iiiiiii
/\v
1923 *)
BS 2505 .B872 1918 Burrell, David James, 1844-
1926. Paul's campaigns
Paul's Campaigns
-y
By
NOV 7 192
David James Burrell, D.D., LL.D!
Author of *The Apostles' Creed," "We Would See
Jesus," "The Old-Time Religion," "At the
Gate Beautiful," "The CloisteF
Book," etc., etc.
American Tract Society
Park Avenue and 40 th Street New York
Copyright, 1918, By American Tract Society
CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
Introduction v
Foreword vii
I. Saul of Tarsus 1
11. The Summons .3
III. The Rendezvous 5
IV. The First Journey. Chart ... 10 V. At Antioch in Pisidia .... 14
VI. In the Mountains of Lycaonia . 18
VII. The Return 24
A Parenthesis 28
VIII. The Second Journey. Chart ... 35
IX. On to Europe 39
X. At Thessalonica 44
XI. At Beroea 48
XII. At Athens 53
XIII. At Corinth 59
XIV. The Third Journey. Chart ... 65 XV. A Busy Year 71
XVI. At Miletus 77
XVII. Bound for Jerusalem .... 83
XVIII. At C^sarea 92
XIX. Paul's Last Voyage. Chart ... 101
XX. At Rome 107
INTRODUCTION
This little book is written in the hope of bringing order out of the confusion which prevails in the minds of many Bible students as to the Journeys of Paul.
In a frontier to\vn in the West, sixty odd years ago, a Sunday School class of boys was required to commit to memory the ^^Acts of the Apostles." Their teacher was John Bally, a carpenter by trade, who found it easy enough to interest his pupils until they reached the Journeys of Paul, where, in the labyrinth of crossings by land and tackings by sea, they were, like Milton's fallen angels, ^'in wandering mazes lost."
There is something to be said for this old- fashioned way of lodging the Scriptures in the youthful mind, — seven verses a Sunday for a blue ticket, seven blues for a red, seven reds for a yellow and seven yellows for a Testament with the Superintendent's name
vi INTRODUCTION
on the fly leaf. The pride of that day ! Of course we wondered what was the use of memorizing such a verse, for example, as this: ^^ There arose a tempestuous wind called Euroclydon; and when the ship was caught and could not bear up into the wind we let her drive": but many a time in the passing of the years that same remembered verse has helped me. What better can one do indeed, when tossed about by contrary winds, than to cast out the tackling, under- gird the ship with prayers and promises and 'Aether drive'''?
The writer, who was one of John B ally's boys, ventures the hope that the following pages may inspire a deeper confidence in the profitableness of all Scripture ^^f or doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
FOEEWORD
ACTS 1 : 1-9
The opening words of the Acts of the Apostles are singularly significant: ^^The former treatise (i. e. The Gospel according to Luke) I made, 0 TheopMlus, concerning all that Jesus began both to do and to teach/' By this we are given to understand that our Lord's earthly ministry of thirty years was only the beginning of a campaign of doing and teaching which must continue until every knee shall bow before him.
What then did the dying Saviour mean when he cried, ^^It is finished!"
Not that all sinners were saved. The paying of the ransom on Golgotha made all alike salvable; but they had yet to be in- formed of the Good News and ^^constrained to come in."
Not that the Kingdom of Heaven was established on earth. The foundation was now laid and cemented with blood : but the
vii
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
superstructure had yet to be reared upon it.
Not that Christ had so fully completed his work that nothing remained for his disciples to do. On the contrary, a long campaign was before them, ^^as laborers together" with him.
This was the particular reason why Jesus returned after his resurrection and remained with them forty days. He wished to mark out the Plan of the Campaign which they and their successors were to pursue for the evangelization of the world.
The keynote was struck in the word **Go" which rings through the record of the forty days.
But the disciples were loath to go. They remained in and about Jerusalem for at least five years, until persecution drove them out. At the stoning of Stephen ^^they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preach- ing the word." Had they taken Christ at his word in the first instance that tragedy might have been unnecessary. The Master is a great Teacher; in one way or another he insists on having his way with those who follow him.
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
SAUL OF TARSUS
Acts 9 : 1-22
A year or two after the death of Stephen a young man named Saul, of Tarsus, was converted to Christ. He had been a witness of the tragedy referred to, had ^^held the clothes" of the sanctimonious platoon, had seen the martyr's face shining ^^as it had been the face of an angel," and had heard his cry, ^^Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" He was unable to escape the logic of that scene. The face that shone amid the shower of stones must have haunted his dreams, un- til the day came when, on his way down to Damascus ^^ breathing out slaughter against the disciples," he saw again the light that had gloriJSed the face of Stephen and heard a Voice that filled his soul with trembling, '^I am Jesus, whom thou persecutesti"
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
Blinded for a season, he saw things hidden from fleshly eyes ; and turning right-about- face he cried, '^Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" The answer in brief was, ^^Go!"
Three days later, in the house of one Judas, of Damascus, his commission was more clearly outlined as '^a chosen vessel to de- clare the name of Christ to Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel." He then received his sight, was baptized and straight- way began to preach Christ.
II
THE SUMMONS
Acts 11 : 19-26
[Here occurs an Interval of Seven Tears.]
It chanced that among those who had been scattered abroad at the stoning of Stephen, some had gone with the gospel as far as Antioch in Syria, where a revival occurred in which ^^a great number believed and turned unto the Lord." The Church at Jerusalem was appealed to for help, and it sent Barnabas, who was destined to figure largely in the enterprises of the early Church.
BARNABAS
Our information about this man is as fol- lows : First, he was called ^^the son of Con- solation," which intimates that his heart was full of kindliness. Second, he was ^^a good man"; a most comprehensive phrase.
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
Third, he was ^^fuU of the Holy Ghost," that is, sureharged.with spiritual light and power. Fourth^ he was ^* full of faith," the faith that makes things-hoped-for substantial and establishes things-not-seen upon evidence that cannot be gainsaid. Great qualifica- tions, these, for a missionary intent upon the winning of souls.
SAUL OF TARSUS SENT FOR
The work at Antioch grew to such dimen- sions that Barnabas was moved to cast about for some evangelist to help him. His thoughts immediately turned to Saul of Tarsus. Where was he ? After his conver- sion, feeling the need of further thought and training, he had betaken himself to the Ara- bian desert. What a theological course that was! After finishing his three years' cur- riculum among the solitudes, he returned to Tarsus to await further orders.
This was where Barnabas found him. ''And he brought him unto Antioch." There great things awaited him, as we shall see.
Ill
THE RENDEZVOUS
Acts 13: 1-3
The center of operations, which had hith- erto been in Jerusalem, was now to be shifted to Antioch in Syria. At the begin- ning of our narrative the work in this great Gentile center had continued for a whole year under the direction of Barnabas and Paul/
Observe that Saul at this time assumed his Roman name, which was the proper thing for him to do in a Gentile city.
Observe, also, that the names of Barnabas and Paul will occur hereafter in the reverse
1 A side-light is thrown upon the fraternal relations of the Jewish and Gentile Christians by the events recorded in Acts 11:27-30 and 12. It appears that Paul and Barnabas left Antioch, while the revival was in progress, to carry to Jeru- salem a contribution for the relief of the famine-sufferers there. The state of affairs in Jerusalem at the time is set forth vividly in this parenthesis, which, though important as a link in the history of the early Church, is here omitted be- cause it has no immediate bearing on the story of the mission- ary journeys.
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
order; because as the campaign progresses the latter forges to the front.
And observe that the preaching of these missionaries is so Christocentric that the converts are ** first called Christians in Anti- och"; a title originally given in derision but clothed with honor the world over to this day.
PREPARATIONS
In one of the early meetings of that mem- orable year at Antioch an incident oc- curred which gave a directing and controll- ing influence to subsequent events. The Voice of the Holy Spirit was heard saying, ** Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." In this divine call, re-emphasizing the commis- sion of Christ, we find the rationale of an en- terprise which was destined to change the currents and countercurrents of all history and set them flowing, just in the measure of Christian faithfulness, toward the Golden Age.
First. These men were '* separated'' to ^*go." All followers of Christ are required to ^^go" in like manner, and to keep going
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
as witnesses and evangelists of Christ; but all are not separated for work in **the re- gions beyond" like these men. Some are called to go down to the porelies of Bethesda or out into the highways and hedges as city missionaries ; others to go through the fron- tier villages of Galilee as home missionaries ; still others to go into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon and the regions beyond as foreign missionaries. But as Paul and Barnabas, when they sallied forth, were sustained by the united prayers and substantial support of all who remained behind, so are the Chris- tians of our time required and expected to stand behind the missionaries whom they send forth to the lands that lie in pagan darkness and the shadow of death. The words of William Carey when embarking for India, ^^As I go down into the mine, I depend upon you to hold the rope," put to an open shame all those who oppose world- wide evangelism.
Second. Paul and Barnabas were joined together for the work. So were the seventy sent out two and two; because ''two are bet- ter than one, for if one fall the other will
7
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
lift him up/' And there was a particular fitness in the companionship of these two; because the fervor of one would strengthen and supplement the gentleness of the other. In process of time Paul and Barnabas had two quarrels ; once over the wisdom of con- tinuing the services of John Mark, whose courage had failed him at the foot of the Macedonian hills (Acts 15:36-40) and again over the necessity of admitting con- verts to the church through the door of Jew- ish ceremonialism (Gal. 2:11-13). But both these quarrels were adjusted in a friendly spirit.
Third, They were not only ^^ separated" and joined together but equipped for their work. They had faith, courage and the charismata, or special gifts of the Spirit, for the working of ^^ signs and wonders" to buttress their message. Indeed they had everything but money. Of this Barnabas had none, because he had previously given up all his possessions for the relief of needy Christians (Acts 4 : 36, 37) ; and as for Paul, he had undoubtedly been ostracised and stripped of his birthright when he accepted
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
Christ (Phil. 4:16-18). Thus they went forth, according to the Master's injunction, ^^ without scrip or money in their purse," but strong in faith and in the power of the Holy Ghost.
GOING WITHOUT GOLD
It is greatly to be feared that in our time we are laying too exclusive an emphasis on the financial factor in missions. The work requires money, no doubt ; but money is not the principal thing. The most wonderful results in the history of the propaganda have been accomplished by men of consecra- tion who, once convinced that they were sent of God, waited for no further send-off. For the furnishing of the workers and the endow- ment of the work all Christians are required to give generously of the possessions which, as the Lord's stewards, they hold in trust, and subject to His call ; but, whether there be money in the scrip or not, whosoever is ^^sent to seek and to save the lost" must go. And the wealth that builds schools, hospitals and churches is vain without an assurance that God can, if need be, wholly dispense with it.
IV
THE FIRST JOURNEY
Acts 13 : 4-12
The Campaign was now under way.
On setting out from Antioch in Syria the two missionaries, accompanied by John Mark as a courier and assistant, turned their faces toward the island of Cyprus, probably for two reasons; first, because it was the birthplace of Barnabas (Acts 4:36) and second, because there were Christians there to welcome them (Acts 11: 20).
AT SALAMIS
A quick run of a hundred miles, between sunrise and sunset, would convey them from Seleucia, the seaport of Antioch, to Salamis on the eastern coast of Cyprus. Of their work in this place there is no record except this, '^They preached the word of God in the sjoiagogues of the Jews."
