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Sketches from the Life of Paul
meet Jewish prejudice and persecution. They now came in contact
with an entirely new element,—heathen superstition and idolatry.
The apostles, in their work, met all grades of people, and all kinds
of faith and religion. They were brought in opposition to Jewish bigotry
and intolerance, sorcery, blasphemy, unjust magistrates who loved
to exercise their power, false shepherds, superstition, and idolatry.
While persecution and opposition met them on every hand, victory
still crowned their efforts, and converts were daily added to the faith.
In Lystra there was no Jewish synagogue, though there were a few
Jews in the place. The temple of Jupiter occupied a conspicuous posi-
tion there. Paul and Barnabas appeared in the city together, teaching
the doctrine of Christ with great power and eloquence. The credulous
people believed them to be gods come down from Heaven. As the
apostles gathered the people about them, and explained their strange
belief, the worshipers of Jupiter sought to connect these doctrines, as
far as they were able, with their own superstitious faith.
Paul addressed them in the Greek language, presenting for their
consideration such subjects as would lead them to a correct knowledge
of Him who should be the object of their adoration. He directed their
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attention to the firmament of the heavens—the sun, moon, and stars—
the beautiful order of the recurring seasons, the mighty mountains
whose peaks were capped with snow, the lofty trees, and the varied
wonders of nature, which showed a skill and exactitude almost beyond
finite comprehension. Through these visible works of the Almighty,
the apostle led the minds of the heathen to the contemplation of the
great Mind of the universe.
He then told them of the Son of God, who came from Heaven to
our world because he loved the children of men. His life and ministry
were presented before them; his rejection by those whom he came to
save; his trial and crucifixion by wicked men; his resurrection from
the dead to finish his work on earth; and his ascension to Heaven to
be man’s Advocate in the presence of the Maker of the world. With
the Spirit and power of God, Paul and Barnabas declared the gospel of
Christ.
As Paul recounted the works of Christ in healing the afflicted, he
perceived a cripple whose eyes were fastened upon him, and who
received and believed his words. Paul’s heart went out in sympathy
toward the afflicted man, whose faith he discerned; and he eagerly