Geneva Bible Notes on Acts

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.

     (h) About two miles.

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.

     (u) From our company.

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.

     (t) You will not allow me to remain in the grave.

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.

     (u) You have opened to me the way of true life.

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;

     (x) Had sworn solemnly.

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.

     (y) Might and power of God.

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.

     (a) The word that is used here shows us that it was a free
         gift.

Ac 2:40
2:40 {9} And with many other words did he testify and exhort,
     saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

     (9) He is truly joined to the Church who separates himself
         from the wicked.

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.

    (a) Both with heart and eyes.

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.

     (g) This promise referred to an excellent and singular
         Prophet.

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.

     (h) At which time the kingdom of Israel was established.

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,

     (k) Laid their heads together.

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.

 (9) The apostles share their troubles with the congregation.

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.

    (a) Craftily took away.

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.

     (g) Highly praised 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,

 (4) Angels are made servants of the servants of God.

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.

 (6) God mocks his enemies attempts from above.

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.

 (8) Tyrants who do not fear God are forced to fear his
     servants.

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.

 (10) We should obey man only in so far that in obeying him we
      also obey God.

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.

      (p) Both publicly and privately.

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.

     (g) Gave him favour in Pharaoh's sight because of his
         wisdom.

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.

      (m) By the power.

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.

      (q) You took it upon your shoulders and carried it.

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].

     (y) By the ministry of angels.

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.

     (b) It was appointed by the Law that the witnesses should
         cast the first stones; #De 17:7|.

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.

 (1) Christ uses the rage of his enemies in the spreading forth
     and enlarging of his kingdom.

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.

 (3) The dispersion or scattering abroad of the faithful is the
     gathering together of churches.

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,

 (8) Covetousness and the seeking of glory at length remove the
     hypocrites from their dens.

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.

     (k) To show me the way to understand it.

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.

    (b) Any trade of life which a man take upon himself the Jews
        call a "way".

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.

    (c) This is a proverb which is spoken of those who through
        their stubbornness hurt themselves.

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:

     (g) To bear my name in.

Ac 9:16
9:16 For I will {h} shew him how great things he must suffer for
     my name's sake.

     (h) I will plainly show him.

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.

     (i) Into Judas' house.

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.

     (m) See #Ac 6:1|.

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.

 (10) Peter's apostleship is confirmed by the healing of the man
      who suffered from paralysis.

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],

 (1) Peter consecrates the first fruits of the Gentiles to God
     by the means of two miracles.

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:

      (g) So that it seemed to be a square sheet.

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.

      (l) Do not consider them to be unprofitable.

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.

 (4) Cornelius' faith demonstrated itself by prayer and charity.

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.

Ac 12:7
12:7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon [him], and a
     light shined in the {c} prison: and he smote Peter on the
     side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his
     chains fell off from [his] hands.

     (c) Literally, "habitation"; (Ed.).

Ac 12:12
12:12 {5} And when he had considered [the thing], he came to the
      house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark;
      where many were gathered together praying.

 (5) Holy meetings in the nights of both men and women (when
     they cannot take place in the day time) are allowable by
     the example of the apostles.

Ac 12:13
12:13 {6} And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel
      {d} came to hearken, named Rhoda.

 (6) We obtain more from God than we dare well hope for.
     (d) Out of the place where they were assembled, but not out
         of the house.

Ac 12:17
12:17 {7} But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold
      their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought
      him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things
      unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went
      into another place.

 (7) We may sometimes give place to the rage of the wicked, but
     yet only in such a way that our diligence which ought to be
     used in God's business does not slacken in the least.

Ac 12:18
12:18 {8} Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir
      among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

 (8) Evil counsel in the end results in the hurt of those who
     devised it.

Ac 12:20
12:20 {9} And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and
      Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having
      made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired
      peace; because their country was nourished by the king's
      [country].

 (9) A miserable and shameful example of what happens to the
     enemies of the Church.

Ac 12:22
12:22 {10} And the people gave a shout, [saying, It is] the
      voice of a god, and not of a man.

 (10) The flattery of people makes fools glad.

Ac 12:23
12:23 {11} And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him,
      because he {e} gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of
      worms, and gave up the ghost.

  (11) God resists the proud.
       (e) Josephus records that this king did not repress the
           flatterer's tongues, and therefore at his death he
           complained and cried out about their empty praise.

Ac 12:24
12:24 {12} But the {s} word of God grew and multiplied.

 (12) Tyrants build up the Church by destroying it.
      (s) Those that heard the word of God.

Ac 13:1
13:1 Now {1} there were in the church that was at Antioch
     certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that
     was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which
     had been brought up with {a} Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

 (1) Paul with Barnabas is again the second time appointed
     apostle of the Gentiles, not of man, neither by man, but by
     an extraordinary commandment of the Holy Spirit.
     (a) This was the same Antipas who put John the Baptist to
         death.

Ac 13:2
13:2 As they {b} ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy
     Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work
     whereunto I have {c} called them.

