Preacher's Monthly Acts 10:9-16 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew near to the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:… The world has had seven birthdays. 1. The creation. 2. The day of the unfolding of redemptive purpose. 3. The call of Abraham. 4. Christmas Day. 5. Ascension Day. 6. The Day of Pentecost. 7. The day which banned the distinctions of race and creed and opened the kingdom to all. I. THE NEW REVELATION IN ITS MANNER AND METHOD. 1. Peter had sought retirement for prayer. Prayer has a subjective influence. Perceptive faculties are refined and stimulated. Christ's physical form was transfigured. 2. After prayer there was ecstasy. Intuition quickened by the Holy Spirit. Equivalent to the "opening" of eyes and ears. Not delirium or rhapsody. Men should cultivate "the faculty divine," and expect the Spirit to "take the things of Christ and show them" (1 Corinthians 2:12, 13). II. THE MEANING OF THE VISION. 1. The abrogation of the ceremonial law as of binding obligation (Romans 14:14, 17). 2. The separations of men no longer lawful. The narrowness of old Judaism contrary to the all-embracing spirit of gospel grace. No class is to be favoured at the expense of another. Two great ideas are thus suggested. (1) That of the Divine Fatherhood. (2) That of the brotherhood of man. (Preacher's Monthly.) Parallel Verses KJV: On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: |
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