I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
Christian service
I. Its sphere.
1. Among strangers--“Syria.”
2. Friends--“Cilicia.”
II. Its nature.
1. Not
(1) the propagation of philosophic dogmas;
(2) the practice of mere philanthropy;
(3) the gathering of a personal following.
2. But preaching the faith once destroyed.
(1) The unconverted destroy the faith by opposition or neglect--“He that is not for Me, etc.”
(2) It is the duty of the converted to repair the injuries they have inflicted on the faith.
III. Its fame. Strangers hear of it.
1. Not trumpeted by self or interested friends.
2. Not secured by unworthy arts.
3. But by words which, like light, cannot be hid. This is true popularity, and has been won by Carey, Judson, Hunt, Moffat, Ellis, etc.
IV. Its Result: God’s glory.
1. This was what Paul wished.
2. His apostleship was not of man but of God. God, therefore, deserved the praise. All ministerial and Church gifts from Him, therefore to Him the glory.
Apostolic labours
I. The work to which Paul was devoted was preaching the faith. The preaching of the faith signified--
1. The declaration of the whole gospel. He had been subdued by the gospel, and what he had felt of the word of life that he declared unto others.
II. Paul’s labours were exercised in different places. In Damascus and Jerusalem, and now in various parts of Cilicia as well as Syria, Paul preached the gospel. His message was the same in substance in every place, be-cause--
1. All men needed salvation; and,
2. A salvation was provided for all.
III. Paul’s labours were extensive in their influence. Even those who had not seen his face heard of him, and of the grace of God which was manifested by him. Many of them in Judaea who once dreaded his name were now cheered and blessed, and their faith was strengthened by what they heard of him.
IV. Paul’s labours exalted the glory of God. “It is of God’s grace when, from a persecutor and misleader, a man becomes a true teacher and confessor. O wonder! Is not that as much as if a dead man were raised to life? And it serves to the praise of the Divine confession that the Lord does not destroy His enemies, but wins them over, and converts them to His service.” Lessons:
1. The religion of Jesus Christ inspires a man to active service. His love constrains every believer to do something in His cause.
2. A holy and zealous life is a confirmation of the truth. Hence Paul introduced the text as an argument to show that the mission entrusted to him was of God. (Richard Nicholls.)