Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/792

 5. Prudence and  indulgence. They called  these  Jews  their  “brethren”, and for  fear  of  driving  them  to  despair  judged  their  crime  leniently, and did  what  they  could  to  excuse  it.

6. Fortitude. The apostles  suffered  no  threats  to  turn  them  from the exercise  of  their  apostolic  office.

See how  zealous  the  apostles  were  for  God’s glory! Do you  rather  seek  God’s  glory  than  your  own? Are you not  full  of  vanity  about  your  capabilities? Suppress every movement of  vanity;  say  nothing  in  praise  of  yourself,  and  often renew this  intention  in  all  your  actions:  “O  Jesus,  I will  do  everything for  Thee!”

HEN Peter  and  John  were  dismissed  by  the  Council,  they returned and  related  to  the  disciples  all  that  the  chief priests and  ancients  had  said  to  them. The disciples  saw  and understood that  they  were  not  above  the  Master,  and  that  the  kings of the  earth  would  ever  stand  up,  and  the  princes  assemble  together against the  Lord  and  against  His  Christ. And lifting  up  their voice to  God  they  prayed:  “And  now,  Lord,  behold  their  threatenings and grant  unto  Thy  servants  that  with  all  confidence  they  may speak Thy  word,  by  stretching  forth  Thy  hand  to  cures  and  signs and wonders  to  be  done  by  the  name  of  Thy  Holy  Son  Jesus. And when  they  had  prayed,  the  place  was  moved  wherein  they were assembled,  and  they  were  all  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost; and they  spoke  the  word  of  God  with  confidence.”

“And the  multitude  of  believers  had  but  one  heart  and  one soul.” For  they  persevered  in  the  doctrine  of  the  apostles,  in prayer,  and  in  the  breaking  of  bread ;  that  is,  the  apostles