God the only object of worship. ACTS XIV. Paul returns to Antioch. And when || and Iconium; who, having persuaded the mul-, titudes, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing that he had been dead. But, while the disciples were standing around 20 him, he rose up, and came into the city; and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe, And when they had preached the 21 glad tidings to that city, and had taught many, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the minds of the disci- 22 ples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith; and saying that through many afflic tions we must enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed to them elders 23 in every church, and had prayed and fasted, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed. And after they had passed 24 through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. And 25 when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: And thence they 26 sailed to Antioch, whence they had been recommended to the favour of God for the work which they had fulfilled. And when they had 27 come, and had gathered the church together, they related what things God had done by them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And they continued there for a 28 11 feet." And he leaped and walked. V 1 19 Then some Jews came hither from Antioch good while with the disciples. CHAP. XIV. 28, ▾ Griesb. others, «our. REFLECTIONS UPON CHAPTER XIV. 1. In the treatment of the apostles we see our Lord's words fulfilled, that they would be hated of all men for his sake! Yet while these repeated oppositions which they met with in their work, seemed to threaten their destruc lieved, and to overcome opposition raised against them ; and God was pleased remarkably to own their labours. 4-7. Was divided, &c. So the gospel makes a separation, in a less or greater degree, wherever it comes. They followed the direction of Christ. Matt. x. 23. 9. That he had faith, &c. That he was disposed to believe the gospel, and was therefore a fit object for a miraculous cure. His serious and earnest attention to Paul, might lead to this opinion. 110-16. The gods are come, &c. Jupiter was the great father of other gods and men, according to their notions; and Mercury was the god of eloquence. Hence as Paul was the chief speaker, they called him Mercury. What follows is natural; for supposing them gods, they thought it right to offer sacrifice. Paul and Barnabas exposed themselves to danger by correcting their mistake; but did not hesitate to do so, and to teach them the knowledge of the true God, the maker of all things, and whose providence extends to all. 19. Stoned Paul, &c. › How inconsistent is, at all times, the public mind! VOL. III. PART XXI. FF Ibid. Griesb. others, our. tion; they did but in effect render their testimony to Jesus, borne amidst so many dangers, the more worthy of credit; and they served to exercise the graces of the new converts, and even to spread the knowledge of the gospel. The report of such tumults must excite inquiry, In so short a time did the multitude stone the man, whom they had thought a god; they were, no doubt, instigated by the slanders of the Jews. 20. He rose up, &c. Saint Paul's recovery, on this occasion appears to have been miraculous; but Luke simply relates the fact, and leaves his reader to infer it. 221-22. Returned to Łystra, &c. This shows their fortitude and perseverance; and their second visit no doubt contributed to support and comfort the believers. They did not flatter them with the hope of earthly good, but assured them, that through many afflictions we must enter the kingdom of God. 23. Appointed to them elders, &c. The Greek word properly signifies, to choose by stretching out the hand; and it is probable that though the apostles appointed certain individuals to teach and instruct the people, the people signified their consent. It is well-known to have been the primitive practice for the people to choose their pastor or bishop. See Doddridge and Knatchbull. 24–28. · Passed through, &c. Having fulfilled in some degree the object of their mission, they returned to, Antioch, and related what had been their success, and especially among the Gentiles. 225 The law of Moses not binding CHAPTER XV. ACTS XV. A. D. 51. Dissension about circumcision; the apostles consult respecting it, and send their determination by letters to the churches; Paul and Barnabas separate. Now certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, saying, "Unless ye be circumcised according to the custom 2 taught by Moses, ye cannot be saved." When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and some others of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apos3 tles and elders, about this question. "And having been conducted on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and 4 they caused great joy to all the brethren. And when they came to Jerusalem, they were received by the church, and by the apostles and elders, and they related what things God had 5 done by them; And how some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed had risen up, saying, "That it was necessary to circumcise the Gentiles, and to command them to keep the law of Moses." 6 Then the apostles and elders came together, 7 to consider of this matter. And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up, and and this could not fail to be beneficial. How admirably does God cause the wrath and malice of sinful men to subserve the purpose of his mercy! 2. The cure of the cripple was but one miracle of a thousand, which were wrought in those days by the power and grace of Christ. 'The effect of it was remarkable. The multitude struck with the sight of it, at once concluded the gods had come down to visit and bless them; and instead of regarding the apostles as the servants of the true God, they were for offering sacrifices to them. How boldly did the apostles correct their mistaken notion, and faithfully taught them the vanity of their gods, as opposed to the true God who made the heaven and the earth, and who was the author of all the providential good CHAP. XV. 1. Certain men, c. We learn from verse 5, that they were Pharisees; and from this it appears that the gospel method of acceptance was but imperfectly understood. 