Church History: They retraced their steps to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, the cities where they had preached. They confirmed the souls of the disciples; that is, they impressed upon them the need to stay strong. Young converts are apt to waver, and little things shocks them. Their old acquaintances beg they will not leave them. Those that they look upon to be wiser than themselves set before them the absurdity, indecency, and danger, of a change. They were allured, by the prospect of preferment, to stick to the traditions of their fathers; they are frightened with the danger of swimming against the stream. All this tempts them to think of making a retreat in time; but the apostles came and told them that this is the true grace of God wherein they stand, and therefore they must stand to it that there is no danger like that of losing their part in Christ, no advantage like that of keeping their hold of him; that, whatever their trials may be, they shall have strength from Christ to pass through them; and, whatever their losses may be, they shall be abundantly recompensated. And this confirms the souls of the disciples; it fortifies their pious resolutions, in the strength of Christ, to adhere to Christ whatever it may cost them. They exhorted them to continue in the faith; or, as it may be read, they encouraged them. They told them it was both their duty and interest to persevere; to abide in the belief of Christ's being the Son of God, and the Savior of the world.
They ordained elders, or presbyters, in every church. Now at this second visit they settled them in some order. They formed them into religious societies under the guidance of a settled ministry, and determined the distinction between teachers and students. Every church had its governors or presidents, whose office it was to pray with the members of the church, to preach to them in their solemn assemblies, to administer all gospel ordinances to them, and to take the oversight of them. to instruct the ignorant, warn the unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, and convince gainsayers. It is requisite that every particular church should have one or more to preside in it. Those governors were called elders. they had in their qualification the wisdom and gravity of seniors, and had in their commission the authority and command of seniors: not to make new laws but to see to the observance and execution of the laws Christ has made; and so far they are to be obeyed and submitted to. By prayer joined with fasting they commended them to the Lord, to the Lord Jesus, on whom they believed
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Paul's First Missionary Journey - The Return to Antioch; Acts 14:21 – 28 Part 1
Church History: 21They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. 24After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, 25and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. 27On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.
Paul and Barnabas continued their ministry after encountering severe opposition and attaches from their oppressors. Paul was stoned and left for dead, but miraculously recovered. They attached Paul rather than Barnabas, because Paul, being the chief speaker, upset them more than Barnabas did. The people were incensed by Paul; not by any injury they pretended he had done them, but there came certain Jews from Antioch, hearing, it is likely, and irritated to hear about the respect that was shown to Paul and Barnabas at Lystra; and they incited the people against them, as factious, seditious, dangerous persons, not fit to be harbored. This shows how bad the rage of the Jews was toward the gospel of Christ; they could not bear that it should have footing anywhere. It is good to note how he was delivered by the power of God: When he was drawn out of the city, the disciples stood round about him. It seems there were some here at Lystra that became disciples, that found the mean between deifying the apostles and rejecting them; and even these new converts had courage to help Paul when he was down, though they had reason enough to fear that those that had stoned Paul would stone them for helping him.
Paul and Barnabas continued their ministry after encountering severe opposition and attaches from their oppressors. Paul was stoned and left for dead, but miraculously recovered. They attached Paul rather than Barnabas, because Paul, being the chief speaker, upset them more than Barnabas did. The people were incensed by Paul; not by any injury they pretended he had done them, but there came certain Jews from Antioch, hearing, it is likely, and irritated to hear about the respect that was shown to Paul and Barnabas at Lystra; and they incited the people against them, as factious, seditious, dangerous persons, not fit to be harbored. This shows how bad the rage of the Jews was toward the gospel of Christ; they could not bear that it should have footing anywhere. It is good to note how he was delivered by the power of God: When he was drawn out of the city, the disciples stood round about him. It seems there were some here at Lystra that became disciples, that found the mean between deifying the apostles and rejecting them; and even these new converts had courage to help Paul when he was down, though they had reason enough to fear that those that had stoned Paul would stone them for helping him.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Paul's First Missionary Journey - In Lystra and Derbe; Acts 14:8 – 20 Part 4
Church History: How often false gods and idolatry are termed vanity in the Scriptures, no careful reader of the Bible needs to be told. What a bold saying was this in the presence of a heathen mob, intent on performing an act of their superstitious worship, in which they no doubt thought the safety of the state was concerned.
