Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-05-12

Acts 13:13-52.
Golden Text have set thee for q
light OF the Gentiles, that thou shouldest
be for salvation unto the uttermost part
of the EARTH" Acts 13:47.
When Saul and BarnaDas and John Mark left
Antioch, they took ship for Cyprus, Barnabas'
home, and went all through the island, preach
Ing in the villages At PaphOs, the chief city,
they attracted the attention of the Roman pro-
consul Sergius Paulos, and won him for Christ
in spite of the active opposition OF Jewish
sorcerer who was held In high esteem by the
court.
Travellers in those days had TO take ship
when they could get them. A merchant vessel
was sailing about that time for the main land,
50 they took transportation and landed at Perga,
in Pamphylia. The probabilities are that they
reached here in the early summer Just when the
population was leaving for the "alps" Of the
country. The highlands were better for grazing.
cooler air and less malaria. Taking advantage
of the opportunity for company Paul and Bar
nabas went with them. not stopping long at
Persa
Two incidents are worthy Of note at this
point. Up to this time Barnabas has been men
toned first. Now instead of Barnabas and
Saul it is Paul and Barnabas. Saul originally
had two names; Paul being his Roman name,
indicating his Roman citizenship and possibly
also his connection with celebrated Roman
particularly with the GentiIes in Roman terri
tory. he IS known by his Roman name drop
ping the Hebrew name Of Shaul, which might
be a source of irritation to the proud peoples
amongst whom he was preaching.
The other incident is the departure Of John
Mark for Jerusalem. Mark was young fell
been too much for him. He got discouraged;
he may have heard of the dangerous country
through which they had to go in leaving Perga;
and, much to PauPs disgust, he gave up and
took a ship going back to Jerusalem. 1t may
have been that the young fellow was just home
sick. We glad that this is not the last
notice We have of him He had comeback in
him, for later On Paul himself, although he
refused to take on second journey, spoke of
him as being profitable to him. and>to him we
are indebted for the s.cOnd gospel
THE PISIDIAN ANTIOCH
We have no record of the advance along
the way from Perga to Pisidian Antioch. 1t
seems hardly possible that man Of the type
Of Paul should be unappreciative of the gorgeous
scenery along the way. The road climbs from
the coast to the mountains, winding amidst fer
tile valleys end snowcapped mountains; the
foliage and flora are enhancing; every new
turn gives a vista, and Tor quite distance
But while we know nothing of the beauty Of
the journey, neither do we know anything of its
discomforts, for there were the dusty roads, the
delays, the POOR cooking, the numerous insects;
nor of the dangers from wild animals and wilder
men, highway robbers who infested the caves
of the mountains. Finally, however, when
Antioch reached their first thought was to
find some accommodations where they could ply
their trade and find market for their goats
hair tents. which provided for their support.
THE SERMON IN THE SYNAGOGUE.
We can well imagine that Paul did not lose
any opportunity to speak personally with the
Jews and tent makers amongst whom he had
cast his lot, telling them Of the Christ who
had meant so much to him, and speaking no
doubt of the resurrection. When the Sabbath
day came, as their custom was they went into
the synagogue. The services there the
same all the world; during the course of
which the first lesson was read from the law,
and the second lesson from the prophets. On
this particular day the first lesson was the
first three chapters of Deuteronomy, and the
second lesson the first chapter of Isaiah.
The first gives history of Gods dealings with
Al Nnh ~aNff ENTf-
charge against them for their negligence of
Him and then gives a promise of what He will
do for them when they come to Him and rea-
son with Him; although their sins be scar
let they shall be as white snow, and though