The Green Forest tribune., 1916-03-17

what thou readest?-Acts S:3O.
 Beginning at verse four, chapter eight, we enter upon the second great i division of the Book of the Acts. Ii marks the beginning of preaching out. side of Jerusalem and also the employ. ment of lay-preachers. The persecu- tion of the Jerusalem church was chiefly led by Paul (v. 3 and result ed in a wider dissemination of the good news (v 4). Philip the deacon went to Samaria where multitudes heard and saw (vv. 5, 8 and where a his dealing with Simon Magnus, who thought he could buy the gift of the Holy Spirit bestowed by the apostles (v. 9-24). The apostles returned to Jerusalem (v. 25) leaving Philip to continue his great revival in Samaria.
 I. Divine Preparation. w. 26, 27 a. The marvellous way God leads us; ways we do not comprehend, to ac- complish his great designs is nowhere better illustrated than here. Philips work would seem to demand his undi- vided and personal supervision, but he exhibits his superior wisdom by at once obeying this new command (Heb. 11:S). The Samaritan road joined the great Jerusalem highway to Egypt in the midst of uncultivated pasture land. Philip carried sealed orders" and as he came to Gaza he | ot h h of Egypt, who was probably a Jewish proselyte, having adopted their re- ligion and was returning from wor- shipping at Jerusalem.
 II. Diisent Study. V a7-29. Philip overheard this high c1ficial as he was reading aloud rom the prophecy by Isaiah, probably from the Greek translation. The Spirit directed Phil ID to i1ln himself to this evidently honest inquirer, not because of his wealth and position but because he was a seeker after truth (John 7:17, Ps. 25:9). This statesmen gives us most simple and practical Illustration (v. 2S R. VI of how to study the ESana and to improve the time occupi8' lc .raYeling. Both Luke, who wrGF -lsi Rock '-"- cts, anG- P'' P''',iiin Ifi inc eVangel- lst, seem> 4,., ept all of Isaiah with put reservation. This method of read Ing study is the one that will surely secure for us revelations from God.
 III. Direct Instruction. V. 30-35. We 3o not advocate indiscriminate assault upon every passing stranger in our desire to do personal work. Philip took each step as directed by the Holy Spirit. If we are attuned to the Spir- It's small voice" we will surely hear bis '"Go near" which will send us to those whom we may win for Christ. It is true that this passage from the prophet Isaiah is somewhat obscure and, apart from Jesus of Nazareth, ir- reconcilable ''In his humiliation his judgment (justice) was taken away a fair trial not given; This genera ton who shall declare" (Am. R. VI |. e., his contemporaries who among them considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living (New Cent Bible). Prof. G. A. Smith has declared that none but prejudiced Jews have ever denied that this great prophecy, known as the ffty-third of Isaiah, was fulfilled in Jesus of Naza- reth, and achieved all of it's details in him alone" Philips question was a pertinent one; good for this present time, and the eunuch's reply was much more frank than many pro- fessed Christians of today would be willing to admit. We have one who is ready to guide even as God met this rulers need (John 14:26; 16:13; i Jno. 2:2D. The importance of un- derstanding is great (Matt. 13:19, 15:2O, 24:15). The two portraits here presented of the Messiah are seeming ly irreconcilable and are still a great puzzle to the Jews. Prince of Peace, despised and rejected; Suffer ing Savior, King eternal; there are many such seeming paradoxes.
 ". Declared Faith. V. 36-40. The eunuch had doubtless seen the rite of baptism in Jerusalem and at the first opportunity he desired to make pub lie his new found faith. Baptism is confession and a symbol (Rom. 6:1 6) and immediately after the eunuch's declaration of faith (v. 3O Philip al once administered the rite, aftel which, his work being done, Philip is whisked away while the eunuch jour neyed on rejoicing"
 These two men were total strangers yet this wayside conversation gain: one who must have heralded far tht 1 Gospel as he witnessed along his Jour ney and in his home land.
 Philip made Caesarea his home ant twenty years later met Paul in tha city (Acts 21:S).
 Philip worked without the machin cry of an organized movement" ant evidently without any emphasis upol the offering.
 Do we look for the Spirits persona
 leadings?
 Are we ready for every opportunity
 Can we tell men the way of life
 how to become a Christian?
 How many Sunday school teacher
 can intelligently use the word of Go