(30) “And all the city was moved, and the people ran together; and they laid hold on Paul, and dragged him out of the temple: and straightway the doors were shut. (31) And as they were seeking to kill him, tidings came up to the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in confusion. (32) And forthwith he took soldiers and centurions, and ran down upon them: and they, when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, left off beating Paul. (33) Then the chief captain came near, and laid hold on him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and inquired who he was, and what he had done. (34) And some shouted one thing, some another, among the crowd: and when he could not know the certainty for the uproar, he commanded him to be brought into the castle. (35) And when he came upon the stairs, so it was that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the crowd; (36) for the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, Away with him.”
(37) “And as Paul was about to be brought into the castle, he saith unto the chief captain, May I say something unto thee? And he said, Dost thou know Greek? (38) Art thou not then the Egyptian, who before these days stirred up to sedition and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the Assassins? (39) But Paul said, I am a Jew, of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and I beseech thee, give me leave to speak unto the people.”
NOTE.—Probably the best way of taking up this lesson is to present it as a series of scenes, leading up to the climax. The motive runs through all, and each scene leads toward Paul's destination, Rome, and toward the completion of his life work. There is in this a striking example of the outworking of God's purposes, turning persecutions into providences. The outline would be something as follows: Paul's reception at Jerusalem; slanders against Paul; the plan of his friends to refute those slanders; the assault upon Paul in the temple court; the rescue; Paul's defense from the castle steps; making use of his Roman citizenship. Nero was emperor of Rome, and Felix was governor of Judea. The lesson extends from Acts 21:17 to 22:30.
Golden Text.—“If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed.”1 Peter 4:16.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) When the Jews found Paul in the temple, how did they feel? What did the mob do to Paul? What did the door-keepers of the temple do? Verse 30. Note 1. (2) What did they try to do with Paul? Who learned of the trouble? Verse 31. Note 2. (3) What did he immediately do? What did the mob do when they saw the soldiers? Verse 32. (4) What did the captain do to Paul? What did he ask of Paul? Verse 33. Note 3. (5) What prevented the captain hearing any explanation from Paul? What command did he therefore give concerning Paul? Verse 34. Note 4. (6) To what place was he borne by the soldiers? How did the crowd conduct themselves while Paul was still in the custody of the soldiers? Verse 35. (7) What was the size of the crowd that followed Paul? What cry did they raise against him? Verse 36. Note 5. (8) What request did Paul make of the captain before entering the castle? In what language did he evidently ask the question? What question did the captain ask of him in reply? Verse 37. (9) Who did the captain think Paul was? What had this Egyptian done? Verse 38. Note 6. (10) What did Paul say of himself? What of the city in which he was born? What urgent request did he then make of the captain? Verse 39. Note 7.
NOTES.
1. “All the city was moved.”—Paul's friends, in order to forestall his persecution by the Jews while in Jerusalem, urged him to take part with four Nazarites who had a vow to perform in the temple, thinking thus to show to the Jews that Paul still had respect for Jewish ceremonies; but the Jews spread a report that Paul had taken a Gentile from Ephesus into that portion of the temple which it was forbidden on pain of death for a Gentile to enter. Thus the plans of Paul's friends brought about the very thing they were seeking to avoid. The lesson is that nothing is gained by conformity to a ceremony in which we have no belief of efficacy, even tho no principle may have been violated in doing it. The Jews would have found some other way to bring about their purpose; but the Christians gained nothing by the act which they did. The temple doors were shut lest blood might be shed within the sacred inclosure, and the temple be profaned.
2. “The chief captain of the band.”—This band was quartered in the castle of Antonia, at the northwest corner of the temple area, so built as to overlook the temple and its courts. It communicated with the temple by two flights of steps. The sentry in the tower had doubtless seen the confusion and reported to the officer.
3. “Bound with two chains.”—Evidently each of his hands was bound to the hand of a Roman soldier. The prophecy of Agabus was here fulfilled (Acts 21:11), as brought out in last week's lesson. Josephus states that every Roman soldier carried with him a chain and a thong.
4. “Some shouted one thing, and some another.”—This is a universal characteristic of the mob wherever it is seen, whether among heathen, Jews, or those professing Christianity. The mob spirit is the spirit of Satan let loose in the human being. It is a spirit that runs quickly through a throng and stirs them to deeds of violence, even when the persons themselves do not know what the purpose of the demonstration is. It was so in the mob at Ephesus, as recorded in Acts 19:32. Perhaps the majority of this Jewish mob did not know what Paul had done, or even what it was charged he had done.
