The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-05-24

the theme of town talk. There was presented a
striking contrast with the ordinary services OF
the synagogue, attended by much smaller num-
bcr who manifested comparatively little interest.
The Jews, therefore, who loved the sacred 1nsti-
tutions, bcqueathcd to them by their fathers and
cndeared by many memories, looked on with
wonder, and envy gradually took possession of
their hearts, That was only natural. 1t is an
extraordinary man who can behold without such
emotions the increased popularity Of others and
the evident decline OF his own cause. That
envy blinded their eyes and twisted their juds.
mcnts. They could not see the good and the
true in Paul's preaching. They contradicted his
statements and spoke violently and even bias.
phemously against him dude l0).
REJECTION (Verscs 40 and 4O.-Thc law Of ac.
ton and reaction in the physical world is not
more clearly defined more certain in its appli-
cation than is tho law Of rctribution in the spr-
tual world. The results OF every act return to
bless or injure the actor. (Gal., Ti:7) In their
cnvious hostility to Paul the Jews did not con.
slider that they were jeopardzing their own in
terests. The message of the preacher was for
their good, and their rejection of him was the
same as their own rejection from all the privi-
leges and honors offered by the gospel. Paul put
this point to them in very strong words. saying
that as they deemed themselves unworthy they
were therefore rejected. This was according to
the very word OF Jesus. Glatt, XN:t3). Hence
Paul was at liberty to turn TO his principal mis-
sion. Having discharged his obligations to the
Jews he proposed to give himself to the min
istry OF the Gcntilcs, which was the duty laid
upon him in his first call (Acts, ix:l5), and in
the commission given by the church at Antioch
(Acts Xiii:2).
ACCEPTANCE (Verses As and 4o).-The pub
lie announcement OF PauPs changed purpose was
heard by both Jews and Gentilcs, to the con.
fusion OF the former and the joy OF the latter.
1t was indeed remarkable uttcrance from the
lips Of Jewish preacher. implying that teach.
ings unacceptable to the descendants Of Abra.
ham should be offered to the uncircumcsed; that
men brought up in heathcn darkness would wei.
come privileges that had therefore been limited
to chosen few; that those outside and the for
mcr despised people should be preferred by the
preacher to his own kinsmen. And SO the Cen
tiles not only rejoiced but actually believed
that is, those of them who 'were ordained to
eternal life" These words are the battle ground
between Calvnsts and Armenians, and in this
English form seem to favor the doctrine OF elcc-
ton as taught by the former. The student is
referred to Dean Afford and Adam Clarke for the
support of opposing views. Lyman Abbott on the
passage is very udcious, Beginning on that
Sabbath a revival began and spread in all direc.
tons.
PERSECUTION Verse 50).-The Jews OF Anti
och were like dogs in the manger, they would
not accept Christ neither would they permit
others to accept him. Every convert made
among the Genties increased their enmity to
Paul. One must wonder at this attitude-it
would be thought better for man to be a
Christian than a heather, better for the man,
better for society, better for Judaism. But envy
Is a lens through which truth and justice pass in
broken and distorted lines. The Jews abandoned
the method OF open criticism attempted at first,
and adopted plan OF intrigue, silently working
in secret to get rid of the obnoxious preachers
altogether. They combined the influence of two
classes who are always potential in commun.
ity-the chief men, those who held position in
business and government circles, and the women
known for their piety and social standing. Prob.
ably those were made to believe that Paul and
Barnabas were troublesome, that the community
would be injured by them, and hence there came
an order, issued by those in authority, expellng
them from the city.
DEPARTURE Verses 81 and 52).-Of course a
writ of this kind must be obeyed. Resistance
would be utter folly, leading only to imprison.
ment or something worse. Besides, Jesus had