GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES.

Vers. 12–14. Christian Boldness.

I. Distinguish Christian boldness from its counterfeits, and set forth some of its leading attributes.—There is a false and hurtful boldness arising from—1. Ignorance. 2. A bad judgment. 3. Native rashness. 4. The pride of courage which scorns to fear the face of man. 5. Mere natural resolution. 6. A wilful obstinacy. 7. A domineering spirit. The boldness which God approves must be chiefly drawn from other sources and possess higher and more ethereal attributes. 1. It must be bottomed on holy love—love to God and love to man. 2. It must be humble. 3. Must be delicate and regardful of all the rules of decorum. 4. Must be wise, discreet, and prudent. 5. Must be faithful. 6. Must be grounded not merely on self-denial and submission to the will of God, but on humble confidence in Him.

II. Some motives to rouse us to this holy and elevated frame and to a corresponding course of conduct.—1. This Christian heroism is absolutely necessary to clear up the evidences of our own piety. 2. Without rising up to this heroic and active zeal we cannot be faithful to God and our generation. 3. Estimate the importance of this duty by considering what would be the effect if all professing Christians were thus intrepid and faithful. 4. In many instances fear is altogether groundless, and is the mere suggestion of indolence. 5. For want of faithful admonition and entreaty many may have perished.—E. D. Griffin.

Ver. 12. The Development of Events in a Consecrated Life—

  1. Is the work of an over-ruling Providence.
  2. Produces startling results, disappointing alike to the hopes of the enemy and the fears of friends.
  3. Whatever may be its starting-point attains its end in the furtherance of the Gospel.
  4. Illustrates how moral principles when tried in suffering become mightier forces in the world’s evangelisation.
  5. A pledge that fellowship of suffering with Christ shall be followed by a fellowship of glory.—Lay Preacher.

Ver. 13. Moral Influence.

  1. Paul’s moral influence exerted a mighty power under the most disadvantageous circumstances—in bonds.
  2. With a very limited opportunity—one soldier daily.
  3. Upon a class of mind and heart not easily impressed—the guard which had charge of him.
  4. Throughout the city—notwithstanding the restraints of his own hired house.
  5. Reaching the further field by first fully cultivating the one at hand.—Ibid.

Ver. 14. The Ministry of Paul’s Bonds.

  1. It was loyal to his Roman citizenship (Acts xxvi. 31, 32).
  2. Christ-like, it was silent amid provocation, self-sacrificing, persuasive.
  3. It was fruitful in the furtherance of the Gospel.—1. By preaching it under the shadow of Nero’s palace. 2. By intensifying the love of it and zeal for it in the hearts of the brethren.
  4. It illustrates how Christ can erect a pulpit for Himself in the very camp of the enemy, and put a voice for His glory even into chains.—Lay Preacher.