There were two main objections which these heathen idolaters might make against the gospel, and the worship of the true God: and they are, first, from the antiquity, secondly, from the universality, of that false worship; both which the apostle here gives a critical answer unto, telling them, that the reason why so many, and for so long a time had followed idols, was from the just judgment of God upon them, as Psalms 81:12; Romans 1:24,28. The speech and manner of the apostles finally brought the people back to their senses. It was a sad disappointment to know that their wonderful visitors were only men like themselves, and this conviction left them in great bewilderment as to the nature of the superhuman power which Paul had exerted.
Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over, not necessarily the same individuals as those
who had been ready to regard the apostles as gods. It is very probable that there was a suppressed and secret hostility before, which the influence of these Jews concentrated, and strengthened, and brought out into action, while the others withdrew. The readiness with which a people who had so recently offered divine honors to Paul were persuaded to stone him to death, though at first glance surprising, is but a natural result of all the circumstances. That portion of them who had been prominent in the idolatrous proceedings felt mortified at the discovery of their mistake, and were naturally inclined to excuse their own folly by throwing censure upon the innocent objects of it. The Jews stimulated this feeling by urging that Paul was an impostor, and that all the honorable women and chief men of Antioch and Iconium had united in driving him away from those cities. This enabled them to charge him with willful deception, and as their feelings were already keyed up to their utmost tension they were easily swayed to the opposite extreme, and at a nod from the Jews they were ready to dash him to pieces. That Paul, rather than Barnabas, was the victim of their wrath, resulted from the fact that both here and in the cities from which the Jews had come, he was the chief speaker. The same circumstance which had given him the inferior place in their idolatry, gave him, finally, the superior place in their hatred.8
The disciples stood round about him, no doubt in earnest prayer, entreating the Author of life that his soul might again return to its battered tenement. He rose up, miraculously restored, not only to life, but to perfect soundness so that he was able to walk into the city, that his persecutors might see the mighty power of God in his restoration, and the faith of the young converts be confirmed in the truth and goodness of God. It is strange that neither the young converts at Lystra, nor Barnabas, were involved in this persecution! It seems to have had Paul alone for its object; and, when they thought they had dispatched him, they did not think of injuring the rest.
There were two main objections which these heathen idolaters might make against the gospel, and the worship of the true God: and they are, first, from the antiquity, secondly, from the universality, of that false worship; both which the apostle here gives a critical answer unto, telling them, that the reason why so many, and for so long a time had followed idols, was from the just judgment of God upon them, as Psalms 81:12; Romans 1:24,28. The speech and manner of the apostles finally brought the people back to their senses. It was a sad disappointment to know that their wonderful visitors were only men like themselves, and this conviction left them in great bewilderment as to the nature of the superhuman power which Paul had exerted.
Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over, not necessarily the same individuals as those
who had been ready to regard the apostles as gods. It is very probable that there was a suppressed and secret hostility before, which the influence of these Jews concentrated, and strengthened, and brought out into action, while the others withdrew. The readiness with which a people who had so recently offered divine honors to Paul were persuaded to stone him to death, though at first glance surprising, is but a natural result of all the circumstances. That portion of them who had been prominent in the idolatrous proceedings felt mortified at the discovery of their mistake, and were naturally inclined to excuse their own folly by throwing censure upon the innocent objects of it. The Jews stimulated this feeling by urging that Paul was an impostor, and that all the honorable women and chief men of Antioch and Iconium had united in driving him away from those cities. This enabled them to charge him with willful deception, and as their feelings were already keyed up to their utmost tension they were easily swayed to the opposite extreme, and at a nod from the Jews they were ready to dash him to pieces. That Paul, rather than Barnabas, was the victim of their wrath, resulted from the fact that both here and in the cities from which the Jews had come, he was the chief speaker. The same circumstance which had given him the inferior place in their idolatry, gave him, finally, the superior place in their hatred.8
The disciples stood round about him, no doubt in earnest prayer, entreating the Author of life that his soul might again return to its battered tenement. He rose up, miraculously restored, not only to life, but to perfect soundness so that he was able to walk into the city, that his persecutors might see the mighty power of God in his restoration, and the faith of the young converts be confirmed in the truth and goodness of God. It is strange that neither the young converts at Lystra, nor Barnabas, were involved in this persecution! It seems to have had Paul alone for its object; and, when they thought they had dispatched him, they did not think of injuring the rest.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Paul's First Missionary Journey - In Lystra and Derbe; Acts 14:8 – 20 Part 3
