The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1931-10-22

faith, hope, charity, these three; bVt
the greatest of these is charity.
LESSON TEXT-Acts 1S:1-17.
PRIMARY TOPIC-Paul Working for
Jesus in a Great City.
JUNIOR TOPIC-Paul Working and
Preaching in a Great City.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
IC-Working for Christ in a Great
City.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
1C-Christianity in a Cosmopolitan
City.
The establishment Of the church at
COrinth is an example of missionary
endeavOr for all ages.
I. The True Missionary Method wv.
1-3).
Paul came to Corinth a stranger.
He did not have an advance agent to
do his advertising, neither did he have
his photograph put in the daily paper
with a sensational announcement upon
his arrival at Corinth. His method Of
gaining foothold in Corinth was:
I. Finding a home ". p. This he
found with Aquila and Priscilla, Jews
who were recently expelled from Rome
by the cruel edict of Claudius.
2. He toiled for his daily bread
". 81. He was of the same craft with
his hosts, who were tent makers. Ev-
cry child among the Jews was taught
some trade by means of which he
could gain a livelihood should Occa-
sion require.
II. Preaching in the Synagogue at
corinth wv. 4-S).
q. Though compelled to toll for
living while getting a foothOld in
Corinth, he did not lose sight of his
main work ". ~. He reasoned in
the synagogue every Sabbath, per-
suading the Jews and the Greeks.
2. His activity was increased when
Silas and Timothy came ". 81, which
resulted from three causes:
a. They brought good news from the
church at Thessalonica Il Thess. 3:6).
To hear of the steadfastness of those
who had confessed Christ under his
ministry put new vigor into his labors.
b. They brought pecuniary gifts
from the Macedonian church (Phil.
4:15; II Cor. II ~. Being relieved
from the necessity of toiling for liv-
ing, he could now devote more time
to the preaching of the gospel.
c. Silas and Timothy became assist
ants to Paul in the work.
8. Paul opposed ". g.. His in
creased activity was met with in
creased opposition. AS the Lords min
listers become more aggressive in their
work, the ministers of Satan put forth
corresponding efforts in opposition.
4. Paul announces his purpose to
turn to the Gentiles ". 81, because Of
the blasphemy and opposition of the
Jews.
5. He did not go far away ". y.
He remained sufficiently near those
whose hearts God had touched so that
they could easily find him.
6. His success ". 81. Crispus, the
chief ruler Of the synagogue, was con-
verified. Perhaps Pauls severity in
turning away from them moved Girls
pus to act. Pressure to an immediate
decision is helpful to some. They
realize that 1t is now or never. Many
others followed the example of Girls
pus. Paul varied from his usual GUS
tom and baptized Crispus, who was
an important man Il Cor. 1:14.
III. PauI's Vision wv. 9-11).
His experiences since coming to Eu-
rope were very trying. He needed en-
couragement at this time. 1t is just
like the Lord to come at the time Of
the servants greatest need. Note the
Lords words to him:
1. "Be not afraid" When one Is
executing the commission of the Lord
he need not be afraid.
2. Speak and hold not thy peace"
The one who has heard the voice Of
God cannot refrain from speaking.
8. Il am with thee" The Lord is
with everyone who faithfully carries
out his command.
4. "No man shall set on thee to hurt
thee" The one sent by the Lord to
do a work is immune from harm until
his work is done.
5. ~ have much people in this city,"
1t 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.
~. Paul Before Gallo wv. 12-17).
1. The charge against him ". 49,.
They accused him Of persuading men
to worship God contrary to the law.
2. Gallios decision wv. 14-16). He
decided that it was not his concern to
settle disputes concerning matters Of
the Jewish law.
- 8. SOsthenes beaten ". ~. In all
probability he was leading the attack
upon Paul. The Greeks seemed to
have sympathized with Paul. There
fore, they turned against his enemy.
81. The Will of Christ
If, then, the will of Christ is not
being fulfilled through US, if there is
good that it belongs to US to do, but