Acts 17:7 Whom Jason has received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. As compared with earthly sovereigns, Jesus is another King; for He is one — I. CONTEMPLATING EXCLUSIVELY SPIRITUAL DOMINION. Earthly monarchs aspire after territorial dominion, and are accounted monarchs because they possess it. Christ's kingdom has its seat in the soul. II. CLAIMING RIGHTFULLY UNQUALIFIED OBEDIENCE. Of what earthly sovereign can it be said that he rightfully claims unqualified obedience? He justly demands unqualified obedience — 1. In right of His position. He is King of kings: obedience cannot he withheld from Him on the plea that there is a higher power we must first consult. 2. In right of the equity of His government. His service is always "reasonable," His honour and our interests never really clash. 3. In right of His grace. He is the Saviour. Obedience cannot be withheld from Him on the plea that we owe Him but little. III. SECURING INFALLIBLY HEARTFELT HOMAGE. If admission be granted to the presence of an earthly sovereign, how often is the homage rendered to him nothing more than compliance with a state ceremony! Jesus is "another King." He rules by love, He wins the heart. IV. EXPECTING CONFIDENTLY UNIVERSAL EMPIRE. (J. T. Poulter, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. |
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