Acts 16:19-26 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas… We gather from this narrative — 1. That good men are persecuted notwithstanding the most evident signs that they are the servants of God. The presumption of evildoers. 2. That the beneficent ministries of good men incur the hatred of unrighteous traffickers. 3. That religious persecutions are generally promoted by men who have the least regard for religion. 4. That religion often has to endure the blame of tumults raised by evildoers. I. THE POWER OF TRUE PIETY TO GIVE MEN JOY AMIDST CIRCUMSTANCES OF SORROW. Paul and Silas — 1. Their patient endurance. 2. Their fervent devotion. (1) Devotion superior to physical pain. They had been beaten. Song stronger than sorrow. (2) Devotion superior to the suggestion of mental association. Prison a suggestive place. (3) Devotion superior to the habitual needs of human life. Midnight — time of sleep. 3. Their unique conduct. The masters with gains lost were in despair; the jailer in earthquake was about to commit suicide. Paul and Silas worshipped. Piety is supreme judged by results. II. THE POWER OF TRUE PIETY TO GIVE MEN CALMNESS IN PHYSICAL DISTURBANCE. 1. God takes care of His persecuted servants. 2. The moral significance of the physical occurrences on the earth. Newspapers can only record the earthquake, not its hidden providences. III. THE POWER OF TRUE PIETY TO ENABLE MEN TO GIVE GUIDANCE AMIDST MORAL PERPLEXITY. See how the providence of God has in view the awakening of the souls of men. "Believe," etc. 1. This advice was willing. 2. Wise. 3. Practicable. 4. Inspiring. 5. Accepted. IV. THE POWER OF TRUE PIETY TO GIVE MEN DIGNITY IN THE HUMILIATING EMERGENCIES OF LIFE. "Let them come," etc. 1. Not the language of proud self-assertion. 2. The language of self-vindication. (J. S. Exell, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, |
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