Acts
From the Original 1599 Geneva Bible Notes
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Ac 1:1
1:1 The {1} former treatise
have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to {a} do and teach,
(1) Luke switches over from
the history of the Gospel, that is from the history of the sayings and
doings of Christ, unto the Acts of the Apostles.
(a) The acts of Jesus are the miracles and deeds which showed his Godhead,
and his most perfect holiness, and examples of his doctrine.
Ac 1:3
1:3 {2} To whom also he
shewed himself alive after his passion by many {b} infallible proofs, being
seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom
of God:
(2) Christ did not
immediately ascend into heaven after his resurrection in order to thoroughly
prove his resurrection, and with his presence strengthen and encourage his
Apostles in the doctrine which they had heard.
(b) He called those things infallible proofs which are otherwise termed
necessary: now in that Christ spoke, and walked, and ate, and was felt by
many, these are sure signs and proofs that he truly rose again.
Ac 1:4
1:4 And, being {c} assembled
together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from
Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith he], ye have
heard of me.
(c) They were dispersed
here and there, but he gathers them together so that all of them might
together be witnesses of his resurrection.
Ac 1:5
1:5 For John truly baptized
with water; but ye shall be baptized {d} with the Holy Ghost not many days
hence.
(d) Either by the Father,
or by me: so that either the Father or Christ is set here contrasted with
John, as the Holy Spirit is contrasted with water, as things that are
comparable to one another.
Ac 1:6
1:6 {3} When they therefore
were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time
{e} restore again the kingdom to Israel?
(3) We must fight before we
triumph, and we must not search curiously after those things which God has
not revealed.
(e) To the old and ancient state.
Ac 1:7
1:7 And he said unto them, It
is not for you to know the times or the {f} seasons, which the Father hath put
in his own power.
(f) That is, the proper
occasions that provide opportunities for doing matters, which occasions the
Lord has appointed to bring things to pass in.
Ac 1:9
1:9 {4} And when he had
spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received
him out of their sight.
(4) After Christ had
promised the full power of the Holy Spirit, with whom he would govern his
church (even though he would be absent in body), he took up his body from us
into heavenly tabernacles to remain there until the latter day of judgment,
as the angels witness.
Ac 1:11
1:11 Which also said, Ye men
of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is
taken up {g} from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have
seen him go into heaven.
(g) That is, out of your
sight.
Ac 1:12
1:12 Then returned they unto
Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath {h}
day's journey.
Ac 1:13
1:13 {5} And when they were {i}
come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James,
and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [the
son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James.
(5) Ecclesiastical
assemblies to hear the word, and to make common prayer, were first
instituted and kept in private houses by the Apostles.
(i) They went into the house which the Church had chosen at that time to be
a gathering place for the whole assembly.
Ac 1:14
1:14 These all {k} continued
with {l} one accord in {m} prayer and supplication, with the {n} women, and
Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his {o} brethren.
(k) The Greek word
signifies an invincible constancy and steadfastness.
(l) It is to good purpose that this agreement is mentioned: for those
prayers are most acceptable to God which are made with agreeing minds and
wills.
(m) The disciples prayed for the sending of the Holy Spirit, and also to be
delivered from present dangers, of which there were many that they were
experiencing.
(n) For it was appropriate to have the wives strengthened and encouraged who
would afterwards be partakers of the dangers with their husbands.
(o) With his relatives.
Ac 1:15
1:15 {6} And in those days
Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of {p}
names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
(6) Peter is made the
spokesman and interpreter of the whole company of the Apostles, either by
secret revelation of the Holy Spirit, or by the express judgment of the
congregation.
(p) Because men are commonly referred to and enrolled by their names.
Ac 1:16
1:16 {7} Men [and] brethren,
this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the
mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that
took Jesus.
(7) Peter anticipates the
offence that might be taken at the falling away of Judas the betrayer,
showing that all things which happened to him were foretold by God.
Ac 1:18
1:18 Now this man {q}
purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and {r} falling headlong, he
burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
(q) Luke did not consider
Judas' purpose, but that which followed it, and so we used to say that a man
has done himself harm, not that he wanted and intended to, but in respect of
that which followed.
(r) The Greek words signify this much, that Judas fell down flat and was
torn apart in the middle, with a tremendously great noise.
Ac 1:20
1:20 For it is written in the
book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein:
and his {s} bishoprick let another take.
(s) His office and
ministry: David wrote these words against Doeg the King's herdsman: and
these words "shepherd", "sheep", and "flock" are used with reference to the
Church office and ministry, so that the Church and the offices are called by
these names.
Ac 1:21
1:21 {8} Wherefore of these
men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus {t} went in
and out among us,
(8) The Apostles do not
deliberate at all, but first they consult and take guidance from God's word:
and again they do nothing that concerns and is incumbent upon the whole body
of the congregation, without making the congregation a part of the decision.
(t) This kind of speech signifies as much in the Hebrew language as the
exercising of a public and difficult office, when they speak of such as are
in any public office; De 31:2; 1Ch 27:1 .
Ac 1:22
1:22 Beginning from the
baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up {u} from us, must one
be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
Ac 1:23
1:23 {9} And they {x}
appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
(9) The Apostles must be
chosen immediately from God: and therefore after praying, Matthias is chose
by lot, which is as it were God's own voice.
(x) Openly, and by the voices of the entire company.
Ac 1:25
1:25 That he may take {y}
part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression {z}
fell, that he might go to his own place.
(y) That he may be a member
and partaker of this ministry.
(z) Departed from, or fallen from: and it is a metaphor taken from the word
"way": for callings are signified by the name of "ways" with the Hebrews.
Ac 2:1
2:1 And {1} when the day of
Pentecost was {a} fully come, they were {b} all with one accord in one place.
(1) The Apostles being
gathered together on a most solemn feast day in one place, that it might
evidently appear to all the world that they all had one office, one Spirit,
and one faith, are by a double sign from heaven authorised, and anointed
with all the most excellent gifts of the Holy Spirit, and especially with an
extraordinary and necessary gift of tongues.
(a) Literally, "was fulfilled": that is, was begun, as in Lu 2:21 . For the
Hebrews say that a day or a year is fulfilled or ended when the former days
or years are ended, and the other has begun; Jer 25:12 : "And it will come
to pass that when seventy years are fulfilled, I will visit, etc." For the
Lord did not bring his people home after the seventieth year was ended, but
in the seventieth year: Now the day of Pentecost was the fiftieth day after
the feast of the Passover.
(b) The twelve apostles, who were to be the patriarchs as it were of the
Church.
Ac 2:4
2:4 And they were all filled
with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with {c} other tongues, as the {d}
Spirit gave them utterance.
(c) He calls them "other
tongues" which were not the same as the apostles commonly used, and Mark
calls them "new tongues".
