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Rehearsing the]

CHAP. XIII.

Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

23 Of this man's seed hath God, according to his promise, raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

27 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.

28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.

29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.

30 But God raised him from the dead:

[history of their fathers.

31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

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

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 sure mercies of David.

35 Wherefore"ae saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption :

36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption :

37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no

NOTES.

Ver. 25. I am not he-See John i. 19-27. * Ver. 27. They have fulfilled them.-See chap. iii. 17, and Note.

Ver. 33. Raised up Jesus again-i. e. from the dead, as many understand these words; but as there is no distinct word for "again" in the Greek, and the original does not necessarily imply it, Witsius and others understand the words rather as referring to the birth of Jesus. See chap. iii. 22; vii. 87. Yet it is also applied by the apostle Peter to the resurrection from the dead, chap. ii. 24, 30, 32.

So

Ver. 34. No more lo return to corruption-i, e. to the place of corruption, namely, the grave. Beza, Doddridge, &c.

Ibid. The sure mercies of David.-Marg." Holy

or just things" (Gr. ta hosia), which the Ixx., both in Isa. lv. 3, and other places, use for the Hebrew, chasedi," mercies." By these mercies, we understand the mercies covenanted to David as a type of the Messiah.

Ver. 35. Thou shalt not suffer, &c.-See Psalm xvi. 10; Acts ii. 27. "To see corruption," is to experience it; so to see death, to see life, &c.

Ver. 36. For David, after he had served, &c.-Marg. "After he had, in his own age, served the will of God, fell asleep," &c.

Ver. 41. Wonder, and perish.-See Habb. i. 5.-——— Perish.-Doddr. "Turn pale and disappear," or "vanish,"

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wise believe, though a man declare it unto you. (C)

42 ¶ And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.

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

44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy,

[to the Gentiles.

and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

46 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 judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the

EXPOSITION-Chap. XIII. Continued.

(C) Ver. 13 41. Paul preaches to the Jews. Following Barnabas and Saul, who is henceforth called Paul, we now trace them from Paphos to Perga in Pamphylia; where, for some cause with which we are not well acquainted, John Mark deserted them and returned back to Jerusalem, while they persevered in their mission. It is generally supposed that his desertion was occasioned by versatility of temper, or perhaps the dislike of an itinerant life, either of which circumstances would render him unfit for missionary work. From Perga, however, the apostles proceeded to Antioch in Pisidia, where they went into the synagogue on the sabbath-day, and sat down, as usual, during the reading of the law. After service, understanding that they were preachers of popular talents, and having had intimation, perhaps, that they wished to address the people, the rulers of the synagogue invited them to speak.

Paul, who on all occasions was "the chief speaker," and was doubtless a man of distinguished talents, now stood forward, and, soliciting the attention both of Jews and pious proselytes, gave a brief abstract of their national history from the

time of the Exodus to that of David, from whose loins God had "raised unto Israel a Saviour (even) Jesus." Paul then adverts to the witness of John the Baptist in his favour, states the abominable conduct of their brethren at Jerusalem towards their Messiah, and the indubitable witness that God himself had given to him, in his resurrection from the dead. He quotes on this occasion nearly the same Scriptures of the Old Testament that Peter had done on former occasions, and then gives them this beautiful epitome of the way of salvation by Jesus Christ. "Be it known unto you, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the remis sion of sins and by him all that believe are justified from all things from which YE (bringing the matter home to their own cases and bosoms-from which ye) could not be justified by the law of Moses," which indeed forms the text of his Epistle to the Romans.

The discourse concludes with warning his hearers against copying the infidelity of their brethreu at Jerusalem, and bringing on themselves the same judgments that were hanging over their heads.

NOTES-Chap. XIII. Con.

Ver. 42. The next sabbath.-Marg. "In the sabbath between :" perhaps on some intermediate holyday; but Doddr. prefers our version. See ver. 44.

Ver. 43. When the congregation was broken up.This explains the preceding verse-" When the Jews were gone out," then the Gentiles came about the apostles and sought, &c.

