The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-05-31

crence Of language. The address on that
occasion was "A forceful plea, against su-
perstiion and idolatry. They declared
themselves to he but men, preachers
sent out to turn the people from the van
tiles of heathenism to the service of the
true God, whom they represented as the
creator of all things. Genesis i, 1.) This
theistic doctrine. the fundamental princi-
pnle of Jundaism distinguishing it from
all other religions. was boldly proclaimed
in opposition to the views of the deity
held by the people. This living God,
moreover. they announced as benevolent,
bestowing all manner of blessings on his
creatures. making himself known by his
works. Romans /, 2O) The address was
we'll adapted to these deuded people, and
produced the desired result, although
purpose.
STONING-The I.ystrenians did not
like to be thwarted in their plans and
prevented from their holiday banquet.
Those who had been prominent in pre-
claiming the advent of Zeus and Hermes
were probably not a little ashamed In
the sulky revulsion of their feelings, and
with a somewhat uneasy sense that they
had made themselves ridiculous, they
were inclined to avenge their error on
those who had innOcently caused 1t. The
case was made worse by the arrival of
certain Jews from Antioch and Iconi-
UNI with the express purpose of arraying
the populace against the preachers. A
tumult was easily raised. Verse 49,
Paul was stoned, and when they thought
he was dead they dragged him in front
of the very temple to which they had
proposed to conduct him. This con-
duct was by no means surprising. If
the two strangers were not gods 1t was
but natural to believe that they We're dis
picable pretcnders. IT their miracle was
not sign of divinity 1t might b e as
signed to the malefic arts.
REVIVING.--It appeared that Paul
had not labored altogether in vain in Lys-
ira. Some had believed in Christ through
his preaching. One of the converts made
on that occasion was young man, who
afterward became a travelling companion
with the apostle (Acts xvi, u. and who
shared the closing hours of his life or
Timothy, iv 2D, as the Scripture int-
mates and church history declares. These
new made disciples We're gathering about
the body OF the apostle as II lay on the
ground (Nerse XXI when Paul revived,
1t, for he was not dead. His enemies hav-
ing departed he arose and returned to
the city During the remainder of that
day and evening and until the next day
TeHliiHeu, oHellH5 Sucu cOHlfoTl as
possible, and gathering up their strength
for further service for Christ. Paul was
learning what the Master meant at the
beginning of his career. (Acts, TX, 49,
PREACIilNG.-Perse did not d.
minish the ardor of the apostles. Called
with high and holy calling, sustained
by living faith, they We're ready, II
need be, to die for the Lord Jesus. (Acts
xX, 24) Assured of the abiding presence
and perpetual support of Him whom they
served (Romans viii. so, they followed
His counsel, passing from city to city
with the good word of life. (Matt., X, 23).
Our text informs us that Paul and Bar
nabas departed next day to Derbe to
preach, that afterward they returned to
Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch In
Pisidia. Verse xxD. Everywhere 1t was
gospel that they preached, to win men TO
Jesus. But they were careful also to in
struct and comfort the new disciples
(verse xxiD who greatly needed comfort.
The persecution would naturally alarm
them, and they were therefore made to
know that tribulation was means Of
grace I'll Timothy, iii, 1g. 1t was no life
of ease but one of suffering that he por-
trayed. (Romans viii, III
REFLECTIONs.-This lesson presents
the dark side of the apostolic ministry.