     (b) While they were busy doing their office, that is, as
         Chrysostom expounds it, while they were preaching.
     (c) The Lord is said to call, from which this word "called"
         comes from, which is common in the Church, when he
         causes that to be which was not, whether you refer it
         to the matter itself, or to any quality or thing about
         the matter: and the use of the word "call" has come
         about because when things begin to be, then they have
         some name: and furthermore this also declares God's
         mighty power, in that he spoke the word, and things
         were made.

Ac 13:3
13:3 {2} And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid [their]
     hands on them, they sent [them] away.

 (2) Fasting and solemn prayers were used before the laying on
     of hands.

Ac 13:4
13:4 {3} So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed
     unto {d} Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

 (3) Paul and his companions first bring Cyprus to the
     subjection and obedience of Christ.
     (d) Seleucia was a city of Cilicia, so called after
         Seleucus, one of Alexander's successors.

Ac 13:8
13:8 {4} But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by
     interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the
     deputy from the faith.

 (4) The devil makes Christ's victory more glorious in that he
     sets himself against him.

Ac 13:10
13:10 {5} And said, O full of all subtilty and all {e} mischief,
      [thou] child of the devil, [thou] enemy of all
      righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right
      ways of the Lord?

 (5) The sorcerer, who was stricken by Paul with a physical
     punishment (although extraordinarily), shows an example to
     lawful magistrates how they ought to punish those who
     wickedly and obstinately hinder the course of the Gospel.
     (e) He points out a fault of those who run eagerly and with
         great desire into all types of wickedness with the
         least bit of prompting from the world.

Ac 13:11
13:11 And now, behold, the {f} hand of the Lord [is] upon thee,
      and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season.
      And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness;
      and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

      (f) His power which he shows in striking and beating down
          his enemies.

Ac 13:13
13:13 {6} Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they
      came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them
      returned to Jerusalem.

 (6) An example in one and the very same group of people both of
     singular steadfastness, and also of great weakness.

Ac 13:14
13:14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in
      {g} Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath
      day, and sat down.

      (g) This distinguishes between it, and Antioch which was
          in Syria.

Ac 13:15
13:15 {7} And after the reading of the law and the prophets the
      rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, [Ye] men
      [and] brethren, if ye {h} have any word of exhortation for
      the people, say on.

 (7) In the Synagogue of the Jews (according to the pattern of
     which Christian congregations were instituted) the
     Scriptures were read first, then those who were learned
     were licensed by the rulers of the Synagogue to speak and
     expound.
     (h) Literally, "If there is any word in you": this is a
         kind of speech taken from the Hebrews, by which is
         meant that the gifts of God's grace are in us, as it
         were in treasure houses, and that they are not ours,
         but God's.  In the same way David says, "Thou hast put
         a new song in my mouth"; #Ps 40:3|.

Ac 13:16
13:16 {8} Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with [his] hand
      said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

 (8) God bestowed many wonderful benefits upon his chosen Israel,
     but especially this, that he promised them the everlasting
     redeemer.

Ac 13:17
13:17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and
      {i} exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the
      land of Egypt, and with an {k} high arm brought he them
      out of it.

      (i) Advanced and brought to honour.
      (k) Openly and with strong power, breaking in pieces the
          enemies of his people.

Ac 13:20
13:20 And after that he gave [unto them] judges about the space
      of {l} four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the
      prophet.

      (l) There were from the birth of Isaac until the
          destruction of the Canaanites under the governance of
          Joshua four hundred and forty-seven years, and
          therefore he adds in this place the word "about", for
          three years are missing; the apostle, however, uses
          the whole greater number.

Ac 13:21
13:21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them
      Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by
      the space of {m} forty years.

      (m) In this space of forty years the time of Samuel must
          be counted and included with the days of Saul, for the
          kingdom did as it were include his administration.

Ac 13:23
13:23 {9} Of this man's seed hath God according to [his] promise
      raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

 (9) He proves by the witness of John that Jesus is the Saviour
     who would come from David.

Ac 13:24
13:24 When John had first preached {n} before his coming the
      baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

      (n) John as a herald did not show Christ coming from afar
          off, as the other prophets did, but right at hand and
          having already begun his journey.

Ac 13:26
13:26 {10} Men [and] brethren, children of the stock of Abraham,
      and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of
      this salvation sent.

 (10) Christ was promised and sent appropriately to the Jews.

Ac 13:27
13:27 {11} For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers,
      because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the
      prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have
      fulfilled [them] in condemning [him].

 (11) All things came to pass to Christ, which the Prophets
      foretold concerning the Messiah: so that by this also it
      appears that he is the true and only saviour: and yet
      nonetheless they are not to be excused who did not only
      not receive him, but also persecuted him most cruelly,
      even though he was innocent.

Ac 13:30
13:30 {12} But God raised him from the dead:

 (12) We must set the glory of the resurrection against the
      shame of the cross, and the grave.  And the resurrection
      is equally proved by the witnesses who saw it, and by the
      testimonies of the Prophets.