Church History: The people felt the warmest gratitude for the visit of their supposed gods, and gave expression to their feeling in the most approved method. “Then the priest of the Jupiter that was before the city brought bulls and garlands to the gates, and, with the people, wished to offer sacrifices to them.” The garlands of flowers were designed, according to a well-known custom of the ancients, to deck the forms of the bulls about to be offered. It is not altogether certain whether the "gates" referred to are those of a private court within which Paul and Barnabas may have retired when first greeted as gods, or the gates of the city, of which there may have been two or more in the same part of the wall, and near which the apostles may have remained with a part of the crowd. The latter I regard as the most probable supposition.8
Nothing could have been more unexpected or more painful to the humble missionaries, than the demonstration which took place. When Paul and Barnabas saw what was going on they tore their clothes and ran into the crowd crying, “why are you doing this?” “ we are only men like you”. The habit of tearing one's clothes under the influence of sudden passion, which was something Paul and Barnabas had inherited from their ancestors, and fell into it on this occasion. It appears very singular to the taste of western nations. The earliest historical traces of it are found in the family of Jacob (Genesis 37:29-34), and the example of Job (Job 1:20); and the latest in the instance before us, which is the only one recorded of the apostles. How so childish and destructive a custom could have originated, it is difficult to imagine; but when once introduced, it is easy to see how it might be transmitted by imitation, until the use of more costly garments would put a stop to it with the economical, or restraints of a more enlightened piety would mollify the passions of the religious. It was, certainly, very inconsistent with the calm self-possession inculcated by Christ and the apostles; but we can excuse Barnabas and Paul on this occasion, in consideration of their early habits, which often spring unexpectedly upon men in a moment of sudden excitement.
Nothing could have been more unexpected or more painful to the humble missionaries, than the demonstration which took place. When Paul and Barnabas saw what was going on they tore their clothes and ran into the crowd crying, “why are you doing this?” “ we are only men like you”. The habit of tearing one's clothes under the influence of sudden passion, which was something Paul and Barnabas had inherited from their ancestors, and fell into it on this occasion. It appears very singular to the taste of western nations. The earliest historical traces of it are found in the family of Jacob (Genesis 37:29-34), and the example of Job (Job 1:20); and the latest in the instance before us, which is the only one recorded of the apostles. How so childish and destructive a custom could have originated, it is difficult to imagine; but when once introduced, it is easy to see how it might be transmitted by imitation, until the use of more costly garments would put a stop to it with the economical, or restraints of a more enlightened piety would mollify the passions of the religious. It was, certainly, very inconsistent with the calm self-possession inculcated by Christ and the apostles; but we can excuse Barnabas and Paul on this occasion, in consideration of their early habits, which often spring unexpectedly upon men in a moment of sudden excitement.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Paul's First Missionary Journey - In Lystra and Derbe; Acts 14:8 – 20 Part 2
Church History: The district of Lycaonia, into which the apostles had fled, was an interior district of Asia Minor, lying north of the Taurus Mountains, but of very indefinite boundaries. The exact situation of the two towns, Lystra and Derbe, is not now known. With the character of the people, however, which is the important consideration in a narrative like this, we are made sufficiently acquainted by the narrative itself. It was one of those retired districts, remote from the great marts of trade and the routes of travel, where the people retained their primitive habits, spoke their primitive dialect, and knew little of either the civilization of the Greeks, or the religion of the Jews. This rude state of society will account for some of the peculiarities of the following narrative.
Finding no Jewish synagogues, to afford them an assembly of devout hearers, the missionaries took advantage of such other opportunities as offered, to get the ears of the people. Having succeeded in collecting a crowd in Lystra, they met with the following incident: “A certain man in Lystra was sitting, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his birth, who had never walked.”8 He had faith to be healed. How did this faith come to this poor heathen? Why, by hearing the word of God preached: for it is said, the same heard Paul speak. And it appears that he credited the doctrine he heard, and believed that Jesus could, if he would, make him whole. Besides, he must have heard of the miracles which the apostles had wrought, see and this would raise his expectation of receiving a cure.1 Paul spoke to him saying “ stand up and walk” the man leapt to his feet for joy, having been healed. When the people saw this they spoke with astonishment, such as might be expected when it was supposed that the gods had come down. They spoke in their native tongue (Lycaonian). What this language was has puzzled commentators. It was probably a mixture of the Greek and Syriac. In that region, Greek was usually spoken with more or less purity; and from the fact that it was not far from the regions of Syria, it is probable that the Greek language was corrupted with this foreign mixture.2
They called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius. The heathens supposed that Jupiter and Mercury were the gods who most frequently assumed the human form; and Jupiter was accustomed to take Mercury with him on such expeditions. Jupiter was the supreme god of the heathens; and Mercury was by them considered the god of eloquence. And the ancient fable, represents Jupiter and Mercury coming to this very region, where they were entertained by Lycaon, from whom the Lycaonians derived their name. With the Lycaonians, the actions of these apostles proved them to be gods; and the different parts they took appeared to them to fix their character, so that one was judged to be Jupiter, and the other Mercury.
