r N — A, TT r A 1,5 B 210 C 2 __D 30 E 33 _ 40 G I. I'n,,,,:ii.4................, I i, c,': - ~lip And~~_>.::. ~. e'i fll a~'o~t~~~ -<>,/~ _-~ r!_o. OI V10~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:..... >C ~ C \~ i~:a e 1~~:7~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~x~haj >' ~Swr: Afettewa hr~~~~~~t Vccend_ 7I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~id~~~~~il I~~~~~~~~oiwth_______ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~t~iol ___ G X ehOV~ A ~b2 __ - - Th _ _ _ _ _ _~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~T THE COMPREHENSIVE COMMENTARY ON THU HOLY BIBLE; CONTAINING THE TEXT ACCORDING TO THE AUTHORISED VERSION; WITH MARGINAL REFERENCES; MATTHEW HENRY'S COMMENTARY, CONDENSED, BUT RETAINING THE MOST USEFUL THOUGHTS; THE PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS OF REV. THOMAS SCOTT, D. D. WITH EXTENSIVE EXPLANATORY, CRITICAL, AND PHILOLOGICAL NOTES, SELECTED FROM SCOTT, DO IDRIDGE, GILL, ADAM CLARKE,. PATRICK, POOLE, LOWTH, BURDER, HARMER, CALMET, STUART, ROBINSON, BUSH, ROSENMUELLER, BLOOMFIELD, AND MANY OTHER WRITERS ON THE SCRIPTURES. THE WHOLE DESIGNED TO BE A DIGEST AND COMBINATION OF THE ADVANTAGES OF THE BEST BIBLE COMMENTARIES, AND EMBRACING NEARLY ALL THAT IS VALUABLE IN HENRY, SCOTT, AND DODDRIDGE. CONVENIENTLY ARRANGED FOR FAMILY AND PRIVATE READING, AND AT THE SAME TIME PARTICULARLY ADAPTED TO THE WANTS OF SABBIATH SCHOOL TEACHERS AND BIBLE CLASSES; WITH NUMEROUS USEFUL TABLES. EDITED BY REV. WILLIAM JENKS, D. D. PASTOR OF GREEN ST. CHURCH, BOSTON. EMBELLISHED WITH ENGRAVINGS ON WOOD, OF SCRIPTURE SCENES, AND ILLUSTRATIVE OF SCRIPTURE MANNERS, CUSTOMS, ANTIqUITIES ETC. ACTS REVELATION. PHILADELPHIA: J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. 1863. Entered, according to Act of Congrless, in the year 83, by THE BRATTLEBORO' TYPOGRAPHIC CO., in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Vermoat PUBLISHERS' ADVERTISEMENT. In presenting to subscribers the fifth and last volume of the Comprehensive Commentary, the publishers cannot refrain from expressing their pride and pleasure in being ie mneans of laying before the religious public s important and valuable a work, complete. No pains or expense have been spared tu render it in every respect worthy of patronage; and it may justly be said, that no work was ever issued in this country which more completely fulfilled all thle promises of thie original proposals than this. The number of pages in every volume except the last, exceeds the number stipulated for in the prospectus; while 4e e.ngravings are very much iore numerous and expensive than was originally anticipated. The amount of matter comprised iii thil work is a-most incredible. The pages are as long and nearly as wide as those of the common quarto Bibles, and tile iaoitiEy of rea-d.q umatter, in the whole work, (exclusive of the Supplement,) is equal to that in nearly seventy common octavos of 450 pages eacx. Printed in such a manner, the matter contained in the five volues of the Commentary, would have cost tie subscribers one ~~~~~~bihund' hm h ried wandsverdei o soinflec faoaby In Ih I:svlm undred and seventy-five dollars, or about THIRTY-FIVE DOLLARS per volume! Or reverse the calculation; and the publislhers have furnished subscribers with this great amount of valuable biblical matter, at the rate of less than twenty-five cents each for octavo vol umes of 450 pages! A library, indeed, of the most valuable materials, equal to 70 octavo volumes, for fifteen dollars!! The expense of editing h'as been more than treble tlie original calculation; and the whole cost of I getting up' the work (exclusive of paper, printing, and binding) has been about FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS.