Acts 20:32 And now, brothers, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up… The word "grace" is taken in Scripture — 1. For favour or goodwill (Colossians 1:2). 2. For the effects and fruits thereof (Jude 1:4). The gospel in both respects is fitly termed the word of His grace — I. Because IT CONTAINETH THE INFINITE GRACE AND FAVOUR OF THE MOST HIGH GOD TO SINNERS. The law speaks in effect man's bottomless misery, but the gospel speaks God's boundless mercy; the law is a court of justice, but the gospel a throne of grace. Grace sits as commander-in-chief in the gospel, and, as Ahasuerus to Esther, holdeth out the golden sceptre of mercy, for poor condemned persons to touch with the hand of faith, and live. The substance of God's love to man was never laid open to the view of mortals till the gospel was preached. Before it ran as a river underground; but in the gospel it bursts forth and showeth itself, to refresh us with its pleasant streams. The law is, as it were, a warrant under Heaven's hand and seal for man's execution; but the gospel, like the dove, comes flying swiftly to prevent it, with the olive branch of peace and pardon in its mouth. Choosing grace (Ephesians 1:5), calling grace (2 Timothy 1:9), justifying grace (Romans 3:24), and glorifying grace (1 Peter 3:7), are all discovered in the gospel; and therefore it may well be called the word of His grace. II. Because THE GOSPEL IS THE EFFECT AND FRUIT OF GOD'S GRACE OR GOODWILL TO MEN. Philosophers observe that dew never falleth in stormy, tempestuous weather: the dropping of the dew of the gospel on parched, scorched hearts, is a sign and fruit of serene, calm heavens: That our parts of the world, like Gideon's fleece, should be wet with this dew when other parts are dry, this is merely from grace (Amos 4:7). This rain of the gospel, which cooleth heat, melloweth the hearts, and cleanseth the unholy, goeth by coasts (Psalm 147:19, 20). III. Because THE GOSPEL IS THE USUAL MEANS OF BEGETTING GRACE. As manna fell about the Israelites' tents with the dew, so grace is distilled and dropped down with the gospel. 1. Many of the Jews heard the threatenings of the law, and were not moved, but the Baptist wins their children with the songs of Zion, the promises of the gospel. The ice which is hardened by the cold, is melted with the sun. When the murderers of our Saviour heard the gospel, they were pricked to the heart (Acts 2:37). The hard flint is broken upon the soft pillow. 2. The gospel is effectual, not only for conversion, but also for edification. "Which is able to build you up." The gospel doth not only bring forth souls to Christ, but likewise builds up souls in Christ (1 Peter 2:2). 3. It can carry men to glory. "And to give you an inheritance." It doth, like Moses, lead the saint out of Egypt, deliver him from bondage to his lusts, conduct him through the wilderness of the world, and also, like Joshua, bring him into Canaan, the land of promise. It is called "the grace of God which bringeth salvation" (Titus 2:11). It bringeth salvation to man, and it bringeth man to salvation. (G. Swinnock, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. |
    |