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Let us consider —

I. ITS MOTIVE. It was —

1. A single motive. No one could have misunderstood it. A Christian gains much in power when all men know what he seeks. The apostle laboured to save souls.

2. An unselfish motive. Confident that souls would be saved if his message were delivered, he waited for no human call or provision for his support. He affirmed the principle that those "who preach the gospel shall live of the gospel." But he loved to remind them that they had neither called him to preach nor paid him for preaching. When Garabaldi was thrown into prison, he said, "Let fifty Garibaldi's be thrown into prison — but let Borne be free!" He counted himself as of no consequence, but his cause as everything. When he went to appeal for recruits they demanded what he had to offer as inducements. The old man replied, "Poverty and hardships and battles and wounds and — victory!" They caught his enthusiasm, threw their hats into the air, and enlisted on the spot. The record of this pastorate is as impressive a lesson to the layman as to the minister. By far the larger number of those who spread the gospel must be men and women who support themselves by ordinary occupations. The honour of labour is determined by its motive. Paul did not demean himself by stitching away at the hair cloth for the tents, but the apostle ennobled the trade by engaging in it.

II. ITS SPIRIT. The love of Christ constrained the apostle. It kindled love not only toward Him, but toward all those for whom Christ died. But he had, at different times, different degrees of earnestness. He had come up from Athens deeply self-abased; but when Silas and Timothy came, bringing him good news concerning the Thessalonian converts, his ministry took on new life. "For now we live," he wrote them, "if ye stand fast in the Lord." The sympathy of his fellow workers, and of those to whom he had preached, greatly increased his power. The evidence of interest on the part of their people has often aroused ministers so that revivals have followed. The Thessalonian converts made themselves so felt in the preaching of Paul at Corinth that converts were made and opposition roused, and he was driven from the synagogue.

III. ITS WISDOM.

1. Paul chose the place where his work would be most effective. Corinth was a noble field for preaching, because the gospel once received here would be widely diffused.

2. The character of the people also attracted the preacher. Education without Christ makes a barren field like Athens; business activity makes a field fruitful for good or evil. No minister should be blamed for choosing the field that promises the largest results.

3. He adopted the methods that would reach the largest number. The synagogue was the place where he would find the people assembled; but, when he could not preach in the synagogue, he chose a house close by, owned by a proselyte, who would favour the assembling of a mixed audience.

4. He was persevering. Every Sabbath he was at his post. He was not irritated by seeming failure. When the Jews would not hear him he turned to the Gentiles.

5. He presented themes which would compel attention. Jesus as the royal Messiah whom the Jews were anticipating.

6. His preaching was scholarly — not mere exhortation, but a presentation of proofs and arguments. He reasoned with his hearers and persuaded them.

IV. ITS WEAKNESSES AND SUPPORTS.

1. Paul was not above fear.

(1) He feared attack from without. He felt himself in danger from unreasonable and wicked men, and he besought the Thessalonians to pray that he might be delivered from them. Men have many ways of persecuting the minister. They love to slander him; they plan to weaken his power.

(2) He had a sense of personal weakness — perhaps nervous depression, perhaps fears respecting his own fitness for service. No minister is so strong as not to need the constant prayers of his people. Even Paul needed a message from the Lord; and it came with a command, "Be not afraid, but speak." Preach on.

2. The Divine message assured Paul of three things.

(1) The constant presence of the Lord.

(2) The powerlessness of opposition.

(3) Success. These were all the assurances that faith could ask. They banished fear; they made the disciple valiant and triumphant.Conclusion: These great lessons are taught by this pastorate — faithful work for Christ's sake —

1. Develops noble personal character.

2. Enlarges experience and skill in the service of God.

3. Secures special protection and favour from God.

4. Is sure of abiding results.

(Monday Club Sermons.)

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KJV: After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

WEB: After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth.