The review. [volume] (High Point, N.C.) 1908-19??, 1916-05-04
LESSON FOR MAY 7
THE MISSIONARIES OF ANTIOCH.

, LESSON TEXT-Acts 11:19-3O; 1926; ID:
Il.
GOLDEN TExT~Go We therefore, and
: make disciples of all nations.-MattheU
28:19.
An interesting Introduction to this
lesson would be to review the out
standing features of the life of Bar
nabas up to this lime. His attrac-
tive character, introduction, and asso-
Citations with Paul are full of rich and
suggestive lessons. Following Peters
deliverance of last Sundays lesson
we read of the end of the vile Herod
G2:20-25.) The origin of this Antioch
church was perhaps in A. D. 40, fol-
lowing the dispersion after the death
of Stephen Q1:19-26). These converts
gave proof of their new lu'e by min
istering to the brethren III Jerusalem
(11:27-3O.)
I. A Great Church 11:l3-3O) Cd
Their testimony. This new sect,
'Christians" (v. 26) made {. Ieep i'm
preston upon this great city though
as yet it's testimony was to. the Jews
only ". 19) The first evangelists to
this city from the home of Judaism
Greeks. (a) They "spake the word
". 19), as travellers and fugitives they
carried the message wherever they
journeyed. CD 'NThey preached Jesus"
the only message that will reach and
stir an entire city. Co They did it in
conversational way ". 20 r. W. ca
The workers (3:D. 1t is an amazing
array of names mentioned as one of
the results of this Antioch revival.
Step by step God has widened the
sphere of activities OF those who &C
copied the gospel, and with every step
the stamp of divine approval was seen.
Q1:2D. Those who "terned unto the
Lord" not only believed but gave evil
Cence Of repentance and under the
leadership of Barnabas, who had
brought Saul with him from Tarsus w.
25), large numbers were assembled
and taught ". 26). This ministry of
teaching is a commendable type Of |
evangelism and while the term Chris !
tan" is applied to these followers of !
Jesus mot of Barnabas and Saudi, it |
was doubtless first applied in derision,
and it has become the accepted and |
glorious title Gotten abused or con-
fused with Christendom) of those who
follow our Lord.
II. A Great Commission 13:1-3).
The separation which took place after
Barnabas and Saul had resided in the
city for years time (11:26), and
while they were meeting with such
outward success reminds us of the
way the spirit separates Philip from
his work in Samaria (8:6, 26, 2O. The I,
Holy Spirit knew what was best for
these followers of Jesus as the results
demonstrated. Among the great lead
ers the Spirit separated two for this
particular task, and the quietness with
which 1t was done as suggested by the
text, is in marked contrast with most
or our modern plans for advanced
steps," No dollar dinner" or commit
tee luncheons and meetings. This
duty was presented: CD While in the
discharge of their regular duties, "as
they ministered" ". o. Just the form
Of this ministry is not accurately stat
ed, but it included fasting and prayer
". 81: and it twas to the Lord" There '
Ire plenty today who can do church {
work. but far too few who can min {
ster to the Lord (not to people) and {
who can by fasting and prayer know {
what the mind of the Spirit is relative
% any advance steps needful in the
church. CD Under the Spirits direc-
ion. Just how the Spirit spoke to {
his people we do not know nor much L
are, but his message was unmistak- (
lble, whether audible or in the deep I
ecesses of their hearts. CD It came {
While they prayed. An overly-illed 1
tomach is apt to divert a Spirit filled {
mind. But an attitude of prayer is
he only one which can render us sus-
eptible to the Spirits voice. He is
yer ready to speak and if we supply o
he open heart and the ready mind Z
he-e will be no vague, uncertain i'm b
ulse such as men often call 'the a
p1rit's voice.; rather a definite task.
Ill. Glorious Conquest ". 412).
II The journey ". ~. 1t was but
atural for the leader of this expedi-
ION to direct his steps first to his p
ONE (4:36). If our testimony will r
OF receive hearing at home it is not al
any great value. CD The work ".
}. They followed the same plan as sc
efore, entered the synagogues where tt
saching and discussion was the order p1
service and, to the Jews, gave the nj
word of God" Matt. SID Are we sc
bic to thus teach the word, how Jesus ri
fulfilled and what the result is in "
lat he did fulfill 'all righteousness dl
3 The resistance ". 6-8). Bar-Jesug,
"Elymas the sorcerer," must not be m
with our modern necroman, su
ers or Straightforward artists. He was
leading scientist of his time and his to
's1tion in the Roman deputy's house ca
Did is significant. He readily saw oil
at for the deputy to hear the gospel ha