The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1933-12-07

LESSON TEXT-Acts 24:10-23.
GOLDEN TEXT-And herein do l
exercise myself, to have always a con-
science void of offense toward God,
and toward men. Acts 24:16.
PRIMARY TOPIC-A Returned Mis-
sionary.
JUNIOR TOPIC-Prisoner Before a
King.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
IC-How to Have Good Conscience.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
1C-Christ's Way of Life.
!. Paul Tarryine in Philips House
(Acts 81 $40. He was bound for Je-
rusalem. On his journey thither he
took up his abode with Philip who
had so successfully wrought as an
evangelist in the early days of the
church. While entertained in this
home. Agabus, by symbolic act using
PaulS girdle. portrayed the binding
of Paul at Jerusalem. The meaning
of the words of the disciples at Tyre
is to be understood in the light Of the
Spirits revelation through Agabus.
To the Tyrian disciples the Spirit
made known the fact that suffering
awaited Paul. To Agabus the Spirit
made known what kind of suffering.
The same Spirit made known to Paul
what awaited him at Jerusalem and
sent him forward into it.
u. Paul before Felix (Acts "a :1-27).
l. Paul arrested in Jerusalem (Acts
81 :1S40). Paul, at the advice of the
elders of the church of Jerusalem,
took Jewish VOW in order to con-
ciliate the Jews. Even if it did con-
ciliate the Jewish brethren. it greatly
enraged the unbelieving Jews. incit-
ing them to mob Paul. On the basis
of suppOsition these maddened Jews
dragged him from the temple and beat
him numerically, intending to put
him to death.
9. Paul accused (Acts "a :1-9). Paul
is now in the hands Of Felix who de-
termined to hear his case after his &C.
cusers had come from Jerusalem.
The case against him was formally
presented by Tertullus, a Roman law
yer. The charge contained four
counts:
(a) A pestilent fellow ". 81. This
would indicate a fellow utterly base
and c0rrupt-a plague.
(b) An inciter of rebellion ". 81.
This they hoped would bring him into
conflict with the Roman power.
(c) The ringleader of sect (5).
The aim in this charge was to throw
contempt and suspicion upon the
Christians, thereby bringing Paul into
deeper trouble.
(d) Profanity of the temple ". g..
In this charge they wilfully sup
pressed facts.
g. Paul defends himself wv. 10-2D.
This defense is a superb example Of
the strength and dignity of a man
whose life is actuated by a noble pur-
pose. Observe:
(a) Paurs frankneSs and courtesy
". 10Y. He freely recognized the fact
that Felix had been ruler long enough
to he able to form a just judgment,
and assumed that Felix would render
a decision on the basis of facts.
(b) Charge of sedition denied (vv.
IL, 12). He showed the utter falsity
of the charge on the ground of the
shortness of time, and also on the
ground of his conduct while in the
temple, even challenging proof of
their accusation.
(c) Charge of heresy wv. 14-16).
This he met by concession and de-
NAL. He admitted that he was of this
sway" which they called heresy hut
denied that Christians were heretics.
He showed that his actions were in
keeping with the Hebrew religion.
worShiping the same God, believing
in the same Scriptures and had the
same hope of coming resurrection
of the dead.
4. Felix trembles before Paul wv.
22-27). Wicked as was Felix, Pauls
manner won his favor though it did
not secure the apostles release.
III. Paul before Agrippa (Acts
% :26).
The occasion of his appearing be-
fore Agrippa was the visit of Agrippa
and Bernice to Festus. More than two
years had elapsed since the trial be-
fore Felix. During this time the Jew
ish hatred for him had not abated.
Upon the arrival of these guests they
expressed a desire to hear Paul. Be
fore these distinguished personages
Paul boldly witnessed. The gospel
should be preached to all. regardless
of wealth or station in life. AS a re-
suit of Paul's defense Agrippa was
almost persuaded.