-In conclusion, the publishers return their thanks to those of tie subscribers who have continued cheerfully to receive and pay for the successive volumes of the Commentary, and they trust that none such will ever lament having, by their names and patronage, aided in bringing before the American people so important a work, and one calculated to be so extensively useful in our land. It is, in fact, as the publishers believe, a national work, adapted to the times, and to the circumstances of the people of tIe United States; and one of the most stupendous literary enterprises ever undertaken in America. No man, surely, will ever repent having purchased the work for his own use, or regret to leave so rich a legacy, and sO valuable an heirloom to his descendants.d Thie Supplementary, or sixth volume of the Commentary will be found an almost indispensable companion to the original work, and an invaluable aid to the Minister, Sabbath School Teacher, and every one who desires to study the Bible; and it is to be hoped, that every subscriber will make his set complete by adding this valuable volume. JUNE, 1838. EDITOR'S NOTICE. Having now, by the Divine blessing, been permitted to bring to a close this fifth volume, which, with the Sup. plement, will completthe the work, that, six years ag, I entered upon with trembling; it is my heart's desire to bless and praise God for his great goodness experienced throughout it. To his glory, and the furtherance of his kingdom of love, righteousness, holiness, and peace, be this labor consecrated and devoted, tand may le accept and deign to bless it, for the Redeemer's sale No alteration, of great moment, has been made in the arrangements for conducting this volume; buit the same helpers have ibeen with me, an their efficient and indispensable exertions appear on every page of it. To the sound judgment and orthodox heart of my invaluable friend, the Rev. Mr. HOAnDLY, and to the assiduity, care, and taste of my son, J. W. JENKS, M. A., the work, in all its parts, since their early connexion with it, is abundantly indebted. A few contributions of scattered notes have been made by others, andi are acknowledged in their places, exceptiing some which were kindly sent by my friend, Rev. J. WAaD, and received too late, and a dissertation by Rev. Mr. BARSTOW; for both which, however, I tender my sincere thanks. Nothing but such a diligent comparison, as this work necessarily required, of the labors of HENRY and SCOTT, could have shown how greatly the ktter was indebted to the former, especially in the Old Testament; and the lack of acknowledgment can be accounted for, aid reconciled with principle, only by tire consideration, that, possibly, if it had been made in every case where it was due, the work would have been less acceptable o persons of the'establishment,' whom the writer was very desirous to influence favorably. In the last volume of the New Testament, the originality and force of Dr. SCOTT's iniid more peculiarly display themselves; aid to this portion of his labors, probably, mnay be with most Justice applied the well-knowr comienuhdations of the present bishop of Calcutta; commendations in which generally I can join with great ccr diality; holding, as I do, in most respects, the sanme theological views: yet I can by no means admit, that lie is, at any moment, forgetful of his system.' On the contrary, no occasion is suffered toescape,-and it maybe satisfactorily accounted for,-in which ie does not evince his own peculiarities. For this, however, there is abundant occasion to he grateful to GOD; since, without question, the high and just popularity of the excellent and finished work of this venerable mart, combined with its extensive circulation, has tended to produce more distinct tornes of *vange.ical sentiment, and a greater degree of uniformity i. it, than h previously obtained. The plan of