Acts 13:4-12 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus.… Break in the narrative, the second portion, referring to the missionary labors of St. Paul, reminding us that the chief purpose of the book is to describe the growth of the Church, not directly its constitution or doctrines or discipline. Notice - I. THE TENTATIVE CHARACTER of this first missionary journey, which embraced Cyprus, Pamphylia, Pisidia, Lycaonia, and so back through Attalia to Antioch. The Church at Antioch kept in view, and the report of the work brought back to it. This showed that the double aspect of the work was remembered - its bearing on the world and its bearing on the Church itself. All aggressive efforts should be thus held closely to the vital center of fellowship. Paul and his companions did not aim at preaching themselves, but Christ. So diffusion is strength, not weakness. II. The faithful observance of the Lord's rule, TO THE JEW FIRST. Thus the mission of God's ancient people still recognized. The unity of truth. The continuity of grace. "Salvation is of the Jews." III. THE SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF CYPRUS A TYPE OF THAT OF THE WORLD. Corrupt synagogues, side by side with heathen ignorance and superstition. Bar-jesus, or Elymas, between the Gentiles and Christ; false prophecy hiding the true. So in Europe during the Middle Ages. The infidelity which broke out in the French Revolution the natural product of a monstrous travesty of Christianity. Yet there is hope in "the men of understanding" to whom the gospel can appeal. IV. MIRACULOUS MANIFESTATION brought in to break the spell of falsehood. Paul's first miracle. He wrought it when under the special influence of the Holy Ghost. No vindictive feeling in the apostle, but a simple obedience to the voice of the Spirit. The miracle was one of mercy, both as regards Sergius Paulus and the heathen population generally. Nothing would more open the way of the gospel. People that were accustomed to magic could be easily impressed by such a sign, especially as it fell on the sorcerer. May it not be that some such influences are to be watched against in modern society? Those in high station often listen to spiritualists, thinking to aid their own weakness by such means. Yet the wonders of the gospel far greater than all the deceits of false prophets. We may safely employ the feeling of astonishment, if only we sanctify it by the preaching of the Word. - R. Parallel Verses KJV: So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.WEB: So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus. |
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