Acts 17:12 - Homilies By R.a. Redford

Preparation for the truth.

"Therefore many of them believed." Contrast between the ignoble prejudice and the noble openness of mind. Responsibility for our faith. Knowledge and practice bound up together.

I. THE TRUE PREPARATION FOR DIVINE BLESSINGS .

1. A state of mind. At liberty to think. Open to teaching. Desire for instruction. The two kinds of skepticism ( skepsis ) , inquiry for truth, inquiry for reasons against faith.

2. A course of action and habit. Reading of the Scriptures daily, with a set purpose, devoutly, in connection with the preached Word, with an intention to follow their guidance.

II. THE TRUE FAITH SETTLED ON ITS BROAD FOUNDATION .

1. As distinguished from mere individual self-assertion and ignoble pride.

2. As accepting the standard of revealed truth.

3. As apostolic, seeing that " those things were so," i.e. as Paul represented them. The Pauline faith was the only faith which linked together the Old Testament and the New.

III. RESULTS FOLLOWING THE USE OF MEANS . A lesson to both preachers and hearers.—R.