The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-05-09
THE sUNDAY-sCHoOL LESSON.
Acts xiii, 12-22-May 10, 19O3-The
Plot AGAINST Paul.


The Tower of Antonio was part Of great
structure which probably extended the entire
length Of the northern side of the temple court
1t was fortress, barracks and palace all in one.
Its size is indicated by the fact that 1t could
shelter an entire regiment at once. Its splendor
is assured by the fame Of its builder. Herod the
Great always built handsomely. But he would
want this building especially to be sumptuous.
as he intended IL should bear the name OF Mark
Antony. Its very position also demanded that
Il should be splendid. 1t was the sign of Roman
power, as the temple next to which II stood was
the splendid memorial of the Hebrew faith. A
Significant trace of this famous structure re-
mains to our day. In the deep trench to the north.
1t is popularity known the Pool OF Bethesda,
but is probably the castle moat. The chief in
terest and glory Of this heather fortress is that
1t sheltered the Christian apostle. Under its hos
pitable roof, safe from the raging Of the mob.
Paul received gracious and comforting assurances
Of security until he should reach the goal OF his
ardent missionary spirit. the city by the Tiber
While the apostle in prison was wrapt in the
| consolation of heavenly vision such stayed
| him In Corinth and afterward in shipwreck. his
malignant enemies far from idle. II was
| not merely hatred that innamed them. II was
| the instinct OF self-defense more significant
| tribute to the success of the foremost advocate
II
There was not room enough in Judea for both
| Paul and the Established Church. One or the
| other must die
No question hut some of the conspirators
| thought they were doing God service They be-
lieved in the divine right Of assassination. They
| must away with the man who taught apostasy
| from Moses and the bold genius whose danger
| GUS independence treated Mosaism and its es-
sentiai covenant as a thing Of the past" The
| Sanhedrin seems to have agreed with avidity to
the concoction of lie for the faciliation Of muir
| der.
| In his extremity Paul not to have had
the active sympathy Of the Christian Church In
| Jerusalem. When Peter in prison prayer
| was made for him by the church. We read OF
| nothing Of the kind in the case Of Paul. The
| signs are evident that he yet looked upon
with coldness, II not hostility. There may have
| been Christians who at that time thinking
| II would even be better IL the controversy be-
| tween gentle Christian and Jew Christian were
| made end OF by Paurs death But what
! Christian faith failed In. natural affection ac-
complished. Paurs sister and nephew the
means OF his rescue from the deadly plot Of the
| oath bound sicarii.
At point is Lukes narrative more effective.
There are the fewest possible strokes, but every
one of them tells. 1t is like the white and black
| picture popular. Every word counts:
much is suggested. All the parties to the AFFAIR
| stand in reief-conspirators. priests and elders.
chief captain. PauIs nephew. Pauls self and his
| guard TO Caesarea.
How futile the conspiracy! The oath-bound
assassins all unconsciously speeding Paul
on his way to the throne of his widest honor and
| power. Their plan laid with consummate
villainy. The dignity and sanctity of the priest
hood and the sanhedrin. highest court of the
nation. lent itself to the nefarious plot A most
plausible request was to be made Of the Roman
commandant. that he would allow the court to
further examine its prisoner. En- route the guard
was TO be overpowered and the prisoner slain.
Humanity speaking. by most unexpected means
knowledge of the plot conveyed TO the chief
captain. who with true Roman promptitude and
skill. put Paul beyond reach OF his enemies.
THE TEACHERS LANTERN.
The inveterate and historical tenaciousness &c
life of an ecclesiastical establishment has strik-
ing illustration in this instance. 1t is not OF
their nature TO admit themselves be transitory
they are not willing 10 diminish that others may
Increase The synagogue would not give place &c
the church.
That there are monetary considerations un.
confessed, but the less real. may be readily
| believed II Is stiil question OF ''ioaves and
ashes''-aithough the admission may not be quite
so frank as that Of the Ephesian siiversmiths
"By this craft get wealth"
THIS Is not however. deny the absolute and
| aisinterested devotion OF many who are attached
70 ecclesiastical establishments Of every descrip
| tion.
! The disturbed and unsafe condition OF Paiestin,