(d) By this we understand that the apostles were not speaking one language
and then another by chance at random, or as eccentric men used to do, but
that they kept in mind the languages of their hearers: and to be short, that
they only spoke as the Holy Spirit directed them to speak.
Ac 2:8
2:8 {e} And how hear we every
man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
(e) Not that they spoke one
language, and different languages were heard, but the apostles spoke with
different languages: for otherwise the miracle would have been in the
hearers, whereas it is really in the speakers; Nazianzen in his oration of
Whitsunday.
Ac 2:10
2:10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia,
in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, {f}
Jews and proselytes,
(f) By Jews he means those
that were both Jews by birth and Jews by profession of religion, though they
were born in other places: and these latter ones were proselytes, who were
born Gentiles, and embraced the Jewish religion.
Ac 2:12
2:12 {2} And they were all
amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
(2) God's word pierces some
in such a way that it drives them to seek out the truth, and it so chokes
others that it forces them to be witnesses of their own impudency.
Ac 2:13
2:13 Others {g} mocking said,
These men are full of new wine.
(g) The word which he uses
here signifies a kind of mocking which is reproachful and insolent: and by
this reproachful mocking we see that no matter how great and excellent the
miracle, the wickedness of man still dares to speak evil against it.
Ac 2:14
2:14 But Peter, standing up
with the eleven, {h} lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of
Judaea, and all [ye] that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and
hearken to my words:
(h) The holiness of Peter
is to be marked, in which the grace of the Holy Spirit is to be seen, even
from the very beginning.
Ac 2:15
2:15 For these are not
drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is [but] the {i} third hour of the day.
(i) After the sunrise,
which may be about seven or eight o'clock to us.
Ac 2:16
2:16 But this is that which
was spoken by the {k} prophet Joel;
(k) There is nothing that
can dissolve questions and doubt except testimony taken out of the Prophets:
for men's reasonings may be overturned, but God's voice cannot be
overturned.
Ac 2:17
2:17 {3} And it shall come to
pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon {l} all
{m} flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men
shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
(3) Peter setting forth the
truth of God against the false accusations of men, shows in himself and in
his companions that the prophecy of Joel concerning the full giving of the
Holy Spirit in the latter days has been fulfilled: and this grace is also
offered to the whole Church, to the certain and undoubted destruction of
those who condemn it.
(l) All without exception, both upon the Jews and Gentiles.
(m) That is, men.
Ac 2:21
2:21 {4} And it shall come to
pass, [that] whosoever shall {n} call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
(4) The most important use
of all the gifts of the Holy Spirit is to bring men to salvation by faith.
(n) These words "call on" signify in Holy Scriptures and earnest praying and
craving for help from God's hand.
Ac 2:22
2:22 {5} Ye men of Israel,
hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man {o} approved of God among you by
miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as
ye yourselves also know:
(5) Christ, being innocent,
was by God's providence crucified by wicked men.
(o) Who is by those works which God did by him so manifestly approved and
admitted of, that no man can deny him.
Ac 2:23
2:23 Him, being delivered by
the determinate counsel and {p} foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by
wicked {q} hands have crucified and {r} slain:
(p) God's everlasting
foreknowledge, which can neither be separated from his determinate counsel,
as the Epicureans say, neither yet be the cause of evil: for God in his
everlasting and unchangeable counsel appointed the wicked act of Judas to an
excellent end: and God does that well which the instrument does wickedly.
(q) God's counsel does not excuse the Jews, whose hands were wicked.
(r) The fact is said to be theirs by whose counsel and urging on it is done.
Ac 2:24
2:24 {6} Whom God hath raised
up, having loosed the {s} pains of death: because it was not possible that he
should be holden of it.
(6) As David foretold,
Christ did not only rise again, but also was void of all decay in the grave.
(s) The death that was full of sorrow both of body and mind: therefore when
death appeared conqueror and victor over those sorrows, Christ is rightly
said to have overcome those sorrows of death when, as being dead, he
overcame death, to live forever with his Father.
Ac 2:27
2:27 Because thou wilt not
{t} leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see
corruption.
Ac 2:28
2:28 Thou hast {u} made known
to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Ac 2:30
2:30 Therefore being a
prophet, and knowing that God had {x} sworn with an oath to him, that of the
fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on
his throne;
Ac 2:32
2:32 {7} This Jesus hath God
raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
(7) Peter witnesses that
Jesus Christ is the appointed everlasting King, which he manifestly proves
by the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the testimony of David.
Ac 2:33
2:33 Therefore being by the
{y} right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise
of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Ac 2:36
2:36 Therefore let all the
house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath {z} made that same Jesus, whom
ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
(z) Christ is said to be
"made" because he was advanced to that dignity, and therefore it is not
spoken with reference to his nature, but with reference to his position and
high dignity.
Ac 2:38
2:38 {8} Then Peter said unto
them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for
the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
(8) Repentance and
remission of sins in Christ are two principles of the Gospel and therefore
of our salvation: and they are obtained by the promises apprehended by
faith, and are ratified by us in baptism; and with our salvation comes the
power of the Holy Spirit (Ed.).
Ac 2:39
2:39 For the {a} promise is
unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many
as the Lord our God shall call.
Ac 2:40
2:40 {9} And with many other
words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward
generation.
Ac 2:41
2:41 {10} Then they that
gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added
[unto them] about three thousand souls.
(10) A notable example of
the power of the Holy Spirit: but such are not baptized until they make
confession of their faith. (Ed.)
Ac 2:42
2:42 {11} And they continued
stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and {b} fellowship, and in {c} breaking
of bread, and in prayers.
(11) The marks of the true
Church are the doctrine of the apostles, the duties of charity, the pure and
simple administration of the ordinances, and the true invocation used by all
of the faithful.
(b) Sharing of goods, and all other duties of charity, as is shown
afterwards.
(c) The Jews used thin loaves, and therefore they broke them rather than cut
them: so by breaking of bread they meant living together, and the banquets
which they used to keep. And when they kept their love feasts, they used to
celebrate the Lord's supper, which even in those days began to be corrupted,
and Paul corrects this in 1Co 11:17-34 .
Ac 2:43
2:43 {12} And fear came upon
every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
(12) As often as the Lord
thinks it to be expedient, he bridles the rage of strangers, so that the
Church may be planted and have some refreshing.
Ac 2:44
2:44 {13} And all that
believed were together, and had all things common;
(13) Charity makes all
things common with regard to their use, according as necessity requires.
Ac 2:46
2:46 {14} And they,
continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house
to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
(14) The faithful came
together at the beginning with tremendous results, not only for the hearing
of the word, but also to eat.
Ac 3:1
3:1 Now {1} Peter and John
went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, [being] the ninth
[hour].