10
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
The fact that there was more than one synagogue there gives us to understand that the missionaries had access to many Jews; but what are we to infer from the absence of persecution and the narrator's silence as to conversions? Were their hearers in Salamis so hidebound in formal sacerdotal- ism as to cavil at the ^^good news," or so in- different to the claims of their own Messiah that they wilfully hid as it were their faces from him? In any case the missionaries left the place conscious of having done their best and hopefully trusting in the promise, ^^He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing bringing his sheaves with him. ' '
AT PAPHOS
On the other side of the island, a hundred miles away, was Paphos, a city of a different sort. It was important as the residence of Sergius Paulus, the Roman governor, who is mentioned as a ^^ prudent man." He had in his retinue a soothsayer whom he was ac- customed to consult, particularly in matters
11
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
pertaining to religion. But the mind of Sergius was nevertheless open to conviction; so that on hearing of the arrival of the mis- sionaries he invited them to come and unfold ''the word of God." At this point, how- ever, the soothsayer interposed and would have made the gospel of none effect but for the vigorous onset of Paul: ''O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord! And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season." Whereupon there fell on him a mist and a darkness; so that he must needs have some to lead him.
Here vanishes Elymas the soothsayer. Let us hope that his temporary blindness, like that which had previously befallen Paul himself, enabled him to see spiritual things in the right way.
As for the governor, he was convinced of the truth of the Gospel and ''believed" ; that is, he accepted Christ with a saving faith.
The itinerants had no intention of tarry-
12
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
ing long in Paphos or, for that matter, any- where else. They had delivered their mes- sage and could well afford to leave the re- sults with God.
The ship was ready to sail ; a south wind was blowing. Farewell to Cyprus, and to Sergius Paulus rejoicing in newness of life! On to the regions beyond, where other souls were awaiting the good news I
IS
AT ANTIOCH IN PISIDIA
ACTS 13 : 13-52
The port of entry in Pamphylia, where the missionaries landed, was the ancient and honorable city of Perga. It was now mid- summer, when most of the people were in the cool shelter of the mountains; wherefore, without tarrying, they resolved to push on.
At this juncture John Mark, the nephew of Barnabas, who had accompanied them as courier, announced that he would go no fur- ther. Perhaps the perils of the mountains frightened him; or possibly he was home- sick, longing for his widowed mother in Jerusalem. Whatever the reason, he ^^ de- parted and went not with them to the work." This was doubtless a great disappointment to his uncle Barnabas, but even more so to Paul who, as we have seen, was slow to for- get it. (Acts 15: 37^0.)
14
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
The next objective point of the itinerary- was Antioch in Pisidia, which lay about a hundred miles inland among the hills. It would be at least a three days' journey for these footmen, through an uninhabited coun- try. We may imagine Paul and Barnabas holding converse along the way, staff in hand, weary but resolute, kneeling together at nightfall and sleeping under the stars.
The Sabbath after their arrival found them in the synagogue. Their presence was observed ; and after the reading of the Scrip- ture lesson the usual invitation was given, ^^ Brethren, if ye have any word of exhorta- tion for the people, say on." Paul, on such occasions, always did have something to say. The message that trembled on his lips when- ever he stood in the presence of his fellow- Jews was, ^^This Jesus is the Christ." So here; the burden of his first recorded ser- mon is the Messiahship of Jesus, whom they had crucified, despite what was written, ^* Behold, ye despisers, and wonder and per- ish: for I work a work in your days which ye shall not believe though a man declare it unto you."
15
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
The sermon made so deep an impression that Paul was urged to preach again on the next Sabbath ; but during the week the rab- bis had fomented such opposition that, when the congregation reassembled, there was a concerted uproar against him.
Then occurred one of the most significant and far-reaching incidents of the campaign. The missionaries turned upon their turbu- lent Jewish assailants with these words: **It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you ; but see- ing ye put it from you and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, lo, we turn to the Gentilesr'
Thus was the key turned to open the gos- pel door to all people. Thenceforth the walls of separation were broken down. The Gentiles were glad to listen, and many of them were converted to Christ: but as for the missionaries, the Jews being filled with rage ^^ expelled them out of their coasts."
On leaving Antioch they ^^ shook off the dust of their feet," to signify that, having done their utmost, they were free from re-
16
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
sponsibility for the welfare of those who persistently refused the good news.
But their work had not been as ^^ water poured upon the ground, which cannot be gathered up again"; for they left behind them not a few disciples ^^ filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost." So did these har- vesters pass on to the regions beyond, re- joicing that their labor was not in vain in the Lord.
17
VI
IN THE MOUNTAINS OF LYCAONIA
Acts 14 : 1-20
On being driven out of Antioch in Pisidia the missionaries crossed the border and pur- sued their way along the great highway lead- ing from Ephesus to the valley of the Eu- phrates. This was one of the roads which Caesar had constructed in pursuance of his purpose of universal conquest. Little did he dream that it was destined to be used subse- quently for the propaganda of the Prince of Peace.
AT TCONIUM
On this great highway, about sixt}^ miles east of Antioch, lay the important city of Iconium. For three days at least the mis- sionaries trudged on afoot through a deso- late country, leaving no word on record as to the indubitable dangers that befell them along the way.
On reaching the city they at once, accord- is
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
ing to their custom, betook themselves to the synagogue, where '^they so spake that a great multitude," not only of the Jews but of the Hellenists — that is, Gentiles who had es- poused the worship of Jehovah — were con- verted. In the words ^^they so spake" we have an intimation that Paul preached his customary sermon, ^^ opening and alleging that Jesus is the Christ."
Of course there was trouble ; and as a mat- ter of course the unbelieving Jews began and fostered it. Nevertheless the mission- aries kept up their work for "a long time," probably for some months ; and they might have continued it indefinitely but for an as- sault led by the rabbis of the synagogue, with certain Gentiles whose minds were **evil affected against them." Whereupon the two yokefellows, mindful of the Master's words, ^*When they persecute you in one city flee unto another," left Iconium and plodded on.
AT LYSTRA
A journey of about forty miles to the southeast, on the same highway, brought
19
. PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
them to Lystra, an out-of-the-way place with few attractions for visitors. But there were souls there needing to be brought out of darkness into light.
The town had no synagogue. Just out- side the gate was a Temple for the worship of Jupiter: and thereby hangs a tale. It was believed that Jupiter with his messenger Mercury had once visited Lystra. The story is told by Ovid on this wise :
* * Here Jove with Hermes came ; but in disguise Of mortal men concealed their deities. One laid aside his thunder, one his rod, And many toilsome steps together trod. For harbor at a thousand doors they knocked ; Not one of all the thousand but was locked. At last a hospitable house they found, A homely shed ; the roof not far from ground Was thatched with reeds and straw together bound. There Baucis and Philemon lived. From lofty roofs the gods repulsed before, Now stooping, entered through the little door. The man (their hearty welcome first expressed) A common settle drew for either guest. ' '
The neighbors who had refused to enter- tain their divine visitors were subsequently punished by a terrible flood; but Philemon
20
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
and Baucis were rewarded by seeing their hut miraculously changed into a splendid temple, in which they were appointed to minister to the gods.
'* Their little shed, scarce large enough for two, Seems from the ground increased, in height and bulk
to grow. A stately temple shoots within the skies : The crotchets of their cot in columns rise : The pavement polished marble they behold; The gates with sculpture graced, the spires and tiles
of gold."
The preaching of the missionaries at Lys- tra was in the market-places and open courts of the houses. One of the far-reaching con- quests here was the conversion of a Jewess named Eunice, with her mother Lois and her son Timothy, a youth who was destined to play an important part as one of Paul's most efficient helpers in after years.
The miraculous healing of a cripple — who had doubtless been brought into the congre- gation to solicit alms — led the people to con- clude that the gods were making them an- other visit. Barnabas, the taller and more imposing man, was taken for Jupiter : and
21
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
Paul, eloquent but of ^^mean presence," was Mercury, his messenger.
A rush was made for the Temple outside the gate; oxen were brought for sacri- fices and garlands to crown the celestial vis- itors. Meanwhile the preaching in the open court went on; until the pagan priest, ar- rayed for sacrificial rites, appeared in the doorway. Then, in sudden consternation, the missionaries dispelled the illusion, cry- ing, ' ' Sirs, why do ye these things ? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach that ye should turn from these vani- ties unto the living Godl'' No saint-wor- ship for them ! (Rev. 22 : 8, 9.)
It is but a short way from garlands to cobble-stones. No doubt some of those who had followed Christ on Palm Sunday cry- ing, ^^Hosanna to the Son of David," were in the mob that on the next Friday shouted, ^^ Crucify him!" So here; there was a speedy reaction, due to the influence of cer- tain ones who had pursued the missionaries from Antioch and Iconium to oppose them. Paul was stoned, dragged out of the city and left for dead. A few faithful friends—
22
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
Barnabas with Lois and Eunice and young Timothy — ministered to him.
But Paul was not dead. A man is im- mortal till his work is done. The Lord had further need of him. So he arose ; and the next morning, sadly bruised but undaunted in spirit, he with faithful Barnabas trudged on.
AT DERBE
The city of Derbe lay on the same road twenty miles further on. Their ministry here was undisturbed. Probably their en- emies, ^^ supposing that Paul was dead," con- gratulated themselves that the campaign of these troublers, who were ^^ turning the world upside down," had come to an end. But the work continued and in Derbe '^many were taught." Among them was a certain Gains, who would presently join the itinerant group as a faithful servant of Christ. (Acts 20: 4.)
vn
THE RETURN
Acts 14: 21-28
If the mind of Paul had not been so wholly concentrated on the business in hand he would surely have turned aside on leaving Derbe to visit his old home at Tarsus, which was only a few miles away. But the love of Christ constrained both him and Barnabas ; and they were much concerned for the con- verts whom they had left behind them. Who could tell what persecutions had be- fallen them, or how many had been allured from the faith?
For this reason they resolved to retrace their steps. Danger lay that way, but duty also. Wherefore, like their Master, they *^set their faces steadfastly to go." One city after another they revisited — Lystra, Iconium, Antioch — fearless amid the scenes of former persecution, intent upon encour-
24
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
aging their converts and building the super- structure of their character and usefulness on the foundations of their faith.
In the account of the backward journey of these missionaries we have a clear outline of their logical method of procedure.
First, Evangelization, This comes fore- most always in ministerial work: the pres- entation of the gospel as the power of God unto salvation. To omit this is to run with- out a message and to forfeit the penny at evening, ^^Well done, good servant!'' Alas for a minister who does not realize his high privilege and responsibility as a winner of souls !
Second, Edification, or ^^ building up" in the most holy faith. In the words ^^con- firming the souls of the disciples" there is of course no reference to any formal cere- mony of ' ^ confirmation, ' ' but to the strength- ening of their belief in Christ and loyalty to him. This is further emphasized by the ex- hortation ^^to continue in the faith; and that we must through much tribulation (literally, harrowing) enter into the kingdom of God."
It is a mistake to suppose that our full
25
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
salvation is accomplislied when we accept Christ. That does, indeed, deliver us from the penalty of sin; but it is only the begin- ning of that larger ^^ salvation which is ready to be revealed in the last time." This is the salvation which we are to ^^work out with fear and trembling, ' ^ to work out into its full fruition of character and usefulness. And it is the business of every minister to see that Christians are thus confirmed in their most holy faith.
Third, Organization, As they revisited the scene of their former labors the mission- aries ^^ ordained elders in every church." These elders or ^^ presbyters," who are else- where called ^^ bishops," were chosen by the people, as indicated by the word ^^ ordained," which literally means ^^ elected by a show of hands." Thus the converts were organized into churches — not only for self-government but for co-operation in service — and ^* com- mended to the Lord."
AT PERGA
This done, Paul and Barnabas pushed on to Perga, the seaport where they had done
26
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
nothing on their previous visit. As the summer was nov^ over and the people had re- turned to their homes, the missionaries tar- ried and ^^ preached the word."
