Acts 11:19-21 Now they which were scattered abroad on the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch… I. THE IMPORT OF PREACHING CHRIST. 1. The season in which these words were spoken. 2. The persons addressed — Jews only. 3. The impediments in the way — prejudice, ignorance, unbelief. 4. The topics announced. (1) The harmony between Christ and the Old Testament representations of Him. (2) The certainty of His resurrection and ascension into heaven. (3) The design of the whole in its adaptation to them as sinners. II. WHAT WAS CONNECTED WITH THIS PREACHING. 1. The Divine authority and approbation. 2. Divine aid and support. 3. Power attending their ministry. III. THE EFFECTS PRODUCED. "Many believed and turned to the Lord." 1. "They believed." (1) They credited the facts relative to Christ. (2) They entered into the spirit of the whole design. 2. "They turned unto the Lord." (1) Renounced Jewish prejudices and ceremonies. (2) They renounced justification by the law. (3) Became holy in their lives, and manifested the fruits of the Spirit. Application: 1. God acts mysteriously in accomplishing His important designs. 2. God never wants means to fulfil His gracious intentions. 3. All instruments and means, though weak in themselves, are mighty through Divine power. (W. Kent.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. |
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