(1) Christ, in healing a
man that was born lame and well known to all men, both in a famous place and
at a popular time, by the hands of his apostles partly strengthens and
encourages those who believed, and partly also calls others to believe.
Ac 3:5
3:5 And he {a} gave heed unto
them, expecting to receive something of them.
Ac 3:11
3:11 And as the lame man
which was healed {b} held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto
them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.
(b) Either because he loved
them who had healed him, or because he feared that if he let them go out of
his sight that he would become lame again.
Ac 3:12
3:12 {2} And when Peter saw
[it], he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or
why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had
made this man to walk?
(2) Miracles are appointed
to convince the unbelievers, and therefore they wickedly abuse the miracles
who, standing amazed, either at the miracles themselves or at the
instruments and means which is pleases God to use, take an occasion to
establish idolatry and superstition by that which God has provided for the
knowledge of his true worship, that is, Christianity.
Ac 3:15
3:15 And killed the Prince
{c} of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
(c) Who has life in
himself, and gives life to others.
Ac 3:16
3:16 And his name through
faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: {d} yea,
the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the
presence of you all.
(d) Because he believed on
him who was raised from the dead, whose name he heard about from us.
Ac 3:17
3:17 {3} And now, brethren, I
wot that through ignorance ye did [it], as [did] also your rulers.
(3) It is best of all to
receive Christ as soon as he is offered to us: but those who have neglected
so great a benefit through man's weakness, yet have repentance as a means.
As for the shame of the cross, we have to set against that the decree and
purpose of God for Christ, foretold by the Prophets, how that first of all
he would be crucified here upon the earth, and then he would appear from
heaven the judge and restorer of all things, that all believers might be
saved, and all unbelievers utterly perish.
Ac 3:18
3:18 But those things, which
God before had shewed {e} by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should
suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
(e) Though there were many
Prophets, yet he speaks only of one mouth, to show us the consent and
agreement of the Prophets.
Ac 3:21
3:21 {f} Whom the heaven must
receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by
the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
(f) Or, be taken up into
heaven.
Ac 3:22
3:22 For Moses truly said
unto the fathers, {g} A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of
your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he
shall say unto you.
Ac 3:24
3:24 Yea, and all the
prophets {h} from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken,
have likewise foretold of these days.
Ac 3:25
3:25 {4} Ye are the {i}
children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers,
saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be
blessed.
(4) The Jews that believed
are the first begotten in the kingdom of God.
(i) For whom the Prophets were especially appointed.
Ac 3:26
3:26 Unto you first God,
having {k} raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away
every one of you from his iniquities.
(k) Given to the world, or
raised from the dead, and advanced to his kingdom.
Ac 4:1
4:1 And {1} as they spake
unto the people, the priests, and the {a} captain of the temple, and the
Sadducees, came upon them,
(1) There are none more
commonly diligent or bold enemies of the Church than those who profess
themselves to be the chief builders of it, but the more they rage, the more
steadfastly the faithful servants of God continue.
(a) The Jews had certain troops for the guard and safety of the temple and
holy things (see Mt 26:47 ). These garrisons had a captain, such as
Eleazarus Ananias, the high Priest's son in the time of the war that was in
Judea, being a very impudent and proud young man; Josephus, lib. 2, of the
taking of Judea.
Ac 4:4
4:4 Howbeit many of them
which heard the word believed; and the {b} number of the men was about five
thousand.
(b) While they thought to
diminish the number, they actually increased it.
Ac 4:5
4:5 And it came to pass on
the morrow, that their {c} rulers, and elders, and scribes,
(c) These were those who
were members of the Sanhedrin, who were all from the tribe of Judah, until
Herod came to power.
Ac 4:6
4:6 And Annas the high
priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the {d}
kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
(d) From whom the high
Priests were usually chosen and made. At this time the former high Priest
was stepping down, and a new high Priest was being appointed.
Ac 4:7
4:7 {2} And when they had set
them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what {e} name, have ye
done this?
(2) Against those who brag
of a succession of persons, without a succession of doctrine, and by that
means beat down the true ministers of the word, as much as they are able.
(e) By what authority.
Ac 4:9
4:9 {3} If we this day be
examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made
whole;
(3) The wolves who come
after true pastors plead their own cause and not God's, neither the cause of
the Church.
Ac 4:10
4:10 {4} Be it known unto you
all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of
Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth
this man stand here before you whole.
(4) He is indeed a true
shepherd that teaches his sheep to rest upon Christ alone as upon one that
is not dead, but has conquered death, and has all rule in his own hands.
Ac 4:12
4:12 Neither is there
salvation in any other: for there is none other {f} name {g} under heaven {h}
given among men, whereby we must be saved.
(f) There is no other man,
or no other power and authority at all; and this kind of speech was common
among the Jews, and arose from this, that when we are in danger we call upon
those at whose hands we look for help.
(g) Anywhere: and this shows us the largeness of Christ's kingdom.
(h) Of God.
Ac 4:13
4:13 {5} Now when they saw
the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and {i}
ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had
been with Jesus.
(5) The good liberty and
boldness of the servants of God does yet this much good, that those who lay
hidden under a mask of zeal at length betray themselves to indeed be wicked
men.
(i) The word used here is "idiot", which signifies a private man when it is
used in reference to a magistrate: but with reference to sciences and
studies, it signifies one that is unlearned, and with regard to honour and
estimation, it implies one of base degree, and of no estimation.
Ac 4:15
4:15 But when they had
commanded them to go aside out of the council, they {k} conferred among
themselves,
Ac 4:16
4:16 {6} Saying, What shall
we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them
[is] manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny [it].
(6) He that flatters
himself in ignorance, at length comes to do open wickedness, and that
against his own conscience.
Ac 4:19
4:19 {7} But Peter and John
answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to
hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
(7) We must obey men to
whom we are subject, but especially and before all things we must obey God.
Ac 4:21
4:21 {8} So when they had
further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might
punish them, because of the people: for all [men] glorified God for that which
was done.
(8) The wicked are so far
off from doing what they wish, that God uses them contrary to their desires
to set forth his glory, which he gives them permission to do.
Ac 4:23
4:23 {9} And being let go,
they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and
elders had said unto them.
Ac 4:24
4:24 {10} And when they heard
that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou
[art] God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in
them is:
(10) We should neither be
afraid of the threats of our enemies, neither yet foolishly condemn their
rage and madness against us: but we have to set against their force and
malice an earnest thinking upon the power and good will of God (both which
we manifestly behold in Christ) and so flee to the aid and assistance of our
Father.
Ac 4:27
4:27 For of a truth against
thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate,
with the Gentiles, and the {l} people of Israel, were gathered together,
(l) Although the people of
Israel were but one people, yet the plural number is used here, not so much
for the twelve tribes, every one of which counted as a people, but because
of the great multitude of them, as though many nations had assembled
themselves together, as in Jud 5:14 .
