member of the Areopagus. Areopagus? (See Quest. ver. 19.) What was the What further account of Dionysius do we find in Church history. It appears from Church history that he became a preacher of the Gospel at Athens; laboured much in its defence and propagation; and died a martyr to the faith. What is Church history? (See Quest. Matt. x. 2.) Do we know anything more respecting Damaris? Nothing with certainty; but from the mention made of her she seems to have been a matron of some rank. When these converts embraced the faith of Jesus, what did they do? They "clave unto" the Apostle. What is meant by their cleaving unto him? That they sought all opportunities to enjoy his company and conversation. Would their zeal and devotedness prove very encouraging to Paul? Yes; by these he would see, that, through the grace of God, he had not laboured in vain in the great city of Athens. CHAPTER XVIII. WHAT are the contents of this Chapter? 1. PAUL'S VISIT TO CORINTH, AND HIS SUCCESS THERE. 2. THE ATTEMPT OF HIS ENEMIES TO GET HIM CONDEMNED. 3. HIS JOURNEYS FROM CITY TO CITY. 4. THE INSTRUCTION IMPARTED TO APOLLOS, AND HIS SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY. 1. What period is here mentioned? "After these things." After what things? After Paul's discourse on Mars' hill, and the manner in which his message was treated. What did he then do? He "departed from Athens." Why did he leave more so. Athens? Because there was among the Athenians so much coldness and indifference to the Gospel, that he had little prospect of doing good. Is indifference quite as discouraging to a preacher of the Gospel as positive opposition? Yes; even Why is it so? Because, where there is some feeling, conviction may arise; but apathy resembles the motionless state of the dead. When Paul left Athens, whither did he come? "To Corinth." What was Corinth? The capital city of Achaia. And what was Achaia? One of the two principal divisions of Greece. Was Achaia, at that time, an independent State? No; it belonged to the Roman Empire. 2. Whom did Paul find at Corinth? "A certain Jew named Aquila." Acts ii. 9.) Where was Aquila born? What was Pontus? (See Quest. What is here stated concerning Aquila? That he was "lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla." What is Italy? A country in the South of Europe, the capital of which is Rome. What reason is given why Aquila and his wife had quitted Italy? "Because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome." peror of Rome. Who was Claudius? The EmWhy did Claudius banish all the Jews from Italy? Because they were generally hated; and were represented to the Emperor as being a turbulent people. When Paul found that Aquila and his wife were at Corinth, what did he do? He "came unto them." Why did the Apostle seek the society of this couple? Because they were Christians of some standing and experience. Do we know by what means they had become acquainted with the Gospel of Christ? No; but we know, that the doctrines of the Gospel were professed at Rome, soon after the day of Pentecost. 3. What other motive had Paul to remain with Aquila and Priscilla ? "Because he was of the same craft, he abode with them and wrought." What is the meaning of "craft"? Trade. What trade did they follow? they were tent-makers." stand by "tent-makers"? coarse hair-cloth, for the F "By their occupation What are we to underMakers of felt, or covering of tents. Were tents much used in the East? Yes; owing to the scarcity of inns, they were much used in travelling; and in the hot season they were frequently used as dwellings. Was not Paul a man of rather superior birth and education? Yes. How was it, then, that he followed the trade of tent-making? It was the custom of the Jews to bring up their sons to some trade. Since Paul had become an Apostle of Christ, for what purpose did he pursue his worldly business? In order to minister to his necessities,* that he might be chargeable to no man.† 4. Did the Apostle so attend to worldly business as to neglect his sacred office? No; "he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks." What are we to understand by his reasoning? That he shewed, by argument, the truth and excellence of the Gospel. And what is meant by his persuading the Jews and the Greeks? That he urged them, by entreaties, to embrace the Gospel. Give an instance of the manner in which Paul expressed himself, when he persuaded sinners? He said, As though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.‡ By "the Greeks," in this verse, are we to understand the idolatrous inhabitants of Corinth? No; the idolaters of the city did not frequent the Jewish synagogue. Who then are here meant by "the Greeks"? Those Gentiles who had re *Acts xx. 34. + 2 Cor. xi. 9. 2 Cor. v. 20. nounced idolatry and who worshipped the true God in the synagogue. Corinth. Why did these 5. Where was Paul at this time? He was still at Who joined him there? Silas and Timotheus. Who was Silas ? A gifted man and an eminent believer, of the church at Jerusalem.* Who was Timotheus? A zealous young disciple of Christ, who had travelled with Paul from Lystra.t Where had Paul left Silas and Timotheus? In Macedonia. two brethren now 66 come from Macedonia"? Because Paul had sent for them.‡ What effect had their arrival upon the mind of the Apostle? He 66 'was pressed in the spirit" (or, in spirit). What is meant by his being pressed in spirit? Animated, or urged by a strong impulse, to labour for the extension of Christ's kingdom. What Scripture proverb does this circumstance exemplify? That which says, Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.§ When Paul was thus mentally and morally excited, how did he give vent to his feelings? He "testified to the Jews, that Jesus was Christ." What is meant by saying, that "Jesus was Christ"? That Jesus was the anointed one, even the Messiah who had been promised to the Jews. Was there any thing remarkable in the Apostle's testifying this?-was it not his constant practice? It was his constant practice; but, on Acts xv. 22. + Acts xvi. 1-3, &c. Acts xvii. 15. |