re-editing, in this country, Henry's Exposition in an abridged form, originated with J. C. TOLBROOK, Esq., and was by bim corn municated to me. It was soon agreed to combine this with Scott's admirable work, as far as practicable, and to add illustrations from all available sources. To the accomplishment of this plan, brought out into its necessary details successively, Mr. HOLBROOK has devoted himself with unabating industry, talent, and perseverance, and a resolution to spare nio needful expense, notvithstanding the overwhelming embtirrassiientsol Ldmes unfavorable to literary enterprise. I had feared, that consequent disappointments, and loss of property, would have greatly reterded the appearance of the work, or compelled to its utter abandonment. But the formation of a stock company, mmmder Mr. I.'s superintendence, has, iL she good providence of GOD, secured now to the Christian community among us its entire publication. It leaves the press with mimany prayers, ] trust, for its usefulness; and the originator and conductor of the enterprise is not to be forgotten in them. It may be necessary to observe, that, in the notes, illustrationms, and original remarks, a considerable range of research has been indulged in, without any other restriction of names, or subjects, than the occasion, and the necessary limits of the work, required. From this cause one advantage, of no small moment, is anticipated,-the creation of a habit, in the readers, of making all their inquiries amid acquisitions concur to the elucidation of the blessed Word of GOD, arid the application of its salutary truths to the diversified character and wants of man, in his education to be useful sere, and prepared for higher service and blessedness in eternity. WILLIAM JENKS. BosToN, June 1st, 1838. LIST OF ENGRAVINGS IN VOL. V. TiewofAlexandria p.32 ON WOOD. Leterrofm7Japanese to American women, reView of Damascus.. 47 Sixteen views in Syria, &c. C-: p. 166 questing the Gospel of salvation for their View of Atilioch.. 98 Fifteen views in Asia Mtinor, &c. -." 664 countrymen 71t View of Athens 98 Mythological Zodiac of Denietma; and sym. Mace's Dtiatgarn of trie Apocalypae ared'Visw of Cyrene in Africa... 98 bols of India, NoLe, Rev. 4:7.. -.. 5' 68e pictuire of one m the Algimhaun nalion - 733 0Xaxsical 2, 3 and 4-aorse Chariots - Act 8:28. 44 View of Corinth in m8ms... 257 View of Khonos, on the ite of anClassical antique, showinrgatbesrtln Roroan Gladiators'mom forth last I ICor. 4:9. *70 cient Colsse.... ~ 423 sacrifice.Acts 14:13. 77 Amphitheatre of Pompeii -. P-71'Dens and Caves I in the Imoun. Classical antique Altar.. - Acts 17:23. 101 Triclinium of a Poinpeian summer. teits'in Judea - -- Heb. 12-38. 555 Roman Judges' (curule) Chair. Acts 18:16. 108 house - -63 Classic crowns given after victories, Roman Judgment-seas (?) - - Acts 16:16. 108 Plan of the Roman dining-table, end &c..s Ja inesl.. 568 Brinc-imag-fe of Diana's temple - Act, 19:23. mis its seats, numoered according to Ancient' bits,' bridle,' and bells Plan of (ireco-Roman Theatre - Acts 19:29. 116 dignity - -.. 283 on the horses'. - irms,3 577 Common classic Lamp -. - Acts 20a8. 120 Plan of the Grecian Gymnasium,'Small helms' of ancient snips ~ James 3:4. 577 Hinder part and tackling of a ship of about I stadium square, and is offli. Classic laompatands, from Pompeii, the apostolic sgs -. - Acts28:40. 159 ces, promenades, rece-course, &c. 288 of tie age of the apospalerjoit - Rev. 1:12. 668 Classical ship; furling sr loosing Plan of an ancient Grecian house, af- Joseph Mede's idea of the'sealed sails, &c. Acts 28:11t 161 ter Le aruyn ~ -.. I Cor. 11:22. 295 book' Rev. 5:1. 683 grosnd-plan ofthe first (?Christian 166 Shapeless'dumb ("l,' ('a stock,' Classical phial, phiala, patera, cornchurch. - ~ - *a stone,') of re Sidonians - I Cor. 12:2. 