Paul at Ephesus
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before them the great truths which are the foundation of the Christian’s
hope.
He told them of the life of Christ on earth, and of his cruel and
shameful death. He told them how the Lord of life had broken the
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barriers of the tomb, and risen triumphant over death. He repeated
the Saviour’s commission to his disciples: “All power is given unto
me in Heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost.” He told them also of Christ’s promise to send the
Comforter, through whose power mighty signs and wonders would be
wrought, and described the glorious fulfillment of that promise on the
day of Pentecost.
With deep interest, and grateful, wondering joy, the disciples lis-
tened to the words of Paul. By faith they grasped the atoning sacrifice
of Christ, and acknowledged him as their Redeemer. They were then
baptized “in the name of Jesus;” and as Paul laid his hands upon them,
they received also the baptism of the Holy Spirit, by which they were
enabled to speak the languages of other nations and to prophesy. Thus
these men were qualified to act as missionaries in the important field
of Ephesus and its vicinity, and also from this center to spread the
gospel of Christ in Asia Minor.
It was by cherishing a humble and teachable spirit that these
brethren gained their precious experience. Their example presents
a lesson of great value to Christians of every age. There are many
who make but little progress in the divine life, because they are too
self-sufficient to occupy the position of learners. They are content to
remain in ignorance of God’s word; they do not wish to change their
faith or their practice, and hence make no effort to obtain greater light.
If the followers of Christ were but earnest seekers after divine
wisdom, they would be led into rich fields of truth, as yet wholly
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unknown to them. Whoever will give himself to God as fully as did
Moses, will be guided by the divine hand as verily as was the great
leader of Israel. He may be lowly and apparently ungifted; yet if with
a loving, trusting heart he obeys every intimation of God’s will, his
powers will be purified, ennobled, energized; his capabilities increased.
As he treasures the lessons of divine wisdom, a sacred commission is
intrusted to him; he is enabled to make his life an honor to God and