Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord… I. THE FIRST LAST. 1. Who are the first? Those who have earliest experienced the Divine love, and are considered most richly endowed. 2. Why do they become last? Because they do not use to their salvation the love of God, and become proud of their gifts. 3. How do they become last? By receiving, according to the measure of their small fidelity, only an inferior position in the kingdom of God (Matthew 20:10), or, as the reward of their complete unfaithfulness, by being excluded entirely from the blessings of that kingdom (ver. 46). II. THE LAST FIRST. 1. Who are the last? Those who are called at a later period, and who possess inferior gifts. 2. Why do they become first? Because the knowledge of their defects makes them desirous of salvation. 3. How do they become first? By being themselves in the kingdom of God, and assisting in its wider extension (vers. 49, 52). (Lisco.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. |
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