2-5. Paul and Barnabas, &c. As they had been sent to the Gentiles, they rejected the opinion of these Pharisees; but to put an end to the question, they determined to consult the apostles at Jerusalem. We see how christians, at this period, acted towards one another; and what pleasure they had in hearing of the success of the gospel.Apostles and elders. Though apostles were elders, I think the ordinary pastors are here meant, many of on Gentile believers. said to them, "Brethren, ye know that a good while since God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, who 8 knoweth the hearts, bore testimony to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as unto us; And made no difference between us and them, 9 having purified their hearts by faith. Now 10 therefore why do ye tempt God, to put a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we' have been able to bear? But 11 we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, in like manner as the Gentiles are." Then all the multitude kept silence, and 12 hearkened to Barnabas and Paul, relating what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after these were 13 silent, James spoke, saying, "Brethren, hearken unto me; Simon Peter hath declared how God 14 first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this And to this agree the 15 words of the prophets; as it is written, After 16 these things I will return, and will build again the fallen tabernacle of David, and I will build up its ruins, and restore it: That the residue 17 of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles, who are called by my name, saith the Lord, who which they had enjoyed. How important this truth; and may we be deeply persuaded of it, and worship him only. 3. The spirit which animated the apostles was not a spirit of fear, but of fortitude, boldness, and perseverance. If compelled to depart from one place they went to another, and continued to teach and preach Jesus as the Saviour. Those who received their doctrine were faithfully admonished not to expect peace and happiness on earth, but assured that it is through much affliction they must enter the kingdom of God. These holy ambassadors are careful to ascribe their success to their exalted Lord, and do but consider themselves as feeble instruments in his hand. May we ever be animated by the same humble and courageous spirit. whom there must have been to teach and inspect the many disciples in and near Jerusalem. 6-11. Then the apostles, &c. The question interested highly the rising Gentile church; and Peter argues justly from what had occurred in reference to Cornelius, that circumcision was not necessary; and that even they, though circumcised, believed that they might be saved by the gospel, and not by the law. To put the yoke of the law on their necks, was in fact to tempt or try God, by opposing his will. 12. What miracles, &c. Every miracle wrought among them was a proof The decree of the whole church ACTS XV. things in words also. For it hath seemed good 28 to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from things offered to idols, 29. and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye will do well. Fare ye well." sent to Antioch by Paul, &c. So when they were dismissed, they came to 30 Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: Which when they had read, they rejoiced in 31 this consolation, And Judas and Silas, being 32 themselves also teachers, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. And 33 after they had abode there for some time, they were dismissed in peace from the brethren to those who sent them." Notwithstanding it plea- 34 sed Silas to abide there still. And Paul and Bar- 35 nabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preach-: ing the word of the Lord, with many others.. 18 doeth all these things. Known unto, God are all his works from the beginning of the world. 19 Wherefore my judgment is, that we trouble not those, who from among the Gentiles turn to 20 God; But write to them, that they abstain from polluted offerings to idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from 21. blood. For from ancient generations Moses in every city hath those that preach him, being 22 read in the synagogues every sabbath day," Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among themselves, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren: by whom they sent this letter. 23 The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, send greeting to the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia. 24 Whereas we have heard, that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, saying, 'Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we 25 gave no such commandment: It hath seemed good to us, being assembled with one mind, to choose men and send them unto you, together 26 with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men who have hazarded their lives for the name of 27 our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent there-them to the work. And the contention was so 39 fore Judas and Silas, who will tell you the same sharp, that they separated from each other: CHAP. XV. V And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, 36 "Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are." And Barnabas 37 desired to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. was Mark. But Paul thought it not proper to 38 take with them him, who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with that God had now accepted them; and the narrative of Paul and Barnabas confirmed the reasoning and conclusion of Peter. 13-17. James spoke, &c. See the version and notes, Amos ix. 11, 12. Many of the prophets had foretold that God would visit the Gentiles, and take out of them a people for his name, to profess his name and be his people. 18. All his works, &c. The works of his providence and grace, not his works in the natural world; for this would be nothing to the purpose which James had in view. This text is then one among many others, which proves that God knows all future contingent events. Griesbach rejects a part of this text; but as it is in all the oldest mss. I regard it as genuine. 