Cleveland County herald., 1921-09-29
IMPROVED UNIFORM INTERNATIONAL Sl1IdoySchool ? ' LeSSOnv 7 (By REV. P. B. FITZWATER, D. D., Teacher of English Bible in the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago)
 tG, 1921, Western Newspaper Union.l
LESSON FOR OCTOBER 2
PAUL IN coRINTH.
LESSON TExT-Acts 1s.1-22


 REFERENCE MATERIALe-I Cor. 2:1-5; SIP; II Co. Hrs.
 PRIMARY TOPIC Tentmaking and Teaching.
 JUNIOR TOPIC - Paul Working and Preaching in Corinth
 INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC Teaching and Tentmaking in Cornth
 YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC Paul in a Commercial Center.
 The establishment of the church at Corlnth is an example of missionary enGeavor for all ages. The method employed, which resulted in success then, will result in success now.
 l. The True Missionary Method (vv. 1-3).
 Paul came to Corinth stranger in a strange city He did not have an adyance agent to do his advertising; neitaer did he have his photograph put Ill the daily paper with sensa- tional announcements, upon his arrival in Corinth. He did not have trained singer with him; neither did he have his salary guaranteed His method in gaining foothold in Corinth was as follows:
 l, Finding a home (v. p. This he found with Aquila and Priscilla, Jews who were recently expelled from Rome by the cruel edlct of C1audius. Being Jews, he found natural affinity with them
 2. He toiled for his daily bread (v. 3. He was of the same craft with them, being tentmakers. Every child among the Jews was taught some trade by means of which he could gain a livelihood should occa- sion require. One of the rabbis said that he who failed to teach his boy a trade taught him to steal.
 Il, Preaching in the Synagogue at corinth (vv. 4-S).
 l. Though compelled to toll for a living while getting a foothold in Corinth, he did not lose sight of his main work (v 4). He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, persuad- ing the Jews and Greeks.
 7. His activity was increased when Silas and Timothy came (v. 3. This resulted from three causes: CD They brought good news from the church at Thessalonica q Thess. 3 :6). To hear of the steadfastness of those who had confessed Christ under our ministry puts new vigor into our labors. CD They brought peeuniary gifts from the Macedonian churches (Philip. 4:15; Il Cor. Il :9). Being relieved from the necessity of toll for a living, they now could devote more time and energy to the preaching of the gospel. (3) Silas and Timothy became assistants to Paul in the work, thereby strength ening his hands so as to enable him to accentuate his efforts
 5. Paul opposed (v. 6) His in- creased activity was met with in- creased opposition. This can always be expected.
 4. Paul announces his purpose to turn to the Gentiles (v. @. Because of their blashphemy and opposition he ceased to work among the Jews There is a time when good judgment causes one to abandon work where efforts have been fruitless, but it is difficult to know just when to do it.
 3. He did not go far away (v. ?. He remained sufficiently near that those whose hearts God touched could easily find him. It is likewise true | that although Christ is obliged to de i part from the soul that refuses Him ! entrance, He fingers with yearning love around that heart
 6. His success (y. S). Crispus, the | chief ruler of the synagogue, was con- verted. Perhaps the severity of his action in turning away from them moved Crispus to action.
 III. PauPs Vision (vv. 9-1D.
 His experiences since coming to Eu- l rope were very trying. He needed en- at this time. It is just ! like the Lord to come at the time of the servants greatest need. Note the Lords words to him: 1, Be net afraid" When one is executing the commission of the Lord he need not be afraid. ?. Speak, and hold not thy peace" The one who has heard the voice of God cannot refrain from speaking cannot be still.
 3. T am with theeN The Lord is with everyone who faithfully carries out his commission.
 4, "No man shall set on thee to hurt thee" The one sent by the Lord to do a work is immune from danger and harm until his work is done.
 ,. "I have much people in this city" It is most encouraging to know that In the great cities the Lord has His own people and that the one who goes in His name shall have fruit for his service.