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I. THAT THE EMINENTLY GOOD ARE SPECIALLY EXPOSED TO DANGER.

1. Because of the ability which they display in destroying evil (ver. 22). The genius, culture, sagacity, and resolution of Paul. The tallest trees are most exposed to the tempest. Mountain summits rear themselves to the heights where lightnings are kindled and thunderbolts are forged.

2. Because of the influence which they exercise. The presence of Napoleon electrified his troops. The leading of the gifted good multiplies the power of Christians in general.

3. Because of the success which they realise. The conversion of Paul was a revival. "Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied." Luther paralysed the papacy.

II. THAT THE EMINENTLY GOOD ARE SOMETIMES EXPOSED TO VERY FORMIDABLE DANGERS (ver. 32). The governor of Damascus, instigated by the Jews, surrounded the city with soldiers to secure the apprehension and assassination of Paul.

1. The danger was powerful in its instrumentality. Church and State combined to crush Paul. Antichrist and assassination are synonymous.

2. The danger was skilful in its contrivance. The city was entirely surrounded with guards. The arrangement seemed admirably suited to the purpose — deliverance was hopeless. Sagacity, to a degree, and sin have been linked together from the days of Paradise Lost. Talent has been prostituted ever and everywhere.

3. The danger was destructive in its design. "To kill him." If the teacher is slain the truth will survive.

III. THAT THE EMINENTLY GOOD ARE SOMETIMES VERY SIMPLY DELIVERED OUT OF DANGER (ver. 3). The enemy was baffled by a basket.

1. The escape was novel in its method. "And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall." Windows have often done service to the faithful. Baskets also have been friends in need. Necessity was the mother of invention.

2. It was unexpected in its adoption. The gates of the city were watched. They had not reckoned upon the window superseding the door.

3. It was justifiable in its principle. An act of policy is right if principle is not sacrificed.

4. It was complete in its success. "And I escaped his hands." The secret disappearance through the window was a momentary retreat which led to endless victories. Every man is immortal until his work is done. Peter delivered from prison.Lessons:

1. The value of a true worker for Christ. Paul. "Ye are the salt," etc. "Ye are the light," etc.

2. The world's ignorance of its best friends. It has invariably persecuted the truest philanthropists.

3. The dependence of the great upon inferiors.

4. The ultimate defeat of sin.

5. The over-ruling power of Divine Providence.

(B. D. Johns.)

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KJV: If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

WEB: If I must boast, I will boast of the things that concern my weakness.