ACTS xxvi. 9. “I
verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things
contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.”
SINCERITY is nothing in itself, though it is much boasted
of. Great thinkers may be false thinkers. Intellectual
vigour is no guarantee for moral certitude.
I. This text throws light on some aspects of Paul’s
character.
1. Paul’s self knowledge. His old self was a perpetual
memory. He always remembered his former sins, ignor-
ance, and bigotry.
2. Paul’s candour. No excuse, no mitigation even when
he sees he did it ignorantly. He also says that he did
it in unbelief. A right view of one’s self is essential to
conversion.
3. Paul’s conscientiousness. “I ought to do.” Con-
science is no argument. The rights of conscience is a force
which may be used fallaciously. Conscience is to be
enlightened, or it may be the most tyrannical of all powers.
II. This text throws light upon the Christian argument.
In some cases its historical appeal may be lost, its mira-
cles may be ignored, its organised testimony maybe disbe-
lieved. The most difficult man to convince is the ungodly
righteous man.
J. P.