Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-30

splendid triumph for their cause.
ARRAIGNED Oversees :. 6. O.-Arer
were brought before the great Jewish
court. the Sanhedrin, whose business was
to inquire carefully into all matters 81
conduct and doctrine pertaining to the
church. 1t was a highly imposing body.
composed Of men of learning and social
influence. Its cognizance OF the apostles
indicated what impressions had been
made by them. The president Of the coun-
Gil was Annas. the venerable high priest
and with him sat Ciaphas. his son-in law
deputy. John and Alexander. relatives Of
the high priest, also dignifed the occa-
sion. The rulers and elders and scribes
were in their places. When the prisoners
were brought in the question was put.
BY what power have We cured the lame
MANI The real point of issue was thus
waived, the doctrine OF the resurrection
1t was deemed wise to inquire concerning
the deed rather than the teaching. There
was i'm this an appearance OF justice.
TESTIFIED Oversees S-l9.-Happiiv
the apostles had been instructed for such
an occasion. Luke xii:2-1S) Filled with
the Holy Ghost, Peter addressed the coun
ell In respectful words. The suavity Of
his Salutation was a happy beginning OF
his fearless testimony. He reiterated what
he had said in his two sermons, that the
cure was through the name or power %
Jesus. He forced home upon his hearers
certain truths TO arouse their consciences.
Concerning Jesus he said. whom We
crucified. whom God raised from the
dead, the two great doctrines for which
the apostles were appointed witnesses.
acts I'D Having charged the Sanhedrin
with murder. he opened up the way of
pardon. This risen Christ had become tina
chief in the new dispensation-like one of
the stones which builders cast aside az
worthless, he had become the head Of the
corner. But it was not merely matter OF
honor-this Jesus. as his name implied
Matt. 1:2D had become a Savior Thus
was preached the atoning. risen. exalted
Redeemer-strange words by brave men.
MARNELED Werses 1914 THE
Sanhedrin, assembled to Judge. was
greatly surprised. The man who had been
healed. standing with them, was proof
that notable miracle had been wrought.
The fact could not be denied. 1t would be
utterly useless to attempt to remove the
impression produced upon the public mind
1t was equally unwise to make an attack
upon the men who had done the deed.
But. what was most bewildering. the men
were an enigma. They were unlearned-
they did not belong to the class from
which great things might be expected.
They had conducted themselves with pro-
priety, and. what was most notable, they
displayed the same general characteristics
which Jesus had manifested when, a short
time before. he stood at the same bar OF
judgment. And so 1t was felt that these
were no ordinary men, and this was no
ordinary event which the Jewish council
CONFERRED (verses 15-1O.-The
situation was exceedingly embarrassing
to those who had apprehended the apos-
ties. 1t was deemed necessary to hold q
should be done. That conference revolved
around one question. What should Be
done with the mem" against whom no
charge could he sustained. Men VINO
ought to have been set at liberty because
innocent must nevertheless receive some
treatment that should prevent tho m
crease of their influence and the spread
of the cause they loved. Such was the
prostitution of the court that Il pro-
posed to bolster up a decayfng system By
new era for which the world had been
preparing for centuries. They determined
at last what to do-to call Peter and John
and command them not to teach any more
to use their authority to suppress testi.
mony. to stif1e free speech, to deprive
the world Of the truth.
REPLIED Oversees 1s-2s).-In an
this the sanhedrfn had made one grievpus
mistake. They considered themselves
guardians and promoters Of religion,
vested with authority to establish forms
and ceremonies and to induct ministers
whom they would. They had discharged
that office hitherto, no one questioning
their right. They now assumed that Peter
and John We're I'm like manner amenable
~ tHeHl, anu tnat without tnelr author
ity they must be silent. But these men
had not been licensed by men. They had
not graduated from the school They
held no parchment from the church. They
claimed commission from higher source.
Matt. XXviii:19-20) on account of which
they felt an irresistible impulse TO preach.
1t was an added element of their great
ness and sublime fruit of their courage
when they fell back upon their divine
calling and rejected the command of the
council. Then it was that the rulers
showed their impotence, for they could do
nothing but threaten and release the pris-
oners.
REJOICED Verses 23-3D.-Set at
liberty the apostles rejoined their asso-
ciates. There, evidently comforted and
by the Holy Spirit the whole
body broke forth into rejoicing. quotin;,
the second Psalm. The intercourse end
continue steadfast in the midst of oppo-
sition.
CONCLUSION.-There is no more
sublime spectacle than a man standing
amidst enemies in defense of cause
dear to his heart. There is a conviction
that he is right, joined to the courage
Of his convictions. There is a willing
ness to face oppositions and to endure
the truth must triumph and that God
will sustain those who advocate the
truth. Such man has conscientious
strength, and other men gather about
llTn anu DebeVe IN him. NO one can
silence him, and no one can hurt him
1t is folly for any to array themselves
aga INST him. Such have been the great
leaders Of the centuries whose brave
words have called the people of their
time to better living and prepare for
higher achievements. This first persecu-
ton that came upon the church in Jerusa-
len was. therefore. an incalculable bless
ing. 1t exalted the men who were the
objects of priestly jealousy, and set forth
the Christian religion as suited to COM