Then — probably because there was no ves- sel in port — they went on to the neighboring town of Attalia, where they took ship ; and so back to Antioch in Syria.
AT ANTIOCH IN SYRIA
The Church assembled to hear their report of *^all that God had done with them" dur- ing the two or three years of their absence ; and there was great rejoicing as Paul and Barnabas rehearsed how God had ^^ opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles."
So ended the first of the great Missionary Journeys. ^'A long time" elapsed before another was undertaken ; but a zealous spirit like Paul's cannot be confined in any ^^ pent- up Utica. ' ' We shall presently see him ven- turing forth upon an enterprise still more boldly planned to carry the gospel to the ut- termost parts of the earth.
27
A PARENTHESIS
Acts 15 : 1-35
[Not long after the return of Paul and Barnabas from their first missionary tour a serious trouble developed in the church at Antioch. It was fomented by certain con- verts who, like Paul himself, had previously belonged to ^Hhe most straitest sect" of Jewry, but, unlike him, had not fully entered into *^the glorious liberty of the children of God."
The contention was that Gentile converts should enter the Christian Church by the Jewish door ; that is, they must submit them- selves to the ceremonial law. Now the cere- monial law, which was typical and prophet- ical of Christ, had been fulfilled at his com- ing, and therefore had passed away, as mists vanish at the rising of the sun. So it is written, ^^He blotted out the handwriting of
28
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
ordinances that was against us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross." (Col. 2:14.) The Gentile Christians main- tained that salvation was conditioned sim- ply and solely on personal faith in Christ; but these high-churchmen insisted that un- less they would comply with the Jewish re- quirements ^^they could not be saved."
The two positions were irreconcilable. The breach widened accordingly, and the trouble spread rapidly among the churches. Something must be done and done quickly. A deputation, including Paul and Barnabas, was chosen to go up to the mother church at Jerusalem and confer with the apostles and elders about it.
THE COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM
The distance from Antioch to Jerusalem was about three hundred miles: more than five times what it would be by the travelling facilities of our time. On their journey the delegates conferred with churches along the way and were doubtless joined by other com- missioners. When they reached Jerusalem an informal conference was first held with
29
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
the apostles and elders, after whicli the Council was convened, with James, the pas- tor of the mother church, in the chair.
This was the first, and in many respects the most significant, of a series of CEcumen- ical Councils held at intervals, as occasion seemed to require, down to the time of the Eeformation. The next of importance was the Council of Mcaea, a. d. 325, in which the question of the Trinity was discussed — for the most part by men who had suffered for the truth's sake in recent persecutions — and was determined for all time. Its monument is the Mcene Creed. But the question be- fore this Council at Jerusalem was one of most immediate importance, because, until it was settled, the Gentiles were kept wait- ing at the doorway of the Church.
The first address was made by Peter. We have of course the merest outline; but sufficient is given to indicate its bold and im- passioned character. He began by remind- ing the Council how the Lord had chosen him "si good while ago" to open the door to the Gentiles. The reference was to the day of Pentecost, fourteen years before, when he
30
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
had turned the key — the key which Christ had previously committed to him for that purpose (Matt. 16 : 19) —saying, ' ' The promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off." (Acts 2: 14- 39.) He then begged the Council not to put a ceremonial yoke upon the necks of the converts which neither their fathers nor themselves had been able to bear; and con- cluded with a ringing statement that the only condition of salvation for all alike is vital faith in Christ.
Paul and Barnabas followed with an ac- count of their missionary journey and the many conversions which had occurred along the way. This carried its own appeal with it.
Then arose James, the minister of the mother church. He would naturally be dis- posed to favor the Jews, but his address was in the interest of peace by mutual conces- sion. He began by supporting Peter's position as to the open door, and showed how the prophets had foretold it. He then, as the Moderator of the Council, pronounced his ^^ sentence" or conclusion. This was
31
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
drawn up in the form of a letter to be sent to all the churches, as follows :
The apostles and elders and hretJiren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, Forasmuch as we have heard that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law; to whom we gave no such commandment: it seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnahas and Paid, men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from^ blood, and from things strangled: and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
32
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
In this letter we observe, -first, a principle laid dotvn : to wit, the great doctrine of Justi- fication by Faith; and second, a policy marked out, namely, that, so far as conces- sions could be made without any sacrifice of principle, they should be made by both sides. On the one hand, the Jews were to give up their insistence on the ceremonial law; on the other, the Gentiles were to refrain from certain practices which gave offence: (1) from blood — which the Jews avoid to this day; (2) from things strangled — because the blood remains in them; (3) from meats laid on pagan altars and subsequently offered for sale in the shambles — because this seemed to imply complicity with idol- worship ; and (4) from the sensual habits which were prevalent among all pagan nations and to which the Gentile converts were especially prone. These mutual concessions were so obviously reasonable that the trouble ended then and there.
THE RETUKN
On the return of the missionaries to Anti- och a meeting was held at which the letter
33
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
was read and all ^^ rejoiced for the consola- tion." One thing had been settled, that no priest or ecclesiastical court was to be al- lowed to stand in the way of any sinner in his approach to Christ.
Settled'? Yes, so far as a Council could settle it. But the Cross is always an offence, and free grace has never ceased to be a stumbling-block to the natural man.
As time passed the Church drifted away from its moorings until, in the Dark Ages, it was again swamped in the stagnant waters of priestly ceremonialism. Then came Lu- ther and the other reformers with a new proclamation of the old truth of Justifica- tion by Faith. They called it articulum ecclesice stantis aut cadentis, that is, '^the Doctrine of a Standing or a Falling Church." And so it is and must continue to be. Moses and Elias go their way, and none is left but ''Jesus only." In Him alone we put our trust ; ' ' Him first. Him last, Him midst and all in all."]
34
VIII THE SECOND JOURNEY
Acts 15: 36-41; 16: 1-10
It would appear that Paul and Barnabas, on returning from their first missionary tour, spent about two years in Antioch, not only in much-needed rest but in ^'teaching and preaching" for the confirmation of their brethren in the faith. It was during this period that the First Council was held at Jerusalem, as we have seen.
Another incident which subsequently oc- curred during the same period calls for brief mention: Peter came to Antioch and stirred up trouble. The controversy which attended his visit is briefly recorded in Gal. 2:11-14:
^^But when Peter was come to Antioch I withstood him to the face, because he ivas to ie blamed. For before that certain came
35
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: iut when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissemhled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnahas also was carried away with their dissimidation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, ^'If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the JewsV
The dispute was amicably settled, how- ever, in accordance with the decree of the Council in Jerusalem. (See Acts 15 : 22-29.)
In the meantime the wanderlust of the gospel had returned to the missionaries and the word of the Master, '^Go ye!" was ring- ing in their ears. It was only a few days after the adjustment of the dispute referred to that Paul said to Barnabas, '*Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they do."
36
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
But a serious difference arose between the two missionaries then and there. Barna- bas was resolved on having his nephew, John Mark, accompany them; while Paul was equally determined that the youth whose courage had failed him in the face of dan- ger at Pamphylia should not go. ^' And the contention was so sharp between them that they departed asunder. ' ' Barnabas took his nephew and sailed for Cyprus, while Paul set out in the opposite direction, both intent upon a recanvass of their former work.
The new companion of Paul was Silas, who had been one of the deputies appointed by the Council to convey its decrees to the churches. He is characterized as ^^a faith- ful brother," and was one of the hopeful guild of Singers in the Night. (Acts 16:25.)
They set out toward the northwest, '^con- firming the churches" by the way, until they reached Derbe, where the previous journey had ended. From there they passed on to Lystra, where they were joined by Timothy, ^*the gentle boy of Lystra," who was destined to play an important part in subsequent
37
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
events. Thence to Iconium; after which they would have turned aside into ^^Asia," a region of pagan darkness on the southwest ; ^^but they were forbidden." To the north- west lay Bithynia, another pagan country where they longed to preach the gospel, ^^but the Spirit suffered them not." Strange guidance this ! For some reason they must turn neither to the right nor to the left but bear straight on.
AT TROAS
So they came to Troas on the verge of the Hellespont; and there the reason of their strange guidance was made plain. In a vision Paul saw a man of Macedonia, with outstretched hands, calling, ^^Come over and help us!" It thus appeared that the mis- sionaries were to plume their wings for a bolder flight. Europe was before them! When once the Hellespont was crossed they would be in ^^the regions beyond," and a new impulse would be given to the enterprise of universal conquest. Now then, the world for Christ!
IX
ON TO EUROPE
ACTS 16:11-40
It is safe to say that, on the morning after his vision, Paul was early at the docks in Troas inquiring for the first ship sailing across the Hellespont. There were four who took passage; Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke, *^the good physician." We know that Luke here joined the company because the narrative, of which he was the writer, now moves on with the pronoun ^^we." (Acts 16: 11.)
It is worthy of note, in passing, that the heroes of the two great classics of Rome and Greece — the ^neid of Virgil and the Odyssey of Homer — had both embarked from the port of Troas ; but the momentous voyages of ^neas and Ulysses were not worthy of comparison with the great enter- prise which stirred the hearts of these ad- venturous men.
39
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS AT PHILIPPI
On landing at Neapolis they pushed their way up through the mountain roads to the important city of Philippi, where Paul hoped to meet the Macedonian who had beckoned and called him. In their sojourn here they won three trophies of grace.
The first was Lydia, ''a seller of purple." Her name indicates that she had come from a city in that same province of Pamphylia whither the Spirit had forbidden them to go. Thus, by indirection, the missionaries were likely to reach the object in mind. They met this woman, on the first Sabbath after their arrival, at a place set apart for prayer by the river-side. On hearing the gospel her heart was immediately opened to receive it. No doubt Paul was surprised to find that ^^the man" of his vision was a woman ; but she was a woman of wealth and influence whose candle was lighted to shine afar. The missionaries had thus far been satisfied with humble quarters in some lodg- ing house ; but Lydia now, with Oriental hos- pitality, threw open her home — as she had
40
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
opened her heart — and entertained them during their sojourn in the city.
The second trophy of the campaign in Philippi was a slave-girl, possessed of an evil spirit. Her owners had made capital of her malady by passing her off as a pythoness, whose incoherent utterances were represented to be the divinations of Apollo. Day after day as the missionaries proceeded to their work the slave girl cried after them, ^^ These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation!" Little wonder that Paul was *^ grieved" on her account; and little wonder that he healed her! But this miracle was the occasion of no end of trouble. The mas- ters of the pythoness, seeing that ^^the hope of their gains was gone," succeeded in col- lecting a mob; and presently, after one of those scourgings with which Paul was so fa- miliar (^'five times was I beaten with forty stripes save one"), he and Silas found them- selves in jail.
The third trophy of their evangelistic ardor was their jailer. The two mission- aries, cast down but not destroyed, whiled
41
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
away the dreary hours of the night by sing- ing, probably one of the Hillel Psalms with the refrain, ^^Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the children of men ! ' ' Then on a sudden the earth began to tremble and the prisoners' chains were loosed!
The jailer awoke, and supposing that his wards — for whose safeguarding he was re- sponsible with his life — ^had escaped, would have killed himself; just as nowadays a Jap- anese jailer would commit hari-kari under like circumstances. But Paul cried, ^^Do thyself no harm! We are all here!" Whereupon the man, who had probably heard Paul's message, cried out under sud- den conviction, '^Sirs, what must I do to be saved 1" There could be only one answer: ^'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ!" That done, the rest would be plain sailing. The jailer fell in with the overtures of divine mercy and became a Christian.