5. “Away with him,”—the very same cry that, more than twenty years before, had resounded through the streets of Jerusalem when Jesus stood before the mob that demanded His death, and followed Him as He bore His cross toward Calvary. Satan had stirred up both these mobs, and was instigating the cries which they uttered. He would have accomplished Paul's death there, only that Paul's work was not finished. Christ's ministry was finished before the powers of darkness could touch him.
6. “Art thou not then the Egyptian?”—The Egyptian to whom he referred is mentioned by Josephus. Not long before this, he had gathered a company of discontented Jews on Mt. Olivet, whom he deluded into the belief that he was the Messiah. Felix marched out against these insurgents and dispersed them, but the Egyptian escaped. Josephus says that this Egyptian had led out 30,000 followers. In this was probably included the “four thousand men that were murderers.”
7. Paul's request granted.—He spoke to the people in the Hebrew tongue and thus commanded their attention at once. At the close of his speech, their fury broke forth again, and Paul was carried into the castle to be examined by torture. This led to his declaration of Roman citizenship, and thus later to his appeal to Caesar, and his journey to Rome. We see how God's providence was working through it all to carry out His purpose.
(1) “FINALLY then, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as ye received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, even as ye do walk,—that ye abound more and more. (2) For ye know what charge we gave you through the Lord Jesus. (3) For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye abstain from fornication; (4) that each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel in sanctification and honor; (5) not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who know not God; (6) that no man transgress, and wrong his brother in the matter: because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified. (7) For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification. (8) Therefore he that rejecteth, rejecteth not man, but God, who giveth His Holy Spirit unto you.
(9) “But concerning love of the brethren ye have no need that one write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another; (10) for indeed ye do it toward all the brethren that are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brethren, that ye abound more and more; (11) and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, even as we charged you; (12) that ye may walk becomingly toward them that are without, and may have need of nothing.”
QUESTIONS.
1. What general exhortation does the apostle give as to conduct? What admonition is there to continued progress? Verse 1. (See Micah 6:8; Phil. 3:13, 14; 1:9; 2:12.)
2. Of what does he remind them? Verse 2.
3. What great general truth does he express? What specific prohibition grows out of this? Verse 3.
4. What further instruction does he give? Verse 4.
5. Who should not be an example? Verse 5. Note 1.
6. What solemn warning does he utter? Verse 6.
7. To what has God called us? Verse 7.
8. What does he say of those who reject this instruction? Verse 8.
9. Of what had he no need to write? Of whom does the Christian learn to love? Verse 9.
10. What proof had the Thessalonians given of their love? Should they be satisfied with this? Verse 10. Note 2.
11. What three things should they study to do? Verse 11.
12. What twofold result would accrue from such conduct? Verse 12.
NOTES.
1. All man-made religions, all perversions of the true religion, fostered or in some way excused the sins reproved in this lesson, making it easier for the natural heart to indulge them. The religion of Jesus Christ, the Gospel of God, takes all these things from the heart and life if it is truly received. In these days the wickedness of Sodom are being repeated on a much larger scale. The words of the Christian man should be pure and clean words.
2. We must never be content with present effort. The fruits of our work may have reached to the confines of our country; an apostle may have commended our work of faith, our labor of love, our patience of hope; our praise may be in all the churches; but all the past will prove a curse if it be not made a foundation for broader, better work. The rule always, if we would not die, is to “abound more and more.”
New England CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC
has now the finest building devoted to music in the world. Founded 1853. Unsurpassed advantages in composition, vocal and instrumental music, and elocution.
George W. Chadwick, Musical Director.
Pupils received at any time. For year-book address FRANK W. HALE, General Manager, Boston, Mass.
Comfort Going East
In a Pullman Tourist Sleeping Car operated over the Santa Fe. Through to Kansas City and Chicago without change.
Personally conducted parties leave Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
“To the East in a Tourist Sleeper” from Agent for the Asking.
Santa Fe
SAN FRANCISCO
COLONIST RATES TO CALIFORNIA VIA SOUTHERN PACIFIC
Every Day February 15 to June 15
City
Fare
NEW YORK
$50.00
PITTSBURGH
42.00
BUFFALO
42.50
CINCINNATI
39.00
LOUISVILLE
38.00
CHICAGO
33.00
PEORIA
31.00
ST. LOUIS
30.00
MEMPHIS
30.00
NEW ORLEANS
30.00
SIOUX CITY
25.00
OMAHA
25.00
KANSAS CITY
25.00
MINEOLA
25.00
HOUSTON
25.00
The cost of a ticket can be deposited at once with any Southern Pacific Agent in California, and the ticket will be furnished to the passenger in the East, while these low rates are in effect.