297 monlytrsed in libations... Rev. 5:8. 684 Grecian Theatre (after Le Bruyn) - Acts 19:29. 168 Classical hospilality-pled-e, and iv. Ancient Egyptian balances ~ - Rev. 6:5. 686 Map of St. Paul's hay, &e. am Malta 169 ing- right hand in prooff of Mrmutual'Mark' ao anim.0t sacred to the The most ancient dungeon in Rome, pledge and friendly fellowship. Gal. 2:9. 359 Hindoo god Siva - - -. Rev. 131t7. 710 where Jsuurtsa was etarved; and View af Ephesus, its site, and plain Thvine wood(Thya-tree, or Thyon) Re v. t.i9. 721 Feter anJ Paul, says tradition, (asnow).M75 Door of an ancient Egyptian hmee, cesfined - -. 169 Triumphal trophy, s'iowing the sev- with the m name of the oner Accurate Plan of Ancient Rome, cash pierces oCclassic arroar -. Eph.6t:ll-t7 403 writtenm'over and on each a. is o' sbowing it* fssasr soagnifisenre Romas legionary fully armoed, af the, ~ ~ ~.{ -] -B.?.**9Ii. 7 iuil paov.tr a~ ~ Vi fpostolic age -~. ~ ~ pb. 6:11-17. 403 AN EXPOSITION OF TIHE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, XX liii eRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS AND NOTES. Wa have seen the foundation of our holy religion laid in the history of our blessed Savior, its great Author, as related ind left on record by four several inspired writers, who all agree, That Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God Upon this Rock the Christian church is built; and how it began to be built thereon, comes here next to be related. 1. This history looks back to the preceding Gospels; the promises there, are here made good; particularly the great promise of the descent of the Holy Ghost, and his wonderful operations, both on, and with the apostles, making the Word mighty which had been before comparatively preached in vain. The commission there granted to the apostles we here find executed, and the pow. ers there lodged in them exerted in miracles wrougrht on the bodies, and much greater miracles on the minds of people, in pursuance of Christ's purposes and promises, which we had in the Gospels. TThe proofs of Cbrist's resurrection, wL'eh the Gospels closed with, are here abundantly corroborated, nriot only by the constant and undaunted testimony of those that conversed with Him after He rose, (who had all before deserted Him. and one of them denied him,) but by the working of the Spirit with that testimony for the conversion of multitudes, accordinog to the word of Christ, that his resurrecti( r, the sign of the prophet Jonas, which was reserved to the last, should be the most convincing proof of his divine mission. I.1 It looks forward to the following epistles, introduces, and is a key to them, as the history of David is to David's Psalms. The four Gospels showed us how the foundation of God's house was laid; this shows us how the superstructure began to be raised. 1. Among the Jews and Samaritans, which we have an account of in the former part of this book. 2. Among the Gentiles, which we have an account of in the latter part: from thence, and downward to our own day, we find the Christian church subsisting in a visible profession of faith in Christ, as the Son of God and Savior of the vorld, made by his baptized disciples, incorporated into religious societies, statedly meeting in religious assemblies, attending on the apostles' doctrine, and joining in prayer and breaking of bread, under the conduct and precedency of men that gave themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word, and in a spiritual communion with all in every place that do likewise. Such a botv as this there is now in the world, which we belonge to: and in this book we find the rise and original of it, vastly differei5 fromi the Jewish church, and erected on its ruins; but undeniably appearing to be of God, and not of man. * Its penuian was Luke, who, as Whitby