The Brandon news., 1916-05-04
LESSON FOR MAY 7
THE MISSIONARIES OF ANTIocH

GOLDEN TExT-Go ye therefore, and
make disciples OF ell nations.-Matthew
| e8:19.
An interesting introduction to this
lesson would be 20 review the out
standing features of the life of Bar
nabas up to this time. His attrac-
tive character, introduction, and asao-
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 (11:19-26). These converts
gave proof of their new love by min
istering to the brethren In Jerusalem
| (11:27-3O)
! !. A Great Church d1:19-30). O
Their testimony. This new sect,
Christians" ". 26) made deep i'm
preston upon this great city though
as yet its testimony was to the Jews
only ". 19). The first evangelists to
this city from the home of Judaism
ut the outset, however, spake to GENTLE
Greeks. (a) They "spake the word"
| ". 19), as travellers and fugitives they
carried the message wherever they
tourneyed. (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. (z)
l "A ID in
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.
(11:2D. Those who turned unto the
| Lord" not only believed but gave evt
dence Of repentance and under the
| leadership of Barnabas, who had
| brought Saul with him from Tarsus ".
| 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 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 Commisslon (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, 26, 27). 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 tho
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" ". p. Just the form
Of this ministry is not accurately stat
ed, but 1t included fasting and prayer
(v. 81: and 1t was to the Lord There
are plenty today who can do church
work." but far toe few who can min
lister to the Lord (not to peopie) and
who can by fasting and prayer know
what the mind of the Spirit Is relative
10 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. (3) 1t came
while they prayed. An overly-filled
stomach is apt to divert Spirit-hlled
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 Inn
pulse such as men often call "the
Spirits voice.; rather definite task.
Ill. A Glorious Conquest ". 4-l2).
ID The journey (v. 4). 1t was but
natural for the leader of this expedi-
ton to direct his steps first to his
home (4:36). If our testimony will
not receive O hearing at home 1t is not
of any great value. CD The work (v.
81. They followed the same plan az
before, entered the syragogues wherei
teaching and discussion was the order
of service and, to the Jews. gave the
word of God' Matt. SID. Are va
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. $50. Bar-Jesus,
or "Elymas the sorcerer," must not be
confused with our modern necroman-
GERS or sleight-of-hand artists. He was
a leading scientist Of his time and his
position In tho Roman deputy's house.
hold is signif cant. He readily saw
that for the deputy to hear the gospel
IL 0yxA