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(2 Corinthians 11:25). The brevity of the record of the incident of these verses may, perhaps, point to the modesty of Paul. Probably the historian of the Acts of the Apostles was not at this time with Paul and Barnabas at Lystra. Paul is his informant, therefore, of what now befell him. The event was treasured, as well it might be, among the great perils and sufferings, but also among the great deliverances of Paul's career. The event, as so briefly detailed, nevertheless teaches -

I. THE PERSISTENT OPPOSITION OF THE GREAT ENEMY. They of Iconium and Antioch are, after all, his agents, and, incited by him, pursue Paul and Barnabas here.

II. THE EARLY FORGETFULNESS OF GOOD AND THE DEEP-SEATED INGRATITUDE OF HUMAN NATURE. Those who were thus persuaded to stone Paul were of the very people who had offered, as it were the day before, to sacrifice to him as God. It is a repetition of the "Hosanna!" of yesterday being turned into the "Crucify, crucify!" of to-day.

III. THE HEIGHT OF HUMAN AND OF CHRISTIAN FAITHFULNESS MAY VERY POSSIBLY FOR A TIME INTENSIFY OR PRODUCE DANGER. Perhaps the people of Lystra would never have been "persuaded" to stone Paul, if Paul and Barnabas had not yesterday so faithfully sought to persuade them that they were but men like themselves. And probably the emissaries of Iconium and Antioch would not have dared to face the wild enthusiasm of Lystra, with their evil insinuation and malign attempts.

IV. GOD DOES NOT FORGET TO BE FAITHFUL TO THOSE WHO ARE FAITHFUL TO HIM. And Paul, who had wrought through the mighty power of God, miracles for the deliverance of others, is the subject of a miracle himself now. And it is the Divine favor, as no human minister of it served the occasion. Paul has been stoned, drawn out of the city; foe and friend take him for dead - nay, perhaps he was so; if not, there was but a little "step indeed between him and death." Yet he rises up, uncalled by human voice, unhelped by human hand, and comes into the city.

V. THE UNQUENCHED COURAGE OF PAUL. He does not now "flee to another city." He comes into that city. He could well trust the God who had delivered him and would deliver him "in deaths oft." And he was well prepared to echo the words of the psalmist, "This God is my God for ever and ever, and he will be my Guide even unto death."

VI. THAT AGAIN AND AGAIN THE ENEMY OF CHRIST MAKES A HUMILIATING FAILURE OF IT. The enemy's work is exposed and is undone. Christ triumphs with fresh manifestation. And his truth and glory are spread. - B.

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KJV: And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

WEB: But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.