Ac 4:28
4:28 For to {m} do whatsoever
{n} thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
(m) The wicked execute
God's counsel, even though they think nothing of it, but they are not
therefore without fault.
(n) You had determined by your absolute authority and power.
Ac 4:31
4:31 {11} And when they had
prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were
all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
(11) God witnesses to his
Church by a visible sign that it is he that will establish it, by shaking
the powers both of heaven and of earth.
Ac 4:32
4:32 {12} And the multitude
of them that believed were of {o} one heart and of one soul: neither said any
[of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they
had all things common.
(12) An example of the true
Church, in which there is equal consent both in doctrine and in charity
toward one another: and the pastors deliver true doctrine both sincerely and
constantly.
(o) They agreed in counsel, will, and all plans.
Ac 4:34
4:34 {13} Neither was there
any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses
sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
(13) True charity helps the
need of the poor with its own loss, but in such a way that all things are
done well and orderly.
Ac 5:1
5:1 But {1} a certain man
named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
(1) Luke shows by contrary
examples how great a sin hypocrisy is, especially in those who under a false
pretence and cloak of zeal seem to shine and be of great importance in the
Church.
Ac 5:2
5:2 And {a} kept back [part]
of the price, his wife also being privy [to it], and brought a certain part,
and laid [it] at the apostles' feet.
Ac 5:3
5:3 But Peter said, Ananias,
why hath Satan {b} filled thine heart {c} to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to
keep back [part] of the price of the land?
(b) Fully possessed.
(c) For when they had appointed that farm or possession for the Church, they
were foolish to keep away a part of the price, as though they were dealing
with men, and not with God, and therefore he says afterwards that they
tempted God.
Ac 5:4
5:4 Whiles it remained, was
it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why
hast thou {d} conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto
men, but unto God.
(d) By this is meant an
advised and purposeful deceit, and the fault of the man in listening to the
devil's suggestions.
Ac 5:9
5:9 Then Peter said unto her,
How is it that ye have agreed together to {e} tempt the Spirit of the Lord?
behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband [are] at the {f} door,
and shall carry thee out.
(e) Look how often men do
things with an evil conscience; and so they pronounce sentence against
themselves, and as much as in them lies, they provoke God to anger, as they
do this on purpose, in order to test whether he is just and almighty or not.
(f) Are at hand.
Ac 5:11
5:11 {2} And great fear came
upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
(2) The Lord by his
marvellous power bridles some so that they may not hurt the Church: others
he keeps in awe and fear of him: and others he draws unto himself.
Ac 5:13
5:13 And of the rest durst no
man join himself to them: but the people {g} magnified them.
Ac 5:17
5:17 {3} Then the high priest
rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the {h} sect of the
Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
(3) The more that the
Church increases, the more the rage os Satan increases, and therefore they
proceed from threats to imprisonment.
(h) The word which is used here is "heresy", which signifies a choice, and
so is taken for a right form of learning, or faction, or study and course of
life, which the Latins call a sect: at first this word was used
indifferently, but at length it came to be used only in reference to evil,
whereupon came the name of "heretic" which is taken for one that goes astray
from sound and wholesome doctrine in such a way that he thinks lightly of
the judgment of God and his Church, and continues in his opinion, and breaks
the peace of the Church.
Ac 5:19
5:19 {4} But the angel of the
Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
Ac 5:20
5:20 {5} Go, stand and speak
in the temple to the people all the {i} words of this life.
(5) God therefore delivers
his own, so that they may more vigorously provoke his enemies.
(i) Words by which the way unto life is shown.
Ac 5:21
5:21 {6} And when they heard
[that], they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the
high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council
together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison
to have them brought.
Ac 5:25
5:25 {7} Then came one and
told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the
temple, and teaching the people.
(7) The more openly that
Christ's power shows itself, the more the madness of his enemies who
conspire against him increases.
Ac 5:26
5:26 {8} Then went the
captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared
the people, lest they should have been stoned.
Ac 5:28
5:28 {9} Saying, Did not we
straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye
have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend {k} to bring this man's
blood upon us.
(9) It is the
characteristic of tyrants to set down their own commandments as right and
proper, be they ever so wicked.
(k) Make us guilty of murdering that man whom yet they will not condescend
to name.
Ac 5:29
5:29 {10} Then Peter and the
[other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Ac 5:30
5:30 {11} The God of our
fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
(11) Christ is appointed
and indeed declared Prince and preserver of his Church, in spite of his
enemies.
Ac 5:32
5:32 {12} And we are his
witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath
given to them that obey him.
(12) It is not sufficient
for us that there is a proper goal, but we must also according to our
calling go forward until we come to it.
Ac 5:33
5:33 When they heard [that],
they {l} were cut [to the heart], and took counsel to slay them.
(l) This shows that they
were in a most vehement rage, and tremendously disquieted in mind, for it is
a borrowed kind of speech taken from those who are harshly cut in pieces
with a saw.
Ac 5:34
5:34 {13} Then stood there up
one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in
reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a
little space;
(13) Christ finds defenders
of his cause, even in the very company of his enemies, as often as he thinks
necessary.
Ac 5:36
5:36 {14} For before these
days rose up Theudas, {m} boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of
men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as
obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
(14) In matters of religion
we must take good heed that we attempt nothing under a pretence of zeal to
which we have not been called.
(m) To be of same fame.
Ac 5:38
5:38 And now I say unto you,
{n} Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this
work be of {o} men, it will come to nought:
(n) He dissuades his
fellows from murdering the apostles, neither does he think it good to refer
the matter to the Roman magistrate, for the Jews could endure nothing worse
than to have the tyranny of the Romans confirmed.
(o) If it is counterfeit and devised.
Ac 5:41
5:41 {15} And they departed
from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to
suffer shame for his name.
(15) The apostles,
accustomed to suffer and bear words, are eventually accustomed to bearing
stripes, and yet in such a way that by means of them they become stronger.
Ac 5:42
5:42 And daily in the {p}
temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Ac 6:1
6:1 And {1} in those days,
when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of
the {a} Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in
the {b} daily ministration.
(1) When Satan has assailed
the Church on the outside, and with little result and in vain, he assails it
on the inside, with civil dissension and strife between themselves: but the
apostles take occasion by this to set order in the Church.
(a) From among their own members, who became religious Jews from among the
Greeks.
(b) In the bestowing of alms according to their need.
Ac 6:2
6:2 {2} Then the twelve
called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not {c}
reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve {d} tables.
(2) The office of preaching
the word, and dispensing the goods of the Church, are different from one
another, and not rashly to be joined together, as the apostles institute
here. And the deacons must seek the consent of the Church more than the
apostles.
