Acts 26:26 For the king knows of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him… I. WHAT? Christianity in — 1. Its history. (1) Its preparatory stages — patriarchal, legal, prophetic — were all enacted in the open day, and each bore public testimony to the coming Christ. (2) Its actual advent. The star guided the Magi and the heavenly host, the shepherds to the public inn where Christ was born. His first appearance was amongst a crowd in the temple; He submitted to public baptism, sought the most frequented resorts for His teaching and miracles, died and ascended in public. (3) Its subsequent progress. The apostles went into all the world, and proclaimed their message where men assembled in the largest numbers. So today the preacher and missionary desire the utmost publicity for their message. (4) Its close. The dispensation will be publicly wound up before the whole universe at the Day of Judgment. 2. Its institutions. (1) The Bible is the most public book in the world. It has a circulation which is growing with the increase of the world's population. Every man in his own tongue may now read the wonderful works of God. (2) Christian Churches are the most prominent features in the city street and the country landscape. (3) The weekly Sabbath. (4) The sacraments. 3. Its influence. Much of this in its working is necessarily quiet and unobtrusive, but in its effects it is most manifest. (1) On individual lives. The drunkard converted to sobriety, the thief to honesty, etc., are things not done in a corner. (2) The national life. Take what has been done by Christianity out of English civilisation, and what would be left? Witness our schools, hospitals, etc. II. WHY? Because — 1. There is nothing to hide. Christianity is no imposture demanding darkness for its manipulation. Being truth itself, it seeks the light. Its challenge at all times and everywhere is, "Come and see." 2. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Goodness courts publicity. Christianity is no evil work of darkness. It were strange indeed if with its sole aim of blessing humanity it should hide itself in a corner. 3. There is nothing to fear. Courage is ever open, whatever adversaries may be in the way. Confident of victory, Christianity threw down the gauntlet to the world, the flesh, and the devil, and has won all along the line. III. WHEREFORE let your light shine before men. Otherwise — 1. You are out of harmony with the whole genius of Christianity. 2. Christ will publicly discard you at the great day. (J. W. Burn.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. |
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