Evangelist, he! The eunuch went on his way rejoicing. So the two men who had met under such strange circumstances separate, sharers of a common joy and in hope of a future meeting. QUESTIONS.-To what place was Philip now sent? What was its position and distance with regard to Samaria? Whom did Philip meet on his way? Where was Ethiopia? What passage in Isaiah was the eunuch reading? On what condition was the eunuch to be baptized? What happened after his baptism? In what cities do we next find Philip? MARCH 22.- -THE CONVERSION OF PAUL.-Acts ix. 1-18. INTRODUCTION.- Much time will be required for the consideration of every point in this important narrative. The teacher should consult the accounts given in Acts xxii., xxvi., and be able to weave the whole into one narrative. The point of connection with the previous history is in the adverb "yet." The death of Stephen aroused instead of satisfying the persecuting spirit of Saul: his rage (ch. viii. 3) grew by what it fed on; he is "yet" pursuing his fierce work. The Reflections are given in a form as brief as possible; there will not be time for more than one; let that be selected and worked with care. THE PERSECUTOR'S PLANS. — Yet breathing out,-like a volcano pouring out fire; or a wild beast panting for its prey. Unto the high-priest, who claimed jurisdiction over Jews in foreign countries. Letters to Damascus, -the chief city of Syria. From ch. xi. 19, it appears that the scattered Christians fled to Phenice; this was part of the Roman province of Syria, on its western side; it is probable, therefore, that others would betake themselves to the city of the East where, from time immemorial, great numbers of Jews had been settled. Saul's plan included all the important places which would be in his route. THE JOURNEY.-V. 3, first clause. His route would lie from Jerusalem to Sychar, across the Jordan to the south of the Sea of Gennesaret. After leaving the Jordan, the road lay amid "stony hills and thirsty plains, through which the withered stems of the scanty vegetation hardly penetrate." We do not know who were Paul's companions, or how he travelled; probably on horseback; if so, the whole journey of one hundred and thirty-six miles would be accomplished in about six days. Came near Damascus. -See Portfolio. THE ARREST.-V. 3, last part, 4, 7. The light. The time was noon; yet the light (bursting suddenly upon the group) eclipsed the splendours of the mid-day hour in the East, Acts xxii. 6; xxvi. 13; 1 Tim. vi. 14-16. Paul and some of his companions fell to the earth, (ch. xxvi. 14;) others stood speechless with amazement, ver. 7. THE VOICE. The others heard only a voice or sound, but no distinct articulation, Acts xxii. 9; but the Voice spake words clear and startling to the Apostle. The language was Hebrew or Aramaic; the same which our Lord used in the days of His flesh, Acts xxvi. 14. That amidst the splendour, Paul actually saw the person of our Lord, is evident from his own statements, 1 Cor. ix. 1; xv. 8. THE DIALOGUE.-V. 4, last part, 5, 6. Jesus, after His wont, speaks in a parable. Oxen, in plough, carriage, or cart, are driven by a goad, a short staff with a prong at the end. A restive animal does but increase its own torture by continued resistance to the will of its master. Paul had been ill at ease in heart during his persecuting career. Jesus had been probing his soul by Stephen's words and death; by the patience of per secuted believers; by an awakened conscience. Further resistance would only result in further unhappiness. The only wisdom was to yield. This Paul does at once: in what words? Brighter revelations are for the present withheld a simple direction to enter the city terminates this pregnant interview. : THE ENTRY.-V. 8, 9. His eyes were opened. The lifted eyelids let in no vision of the road, the gardens, or the white walls of the city. The glory had made him blind. The haughty persecutor passed under the city gateway like some poor beggar led out to solicit alms. Three days of such darkness! In it there would be much thought; passages of the Old Testament Scriptures would shine out in new light; the changed soul would AFTERNOON LESSONS. give a new key of interpretation; the immediate past would be surveyed by grief more pregnant because of the faith in Jesus so recently implanted. Two things we are told: Paul prayed, and towards the close of the struggle a vision was granted to him of the messenger whom Jesus would send. ANANIAS.-V. 10-18. Nothing is known of him except what is said in ch. xxii. 12. He was a private member of the Church, and a devout observer of the Jewish ceremonial law. He seems to have been a resident in Damascus, as he knows Saul only by name, and has heard rumours of his visit. He expresses a very natural surprise at the errand upon which Jesus was about to send him, but obeys. He does his work kindly, "Brother Saul;" faithfully: Jesus had sent him, and he says so; effectively: he had received Divine power to effect a cure, and does it, "and the same hour I looked up upon him," Acts xxii. 13. Marvellous change when Paul's yearning eyes looked upon a Christian's face in love, and met tenderness and love in return! REFLECTIONS. .