Ac 13:33
13:33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in
      that he {o} hath raised up Jesus again; {13} as it is also
      written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day
      have I begotten thee.

      (o) For then he appeared plainly and manifestly as the
          only Son of God, when he left behind his weakness and
          came out of the grave, having conquered death.
 (13) If Christ had remained dead, he would not have been the
      true Son of God, neither would the covenant which was made
      with David have been certain.

Ac 13:34
13:34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead,
      [now] no more to return to corruption, he said on this
      wise, I will give you the {p} sure mercies of David.

      (p) The Greeks call those things "holy things" which the
          Hebrews call "gracious bounties": and they are called
          David's bounties in the passive voice, because God
          bestowed them upon David.  Moreover, they are termed
          "sure", after the manner of speech which the Hebrews
          use, who terms those things "sure" which are steady
          and certain, and such things which never alter or
          change.

Ac 13:35
13:35 {14} Wherefore he saith also in another [psalm], Thou
      shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

 (14) The Lord was in the grace in such a way that he
      experienced no corruption.

Ac 13:38
13:38 {15} Be it known unto you therefore, men [and] brethren,
      that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness
      of sins:

 (15) Christ was sent to give them free remission of sins who
      were condemned by the Law.

Ac 13:39
13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from {q} all
      things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of
      Moses.

      (q) Whereas the ceremonies of the Law could not absolve
          you from your sins, this man absolves you, if you lay
          hold of him by faith.

Ac 13:40
13:40 {16} Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is
      spoken of in the prophets;

 (16) The benefits of God turn to the utter undoing of those
      that condemn them.

Ac 13:42
13:42 {17} And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the
      Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to
      them the next sabbath.

 (17) The Gentiles go before the Jews into the kingdom of
      heaven.

Ac 13:43
13:43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews
      and {r} religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas:
      who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the
      grace of God.

      (r) Who had forsaken their heathen religion, and embraced
          the religion set forth by Moses.

Ac 13:45
13:45 {18} But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were
      filled with envy, and spake against those things which
      were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

 (18) The favour on the very same Gospel is to the reprobate and
      unbelievers death, and to the elect and those who believe
      it is life.

Ac 13:46
13:46 {19} Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was
      necessary that the word of God should first have been
      spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and {s}
      judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn
      to the Gentiles.

 (19) The Gospel is proclaimed to the Gentiles by the express
      commandment of God.
      (s) By this your doing you pronounce as it were sentence
          upon yourselves, and judge yourselves.

Ac 13:48
13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and
      glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were {t}
      ordained to eternal life believed.

      (t) Therefore either all were not appointed to everlasting
          life, or either all believed, but because all did not
          believe, it follows that certain ones were ordained:
          and therefore God did not only foreknow, but also
          foreordained, that neither faith nor the effects of
          faith should be the cause of his ordaining, or
          appointment, but his ordaining the cause of faith.

Ac 13:50
13:50 {20} But the Jews stirred up the {u} devout and honourable
      women, and the chief men of the city, and raised
      persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them
      out of their coasts.

 (20) Such is the craft and subtlety of the enemies of the
      Gospel, that they abuse the simplicity of some who are not
      altogether evil men, in order to execute their cruelty.
      (u) Those who embraced the Law of Moses.

Ac 13:51
13:51 {21} But they shook off the dust of their feet against
      them, and came unto Iconium.

 (21) The wickedness of the world cannot prevent God from
      gathering his Church together, and to foster and cherish
      it, when it is gathered together.

Ac 14:1
14:1 And {1} it came to pass in {a} Iconium, that they went both
     together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that
     a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks
     believed.

 (1) We should be no less constant in the preaching of the
     Gospel than the perversity of the wicked is obstinate in
     persecuting it.
     (a) Iconium was a city of Lycaonia.

Ac 14:2
14:2 But the {b} unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and
     made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

     (b) Who did not obey the doctrine.

Ac 14:3
14:3 {2} Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the
     Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and
     granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

 (2) We should not leave our places and give in to threatenings,
     or to open rage, but only when there is no other remedy,
     and that not for our own peace and quiet, but only so that
     the Gospel may be spread further abroad.

Ac 14:6
14:6 They were ware of [it], and {c} fled unto Lystra and Derbe,
     cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round
     about:

     (c) It is sometimes proper to flee dangers, at the
         appropriate times.

Ac 14:8
14:8 {3} And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his
     feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had
     walked:

 (3) It is an old subtlety of the devil, either to cause the
     faithful servants of God to be immediately banished, or to
     be worshipped as idols: and he does this by taking occasion
     of miracles which they have done.

Ac 14:13
14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city,
      brought oxen and garlands unto the {d} gates, and would
      have done sacrifice with the people.

      (d) Of the house where Paul and Barnabas were.

