T H E K I N G ' S B U S I N E S S y. 9. Saul, called Paul. That from this point Saul is called Paul has been ex plained by the hypothesis that the apos tle, either from Sergius Paulus or his friends, received, or himself adopted the Roman title Paul in commemoration of the proconsul’s conversion.—Bengel. Against this stands the consideration that introduces the change of name be fore the conversion is recorded.—Alford. Henceforward called Paul only. A soft ening of his former name in accommoda tion to Roman ears, and (as the word signifies “little”) probably, with allusion, as elsewhere, to his insignificance of stature and appearance (2 Cor. 10:1,10). —Wilkinson. Set his eyes on him. Hence forward Barnabas sinks into the back ground. The whole soul of his great col league, now drawn out as never before, shoots, by the lightning gaze of his eye, through the dark and tortuous spirit of the sorcerer.—J. P. & B. v. 10. Full of subtilty. These words were not words of passion, for immed iately before uttering them it is said he was filled with the Holy Ghost.—Chrysos tom. Enemy of righteousness. -We may judge from this expression that Paul re cognized an earnest zeal for truth in the inquiries of the proconsul and that his wrath against Elymas was not only for what he was doing at the present time but for his long-continued leading as tray of those who were desirous to know the ways of the Lord.—Lumby. v. 11. The hand of the Lord upon thee. The judgment which fell upon this wicked Jew is typical of the judicial blindness which has come upon the Jews, but as this sorcerer, who was not to see the sun for a season, even so the blindness of the Jews is not permanent. - stSL Subject Illustration Antioch of Pisidia was chief of a- ser ies of militarycolonies founded by Augustus Caesar. The women had a larger place in public life in Asia Minor, They were often priestesses and magis trates. What can two men, knowing the gospel, do in such a city? Let this ac count he the answer. When Theeban was inaugurated as LESSON King of URper Bur- tt . t . ttstr ATION ma, at Mandalay, W. H. Pike he was a monster of cruelty, a n d t h e
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event was celebrated by a massacre so horrible, that several hundred of thè nobility, and even members of the King’s own family, were among the victims. The sacrifice of human life was so common, that when the city of Mandalay was built, fifty-six young girls were slain, that the eight gates of the city might by their blood be secure from all invaders. Thirty years later, in that same city, the Baptist Missionary Com ference was held, and during the confer ence, the Judson Memorial church was dedicated. Burmese Christians had giv en 8,000 rupees toward the cost. It was a native Karen choir that led the service of sacred song. At the closing commun ion of the Lord’s Supper, Tamils and Telugus, Burmans and Karens, Shans and Tounghus, English and Eurasians, Americans and Chinamen, representa tives of five hundred churches and 30,000 believers in Burma, sat down»to remem ber the Lord’s death. Bible Illustrations Gen. 6-7, Noah preached and witnessed for over two hundred years without a convert. 2 Kings 5, The little maid wit nessed to Naaman about God’s prophet, Elisha. Mark 5:1-20, A delivered soul through Christ becomes a bold witness for Christ. Acts 4:13-22. This company gave a strong, clear, prevailing witness ~ for Christ. God Protects His Witnesses Dr. John G. Paton, the missionary to the New Hebrides, tells that once he wanted to take some provisions to mis sionaries at a great distance. As the natives were at war it was not safe to go overland by daylight, so he took a few friendly people with him by boat. The sea was rough, hut they reached their friends in safety. Dr. Paton returned alone by night. When he reached his home, the natives said, ‘.‘Surely any of us would have been killed. Your God alone protects you and brings you safely home.’’
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