Middletown transcript., 1921-10-01
LESSON FOR OCTOBER 2
PAUL IN cORiNTH.

LESSON TEXT-Acts 1923.
GOLDEN TEXT determined not to
know anything among you, save Jesus
Christ. and him crucified.[ Cor. %.
REFERENCE MATERIAL Cor. 2:1-5;
4:12; II Co. 11:T-9.
PRIMARY TOPIC - Tentmaking and
Teaching.
JUNIOR TOPIC Paul Working and
Preaching in Corinth.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
Teaching and Tentmaking in Corinth:
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
Paul in Commercial Center.
The establishment Of the church at
Corinth is an example Of missionary
enGeavor for all ages. The method
employed, which resulted in success
then, will result in success now.
1. The True Missionary Method
wv. 1-3.
Paul came to Corinth stranger in
strange city. He did not have an
advance agent to do his advertising;
neither did he have his photograph
put III the daily paper with sensa-
tiona. 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 a foothold in COrinth was as
follows:
1. Finding a home ". p. This he
found with Aquila and Priscilla, Jews
who were recently expelled from
Rome by the cruel edict Of Claudius.
Being Jews, he found natural affinity
with them.
2. He toiled for his daily bread
". 81. 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.
II. Preaching in the Synagogue at
corinth wv. 48).
1. Though compelled to toll for a
living while getting q fOOthOld In
Corinth. he did not lose sight of his
main work (v. ~. He reasoned in
the synagogue every Sabbath, persuad-
ing the Jews and Greeks. In this re-
spect he was like William Carey, the
cobbler. When Carey was asked what
his business was he replied that
preaching the gospel was his business,
but that he cobbled to make expenses.
While the missionary should not be
above honest toll when necessity
arises, he should not allow toll to
interfere with the preaching Of the
gospel.
2. His activity was increased when
Silas and Timothy came ". 81. This
resulted from three causes: O They
brought good news from the church al
Thessalonica Il Thess. 3:6). To hear
Of the steadfastness Of those who had
confessed Christ under our ministry
puts new vigor into our labOrs. (2)
They brought pecunlary gifts from the
Macedonian churches (Philip. 4:15
II Cor. II ~. Being relieved from the
necessity of toll for 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 hin
to accentuate his efforts.
8. Paul opposed (v. 81. His in
creased activity was met with In
creased opposition. This can alway!
be expected.
4. Paul announces his purpose tt
turn tc the Gentiles ". g.. Because
of their blashphemy and opposition HI
ceased to work among the Jews
There is time when good judgmen
causes one to abandon work wher
efforts have been fruitless, but it i
difficult to know just when to do 1t.
5. He did not 60 far away ". y
He remained sufficiently near tina
those whose hearts God touched coult
easily find him. 1t is likewise tru'
that although Christ is obliged to de
part from the soul that refuses Hin
entrance, He fingers with yearnini
love around that heart.
6. His success (v. 81. Crispus, tn
chief ruler Of the synagogue, was con
verted. Perhaps the severity Of hi
action in turning away from then
moved Crispus to action. Pressur
for immediate decision Is helpful t.
some-they realize it is now or never
Many others followed the example o
Crispus. Paul varied from his usua
custom and baptized Crispus Il Coz
1:14).
III. Paul's Vision tvv. Oily.
His experiences since coming to Ell