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THE KING’ S BUSINESS
Holy Spirit was poured out (Matthew 24:14; 28:19; Acts 1:8). At any rate, there were doubtless enough “lost sheep” among the Jews to keep the apostles busy for a while. The commission o f the apostles was to preach and heal. The same necessity for healing does not exist today. Certain mir acles and signs were needed at that time because the kingdom was being inaugurated. The “kingdom age” has been postponed for a while. When it is again inaugurated, miracles will be as plenteous as in ou1" Lord’s day. However, among the gifts o f the Spirit to the Church, or rather to special individuals in the Church, healing is specifically mentioned. Even today the Holy Spirit gives gifts o f healing, not to all, but to those whom He chooses. There is to be no limitation, however, in the works o f mercy. 3- The provision made fo r the Apostles, 10 : 9 - 15 . They are not to •concern themselves about entertainment or provision (cf. c. 6 ). Not that they would be miraculously pro vided for like Elijah, but that they would be' cared for by those among whom they labored. It would be considered an honor to entertain the apostles, as it is an honor to entertain the ministers o f the Savior at any time. Note the solemnity o f yv. 14 and 15. Not to receive the ministers o f Christ is a seripus sin and meets with pun ishment. 4 . The expectation o f the Apostles, 10 : 16 - 42 . They were to look for persecution, even among their own family and friends. Therefore, there is need o f prudence among foes (16) and calmness amid illtreatment (17, 18). They^-are assured o f guidance (19, 20), and are exhorted to patient endur ance amid family persecutions ( 21 , 22 ). They are to exercise common sense in avoiding danger (23). They are to remem ber that they are in fellowship with Christ in their sufferings (24-31), and that they will also share with Him in His glory (32, 33). The true apostle will find per
secution abounding on every hand. His atti- tude towards righteousness will arouse the antagonism o f evil (34-39). A blessing is again pronounced upon those who receive the ambassadors o f Christ (40-42). IV. The Hindrances to the Growth and "Reception of the Kingdom, cc. 11, 12 . So far the kingdom has been popular; crowds have followed Christ. Now opposi tion begins to set in: hindrances, doubts, prejudices, and unbelief are in the way o f the kingdom’s progress. 1 . W e have doubt in the ranks o f the leaders—John the Baptist, 1 1 : 1 - 15 . It need not surprise us that even John doubted. This free son o f the desert was now in prison, like an eagle in a cage. Other great men, like David and Elijah, have had their periods o f doubt. The effect o f John’s doubt on the multitude must have been serious. Christ’s method o f removing doubt is- the appeal to His works. How kindly Jesus deals with the doubter Blessed is he who is not offended in me. 2 . There is, then, the stubborn prejudice o f the people, 1 1 : 16 - 19 . They show a pouting, contrary and unreasonable spirit. It is impossible to please them no matter what may be done. 3 . Whole cities refuse the testimony o f the Kingdom; unbelief is wholesale, 1 1 : 20 - 24 . Whole cities ,1 like Bethsaida, Ghorazin, Capernaum reject the King and refuse the message o f ljis ambassadors, thus heaping up to themselves added wrath in the day o f judgment. 4 . The manner in which Jesus bore the rejection is interesting and instruc tive, 1 1 : 25 - 30 . Jesus looked up to His Heavenly Father and gave thanks even amid discouragement. “All things work together for good to them that love God” (Rom. 8:28). In the midst o f rejection He still invites the people to find rest in Him (28, 3D).
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