-1. The "way" of suffering is often the right way.-Paul persecuted "this way," but he was wrong; it was the "narrow way," 35 (Matt. vii. 14,) the way of peace, salvation, truth, and holiness, (Luke i. 79; Acts xvi. 17; 2 Peter ii. 2; Isai. xxxv. 8;) the way to heaven, Jer. 1. 5. 2. How easily Jesus finds seekers and sinners! The road upon which the eunuch was travelling towards Gaza, was the same as that upon which Saul journeyed towards Damascus. At either end Christ saves a sinner. 3. Resistance of Christ is prolonged unhappiness.-Continuance in it provokes further chastisement. 4. There is hope for the greatest sinners. This is Paul's own inference, 1 Tim. i. 15, 16. 5. Mark the contrast between sin and salvation.-Prostration, darkness, hunger, wretchedness; light, satisfaction, joy. Prayer is the power which works the change. QUESTIONS. How is Paul's persecuting spirit described? What further scheme had he in his mind? How did he propose to carry it into execution? What would be the course of his journey? At what time of the day did they approach Damascus ? What threw the company into confusion? What did some of the company hear? What did Paul hear? What words were spoken? Whom did Paul see? What directions were given to him? What had been the physical effects of the vision? How long did the darkness continue? Who was chosen to effect Paul's cure? How was this brought about? MARCH 29. -PAUL'S FIRST VISIT TO JERUSALEM.-Acts ix. 19-31. For repetition, verses 20, 21. INTRODUCTION. An old commission has been unexpectedly relinquished by Paul, ver. 2. He has received a new commission, from a greater Master. Will he prove faithful? Yes, from the very first, In this Lesson we have to do with the first labours of him who was in "labours more abundant;" the first perils of him who was "in perils" oft. AT DAMASCUs.-V. 19-22. "I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision," (ch. xxvi. 19;) referring both to his own visions of Jesus in the way, and of the coming of Ananias, ver. 12; and the commands given to the latter in a vision, ver. 15, 16. He was prompt in his obedience, straightway. Three topics were prominent in his sermons: Christ, repentance, "works meet for repentance," ver. 20; ch. xxvi. 20. His testimony was given where it was most needed, and where it would be most startling, in the synagogues. The result was surprise, then fury. The Jews knew what he had been; why he had come; they saw what he was; heard what he said. There was no accounting for the change, except in Paul's own way. Paul wielded familiar weapons with overwhelming force; he proved from the Old Testament that Jesus was the very Christ, the true Messiah. IN ARABIA.-Gal. i. 17. "I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus."The term Arabia is of uncertain application; here probably it refers to the country which touched Palestine on the north and Egypt on the west, and of which Petra was the capital. The record says nothing of Paul's occupation there; we may conclude that, as in the case of Moses, Elijah, John the Baptist, and Christ, this seclusion was devoted to meditation, thought, and prayer. FROM DAMASCUS.-V. 23-25, with 2 Cor. xi. 32. Paul on his return to Damascus renewed his labours in the synagogues. The Jews, foiled in argument, resort to conspiracy. The city at the time was in the possession of Aretas, the king of Arabia, and was under the control of an Ethnarch or governor appointed by him. Political circumstances gave the Jews great influence, and they persuaded the governor to aid them in the arrest of Paul. He places sentinels round the walls, day and night, to cut off escape. But the style of Eastern architecture favoured escape. Houses, with overhanging windows, are built on and into the city walls. From such a window, in the night, Paul was let down in a basket, probably made of ropes, similar to a large net. UP TO JERUSALEM.