(c) It is such a matter that we may in no way accept it.
(d) Banquets: though by the name of tables other offices are also meant,
which are added to it, such as those which pertain to the care of the poor.
Ac 6:3
6:3 {3} Wherefore, brethren,
look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and
wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
(3) In choosing deacons
(and much more in choosing ministers) there must be an examination of both
their learning and their manners of life.
Ac 6:6
6:6 {4} Whom they set before
the apostles: and when they had prayed, they {e} laid [their] hands on them.
(4) The ancient Church,
with the laying on of hands, as it were consecrated to the Lord those who
were lawfully elected.
(e) This ceremony of the laying on of hands came from the Jews, who used
this ceremony both in public affairs, and in the offering of sacrifices, and
also in private prayers and blessings, as appears in Ge 48:13-22 ; and the
Church also observed this ceremony, as is evident from 1Ti 5:22; Ac 8:17 .
However, there is no mention made here either of cream, or shaving, or
razing, or crossing, etc.
Ac 6:7
6:7 {5} And the word of God
increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly;
and a great company of the priests were obedient to the {f} faith.
(5) A happy result of
temptation.
(f) This is the figure of speech metonymy, meaning by "faith" the doctrine
of the Gospel which brings about faith.
Ac 6:8
6:8 {6} And Stephen, full of
faith and {g} power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
(6) God trains his Church
first with evil words and slanders, then with imprisonments, afterwards with
scourgings, and by these means prepares it in such a way that at length he
causes it to meet in combat with Satan and the world, even to bloodshed and
death.
(g) Excellent and singular gifts.
Ac 6:9
6:9 {7} Then there arose
certain of the {h} synagogue, which is called [the synagogue] of the
Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of
Asia, disputing with Stephen.
(7) Schools and
universities in ancient times were addicted to false pastors, and were the
instruments of Satan to spread abroad and defend false doctrines.
(h) Of the people and the school, as it were.
Ac 6:10
6:10 {8} And they were not
able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
(8) False teachers, because
they will not be overcome, flee from disputations and resort to manifest and
open slandering and false accusations.
Ac 6:12
6:12 {9} And they stirred up
the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon [him], and caught
him, and brought [him] to the council,
(9) The first bloody
persecution of the Church of Christ, began and sprang from a council of
priests, by the suggestion of the university teachers.
Ac 6:13
6:13 {10} And set up false
witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against
this holy place, and the law:
(10) An example of
frivolous objectors or false accusers, who gather false conclusions from
things that are well uttered and spoken.
Ac 6:15
6:15 And all that sat in the
council, looking stedfastly on him, {i} saw his face as it had been the face
of an angel.
(i) By this it appears that
Steven had an excellent and wholesome countenance, having a quiet and
settled mind, a good conscience, and certain conviction that his cause was
just: for seeing as he was to speak before the people, God beautified his
countenance, so that by the very beholding of him the Jews' minds might be
penetrated and amazed.
Ac 7:1
7:1 Then {1} said the high
priest, Are these things so?
(1) Steven is allowed to
plead his cause, but for this reason and purpose, that under a disguise and
pretence of the Law he might be condemned.
Ac 7:2
7:2 {2} And he said, Men,
brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of {a} glory appeared unto our father
Abraham, when he was in {b} Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,
(2) Steven witnesses to the
Jews that he acknowledges the true fathers, and the only true God, and more
than this shows this that these are more ancient than the temple and all the
temple service appointed by the Law, and therefore they ought to lay another
foundation of true religion, that is to say, the free covenant that God made
with the fathers.
(a) The mighty God full of glory and majesty.
(b) When he says afterwards in Ac 7:4 that Abraham came out of Chaldea, it
is evident that Mesopotamia contained Chaldea which was near to it, and
bordered upon it; and so writes Plinius, book 6, chap. 27.
Ac 7:5
7:5 And he gave him none
inheritance in it, no, not [so much as] to {c} set his foot on: yet he {d}
promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after
him, when [as yet] he had no child.
(c) Not enough ground to
even set his foot upon.
(d) The promise of the possession was certain, and belonged to Abraham,
though it was his posterity that enjoyed it a great while after his death:
and this is the figure of speech synecdoche.
Ac 7:6
7:6 And God spake on this
wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should
bring them into bondage, and entreat [them] evil {e} four hundred years.
(e) Four hundred years are
counted from the beginning of Abraham's progeny, which was at the birth of
Isaac: and four hundred and thirty years which are spoken of by Paul in Ga
3:17 , from the time that Abraham and his father departed together out of Ur
of the Chaldeans.
Ac 7:9
7:9 {3} And the patriarchs,
moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was {f} with him,
(3) Steven diligently
recounts the horrible misdeeds of some of the fathers, to teach the Jews
that they ought not rashly to rest in the authority or examples of the
fathers.
(f) By these words are meant the peculiar favour that God shows men: for he
seems to be away from those whom he does not help: and on the other hand, he
is with those whom he delivers out of troubles, no matter how great the
troubles may be.
Ac 7:10
7:10 And delivered him out of
all his afflictions, and gave him {g} favour and wisdom in the sight of
Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
Ac 7:16
7:16 And were {h} carried
over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of
money of the sons of Emmor [the father] of Sychem.
(h) The patriarchs who were
the sons of Jacob, though only Joseph is mentioned; Jos 24:32 .
Ac 7:19
7:19 The same {i} dealt
subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast
out their young children, to the end they might not live.
(i) He devised a subtle
plan against our stock, in that he commanded all the males to be cast out.
Ac 7:20
7:20 In which time Moses was
born, and was {k} exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three
months:
(k) This child was born
through God's merciful goodness and favour, to be of a lovely and fair
countenance.
Ac 7:30
7:30 And when forty years
were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an {l}
angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
(l) Now, he calls the Son
of God an angel, for he is the angel of great counsel, and therefore
immediately after he describes him as saying to Moses, "I am the God of thy
fathers, etc."
Ac 7:35
7:35 This Moses whom they
refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send [to
be] a ruler and a deliverer by the {m} hand of the angel which appeared to him
in the bush.
Ac 7:37
7:37 {4} This is that Moses,
which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God
raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.
(4) He acknowledges Moses
as the Lawgiver, but in such a way that he proves by his own witness that
the Law had respect to a more perfect thing, that is to say, to the
prophetical office which accompanied Christ, the head of all Prophets.
Ac 7:41
7:41 And they made a {n} calf
in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works
of their own hands.
(n) This was the
superstition of the Egyptian's idolatry: for they worshipped Apis, a strange
and marvellous looking calf, and made beautiful images of cows.