Ac 14:15
14:15 {4} And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are
      men of {e} like passions with you, and preach unto you
      that ye should turn from these {f} vanities unto the
      living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and
      all things that are therein:

 (4) That is also called idolatry which gives to creatures, be
     they ever so holy and excellent, that which is proper to
     the only One God, that is, invocation, or calling upon.
     (e) Men, as you are, and partakers of the very same nature
         of man as you are.
     (f) He calls idols "vanities", after the manner of the
         Hebrews.

Ac 14:16
14:16 {5} Who in times past {g} suffered all nations to walk in
      their own ways.

 (5) Custom, be it ever so old, does not excuse the idolaters.
     (g) Allowed them to live as they wished, prescribing and
         appointing them no type of religion.

Ac 14:19
14:19 {6} And there came thither [certain] Jews from Antioch and
      Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned
      Paul, drew [him] out of the city, supposing he had been
      dead.

 (6) The devil, when he is brought to his last chance, at length
     rages openly, but in vain, even at that time when he seems
     to have the upper hand.

Ac 14:21
14:21 {7} And when they had preached the gospel to that city,
      and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and
      [to] Iconium, and Antioch,

 (7) We must go forward in our calling through a thousand
     deaths.

Ac 14:22
14:22 {8} Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting
      them to continue in the faith, and that we must through
      much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

 (8) It is the office of the ministers, not only to teach, but
     also to confirm those that are taught, and prepare them for
     the cross.

Ac 14:23
14:23 {9} And when they had ordained them elders in every
      church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them
      to the Lord, on whom they believed.

 (9) The apostles committed the churches which they had planted
     to proper and special pastors, who they appointed not
     rashly, but with prayers and fastings preceding their
     choice: neither did they thrust them upon churches through
     bribery, or lordly superiority, but chose and placed them
     by the voice of the congregation.

Ac 14:24
14:24 {10} And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they
      came to Pamphylia.

 (10) Paul and Barnabas, having completed their journey, and
      having returned to Antioch, give an account of their
      journey to the congregation or church.

Ac 14:25
14:25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down
      into {h} Attalia:

      (h) Attalia was a sea city of Pamphylia, near to Lycia.

Ac 14:26
14:26 And thence sailed to {i} Antioch, from whence they had
      been recommended to the grace of God for the work which
      they fulfilled.

      (i) Antioch of Syria.

Ac 15:1
15:1 And {1} {a} certain men which came down from Judaea taught
     the brethren, [and said], Except ye be circumcised after
     the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

 (1) The Church is at length troubled with dissension within
     itself, and the trouble rises from the proud and stubborn
     intellects of certain evil men.  The first strife was
     concerning the office of Christ, whether we are saved only
     by his righteousness apprehended by faith, or if we also
     have need to observe the Law.
     (a) Epiphanius is of the opinion that this was Cerinthus.

Ac 15:2
15:2 {2} When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small
     dissension and disputation with them, they determined that
     Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up
     to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this
     question.

 (2) Meetings of congregations were instituted to suppress
     heresies, to which certain were sent by common consent on
     behalf of all.

Ac 15:3
15:3 And {b} being brought on their way by the church, they
     passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the
     conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto
     all the brethren.

     (b) Courteously and lovingly brought on their way by the
         Church, that is, by certain ones appointed by the
         Church.

Ac 15:6
15:6 {3} And the apostles and elders came together for to
     consider of this matter.

 (3) The matter is first handled, both parts being heard, in the
     assembly of the apostles and elders, and after is
     communicated to the people.

Ac 15:7
15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and
     said unto them, {4} Men [and] brethren, ye know how that a
     {c} good while ago God made choice among us, that the
     Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel,
     and believe.

 (4) God himself, in the calling of the Gentiles who are
     uncircumcised, taught that our salvation consists in faith,
     without the worship appointed by the Law.
     (c) Literally, "of old time", that is, even from the first
         time that we were commanded to preach the Gospel, and
         immediately after that the Holy Spirit came down upon
         us.

Ac 15:9
15:9 And put no {d} difference between us and them, purifying
     their hearts {e} by faith.

     (d) He put no difference between us and them, with regard
         to the benefit of his free favour.
     (e) Christ proclaims those blessed who are pure of heart:
         and here we are plainly taught that men are made pure
         of heart by faith.

Ac 15:10
15:10 {5} Now therefore why {f} tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon
      the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor
      we were able to bear?

 (5) Peter, passing from the ceremonies to the Law itself in
     general, shows that no one could be saved, if salvation
     were to be sought for by the Law, and not by grace alone in
     Jesus Christ; and this is because no man could ever fulfil
     the Law, neither the patriarch nor the apostle.
     (f) Why do you tempt God, as though he could not save by
         faith?

Ac 15:12
15:12 {6} Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience
      to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders
      God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

 (6) A true pattern of a lawful council, where God's truth alone
     reigns.

Ac 15:13
15:13 And after they had held their peace, {g} James answered,
      saying, Men [and] brethren, hearken unto me:

      (g) The son of Alphaeus, who is also called the Lord's
          brother.