-V. 26-28. A desire to see Peter was the motive of his return to a city full to him of sad memories, Gal. i. 18. Every stage of that return journey would start powerful emotion. With the inward as well as outward vision restored, he would pass the spot made holy by the appearance of his Lord. Recrossing the Jordan, sighting the Galilæan lake, how would his heart bound in love for the "Nazarene " Who made its waves for ever sacred! He would pass the very spot where Stephen fell, and feel himself to be the answer of the martyr's prayers. As to the future, his anticipations could not be uncertain. He could count upon the grief of Gamaliel, the hatred of the Pharisees, the fury of the Grecian synagogues. Yet he was not without hope that his ministry would be successful. Those who had known what he had been and saw what he was, would surely believe in his word and in his Saviour, Acts xxii. 17 -21. He attempted to obtain a place amongst the brethren. But suspicion met him; for which it is not difficult to account. Such deeds, such determination of cruelty as had marked his career, are not easily forgotten. Rumours of his vision and his conduct at Damascus had probably reached the Church at Jerusalem. But men were slow then as now to believe in the reality of a change so great. The believers could not believe that Paul was a true disciple. Who now be friended him? Probably Barnabas and Saul were previously acquainted; Cyprus and Tarsus were within a few hours' sail of each other; both spoke Greek, perhaps were fellow-students in the schools of Tarsus. It appears certain that Paul had made Barnabas his confidant, and the words of the "Son of Consolation" win for the Church the service of a noble life, ver. 27; ch. iv. 36, 37. Paul becomes the guest of Peter, and is received as a friend and brother by the Church, Gal. i. 18, 19. FROM JERUSALEM.-V. 29-31. The fifteen days' converse soon passed away. Paul, the young Apostle, must tread in the footmarks of Stephen. Stephen discussed in the synagogues of the Greek-speaking Jews: so does Paul, ch. vi. 9; ix. 29; the fury of that section of the Jews led to the martyrdom of Stephen, and now threatens the life of Paul. His brethren rescue him, conveying him safely to Cæsarea on the coast, and forwarding him thence by ship to Tarsus. Paul did not consent to this step till the anxiety of the brethren was sanctioned by a Divine intimation. Mistrusted, opposed, persecuted, he goes with a heavy heart to the temple to pray, and beholds there the vision referred to in ch. xxii. 17-21. REFLECTIONS.-1. Speak out boldly for Christ and godliness. 2. Danger strengthens courage.-God prepares the young to "endure hardas good soldiers of Jesus, by placing them in circumstances of difficulty. ness 3. Solitude confirms the will and re fines the conscience, and so conduces to constancy.-Paul to Arabia; the young Christian to his secret communings with God, Ps. xxvii. 14. 4. Surround yourselves with godly friends, by joining the Church. t 5. Work at once, and the work will enlarge.-Paul began at Damascus ; ere he died, he had preached the Gospel to those "at Rome also." QUESTIONS.-Where did Paul commence his work? What was the public opinion concerning his ministry? What led to his retirement to Arabia? What was the mode of his escape from the city? What led to it? How was he received in Jerusalem? why? Who befriended him there? What was his conduct there? What led to his second flight? How did Jesus give intimation of His will in the matter? J. ROCHE, PRINTER, 25, HOXTON-SQUARE, LONDON. EXERCISES ON SCRIPTURE LESSONS. MORNING LESSONS. APRIL 5. -SOLEMN PROTESTATION.-1 Samuel viii. 10-22. THE RIGHT OF A KING.-V. 10-18. Recall last Morning Lesson. Why had Samuel complained to God? How had God answered him? All the words of the Lord,-means that answer as well as the warning recorded here. It must not be supposed that the king would be justified in all the acts foretold; only such was the custom of Eastern kings, an example the Israelitish monarchs would be sure, sooner or later, to imitate. It would be necessary for him to keep up a certain state, to levy a certain tribute. But as Eastern sovereigns are despots, they often exceed the bounds of moderation. To understand Samuel's warning, we must bear in mind that Oriental monarchs claim the right to exact any service from any of their subjects, paying in return no more than they choose to give, generally barely sufficient to provide food and raiment; and no subject may decline any office, however inconvenient and laborious, the king may appoint him to. Some shall run before his chariots.-See Illustration. Ear,-plough. Tenth of your seed, etc. -i.e., a tenth of the produce. The tithe due to the Levite would still be required. The judges discharged their duties for the most part gratuitously; the nation felt neither the tyranny nor the expense of a king. Surely the contrast would induce them to withdraw their request! Could they resist the solemn warning of the eighteenth verse? OBSTINACY TRIUMPHANT.