Acts 16:13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down… It must be — I. CANDID. The preacher of the gospel should not be prejudged. Let him be fairly heard, and let his doctrine be impartially weighed in the balance of the sanctuary. The people of Berea are commended on this account. II. SERIOUS. The word presents to our minds the most serious subjects in the world. Death and judgment, heaven and hell, are serious things. III. DEVOUT. Too many persons in hearing look no farther than to men, and to the words of men; and if they are pleased, it is with the sentiments, the voice, or the manner of the preacher; but we should hear the Word of God as the Word of God, and if we do so it will be with reverence of soul. IV. DILIGENT. It is not a trifling matter which it represents to us; it is for our life, and therefore should be regarded with the utmost vigour and energy of our souls. V. BELIEVING. It is the testimony of Jehovah and demands the fullest credit. The Word cannot profit our souls unless it be "mixed with faith" (Hebrews 4:2). It is proposed "for the obedience of faith" (Romans 16:26), and, when it is obeyed, it becomes the power of God to our salvation. VI. JOYFUL. The gospel is glad tidings; it proclaims pardon; and if this be really believed, it must excite joy. It did so in all the first converts to Christianity (Acts 8:6-8; 16:84; 1 Thessalonians 1:6). VII. PRACTICAL. And where it is truly received it cannot fail of working by love. A true believer is a doer of the Word (James 1:22). (G. Burder.) Parallel Verses KJV: And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. |
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