The Spectator., 1916-05-19
LESSON FOR MAY 21
THE CRIPPLE OF LYSTRA.
TEXT-Acts 14.

1 tioned in this lesson and locate them on map. Let seven pupils attack to the map @ flag or banner, to locate each one. The visit to Iconium oc- cured probably in the spring of A. D. l 47 (Ramsey) Paul and Barnabas had a great triumph and a severe testing at lconium, wrought a great victory of faith and became popular at Lystra, only to meet great tribulation. On their homeward journey they con- i tirmed saints, set up rules and gave account of their labors to the home church of Antioch, from which they had started this first journey.
 l. In leonium (vv. ID. This was Roman city of great antiquity and importance. The modern city Konia is an important Mohammedan and trade center. Tradition says Paul was imprisoned for being magician and teaching woman named Thekla not to marry. This woman endured great hardships and trials for the faith, fin- ally becoming nun at Selencia and dying at the advanced age of ninety. From this tradition we get most of our ideas of Paul's small, bandy-legged, large eyed, shaggy eye- brows, long nose; full of grace with sometimes the face of a man and at others of an angel. This is tradition only, but is probably somewhat near the truth. Paul followed his usual first witnessing in the synagogue, wit messing to the entire population. Jew and Gentle, and dividing them effec- lively by his words about Jesus.
 II. In Lystra (vv. s-2D. CD Popu- larity (vv S-1S). Their introduction here would seem propitious, healing the cripple and at once gaining the esteem of the people, Alteration and gratitude appeal to the human heart. Underneath the heather idea that the gods came down to us in the likeness of men, is the great and glorious truth of the incarnation (John 1:14; Phil. 2:6, ?. We should hesitate to condemn these men of Lystra too se- verely. for what American community is not open to condemnation in this regard? Too many Christians offer garlands tv. 13) at the feet of the men NhOALi NOd ico uoCd IO NOih hAD mighty works. It was common com plaint that in the days of his greatest victories, men could not find Mir. Moody when a service was dismissed. or get into his quarters at the hotels; he would give no opportunity for self gloriiication. Paul and Barnabas had hard work to restrain these hero wor- shipers (v. 14), and to convince them who they were and how they had been enabled to accomplish such wonder full miracle (v. 15). Paul was of like stature" with them and would not ac- cept worship as did the Caesars or Herod (12:22, 23). He exhorted the Lystrians to turn from these vain things" i. e., such idol worship. unto the living God" (see also l Cor. S:4; Thess. 1:9). Hitherto God had not miraculously interfered to turn men from their evil ways (v. 16), but left them to their own devices to show their inability to find their way back to him (see Acts 17:30; Cor 1:2D. Yet God is not without witnesses" (v. ID. The seasons and the natural laws point to God yet men still re- main blind and ungrateful. Thus by vehement exhortation they prevented this act of sacrilege (2) Persecution (vs. 19. 20). The mob is ever fickle. (v. 1S), but it did not turn them unto the living God" (v. 15). Conversion is the simple turning from idols q Thess. 1-9), rational thing, but one contrary to the pride of men who de- sire to do something" whereby they may merit or can demand their sal vation. Even as Paul had diff culty to turn people aside from idols, so today 1t Is hard to keep men and women from idolatry, not the gross or vulgar idolatry of heathenism, but the re- fined idols of culture. success. power. money and pleasure. To his difficult ties Paul had the added persecution of the vindictive Iconians and those from Antioch (v. 19). God delivered him from this trial q Cor. 11:25, 2O. All loyal witnesses must expect persecu- tion from the God-hating world tI Tim. :12; John 15 1S-20) Some think that this was when Paul was caught up into the third heaven" (II Cor. 12: 2-4). His treatment did not stop his testimony, nor separate him from friends tvs. 20, 2D.
 III. The Return (vv. 22-2S). When they had preached the gospel to the city" (v. 2D literally having evan gelized the city" they started home confirming believers and appointing leaders in each center visited. They did not take the short cut of 16O miles to Paurs home in Tarsus. but they visited their new converts
 Symbolically the cripple of Lystra Is type of sin. Gal helpless, (b) born in that condition (Psa. 51:5), (c) had to be helped from without. by outside power (Rom. 5:6); (d) all could see the change (James 2:1S). This mir acle wrought (a) Praise from the peo- pie, (b) Protestation on the part of Paul and Barnabas. Co Persecution from the fickie and disappointed