Illustrated California Literature Mailed Free to Any Address
E. O. McCORMICK T. H. GOODMAN
PASSENGER TRAFFIC MGR. GEN. PASSENGER AGENT
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.
G. T. FORSYTH, DIV. FREIGHT AND PASSENGER AGENT
468 TENTH ST., OAKLAND, CAL.
THERE IS HELP IN GOD
This encouraging statement is clearly established in this very interesting tract.
A. G. L. No. 56. 50 cents per 100.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
New York City Oakland, Cal. Kansas City, Mo.
THE NEW GOOD HEALTH BATH CABINET
ONLY $5
A portable appliance for stimulating the activity of the skin by hot vapor, causing profuse perspiration. Beneficial for “breaking up a cold,” “breaking chills,” relieving soreness of the muscles, rheumatism, inactivity of skin, diabetes, and disorders of the liver, kidneys, and other chronic ailments. Full directions for use sent with each cabinet. Our cabinet is well made, and we guarantee satisfaction in every way.
THE NEW GOOD HEALTH BATH CABINET
Sold by the Good Health Publishing Company, is the only cabinet indorsed or used by the physicians of the Battle Creek Sanitarium. Order to-day.
Write for descriptive circulars with full information. Agents wanted to represent us.
GOOD HEALTH PUBLISHING CO.
Dept. A Battle Creek, Mich.
EDUCATION
By Mrs. E. G. White
The principles of Christian Education are beautifully set forth in this handsome volume. The author's dedication denotes the large class of people who will find it valuable. It reads thus:—
“To parents, teachers, and students, all pupils in earth's preparatory school, this book is dedicated. May it aid them in securing life's greatest benefits, development and joy in service here, and thus a fitness for that wider service, ‘the higher course,’ open to every human being in the school of the hereafter.”
It has 321 pages and 35 chapters, and is sub-titled in a convenient form for ready reference.
Cloth Binding as Illustrated, post-paid $1.25 Limp Leather, Gilt Edges, post-paid $2.50
ADDRESS YOUR STATE TRACT SOCIETY
American Standard Revised Bible
The Most Perfect English Translation in the World
THE AMERICAN COMMITTEE, whose work has resulted in giving to the world the most perfect translation of the English Bible besides incorporating in the text the renderings preferred by them but hitherto printed in the Appendix to the British Editions, have bestowed much time in rectifying the errors, inconsistencies, oversights, and infelicities which have been detected. Furthermore, carefully selected marginal references and concise topical headings have been added.
The final paragraph of the preface of the New Testament indicates the high intent of the Revising Committee: “The present volume, it is believed, will, on the one hand, bring a plain reader more closely into contact with the exact thought of the sacred writers than any other version now current in Christendom, and, on the other hand, prove itself especially serviceable to students of the Word.”
No. 160 Cloth bound, red edges . . . $1 00
No. 167 Egyptian Seal, limp, round corners, red under gold edges . . . 1 75
No. 173 Egyptian Seal, divinity circuit, leather lined to edge, round corners, red under gold edges 2 75
India Paper Edition
No. 173x Egyptian Seal, divinity circuit, leather lined to edge, round corners, red under gold edges 4 00
No. 175x Levant, divinity circuit, calf lined to edge, silk sewed, round corners, red under gold edges 7 00
No. 177x Sealskin, divinity circuit, calf lined to edge, silk sewed, round corners, red under gold edges 9 00
POST-PAID AT ABOVE PRICES
THE SELF AND SEX SERIES
This series consists of eight volumes that are meeting with much favor in every land. 275,000 have been circulated in English, and several translations into foreign languages are now being prepared.
Four books to men by Sylvanus Stall, D. D.
WHAT A YOUNG BOY OUGHT TO KNOW
WHAT A YOUNG MAN OUGHT TO KNOW
WHAT A YOUNG HUSBAND OUGHT TO KNOW
WHAT A MAN OF 45 OUGHT TO KNOW
Four books to women by Mrs. Mary Wood-Allen, M. D., and Mrs. Emma F. A. Drake, M. D.
WHAT A YOUNG GIRL OUGHT TO KNOW
WHAT A YOUNG WOMAN OUGHT TO KNOW
WHAT A YOUNG WIFE OUGHT TO KNOW
WHAT A WOMAN OF 45 OUGHT TO KNOW
POST-PAID AT $1.00 EACH
THE BOY PUZZLE
A Picture Book for Parents
This book is the outgrowth of personal work with and for boys, and will be found of inestimable worth to parents in solving the problems that arise in endeavoring to properly train their boys.
Are Boys Made for Truth and Right?