Ac 15:14
15:14 {7} Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit
      the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

 (7) James confirms the calling of the Gentiles out of the word
     of God, in this agreeing with Peter.

Ac 15:18
15:18 {h} Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of
      the world.

      (h) And therefore nothing comes to pass by chance, but
          only by God's appointment.

Ac 15:19
15:19 {8} Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them,
      which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

 (8) In indifferent matters, we may be patient with the weakness
     of our brethren with the end in view that they may have
     time to be instructed.

Ac 15:20
15:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from {i}
      pollutions of idols, and [from] fornication, and [from]
      things strangled, and [from] blood.

      (i) From sacrifices, or from feasts which were kept in
          idol's temples.

Ac 15:22
15:22 {9} Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the
      whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to
      Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; [namely], Judas surnamed
      Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

 (9) In a lawful synod, neither those who are appointed and
     chosen judges, appoint and determine anything tyrannously
     or upon a lordly superiority, neither do the common
     multitude stir up disorder against those who sit as judges
     by the word of God: and the like manner of doing things is
     also used in proclaiming and ratifying those things which
     have been so determined and agreed upon.

Ac 15:24
15:24 {10} Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which {k}
      went out from us have troubled you with words, {l}
      subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised,
      and keep the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment:

 (10) The council of Jerusalem concludes that the ones who
      trouble men's consciences are they who teach us to seek
      salvation in any other means than in Christ alone,
      apprehended by faith, no matter where they come from, and
      whoever they pretend to be the author of their calling.
      (k) From our congregation.
      (l) A borrowed type of speech taken of those who pull down
          that which was built up: and it is a very common
          metaphor in the scriptures, to say "the Church is
          built", for "the Church is planted and established".

Ac 15:28
15:28 {11} For it seemed good to the {n} Holy Ghost, and {o} to
      us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these {p}
      necessary things;

 (11) That is a lawful council, which the Holy Spirit rules.
      (n) First they made mention of the Holy Spirit, so that it
          may not seem to be any man's work.
      (o) Not that men have any authority of themselves, but to
          show the faithfulness that they used in their ministry
          and labour.
      (p) This was no absolute necessity, but in respect of the
          state of that time, so that the Gentiles and the Jews
          might live together more peaceably, with less occasion
          to quarrel.

Ac 15:29
15:29 {12} That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from
      blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication:
      from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare
      ye well.

 (12) Charity is required even in indifferent matters.

Ac 15:30
15:30 {13} So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch:
      and when they had gathered the multitude together, they
      delivered the epistle:

 (13) It is required for all people to know certainly what to
      hold in matters of faith and religion, and not that the
      Church by ignorance and knowing nothing, should depend
      upon the pleasure of a few.

Ac 15:33
15:33 And after they had tarried [there] a space, they were let
      go in {q} peace from the brethren unto the apostles.

      (q) This is a Hebrew idiom, which is the same as saying,
          "as the brethren wished them all prosperous success,
          and the church dismissed them with good leave."

Ac 15:36
15:36 {14} And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us
      go again and visit our brethren in every city where we
      have preached the word of the Lord, [and see] how they do.

 (14) Congregations or churches easily degenerate unless they
      are diligently watched over, and therefore these apostles
      went to oversee the churches they had planted, and for this
      reason also synods were instituted and appointed.

Ac 15:37
15:37 {15} And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose
      surname was Mark.

 (15) A lamentable example of discord between excellent men and
      very great friends, yet not because of profane matters or
      their own private affairs, neither yet because of
      doctrine.

Ac 15:39
15:39 {16} And {r} the contention was so sharp between them,
      that they departed asunder one from the other: and so
      Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

 (16) God uses the faults of his servants to the profit and
      building of the Church: yet we have to take heed, even in
      the best matters, that we do not let our anger overflow.
      (r) They were in great heat: but in this we have to
          consider the power of God's counsel, for by this means
          it came to pass that the doctrine of the Gospel was
          spread into many places.

Ac 16:1
16:1 Then {1} came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a
     certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a
     certain woman, which was a {a} Jewess, and believed; but
     his father [was] a Greek:

 (1) Paul himself does not receive Timothy into the ministry
     without sufficient testimony, and permission of the
     brethren.
     (a) Paul, in his second epistle to Timothy, commends the
         godliness of Timothy's mother and grandmother.

Ac 16:2
16:2 Which was {b} well reported of by the brethren that were at
     Lystra and Iconium.

     (b) Both for his godliness and honesty.

Ac 16:3
16:3 {2} Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and
     circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those
     quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

 (2) Timothy is circumcised, not simply for any necessity, but
     in respect of the time only, in order to win the Jews.

Ac 16:4
16:4 {3} And as they went through the cities, they delivered
     them the {c} decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the
     apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

 (3) Charity is to be observed in things indifferent so that
     regard is had both of the weak, and of the peace of the
     Church.
     (c) These decrees which he spoke of in the former chapter.