Here were three wonderful trophies to show for the campaign at Philippi. And who shall say how many were saved through them?
42
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
We now observe Paul in a different light. Thus far he had pursued his work as a most humble man. But when the magistrates, on learning that Paul was a Eoman citizen and had been scourged without due process of law, sent messengers to say, ^^Let those men go," those men refused to go. ^^Nay, verily," said Paul. ^^They have beaten us openly, uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily ? Nay, verily ; but let them come themselves and fetch us out!" Thus he stood squarely upon his rights. But when anything was to be gained by do- ing so, we shall find that he and his com- panions were ever willing to lay down all their rights that men might walk over them into the kingdom of God.
43
AT THESSALONICA
ACTS 17:1-9
On being driven out of Philippi the band of missionaries turned tlieir faces toward the west. ^'Westward the course of Empire takes its way." A journey of seventy miles — passing through the unimportant towns of Amphipolis and Appolonia — brought them to Thessalonica ; and there, in the hos- pitable home of Jason, they tarried for sev- eral months.
Why were they attracted to Thessalonica ? First f because it was a populous place and in many respects the most important city in that portion of the world. Second, because there was a considerable number of Jews there, whose religion furnished a foundation for the preaching of the Messianic claims of Jesus. Third, because it was the center of the weaving industry; where Paul the
44
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
tent-maker would be likely to find work. (1 Thess. 2:9.) Fourth, because it was a coign of vantage for an enterprise that was intended and expected to radiate far and wide.
To-day Salonica is the second city of Tur- key in Europe. In the World's War the troops of the Entente Alliance were landed there to advance upon the enemy on the east- ern front.
On three successive Sabbaths the mission- aries preached in the synagogue/ reasoning from the Scriptures that ''this Jesus is the Christ," and with the usual result. Many of the Hellenes, i. e., Judaized pagans, were converted; but the Jews themselves were ''slow of heart to believe all that the prophets had spoken." Then, as their cus- tom was, the missionaries left the synagogue and turned to the Gentiles, enough of whom were converted to form the nucleus of an important church.
It was too much to expect, however, that they would be allowed to continue in this
1 There are thirty-six synagogues in the modern city of Salonica.
45
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
way. The Jews succeeded in persuading certain ^4ewd fellows of the baser sort" — the lazsaroni or ^ idlers of the forum'' — to drive them out. A mob stormed the house of Jason, and, not finding the missionaries, carried him and his associates before the magistrates, who, perceiving no ground of action, bound them over to keep the peace and let them go.
All of which suggests a number of things.
First, the gospel never changes. A con- verted Jew in charge of a mission among his countrymen tells me that his work is pre- cisely along the lines marked out by Paul, ^^ opening and alleging from the Scriptures that this Jesus is the Christ."
Second, the opposition never changes. The Christians of Armenia are persecuted and massacred by the Turks on the pretext that they are turning things ^^ upside down" by their insistence on the supremacy of Christ.
Third, the assurance of success never changes. Paul and his companions may have counted their labor as water poured upon the ground; but ten years later, in a
46
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
letter written to the church in Thessalonica, he says, '^From you sounded out the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia; but also in every place your faith to Godward is spread abroad." The faith to Godward of these Christians was no light hid under a bushel: it ^^ sounded forth" like the blast of a trumpet before the chariot of an advancing king; it ^^went forth" like the shout of an army following after him.
Let all the Lord's workers be of good cheer; the seed-sowing is never in vain, though oftentimes the harvest ripens on their graves. The promise is yea and amen : ^^He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless" (not may but shall; not perhaps but doubtless) ^^come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
47
XI AT BEROEA
Acts 17: 10-14
On leaving Thessalonica, under cover of the night, Paul turned his face toward the southwest; and after a journey of sixty- miles came to Beroea. This was a city of no special importance except for the fact that it lay on a slope of the Olympian range and was supposed to be under the special care of the twelve gods.
The Jews of Beroea are characterized as *^more noble than those of Thessalonica" be- cause '^thej received the word with readi- ness of mind." This is a Title of Nobility which is open to all. '^A king can mak' a belted knight, a marquis, duke an' a' that"; but only God can admit a man into the Peer- age of Truth.
(1) It is said of these Beroeans, to their credit, that ^'they searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so/^
48
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
By this we are given to understand, on tlie one hand, that they believed in the Scrip- tures as the infallible test and standard of truth. As to their inspiration, this was not an open but a closed question, having been settled by and for these converts when they entered into covenant with God.
The reason why many of the church mem- bers of our time are oppressed with doubts as to the fundamentals of the gospel is be- cause they are not fully persuaded in their own minds that the Bible can be trusted ; a point which should have been determined at the very outset of their Christian life.
On the other hand, it appears that when Paul presented some unusually startling propositions, they did not take him at his word, but ^^ searched the Scriptures" to see whether these things were so.
What a lot of perplexity would be avoided if the Christians of our time were to treat current problems in the same way. The trouble is that, in many cases, the original question as to the trustworthiness of Scrip- ture is still undetermined, so that they have nothing to go by. Instead of applying the
49
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
divine touchstone to their doubts, they must needs be forever investigating the reliability of the touchstone itself.
In many of our so-called ^^ Bible classes" the pupils are instructed about the Bible and not in it. They are like prospectors who go about searching for a gold-field, rather than like miners who, having found a gold- field, are engaged in getting the gold out of it.
(2) We are advised, from the example of the Beroeans, as to the right method of searching the Scriptures,
There are some who read the Bible for no other purpose, apparently, than to criticise it. This is the case with many who call themselves ^^ Biblical experts"; they ap- proach the Book with an ill-disguised preju- dice against it. Of course, under such cir- cumstances, they find errors and discrepan- cies where none are visible to unbiased eyes.
There are others who study the Bible to confirm their own opinions. These are eisegetes, reading their own views into the Book instead of getting their doctrine out of it, as devout exegetes are wont to do.
50
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
Others still are moved to search the Scrip- tures by a sincere desire to discover the truth. In order to succeed in this quarter there must be, iirst, a readiness to learn what God has to say about the matter in hand, and, second, a personal independence which takes no man's word for it. The Beroeans were to be praised for declining to accept Paul's statements on his own recognizance until they had applied the touchstone. No man's ipse dixit is final, whether in the pul- pit or out of it. Nothing is conclusive but the Word of God.
(3) What was the result? The Beroeans came to the conclusion that Paul's postulate, ^^This Jesus is the Christ," was true to their Oracles ; and therefore they accepted it.
Thus they found Christ, as it is written, ^^ Therefore many of them believed." And, finding Christ, they found life also; as he himself had said, ^^ Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think (and rightly think) ye have eternal life; and these are they which testify of me."
Here we leave the Beroeans. The preach- ing of Paul might have gone on indefinitely
51
PAULAS CAMPAIGNS
but for mischief-makers who came over from Thessalonica and created a disturbance. With a due regard for discretion as the bet- ter part of valor, he took his departure to larger fields. The pagan world was before him — Athens, Corinth and the regions be- yond! Still ^* Westward the course of Em- pire takes its way."
m
XII
AT ATHENS
ACTS 17 : 15-34
On being expelled from Beroea the apostle went down to the nearest seaport and took ship for Athens. A three days' voyage car- ried him past some of the most memorable scenes in history, such as Thermopylae, where Leonidas and his three hundred died for freedom, and Marathon, where Themistocles drove back the Persian invasion. But Paul's interest lay further on.
Landing at Piraeus, he at once proceeded to Athens, ^^the eye of Greece, mother of arts and eloquence."
Standing alone in the market-place he saw a city '^wholly given to idolatry." There were statues of the gods on every hand; colonnades of gods; *^more gods than men." On looking down the street of Hermes he saw a winged figure of the Olympian herald
53
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
in front of every home ; if tie looked along the Avenue of Tripods, he would see an un- broken line of altars and statues, with votive offerings presented by grateful athletes whom the gods had helped in the Isthmian games. Gods everywhere! Gods on ped- estals, in niches, on the corners of the streets; gods and demigods; good, bad and indifferent — a wilderness of gods ! No won- der the devout soul of the missionary was stirred within him.
He began his work at once, ^ disputing in the synagogue with the Jews, and in the Agora daily with them that met with him." There was no difficulty in getting an audi- ence ; for Athens was proverbially the para- dise of gossips and saunterers. Its shib- boleth was, '^What's the news^" So they gathered about him, men and women, priests and philosophers, all sorts and conditions of people. And he spoke to them of Jesus and the Resurrection, or as the Greeks had it, '^ Jesus and Anastasis," whom they sup- posed to be a pair of new deities. He who introduced a god into Athens was counted a public benefactor. The interest of his audi-
64
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
ence was thus enlisted at once. Presently they said, ^^Let us go to Areopagus for a bet- ter hearing." So to the Hill of Mars they went ; and the apostle there preached a ser- mon which has come ringing down the ages.
OBSEEVE THE PREACHER
A little man, stoop-shouldered, weak-eyed and a stammerer; but it did not take the Athenians long to discover that here was no ordinary man.
OBSERVE THE PULPIT
A fateful place. Many a culprit had been there devoted to death. On this platform Demosthenes had stood and uttered ^^breath- ing thoughts in burning words. " Here Soc- rates had made his apology and was con- demned to drink the fatal hemlock. On a shelf of rock near by stood the Temple of the Furies ; and above it towered the Temple of Mars. To this place Paul brought such **news" as these newsmongers had never heard before. He spoke as an ambassador from the court of heaven, bringing a mes- sage of peace to troubled souls.
55
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS OBSEKVE THE AUDIENCE
Not a few of Paul's hearers had the names of their deities worn as frontlets between their eyes. Here were philosophers also and students in classic robes, representing all the various schools by the Ilissus. Some were Stoics ; i. e., pantheists, who spoke of God as *Hhe universal soul," and of man as an ex- halation whose destiny was to be absorbed presently in the all-pervading Spirit of the Universe, as a drop of water disappears in a boundless sea. Others were Epicureans, materialists, who said ^^ Death ends all." And, inasmuch as life was circumscribed by the narrow horizons of time and sense, what better could they do than make the most of the passing hour? Their aphorism was, '^Let us eat, drink and be merry; for to- morrow we die." Others were Academ- icians, practical agnostics, whose sugges- tions were all prefaced with a perhaps or it-may-be-so. And besides these there was the usual throng of curiosity-mongers and hangers-on. To the mind of the great Mis-
56
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
sionary all these were souls, precious in the sight of God.
OBSERVE THE SERMON
Its exordium was most felicitous. Tak- ing for his text the inscription upon an altar which he had observed in the market-place, ^*To an Unknown God," he began by say- ing, ^^ Ye men of Athens, in all things I per- ceive that ye are very religious." It was a clever compliment and gained him their good-will. His proposition was announced in these terms: ^'This unknown God de- clare I unto you," He then proceeded to show how God, so far from being really un- known, had unveiled himself in many ways : first, in creation; he ^^made the world and all things therein": second, in providence; ^^In him we live and move and have our be- ing": and third, in grace; "^j that Man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men in that he raised him from the dead." At this point the speaker was interrupted and the assem- bly was broken up.
67
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS OBSERVE THE RESULT
There were some who mocked ; others who said, ^*We will hear thee again" (but they probably never did) , and a few who believed. Among these were Dionysius, a member of the Court of Areopagus, and a woman named Damaris, of whom we hear no more.
But Paul's sermon on Mars Hill was not in vain; for thus saith the Lord, ^^As the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.''
