Acts 2:41-42 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls.… In the outpouring of the Spirit, we have the cause in our text — the characteristics of the first revival of the Christian Church. Note — I. PROFESSION OF FAITH — baptism. Inquire what are those modes of baptism which Scripture warrants; but do not pelt others who differ, seeing the principle of Christianity is not baptism, but communion with Christ. If you have received Christ, you are not to delay open profession. Young Christians may hear a whisper, "There is a lion in the way." What lion? A laugh, or an angry word anticipated, or like that in "Pilgrim's Progress," which, after all, was chained. Let every waverer look to God, and get strength to come out, as these Christians of an heroic age did! II. CONTINUANCE IN APOSTOLIC TEACHING. These young converts were but in the infant school, and, like children, would often say to the apostles, "Tell us again about the angels' song, the Infant in the manger, the storm on the lake, the crucifixion on Calvary"; and that telling was the apostles' teaching. I have read an account of the conversion of a scoundrel at a gospel meeting which took place at six o'clock, and at half-past six he was preaching; but these children in the apostles' infant school knew they had to learn before they could teach. Meanwhile, with some entreaty, they might say, Come father, come shipmate, come shopmate, and hear what these men have to say. III. GENEROSITY. "And all that believed were together, and had all things in common," etc. The Socialist says, "Ah, there you see Communism is Christianity, and comes in along with the Lord's Supper and baptism." But no. The Communist says, "All your property is mine." "All my property is yours," says the Christian. The Communist says, "Stand and deliver!" The Christian says, "Brother, your trouble is mine, receive." There is nothing that fell from the lips of Christ to make this act a law. The circumstances were peculiar, and a special arrangement had to be made to meet them. The workman had left his work, and had nothing provided for a lengthened stay, and then had come the sudden conversion and consequent waiting for more teaching. The spirit was of Christ, but the action was an economic mistake. For see, presently, how the poor brethren had given away their independence, and looked on this generosity, not as an act of love, but as a right. They were pauperised. Notice how the Church at Jerusalem was so miserably poor as to be dependent on the churches abroad for support. Of a certain man you say, "No use helping him; it is like throwing money into a well." As to its motive, it was Divinely splendid; it was Jesus Christ in action through three thousand incarnations. We are to have the same glorious capacity for making such a mistake. The generous God will have a generous people. God will withdraw Himself from a synagogue of misers, as from a synagogue of the dead. IV. JOY. If we have like precious faith in the precious Saviour, like joy will follow. Jesus Christ is mine; and mine is the inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, Rocks of diamonds, mines of gold, are all as nothing compared to what the believer has in Christ. Can you say that, brother? If so, then you may eat at the same fir table, out of the same coarse delf, your poor fare; but it will be "with gladness," etc. What a change! These converts had been the wolves howling round the Cross. Now Christ might say to them, "Who is Master?" The Spirit in the Word transfixed them, and they shuddered and twisted like shot things; but now the balm has been applied to their wounds, the oil of joy and gladness has been poured into their hearts. V. DIVINE INCREASE (ver. 47). God adds to the Church the saved. Does God alone add to the Church? If you mean certificated members, then verily others add to the" Church in plenty. Who added Judas, Ananias, and Sapphira? Who is that stealing on to God's farm in the darkness, sowing his tares? The devil. Yea, the devil adds to the Church diligently, to neutralise it, and make it like the world. How many were added to the Church last year? The proper question is not How many, but Who? Man adds the dry branch, which cannot grow or blossom into fruit. God adds the living branch, giving beauty and strength to the Church. Mr. Beckford built Fonthill, and thought one hill needed growth of wood to beautify the prospect. He found the soil so thin and the climate so bleak, that no trees would grow. Instead of sending again to the nursery, he sent to the foundry for cast-iron trees, had them painted green, and stuck them by long iron stakes into the ground. He could add to these trees daily, but they could not grow. May we never have such trees on this hill — iron hope, iron charity, iron love. Conclusion: In certain transatlantic climes, spring immediately succeeds winter. By gentleness it makes winter go, by kisses the sun unlocks the ice, and the river is sent forth to beautify the plain. May God give such a spring to all the world, when its ice and snow shall melt with the magic celerity of enchantment, and spiritual woodlands burst into song and rejoice in the newborn beauties of an imperishable spring. (C. Stanford, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. |
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