Ac 16:6
16:6 {4} Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the
     region of Galatia, and were {d} forbidden of the Holy Ghost
     to preach the word in Asia,

 (4) God appoints certain and determinate times to open and set
     forth his truth, so that both the election and the calling
     may proceed of grace.
     (d) He does not show why they were forbidden, but only that
         they were forbidden, teaching us to obey and not to
         enquire.

Ac 16:9
16:9 {5} And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood
     a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into
     Macedonia, and help us.

 (5) They are the ministers of the Gospel by whom he helps those
     who are likely to perish.

Ac 16:10
16:10 {6} And after he had seen the vision, immediately we
      endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that
      the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

 (6) The Saints did not easily believe every vision.

Ac 16:13
16:13 {7} And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river
      side, where {e} prayer was wont to be made; and we sat
      down, and spake unto the women which resorted [thither].

 (7) God begins his kingdom in Macedonia by the conversion of a
     woman, and so shows that there is no exception of persons
     in the Gospel.
     (e) Where they customarily assembled themselves.

Ac 16:14
16:14 {8} And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple,
      of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]:
      whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the
      things which were spoken of Paul.

 (8) The Lord opens the heart to hear the word which is
     preached.

Ac 16:15
16:15 {9} 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.

 (9) An example of a godly housewife.

Ac 16:16
16:16 {10} And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain
      damsel possessed with a spirit of {f} divination met us,
      which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:

 (10) Satan transforms himself into an angel of light, and
      covets to enter by undermining, but Paul openly stops him,
      and casts him out.
      (f) This is a sure sign of the god Apollo, who would give
          answers to those that asked him.

Ac 16:18
16:18 And this did she {g} 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 he came out the
      same hour.

      (g) Paul made no haste to do this miracle, for he did all
          things only as he was led by the Spirit.

Ac 16:19
16:19 {11} And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains
      was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew [them] into
      the marketplace unto the rulers,

 (11) Covetousness of evil gain and of profit is an occasion for
      persecuting the truth.  In the meanwhile, God sparing
      Timothy, calls Paul and Silas as the stronger to battle.

Ac 16:20
16:20 {12} And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These
      men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

 (12) Covetousness pretends a desire for common peace and
      godliness.

Ac 16:21
16:21 {13} And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to
      receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

 (13) It is an argument of the devil to use the authority of
      ancestors, though not distinguishing exactly which
      ancestors.

Ac 16:22
16:22 {14} And the multitude rose up together against them: and
      the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to
      beat [them].

 (14) An example of evil magistrates, to obey the fury and rage
      of the people.

Ac 16:24
16:24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the
      inner prison, and made their feet {h} fast in the stocks.

      (h) Because he wanted to be more sure that they did not
          escape, he set them fast in the stocks.

Ac 16:25
16:25 {15} And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang
      praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

 (15) The prayers of the godly do shake both heaven and earth.

Ac 16:27
16:27 {16} And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his
      sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his
      sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the
      prisoners had been fled.

 (16) The merciful Lord, as often as he desires, draws men to
      life even through the midst of death, and whereas they
      justly deserved great punishment, he shows them great
      mercy.

Ac 16:28
16:28 {17} But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself
      no harm: for we are all here.

 (17) In means which are especially extraordinary, we should
      not move our foot forward, unless God goes before us.

Ac 16:33
16:33 {18} And he took them the same hour of the night, and
      washed [their] stripes; and was baptized, he and all his,
      straightway.

 (18) God with the very same hand wounds and heals when it
      pleases him.

Ac 16:35
16:35 {19} And when it was day, the magistrates sent the
      serjeants, saying, Let those men go.

 (19) Shame and confusion is in due time the reward of wicked
      and unjust magistrates.

Ac 16:37
16:37 {20} But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly
      uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast [us] into prison;
      and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let
      them come themselves and fetch us out.

 (20) We must not render injury for injury, and yet nonetheless
      it is lawful for us to use such helps as God gives us, to
      bridle the outrageousness of the wicked, so that they do
      not hurt others in a similar way.

Ac 16:38
16:38 {21} And the serjeants told these words unto the
      magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they
      were Romans.

 (21) The wicked are not moved with the fear of God, but with
      the fear of men: and by that means also God provides for
      his, when it is needed.

Ac 16:40
16:40 {22} And they went out of the prison, and entered into
      [the house of] Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren,
      they comforted them, and departed.

 (22) We may avoid dangers in such a way that we never neglect
      our duty.

Ac 17:1
17:1 Now {1} when they had passed through Amphipolis and
     Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue
     of the Jews:

 (1) The casting out of Silas and Paul was the saving of many
     others.

Ac 17:3
17:3 {2} Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have
     suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this
     Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

 (2) Christ is therefore the mediator, because he was crucified
     and rose again: and he is certainly not to be rejected
     because the cross is shameful.

Ac 17:5
17:5 {3} But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took
     unto them certain {a} lewd fellows of the baser sort, and
     gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and
     assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out
     to the people.

