Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. This is a suggestive picture of the life and work of the early Church. We like to trace enterprises to their beginnings, rivers to their springs. These were times of holy zeal and fervour which may be accounted for by four considerations. 1. The apostles felt the impulse of a new undertaking. 2. They held fresh in memory their intercourse with their Lord. 3. They had the inward energy of the Holy Spirit. 4. They were inspired by the truths they preached. The text is one of the best exhibitions of this energy, and suggests to us — I. OUR WORK. "Teaching and preaching Jesus Christ." That may seem to be the specific work of apostles and ministers, but in truth it is the work of every Christian. Moses wished that "all the Lord's people were prophets"; Jesus said, "Go home to thy friends and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee." 1. The subject. (1) Jesus, regarded as the object of love — in the infinite grace of His character, and in the persuasions of His self-sacrificing love. (2) Christ, as the object of faith — in His mission, death, resurrection. (3) Jesus Christ — sent of God to save from sin. 2. The mode. (1) Preaching, announcing, heralding, witnessing, proclaiming the Saviour present and almighty to save. (2) Teaching — careful and minute instruction in Christian facts, truths, duties. II. OUR SPHERES. "In the temple and in every house." Not only in appointed sanctuaries, but also in — 1. Society, which we are to leaven and purify for Christ with wise teachings and preachings. 2. Our houses — homes where family bonds and sympathies make for it a preparatory atmosphere. Our first circle to win for Christ is the home circle. But these two circles cannot be properly occupied in any one way or by any one agency. We want — (1) A life voice, the testimony of a daily pure and helpful conduct. (2) A lip voice, the witness of wise, earnest, and loving words. (3) A works voice, the hallowing influence of good and gracious deeds. III. OUR TIMES. "Daily," i.e., always. Not a day should pass without some witness for Christ. Christ wants service from us on week-days as well as Sundays. We may preach — 1. Christ's spirit, which is charity. 2. Christ's will, which is holiness. 3. Christ's salvation. (R. Tuck, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.WEB: Every day, in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and preaching Jesus, the Christ. |
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