The Reciprocal Duties of a Minister and of His People
J. Hughes, M. A. Acts 10:30-48 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold… I. Let us consider THE DUTY OF A MINISTER OF RELIGION, which, though not explicitly laid down, is nevertheless implied in the words of my text: he is to teach "all things that are commanded him of God"; not teaching for doctrines the commandments of men; not setting forth human tradition as of equal importance with the oracles of the living God, but, in humility and godly sincerity, declaring the truth as it is in Jesus. Let us now consider more particularly what the minister is commanded to teach. 1. He is commanded to remind his hearers that they are all "by nature born in sin, and the children of wrath"; that they are very far gone from original righteousness, and are of their own nature inclined to evil. 2. Having shown his hearers their state by nature, and their utter helplessness and inability to deliver themselves from this spiritual bondage as slaves of sin and Satan, he is authorised to point out to them a way of deliverance. 3. We are commanded to set before our hearers the precepts, as well as the doctrines, of our holy religion; to tell them plainly that profession without practice, that faith without works, will be of no avail to them (Matthew 8:20). I have dwelt on the duty of a Christian minister: permit me now to invite your attention — II. TO THAT OF OUR HEARERS, WHICH IS IMPLIED IN MY TEXT: "We are all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God." "Take heed how ye hear." 1. Receive the Word with an humble and a teachable mind. This is the disposition that was so exemplified in Mary, when she sat at the feet of Jesus, and listened to the sweet expressions that dropped from His lips. This is the disposition recommended by St. James in the following words: "Receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls." It is to be feared that many of our hearers enter into the sanctuary strangers to this temper; more eager to judge than to hear; ever on the alert for an opportunity to condemn; putting every phrase to the rack, if it accords not with their notion of propriety. 2. Hear with faith. "The Word preached," says St. Paul, "did not profit the Jews, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it": it had no influence on their conduct, because they did not believe what they heard. 3. If ye would hear with profit, be constant in prayer, not only in the church, but in the closet. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights." Remember "the preparation of the heart in man is from the Lord." Paul may plant, Apollos water; but it is God only that giveth the increase. 4. Be ye practical hearers. St. Paul represents some as "ever hearing, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." "Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (J. Hughes, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, WEB: Cornelius said, "Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,