The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1916-05-05
LESSON FOR MAY 4
THE MISSIONARIES OF ANTIOCH.

800 70 p. - -
THE MISSIONARIES OF ANTIOCH.
LESSON rExr-Aet, iils.soi 1,:.si 1,a
GOLDEN TExT-Go ye therefore, and
make Disciples Of all nauons.-Matthew
An interesting Introduction to this
lesson would beNto review the out.
standing features Of the life Of Bar.
nabas up TO this time. His attrac-
tive character. introduction, and asso.
Citations with Paul are full Of rich and
suggestive lessons. Following Peters
deliyerance OF last Sundays lesson
We read Of the end Of the Tile Herod
t12:20.25.) The origin 81 this Antioch
church was perhaps in A. D. 40, fol.
lowing the dispersion after the death
oflstephen u1:1o.2s). These converts
gave proof OF their new love by min.
istering to tho brethren In Jerusalem
t11:2ESoD
O. Great Church tii:1s.3o). IN.
Their testimony. This new sect,
Christians" ". 2s) made q deep i'm.
preston upon this great city though
assyet It's Testimony was to the Jews
only ". 49,. The first evangelists to
this city from the home Of Judaism
ntthe outset. however. spake to Gentle
Greeks. (a) They "spake the word"
ty.1s), as travellers and fugltiyes they
carried the message wherever they
!ourneyed. tb) They preached Jesus
The only message that will reach and
stir ian entire city. (c) They did 1t in
Iconyersational way ". 20 r. W. t2).
The Iworkers (3:D. 1t is an amazing
array Of names mentioned as one Of
he results Of this Antioch revival.
Step by step God has widened the
sphere OF activities OF those who &C.
cepted the gospel. and with every step
the lamp OF divine approval was seen.
G11:2ll. Those who turned unto the
lord not only believed but gave eyi.
Sence Of repentance and under the
leadership Of Barnabas, who had
brought Saul with him from Tarsus ".
SD, large numbers were assembled
and taught ". 26). This ministry OF
teaching is a commendable type OF
evangelism and while the term Chris.
ttan" 10 applied to these followers Of
Jesus mot Of Barnabas and Saudi, II
was doubtless first applied in derision,
and It has become the accepted and
glorious title toften abused or con.
fused with lChristendom) OF those who
follow eur Lord.
!. a Great Commission t13:1.3).
Desperation which took place after
. rnabas and Saul had resided In thi
. ey 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 1855. 2s, 30. The
Holy Spirit knew what was best for
lsese followers of Jesus as the results
aonstrated Among the great lead.
- the Spirit separated two for this
particular task, and the quietness with
wb' III 1t was done as suggested by thF
text, Is in marked contrast with mpS
Of our modern plans for "advancea
steps, No dollar dinner" or commit.
tee luncheons and meetings. This
duty was presented: IA While in thu
discharge Of their regular duties, "a
they ministered" ". %. Just the form
Of this ministry is not accurately stat.
ed, but tit included fasting and prayer
ty.3):la and it"was to the Lord" There
IRE plenty today who can do Church
work. but far too few who can min.
lister 20 the Lord mot to people, and
who can BY fasting and prayer know
what the mind Of the Spirit Is relative
10 any advance steps needful in the
church. t2) Under the Spirits direc.
lion. Just how the Spirit spoke to
this people we do not know nor much
care, but his message was unmistak.
able, whether audible or in the deep
eeceases of their hearts. (s) It came
while they prayed. An oyerly.flled
stomachtis apt to divert spirit.flled
mind, But an attitude Of prayer is
the only one which can render US sus.
ceptible to the Spirits voice. He is
ever ready to speak and IL we supply
the open heart and the ready mind
there will be no vague. uncertain i'm.
pulse such as men often call "the
Spirits voice; rather definite task.
90. Glorious Conquest (v.S+12).
% The Journey ". ~. 1t was but
natural for the leader Of this expedt.
hon 70 direct his steps first to his
home tt:a6l. II our testimony will
not receive q hearing at home II is not
% any great value. (2) ThsIwork ".
bl. They followed the same plan as
before, entered the synagogues where
teaching and discussion was the order
De service and, to the Jews, gave the
WORD OF God" Matt. SID. Are We
pbleit %: thus teach the word, how Jesus
FULFILLED and what the result is In
that he did fulfill "ali Righteousness?
80 The resistance ". .s.s). Bari Jesus,
OF .'Elymas the sorcerer." must not be ]
confused with our modern necroman.
GERS or sleightof.hand artists. He was
. leading scientist Of his time and his
position in the Roman deputy's house.
hold Is significant. He readily saw
that for the deputy to hear the gospel