Acts 17:12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. Of the men in Berea, not a few received the gospel. The same is true wherever the gospel has been carried. The inference, however, is that the number of men was not equal to the number of women. This inference is confirmed by observation of modern churches. This unfortunate phenomenon is deserving of discussion. I. MEN'S NEED OF THE GOSPEL IS AS ABSOLUTE AS THAT OF WOMEN. 1. Depravity is as deep and real, effecting an equal estrangement from God, and producing the same evil fruits — disobedience, perversion of life, unrest, apprehension of evil, and death, both in body and soul. 2. Their manly courage, strength, and capacity leave them helpless as women; for spiritual ends God's help alone will avail. 3. They must find the same one remedy — the blood of Christ. 4. To men the gospel is as much and all that it is to women — the power of God unto salvation to them that believe. II. THE ALLEGIANCE AND SERVICE OF MEN ARE AS UNCONDITIONALLY REQUIRED AS THOSE OF WOMEN. 1. The gospel is the one instrumentality for the world's redemption. Against it are arrayed all the forces of sin and Satan. Will men, strong and courageous, refuse to enlist, while women contend with readier will and in greater numbers? 2. The work of the gospel is great above every other, securing human happiness here and hereafter. Wherever men are, there is a call to labour. Sin, crime, poverty, and suffering are devouring multitudes by reason of gospel work undone, whilst men are idling in the market place. Will men, with stronger endowments and better advantages, look on, leaving the burden to weaker but better women? III. THE EVIL RESULTING FROM MEN'S GREATER RELUCTANCE THAN WOMEN TO ACCEPT AND PROMOTE THE GOSPEL. Were the men as ready to believe as are women, the latter in still greater numbers would be at the feet of Jesus — our daughters, wives, and mothers. An increasing host of both sexes would flock to the standard of the Cross. Men out of the Church are hindrances to women who would enter, and often difficulties to such as have entered. The men are in the front ranks of the world's battle: why should they not be in the front as to numbers and activity in the battle for truth, salvation, and God? (S. Mease, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.WEB: Many of them therefore believed; also of the prominent Greek women, and not a few men. |
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