Galatians 1:21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; I. Its SPHERE. 1. Among strangers — "Syria." 2. Friends — "Cilicia." II. Its NATURE. 1. Not (1) the propagation of philosophic dogmas; (2) the practice of mere philanthropy; (3) the gathering of a personal following. 2. But preaching the faith once destroyed. (1) The unconverted destroy the faith by opposition or neglect — "He that is not for Me, etc." (2) It is the duty of the converted to repair the injuries they have inflicted on the faith. III. Its FAME. Strangers hear of it. 1. Not trumpeted by self or interested friends. 2. Not secured by unworthy arts. 3. But by words which, like light, cannot be hid. This.is true popularity, and has been won by Carey, Judson, Hunt, Moffat, Ellis, etc. IV. Its RESULT: God's glory. 1. This was what Paul wished. 2. His apostleship was not of man but of God. God, therefore, deserved the praise. All ministerial and Church gifts from Him, therefore to Him the glory. Parallel Verses KJV: Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; |
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