The Spectator., 1916-05-05
INTERNATIONAL. SUND6YSC[lO0L
 LESSON (By F. O. SELLERS, Acting Director of Sunday School Course of the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago) Copyright 1918. Western Newspaper Union.)
LESSON FOR MAY '
THE MISSIONARIES OF ANTIOCH.

LESSON TEXT-Acts 11:19-3o; 12:2s 1s:: i2.
 GOLDEN TEXT-Go ye therefore. and make disciples of all nations-Matthew 2S:19
 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- 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 | (12:20-25) The origin of this Antioch church was perhaps in A. D. 40, fol- lowing the dispersion after the death of Stephen u1:19-26). These converts gave proof of their new love by min- istering to the brethren in Jerusalem | (11:27-30.)
 l. A Great Church 11:19-30). CD Their testimony. This new sect, Christians" (v. 26) made deep i'm pression upon this great city though as yet it's testimony was to the Jews only (v. 19). The first evanselists to this city from the home of Judeaism at the outset, however spake to Gentle Greeks. (a) They "spake the word (v. 19), 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. Co They did it in conversational way (v. 20 R. V). (2) The workers (3:D. It 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 ac- cepted the gospel, and with every step the stamp of divine approval was seen. Q1:2D. Those who turned unto the Lord" not only believed but gave evi- dence of repentance and under the leadership of Barnabas who had brought Saul with him from Tarsus (v. 25), large numbers were assembled and taught (v. 26). This ministry of teaching is commendable type of evangelism and while the term Chris tian" is applied to these followers of Jesus (not of Barnabas and SauD, IL was doubtless first applied i'll derision, and it has become the accepted and glorious title (often abused or con. fused with Christendom) of those who follow our Lord.
 II. A Great Commission Q3:1-9). The separation which took place after Barnabas and Saul had resided in the city for a years time Ul:26), and while they were meeting with such outward success reminds us of the way the spirit separates Philip from his work in Samaria (S:6, 26, 27. The Holy Spirit knew what was best for these followers of Jesus as the results demonstrated. Among the great lead CTS the Spirit separated two for this particular task, and the quietness with which it was done as suggested by the text, is in marked contrast with most of 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" (v. p. Just the form of this ministry is not accurately stat. ed, but it included fasting and prayer (v. 8: and it twas to the Lord" There are plenty today who can do church work" but far too few who can min ister to the Lord (not 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- tion. 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. (3) It came while they prayed. An overly-filled stomach is apt to divert Spirit-filled 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 if 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 a definite task.
 III. A Glorious Conquest (v. 4-12). CD The Journey (v. 4). It was but natural for the leader of this expedi- tion to direct his steps first to his home (4: 36). If our testimony will not receive a hearing at home it Is not of any great value. @ The work (v. 5). They followed the same plan as before, entered the synagogues where teaching and discussion was the order of 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 (v. 6-S). Bar-Jesus, or "Elymas the sorcerer." must not be confused with our modern necronlan- cers or sleight-ofhand artists. He was leading scientist of his time and his position in the Roman deputys house hold is significant. He readily saw that for the deputy to hear the gospel would destroy his power and infiu- ence W. S). Paul, now first so-called (v. 9). knew the blight of blindness.