The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 186

Scan transcription helps with searching and selection. Use the printed page above for exact spelling and punctuation.

180 THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES people, but among tliem were some who were willing to hear and accept the gospel message. In these places and in the surrounding country, the apostles decided to labor, hoping to avoid Jewish prejudice and persecution. In Lvstra there was no Jewish synagogue, though a few Jews were living in the town. Many of the inhabitants of Lystra worshiped at a temple dedicated to Jupiter. When Paul and Barnabas appeared in the town, and, gathering the Lystrians about them, explained the simple truths of the gospel, many sought to connect these doctrines with their own superstitious belief in the worship of Jupiter. The apostles endeavored to impart to these idolaters a knowledge of God the Creator, and of His Son, the Saviour of the human race. They first directed attention to the wonderful works of God, — the sun, the moon, and the stars, the beautiful order of the recurring seasons, the mighty snow-capped mountains, the lofty trees, and other varied wonders of nature, which showed a skill beyond human comprehension. Through these works of the Almighty, the apostles led the minds of the heathen to a contemplation of the great Ruler of the universe. Having made plain these fundamental truths concerning the Creator, the apostles told the Lystrians of the Son of God, who came from heaven to our world because He loved the children of men. They spoke of His life and ministry. His rejection by those He came to save, His trial and crucifixion. His resurrection, and His ascension to heaven, there to act as man's advocate. Thus, in the Spirit and