The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-24
THE sUNDAY-sCHOOL LESSON.
May Is, 19O2-Paul at Antioch I'm
Pfsfdfa-Acts Kill 43-52

May 25, 19O2-Paul at Antioch In
Pisidfa-Acts xiii, 1882.
Paul and Barnabas have completed the jour-
uey, the dangers of which led to the desertion
OF faint-hearted John Mark They have passed
barriers which even Alexander the Great found
almost insurmountable-the "perils of water"
the bridgeless streams, liable at any momemnt
to become whelmng floods; the 'perils by rob-
bers:" the mountain dehles infested by the
Pisdisn brigands.
But the journey was not altogether void of
pleasant incident. In its early stages no doubt.
the missionaries Joined the happy summer exo-
dus from the hot lowlands to the cool bench OF
the mountains, and were reminded Of the march
of the pilgrim caravans on their way to Zion.
whittier the tribes of the Lord 60 up. As they
witness the sudden bursting forth Of mountain
torrents they call to mind the parable of Jesus
about building on the rock or sand AS they
march between the brilliant crimson of the ole
ander with which their way Is hedged. the
blessed theme of their preaching Is momentarily
suggested the precious blood OF the Lamb Of
God.
They are seated now with their feliow-country-
men and the proselytes in the synagogue OF
Pisdian Antioch. This populous city on the
central tableland of Asia Minor. between
Fphesus and the Cicilian gates, has attracted
a considerable colony of trafickins Jews. and
they in turn have added to their numbers many
aevout and honorable women and chief men OF
the city. With what mingled emotions the apos-
tie must have viewed this virgin soil. In which
he had come so far and through SUCH periis 10
sow the seed of the gospel!
AS from photograph. the very tones that
woke the echoes of the Pisidian synagogue seem
To ring out with all their original distinctness
from the inspired volume. These are the very
words Paul spoke. though not all he uttered on
,,a, occasion OF course Well may Farrar call
II "a great sermon" 1t is a masterpiece of per-
suasive eloouence--a real canon both OF logic
ana rhetoric. We taken behind the scenes
ars are favored with a view of the very mental
processes of the greatest OF metaphysciahs'
This sermon is the veritabie germ-cell from
IT., che mainline epistles are evolved Thir-
teen. IL not fourteen Hebrews). episties are
here in epitome.
Is-aers glorious history is foreshadowed by
master hand A few strokes suffice. The SOW
ereisn election of the fathers: Egyptian cap
tiv,ty and dsiverance; the wilderness experience;
the entrance Of Canaan; two kings in contrast
Saul who must needs be removed, and David
who fulfille6 all Gods wIll-all this II by way
of preparation the specific declaration of the
Messiahs advent. which is rendered probable
nv the indisputable appearance OF HE forerun-
lection grounded in the rejection OF Jesus by
the hierarchy. He appeals TO a council Of higher
rank than that TO which the rulers at Jerusalem
belong. the council of the holy prophets fBesser)
and shows that Israel by Its very condemnation.
was unconsciousy fulfilling prophecy
ON the broad. innperishable basis OF the suffer
ing death and resurrection of the Messiah he
rears the glorious Christian doctrine Of justin
cation by faith. incidentally Affirming n
sufficiency Of the law, and closes with a tender
appeal and faithful warning. The sermon is
followed by an impromptu inquiry meeting. in
which seekers are further instructed and con-
verts persuaded continue.
THE TEACHERS LANTERN.
Paurs method OF address al Antioch contains
a hint for Christian teachers OF to-day. He
found a middle ground between his hearers and
himself and made the most Of H. He paved
the way with greatest to the proposition
which would be apt 10 awaken anita gonism.
When he had done his utmost disarrn preju-
dice and win confidence he stated his doctrine
In specific terms. urged its acceptance. and
warned OF the consequences OF rejection
John Mark. the deserter. unfortunately has hlss
lineaI descendants in day. The obstacles to
aggressive Christian character and work to-day
are as formidable as Pisidian bandits and tor
rents. The call stiil those who can endure
hardness. The days Of chivalry have come again
or rather have never ceased. But one faint