The National tribune., 1892-09-29

Zone reading these notes should first carefully
study the paragraph from the Holy Scriptures "a
indicated above.l
INTRODUCTION.
We have found Saul converted, praying,
preaching. Church commitment an Apostle.
Through the influence of BarDabas he was
recognized as q follower of Christ From be-
ing slayer of Christians he becomes victim
of persecution. To save his life he escaped
from Jerusalem to Tarsus, his native city. He
began his work in earnest.
In our present study we drop st. Paul, and
resume our account of st. Peter. We notice
two interesting miracles performed by him.
He was not intimidated by the severe treat
meut he received in consequence of efecting
former miracles
The conversion of Saul was of great utility
TO the Church. He was man of tremendous
activity and hence a desirable sdherent to any
cause. Opposed to the Church. and he made
havoc of it; in its favor, it had rest for long
time from persecution. ". 3D. 1t made q
great difference whether that young man took
sides for Christianity, or, the other hand con-
tinued its enemy.
But the "rest" referred to in V. 81 was not
due only to the reversed attitude of Saul.
Jews Just at that time were distressed over the
erection in the very Temple of a statue
of the Roman Emperor Caligula. The
excitement was intense and continued till
Claudius became Emperor, diverting atten-
ton from the attempt to introduce Chris
tianity. When Claudius assembled the
throne, designating Herod Agrippa his repre-
sentative over Judea, persecution broke out
anew. st. James was slain, and st. Peter put
in prison.
st. Philip the Deacon having interested in
Christianity a goody number in Samaria, re-
ceived visit from SITS. John and Peter. In
8: % we leave the account as to St. Peter. He
was on way to Jerusalem. Acts 8: 90 and on
to ~: 20 We learn again Of st. Peter.
/. Cure of Eaeas.
The account is given In 9 81 to 80, inclusive.
We may suppose an interval of three to four
years, and date our study about A. d. 40.
The scene of this lesson was LYDIA. 1t was
the Lod referred to in Chro., 8: 12; Ezra, g. 33.
The present name is Judd. 1t is northwest of
Jerusalem, lying between that city and Joppa,
In direct line Jerusalem and Joppa are about
40 miles apart. Lod is, say, II miles southeast
from Joppa and % miles northwest from Jeru-
salem. We remember st. Philip the Deacon,
made preaching tour along tho coast from
Azotus to Cesarea. e.: 40.) 1t is not unlikely
he took in LYDIA, thus introducing Christian
ity there. The Romans formerly burned Lod,
bus it had been rebuilt and named in honor of
Jupiter Diospois. 1t was once Twelfth CEN
turyJ the See city of the Bishop of St. George,
Known d5 the patron saint Vi Euglanus II Was
of him they tell the legend of the dragon.
There he was martyr, and there visitors are
yet shown his tomb. In general, the city is
now practically desolation. 1t was situated
in region named Saron or Sharon. II Ch.,
8: 16) Sharon was O noted plain, extending
from Joppa 10 Cesarea, and, by reason OF its
beauty aud fertility, furnishing delightful fig
ures of speech in literature. Cant, 2: /; Isa.,
35:2)
T, ,,,oa ~ T,5l EDoo, I;,ad TIL, ,o,,a =,
Grecian, md we may suppose the bearer was a
Helenist, perhaps a Greek proselyter TO the
Hebrew religion, or q Jew with Grecian
name. Eneas had been sick for eight years,
sll that time confined to his bed. He had palsy.
We remember meeting that disease among
those cured By our Savior. 1t Is we'll to keep
In mind that tho Book of the Acts was written
by st. Luke, and that he was physician COM
potent to write intelligently az TO diseases. At
the dictation of st. Peter the sick man was re-
stored to health. The cure was wrought on the
spot and was permanent. medical expert
gives authoritative account of it. The
neighborbood believed it was effected and was
greatly exercised about the wonderful deed.
The patient was able at once to do what he
could net have effected during several years
before. Instead of occupying . bed he was able
to make il up.
Suggestions.
/. Obey Christ Compare verse 80 with st.
Mt. %: 10. Notice in this connection that 81.
Philip, the Deacon, was acting In the line of
Christs commandment when he went along the
Mediterranean Sea preaching. ACTS, 8: 40)
g The sick may seek religious help. The
praying for the sick is in place. Clergymen
should visit the sick and comfort and help
them.
obey. Do as directed when it is clearly In
the line of duty. Regard for instructions OF
clergymen as TO duties relating to the physical,
mental, and spiritual is part of the reverence
We owe to Gods ministers.
4. Manual work is BETTING. All should help
themselves when able.
s. Christian work msgnifes the religion
Of Christ, recommending 1t to needy world,
making it practicable, appealing for its support,
showing its adaptability to eur conditions in
this human life.
II. Resurrection of Dorcas
We have the report in Acts, 9: 36-42.
Dorcas lived at Joppa. We have also the
forms Japho, Jsffs, Jspha Yafa, Joppe. 1t was
In the tribe of Dan. 1t is said there are now
about 1000 inhabitants, consisting OF Turks,
Arabs. Christians. The last mentioned are
tRoman) Catholics, Greeks. Naronites, Arme-
mans. Joppa was practically the seaport Of
Jerusalem.
Dorcas. The word means doe, roe, ante
lone, gael. DOECdS was q JeWeS3 TOT
st. Peter expresses ne objection to going to her
rs he did express ia the case of Cornelius, men
toned in the next chapter She was called
Tabitha, which is an equivalen in Aramean Tor
Syro- Chaldee) for Dorcas. Tabitha was disci-
pie of Christ She was charitable TO the poor.
II may be she possessed considerable wealth
She, however, performed manual work. If not
by riches, yet by industry, she was able to
help others rather than in q condition of de-
pendence.
The disease from which Dorcas suffered is
not named. Nor are we told of its duration.
Joppa is not far from LYDIA. Probably the
cure of Eueas had been reported at Joppa.
This fact may have led to the sending of del
egation two men) to st. Peter. 1t may be the
messengers went before DoTcas died, in hopes
st. Peter could cure her. 1t may not have
been imagined he could raise one from the
dead If we take delay" ". So in its usual
sense we would infer haste was urged, lest he
get to Dorcas too late.
Why did st. Peter "put them all forth 2"
Views /. In imitation of Christ in the case of
the daughter of Jairus 2. To be relieved from
confusion in his prayer for Dorcas. 3. Because
he was not sure he could raise her to life, and
to avoid publicity in case of failure. 4. To re-
lieye Dorcas from excitement and possible fear
fulness when she walked again to life. Why
send for ST. PeterP We notice views. 1. To
save Dorcas from dying. 2 To raise her from
the dead. 8. To attend the funeral of Dorcas.
4. To secure his sympathy.
Suggestions.
/. It Is not proof person Is not Christian,