Acts 13:42-52 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles sought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.… The history reminds us of — I. THE NARROWNESS OF ORTHODOXY. To be right in our opinions is immensely important; but history shows that orthodox people are apt to dislike the progress of opinions. Moreover, we are all apt to think ourselves orthodox; and so Protestants are apt to be grieved when they hear of the success of Popish missionaries, and vice versa. More is thought of the progress of the one or the other than of the overthrow of idolatry. So here the Jews instead of rejoicing that the Gentiles were leaving heathenism were envious at their becoming Christians. II. THE POSSIBILITY THAT EXCELLENT PERSONS MAY BECOME THE TOOLS OF BAD MEN (ver. 50). Otherwise, in this case, the envious Jews would have been harmless. The Jews persuaded these ladies, and the ladies their husbands, that the apostles were dangerous men. Just as priests in Roman Catholic countries stir up excellent people to persecute Protestant teachers. Similar things happen in this country. Always suspect those who incite you to dislike your neighbours. III. THE FATE OF THE BENEFACTORS OF MANKIND. We must not take it for granted that beneficence will be rewarded with gratitude, but that more often than not we shall meet with the fate of Paul and Barnabas. IV. THE RIGHT METHOD OF DEALING WITH PREJUDICED AND OBSTINATE SCEPTICS. After having placed before them the considerations which ought to convince them, let us go to others who will listen more readily. To argue further with them will only inflame their self-conceit; and there are multitudes yearning for the truths these men reject. Life is too short to be wasted in duels with men who will not receive the truth. V. THE GLORIOUS FACT THAT CHRIST IS THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD. Not of Jews only. Let this thought check us when we are inclined to be intolerant. He is the Saviour of all who believe — whatever their doctrines may be. Let this comfort us when we are suffering from intolerance; those who hate us may excommunicate us, but they cannot cut us off from Christ. VI. CHRISTIAN JOY IS INDEPENDENT OF OUTWARD CIRCUMSTANCES (vers. 51, 52). The loss of the apostle had its compensations. (R. A. Bertram.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. |
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