The Spectator., 1916-05-12
LESSON FOR MAY IA
sLo, WE TURN TO THE GENTILES."

a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the uttermost part of the eareh.-Acts 13:47.
 In the unfolding and overwhelming of the program of power we are again confronted with crucial event. It is suggestive that at this time Paul, whose name has just been changed from Saul, now assumes his place of leadership, succeeding Barnabas. Per go, the capital of Pamphylia, was on the southern coast of Asia Minor, and Antioch, the capital of Pisidia (south- ern Galatia) was 90 miles north. Paul is now in full control and no other man save our Lord has so deeply in- pressed human history.
 l. Paul's Opening (vv. 13-15). We are not told why John Mark returned to Jerusalem. He may have objected to the changed leadership; there may have been sickness involved; as Jew he may have objected to Paul's ao. tions. His subsequent missionary zeal restored him to Pauls favor QI. Tim. 4:1D. Departing from Perga (v. 14, perhaps on account of an attack of fever Gal. 4:13, IA, the party ascend. ed to the higher altitude of the impor- tant city of Antioch, the site of which is now marked by extensive and inn pressive ruins. After finding lodgings they repaired to the synagogue on the Sabbath day. Here they could meet the people and would be given oppor- tunity to speak of Jesus. Paul put himself in the way of opportunity and opportunity to beckoned to him. They did not demand this privilege because they were Christian workers. Their participation in the service and other actions commended them to the re- spect of the leaders of the synagogue. which was the great democratic forum of the Jewish nation.
 II. Paul's Sermon (vv. 16-4D. Paul began his remarks. even as Peter did at Pentecost. by quoting the Old Tes- lament and referring to Jewish his tory. using the same to lead up to his testimony about Jesus. (Matt. 5:17) Tt is ours to show wherein Christ full
 
 upon us by reason of his covenant of grace. and the blessings which issue therefrom" This is one of Paul's three recorded missionary sermons (see also Acts 14:15-1S;; 17:22-3D. The last two were to Gentiles only. This Is scriptural discourse. CD Messiah's people and ancestry (17-23); (2) Mes, siah's forerunner CA. 25); Messiah rejected (26-29); (4 Messiah risen rom the dead (30.37); (5) Jesus the Justifler (3s-39; (6) the application, a word of warning GAO. 4D. There must have been some evidence of rest lessness in his audience, hence his sharp warning (4D.
 iil. PauI's Decision (vv. 42-4T. After the separation of Jews from Greek proselytes the latter besought Paul to continue his testimony literally the Sabbath between" perhaps at the mid week meetings. Questions and discus sions were the ovder in the breaking up of the synagogue service. and as Paul and his company departed they were accompanied by some who had believed tv. 43). Knowing the testing which would follow. Paul and Barne bas did personal work with these. ew horting to steadfastness (Jchn 8: 31. s2: Col 1:23) in the grace of God tv. 3s. 39; Rom. SPA: Eph. 2:S). It is only in grace that any are able td continue" (Rom. 5:2: Gal. 5:1. D. lt is personal work which gathers . crowd and such was the method of Paul and Barnabas during the inter. vening week. So we'll was the work done and so great was the power oi their testimony that almost the whols city" gathered the next Sabbath td hear the Word of God" Such evident interest in this new teaching aroused the jealousy of the Jews. Years o! Jewish proseiytlng had never secured such a result as this one address of doubtful stranger produced. But back of this jealousy was the greater sin oi unbelief. To hear tho Word of God tII Titus s;2: Thess. 2:13) does not necessarily produce obedience and faith duke s5.0: not always the bftaAteA HNAaotT Ot utAftAo VIII Pto duce the greatest number of conver sions. To interrupt a speaker is nof unknown in synagogues today. Int opponents "contradictcd and blae rhemed." doubtless contending that all who hang on . tree are accurset t0al 3:iSl and they produced a wild tempest of voices and confusion. Only to attack and to destroy the work d Paul and narnahas could save thest Jewish leaders. Human nature Is tht sane everywhere.
 Paul and Barnabas thrived upon op position. We believe they foresaw thu development and were prepared fti the emergency tv s6). Because d long training the Jews were best flo ted Co receive the Gospel. It was ni accident that the first apostles welt Jews. but it is serious business to re feet the Christ. and the history Of th Jewish n&tion since rejecting JesN has beer written ln blood and tears Saul's To we turn" lv. 4sl marke, the Ruhieon Of spiritual history. Chrls