The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1931-07-23
Lesson for July 26
CHRISTIANITY SPREAD BY PER-
SECUTION.

n: Pet. 4:12-19.
GOLDEN TEXT-Fear none Of those
things which thou shalt suffer: be-
hold, the devil shall cast some of you
into prison, that We may be tried; and
ye shall have tribulation ten days: be
thou faithful unto death, and / will
give thee a crown of life.
PRIMARY TOPIC The Gospel
Spread by Persecution.
JUNIOR TOPIC-Christianity Spread
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
IC-Martyrs of the Early Church.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
IC-The Results of Persecution.
Christianity is a life, "way." Be
cause it is the life of God expressing
itself through men, it is indestructible.
Its genius is to prosper through OPP
position. 1.-THE blood Of the martyrs
as the seed of the church" Prosperity
may ruin the church, but persecution
never.
{. Stephen Stoned (Acts 7:54-60).
In Stephens ministry as deacon he
testified Of Jesus Christ and wrought
miracles in confirmation thereof. This
aroused violent opposition on the part
Of the synagogue officials. Not being
able to meet the wisdom as Stephen
spoke by the Holy Spirit, they stirred
up the people against him. They ar
rested him and brought him before
the council. They accused him Of
blasphemy and employed false wit
nesses against him. They could not
silence him by argument before the
council so they decided to do so by
violence.
/. Stephen looking into heaven ".
55). Instead of looking about upon his
murderers in their raging fury he
looked up to heaven. This was the
secret of his calmness.
2. He saw the glory Of God ". $50.
A vision of Gods glory only can be
seen by those who are loyal to him
even unto death.
8. He saw Jesus at the right hand Of
God wv. So, 56). The fact that Jesus
was standing showed his actual inter-
est in the sufferings of his faithful
witness.
4. Cast out of the city and stoned
wv. IS, 59).
s. His prayer ". 60). He kneeled
down and cried with a loud voice,
"Lord, lay not this sin to their charge"
How like the prayer Of Jesus on the
cross!
6. He fell asleep ". 60). The Chris
tian's death is only sleep.
81. Persecution of the Church at
Jerusalem (Acts $40.
!. The ringleader wv. I, 81. AS a
member Of the Sanhedrin Saul had
cast his vote against Stephen. He per-
haps was the Sanhedrin representa-
tive to guide and direct in the execu-
ton. Saul's consenting to Stephens
death shows that he was not taking
part himself, but directing the &C.
tivities.
2. The disciples scattered ". ~. The
Stoning Of Stephen had so aroused
the passions Of savage men that they
proceeded to wreak vengeance upon
the Christians, who, as a result, were
scattered abroad.
8. Preaching the Word ". ~.
Though forced out of Jerusalem, they
: did not go out in panic, but went
Everywhere preaching"
III. Preaching the Lord Jesus at
Antioch (Acts II 1920.
In the providence Of God a new
missionary center was now being pre-
pared. With the conversion of Saul
and his commission as the apostle to
the Gentiles, new center was needed.
Antioch was we'll suited as that CEN
ter, for 1t was the natural door to the
Graeco-Roman world. The persecution
at Jerusalem sent the disciples as far
as Antioch.
1. Preaching to Jews only ". 19).
In this they followed the example Of
Christ. They had not yet come to
realize the universally of the gospel.
Even thus limited. they were used in
carrying out the divine purpose.
2. Preaching to the Grecians ". 20).
The disciples who had come from
Africa and Cyprus were of broader
sympathy than those of Palestine, and
they courageously crossed the line
preaching the Lord Jesus to the Greeks.
8. The hand Of the Lord upon them
tv.2D. Perhaps the Holy Spirit was
poured out anew as at Pentecost.
Their ministry was accompanied with
the divine blessing. Many believed on
the Lord through their ministry.
~. Rejoicing In Prosecutions Il
Peter 4 :12-19).
Fiery trials are to be expected by
the disciples Of Christ. The world
hated Christ and put Him to death.
To be reproached and hated for
Christ's sake is badge Of honor, and
those who may be called upon thus to
suffer should rejoice.
! Christ Wins at Last