-V. 1922. The elders are not to be persuaded; they have made up their minds; nothing shall move them. They repeat the old argument, (see ver. 5,) as though they would reply to the prophet,' We see nothing in what you have said to alter our desire, nothing that requires consideration.' They only add to the former plea that the king would fight their battles: so soon had they forgotten the victory which freed them from a foreign yoke! ch. vii. 10. Samuel had delivered God's message to Israel faithfully; as faithfully does he report Israel's words to God, ver. 21. The Lord answers briefly, Hearken unto their voice,-let them have their own way, since they are resolved upon it; let their obstinacy work out its own punishment. Go ye every man unto his city. Thus the people were told their request was not refused, and space was afforded for repentance. But their resolve remained unaltered. 16. REFLECTIONS.-1. Read Prov. xxvi. An overweening reliance upon one's own judgment is no mark of either wisdom or goodness. Vain, self-conceited people are usually silly people. 2. A bad heart makes a bad head.We often say, "A man convinced against his will, Is of the same opinion still." When one has resolved not to do right, he frequently fails to see the reasonableness of right. Let us pray,— "Superior sense may I display, 3. See the stupidity of obstinacy.—A child-an adult, too-sometimes persists in what he knows to be wrong and foolish, because he thinks it brave and manly not to give in. 4. To be allowed our own way against God's counsel is in itself a terrible punishment. Our way is certain to end in sorrow, Ps. lxxxi. 11-16; Prov. i. 30, 31. 5. Though God delights to hear prayer, there are some earnest prayers He will not listen to.-Ver. 18; Prov. i. 28, 29; Isai. i. 15; Micah iii. 4. Illustration.-"SOME SHALL RUN BEFORE HIS CHARIOTS." "Chariots are not now used; but in Persia it is, to this day, a piece of state for the king and other great personages to have several men to run on foot before and beside them as they ride on horseback. This they do even when the rider puts his horse to VOL. IX. NEW SERIES.-April, 1874. d a gallop. The men are trained to their business from boyhood; and the feats they are able to perform would scarcely be considered credible in this country. They are called shatirs. "Chardin mentions a candidate for the place of shatir to the king, who accomplished about one hundred and twenty miles by fourteen hours' unintermitted running, and who was rather censured for not having done it in twelve hours. Chardin himself followed him on horseback in his seventh course, when the heat of the day had obliged him somewhat to relax his pace, and the traveller could only follow him by keeping his horse on the gallop. No instance equal to this came to our own knowledge in the same country; but what we did see and learn, rendered the statement of Chardin far from incredible. It was astonishing to observe the extreme ease with which the men appeared to attend their master's horse in all its paces, even the most rapid; and, as a general rule, it is understood that an accomplished footman ought to remain untired as long, or longer, than the horse ridden by his master."-Kitto. APRIL 12.- -SAUL AND SAMUEL.-1 Samuel ix. 1-14. INTRODUCTION.-God had acceded to Israel's request; the elders had gone home assured that a king would be appointed soon, but they knew not exactly when nor how God's choice would be manifested. In this Lesson we meet the king Jehovah had selected; we see how he was brought into contact with Samuel. "THE SON OF KISH."-V. 1, 2.-The sceptre had been promised to Judah, Gen. xlix. 10. If the monarchy had been established at God's own instance, doubtless the sovereign would have sprung from that tribe. Benjamin was the smallest of the tribes; to that fact probably it owed the selection of the monarch from its sons. No tribe could be jealous of its honour. A mighty man of power,-see Margin, and Ruth ii. 1. The words refer to Kish. The description of Saul's person indicates that he was chosen partly on account of his physical excellencies. The Israelites desired a human king; God gave them just such a king as men admire. Tallness, and handsome form and features were much more highly esteemed among the ancient nations than with us. A young man, -in the prime of life. Saul would be rather more than forty years of age. THE SEARCH FOR THE ASSES.-V. 3 -14. In those times the wealthiest men were farmers; they did not think it beneath themselves or their sons to be actively engaged in agricultural labour; so when Kish's asses were lost, Saul and one of the servants went to seek them. They travelled in a north-westerly direction, but could not find the strayed asses. When they reached the neighbourhood of a certain city, (its position cannot be identified,) asses. Ver. Saul proposed to return home, lest For us the main lesson of the narrative relates to the Providence of God, how it guides and shapes the smallest events of our lives. Mark the minute details of the story; they are told, that we may understand how God was employing the most ordinary circumstances to lead Saul a way that he knew not. See how many little things worked together, how many tiny threads God was weaving into a |