shows, was, very probably, one of the 70 disciples; it should seem he wrote this history when with Paul at Rome, during his imprisonment there, for tile history concludes with Paul's preaching there in his own hired house. Its title is, The Acts of the apostles; of the holy.apostles, so thie Greek copies generally, Rev. 18:20 One copy inscribes it, The Alcts of the Apostles by Luke the Evangelist. It is the history of the apostles; yet here is in it the history of Stephen, Barnabas, and some other apostolical men, not of the 12. And of those that were apostles, the history of Peter and Paul only is here recorded; Peter the Apostle of thie circumcision, and Paul the Apostle of the Gentiles, Gal. 2:7. But this suffices as a specimen of what the rest did in other places, pursuant to their commission, for they were none of them idle. I It is called their acts, or doings. The history is filled with their sermons and their sufferings; yet so much did they labor in their preaching, and so voluntarily did they expose themselves to sufferings, and *uch were their achievements by both, that they may very well be called their acts HENRY. Luke, undoubtedly, intending this book as an appendix to his Gospel, inscribes it likewise to Theophilus. (Pref. to Luk/e.) Indeed, the wvhole may be considered as one publication, in two parts: but the convenience of having the four Gospels together, seems to have induced Christians in early times to divide it, by insertino John's Gospel between these two parts. It was written (as may fairly be concluded) within 30 or 31 years after our Lord's crucifixion. But the circumstance which most of all demands our attention, and should raise our expectations respecting it, is this; it records the fulfilment of the ancient prophecies concerning the kingdom of the promised Messiah, and the manner in which it should be established in the world; and also of those predictions, or promises which our Lord gave to his disciples,' while He was yet with them, concerning the powers to be bestowed on them, the success of their labors, and their persecutions (.Votes, Mat. 10:16-23. 24:6-8. Lu. 10:1.7-2.), v. 18. 21:12-19. Jn. 12:27-33, sv. 31,32. 14:7-14, vv. 12,25,26. 15:17-21 16:1-3,7-13.) SCOTT.'The Acts comprise a history of about 30 years, from the Savior's ascension, to Paul's arrival at Rome after his appeal to Cesar... The book being continued to the 2d yr. of Paul's imprisonment, could not have been wmitten before A. D. 63; and as his death in 65 is not mentioned, was probably composed before. Hence Mich., Lard., Bens., los., Tonl., and the generality of critics, date it i 63: to its genuineness and authenticity, the earlier Christian fathers bear unanimous testimony.' HORNE. It i.s fort, thot the reIiiion of Jesus the Naztrere, who expired on cross at J*~ru- the ptouing out of the Holy Spirit on the dty of PentecosE, and the first succ'sses and olerttk, c0 c yeord igt, wihou'ha soon ve ty ivelxy, witi propoote laroong the nfttons; sh vierings of the' pstles, little is reconrern in the Scripteof cottcetnintg most of them. tiatotttit 1a tttttipecit'ttetoteetaitiisiment, o hic it preserves;toshit icy; aod thot Iodeed thleoamesof store titeohtif uf theinttre evtesrtoentioned tfter thefirsttch. tise pwothets hAd fretoid that shin wotid he ttecsaems, as to he kiogditttf thnice f s oid nEg t of asw e asciette f ecu dsatono trediticrs of iesm ate so omei ed with fiction, en iatc i teis, t they beftice' is tite eniy itotr, shict espressl s riten foe mthr d e in t to h ott tied tt implicit or t diop itoitntte cretoit.'Te evereitvof stheeiso years h tin wichth.tteiitc Life,'the fistportn iated ifithe weeeore itntfeoed, uhetitl tohalle P entlaeresttntd t e siuseiorent3h. Atitacle ( apotftee.vL wh the liettortho f jC hedhim, ment, tht Jesis hotcalled ation e ate ndas o