The Progress., 1893-09-02

-
II Moses Testimony ............. John ~ IL
+ lsli MS Prophecy .......... Matt KIN ~
=. Veil OF Uubclicf Cor. IN S-Io
=. Brin -ing Gentle s........ e. Rome NL 10
Introductory. After stay of three
months in the island of Melita, or
Malta, Paul and his fellOw-passcngers
proceeded to Rome. Touching for
three DAYS at Syracuse, in the island
of Sicily, they fetched compass to
Rhcgium, at the extreme southern
point of Italy, and by the help of the
south wind came the next day to
Puteoli. Here they disem barked, and
made the rest Of the journey by land.
At two different points on the way,
Appii Forum and the Three Taverns,
brethren from Rome met and en-
couraged the apostle. After reaching
the city he was not shut up in prison.
but suffered "to dwell by himself
with solder that kept him" Fol
lowing his usual custom, he at once
called 1.-The chief of the Jews" to-
ther, and made an appointment
with them to discuss the matters that
were uppermost in his mind. The
results of this discussion were far
reaching.
l. Interview With the Jews, vers. 20
%. 20. For this cause" For the
"eason mentioned in the latter part of
che verse. For the hope of Israel
Because | preach "A Messiah for whom
Israel has so long hoped. "Bohnd
with this chain" One end of it being
IA tened to his arm and the other end
to that of the soldier who kept him.
II. 1--WE neither received letters "
1t is possible, though it is not put
down i'm the narrative that Paul had
as ied them whether they had received
written accusations against him from
Jerusalem. Neither any of the breth-
rem that came" etc The revised
version reads: Neither did any of the
brethren come" etc There had been
no evil emissary from Jerusalem.
% 1--WE desire to hear" We want
fuller information. "As concerning
this sect" They seem to have re-
garded the Christians as being simply
sect or division of Jews. Every
where it is spoken against" It's repu-
tation is evil.
% Appointed him day." Agreed
upon a day to hear him. Game
many" Rome was full of Jews, and
Paul had large audience. "EX-
pounded the kingdom of God
Not according to the carnal notions of
the Jews, but in its spiritual charac-
ter.-Cook. "Persuading." Entreat-
ing with persuasive arguments "Out
of the law of Moses, and the
prophets Which they recognized as
good authority. From morning till
evening" Plenty of time was given
for questions and answers.
"a. "Sume believed, =. some
believed not" 1t is always SO when
the gospel is reached.
%. "When they agreed not" 1t is
possible that an angry contention
arose between the two parties. 'One
word One utterance. by Esaias. "
Isaiih vi 9-1O
26 Hearing ye shall hear, and shall
not understand" etc. They should
hea- the words with the outward or
gans of hearing, but should not under
stand their real meaning and power.
-Peloubet.
~. The heart of this people is
waxed gross" Has become dull and
stupid. Their eyes have they closed y"
Because they do not wish to see the
truth, and TO be converted and saved.
III. Turning to the Gentiles, VS.. 2S-
81. % "Be it known therefore unto
you" Take formal knowledge of the
fact That the salvation of God is
sent unto he Gentiles." This was a
message which the Jews little liked
to hear. They will hear it," How
abund intly has this prophecy been
fulfilled
80. Paul dwelt two whole years
in his own hi,ed house" Wait
ing for the hearing of his appeal.
Received all that came" And
doubtless had many visitors who
were interested in the truth.
81. preaching with all
confidence" With perfect boldness of
thought and utterance. mo man
fOrOlddlng Inc homans not haVlnS
the wish, and the Jews not having the
courage. to interfere.
Memory Verses. 2s. BE it known
therefore unto you, that the salvation
of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and
that they viii hear it.
80. And when he had said these
words, the Jews departed, and had
great reasoning among the nselves-
80. And Paul dwelt two whole years
in his own hired house, and received
all that came unto him.
81. Preaching the kingdom of God,
and teaching those things which con.
Germ the Lord Jesus Christ, with all
confidence, no man forbidding him.