Ver. 48. As many as were ordained to eternal life believed.-For " ordained to," Doddr. reads, "de

termined for;" which is taking a middle path between the Calvinists, as Gill, who refers it to God's predestination; and the Arminians, who, with Hainmond, refer it to men's own self-determination; for which we see no ground. But we have no objection to understand it in harmony with the language of our Lord and of St. Luke. Our Lord" gives eternal life to all whom the Father gives him by the operations of his grace." Compare John xvii. 9,

Persecution raised]

CHAP. XIV.

word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the deyout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. 51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. (D)

CHAP. XIV.

AND it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of

[by the Jews. the Jews, and also of the Greeks, believed.

2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

3 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.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

EXPOSITION.

(D) Ver. 42-52. Paul and Barnabas preach the same doctrine to the Gentiles on the following sabbath.-" Now, when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious (or devout) proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas" for farther instruction, who exhorted them to "continue in" the exercise and profession of "the grace of God," which had now been preached to them. The Gentiles also hearing what doctrines had been published, and that they were equally interested in them, requested that the same might be preached to them also on the following sabbath. Then "almost the whole city," both Jews and Gentiles" came together, to hear the word of God." But when the unbelieving Jews "saw the multitudes" that were attracted by this new doctrine (as they considered it), "they were filled with envy, contradicting, and blaspheming."

Upon this the inspired preachers address themselves exclusively to the Gentiles, quoting their authority for so doing from the prophecy of Isaiah (chap. xlix. 6). And the Gentiles no sooner heard this than

"they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord" and as many as were ordained (or appointed) to eternal life believed. And (thus) the word of the Lord was published throughout all the "region," or country round about.

The unbelieving Jews, however, became more and more incensed, and stirring up certain devout and honourable women who had hitherto listened to the apostles, by false reports and artful insinuations, drew them to their side; and, at the same time, gaining the magistrates of the city in their support, raised such a persecution as compelled the apostles to leave the city; and, as their Lord had directed them to do, they shook off the dust of their feet as a testimony against their persecutors.

This, though it may appear to us a trifling ceremony, is always mentioned by

our Lord as a matter of serious alarm to them. It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for those who treat with hostility and contempt the message of salvation to mankind.

NOTES.

and Exposition. All those "believe unto eternal life" whose "hearts the Lord opens," as he did Lydia's, Acts xvi. 14. If we refer our conversion wholly to the grace of God, it secures to him the honour, and to us the certainty of our salvation. Nevertheless, God does nothing but what he ever intended to do. "I am the Lord: I change not."

CHAP. XIV. Ver. 3. Speaking boldly.-Doddr. "freely;" i. e. without privacy or reserve.

Ver. 5. When there was an assault made.-Doddr. explains this of a joint attempt about to be made by the bigotted Jews and unbelieving Gentiles, which coming to the ears of Barnabas and Paul, they fled farther, even to Lystra and Derbe.

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7 And there they preached the Gospel.

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

9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

12 And they called Barnabas Jupiter; and Paul Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

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

14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God,

[man at Lystra.

which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

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19 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.

20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 And when they had preached the Gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

22 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.

23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended

NOTES-Chap. XIV. Con.

Ver. 9. Had faith to be healed.-See Matt. ix. 27-29. The man had probably heard that the npostles had wrought miracles, and might show in his countenance and manner (perhaps in words also) a desire to be healed; or Paul might have an immediate suggestion by the Spirit of inspiration.

Ver. 11. The speech of Lycaonia-Not Greek, but a dialect perhaps approaching the Syriac. (Doddridge.) In the likeness of men. The Greeks supposed that their gods often rendered themselves visible in human form.

Ver. 12. And Paul, Mercurius.-Mercury was considered as the god of eloqueace.

Ver 13. The priest of Jupiter, &c.-Doddridge remarks (after Eisner), that it was customary for the Greeks to build temples to their tutelar deities, in the suburbs of the cities, and to set up their images before the city, at the gates. According to this practice, the priest of Jupiter, who was esteemed the titular deity of the place, and whose image was placed in a temple erected to him before the gates of the city, "brought oxen and garlands" (or chaplets), with which they crowned both gods and sacrifices on such occasions.

