The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-07-17

Ian minister's (Acts Xxx, ~, as they are
21-29.
BSCAPE.-On the release of Jason from
custody the mob appears to have dis
persed. The rulers doubtless interposel
their authority to prevent further dis
turbance. That night the brethren sent
Paul and Silas away. This was the Sec
ond time the great apostle to the Cen
tiles took advantage Of the darkness tActs
tx, 26), to escape his enemies. The flight
was not due to cowardice, neither to un-
belief AS at Philippi, so here God could
have protected him, and he was not the
man to distrust the Almighty or to fear
in. the presence of danger. (Acts xxi, l3).
But there are times when prudential fore
sight, or spiritual prompting, or Provi-
Dental leading, demands chat danger
shall be avoided, as there are other times
when 1t shall be calmly met. 1t was
beautiful exhibition of fraternity that
prompted these new converts to provide
a safe conduct out of the city, a proof
that the work had been thoroughly done
which made them Christians.
RECEPTION.-Paul and Slas, under
the escort of the brethren, journeyed
westward to Berea (verse 10), a populous
and flourishing city, afterward called lren-
opoMs, some fifty miles from Thessalon-
lea. 1t lay in a beautiful valley at the
foot of Mount Bernius. Here they en-
tered into the synagogue of the Jews, by
whom they were very kindly received.
The response to their teachings was IN
direct contrast with that in the last
named city. The word was not only re-
ceived with all readiness of mind, but the
Scriptures were searched daily (verse III,
to determine the correctness of the doc
trine. In so doing there was manifested
the genuine spirit of learners, willing to
abide by the utterances of their own sa-
cred books. usa xXxiv, 16). A true Jew
reverenced Moses and the prophets Nuke
xvi, 29), and Jesus himself rested his
claims to Messiahship upon the testimony
of the writings ted to be sacred. John
V, 39). The result of the labors in Berea,
as might be expected was highly encour-
aging Many believed-Jews and Greeks,
honorable women-thus constituting
new church. the fourth established since
Paul entered into Macedonia.
REFLBCTIONS.-N the difference
between the Jews in the seaport town of
Thessalonica and those of the secluded
town of Beroa- The former were big
oted and cruel, seeking the life of Paul
while among them and pursuing him after
his departure. Verse f3. The latter,
open to conviction, lovers of the Scrip
ture, were seekers after the truth. The
churches formed in these two cities re-
flected the characteristics of the people.
The Bereans quietly grew, requiring no
discipline or care, nourished by the word
of God. TIE believers at Thessalonica
were in constant trouble on doctrinal mat
ters, principally relating to the life to
come. They misunderstood the teachings
of Paul concerning the second advent of
Christ q Thess. iv 10, ceased to labor,
and fell into many consequent improprie-
ties. To set them right he was obliged
to address two letters to them. Those let
ters confirm us in the opinion that the
power of truth depends largely on the soil
in which il is deposited. Matt, xiii, 49,
22. Churches prosper according to the
materials of which they are composed