58
XIII AT CORINTH
Acts 18 : 1-22
All that now remains of Corinth is a con- fused mass of ruins. At the time of Paul's visit it vied with Athens in renown : but they were very different cities. Athens was learned and aristocratic; Corinth was com- mercial and democratic. Its two ports, Cen- chreae on the east and Lechaeum on the west, invited the commerce of the world. Its magnificent places of amusement made it the most popular of summer resorts. Its Tem- ple of Venus (where no less than a thousand so-called ^^priestesses" were consecrated to open sensuality) with innumerable shrines of other gods, threw over its nameless vices the glamour of religion. To speak of a woman as ^^a Corinthian" was equivalent to calling her a courtesan. To say that a young man was ^ living in Corinth" was to affirm that he was recklessly sowing his wild oats.
59
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
It was a busy, wealthy, populous, pleasure- loving, splendid, wicked city.
Paul was alone when he came to Corinth, having left his three companions — Luke, Silas and Timothy — to look after the con- verts in Philippi, Thessalonica and Beroea. He began his work, as usual, by preaching in the synagogue, ^^and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks." When Silas and Timothy joined him he had added impetus; he was ^^ pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ." As usual the Jews refused to hear him. He then ' ' turned to the Gentiles": and continued his labors among them a year and a half, organizing the converts into one of the strongest and most faithful of the early churches.
Among the first of these converts were Aquila and Priscilla, a man and his wife who, having been driven out of Rome by the decree of Claudius against the Jews, had come to Corinth and set up a tent- maker's shop. Paul found employment here and, while engaged at his trade, converted his em- ployers to Christ. In after years they were among his most devoted friends.
60
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
Another of the early converts of this cam- paign was Crispus, the ruler of the syna- gogue, who of course lost his position when he accepted Christ. He and his family were among the few whom Paul himself baptized ; this sacrament being usually committed to other hands, perhaps because of his physi- cal infirmities. (See 1 Cor. 1: 14-17.)
Another of the Corinthian converts was Gains, probably a man of considerable wealth and distinction; whom Paul calls ^^my host," from which we may infer that the apostle made his home with him. (Ro- mans 16: 23.)
Another was a certain Justus, ^^ whose house joined hard to the synagogue. " When the synagogue was closed to the preaching of the gospel, the home of Justus was thrown open to the followers of Christ; and the Corinthian church, which was destined to play so important a part in history, was organized there.
Another of Paul's personal friends was Sosthenes, who had succeeded Crispus when the latter was deposed as ruler of the syna- gogue. Paul speaks of him affectionately
61
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
as '^oiir brother. " (1 Cor. 1:1.) It would appear that he subsequently served as the apostle's scribe or amanuensis, a helper greatly needed by Paul on account of his weak eyes.
There were many other Corinthian stars in Paul's crown of rejoicing, some of whom are mentioned, all of whom are recorded in the heavenly Book of Remembrance. In one of his darkest hours of spiritual depres- sion— for Paul was a man of like passions with other men and there were many dis- couragements in his lonely work — he had a vision in which the Lord comforted him by saying, ^^Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace ; for I am with thee, . . . for I have much people in this city. ' ' By which he was given to understand that his work was not to be measured by its visible fruits. ^^The Lord knoweth them that are his." Who can count the '^hidden ones'"?
An attempt was made by the Jews to break up Paul's work, by bringing against him the charge, ^^This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law," i.e., con-
62
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
trary to the Jewish law. Fortunately the case came before a brother of Seneca, known as ''the amiable Gallio," who at this time was Proconsul of Achaia. As a Roman magistrate he very properly declined to pass upon a purely religious question and threw the matter out of court.
The church at Corinth being organized and well under way, Paul ''took leave of the brethren" and set sail for home. By the way he tarried at Ephesus and at Jerusalem — where he had a vow to fulfill — and at Csesarea ; and then on to Antioch, the center of operations, to report the blessed results of his Second Missionary Journey. It was, doubtless, a happy "hame-bringing," accom- panied with much thanksgiving for the good- ness of God.
How little did the wealthy, worldly, pleas- ure-loving, idol-worshiping people of Cor- inth suspect that their city would find its most enduring fame through the patient, difficult, inconspicuous work of Paul ! Who would have imagined that its most distin- guished citizen, the Proconsul Gallio, would
63
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
best be remembered by Ms association with ^^the ugly little Jew'M^ Here is comfort for all humble workmen.
''Toil on; in hope o'ercome
The steeps God set for thee ; For past the Alpine summits of great toil Lieth thine Italy!"
1 So Renan calls Paul.
64
XIV
THE THIRD JOURNEY
ACTS 18:23-28; 19:1-41; 20:1
On reaching Antioch in Syria, at the close of his second journey, Paul settled down for ^^some time," probably the greater part of a year. Then the wanderlust of missions again took possession of him ; and he set out to revisit and ^^ strengthen" the churches.
*^ All the country of Galatia and Phrygia," being familiar ground, was passed over as rapidly as possible and without note. The great city of Ephesus was the first objective point ; after which Paul proposed to push on to Corinth, thence to Jerusalem, and after that to Rome. Always to Rome !
AT EPHESUS
But events so shaped themselves, and so great were the demands of the people of Ephesus, that on reaching that city he was
65
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
constrained to remain there three whole years.
I. It will be remembered that on the re- turn from his second missionary journey he had brought with him the tent-makers Aquila and Priscilla, whom he left at Ephe- sus. (Acts 18:19.) These faithful work- ers had not been idle there ; but by a quiet ministry had been arranging a full ^^prepar- edness" for Paul's arrival.
II. The presence of ApoUos in Ephesus had contributed to the same end. He is spoken of as '^a Jew of Alexandria, an elo- quent man and mighty in the Scriptures." The fact that he came from Alexandria, the city of the great library and of the Septua- gint, is an intimation that he was a learned man. His familiarity with the Scriptures shows that he was a loyal Jew. The further statement that he '^taught diligently the things of the Lord" makes it clear that he had at least accepted the Messiahship of Jesus; and, being '^fervent in spirit," he was doing his utmost to persuade others to believe in it.
But as yet he was inadequately equipped
66
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
for Ms work, ^^ knowing only the baptism of John." He had learned much of Jesus at second hand ; but of his real teaching, of the true significance of the Cross, and particu- larly as to the reality and personality of the Holy Spirit, he had little or no information.
At this juncture Aquila and Priscilla came to the rescue. *^They expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly." A curious conjunction, this ; the learned Apollos sitting at the feet of two tent-makers ! Was there ever a stranger theological seminary than this in the house of Aquila and Priscilla? But even they could not fully instruct him in the way. They could help him to move on from the baptism of John the Baptist, which was only unto repentance, into the baptism of Jesus, which was unto the fulness of life ; but they were incompetent to advise him as to the miracle of Pentecost and its wonderful significance. Poor Apollos! It is a hard business for one who has not made the acquaintance of the Holy Spirit to ^^run up the heavenly way."
III. This, then, was the state of affairs when Paul arrived in Ephesus. Apollos
67
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
was not there to greet him, having gone on to Corinth with credentials from his Ephe- sian friends; and he was now engaged in '^helping believers and convincing the Jews" of that city: but he had left behind him in Ephesus a little group of earnest seekers after truth.
Paul at once entered the synagogue after his usual custom, and for three months con- tinued to ^^ speak boldly,'' ^^ disputing and persuading the things concerning the king- dom of God": and of course with the usual result.
On being expelled from the synagogue he entered the School of Tyrannus — possibly a philosopher who had lost his following — where he made his headquarters for two years or more. During this time three inci- dents of special note occurred.
First, Paul met the followers of Apollos, twelve men in particular, of whom he asked, ^^Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed ^ ' ' They answered (not, ' ' We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost," but), ''Nay, we did not so much as hear whether the Holy Spirit was
68
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
given." Whereupon Paul told them how Christ's promise had been fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost. And when they con- fessed that they had only received John's baptism unto repentance, he baptized them '4n the name of the Lord Jesus," with the baptism of fire and power.
Second, the great bonfire. The supersti- tious use of the name of Jesus by the seven Sons of Sceva, for the healing of demoni- acal possession, led to a general revolt among the Christians against all sorts of f etichism ; so that charms and cabalistic letters of everv sort were brought together and burned up. If all our fetiches were thus disposed of — such as rosaries and crooked sixpences and broad phylacteries and foolish dreads of thirteen and Friday and the like — what a bonfire there would be !
Third, the riot, led by Demetrius the sil- versmith. Paul's preaching against the worship of idols had so reduced the sale of shrines and images that great Diana, the tutelary goddess of Ephesus, was being set at naught. The craftsmen, whose business was seriously affected, stirred up the popu-
69
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
lace; and Paul and Ms companions might have fared badly indeed but for the tactful management of the town-clerk in dispersing the mob.
It was at length apparent to Paul that the time had arrived to move on: so ^^he called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed." He had already dispatched Timothy and Erastus to Corinth to prepare the way before him. On to Thessalonica, to Beroea, to Athens, to Eome. Always to Rome, the center of the world! He must preach the gospel at Eome !
70
XV
A BUSY YEAR— A. D. 57
Acts 20:1-12
At the close of Paul's three eventful years in Ephesus, ^Hhe uproar having ceased,'' he resumed his journey: leaving Timothy be- hind him to look after the welfare of the Christians in that city. (1 Tim. 1 : 3.)
He went afoot to Troas, probably canvass- ing en route the Seven Churches of Asia. He had been hoping that Titus would join him at Troas ; but being disappointed in this, he pressed on alone, ^^ exhorting" by the way. (2Cor. 2:12, 13.)
On reaching Macedonia he revisited the churches of Philippi, Thessalonica and Be- roea, meanwhile reaching out into other un- evangelized towns and villages. Not satis- fied with this he pushed on into the regions beyond, going ^^ round about unto lUyri-
71
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
cum,"^ the mountainous country on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea.
It is characteristic of Paul that he should have passed over this important and danger- ous itinerary with so slight mention. Who knows what wonders were wrought, what seed-sowing for future harvest, by this *^ roundabout" tour? *^The day shall de- clare it." (Romans 15: 19; 1 Cor. 3: 13.)
He then turned southward into Greece, and on reaching Corinth was comforted by the arrival of his beloved Titus. (2 Cor. 7 : 6, 7.) While there, for a period of three months, he not only preached and ministered to the disciples but found time to write the Epistle to the Romans, which was sent by the hand of the deaconess Phoebe, as a cir- cular letter to the Gentile churches.
It was now his purpose to sail for Syria, accompanied by seven chosen helpers; namely, Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gains, Timothy, Tychicus and Trophimus; a noble band. But ^^man proposes, God dis- poses." A plot was discovered against the
1 Illyricum embraced the modern countries of Bosnia, Croatia and Dalmatia.
72
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
life of Paul which made it necessary for the seven to sail without him, the understanding being that he would rejoin them at Troas.
So Paul, alone and afoot, turned his face toward the north and came roundabout to Philippi, where he was in time to join his friends in the keeping of the Passover; a feast which had a peculiar significance for the early Christians by reason of its close association with the Lord's Supper. (1 Cor. 5: 7, 8.) At this point Paul's comfort and happiness were greatly enhanced by meet- ing Luke, his physician and devoted friend, who had been left in charge of the Philippian church and whose connection with the nar- rative is still indicated by the occurrence of the familiar ^^we."
After the celebration of the feast, Luke says, ^^we sailed away from Philippi," and came ^^to Troas." The voyage took five days, twice the usual time, by reason of the equinoctial winds. On their arrival they met the seven missionaries with many others and remained seven days. On the evening of the first day of the week (note the observ- ance of the First Day as the Christian Sab-
73
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
bath), when the church was assembled for worship, Paul preached until midnight. The room was crowded, the air was bad (ow- ing to ^^many lights' 0? ^^^ the sermon was long: wherefore it is not surprising that a youth named Eutychus should have gone to the window ledge for a breath of fresh air. Overcome by faintness and drowsiness, he fell into the street and was taken up dead ; whereupon Paul restored him to life. The meeting then continued until the breaK of day.