 (3) Although the zeal of the unfaithful seems ever so virtuous,
     yet at length it is found to have neither truth nor
     fairness.  Yet the wicked cannot do what they wish, for
     even among themselves God stirs up some, whose help he uses
     for the deliverance of his own.
     (a) Certain companions which do nothing but walk the
         streets, wicked men, to be hired for every man's money
         to do any mischief, such as we commonly call the
         rabble and very cesspools and dunghill knaves of all
         towns and cities.

Ac 17:6
17:6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain
     brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that
     have turned the {b} world upside down are come hither also;

     (b) Into whatever country and place they come, they cause
         sedition and tumult.

Ac 17:9
17:9 And when they had taken {c} security of Jason, and of the
     other, they let them go.

     (c) When Jason had put them in good assurance that they
         would appear.

Ac 17:10
17:10 {4} And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas
      by night unto Berea: who coming [thither] went into the
      synagogue of the Jews.

 (4) That is indeed the wisdom of the Spirit which always sets
     the glory of God before itself as a mark with which it
     directs itself, and never wavers from it.

Ac 17:11
17:11 {5} These were more {d} noble than those in Thessalonica,
      in that they received the word with all readiness of mind,
      and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things
      were so.

 (5) The Lord sets out in one short period of time, and in one
     people, different examples of his unsearchable wisdom to
     cause them to fear him.
     (d) He compares the Jews with the Jews.

Ac 17:13
17:13 {6} But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that
      the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came
      thither also, and stirred up the people.

 (6) Satan has his who are zealous for him, and those who one
     would least suspect.

Ac 17:14
17:14 {7} And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go
      as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there
      still.

 (7) There is neither counsel, nor fury, nor madness against the
     Lord.

Ac 17:15
17:15 {8} And they that conducted Paul {e} brought him unto
      Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and
      Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they
      departed.

 (8) The sheep of Christ also watch their pastor's health and
     safety, but yet in the Lord.
     (e) It is not for nothing that the Jews of Berea were so
         commended, for they brought Paul safe from Macedonia to
         Athens, and there is in between these two
         places all of Thessalia, and Boeotia, and Attica.

Ac 17:16
17:16 {9} Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit
      was {f} stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given
      to {g} idolatry.

 (9) In comparing the wisdom of God with man's wisdom, men scoff
     and mock at that which they do not understand: and God uses
     the curiosity of fools to gather together his elect.
     (f) He could not forbear.
     (g) Slavishly given to idolatry: Pausanias writes that
         there were more idols in Athens than in all Greece;
         yea they had altars dedicated to Shame, and Fame, and
         Lust, whom they made goddesses.

Ac 17:17
17:17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and
      with the devout persons, and in the market daily with {h}
      them that met with him.

      (h) Whoever Paul met with that would allow him to talk
          with him, he reasoned with him, so thoroughly did he
          burn with the zeal of God's glory.

Ac 17:18
17:18 {10} Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of
      the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will
      this {i} babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a
      setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto
      them Jesus, and the resurrection.

 (10) Two special sects of the philosophers set themselves
      against Christ: the Epicures, who mock and scoff at
      religion: and the Stoics, who decide religious matters
      according to their own thinking.
      (i) Literally, "seed gatherer": a borrowed kind of speech
          taken from birds which spoil corn, and is applied to
          those who without any skill blurt out the knowledge
          which they have gotten by hearing this man and that
          man.

Ac 17:19
17:19 And they took him, and brought him unto {k} Areopagus,
      saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou
      speakest, [is]?

      (k) This was a place called, as one would say, Mars hill,
          where the judges sat who were called Areopagita upon
          important matters, who in ancient time arraigned
          Socrates, and afterward condemned him of impiety.

Ac 17:21
17:21 {11} (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there
      spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or
      to hear some new thing.)

 (11) The wisdom of man is vanity.

Ac 17:22
17:22 {12} Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said,
      [Ye] men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are
      too {l} superstitious.

 (12) The idolaters themselves provide most strong and forcible
      arguments against their own superstition.
      (l) To stand in too foolish and slavish a fear of your
          gods.

Ac 17:23
17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your {m} devotions, I found
      an altar with this inscription, TO THE {n} UNKNOWN GOD.
      Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto
      you.

      (m) Whatever men worship for religion's sake, that we call
          religion.
      (n) Pausanias in his Atticis makes mention of the altar
          which the Athenians had dedicated to unknown gods: and
          Laertius in his Epimenides makes mention of an altar
          that had no name entitled upon it.

Ac 17:24
17:24 {13} God that made the world and all things therein,
      seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not
      in temples made with hands;

 (13) It is a most foolish and vain thing to compare the Creator
      with the creature, to limit him within a place who can
      be comprehended in no place, and to think to allure him
      with gifts, from whom all men have received all things
      whatever they have: and these are the fountains of all
      idolatry.