Ac 7:42
7:42 Then God turned, and {o}
gave them up to worship the {p} host of heaven; as it is written in the book
of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and
sacrifices [by the space of] forty years in the wilderness?
(o) Being destitute and
void of his Spirit, he gave them up to Satan, and wicked lusts, to worship
stars.
(p) By "the host of heaven" here he does not mean the angels, but the moon,
and sun, and other stars.
Ac 7:43
7:43 Yea, ye {q} took up the
tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made
to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
Ac 7:44
7:44 {5} Our fathers had the
tabernacle of {r} witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking
unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.
(5) Moses indeed erected a
tabernacle, but that was to call them back to the one whom he had seen on
the mountain.
(r) That is, of the covenant.
Ac 7:45
7:45 Which also our fathers
that came after {s} brought in with Jesus into the {t} possession of the
Gentiles, whom God drave out {u} before the face of our fathers, unto the days
of David;
(s) Delivered from hand to
hand.
(t) This is said using the figure of speech metonymy, and refers to the
countries which the Gentiles possessed.
(u) God drove them out that they should yield up the possession of those
countries to our fathers when they entered into the land.
Ac 7:47
7:47 {6} But Solomon built
him an house.
(6) Solomon built a temple
according to God's commandment, but not under any condition that the majesty
of God should be enclosed within it.
Ac 7:51
7:51 {7} Ye stiffnecked and
{x} uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as
your fathers [did], so [do] ye.
(7) Steven, moved with the
zeal of God, at length judges his own judges.
(x) They are of uncircumcised hearts who still lie drowned in the sins of
nature, and are stuck fast in them: for otherwise all the Jews were
circumcised with regard to the flesh, and therefore there are two kinds of
circumcision; Ro 2:28-29 .
Ac 7:53
7:53 Who have received the
law by the {y} disposition of angels, and have not kept [it].
Ac 7:54
7:54 {8} When they heard
these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with [their]
teeth.
(8) The more Satan is
pressed, the more he breaks out into an open rage.
Ac 7:55
7:55 {9} But he, being full
of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God,
and Jesus {z} standing on the right hand of God,
(9) The nearer that martyrs
approach to death, the nearer that they rise up, even into heaven, as they
behold Christ.
(z) Ready to affirm him in the confession of the truth, and to receive him
unto himself.
Ac 7:57
7:57 {10} Then they cried out
with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and {a} ran upon him with one
accord,
(10) The zeal of hypocrites
and superstitious people eventually breaks out into a most open madness.
(a) This was done in a rage and fury, for at that time the Jews could put no
man to death by law, as they confessed before Pilate saying that it was no
lawful for them to put any man to death, and therefore it is reported by
Josephus that Ananus, a Sadducee, slew James the brother of the Lord, and
for so doing was accused before Albinus, the president of the country; lib.
20.
Ac 7:58
7:58 And cast [him] out of
the city, and stoned [him]: and the {b} witnesses laid down their clothes at a
young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
Ac 7:60
7:60 {11} And he kneeled
down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, {c} lay not this sin to their charge.
And when he had said this, he {d} fell asleep.
(11) Faith and charity
never forsake the true servants of God, even to the last breath.
(c) The word which he uses here refers to a type of imputing or laying to
one's charge that remains firm and steady forever, never to be remitted.
(d) See 1Th 4:13 .
Ac 8:1
8:1 And {1} Saul was
consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution
against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad
throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Ac 8:2
8:2 {2} And devout men {a}
carried Stephen [to his burial], and made great lamentation over him.
(2) The godly mourn for
Steven after his death, and bury him, showing in this an example of singular
faith and charity: but no man prays to him.
(a) Amongst all the duties of charity which the godly perform, there is no
mention made of enshrining relics.
Ac 8:3
8:3 {3} As for Saul, he made
havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women
committed [them] to prison.
Ac 8:5
8:5 {4} Then Philip went down
to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
(4) Philip, who was before
a deacon in Jerusalem, is made an evangelist by God in an extraordinary way.
Ac 8:9
8:9 {5} But there was a
certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used {b} sorcery,
and {c} bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some
great one:
(5) Christ overcomes Satan
as often as he desires, and carries him about as it were in triumph, in the
sight of those whom Satan deceived and bewitched.
(b) The word which is used in this place was at first used of good things,
and is borrowed from the language of the Persians, who call their wise men
by that name; but afterwards it was used of evil things.
(c) He had so allured the Samaritans with his witchcraft that as blind and
mad idiots they were wholly addicted to him.
Ac 8:13
8:13 {6} Then Simon himself
believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and
wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
(6) The wicked and the
highly reprobate are often forced to taste the good gift of God, but they
immediately spit it out again.
Ac 8:14
8:14 {7} Now when the
apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of
God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
(7) Peter, not chief but as
an ambassador sent from the whole company of the apostles, and John his
companion, according to the authority which was committed unto them,
strengthen, encourage, and build up the churches of Samaria, whose
foundation had been laid before by Philip.
Ac 8:15
8:15 Who, when they were come
down, prayed for them, that they might receive the {d} Holy Ghost:
(d) Those excellent gifts
which are necessary, especially for those that were to be appointed rulers
and governors of the Church.
Ac 8:18
8:18 {8} And when Simon saw
that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he
offered them money,
Ac 8:20
8:20 (9) But Peter said unto
him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of
God may be purchased with money.
(9) They are the successors
of Simon Magus, and not Simon Peter, who either buy or sell holy things.
Ac 8:21
8:21 Thou hast neither part
nor lot in this {e} matter: for thy heart is not {f} right in the sight of
God.
(e) In this doctrine which
I preach.
(f) Is not upright indeed and without the concealing of hypocritical
motives.
Ac 8:22
8:22 {10} Repent therefore of
this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may
be forgiven thee.
(10) We must hope well even
for the vilest sinners, as long as and as much as we can.
Ac 8:23
8:23 For I perceive that thou
art in the {g} gall of bitterness, and [in] the {h} bond of iniquity.
(g) He calls the inward
malice of the heart and the venomous and demonic wickedness with which the
magician was wholly filled with the gall of bitterness: and he is said to be
in the gall, as though he were wholly overwhelmed with gall, and buried in
it.
(h) Entangled in the bonds of iniquity.
Ac 8:26
8:26 {11} And the angel of
the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the
way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
(11) Christ, who calls
freely whom he wishes, now uses Philip, who was not thinking about any such
thing, to unexpectedly instruct and baptize the eunuch, and by this means
extends the limits of his kingdom even into Ethiopia.
Ac 8:27
8:27 And he arose and went:
and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch {i} of great authority under Candace
queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come
to Jerusalem for to worship,
(i) A man of great wealth
and authority with Candace. Now this word "Candace" is a common name of all
the Queens of Ethiopia.
