November 11

Acts xxviii. — 16. And, when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself, with a soldier that kept him.

17. And it came to pass, that, after three days, Paul called the chief of the Jews together. And, when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans; 18. Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. 19. But, when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had aught to accuse my nation of. 20. For this cause, therefore, have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you; because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. 21. And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came showed or spake any harm of thee. 22. But we desire to hear of thee, what thou thinkest; for, as concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against. 23. And, when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of

So long a time had elapsed since the arrest of Paul at Jerusalem, that his accusers had neglected to arrange for the prosecution of his trial before Caesar; and the Roman government had not begun to concern itself about Christianity, which it regarded as merely a form of belief among the Jews. Moreover, at this time, the wise, upright, and amiable Seneca still had influence over his wayward pupil Nero, and a friend of Seneca was in command at Rome. No doubt the centurion had spoken a good word for Paul; and so he was allowed liberty, with the single exception of being chained by his wrists to a soldier.

APPROPRIATE HYMNS.]

O Lord, who by the example of thy blessed apostle Paul hast taught us to forget those things which are behind, and to reach forth unto those things that are before! give us grace this day that we may press toward the mark for the prize of our high calling of thee in Christ Jesus. May we lay aside every weight, and the sins which so easily beset us, and run with patience the race set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith! As he for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame: even so may we ever have before us our heavenly reward, and in like manner not fear what men can do unto us, if we may only acceptably serve thee.

God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. 24. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. 25. And, when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, 26. Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive. 27. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 28. Be it known, therefore, unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. 29. And, when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. 30. And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31. Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concerned the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

Had Paul chosen to keep quiet, and to study favor, he might soon have gained his discharge. But he had yearned to preach Christ at Rome; and the Lord had sent him there to bear witness for the gospel. Therefore, though he knew that his doctrine would stir up the enmity of the Jews, he preached with all business concerning Christ. For two years he was unmolested, though still a prisoner held for trial. But, at the end of that time, Nero, having married an infamous Jewess, was stirred up by her to persecute the Christians. Paul was put in close confinement, brought twice to trial, and finally beheaded.

Prayer.

[Nos. 3, 84, 88.

In the constant sense of our membership of Christ; in the unfailing thought that we are his soldiers and servants; in the love for our Father's house, and the blessed hope of our eternal home,— Lord, preserve and keep us.

For the mercies of the past night; for the health and comfort with which we begin the day; for the provision for our wants; for means of improvement, of enjoyment, and of usefulness,—we humbly thank thee, the Giver of all good. Bless all dear to us; multiply the preachers of thy gospel; turn opposers and persecutors into witnesses for thee; and subdue all hearts unto thyself, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.