Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1916-05-04
LESSON FOR MAY 7
THE MISSIONARIES OF ANTIOCH

THE MISSIONARIES OF ANIIOCH'
LESSON TEXT-Acts 1l:l9-3O: 1926: 49,:
u.
GOLDEN TEXT-Go ye therefore. and
make disciples Of all nations.-Matthew
1919.
An interesting introduction to this
lesson would be to review the out
standing features of the life of Bar
nabas up TO this time. His attrac-
tive character, introduction, and asso-
cations 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
~(12:20-25.) The origin of this Antioch
church vas perhaps in A. D. 40, fol.
lowing the dispersion after the death
Of Stephen G~1:19-26). These converts
gave proof of their new love by min
istering to the brethren in Jerusalem
11:27.30.) 1t was perhaps four or
five years subsequently when the
events of this lesson occurred.
l.. A Great Church 11:19.30). ID
Their testimony. This new sect,
Christians ". 26) made a deep i'm
preston upon this great city though
as yet its testimony was to the Jews
only ". 19). The first e%vangelists to
this city from the home of Judaism
at the outset, however, spake to Gentle
Greeks. (a) They "spake the word"
". 1917, as travellers and fugitives they
carried the message wherever they
journeyed. (b) They preached Jesus
the only message that will reach and
stir an entire city. tc) They did it IN
a conversational way ". 20 r. W. t2)
The workers (3:1). 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.
(11:21). Those who turned unto the
Lord" not only believed but gave evil
dence of repentance and under the
leadership of Barnabas, who had
brought Saul with him from Tarsus ".
25), large numbers were assembled
and taught ". 26). This ministry of
teaching is a commendable type of
evangelism and while the term Chris
tian" is applied to these followers OF
Jesus mot of Barnabas and Saul, 1t
was doubtless first applied in derision.
and it has become the accepted and
glorious title (often abused or con-
fused with Christendom) of those who
follow our Lord.
H.. A Great Commission Q3:1-3).
The separation which took place after
Barnabas and Saul had resided in the
city for a 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 CSC. rs, 20. The
Holy Spirit knew what was best fer
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 it vas done as suggested by the
text, is in marked contrast with most
of Il modern plans for advanced
steps" No dollar dinner" or commit
tee l%uncheons and meetings. This
duty was presented: ~ While in the
discharge of their regular duties. las
they ministered" ". y. Just the form
of this ministry is not accurately stat
ed, but it included fasting and prayer
". 81: and it was to the Lord" There
are plenty today who can do church
work." but far toe few who can min
lister to the Lord mot to people, and
who can by fasting and prayer know
what the mind of the Spirit is relative
to any advance steps needful in the
church. (2) Under the Spirits direc.
ton. 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
receSses of their hearts. so 1t came
while they prayed. An o~vcTiy-tilled
stomach is apt to divert a Spirit-filled
mind. But an attitude of prayer is
the only n which can render us sus-
ceptible to the Spirits voice. He is
ever ready to speak and if we supply
the open heart and the ready mind
there will be no vague, uncertain i'm.
pulse such as men often call 1.-The
Spirits voice; rather a definite task.
az 1t brought a united blessing. The
whole body of believers had a part in
the fruits Of this journey.
III. A Glorious Conquest ". 4-12).
az The journey ". ~. 1t was but
natural for the leader of this expedi-
ton to direct his steps first to his
home 1880. If u testimony will
not receive a hearing at home it is not
of any great value. (2) The work ".
81. They followed the same plan as
before, entered the synagogues where
teaching and discussion was the order
service and. to the Jews, gave the
word of God" Matt. SID. Are we
able to thus teach the word. how Jesus
fulfilled" and what the result is in
that he did fulfill all righteousness?
(3) The resistance ". 6-S). Bar.Jesus,
or "Elymas the %sorcerer." must not be
confused with u modern necroman.
GERS or Straightforward 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
,yould 5ootrry hio Dnuyor opd irHu. |