The band of missionaries tooK ship the next morning; but again they left Paul be- hind them. For some reason he preferred to go afoot and by himself, agreeing to rejoin his companions at Assos, a port of entrj twenty miles south. Here with his staff in hand on the lonely road we leave him.
A busy year, indeed. Paul was a born itinerant : and how wonderfully he made his itineraries tell for the glory of God! He was engaged all this year in doing three things :
First, ^^ Exhorting." The Greek here means ^^ calling near with much discourse."
74
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
Paul was always persuading the unconverted to come to Christ and Christians to come nearer. This was his conception of preach- ing. There are many unsuccessful preach- ers who would do well to adopt it.
Second, writing to the churches. Two certainly and probably more of his epistles were composed during this year. How did he find time for this ? Where was his leisure for study? The answer is that time and leisure are always given in sufficiency to those who plan great things for God.
Third, ^^ Collecting for the saints." It was in Paul's mind, when projecting this journey, to canvass the Gentile churches for another offering in behalf of the famine- stricken Christians at Jerusalem. This help was in due time received by the mother church with many thanks ; and it served as an effective bond of union between the Jew- ish and Gentile followers of Christ.
So did the great Missionary employ his time and energy for Christ. In that very year the Eoman general Suetonius was push- ing his conquests in Britain. Who would have predicted that Paul would survive Sue-
75
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
tonius even in the world's esteem^ Yet so it is. The reason ? Paul had set his heart upon the noblest and best, saying, ^'The love of Christ constraineth me."
Paul, like Suetonius, was dreaming of con- quest, but of another sort. In his Epistle to the Romans (15: 20-33) he says, ^^Whenso- ever I take my journey into Spain I will come to you." He meant to reach Spain — the end of the world by ^'the Pillars of Hercules" — pausing at Rome on the way! What if he did fail of that far-distant goal ? It is the dreamers of dreams and the seers of visions who ever accomplish great things for God.
76
XVI
AT MILETUS
ACTS 20: 13-38 FAREWELL TO OLD FRIENDS
The group of missionaries, as we have seen, sailed from Troas without Paul; the understanding being that he would rejoin them at Assos. He set out, accordingly, alone and afoot — perhaps because he longed to be by himself for prayer and meditation — and after a journey of twenty miles reached Assos, where the ship with his friends was awaiting him. The voyage was close in- shore and cautiously slow on account of the equinoctial winds.
No stop was made at Ephesus, because Paul wished to be at Jerusalem in time for the Feast of Pentecost. The ship touched, however, at Miletus ; which was near enough for the elders of the Ephesian church to come, at the summons of the great apostle, to hold a farewell interview with him.
77
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
The most notable of the ruins of this an- cient city of Miletus are the standing col- umns of a pagan temple and the well-pre- served circle of an amphitheater once thronged by the pleasure-seekers of Ephesus. But never did that imposing place witness so memorable an assembly as now knelt upon the shore under the open sky.
The address of Paul began with a touching review of his faithful ministry among them : *^ Ye know how I was with you, in all humil- ity and with many tears ; how I taught you publicly and from house to house; how I kept nothing back, but declared unto you the whole counsel of God." Then a brief refer- ence to the future: *'I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there, save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, say- ing that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."
Five years later we shall see him still
78
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
confronting the future with unfaltering faith and courage, saying, ^^ Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended : but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Ten years later still we shall find him in the Mammertine jail, listening for the foot- fall of his executioner and saying, ^^I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my de- parture is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith : henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
Wonderful faith! Splendid courage! Noble ambition; to ^^ finish his course with
joy"!
He then, in his address, turned from him- self to the needs of his Christian friends. Hear his ominous words: ^^I know this, that after my departing shall grievous
7§
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." Wolves! Wolves ! He was not thinking of persecu- tion. He assumed that as a matter of course; and took it for granted that the elders of Ephesus would be prepared to meet it. But wolves in sheep's clothing! Some '^of your own selves"! Men in canonicals and bound by ordination vows !
Then followed a two-fold warning.
First, ^^take heed to yourselves!" For doubtless they were inwardly asking, like the disciples in the upper room, ^^Is it I?" Paul himself was not overconfident of his own strength, else why should he say, '^Lest when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" ? (1 Cor. 9 : 26,*^ 27.) Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Second, ^'Take heed to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood."
80
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
Observe, he does not say, ^^Make food for the flock, ^' as some of us ministers would seem to interpret it. The food is adequately provided in the Word of God ; our business is simply to administer it. Wherefore all true sermons are expository. The mere opinion of a surpliced clergyman is of no more value than the ipse dixit of other men. People come to church not to hear what the preacher has to say about the great prob- lems of life and immortality, but to hear what God has to say through him. Our function, accordingly, is not to manufacture truth and ethics, but to feed the flock with what has been divinely provided, and to ^^keep nothing back," but '* declare the whole counsel of God."
This two-fold admonition is followed by a recital of certain words of Christ which are recorded nowhere else in Scripture: ^^ Re- member the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. ' ' Thanks to Paul for this authentic quotation. It stands as a monograph of the wonderful life of Him who came not to be
81
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
ministered unto but to minister, and marks out the path of usefulness for all who follow Him.
The meeting closed with prayer. ^^He kneeled down and prayed with them all." Would that the words of that prayer had been left us. Of this, however, we may be sure; it is preserved in those ^^ golden vials of odors" with which the four-and-twenty elders minister in the services of the Heav- enly City. (Rev. 5:8.)
The elders have now gathered about Paul to say farewell. They are weeping, ^^most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more." Fare- well!
The moorings are loosed ; the ship is under way. ^^The best of friends must part"? Nay, Paul and the elders must indeed part, but not Christ and his true friends. For has he not said, ^'I will not leave you; lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end"?
' ' I could not live apart from Him ; I love to feel Him nigh ; And so we dwell together, My Lord and I."
82
XVII BOUND FOR JERUSALEM
ACTS 21, 22, 23: 1-22
The ship on which the missionary band left Miletus made '^sl straight course" to the southeast, touching only for necessary sup- plies and for unlading at ports along the way.
AT TYRE
The first stop of any importance was at Tyre, which would probably be reached on the sixth day. Here there was a delay of a whole week, which Paul and his companions put to profitable use. The Christians there — some of them possibly dating their con- version from the time when Jesus made his foreign missionary tour in that region (Matt. 15:21) — were at once assembled to hear what their distinguished visitors had to say.
It was a blessed week of fellowship, but
83
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
most trying to Paul, who was earnestly en- treated not to persist in going to Jerusalem. Tears and entreaties, however, were of no avail. Finding him immovable in his pur- pose, Luke says, ^^They all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city." Then, as at Miletus, *^we kneeled down on the shore and prayed." Again, farewell !
AT PTOLEMAIS
The ship touched at Ptolemais (familiarly known to students of the Crusades as Acre) for a single day: just long enough to '^salute the brethren" and say good-by. The rest of the journey to Csesarea was overland, about forty miles.
AT C^SAREA
Paul and his companions on their arrival here were met by the brethren, among whom was Philip the Evangelist, one of the orig- inal seven deacons, who had been driven out of Jerusalem thirty years before by the per- secuting Jews. In his hospitable home Paul was entertained ^'many days." There were
84
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
four unmarried daughters in the family, who had devoted their lives to ^^prophesy- ing,'' the word being used broadly to signify the teaching of religious truth. What an oasis in the itinerant life of the busy apostle these '^many days" in a happy home must have been !
While he was there a divinely called and equipped teacher named Agabus came down from Jerusalem to warn him against his pro- jected visit to that city. He dramatically took off Paul's girdle and bound it about his own hands and feet, saying, ^^So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that own- eth this girdle!" Whereupon, says Luke, ^^He and they of that place besought him not to go." But their entreaties were of no avail. Paul answered, ^^What mean ye to weep and to break my heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." And when he would not be per- suaded, they ceased, saying, '^The will of the Lord be done."
So the devoted band took up their luggage and went on, like Christ himself on his last
85
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
fateful journey to Jerusalem, their faces ^^set steadfastly to go." They were accom- panied out of Cassarea by a bodyguard of Christians, among them an old disciple named Mnason, of whom we shall presently hear more. Little did Paul dream what a different escort he would have when he should next return to this fateful city !
AT JERUSALEM
On reaching Jerusalem the missionaries were ^^ gladly received" by the brethren of the mother church. Paul was happily en- tertained in the home of the aged Mnason. He was now among the familiar scenes of his boyhood. No doubt he met many of his for- mer Jewish friends, some of whom would recall their association with him at Gama- liel's school; others who had known him of- ficially in the Sanhedrin in what they would have called his palmier days.
On the morrow after his arrival a meet- ing of the ^'official board" of the church was called, at which James the pastor and his elders were ''all present." Paul told them the story of his missionary journeys thus
86
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
far and of their rich ingathering of souls. But these Jewish Christians were in no mood to rejoice with him. There was trouble in the air.
^^Thou seest, brother," said James, ^^how many among us are zealous for the Jewish law. It is rumored that thou hast been teaching the Gentile converts that it is not necessary for them to observe that law. When thy presence in the city is spread abroad, take heed! We have this to sug- gest : here are four men who are discharging a vow; go up to the Temple, remain with these votaries during the ceremonial rites and pay their charges. This will disarm criticism and our people will have naught against thee.''
Inasmuch as no sacrifice of principle was involved in the proposed concession, Paul agreed to it. This was in pursuance of his policy of ^^ being all things to all men, that he might by all means save some." (1 Cor. 9:22.) The line, however, was always drawn at the boundaries of right and wrong.
But in this case his seemingly harmless compromise did not accomplish the desired
87
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
end. It chanced that certain Jews of Ephe- sus, who had come up to Pentecost, saw Paul in the Temple and immediately raised the cry, ^^Men of Israel, help ! Here is that apostate who has been preaching against us ! " Presently the whole city was in an up- roar and Paul was faring ill at the hands of a bloodthirsty mob.
The captain of the Roman garrison which was stationed at the Castle of Antonia near by, hearing the tumult, came at double-quick with a troop of six hundred men. Paul was rescued, bound with chains to a soldier on either hand, and carried away to the castle. As he was being taken up the outer stair- way he explained to Captain Lysias who he was and desired permission to address the mob. This was granted; and he proceeded to tell the oft-repeated story of his conver- sion. All went well until he referred to his commission, ^^I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles." That was like a spark to tinder. ' ' Away with him ! Away with such a fellow from the earth ! It is not fit that he should live!"
He was hurried into the castle, and a com-
88
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
mand was given that he should be examined by scourging. But when Paul remarked that he was a Roman citizen, the captain not only desisted from the proposed scourging but gave orders that his prisoner should be loosed from his bonds. Thus it appears that Paul, who was always ready to turn the other cheek when anything was to be gained by doing so, was ready also on occasion to stand upon his rights.
The next morning, on being haled to trial before the Sanhedrin, he began his defence by saying, *^Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." That was as far as he was permitted to go. The high priest, who was none other than the sensual and corrupt Ananias, com- manded him to be smitten on the mouth. Paul, not knowing in the confusion who had given this command, retorted, ^^God shall smite thee, thou whited wall!" On being reproved for thus speaking of God's anointed, he made a suitable explanation and apology.
