The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 523

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A FAITHFUL UNDEB-SHEPHERD 517 many yoiing men of promise to give themselves wholly to the work of the ministry. As time went on, the apostle's inflnence as an educator and leader increased; and while he never lost his burden to labor especially for the Jews, yet he bore his testimony in many lands, and strengthened the faith of multitudes in the gospeL In the later years of his ministry, Peter was inspired to write to the believers ''scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia." His letters were the means of reviving the courage and strengthening the faith of those who were enduring trial and affliction, and of renewing to good works those who through manifold temptations were in danger of losing their hold upon God. These letters bear the impress of having been written by one in whom the sufferings of Christ and also His consolation had been made to abound; one whose entire being had been transformed by grace, and whose hope of eternal life was sure and steadfast. At the very beginning of his first letter, the aged servant of God ascribed to his Lord a tribute of praise and thanksgiving. ''Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,'' he exclaimed, "which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." In this hope of a sure inheritance in the earth made new, the early Christians rejoiced, even in