penets ond apostles, hovi t h t cottiofed wti ant iecosse tis f Aithfi cttenti., cshown ioy lis tasittng wse' tsotite n- cetisse,)h Mid tilt Iuitr, wthot xott ssm att ototeosed with Hlior ofter his estoceectieto, aoi ve ter is sotewht toe ris tchtsstsnttsil n yets Pools epistles ptet e hios lo srsi theoseco tios, s.ali. Hiinorane, fromthe totandoo te heave, obillitclotieceiveiitootsinate and stccel oesi o f greatert t atdisdo itrtionsto lisct overts for sttte p tattim d ed than of atei-, siht' to a few tees, iatttintg aptt ppon e in ilte rtom n t f ste ad th. whio h,th a cI.ssscv tettii of this ittoby wetlt lead itss o suppose. At she ov to r'tr the seheztrayet isittontottnmltestroyedhitia elIf,otttmheintgacompoasiedtristost stoalstusstier sstarhoh'e cciocidience, ev-ensssosttseu ptit ulorsoef titebisitor onitsr eptsles, is bf diitotpio te Roly Sptrtt, e coontlisg o site prtomise e tir Lod, deocented u sp- ssas it rcold nseer hisel ohetar paceod nocitte bes.~' D. genttnt See Polep. Sbc itet lnitto ino tot hefatordtiyhtoaner, enhii witnsem togsenht(iers lagiotnts a nde n sd e b o es we otttwriten tcotpoiet ecctesiastical ho istt tof s he cha s crfpgte. 30es. nor worh sltttletsdots ho ttcocees osti ins ol respects qtaiifying atiem ife their oerdot untto- of Jowl's life, feroe has hoholly omitt d wh irt ptssed arottg site Jc t oter Pool: 1code:tliti Acihord withey riasout foethec deity witsin less titt 2 ts from the veesioss, ond is tostlly silent concernin the s"tead of ch ristiooxt (e t itse E sod in tiltte when sts sas cuttlfilet t sod as Jeo ssalaeo, undwer he immetiitena otice of Atis Eyp2 ion of itechtirci of Coltrist t Rome, Pauls joeurner itte p'ctt oihts s eitan hotldl to declare, thai re was eisen ftom the deati, p aiended ins Araiate, aot other interesting topics ot Nboes. Wee stersa ill perie the htusrtoin had th sa "Ind exoiteti nu t lhe o i. ht bond of God; thot le wos ste proseo sd Meb ilso, 2 objects in view -.-i. To relate hot the gifts of ithe Holy Spiit mete roo ti'sttcaie Godhe Pct ie'e ife,' th e Apioe nod Jtstl. of the world, snd as such es tistled io ali t Peitecost, anthe stbseosent miiaces of she popstles., sty eeitat tise teth of Cheistlcs i I tie hee o ieenrec attd nioattiot asted openly o charoe ite people, the priests. tit-maywon cas ono rmet. Assn authentic acscou nt of thin.st tse raos -boostely necessonea lti the ru toler f'sll mittdeeioft sIthe Lod of ulocy.' rheere n hon ieves suoedm- becanse cowrith load often asse Is ais wisciples tot ltey shoulw sreceie the Holc Spired. thed faproter tedo extpth by a divine paoutero themi y possessed neither human itf robtblyteerse therefore. mesther Jeowner hitathens might hisae mto de ohaecttfos so I ernspal.~Tc sosne, nthtr inence s yet they hod ai l n the C i isdomi nd the foliy, the ofur re stuioin h-cd not this bees sAtown.-2t is or soch arcosths as protiet ths oetet she oip -oor.o e the religion anI the irei eion, wstith allthe oesiathe srtod hlavem o f th e Geottles is admission ito the rchurch ofChristr -s celim diputed ity ibs sth ritel aa idtnoeas, oy tthrrptr possions and heahis of tine whoe aenod ttt enocouner; ts Jews especially ort he time oLuhe mrooe the Acts. tiece isf e robs Ott, o rms. a. 1p. ppsitioa, wi the power of rurs and prins so oppose the;'to a sso mewithstndi which, theoy of dteta dooo tlt tnhs is pronittble. Lube mroies eThen osly so aec, ratshe facts he hecotof a iicettly ansy pecmaenently ribthant. Tsey employet so wedzpos, btus im- hsd sether see hisemef, oe s ood fcom eyewaritneosres Dr. Bssont, itodweee, thinks ple s toralto to the fcom which tite hsd witnessed. ootts argumets, tfectiot ena the boch ose vrites to rho' is itsi3 porparts, boo. H o Gospel wos prop ogetpd.. Andpa pettetostoeto~ ht'lr bteneficent lives, fervets pcayers, oat ptttiesot sttffoeittg, evnet usio