As Paul was then proceeding with his de- fence he perceived that certain of the Jews
89
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
who were present sympattdzed with him in his affirmation of the resurrection of the dead : and, knowing that this was a bone of contention between the Sadducees and Phar- isees, he executed a flank movement, so to speak, and divided his foes. Thereupon a great tumult arose. The Sadducees cried out against Paul; but the Pharisees said, *^We find no evil in him. Let us take heed lest we be found fighting against God ! " So back to the castle went the prisoner at the bar.
The next day a conspiracy was framed up against Paul. There were forty Jews — as zealously bent on evil as were Ali Baba and his forty thieves — who bound themselves by a solemn vow to kill him. It chanced, how- ever, that Paul's nephew got wind of the matter and informed Lysias of it. The cap- tain, fortunately, was not a man to counte- nance this sort of thing. At nine o'clock that night the sound of horses' hoofs was heard in the open court of the castle. The prisoner was brought out and placed in the charge of a military escort of five hundred men, who were charged to take him to Caesa-
90
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
rea and deliver him safely to the Eoman Governor in that city.
So ended Paul's visit to Jerusalem. Was it a failure *? No man fails who follows the pillar of cloud. Our success is never to be measured by visible results, but by faithful- ness in the discharge of whatever duty may be assigned to us. What said Luther when warned not to attend the Diet of Worms? ^^I would go, at my Lord's command, though the road to Worms were lined with devils as thick as the tiles on the housetops along the way."
This is to quit one's self like a man!
91
XVIII AT C^SAREA
ACTS 23 : 23-35 ; 24 ; 25 ; 26
On reaching Csesarea the Eoman troop that had been charged with the safe conduct of Paul delivered him over to Felix the Gov- ernor, with the letter of Captain Lysias, as follows :
^^ Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent Governor Felix sendeth greeting. This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army and rescued him^ having understood that he was a Roman. And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their Council. There I perceived him to be accused of ques- tions of their Law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. And when it was told me how that the Jews
92
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell/^
It was only twelve days since Paul had left Caesarea, despite all forebodings and warnings ; and what a tragic return was this ! He was then an honored guest of the breth- ren ; now he is bound with chains and held as a prisoner in the Judgment Hall.
The religious leaders at Jerusalem, gnash- ing their teeth at his escape, made haste to follow him. It was a journey of seventy miles; but none too far for Ananias the priest, whose ears were still tingling with Paul's ^Hhou whited wall"; nor for others of the Jews whose hearts were full of bitter- ness against him. They brought with them a Roman barrister, named TertuUus, that the case might be suitably conducted at a Roman Court.
THE TRIAL BEFORE FELIX
The counsel for the prosecution began with the usual flattery of the court, and then
93
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
presented the indictment, which was in three counts : First, the prisoner was a disturber of the peace ; second, he was a ringleader of the Nazarene sect; thirds he was guilty of sacrilege in profaning the Temple of the Jews.
Paul entered a plea of not guilty under all but the second of these charges, affirming that there was no proof to sustain them.
An acquittal was in order, for lack of evi- dence against the prisoner ; but Felix was not the sort of magistrate to decide a case upon its merits. A slave by birth, a f reedman by happy circumstances, an office-holder by im- perial favor, a past-master in all notorious vices, he postponed his decision ostensibly until Captain Lysias should arrive with the necessary proofs, but really in the hope that Paul's friends would buy him off.
THE PRISONER ON EXHIBITION
Now it chanced that Felix had a most beautiful and graceless paramour, named Drusilla, whose curiosity was aroused by what she had learned of the eloquent Jew; so that she must needs hear him. He was
94
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
summoned, accordingly, and invited to speak. A stranger audience had never as- sembled there; the Governor, his charming drab and the court favorites in rich apparel. No buttered words of compliment fell from the preacher 's lips that day. This man with a chain on either wrist spoke straight as a bolt of hghtning to the sinful hearts of his hearers. ' ' Righteousness, temperance, judg- ment to come"! Well might Paul tremble for his temerity ! It is not Paul, however, but Felix who trembles! He and the little Jew have changed places. The Governor stands a shaking prisoner at the Judgment Bar of God! But his fear is only momen- tary; a glance at Drusilla the enchantress dispels it. Farewell, opportunity! ^^Go thy way for this time ; when I have a con- venient season I will call for thee."
The ^^ convenient season" never came.
It is a true saying, '^Time and tide wait for no man. ' ' Paul languished two years in the guard-house, while Felix continued to take his pleasure at the pace that kills. Then, being removed from office, he left his prisoner bound ^^to please the Jews."
95
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS THE TRIAL BEFORE FESTUS
The next Governor was a different sort of man. In Josephus' life of him he speaks of Festus as ^'a just and efficient ruler." He had scarcely entered on his office before there came a request that Paul might be sent back to Jerusalem for trial before the Sanhedrin. A fine proceeding that would have been! Of course Festus refused; but he invited the rabbis to come down to Csesa- rea and conclude the case.
A few days later they were on hand; and court was opened with Festus on the bench. The charge was presented with '^many and grievous complaints"; to all of which the prisoner entered his former plea of not guilty. And unfortunately for his accusers they had still no evidence against him. The Governor was disposed to favor the Jews if it could be done without violating the law; wherefore he asked Paul if he had any objec- tion to the transfer of his case to Jerusalem that he might "there be judged of these things."
Paul's forbearance had now reached its
96
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
limit. He was weary of being beaten to and fro by petty magistrates in provincial courts. Thus far be bad submitted without a mur- mur; but the time had come to stand upon his personal rights. If anybody has esti- mated the stature of this man at five feet two, let him measure him now! '^I have done no wrong; I have spent a weary term in your guard-house : I have suffered no end of indignities at your hands. I will not go up to Jerusalem! I am a Eoman citizen! I appeal to Caesar!"
After a brief conference with his coun- sellors as to the prisoner's right of appeal, there being no alternative the decision was given in legal form: ^'To Caesar thou hast appealed; to Caesar shalt thou go."
The court adjourned, and Paul went back to prison to await the sailing of a govern- ment ship which was to convey other prison- ers also to the imperial city. But his heart was singing; he was going to Rome! Not indeed as he had hoped, free to declare the unsearchable riches of Christ; but he was going to Rome ; and he was going in the way divinely marked out for him.
97
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS THE PKISONER AGAIN ON EXHIBITION
It happened that, while Paul was awaiting his transfer, Agrippa, the King of Trachoni- tis, came down to Csesarea to felicitate Festus on his accession to office; and his sister Bernice, a famous and malodorous beauty, came with him. They had heard much of the eloquent Jew and expressed a desire to hear him.
A brilliant company was assembled in the Pretorian Hall when the prisoner was brought in. Being '^ permitted to speak for himself," he began with the story of his early life, leading up rapidly to his singular conversion on the Damascus highway and to his unwavering conviction that the crucified Jesus was the long-looked-for Messiah of the Jews. At this point Festus, unable to restrain his indignation, cried: ^^Paul, thou art beside thyself ; much learning doth make thee mad!" ^'I am not mad, most noble Festus," was the prisoner's calm re- joinder, ^^but speak forth the words of truth and soberness." Then turning to the royal guest, himself a Jew, he appealed to his an-
98
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
cestral faith: ^^King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets'? I know that thou be- lievest ! ' ^ Paul wa s now on f amili ar groun d. He was acquainted with the prophets from Moses to Malachi; and knew how they all pointed to Jesus as the Christ. But Agrippa was in no mood to be thus cornered and convinced against his will. His answer was a scornful jest, ^^ Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian!" Whereupon Paul, with the pathos of an infinite longing in his voice, emphasized by the clanking of the chains upon his wrists, made courteous re- ply, ^^I would to God that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both ^almost' and altogether such as I am — except these bonds."
The hearing is over. The prisoner is re- turned to the guard-house. In a corner of the Pretorian Hall a group of his auditors are saying, ^^This man hath done nothing worthy of death or even of bonds." Agrippa, whose sense of justice will not down, observes to Festus, ^^This man might have been set at liberty if he had not ap- pealed unto Caesar." But the decree of the
99
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
court is irrevocable. To Caesar he must go. In his lonely cell the prisoner awaits the course of events. He is troubled by no mis- givings. God leads the way and his face is set steadfastly to go. His only ambition is to finish his course with joy.
100
XIX
PAUL'S LAST VOYAGE
Acts 27 ; 28 : 1-14
The ship was swinging at anchor in the harbor of Cassarea, when a favorable wind sprang up. Paul with the other prisoners was at once taken aboard in the custody of a centurion named Julius, a man of marked courtesy, who was charged with their safe conduct to Eome.
THE LOG OF THE VOYAGE {Kept hy Luke the Physician, a Companion of Paul.)
Aug, 21, A. D. 60, Set sail due north in a favorable breeze with two hundred and sev- enty-six souls aboard.
Aug, 22, Touched at Sidon. Paul per- mitted to go ashore and interview his friends. Thence in a northwesterly course for a time, after which due west. Delayed by contrary winds.
101
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
■Aug. 29, Eeached Myra, where we were transferred to an Alexandrian corn-ship making for Eome. Our quarters in the hold uncomfortable; but the Lord was with us. Winds rising ; progress slow.
Sept, 11, Touched at Cnidus, our last Asiatic port. Desired to sail due west, but forced southward by rising adverse winds.
Sept, 26, Took refuge in Fair Havens in the island of Crete, an ill-sheltered port. Lay here many days, waiting for favorable weather. All hope of reaching Eome be- fore winter now given up. The storm abat- ing for a while, the captain was disposed to make for Phenice, a safe and commodious harbor a few miles further on. Paul warned him vainly against doing so. What could a landsman like him know about navi- gation or weather signs ?
Oct, 18, Set sail from Fair Havens in a treacherous south wind. Had scarcely rounded the cape before there were ominous signs of a storm. Euroclydon, the sailor's terror, was sweeping down from the hills! There was scarcely time to take in sail be- fore it overtook us. The second day out the
102
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
vessel struck a leak and was undergirt witH cables. On the third day the cargo was thrown over: followed the next day by all dispensable furniture and other equipments. Darkness for many days ; lost our bearings. Hope abandoned. Then Paul to the rescue ! He bade the sailors be of good cheer, because an angel of the Lord had appeared to him in a vision saying that he himself was to reach Rome safely and that there would be ^^no loss of life" among the ship's crew and passengers. Thereupon courage revived; but the typhoon swept on.
Nov, 1. Wrecked on the coast of Malta. We were wakened at midnight by the look- out calling ^^Land ahead!" Soundings were taken; twenty fathoms, then fifteen. Cast anchor and awaited the break of day. The crew intending to take possession of the boats, Paul interposed, warning the captain that unless they remained all would be lost. His advice was taken; the ropes were cut, setting the boats adrift. Paul, the lands- man, was now in practical command of the ship. After long fasting all partook of food. In the morning, finding ourselves at
103
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
the entrance of a bay, it was resolved to run in. The ship went aground and was at the mercy of the pounding breakers. The soldiers, being answerable with their lives for the prisoners, would have killed them to prevent their escape; but the centurion in charge forbade it. Each for himself, now! Many, leaping out, swam ashore. Others betook themselves to boards and broken pieces of the ship. So it came to pass that all escaped safe to land.
The island proved to be Malta. The bar- barous inhabitants received us kindly. A fire was kindled on the shore. Out of the fagots crept a viper which fastened on Paul's hand. The natives expected him to fall dead; but he shook it off and received no harm. Thereupon they whispered among themselves, ^^ He is a god!"
The fury of the simoon was now spent; but we remained three months in the island waiting for the Castor and Pollux^ a corn- ship which lay weather-bound in the harbor, to take us off.