Read the answer as given in this book, instead of shaking your head as you think of the boys' uncertain ways. Cover design in three colors.
Cloth, Post-paid 75 Cents
ADDRESS YOUR STATE TRACT SOCIETY
Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, Cal.
11 West 20th Street, NEW YORK CITY : : 18 West 5th Street, KANSAS CITY, MO.
TO ADVERTISERS.
By Editor
The fact that an advertisement appears in this paper indicates that as far as its managers can ascertain, it is reliable. Extreme care is taken in the securing of advertisements, and losses incurred through misrepresentation of firms advertising in this journal, have been made good by publishers. We can give no editorial notices or assurances at the request of advertisers.
CO-OPERATION CORNER.
By Editor
The following is a portion of a letter just received from an old lady to whom the SIGNS was sent through the kindly help of those donating to the “Cooperation Corner”:—
“Permit me to thank you for your kindness in sending me the SIGNS. I felt that I could not pay for it as I am an invalid and can do very little work. It is a great comfort and help to me in my declining years. I wish I had the means to help on in the Master's cause. May He bless you in the cause of Christ is my prayer.”
We still invite further donations to such individuals as the one from which this quotation is made.
Address them to SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
CHICAGO IN LESS THAN 3 DAYS
From San Francisco at 10 a. m.
CHICAGO UNION PACIFIC & NORTHWESTERN LINE
Pullman fourteen-section Drawing-Room and Private Compartment Observation Sleeping Cars, with Telephone. Electric-reading Lamps in every Berth, Compartment and Drawing-Room. Buffet, Smoking and Library Cars, with Barber and Bath, Dining Cars—meals a la carte. Electric-lighted throughout.
Daily Tourist Car Service at 6 p. m. and Personally Conducted Excursions every Wednesday and Friday at 8 a. m. from San Francisco. The best of everything.
R. R. RITCHIE
617 MARKET STREET
(PALACE HOTEL)
GEN. AGENT PACIFIC COAST
SAN FRANCISCO
Keep Sweet and Cheerful
Keep sweet and cheerful whatever may come, whatever others do. The perverse actions of others ought not to affect our relation or our character. A writer of verse has recently said in Country Life in America:—
“Have you thought how, cheerily, day to day,
The thankless air perfuming,
Though often stripped of its blossoms gay,
The garden keeps on blooming?
How never it stops when its choicest rose
From its very heart is ravished,
But richer and fuller its buds unclose,
And its incense sweet is lavished?”
And thus, dear soul, in God’s garden, give forth of your sweetness, and fruit, and foliage, and be happy in it all. Others may not know, or knowing, forget; but the great, good Father knows and never forgets. He will reward the faithful with still larger mission.
The Way of Life
“If thou wilt enter into life,” said Jesus to the rich young man, “keep the commandments.” Matt. 19:17. There is no other way of entering into life; for all God’s commandments are righteousness (Ps. 119:172), and “in the way of righteousness is life, and in the pathway thereof there is no death” Prov. 12:28). He who hopes to obtain life by ignoring God’s law will find that his feet have been set in a way which “seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” By this we do not mean that our keeping of the commandments will earn us life. Nothing that sinful man can do can earn life. Jesus did not say, If you will keep the commandments ments, you shall have life as your reward; but He did say that the way of the commandments is the way of life, and that the only way of being in that way of life is the keeping of the commandments. How to do that is another question. It can come only through faith in Jesus Christ. He is the door into the way of righteousness, the keeping of the commandments through the life which God gives. For the young man to enter into life would be to accept Jesus Christ; but whosoever accepts Jesus Christ will keep the commandments of God.
Thanks for Observatory Visits
We are requested to express the thanks of the delegates and visitors to the General Conference in appreciation of the kindness of Professor Charles Burckhalter in the time that he gave and the courtesy he extended in the open nights at the Chabot Observatory. Many of our visiting brethren became better acquainted with our nearest neighbors, the moon, Venus and Mars. The double star Castor was forced to reveal that it was two with a difference. The nights, with the exception of the first two, were clear, tho not quite as steady as they might have been. But the astronomer did all in his power, and these better views of God's handiwork were greatly appreciated.
A Pleasant Afterglow.
How frequently, especially in mountainous countries, just after the sun is setting in a haze of mist, there comes a break, and its last rays illuminate, in glories of beauty, the whole sky! How sweet and restful is the afterglow. At the very close of our General Conference, in fact before it closed, California Conference had begun its annual session. The president of the Southern Union Conference, and for thirteen terms president of the General Conference, George I. Butler, came before the California Conference and asked for a new, 60 x 90-foot tent for work in the great cities of the South. This was granted, and over six hundred dollars was raised in a few moments for that work. In fact, a 60-foot tent with two 20-foot splices was voted, to be sent freight free to Nashville, Tenn. The old veteran in God's cause departed for the South with a glad heart, leaving a benison behind, upon the heads of those who gave. May God bless him.
