The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1901-05-16

SUBJECT; Jesus Ascends Into Heaven,
Luke xiv. 44-53 Acts H., 1-1I-GoId-
en- Text Luke xiv, 81 - Memory
Verses, 9-11-Lesson Commentary.
A. "These are the words" Now Won
viii understand what seemed so dark to
you when | told you about the Son of
man being put to death and rising again.
the psalms. The three Jewish divisions
of the Old Testament Scriptures. here
mentioned as containing, each of them,
things concerning Christ
@. Then opened He" Now bv the
influence of Christ they see. not only the
pf ophecies which pointed out the Messiah.
but also the Messiah who was pointed out
by these prophecies. Understand the
Scriptures" Jesus opened their minds by
explaining to them the true meaning Of
the prophecies, and by unfolding the true
nature of His kingdom.
as. "Thus it is written" etc Here are
the two great essential facts of the COS
pei. l. The atonement of Christ. 9 His
resurrection from the dead.
Al. Repentance" This implies that
measure, of divine wisdom is communicat-
ed to the simmer and that he thereby
becomes wise to salvation. That his mind,
purposes, opinions and inclinations are
changed, and that in consequence. there
is a total change in his conduct. "Remis-
sion of sins" The forgiveness of sins. the
ance Of the soul from the. power of sin.
I'm His name" AS obtained for sinful
men by. His atoning suferings, as
the fruit of His intercession and
the effect of His grace. Among
all nations" God wills the saliva
ton Of all, and Jesus tasted death for
every man. BEGINNING at Jerusalem"
Because it was thus written lisa. 2:3.
Because there the facts on which the Cos
pei was founded were transacted; and be-
cause Christ desired to give further proof
of His love and example of forgiving His
4s. eye are witnesses" They had been
with Jesus throughout His ministry, they
had heard His teaching. they had seen His
miracles, they knew His character, they
had seen Him after He rose from the dead.
and now their work was to bear witness of
these things.
40. II send the promise" The Holy
through Christ. "Endued." Invested, or
clothed with. From on high" 1t is
from on high and therefore draws the soul
upward, and makes it aim high. This
could not fail.
so. Gas far as Bethany" Not the vii
lage itself, but on the descent to it from
Mount Olivet. Lifted up His hands"
Probably to lay them ON their heads, for
that was the ordinary way in which a
81. "Into heaven" The disciples did
not see Him rise out of the grace, because
His resurrection could be easily proved by
their seeing Him afterward; but they saw
Him return to heaven, as there would be
no other way to prove it.
50. They worshiped Him." In graft
tude. for His blessing upon them. The
cloud that received Him out of their sight
did not put them or their services out of
His sight, with great joy" Every sor-
row had been turned into joy. They were
full of love and Joy in the Holy Spirit; :,
So. Continually in the temple" While
they abode together at Jerusalem. waiting
and praying with one accord for the Spirit
of power, truth and holiness, they went
to the temple at the proper times to join
in the worship there performed:
L.: .'The former treatise" The gospel
Of Luke. Luke was the author OF Acts.
80 Theophilus." He was probably a mag
istrate or high official who had been con.
verified to Christianity. ITO do and teach"
A very important statement, dividing, the
work of Christ into two great branches;
the one embracing His work on earth, the
other His subsequent work from heaven.
2. Through the Holy Ghost" God
gave not the Spirit by measure unto
Him. John g. "a. Jesus who was anoint-
ed with the Holy ,Ghost, Uuke 4; Matt. l2)
mandments to the apostles to be His wit
nesses, SO that such commandments were
given by the Spirit also. Apostles" The
twelve generally called disciples in the
gospels are in the Acts spoken OF as
s. Passion" Sufferings on the cross.
"Infallible proofs" The single Greek
word, translated "infallible proof" de-
notes the strongest proofs of which a
subject is capable, an irresistible proof;
a., Not depart from Jerusalem; The
coming. of the Spirit was to be at the next
great feast after the crucifxion. They
waited by prayer, by conference together,
by doing necessary duties. vs. 10, IA.
Promise !" Jesus thus termed it, because
God the Father had promised the gift of
the old covenant. Heard of me" In
His conversations with them. See on
S. John" The Baptist, the forerun-
ner of Christ. with water" Johns
baptism was baptism unto repentance.
with the Holy Ghost" The outpouring
of the Spirit upon them would eradicate
all sin from their hearts and fill them
with love and power.
g. Come together" At the Mount of
Olives. V. so. cat this time restore"
"Wilt thou break the Roman yoke from
off our necks and Immediately erect the
kingdom OF the Messiah"
8. Shall receive power" They were
promised the power of the Holy Ghost
in order to properly carry on Gods work.
witnesses. They were to be witnesses
to cruci6ed Christ, risen Christ, com
ing Christ. 'Uttermost part" etc. They
were to begin at home, with the Jews and
gradually reach out until the glorious
gospel reached the whole human race.
9. ga cloud" Perhaps it was like the
"fery, cloudy pillar" the symbol of God.
that led the Israelites through the wilder
ness; or Ehjah's storm chariot. or the
bright cloud Of glory which overshadowed
Him on the Mount of TRANSPORTATION.
This was His royal chariot" as Chrysos-
tom calls it.
10. "Were looking" Or. W Wonder.
ing what it all meant. Two men"
Angels in the form Of men, White APP
parel" Matt. 2S:S. The white garments
were an emblem of purity.
IL. "Shall so come" The second or
final coming. This will not be in obscurity
like His first coming but He will come
in power and glory, on the clouds and
with His holy angels with Him" Matt.
24:30. 81; 26;G4.