Finding no Jewish synagogues, to afford them an assembly of devout hearers, the missionaries took advantage of such other opportunities as offered, to get the ears of the people. Having succeeded in collecting a crowd in Lystra, they met with the following incident: “A certain man in Lystra was sitting, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his birth, who had never walked.”8 He had faith to be healed. How did this faith come to this poor heathen? Why, by hearing the word of God preached: for it is said, the same heard Paul speak. And it appears that he credited the doctrine he heard, and believed that Jesus could, if he would, make him whole. Besides, he must have heard of the miracles which the apostles had wrought, see and this would raise his expectation of receiving a cure.1 Paul spoke to him saying “ stand up and walk” the man leapt to his feet for joy, having been healed. When the people saw this they spoke with astonishment, such as might be expected when it was supposed that the gods had come down. They spoke in their native tongue (Lycaonian). What this language was has puzzled commentators. It was probably a mixture of the Greek and Syriac. In that region, Greek was usually spoken with more or less purity; and from the fact that it was not far from the regions of Syria, it is probable that the Greek language was corrupted with this foreign mixture.2
They called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius. The heathens supposed that Jupiter and Mercury were the gods who most frequently assumed the human form; and Jupiter was accustomed to take Mercury with him on such expeditions. Jupiter was the supreme god of the heathens; and Mercury was by them considered the god of eloquence. And the ancient fable, represents Jupiter and Mercury coming to this very region, where they were entertained by Lycaon, from whom the Lycaonians derived their name. With the Lycaonians, the actions of these apostles proved them to be gods; and the different parts they took appeared to them to fix their character, so that one was judged to be Jupiter, and the other Mercury.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Paul's First Missionary Journey - In Lystra and Derbe; Acts 14:8 – 20 Part 1
Church History: 8In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. 9He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. 11When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" 12Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. 13The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. 14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15"Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made
heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. 16In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides
you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." 18Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them. 19Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.
heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. 16In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides
you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." 18Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them. 19Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Paul's First Missionary Journey - In Iconium; Acts 14:1 – 7 – Part 3
Church History: Attempts of violence were made upon the apostles by their enemies. Their evil affection against them broke out at length into violent outrages. Both the Gentiles and the Jews, with their rulers. The Gentiles and Jews were at enmity with one another, and yet united against Christians, like Herod and Pilate, Sadducees and Pharisees, against Christ; and like Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, of old, against Israel. If the church's enemies can unite for its destruction, cannot its friends, laying aside all personal feuds, unite for its preservation? Having now gotten the rulers on their side, they set out to make their point, and their design was to use the apostles despitefully, to expose them to disgrace, and then to stone them to death; and to bury their cause. They aimed to take away both their reputation and their life, and this was all they had to lose which men could take from them, for they had neither lands nor goods.
The apostles were delivered out of the hands of those wicked and unreasonable men. They got away, either upon notice given them of the designs against them, or at the beginning of the attempt upon them. They made an honorable retreat (for it was not an inglorious flight) to Lystra and Derbe; and there they found safety. Their persecutors in Iconium were for the present satisfied that they were thrust out of their borders, and pursued them no further. God has shelters for his people in a storm; He is, and will be, himself their hiding place. They found work, and this was what they went for. When the door of opportunity was shut against them at Iconium, it was opened at Lystra and Derbe. To these cities they went, and there, and in the region. They preached the gospel. In times of persecution ministers may see cause to leave a spot, but they do not leave the work.
The apostles were delivered out of the hands of those wicked and unreasonable men. They got away, either upon notice given them of the designs against them, or at the beginning of the attempt upon them. They made an honorable retreat (for it was not an inglorious flight) to Lystra and Derbe; and there they found safety. Their persecutors in Iconium were for the present satisfied that they were thrust out of their borders, and pursued them no further. God has shelters for his people in a storm; He is, and will be, himself their hiding place. They found work, and this was what they went for. When the door of opportunity was shut against them at Iconium, it was opened at Lystra and Derbe. To these cities they went, and there, and in the region. They preached the gospel. In times of persecution ministers may see cause to leave a spot, but they do not leave the work.
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