Ac 8:31
8:31 And he said, How can I,
except some man should {k} guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come
up and sit with him.
Ac 8:32
8:32 {12} The place of the
scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and
like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
(12) Those things which
seem to come most by chance or fortune
(as men term it) are governed by the secret providence of God.
Ac 8:33
8:33 In his {l} humiliation
his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his {m} generation? for his
life is taken from the earth.
(l) The Hebrew text reads
it in this way, "out of a narrow strait, and out of judgment was he taken":
and by the "narrow strait" he means the grave and the very bonds of death,
and by "judgment" he means the punishment which was laid upon him, and the
miserable state which Christ took upon himself for our sakes, in bearing his
Father's wrath.
(m) How long he will endure: for Christ, having once risen from the dead,
dies no more; Ro 6:9 .
Ac 8:37
8:37 {13} And Philip said, If
thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said,
{n} I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
(13) Profession of faith is
required of those being baptized, and therefore it is evident that we are
not first ingrafted into Christ when we are baptized, but are already
ingrafted, and then are baptized. (Ed.)
(n) The sum of the confession which is necessary for baptism.
Ac 9:1
9:1 And {1} Saul, yet {a}
breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord,
went unto the high priest,
(1) Saul (who is also
Paul), persecuting Christ most cruelly, who did as it were flee before him,
falls into Christ's hands, and is overcome: and with a singular example of
the goodness of God, in place of punishment which he justly deserved for his
cruelty, is not only kindly received, but is also even by the mouth of God
appointed an apostle, and is confirmed by the ministry and witness of
Ananias.
(a) This is a sign that Saul's stomach boiled and cast out great threats to
murder the disciples.
Ac 9:2
9:2 And desired of him
letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this {b} way,
whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
Ac 9:5
9:5 And he said, Who art
thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is] {c}
hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Ac 9:7
9:7 And the men which
journeyed with him {d} stood speechless, hearing a {e} voice, but seeing no
man.
(d) Stood still and could
not go one step forward, but remained amazed as stood still like statues.
(e) They heard Paul's voice: for afterwards it is plainly said in Ac 22:9
that they did not hear the voice of the one who spoke. Others, however, try
to reconcile these places (which seem to contradict) by saying that the men
with Saul heard the sound of a voice, but did not hear it clearly.
Ac 9:11
9:11 And the Lord [said] unto
him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in
the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of {f} Tarsus: for, behold, he
prayeth,
(f) Tarsus was a city of
Cilicia near to Anchiala. It is said that Sardanapalus built these two
cities in one day.
Ac 9:15
9:15 But the Lord said unto
him, Go thy way: for he is a {g} chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before
the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Ac 9:16
9:16 For I will {h} shew him
how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
Ac 9:17
9:17 And Ananias went his
way, and entered into {i} the house; and putting his hands on him said,
Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as
thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled
with the Holy Ghost.
Ac 9:20
9:20 {2} And straightway he
preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
(2) Paul begins immediately
to execute the office which was given and commanded to him, never consulting
with flesh and blood.
Ac 9:22
9:22 {3} But Saul increased
the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, {k}
proving that this is very Christ.
(3) Paul does not do battle
only with his own authority, but also with the testimonies of the Prophets.
(k) By conferring places of the Scripture together, as skilful craftsman do
when they make something, they used to gather all parts together, to make
them agree fitly one with another.
Ac 9:23
9:23 {4} And after that many
days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
(4) Paul, who was before a
persecutor, now has persecution planned against himself, though it will not
happen for a long time.
Ac 9:25
9:25 {5} Then the disciples
took him by night, and let [him] down by the wall in a basket.
(5) We are not forbidden to
avoid and eschew the dangers and conspiracies that the enemies of God lay
for us, but only if we do not swerve from our vocation.
Ac 9:26
9:26 {6} And when Saul was
come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were
all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
(6) In ancient times no man
was rashly or lightly received into the members and the sheep of the Church,
much less to be a pastor.
Ac 9:28
9:28 {7} And he was {l} with
them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
(7) The steadfast servants
of God must look out for danger after danger: yet God watches out for them.
(l) With Peter and James, for he says that he saw none of the apostles but
them; Ga 1:18-19 .
Ac 9:29
9:29 And he spake boldly in
the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the {m} Grecians: but they
went about to slay him.
Ac 9:30
9:30 {8} [Which] when the
brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to
Tarsus.
(8) The ministers of the
word may change their place with the advice and counsel of the congregation
and church.
Ac 9:31
9:31 {9} Then had the
churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were {n}
edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy
Ghost, were multiplied.
(9) The result of
persecutions is the building of the Church, so that we will patiently wait
for the Lord.
(n) This is a borrowed type of speech which signifies establishment and
increase.
Ac 9:32
9:32 {10} And it came to
pass, as Peter passed throughout all [quarters], he came down also to the
saints which dwelt at Lydda.
Ac 9:35
9:35 And all that dwelt at
{o} Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
(o) Lydda was a city of
Palestine, and Saron a first-class country, and a place which was excellent
for grazing, between Caesarea of Palestine and Mount Tabor, and the lake of
Gennesaret, which goes far beyond Joppa.
Ac 9:36
9:36 {11} Now there was at
Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called
Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
(11) Peter clearly
declares, by raising up a dead body through the name of Christ, that he
preaches the glad tidings of life.
Ac 10:1
10:1 There {1} was a certain
man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian
[band],
Ac 10:2
10:2 [A] {a} devout [man],
and one that feared God with {b} all his house, which gave much alms to the
people, and prayed to God alway.
(a) So that he worshipped
one God, and was not an idolater, and neither could he be void of faith in
Christ, because he was a devout man: but as of yet he did not know that
Christ had come.
(b) This is a commendable thing about the man, that he laboured to have all
his household, and well-known friends, and acquaintances to be religious and
godly.
Ac 10:4
10:4 And when he looked on
him, he was afraid, and said, {c} What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy
prayers and thine alms are {d} come up for {e} a memorial before God.
(c) What do you want with
me Lord? For he prepares himself to hear.
(d) This is a borrowed kind of speech which the Hebrews used very much,
taken from sacrifices and applied to prayers: for it is said of whole burnt
sacrifices that the smoke and smell of them goes up into God's nostrils, and
so do our prayers, as a sweet smelling sacrifice which the Lord takes great
pleasure in.
(e) That is, in as much that they will not allow God as it were to forget
you: for so the Scripture often talks childish with us as nurses do with
little children, when they prepare their tongues to speak.
Ac 10:10
10:10 And he became very
hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a {f}
trance,
(f) For though Peter does
not stand amazed as one that is tongue tied, but talks with God and is
instructed in his mysteries, yet his mind was far from being as it normally
was; shortly, however, it returned to its normal state.
