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the blind eyes Jesus is revealed and .then it is Jesus only. Saul grew in grace as do all who are subject to the Spirit’s power (2 Pet. 3:18) "B u t grow In grace and In the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2. SAUL’S PERIL IN DAMASCUS, vs. 23-25. "The Jews took counsel to kill him.’” Saul’s testimony awakened animosity. The Jews expected an ally in him; now he was a traitor to their cause, and they were filled with wrath. Truth is always on the scaffold. It is always easier to believe a lie than the truth, and usually easier to tell a lie than to tell the truth. The devil hates the truth concerning our Lord and hates all of His witnesses. We are not called t* a life of luxury, but to a time of testing. Hear Paul’s enu meration (2 Cor. 11:26) “ In Journeylngs often, In perils of w a ters, In perils of robbers, In perils of mine own countrymen, In perils by heathen, In perils of the city, in perils of the w ilder ness, In perils In the sea, In perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, In w atch ings often, In hunger and thirst, In fastings often. In cold and nakedness.” But God—don’t forget that— God had called Saul. God had Hi's eye upon Saul. God protected and provided for Saul, —and He will for every faithful follower. If we fail in our faithfulness we play into the devil’s hands. Moses, the babe, was saved by a basket. And now the princely Saul is laid tenderly in a basket and let down from a window in the wall —a little humiliating to the flesh but good for the soul. (2 Cor. 11:32,33) “ In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes w ith a garrison, desirous to apprehend me. And through a window In a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hahds.” 3. SAUL’S PERSECUTION IN JERU SALEM, vs. 26-30. "He spoke boldly In the name of the Lord Jesus.” Home in Jerusalem—a hard place in which to bear testimony! He had gone out with great pomp and come back a fugitive. He had not reported to head quarters. The Church was a little suspicious of him, but Barnabas bore testimony to his
conversion and to his boldness in preach ing. Saul was always desirous of prayer in his behalf that he might be bold in giving the Gospel. (Eph. 6:19,20) "And for me, th at utterance may be given unto me, th at I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the Gospel, For which I am an ambassador In bonds; th at therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Still the enemy was on Saul’s track and God allows this enmity to work out in his life His own good will. (Read Ch. 11:25,26) The Lord had shown him the things which he should suffer, and he had his cup full and running over. But he could say “I can do all things” (Phil. 4:13) and “My.Lord shall supply” (Phil. 4:19). His was the pattern Christian life, and he being dead yet speaketh. His life is a challenge to all the church to fight the good fight, to finish the course, and to keep the faith. PRACTICAL POINTS (1) A GOOD way Is to S T R A IG H TW A Y preach Christ. (2) The real work of every believer Is testifying to the truth th at Jesus Is T H E Son of God. (3) The greatest need of a lo st. world Is the knowledge of Jesus Christ as Son of God. (4) The revelation of Jesus Christ to the soul Is revolutionizing. (5) The devil’s agencies are always arrayed against God’s agents. (6) W e grow In grace as we are grounded In the Word of God. (7) Whoso falls In faithfulness falls Into the enemy’s hands. (8) Paul's life Is a pattern for preacher and people. (9) God perfects His plans In wonderful ways. v. 19. Received meat. He refreshed not his body with meat until the soul had received strength.—Calvin. With disciples at Damascus. The Lord thus through Paul COMMENTS FROM teaches the church MANY SOURCES of every age the Keith L. Brooks need of seasons of retirement and communion with God, preparatory to and in .close connection with any great work of external activity, such as Paul was now entering upon. It is a lesson much needed by this age of ours when we are tempted to think so much of practical work which ap pears at once in evidence, making its
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