20. From polluted offerings, &c. He calls the sacrifices and other things offered to idols, polluted, because generally accompanied with many abominable crimes. Some think that James refers to that part of the victim, which was used at a feast or sold in the shambles. See I Cor. x. 25, 27. Rom. xiv. 20, and 1 Cor. viii. 4, &c.—From fornication. All fornication, no doubt is included, but it is certain, that as this was practised in the heathen temples, to that they had a special reference. Things strangled and blood. The Jews were not allowed to eat the former; and the latter was sacred to the altar. These precepts were intended to conciliate, and the observance of them Ff3 by the Gentile converts, would induce those of the circumcision to a more friendly and unreserved intercourse. For Moses, by his law, forbids these things, and this law is constantly read in the synagogues. 22. The whole church, &c. The decree of the apostles and elders had the sanction of the whole body of believers; and they jointly selected and sent with Paul and Barnabas, the messengers and following letter, which is written as the act of the whole church. 24. To whom we gave, &c. If those Pharisees had used the names of the apostles and brethren at Jerusalem as maintaining their opinion, this would shake their credit, and lead the disciples to guard against them. 28. To the Holy Spirit, &c. Guiding us in the conclusions we have made respecting the question proposed to us.—Necessary things. Things highly expedient in the present state of the church. 30-35. So when they were, &c. The letter to the Gentile believers satisfied them, and afforded great comfort; and the instructions and labours of Judas and Silas were very acceptable among them.—It pleased Silas, &c.. It is probable, that returning with Judas to Jerusalem, from an affectionate regard to Paul, he returned to Antioch. 37. With them John, &c. Mark was nephew to Barnabas, Coloss. iv. 10. ; 227 Paul circumciseth Timothy. CHAPTER XVI. ACTS XVI. Called to visit Macedonia and Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cy- || them for their observance the decrees which 40 prus; But Paul chose Silas, and departed, had been made by the apostles and elders at having been commended by the brethren to the Jerusalem. And the churches were confirmed 5 41 favour of God. And he went through Syria in the faith, and increased in number daily. and Cilicia, confirming the churches. Now when they had gone through Phrygia 6 and the country of Galatia, and were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia; After they came to Mysia, they attempted to 7 go into Bithynia: but the Spirit of Jesus" suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia 8 came down to Troas. And a vision appeared 9 to Paul in the night; a man of Macedonia stood and besought him, saying, "Come over into Macedonia; and help us." And after he had 10 seen the vision, we immediately endeavoured to go into Macedonia; assuredly inferring that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel unto them. A. D. 45. Paul circumciseth Timothy; at Philippi converteth Lydia; casteth out a spirit of divination, for which he and Silas are imprisoned; the jailer converted, &o. 1 Now, when Paul came to Derbe and Lystra, behold, he found there a certain disciple, named Timothy, (son of a certain Jewess, who believed, 2 but his father was a Gentile :) Who was well reported of by the brethren at Lystra and Ico3 nium. Paul desired this man to go forth with him; and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts: for they 4 all knew that his father was a Gentile. And as they went through the cities, they delivered to CHAP. XVI. REFLECTIONS UPON CHAPTER XV. 1. We hence learn how early the spirit of bigotry and imposition began to work in the christian church. The attempt of the Pharisees to put the yoke of the law on Gentile converts, shows at least they were but imperfectly acquainted with the genius of the gospel; and that some degree of pride, the leaven of the sect from which they sprung, still remained in them. This temper of making indifferent things necessary to christian communion, if not to salvation, has in a great measure ever since prevailed; and those who have honourably and nobly maintained the liberty with which Christ has made them free, have been accused as enemies to order and peace. Yet what can be more arrogant and presumptuous than for men to appoint rites and ceremonies as terms of communion, which Christ has not appointed, and then to thunder out their curses against those, who dare not submit to their usurped authority? Let all christians guard against impositions; and owning Christ as their Lord and only law-giver, yield unreserved obedience to his will. 2. We have peculiar reason for gratitude that God has taken from among the Gentiles a people for his name. We are that people, and are now called by his name, as well as call upon it; and let us remember our obligation to depart from all iniquity. Though made free from Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with 11 a straight course to Samothracia, and the next 7. Griesb. the burdens of the Mosaic institutions, and called to enjoy the law of liberty, let us take heed not to abuse it; nor to indulge a censorious spirit against our weaker or prejudiced brethren. We have reason to be thankful for the decision of the important question, brought before the church, apostles and elders at Jerusalem; and as it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to them, to appoint only necessary things, let us treat their decision with all becoming regard. 3. The various christian societies Paul and Barnabas visited, were comforted by their report of the growing empire of the Saviour. Nor can we wonder at their desire again to visit the churches which they had planted; for it is natural for those who have been spiritual fathers to feel a peculiar affection for their offspring, as it also is for the children whom God hath given them, to honour and love them. Happy indeed is it, when the visits of ministers, animated by such a spirit, are improved to the blessed purposes of advancing the work which divine grace has already begun! Happy is it when they address to them those cautions, and encouragements, which are alike calculated to prevent declension, and to arouse to holy diligence and zeal, so that it may finally appear, that they have not run in vain, nor laboured in vain. and this might induce him to overlook his desertion of them as related, Ch. xiii. 13. 