Chapter 54—A Faithful Witness
This chapter is based on the
Epistles of John
.
After the ascension of Christ, John stands forth as a faithful, earnest
laborer for the Master. With the other disciples he enjoyed the out-
pouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, and with fresh zeal and
power he continued to speak to the people the words of life, seeking
to lead their thoughts to the Unseen. He was a powerful preacher, fer-
vent, and deeply in earnest. In beautiful language and with a musical
voice he told of the words and works of Christ, speaking in a way that
impressed the hearts of those who heard him. The simplicity of his
words, the sublime power of the truths he uttered, and the fervor that
characterized his teachings, gave him access to all classes.
The apostle’s life was in harmony with his teachings. The love for
Christ which glowed in his heart led him to put forth earnest, untiring
labor for his fellow men, especially for his brethren in the Christian
church.
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Christ had bidden the first disciples love one another as He had
loved them. Thus they were to bear testimony to the world that Christ
was formed within, the hope of glory. “A new commandment I give
unto you,” He had said, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you,
that ye also love one another.”
John 13:34
. At the time when these
words were spoken, the disciples could not understand them; but after
they had witnessed the sufferings of Christ, after His crucifixion and
resurrection, and ascension to heaven, and after the Holy Spirit had
rested on them at Pentecost, they had a clearer conception of the love
of God and of the nature of that love which they must have for one
another. Then John could say to his fellow disciples:
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His
life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
After the descent of the Holy Spirit, when the disciples went forth
to proclaim a living Saviour, their one desire was the salvation of souls.
They rejoiced in the sweetness of communion with saints. They were
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