Ac 10:11
10:11 And saw heaven opened,
and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at
the {g} four corners, and let down to the earth:
Ac 10:12
10:12 Wherein were {h} all
manner of {i} fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and {k}
creeping things, and fowls of the air.
(h) Here is this word "all"
which is general, plainly used for something indefinite and uncertain, that
is to say, for some of all sorts, not for all of every sort.
(i) That is, such as were proper for men's use.
(k) To see what is meant by these creeping things see Le 11:2-47 .
Ac 10:14
10:14 {2} But Peter said, Not
so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
(2) Peter learns daily in
the knowledge of the benefit of Christ, yea, even after he had received the
Holy Spirit.
Ac 10:15
10:15 And the voice [spake]
unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, [that] {l} call not
thou common.
Ac 10:25
10:25 {3} And as Peter was
coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped [him].
(3) Religious adoration of
worship is proper only to God: but civil worship is given to the ministers
of the word, although not without danger.
Ac 10:30
10:30 And Cornelius said,
Four days ago I was fasting until {m} this hour; and at the ninth hour I
prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
(m) He does not mean the
very hour at the present time (as it was nine o'clock when he spoke to
Peter), but the like, that is, about nine o'clock the other day.
Ac 10:31
10:31 {4} And said,
Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the
sight of God.
Ac 10:32
10:32 {5} Send therefore to
Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the
house of [one] Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall
speak unto thee.
(5) As faith comes by
hearing, so it is nourished and grows up by the same.
Ac 10:34
10:34 {6} Then Peter opened
[his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that {n} God is no respecter of
persons:
(6) Distinction of nations
is taken away by the coming of Christ: and it is evidently seen by their
faith and righteousness, which ones are agreeable to him and which ones he
accepts. {n} That God does not judge according to the outward appearance.
Ac 10:35
10:35 But in every nation he
that {o} feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
(o) By the "fear of God"
the Hebrews understood the whole service of God, by which we perceive that
Cornelius was not void of faith, no more than they were who lived before
Christ's time: and therefore they deal incorrectly who deduce meritorious
works and free will from this passage.
Ac 10:36
10:36 The {p} word which
[God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he
is Lord of all:)
(p) God showed the
Israelites that whoever lives godly is acceptable to God, no matter what
nation he comes from, for he preached peace to men through Jesus Christ, who
is Lord not only of one nation, that is, of the Jews, but of all.
Ac 10:37
10:37 {7} That word, [I say],
ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee,
after the baptism which John preached;
(7) The sum of the Gospel
(which will be made manifest at the latter day, when Christ himself will sit
as judge both of the living and the dead), is this, that Christ promised to
the fathers and exhibited in his time with the mighty power of God (which
was demonstrated by all means) and at length crucified to reconcile us to
God, did rise again the third day, so that whoever believes in him should be
saved through the remission of sins.
Ac 10:38
10:38 How God {q} anointed
Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing
good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
(q) This manner of speaking
is taken from an old custom of the Jews, who used to anoint their kings and
priests, because of which it came to pass to call those anointed upon whom
God bestowed gifts and virtues.
Ac 10:41
10:41 Not to all the people,
but unto witnesses {r} chosen before of God, [even] to us, who did eat and
drink with him after he rose from the dead.
(r) This choosing of the
apostles is properly given to God: for though God is president in the lawful
election of ministers, yet there is in this place a secret opposition and
setting of God's choosing and men's voices against one another, for the
apostles are appointed directly by God, and the Church ministers indirectly.
Ac 10:44
10:44 {8} While Peter yet
spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
(8) The Spirit of God seals
that in the heart of the hearers which the minister of the word speaks by
the commandment of God, as is evident by the results.
Ac 10:47
10:47 {9} Can any man forbid
water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost
as well as we?
(9) Baptism does not
sanctify or make those holy who receive it, but is an outward sign to the
world of the profession of faith. (Ed.)
Ac 11:1
11:1 And {1} the apostles and
brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the
word of God.
(1) Peter, being
reprehended without reason by the unskilful and ignorant, does not object
and say that he should not be judged by any, but openly gives an account of
his actions.
Ac 11:18
11:18 {2} When they heard
these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God
also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
(2) Those who ask a
question of the truth which they do not know, ought to be quietly heard, and
must also quietly yield to the declaration of the truth.
Ac 11:19
11:19 {3} Now they which were
scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as
far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and {a} Antioch, preaching the word to none but
unto the Jews only.
(3) The scattering abroad
of Jerusalem is the cause of the gathering together of many other churches.
(a) He speaks of Antioch which was in Syria and bordered upon Cilicia.
Ac 11:20
11:20 {4} And some of them
were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake
unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
(4) The church of Antioch,
the new Jerusalem of the Gentiles, was extraordinarily called.
Ac 11:22
11:22 {5} Then tidings of
these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they
sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
(5) The apostles do not
rashly condemn an extraordinary calling, but instead they judge it by the
effects.
Ac 11:25
11:25 {6} Then departed
Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
(6) There was no contention
amongst the apostles, either with regard to usurping, or with regard to
holding places of degree.
Ac 11:27
11:27 {7} And in these days
came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
(7) God punishes his Church
when he punishes the wicked, in his scourges and plagues which he sends upon
the earth, in such a way that he nonetheless conveniently provides for it.
Ac 11:29
11:29 {8} Then the disciples,
every man according to his ability, determined to send {b} relief unto the
brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
(8) All congregations or
churches make one body.
(b) That is, that the deacons might help the poor with it: for it was
appropriate and helpful to have all these things done orderly and decently,
and therefore it is said that they sent these things to the elders, that is,
to the governors of the Church.
Ac 12:1
12:1 Now {1} about that time
{a} Herod the king stretched forth [his] hands to vex certain of the church.
(1) God gives his Church
peace only for a short time.
(a) This name Herod was common to all those that come from the stock of
Herod Ascalonites, whose surname was Magnus: but he that is spoken of here
was nephew to Herod the great, son to Aristobulus, and father to the Agrippa
who is spoken of afterwards.
Ac 12:2
12:2 And he {b} killed James
the brother of John with the sword.
(b) Violently, his cause
not being heard at all.
Ac 12:3
12:3 {2} And because he saw
it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the
days of unleavened bread.)
(2) It is an old habit of
tyrants to attain the favour of the wicked, with the blood of the godly.
Ac 12:4
12:4 {3} And when he had
apprehended him, he put [him] in prison, and delivered [him] to four
quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth
to the people.
(3) The tyrants and wicked
make a gallows for themselves even then when they do most according to their
own will and fantasy.
Ac 12:5
12:5 {4} Peter therefore was
kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for
him.
(4) The prayers of the
godly overturn the counsel of tyrants, obtain angels from God, break the
prison, unloose the chains, put Satan to flight, and preserve the Church.
