Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1916-05-05
LESSON FOR MAY 7
THE MISSIONARIES OF ANrIoct


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
Q2:20-25.) The origin of this Antioch
church was perhaps in A. D. 40, fol-
lowing the dispersion after the death
of Stephen (11:19-26). 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.
|. A Great Church (11:19-30). Ql
Their testimony This new sect.
Christians" ". 26) made deep i'm
preston upon this great city though
as yet it's testimony was to the Jews
only ". 49,. The first evangelists to
this city from the home of Judeaism
at the outset, however, spake to Gentle
Greeks. (a) They "spake the word"
". 19), as travellers and fugitives they
carried the message wherever they
iourneyed. (b) "They preached Jesus"
the only message that will reach and
stir an entire city. (c) They did it in
a conversational way ". 20 R. W. (2)
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
cepted the gospel, and with every step
the stamp of divine approval was seen.
t11:2D. 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 lv.
25), large numbers were assembled
and taught w. 26). This ministry of
teaching is a commendable type of
| evangelism and while the term Chris
lian" is applied to these followers of
Jesus (not of Rarnabas and SauD, it
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.
II. A Great Commission (13: :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 (S:6, rs, 20. The
Holy Spirit knew what was best for
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 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: ~ While in thf
discharge of their regular duties, "as
they ministered" ". y. Just the form
of this ministry is not accurately stat
ed, but it included fasting and praye!
". 81: and it was to the Lord" There
work." but far too few who can min
lister to the Lord mot to people, anC
who can by fasting and prayer know
what the mind of the Spirit is relative
to any advance steps needful in tn,
church. (2) Under the Spirits direc
ton. Just how the Spirit spoke t,
this people we do not know nor mucl
care, but his message was unmistak
able, whether audible or in the dec
recesses of their hearts. (3) 1t cam
while they prayed. An overly-fillet
stomach is apt to divert Spirit-fille,
mind But an attitude of prayer i
the only one which can render US sus
ceptible to the Spirits voice. He i
ever ready to speak and if we suppl
the open heart and the ready min,
there will be no vague, uncertain in
pulse such as men often call 9Th
Spirits voice; rather a definite tasl
(4) 1t brought united blessing Tn
whole body of believers had a part i
the fruits of this journey.
III. A Glorious Conquest ". Alp
(1) The journey w. q. 1t was bu
natural for the leader of this exped
tion to direct his steps first to hi
home (4:36). If our testimony wi
not receive a hearing at home it is nc
of any great value. (2) The work (1
81. They followed the same plan a
before, entered the synagogues wher
teaching and discussion was the orde
of service and, to the Jews, gave tn
word of God" Matt BID. Are W
able to thus teach the word, how Jesu
fulfilled" and what the result is i
that he did fulfill "all righteousness
(3) The resistance ". 6-8). Bar-Jesu
or "Elymas the sorcerer," must not b
confused with our modern necromal
GERS or sleight-of-hand artists. He We
! a leading scientist of his time and hi
position in the Roman deputy's hous
: hold is significant. He readily sa
that for the deputy to hear the gosp
would destroy his power and inf
ence w. 81. Paul, now first so-calle
(v. 81 knew the blight of blindnes
1 physical and spiritual, and caused tn
e man, temporarily w. ID to be smitte
t even as he had been (9:8, II, 18). tt
v deputy had desired to hear" ". :
g the Word Now he saw" w. p
l. manifestation of the power of Il
II Spirit and as result he believed" {
g 12). Thus the punishment meted o.
V upon Elymas worked out for good
g the deputy Rom. 8:2S).
4 Whoever shall review his life wi
find that the whole tenor of his CO
e duct has been determined by son
e accident of no apparent moment
Johnson.
Cautiously avoid speaking of Il
domestic affairs either of yourse
10 or of other people. Yours are not