Acts 5:33-42 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.… I. A GOOD COUNSEL. 1. As a rule of judgment when we see the end of God's ways. Then at last it shall certainly hold good. "Every plant which My Heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up." 2. As a rule of conduct when carnal zeal will resort to carnal weapons in spiritual matters; and when no light has arisen as to whether a work be of God or man. In this sense Luther applied this counsel to the Elector of Treves as one undecided. II. A BAD COUNSEL. 1. As a rule of judgment when, in the midst of the imperfect course of the world, good and evil are judged according to their external and temporary success. As a rule of conduct, when it is transformed into a pillow of laziness, to get rid of an inward and earnest decision, when God's Word speaks distinctly enough, and God's Spirit points clearly enough; and to avoid courageous acting and energetic witness-bearing, when we are really decided. (K. Gerok.) Parallel Verses KJV: When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.WEB: But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and determined to kill them. |
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