EXTRACTS

In Luke, I add, that which especially characterises the narrative and gives its peculiar interest to this Gospel is, that it sets before us that which Christ is Himself. It is not His official glory, a relative position that He assumed; neither is it the revelation of His divine nature, in itself; nor His mission as the great Prophet. It is Himself, as He was, a man on the earth—the Person whom I should have met every day had I lived at that time in Judea, or in Galilee.

I would add a remark as to the style of Luke, which may facilitate the study of this Gospel to the reader. He often brings a mass of facts into one short general statement, and then expatiates at length on some isolated fact, where moral principles and grace are displayed.

Many had undertaken to give an account of that which was historically received among Christians, as related to them by the companions of Jesus; and Luke thought it well—having followed these things from the beginning, and thus obtained exact knowledge respecting them—to write methodically to Theophilus, in order that he might have the certainty of those things in which he had been instructed. It is thus that God has provided for the instruction of the whole church, in the doctrine contained in the picture of the Lord’s life furnished by this man of God; who, personally moved by Christian motives, was directed and inspired by the Holy Ghost for the good of all believers.

J. N. Darby (‘Synopsis’ Vol. 3, p.198)

WJ Do you learn sonship in the assembly?

JT Yes. The assembly is formed of sons; that is the secret of the fact that she comes down. The assembly is formed in sonship—what is for Him, so she comes down; that means that she has liberty; she comes down out of heaven. I think it is well to note that the saints are His inheritance; “the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints”. Think of what we are! What I would say to every Christian is, Learn how to assemble; do not come in and sit down merely as an irresponsible person, but come in as one of the company acting responsibly and intelligently. “I speak as to intelligent persons—do ye judge what I say”. J. Taylor (Vol. 37, p.262)

Edited and Published by J. Strachan, 59 Frederick Street, Dundee, DD3 9DE, Scotland

Printed by Crystal Stationery, 22 Western Road, Billericay, Essex CM12 9DZ, (T) (01277) 650661