The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 361

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LABORING UNDER DIFFICULTIES 355 Jesus. His zeal and industry are a rebuke to indolence and desire for ease. Paul set an example against the sentiment, then gaining influence in the church, that the gospel could be proclaimed successfully only by those who were wholly freed from the necessity of physical toil. He illustrated in a practical way what might be done by consecrated laymen in many places where the people were unacquainted with the truths of the gospel. His course inspired many humble toilers with a desire to do what they could to advance the cause of God, while at the same tinie they supported themselves in daily labor. Aquila and Priscilla were not called to give their whole time to the ministry of the gospel; yet these humble laborers were used by God to show Apollo s the way of truth more perfectly. The Lord employs various instrumentalities for the accomiplishment of His purpose; and while some with special talents are chosen to devote all their energies to the work of teaching and preaching the gospel, many others, upon whom human hands have never been laid in ordination, are called to act an important part in soul-saving. There is a large field open before the selfsupporting gospel worker. Many may gain valuable experiences in ministry while toiling, a portion of the time at some form of manual labor; and by this method strong workers may be developed for important service in needy fields. The self-sacrificing servant of God who labors untiringly in word and doctrine, carries on his heart a heavy burden. He does not measure his work by hours. His wages do not influence him in his labor,