And keep us from that subtle poison of spiritual pride, which seeks glory to itself even from humility.
May we seek only the honour which cometh from God.
Verses 26–40
Philip was directed to go to a desert. Sometimes God opens a door of opportunity to his ministers
in very unlikely places. We should study to do good to those we come into company with by
travelling. We should not be so shy of all strangers as some affect to be. As to those of whom we
know nothing else, we know this, that they have souls. It is wisdom for men of business to redeem
time for holy duties; to fill up every minute with something which will turn to a good account. In
reading the word of God, we should often pause, to inquire of whom and of what the sacred writers
spake; but especially our thoughts should be employed about the Redeemer. The Ethiopian was
convinced by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, of the exact fulfilment of the Scripture, was made to
understand the nature of the Messiah's kingdom and salvation, and desired to be numbered among
the disciples of Christ. Those who seek the truth, and employ their time in searching the Scriptures,
will be sure to reap advantages. The avowal of the Ethiopian must be understood as expressing
simple reliance on Christ for salvation, and unreserved devotion to Him. Let us not be satisfied till
we get faith, as the Ethiopian did, by diligent study of the Holy Scriptures, and the teaching of the
Spirit of God; let us not be satisfied till we get it fixed as a principle in our hearts. As soon as he
was baptized, the Spirit of God took Philip from him, so that he saw him no more; but this tended
to confirm his faith. When the inquirer after salvation becomes acquainted with Jesus and his gospel,
he will go on his way rejoicing, and will fill up his station in society, and discharge his duties, from
other motives, and in another manner than heretofore. Though baptized in the name of the Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost, with water, it is not enough without the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Lord,
grant this to every one of us; then shall we go on our way rejoicing.
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The conversion of Saul. (1–9)
Saul converted preaches Christ. (10–22)
Saul is persecuted at Damascus, and goes (23–31)
to Jerusalem.
Cure of Eneas. (32–35)
Dorcas raised to life. (36–43)Verses 1–9
So ill informed was Saul, that he thought he ought to do all he could against the name of Christ,
and that he did God service thereby; he seemed to breathe in this as in his element. Let us not