39. Contention was, &c. Or, sharp anger arose. Even these inspired men were not free from human infirmities. See Gal. ii. 11. CHAP. XVI. 1-3. To Derbe and Lystra. Here Paul had before laboured with success, and finding Timothy to be a young man of piety and gifts, he circumcised him, to conciliate the Jews, who knew that he had not been before circumcised, as his father was a Gentile. See I Cor. ix. 20. 4, 5. The decrees, &c. The precepts to abstain from fornication, &c. Ch. xv. 20. It has been observed that doypara always signifies something temporary and ceremonial, and not laws of moral and perpetual obligation ; but fornication is undoubtedly of a moral kind. 6-10. Now when they, &c. They were restrained from visiting some places, and sent to others for reasons inscrutable to us. The vision which the apostle had, was designed to direct him where he was to preach.—We endeavoured. Here Luke speaks as present with Paul, and so frequently afterwards.——— Assuredly inferring. Observe in this case, as in the vision of Lydia called and baptized. ACTS XVI. 12 day to Neapolis; And thence to Philippi, which is a chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony and we abode in that city some 13 days. And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river, where a house for prayer was allowed for the Jews; and we sat down, and 14 spoke to the women who resorted thither. And a certain women heard us, named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, a Gentile, who worshipped God; whose heart the Lord opened, so that she attended to the things which 15 were spoken by Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, "If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there." And she constrained us. 16 And it came to pass, as we went to the house for prayer, a certain damsel, having a spirit of divination met us; who brought her masters 17 much gain by divining. She followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, "These men are the servants of the most high God, who declare to 18 us the way of salvation." And she did this many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, "I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came 19 out the same hour. And when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and drew them into the market CHAP. XVI. Peter, Ch. x, that the Holy Spirit, left the apostles to reason and infer what was their duty. 11-15. Samothracia, &c. An island of the Ægean sea, near to Thrace; and Neapolis was a sea-port town of Macedonia,—Philippi, which is a chief, &c. I render indefinitely, as it is doubtful whether Philippi or Amphipolis was accounted the chief' city of that part, &c. See Middleton, Greek Article, p. 409.- -By a river, c. The water of which served for the legal purifications of the Jews; and particularly for the usual washing of hands before they offered up their prayers. Pearce and Doddridge render #goʊxy an oratory, or place of prayer; and it is probable that these women had some place for their accommodation. Lydia was a proselyte, and not a Jewess; and she was now called to believe on the Lord Jesus.-Baptized and her household, &c. It does not appear from the narrative, that any of her household was with her when she heard Paul ; but it is most natural to suppose, that after having confessed her own faith in Jesus, she was taught that it was her duty to be baptized, together with her children, which might be sent for on the occasion. At least nothing is said, either of the persous forming her household, hearing or believing. 16. Spirit of divination. Supposed to be inspired by Appolo Pythius; and some of these spoke out of their bellies, or were ventriloquists. 17. These men are, &c. God, by his power, constrained this maid, as The apostles are put in prison. place, And they brought them to the magis- 20 trates and rulers," saying, "These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city, And teach 21 customs, which it is not lawful for us to receive, or to observe, being Romans." or to observe, being Romans." And the mul- 22 titude rose up together against them: and the magistrates tore off their clothes, and commanded to beat them with rods. And when they 23 had laid many stripes on them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, 24 cast them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and 25 sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earth- 26 quake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. And when the jailer awoke out of his sleep, 27 and saw the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried 28 with a loud voice, saying, "Do thyself no harm: for we are all here." Then he called for a 29 a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And 30 brought them out, and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe 31 20. from ver. 19. Syr. Erp. he did the demoniacs, to give testimony to Jesus and the gospel, that greater attention might be excited. 18-21. Many days, &c. Her testimony was continued and repeated, until Paul thought it necessary to show the power of Jesus, by expelling the spirit which she had; and as her masters perceived that the gain they had received was gone, they raised an uproar, and then charged Paul and Silas as the cause of it. 22-24. Tore off, &c. They commanded this to be done, to expose them to greater disgrace.To beat them with rods. See Ch. v. 40. These magistrates acted contrary to the law. 26. Earthquake. The effects proved that it was an earthquake; yet it is manifest there was a peculiar divine interposition; for how could an earthquake unloose all the bands of the prisoners ? 28. Do thyself no harm, &c. This address was kind, and intended to prevent him committing one of the greatest of crimes, yet too common in that day among the Romans. Doddridge has acutely observed, that as they were all in the dark, it is not easy to say how Paul knew of the jailer's purpose, unless by hearing some desperate words which declared it, or by some immediate suggestion from God. 30. What must I do to be, &c. Whitby very justly observes, that the jailer adopted this language, from what the damsel had said, verse 17, 'that |