Using the Faith We Have
The great trouble with us all is not so much in needing more faith, but in using the belief which we have. Faith is belief in operation. If we had no more than a grain of mustard seed and used it, there would be no trouble as to what would follow.
Faith and Works
There is great danger of forgetting obedience in talking about faith. Satan has done all in his power to set faith against works and works against faith. “Works or faith” has been the cry. It was formerly “works for salvation,” we are told; it is now “faith.” Others have cried, “Faith and works,” and have illustrated by the two oars of a boat; both must be used or the boat will turn around or drift back. But this is wrong. The only true cry is, “Faith, faith which works,”“faith which worketh by love.” No other faith is faith.
True Charity Is No Respecter of Persons
True charity is the love of God. As far as any man is imbued with a truly charitable purpose, he is actuated by the Spirit of God. But true charity is not a respecter of persons. It is exercised irrespective of class lines. God gave His Son to the world in love. The Son gave Himself in the same Spirit of love. The Jews thought the Messiah would save only the Jews, but Jesus demonstrated that salvation was for the world, irrespective of any condition or place in the world. There were some who thought that the curse of God rested on a poor man, especially if he were afflicted, even tho he were a Jew. But Jesus demonstrated that the poor were to have the Gospel preached unto them. The so-called charity that reaches only a prescribed circle, a class, a society, or a race, ignoring all others, is not inspired of God. The charity of the lodge, for instance, that contemplates only the members, and only those members who pay up their dues, is not the charity that God enunciated when He gave His only Son to die for the world, that “whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Any exclusiveness is not true charity; nor is the payment of any paid-up or specially obligated claim a charitable act. Charity is a loving response to the call of the needy, from whatever source.
Jesus Saves
“Jesus Saves.”—That is what His name means, “Saviour.” He is “mighty to save,” for He has creative power. He is willing to save, for He left heaven and came to this earth for that very purpose. He knows how to save, for in Him dwelleth all wisdom and knowledge. He longs to save, for He loved us and gave Himself for us. These are precious assurances to the storm-tossed or shipwrecked mariner on life's great sea. Helpless in himself, hopeless in all material things, he can look to Jesus, trust in Jesus, and know in himself that Jesus saves.
Imperialism in Government
Imperialism in Government lies not so much in the constitution or form of the government as the character of the ruler or rulers. If any being in the universe has the power and authority to exercise arbitrary rule, it is God; but there is no ruler so lenient, so merciful, so compassionate, so mindful of others’ rights. On the other hand, there is no ruler more tyrannical, more arbitrary, more unmerciful than a slave boss over slaves. Among the four things which the world can not bear is a “slave when he ruleth.” A republic, in which every one’s rights are supposed to be equally protected, may be most tyrannous in government, while a monarchy like England under good rulers, may be the freest of countries. The evil in a constitution is when it stands as the expression or sentiment of those who adopt it, or when it is made the instrument of selfish, cruel, or misguided men. The true Christian ought always to live above all human constitutions and ordinances, so that to whatever law he is obedient it is not for wrath’s sake, but for conscience’ sake.
$2,000,000,000
$2,000,000,000.—The United States Congress that has just passed out of existence—the Fifty-seventh—is the first Congress to appropriate for all purposes more than two billion dollars. The Fifty-fifth—just two Congresses ago—was the first to appropriate more than one billion in its two sessions. In four years, congressional appropriations have jumped from $1,000,000,000 to $2,000,000,000. After the statement summarized above, the New York World remarks: “If it [$2,000,000,000 expenditure] can be justified, and shown to be anything like the necessary and normal amount that future Congresses must appropriate, it marks a new epoch in our National Government. It implies an annual budget larger, in proportion to our population and wealth, than that of any other government in the world.”
Development Toward What
Development Toward What.— In mechanics, in physics, in mathematics, in many things temporal and worldly, the tendency is toward greater and greater complexity, we almost wrote perplexity; for perplexity grows out of complexity. This is also true in religious work; and complexity in religious work brings far more perplexity than in worldly matters. Religious work, religious plans, ought to tend to simplicity. Rules of medical men are very many and complex, yet the rules of health are few and simple. Rules of medieval and scholastic theology are many, intricate, and obscure, while the conditions of eternal life as set forth in the Gospel of Christ are sure and simple. Then, brother in the Lord, study simplicity.