Feb. 8, A. D. 61, Sailed on the Castor and Pollux,
104
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
Feb, 9, Touched at Syracuse: waited three days for a more favorable wind.
Feb, 13, Made eighty miles in a southerly breeze and touched at Rhegium. One day.
Feb, 14, Made Puteoli, the chief port of Italy, and disembarked. Met some of the brethren. Tarried seven days. Then on, afoot, toward Rome, a distance of a hundred and forty miles.
So runs the Log of this eventful voyage, consuming half a year. Its one outstanding lesson is the serene faith of Paul. While the storm was raging he slept soundly on three pillows ; namely, the wisdom and power and goodness of God.
Ridge of the mountain wave, lower thy crest ! iWail of Euroclydon, be thou at rest ! Sorrow can never be, darkness must fly, "When saith the Light of light, *' Peace, it is I !''
Observe, First, Paul ^* believed God." Having certain promises, he took them at their face value. Thus it is written, ^^He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
105
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
Second, he ^^ practised the divine pres- ence." On the darkest night of the simoon he had a most hopeful vision of which he says, ' ' The Lord stood by me. " It is always so with those who live on speaking terms with God.
Third, his faith was buttressed by com- mon sense. Notwithstanding his confidence that all aboard were to be saved, he assured the captain that if the crew was not pre- vented from seizing the boats all would be lost. The divine sovereignty does not inter- fere with the freedom of the human will.
Fourth, his assurance was coupled with praise. He ^^said grace" over the frugal meal on the tossing ship. During all those frightful ^^ fourteen days in Adria" he never lost confidence in the Lord's faithfulness. It is thus that God giveth his beloved songs in the night.
It is in this spirit that Paul writes to his PhiUppian friends: ^'Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say. Rejoice. ... Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
106
XX
AT ROME
Acts 28 : 15-31
It was early spring of the year 61 when the Castor and Pollux came sailing up through the beautiful Bay of Naples to Pu- teoli. The crew and passengers debarked; and presently Paul and his fellow-prisoners set out for their destination along Appia Via. At villages on the way Paul was met by many brethren; wherefore, he says, ^^we thanked God and took courage." So at length he reached Rome, a prisoner in bonds.
His life-long dream was realized at last: ' ' I must see Rome ! ' ' But why this consum- ing desire ?
Rome was well worth seeing, no doubt, with its palaces and temples, its Forum and Colosseum and triumphal arches. *^See Rome and die,'' was one of the familiar proverbs of those days. It was the metrop-
107
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
olis of the world ; all great enterprises cen- tered there. No tourist, even nowadays, is content until, with ^^ Baedeker" in hand, he visits Rome; though its ancient splendors are now reduced to a lamentable mass of ruins.
But PauPs desire reached further and went deeper than this. Though a great trav- eller, he had no thought of sight-seeing. As an ^^ ambassador of Christ" he longed to wit- ness far and wide for him. To stand in the Forum and preach the gospel there at the confluence of the nations would be to send his voice ringing to the uttermost parts of the earth. A lofty ambition, indeed ! This man was never content with mediocrity. He had ^^ hitched his wagon to a star."
It would appear that his intention of vis- iting Eome was conceived at the very begin- ning of his Christian life.
The dream of his boyhood had been to be- come a rabbi. With that in view he left his home in Tarsus and studied in the University of Jerusalem, at the feet of the learned Ga- maliel, who was known as **the Flower of the Law. ' ' Soon after his graduation with
108
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
high honors he was chosen a member of the Sanhedrin, which was the Supreme Court of the Jews. A splendid outlook was before him. Presently he was made Chief Inquis- itor of that distinguished body, and was placed under a special commission to root out ''the heresy of the Nazarenes." It was while thus engaged that he made his notable journey to Damascus ^^ breathing out slaugh- ter'^ against the followers of Christ.
Then came the revolutionary change. In the light that shone from heaven, '^ above the brightness of the sun," his plans and pur- poses were instantly turned upside down. He fell to the earth a rabbi; he rose up a Christian. Hearing a voice say, ^^I am Jesus," his immediate answer was, ^^What wilt thou have me to do'?" The reply was, **I will send thee far hence unto the Gen- tiles"; in other words, to all people. That meant sooner or later to Eome; for Rome was colluvies gentium, the center of the civ- ized world of those days.
From that time forward he was unreserv- edly committed to the service of Christ. Forsaken by former friends, with all ave-
109
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
Hues of preferment blocked up, he hewed to the line which had been divinely marked out for him. Listen to this: ^^I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; . . . that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his suffer- ings. ... I count not myself to have appre- hended; but this one thing 1 do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Did the Lord approve of his desire to see Eome? Paul affirms that his purpose was ^* according to the will of God." He says repeatedly that ^Hhe Lord stood by him." If ever there was a Christian who felt him- self a living part of the divine plan and de- sired, above all, to hold himself in line with the divine will, it was this man.
On the day when he first saw Jesus he put himself so wholly and implicitly under his control that looking back, years afterward, he could say, *^I have not been disobedient unto the heavenly vision. ' ' His Lord 's pur-
110
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
pose was his ultimate goal, and he followed it as a sailor heeds the polar star. Once when he essayed to go into Bithynia he de- sisted, as he says, because "the Spirit suf- fered him not." In writing to the Chris- tians at Kome he says, ^^ Oftentimes I pur- posed to come unto you, and was hindered." (Rom. 1 : 13.) Nevertheless he was not discouraged. He reckoned Rome as a necessary factor in the finishing of his course.
He never for a moment gave up his pur- pose and expectation. It was nineteen years after his conversion, at the conclusion of his evangelistic campaign in Ephesus when the converts made a great bonfire of their cabal- istic books, that he ^^ purposed in spirit" to extend his campaign through Macedonia and Achaia and thence to Jerusalem, saying, *^ After that, I must see Rome!"
Two years subsequently he wrote his Epis- tle to the Romans, reassuring them of his purpose to visit them. He begins by saying, *'God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without
ceasing I make mention of you always in my
111
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
prayers; making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gifts, to the end ye may be established; that is, that I may be com- forted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me." And in closing he pathetically urges them to unite their prayers with his to that end: ^^I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers, that I may be delivered from them that do not believe, that I may come to you with joy by the will of God."
But he was strangely hindered in the ac- complishment of his desire. To use his own words, ^^I oftentimes purposed, and was hin- dered hitherto." And again, ^^ Having a great desire these many years to come unto you."
In the year 47 he set out on a missionary journey with his face toward the west. He probably hoped then to reach the Imperial City; but, having preached in many places,
112
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS '
he came to Cilicia and was there constrained to turn back.
In the year 50 he set out again toward the west. On this occasion he crossed the Hellespont and canvassed many of the im- portant cities of Europe until he reached Corinth; and again he was obliged to turn back.
In the year 53 he started on his third mis- sionary journey in the direction of Rome. It was now sixteen years since his conver- sion, and he was apparently no nearer the fulfilment of his heart's desire. Again he reached Corinth ; but there were imperative reasons for his being at Jerusalem in time for the Feast of Pentecost ; wherefore once more he retraced his steps.
But ^^he that believeth shall not make haste." Paul's patience of hope was sure to be rewarded. He could afford to wait, because, as he says, he ^* believed God."
At length his desire was realized, but in a singular way. ^^Man proposes; God dis- poses." He reached Eome a prisoner in bonds. At once he was taken to the Pre- torian Camp ; where, though in close custody
113
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
for two years, he was permitted to see his friends. He conferred with the Jews by ap- pointment, seeking in vain to persuade them that ^Hhis Jesus is the Christ." He held frequent converse with the Christians of the Roman church, and received many visitors who desired to know about ^'The Way."
Time passed, and Paul was again cast into prison: this time in the Mammertine jail. But ^' stone walls do not a prison make nor iron bars a cage." He was not idle in that noisome place: and ''the word of God is not bound." Some of Paul's most important letters were written there. Old and feeble, he could not be put down. His irrepressi- ble zeal in the service of his Lord reminds us of what an old poet says :
^ ^ Tumble me down, and I will sit Exultant on my ruins yet!"
His keen soul caught the presentiment of the coming end, his ear the footfall of the executioner ringing down the corridor of the jail. But he was not terrified. ^'I am now ready to be offered and the time of my de- parture is at hand," he wrote to Timothy,
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
Ms spiritual son and successor in the pastor- ate of the Ephesian church. ' ' I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day. Grace be with you. Amen."
They led him to the headsman's block, outside the walls. A blow of the gleaming axe ; and the great apostle was at home with God.
What is the lesson ?
The splendor of a great ambition.
Paul was not content with anything less than the noblest and best. For one thing, he wanted to make the most of himself ; and Eome was needed for the rounding out of his life.
I like the prayer of the humble cobbler who used to ask every day, ^^Lord, give me a good opinion of myself"; but such a prayer is vain without something worth while be- hind it.
This is a responsibility which ought to rest upon the conscience of every one. The
116
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
world would be a different world but for its *^mute inglorious Miltons." The Church would long ago have conquered the world were it not that so many are satisfied with being minimum Christians, inactive and in- different, imbedded like flies in amber. Who shall number the potential Lincolns who, for lack of ambition, are rail-splitters all their lives? Wherefore, ^^stir up the gift that is in thee." There is fire enough in the embers of every Christian life if only it were fanned into a flame. No minister is at liberty to be satisfied with a small parish if his gifts and calling are adequate to the responsibilities of a larger one. Every man is under bonds to be somebody, not for the sake of getting into the limelight but in order that he may make his life tell. Our light was not kindled to be hid under a bushel, but to shine so that ^^all that are in the house" may take knowledge of it.
But Paul was thinking less of being some- body than of doing something for somebody. The chain on his right hand bound him to Christ. With what joyous pride he speaks of himself as ''the prisoner of Christ!"
116
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
There was no reserve in Ms consecration: ^ ' The love of Christ constraineth me ! " But his service to Christ was expressed in ministry to others; as Christ himself had said, ^'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto Me."
The same chain that bound Paul to his Lord bound him to one of the Eoman guards ; and he preached the Gospel to that man. Not a few of his spiritual children were thus begotten in his bonds. ^'They that are of Caesar 's household salute you. ' ' No pent-up TJtica confined his influence. The reason why he longed to visit Eome was because it was a coign of vantage from which to sound forth the riches of grace. There were two millions of people there, all immortal souls I From there he must send his message, ''This Jesus is the Christ," ringing through the world and down the ages. Nothing less would satisfy him. To reach Rome would thus be to finish his course with joy.
The world has been moving since Paul came sailing into Puteoli on the ^^ Castor and Pollux/^ Not long ago I followed in his
117
PAUL'S CAMPAIGNS
very footsteps along the Appian Way. The dusk was falling; the shadows of the Faler- nian Hills lay over the plain, and in the dis- tance the dome of St. Peter's was dimly out- lined against the sky. Nero no longer dwelt in his blood-stained quarters on the Pala- tine. In the cottages by the roadside were people sitting in vine-covered porches with none to molest or make them afraid. The Gospel has not been shining for naught these nineteen hundred years. And what- ever has been accomplished for the better- ment of the world has been through the in- strumentality of men who like Paul were constrained to service ^^by the will of God." Wherefore let us be our best and do our utmost for Him who has redeemed us by his precious blood. We are all too easily satisfied. The words with which William Carey closed his great sermon inaugurating the modern campaign of Missions strike an inspiring note for all earnest souls: ^^Let us undertake great things for God, and ex- pect great things from him/^
118
^l/ffiKllffia?!;^?' Semina
Libraries
I
^ 1012 01252 4759
|
Date Due |
|||
|
fl .i. |
|||
|
^ |
I i !
hili!
mm
M" m