Ac 17:26
17:26 {14} And hath made of {o} one blood all nations of men for
      to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined
      the times before appointed, and the bounds of their
      habitation;

 (14) God is wonderful in all his works, but especially in the
      work of man: not that we should stand amazed at his works,
      but that we should lift our eyes to the workman.
      (o) Of one stock and one beginning.

Ac 17:27
17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might {p}
      feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from
      every one of us:

      (p) For as blind men we could not seek out God except by
          groping, before the true light came and enlightened
          the world.

Ac 17:29
17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought
      not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or
      silver, or stone, {q} graven by art and man's device.

      (q) Which things (gold, silver, and stones) are custom
          engraved as much as a man's mind can devise, for men
          will not worship those things as they are, unless by
          some art it has formed into an image of some sort.

Ac 17:30
17:30 {15} And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but
      now commandeth all men every where to repent:

 (15) The oldness of the error does not excuse those that err,
      but it commends and sets forth the patience of God, who
      nonetheless will be a just judge to those who condemn him.

Ac 17:31
17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will
      judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he
      hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given {r} assurance unto
      all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead.

      (r) By declaring Christ to be the judge of the world
          through the resurrection from the dead.

Ac 17:32
17:32 {16} And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead,
      some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of
      this [matter].

 (16) Men, to show forth their vanity, are affected and moved
      differently by the very same Gospel, which nonetheless
      does not cease to be effectual in the elect.

Ac 18:1
18:1 After {1} these things Paul departed from Athens, and came
     to Corinth;

 (1) The true ministers are so far from seeking their own
     profit, that they willingly depart from what is rightfully
     theirs, rather than hindering the course of the Gospel in
     the slightest way.

Ac 18:2
18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus,
     lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because
     that {a} Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from
     Rome:) and came unto them.

     (a) Suetonius records that Rome banished the Jews because
         they were never at rest, and that because of Christ.

Ac 18:4
18:4 {2} And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and {b}
     persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

 (2) The truth ought always to be freely uttered, yet
     nonetheless the doctrine may be moderated in accordance
     with the hearers, so that they are most profited.
     (b) Exhorted so that he persuaded, and that is what the
         word signifies.

Ac 18:5
18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul
     {c} was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews
     [that] Jesus [was] Christ.

     (c) Was very much grieved in mind: by which is signified
         the great earnestness of his mind, which was greatly
         moved: for Paul was so zealous that he completely
         forgot himself, and with a wonderful courage gave
         himself to preach Christ.

Ac 18:6
18:6 {3} And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he
     shook [his] raiment, and said unto them, Your {d} blood
     [be] upon your own heads; I [am] clean: from henceforth I
     will go unto the Gentiles.

 (3) Although we have tried all possible means, and yet in vain,
     we must not stop our work, but forsake the rebellious, and
     go to those that are more obedient.
     (d) This is a type of speech taken from the Hebrews, by
         which he means that the Jews are the cause of their own
         destruction, and as for him, that he is without fault
         in forsaking them and going to other nations.

Ac 18:9
18:9 {4} Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision,
     Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

 (4) God does confirm and maintain the steadfastness of his
     servants.

Ac 18:11
18:11 And he {e} continued [there] a year and six months,
      teaching the word of God among them.

      (e) Literally, "sat", whereupon they in former time took
          the name of their bishop's seat: but Paul sat, that
          is, continued teaching the word of God: and this type
          of seat does not belong to those who never took their
          seats with a mind to teach in them.

Ac 18:12
18:12 {5} And when Gallio was the deputy of {f} Achaia, the Jews
      made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and
      brought him to the judgment seat,

 (5) The wicked are never weary of doing evil, but the Lord
     wonderfully mocks their endeavours.
     (f) That is, of Greece, yet the Romans did not call him
         deputy of Greece, but of Achaia, because the Romans
         brought the Greeks into subjection by the Achaians, who
         in those days were Princes of Greece, as Pausanias
         records.

Ac 18:14
18:14 And when Paul was now about to open [his] mouth, Gallio
      said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked
      lewdness, O [ye] Jews, {g} reason would that I should bear
      with you:

      (g) As much as I rightly could.

Ac 18:15
18:15 But if it be a question of {h} words and {i} names, and
      [of] your law, look ye [to it]; for I will be no judge of
      such [matters].

      (h) As if a man has not spoken well, as judged by your
          religion.
      (i) For this profane man thinks that the controversy of
          religion is merely a fight about words, and over nothing
          important.

Ac 18:18
18:18 {6} And Paul [after this] tarried [there] yet a good
      while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed
      thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; {k}
      having shorn [his] head in {l} Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

 (6) Paul is made all to all, to win all to Christ.
     (k) That is, Paul.
     (l) Cenchrea was a haven of the Corinthians.

Ac 18:20
18:20 {7} When they desired [him] to tarry longer time with
      them, he consented not;

 (7) The apostles were carried about not by the will of man, but
     by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Ac 18:21
18:21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep
      this feast that cometh in Jerusa