Digital Logos Edition
Ironside shows that in the book of Acts, God has provided a pattern for Christian testimony, missionary effort, world evangelism, and building Christian churches—a pattern we would do well to follow. From a literary standpoint, Acts seems unfinished—the story ends without a conclusion—perhaps to illustrate the continuing work of the apostles in our own time. Ironside’s commentary on Acts makes their work begun at Pentecost more visible in the present.
Harry Allen Ironside, one of the twentieth century’s greatest preachers, was born in Toronto, Canada on October 14, 1876. Though his education stopped with grammar school, his fondness for reading and a retentive memory put his learning to use. His scholarship was recognized in academic circles when he received honorary degrees from Wheaton College and Bob Jones University and was invited as frequent lecturer at Dallas Theological Seminary. Dr. Ironside was appointed to the boards of numerous Bible institutes, seminaries, and Christian organizations. He also served as director of the Africa Inland Mission. Ironside preached widely throughout the United States and abroad. He served as pastor of Moody Memorial Church from 1930 to 1948, and during his lifetime, he preached more than 7,000 sermons to over 1.25 million listeners.
“What was the offense of Ananias and Sapphira? They pretended to a greater degree of Christian devotedness than they really possessed! That was all; but it was a tremendously evil thing in the sight of God.” (Page 123)
“Christianity is not a means simply of getting into heaven, nor is it only a system of doctrine, but it is a wonderful manifestation of divine life and love in the midst of a world of sin and wretchedness.” (Page 231)
“Therefore Pentecost was the beginning of a new age, that of the Church, the Body of Christ.” (Page 41)
“The point is this: the Spirit of God, who is the Spirit of unselfishness, was working in such power in the hearts of the early believers they simply could not consider anything as their own, but held everything they had as a trust from God to be used as a blessing to other people.” (Pages 123–124)
“One of the hardest things for these poor minds of ours to grasp is the freeness of God’s salvation.” (Page 345)