"And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed" (Acts 14:1).
    What is emphasized in the account here given is, certainly, the help they found in God, who links Himself to human weakness so as to make it "mighty through God." Whilst it is clearly the work of God to bring men to Himself, yet, none the less, He is pleased to give effect to the works of His servants in such sort that it can be said, "they so spake" as to produce faith in the message they brought. There is a fitting of words to such an end which we must not overlook; it is a skill which only a wisdom begotten of love can enable for – a skill which disdains not diligence, however, for the attainment of its ends, as we read elsewhere:"Because the preacher was wise he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he pondered and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. The preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written uprightly, even words of truth" (Eccl. 12:9,10).
    Yet many seem to think that the teaching of the Spirit of God should set all this aside. They speak slightingly of the "study" even of the word of God. They do not "cry after knowledge," nor "lift up the voice for understanding;" they do not "seek her as silver, nor search for her as for hidden treasures," yet they doubt not to "understand the fear of the Lord and to find the knowledge of God" (Prov. 2:3-5). Without sowing they expect harvests, and that negligence will nevertheless bring the fruits of diligence!
    But the man of God is to be furnished unto all good works; and from Scripture this furnishing is to be obtained. We are to be "as new-born babes desiring the sincere, or pure, milk of the Word." How much does a new-born babe desire milk? It is his life. But the careless way in which God’s word is read by many shows how little they look for the teaching of the Spirit of God; and when the winds of new and strange doctrines arise, their anchor drags at once!
    What is spoken of here, however, is rather the ability that shall affect others; and for this the gift from God must not be forgotten. Yet the possession of whatever gift does not exempt from, or make one superior to, the rules which are common to all Christians – which are plain moral rules. The servant serves with what as a Christian he has acquired; and this is a most important rule indeed. We acquire and prove in our souls what we then can use for the souls of others; and the very fact that we are to serve others with it shows the need all have of it – not the servants only. There is no part of the word of God that is not intended for all the people of God, and we all learn as learners, not as teachers. Oh for the longing of heart in every Christian for that which has all come from the heart of God for all His own!
    Those so speak as to make men believe who have themselves received with a living and joyous faith what they impart to others – and who impart it, therefore, not according to the rules of an artificial pedagogy, but from such full hearts as alone can reach other hearts. So the apostles spake, and so the Iconians believed.-From Numerical Bible on Acts.
    "What will become of those cut flowers tomorrow? They will fade. So truth that is not held in communion with Christ fades away."