Ver. 14. The apostles, Barnabas and Paul.-It is plain, both here and in verse 4, that Barnabas is called an apostle; yet we hear nothing of his being

choseu to the apostleship. Some think that Barnabas and Paul are here so called, as messengers of the churches, chap. xiii. 1-3. Yet as Paul was an apostle in the highest sense, we can hardly think Luke would name Barnabas before him, had he been only a messenger of the churches. One thing is remarkable, that Matthias, who was chosen to replace Judas, is heard no more of after his election; yet Barnabas is one of the most conspicuous cha racters in the book of Acts. It is most certain, that we have only an abstract of the transactions of the apostles, as well as of the Lord Jesus. Is it not possible, therefore (though not recorded), that Matthias might have died, and Barnabas have been ch sen in his stead?

Ver. 21. Had taught many.-Gr. "Had made many disciples." Compare Matt. xxviii. 19, Marg. Antioch-namely, in Pisidia. Chap. xiii. 14. Ver. 23. And when they had ordained them elders in every church-Almost every word in this short passage had afforded ground for controversy, of a nature which we purposely avoid. We shall only remark on the word elder (Gr. presbuteros), that it is agreed, Ist, to refer to age; and 2dly, to official character; and that consequently it may, in different texts, refer to persons reverend either in age or office. See Parkhurst.

Paul and Barnabas]

CHAP. XIV.

them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recom

[come to Antioch. mended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

28 And there they abode long time with the disciples. (E)

CHAP. XIV.

EXPOSITION.

(E) Ver. 1-28. The persecutions and success of Paul and Barnabas, and their return to Antioch.-" When ye are persecuted in one city (said our Lord), flee unto another" (Matt. x. 23). The apostles being driven from Antioch in Pisidia, flee unto Iconium, and thence to Lystra, both in Lycaonia and thus persecution in one country has uniformly proved the means of spreading the Gospel into others. At the former nothing particular is recorded, but, at Lystra, the healing of a cripple occasions a very unexpected incident. The poor heathens, when they saw the man whom they knew to have been born lame, leaping and walking, they directly lifted up their voices and exclaimed, "The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men!" Then Barnabas, who was much the elder and more reverend-looking person, they called Jupiter, "the father of gods and men ;" and Paul Mercurius, because he was "the chief speaker." And so much were they in earnest, that the priest of Jupiter brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would, with the people, have offered sacrifices to them, had not the apostles exerted all their energy to restrain them.

The address delivered on this occasion is quite in the masterly and energetic style of St. Paul, and may afford us some useful observations. 1. Ministers of the Gospel, even Apostles, are but men; subjects of the same human passions and infirmities with other men ; and therefore should not be idolized. 2. Ministers should abase themselves, that they may exalt him that sends them: We are (say they) as you are, and as your imagined gods were, weak and frail creatures; but we come to teach you to turn from these lying vanities, and worship the true God, the maker of heaven

and earth. 3. We see the superiority of Christian ministers to heathen philosophers. The latter believed as little of the Pagan theology as the Christians; but none of them had the fortitude to avow it, or declaim against idolatry; on the contrary, they all occasionally conformed to it, not excepting Socrates himself. 4. God, in many instances, suffers what he does not approve. Thus (chap. xiii. 18) he "suffered" the manners of Israel iu the wilderness and in Canaan, and thus did he "suffer, all nations to walk in their own ways." Yet, 5. God left not himself without witness to his being and providenceto his power and goodness. Yet, with all these just and temperate observations, scarcely could these poor Pagans be restrained from rendering them divine honours: But, alas! how changeable is

man!

The disciples are treated as their Lord; and as it was in the case of Jesus, many of the same voices that pronounced "Hosanna," also shouted " Crucify him!" So likewise here. Certain Jews, distinguished for their bigotry to Moses and hatred to the Lord Jesus, followed the apostles even hither, and persuaded the multitude that they were impostors and perhaps necromaucers; they therefore joined with them in stoning Paul, in a riotous and tumultuous manner, till they supposed him to have been killed. The providence of God, however, wonderfully preserved him; and while the brethren were collecting round him, probably with a view to his interment, he rose up in the midst of them, and next day was so far recovered as to be able to proceed with Barnabas to Derbe. There they made many disciples, and then " returned to Lystra, and Iconiam, and Antioch, confirming the believers and encouraging them to persevere, notwithstanding

NOTES.

Ver. 27. With them.-Doddr. "By them."Door of faith: that is, had given them also the

privilege of believing. So "Door of hope," Hos. ii. 15.

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