IN THE SYNAGOGUE
“He went into the synagogue and spake boldly.’
St. Paul did not turn from the Jews until they had persistently rejected his testimony concerning Christ.
I. The earnestness of his effort.—He continued it for three months, attempting by argument and persuasion to lead them into the Kingdom of God. And he did this fearless of all consequences to himself. Knowing how the Jews had treated him elsewhere, he yet ‘spake boldly.’ May not clergy and others to-day learn the lesson?
II. The result.—The statement concerning some is a very solemn one. They were ‘hardened,’ became less impressible, until their hearts were as adamant. This resulted from their not believing. One of these results must follow in those who hear the Word. No one can resist a good impression without being injured by it. And this led to something worse. They denounced that way (see John 14:6) as evil; not because the way was wrong, but because they were resolved not to tread in it. Yet, in contrast with these, some became true disciples, who not only believed, but ‘separated’ themselves.
Every Christian worker may look for these results.