The Church's first corporate action.
I. A GLIMPSE INTO PRIMITIVE CHURCH LIFE, showing:
1. Its purity and simplicity. No pomp, no complicated organization, appeal to the body of the Church.
2. Its separation from the world. "The names" were recorded in some way, and numbered; probably a written record kept from this time in the upper room. They were all regarded as "brethren."
3. Its reverence for Scripture. The quotation of the Apostle Peter is not either exactly from the Hebrew nor from the Septuagint, but the manner of it denotes entire subjection to scriptural guidance and study of the Messianic prophecies.
4. Obedience to the law of f/brisk. In the acknowledged leadership of Peter. In the desire to complete and maintain the apostleship. In the strict condition of apostolic testimony recognized, the knowledge of the facts from the baptism of John to the Ascension.
5. Realization of the presence and guidance of the Divine Spirit. In the appeal by lot; preceded by prayer and thoughtful action in selection of two, and acquiesced in without a difference.
II. THE SOLID FOUNDATIONS ON WHICH CHRISTIANITY RESTS. Care taken that the witnesses be divinely appointed. The treachery and punishment of Judas thus conspicuously mentioned, that the solemnity of the apostolic office may be there impressively seen. The whole tone of the transaction is that of men feeling their responsibility, not of fanatics carried away with the dream of power, certainly not of impostors "cunningly devising" a statement to take the world captive. The reference to Scripture shows that the apostles and their brethren would follow the track of the Old Testament in their testimony. The publicity of the gospel facts is proclaimed and appealed to. "Known to all the dwellers at Jerusalem."
III. JUDGMENT BEGINNING AT THE HOUSE OF GOD.—R.