The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1903-05-22

only thou. but also All that hear me this day.
we're both almost. and altogether s-eI a
l AN, except these bonus.
GOLDEN TENT.-Having therefore
obtained help OF God, I continue unto
tAais day.-Acts 26;@2.
OUTLINE OF SCRIPTURE SECTION
Paul before .Acts = ..-A@
Pau before Agr.ppa. - ..s--''
Paul tells his sApsrience--..-'.<.s.s - "a .,
Pauls appea4 to AgrippA.....-.Acts = - -
The impression Pau IA aoe.....Aets a .1e-s--
TIME-A. ID. ~.
PLACE
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Our attention has been called TO the
fact that when on trial Paul always en-
deayored to do more than secure his
own acquittal; he sought to preach the
Gospel at the same time TO his Judges
and hearers. This he did when ad-
dressing the mob from the steps OF the
castle Antonio. when he was being ex-
amined by Felix, and now we shall see
how uppermost that thought was when
he was brought before Agrippa. Such
an exhibition of zeal for Christ ought
TO thrill, shame and inspire.
Two years have passed since our last
lesson, and Paul is still a prisoner at
Caesarea. Felix, the Roman governor
of the province of Judea. has just been
recalled and Festus appointed as his
successor. This lesson opens with the
arrival of Festus.
The leading men among the jews
tried to take advantage Of the new
governor and his unfamiliarity with
the case. and have Paul brought tc
Jerusalem again, at the same time
plotting to kill him by the way. For
tunately for Paul, Festus preferred tC
try the case at his own capital. Wher
the trial came, the jews proved moth
ing but their own venomous hatred
This Felix knew well enough, but ye
he was their governor, and did mo-
want to gain their ili-will at the yer,
beginning Of his term, and so finall.
suggested another trial at Jerusalem
Paul knew only too well what tina
would mean, and to avoid falling int
the hands of the Jews. he appealed Il
Caesar. 1t was the lesser of two evils
Here for the third time in Acts i
told the story Of Paul's conversion
and the tremendous impression mad
upon him by his vision Of the riser
Lord.
"Wherefore: Referring to the rev
elation of verses 12-1s. Repent ant
turn to God, doing works. Norepent
ance that does not result in genuine
turning Of the whole life TO God is o
any value. Faith that does not in
clude works is dead. Saying moth
ing but what the prophets and Nose
did say should come" Paul claims
that he has not forsaken Judaism. bu
that Christianity is the fulfillment an'
completion Of Judaism. The Chris
must suffer-" A truth not believed b,
the Jews. and yet one which Paul say
was taught in their Scriptures.
Paul. thou art mad" The Roman
governor could not understand Paul
enthusiasm over the alleged resurrec
ton Of Jesus. Ramsay paraphrase
his explanation thus: Paul. Paul. yo'
ave great philosopher. but you have
no common sense"-fhe natural view
for one not knowing the faith aud hop'
az the Jews. The king knoweth:
Arrippa would never have said wha
Festus did. for he knew the Messiani'
hope Of the Jews. as well a. the fact
Of the life Of Christ and the spread Of
Christianity. "Believest thou thu
prophe,s:" Agrippa did no, answer
but turned the question of with ligh
sheer that probably raised laugh
among the gay couriiers who thronge'
the hall. 1t was all he could do. fol
he was not willing to face the truth
The revised version probably gives thu
true Interpretation. which amounts I,
this: "You think its an easy matter Il
make Christian Of mel"
This was rot n regular trial. for III,
appeal to Caesar had taken the cas-,
out Of the hands Of the local author
tiles. Paul seems 10 have been bring
ing the truth too close home TO tn,
king, and so the hearing was cut shor
and the brilliant assemblage fled ou
of the hall. but the impression Pau
had made on them was decidedly favor
able.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS.
BE not yoursel, disobedient TO III,
heaveniy vision. The risen Jesus ha
often appealed TO you.
show your obedience to Christ. boil
by accepting Him and then BY labor
ing for the salvation Of others.
II you are His disciple. Christ Ia
chosen you for special work. Find on
what that work is.
Iron bonds are better than the d.
ceptive liberty Of the wicked. Par
was Christ's free man. though bound.
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