The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 399

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JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM 393 fying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward onr Lord Jesus Christ." Paul had ever exalted the divine law. He had shown that in the law there is no power to save men from the j)enalty of disobedience. Wrong-doers must repent of their sins, and humble themselves before God, whose just wrath they have incurred by breaking His law; and they must also exercise faith in the blood of Christ as their only means of pardon. The Son of God had died as their sacrifice, and had ascended to heaven to stand before the Father as their advocate. By repentance and faith they might be freed from the condemnation of sin, and through the grace of Christ be enabled henceforth to render obedience to the law of God. ''And now, behold," Paul continued, ''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, saying 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. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more." Paul had not designed to bear this testimony, but while he was speaking, the Spirit of inspiration came upon him, confirming his fears that this would be his last meeting with his Ephesian brethren. "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not