The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1902-03-06

International Lesson Comments For
March 9.
Subi:et The Disciples Scattered, Acts viii.
3'l7-doIden Text Acts will. Mem.
ory Verses, -commestary
on the Days Lesson

on the Days Lesson
3. saul made havock." The .ureek
word means to destroy" "ravage, "de-
yastate" as a ferocous animal would de-
stroy its prey. Saul did his utmost to
ruin the church He was mad against the
Christians and set no bounds to his rage
and cruelty. He did this under the sane
ton of the rulers. See Acts %: 4; 20: 10.
This does not prove that Stephens mar
tyrdom was not having an effect upon
Saul, for when conscience is awakened
and the Holy Spirit is pressing His claims,
then it is that men frequently exert them
selves against God, and use every means
to drive the Spirit from them. Every
house" He searched everywhere that
none might escape. "Haling." An old
English word for hauling. And women.
His fury knew no bounds. He arrested
the innocent women and dragged them
forth" the same as the men. ITO prison"
So many were arrested that 1t was impos-
sible to bring them to trial at once; The
Romans alone could intlct the death pen.
atty, but the Sanhedrin could inhict any
punishment short of death. st. Paul him
self says that some of them were put to
death (shap. 26), and il this was not done
by Roman authority, then Saul and his as
sociates must have resorted to mob law.
4: Scattered" Heretofore the work
the prosecutions drive them out, and the
church enters upon new epoch of expan-
sion. Everywhere" Through Judea and
Samaria. Preaching the word" These
dispersed Christians were like so many
itinerant preachers. it is the Word
plain, simple, gospel truth--that reaches
the sinner.
s. Philip" The deacon, mentioned in
chap. 9, now advanced to the degree of an
evangelist. "Samaria." Our Lord COM
manded them to bear witness of Him in
Samaria after jerusalem, Acts, /: 8.
6. with one accord" The original
words imply that crowds OF people gave
their faith and consent to the new teach.
ing. when they heard" etc. (R. W
They heard what had been done in other
places apd saw what Philip was now doing.
|, T. "Unclean spirits-came OUT Hence
it is evident that these unclean spirits
were not species OF diseases, as they are
the lame. There is nothing more certain
than that the New Testanent writer's
mean real diabohc possessions by the terms
unclean spirits. devils. etc
s. Great joy This Joy arose () from
the fact that a large number had been
healed. and ~ that the gospel had been
preached to them. A revival of religion
8. Simon" Much has been written re-
garding this man, although little is known
about him. He is usually spoken of as
Simon NIagus. "Sorcery' He practiced
magic. exercising the arts OF the Magi or
magicians. hence the name Simon Magus"
10, "They all" Both old and young
were carried away with his deceptions.
'The great power of God"-See r. V
here. They believed him to be the one in
vested with the power of God supposing
that the wonders he performed evnced
his possession OF great supernatural gifts.
IL; Had regard" Gave heed r. V.
In the hope that he might be the delverer
for whom they had long been waiting.
"0f long time" His birthplace was in Sa-
maria, and it is most probable that he
had lived there a great part of his life.
II. Believed" Where Gods truth
arises the kingdom of lies must wane.
When they saw the true light they turned
teaching met their needs and brought sal
vation, hope and JOY. Good tidinss" r..
means aglad tidngs.S Kingdom of God"
Defined by Paul from. IA: III as being
Righteousness and peace and Joy in the
which Christ sets up in Che hearts of His
followers "The name They believed
that Christ was the Messiah of whom there
was some expectation even among the Sa-
maritans. "Were baptized" Thus they
made public profession OF their faith in
Christ.
10. "Then." Simon simply drifted with
the popular tide. Men often profess re-
gion in order to gain better standing in
the community. Himself believed. 1t
would appear to be a great triumph to
have the leader of the opposition speak
out boldly in favor Of the truth. but the
narrative shows Tvs. 1924 that his heart
was untouched by divine grace. He per.
haps believed that Jesus had wrought mir.
acles and was raised from the dead. but he
had no thought of renouncing his sorcery.
He likely looked upon Philip as n supe-
rior sorcerer of whom he might learn. Left
without followers he thought it best to join
the man who had fairly outstripped
him." WAS baptized" Here is strong
argument against what is called "bapts.
! NAL regeneration" After Simon had been
baptized by Philip -. and whatever the
mode it must have been the correct mode
Peter tells him he is in the gall of bit
terness." V. g. Surely baptism cannos
wash away our sins.
IA. Sent Peter and john" We gather
from this that there was 10 special pre-.
eminence assigned to any among the apos.
ties in those early days. They were sent
to assist Philip in the great work that
had so quickly opened up before him. The
harvest" the Saviour saw (John 4: 35l
was being gathered. The apostles had
greater authority than Philip and the re-
suits show that they were especially need
ed at this time
10. Prayer for them Instead OF at
once exercising their own authority they
seek direction from God. Might re-
ceive." They at once lead the new con.
verts into deeper Christian experience
l9 WAS fallen" This expression is
several times applied to the Holy Spirit
1t means that He came from heaven, and
denotes the rapidity and suddenness Of
His coming I'm he name" ''The name
of Jesus Christ means the same as Jesus
Christ Himself"
II. Hands on them" The blessings
came from God through the apostles. ''Re
ceived the Holy Ghost" We have here
as at Caesarea (ohap. 10: 44-4s) and at
Epheseus (chap 10: So. miniature Pen
teoost. While ut this time extraordinary
endowments were no doubt conferred, by
which those upon whom the apostles laid
their hands may have been able to speak
with tongues and perform miracles, IL is
also equally true that they must have re-
ceiyed spiritual blessings as well, The
Holy Spirit would purify (chap. Is: 81,
enrich, enlighten and fully equip them for
all the events OF life, bringing them ints
fellowship with all believers regardless of
race"