particular object Of worship of said land,
II then being the belief that each country has
Its own god, and that people must worship said
god when in said land
We know that foreigners did in some cases
become interested IN the religion of Christ i'm
mediately after bis death. We cite the eunuch
Acts, ~ and devout Greeks" I7:4J
The coming Of certain Greeks" to Christ
was IN exact accord with prophecy. q XII. s.:
IL, 42.) Ii was 40 the dedication Of the temple,
In Soiomon's prayer, that we find reference
made TO the coming 10 said temple Of persons
not Jews. but yet seeking knowledge Of the
true religion.
4. Object Of the interview The Greeks
desired 10 see" Christ. 1t is not at all likely
that they were prompted by mere curiosity.
We are 10 understand the nature Of their in
terview was similar 10 that Of Christ and Nico.
demus. %: IL They were seekers for truth,
and, different from the Jewish ruler. they had
courage TO seek Jesus openly, by daylight.
6. Lessons.
!. Worship. %.
2 Go to tho Sanctuary. Take pains to 90
even at distance TO church. %.
3. Special Church days are wise. educational
obligatory They magnify the great facts in
the life OF Christ Keep the feasts 20
4. Notice the principle OF intercession. Philip
IS urged 10 take the part Of the Greeks with
Christ. This principle has much play in human
affairs
=, 8. See thesupport of company. Andrew and
Philip strengthen each other.
O. IL Is always we'll 10 counsel in difficult
cases.
Z. Be eager 10 see Jesus, and glad to intro
duce others to him.
= TIE AEalysis
We give an analysis for blackboard purposes:
]. Data St. John, I2:2O-22.
:. Time wednesday. March 10. a. d. 20.
3. Place. Temple.
Z. Occasion. Sec above. 4.
.. The Call. /. On whom?
?. Through whom?
3. BY whoml
a. Their number?
b. Their nationality
{. Their object?
6. Lessons. !. Worship
, Church.
3. Religions Festivals.
!. lutercession.
,. Unity.
g. Consultation.
:. See Jesus
H. CHESTS ANSWER.
J. Preliminary
No mention IS made to the effect Christ paid
any heed 10 the request Of the Greeks for an
interview. We remember how jealous the Jews
we're aud how careful Jesus was not to offend
their national. and especially their religious.
prrIudiccs- We feel certain. however. that
Jesus did not let slip such a chance Of doing /
good. some, thinking tho only object Of the |
Greeks was 70 crafty curiosity hold Christ f,
declined 10 show himself Ii we analvze the I
reply Of Jesus We End il was peculiar for him
,nd peculiarly appropriate a being addressed 10 4
ientiles. Wenotice. for example, 10 illustrates 4
rom nature l'eoIn instead OF from the Old 4
testament
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