sthe Jews oniy, from A. D. 33 so A. D. dii; this first paet stoeludist. Cit. 2 to t')t2. i-i. do sth - Wi~th sh~e Je,%, titevresasoorti from else SS. of ithe 0. T., ttd showsed boa- ex- Amosse ste devout Genttiles, (prosetytes otf the 0-ste, ansd fssrtlter emenong she Jews, o -tiv Ositoet- ho, esn folfilleti in Jestss of Nozorets l ooti when tisey oft emrtars west A. D. 4l so 44. Aots, if-i2. Ill. Among, sloe siolttorous Genstiles. assd fttrther arronsit',, the (-tttles, sthev reasoned with'iteta from stsch ptiscipleo o's they lthe rstesv tise 2 precettsoo ri-asses, A. D. 44 to 63. Arts. ohs t3 —fl. Horse,: witom see, in-ish tbtWetni trnot -Ptecepectt a fuis this martnec, and ehecs where o tth e la bo y a diviste HtS f ot Chronoltoy of Acts i onti fu e te an anlrsi compry toce, Iacred chron. Ed. p-owr. iottt manitfested ssi'siettioible ayirncles, ndtt hy inwatrdly preparing mensa I The hook cost-tains olsona specimen of totje boltesets, as isuttsratistg she nature Fnsd beteto to i<~cc ~nctte tivsth tey tad stach tltsttaiehin spccess, tsos man y htsdrets of effe als ot o efpt n ino hristioitc: ant ist solb th occe fCr st i nttted, sites!- it every se, -i e, itot f -rt tttllisott nor ottly fcom % na, tt lie Jows sod prttoelytes, hot aslo nit thsse mulsnes wlso oce al C istinst yesit ar no resembltansce to this specs. fross ste oc.esteo d - oso licestiotss itiolLt es, btettome sthe seoweti disci7ple-s of sthe men, wssll he drive a0-way on chaff, ot the great dlect o isie sa ndtl hot the mceore setie: luifeItoss,sand the devoted worshippers strtdse, votstofItneonestseivinog-tn,stt, e iiktheshce primtivtsettlievers,owhontIsyseot ietwesoupon the mall,' theomore eel. foi. 0 Thtis sno ithe Aess of the A postia,' lsere is hiottoe ossiy hiosov- of the dons itin, shot me sehoi b e ntsmberedwith thm in 50 0otr enerlitssinz'-Some itsiimaoFtorr tro itich ithe tonst extraordistacy revo, stion shot ever took iplace ilt tise moralt matiotts are olno esoes of sthe muoster, in whish th e peimitine church wons conssisttsed sosd reet-ot tates eof thettoed wo fonst begtss e nd if this accoutsu he true, the Gos- sod governed, its ministecs oppointed. its tedinatncos adtministered t. vet it cas hardly pel mtes to I lt-st di e. Joerstolemt, con reot Atio~h. end PEphestto. alt gceat ond cole- he soyro.hnistiooo- ipstoso i sects] tot' feel consitderabhly dissp tooted c~tes n~tr Rme ftool, tepodcopstat of the menld, wore tiones she poinsttd io shin respect l aestl secretly reoc-et. shot esttre pasrtictslar oati eplicit sflo.. ploors. tis ott ts the stirutene ore attested to hone been wrootsht, oatd mte succssco ts- masioss hss not bees givnos on therze'nobjctst h bt thi,- she Lord foe wise reasttns issJ icoitoed. so sthe foili niew of the nehesent cand poecerfutlopposers whon evesvenetureei to seen rttod to witbhoid. &ects. If a moo w-isttes tt earon isow to preach well, he csns denv she facso nlsots oh thee toniti not accotnon for them, woithosnt ollotoiss the truth of probabliy actttsire is non-hers else so reodily nts bty giini himself no the proiyrc~ltt and she Oospel -oc osypose, shot such a religion us Christiosity, nwtich directly spposes pc'ofossno stosty of the specioests cooncined io thiv bttoh. At sthe same time, we mete. cc rrtptiott of sthe h'tman hears, shtout mrhiog the least allotwance, either to htree here o viese of she tchorocers of tite terse ch'ncch of Christ. The sismplticity of persons tnto ite I olters estostear, or to ins motn zealous friends. rossici hove prevsileti is this church musts strike osery reader. Religion is represented on a worh of the heort tke worues trta- s itorlib sobc inntttsments anti scans, and iso thefacen of q05th powe-rfss tise psire and proper effrI tof tenth ono th-e mind, It is free from pomp sssd splen. epposisson, wishoal she power of Cod socceenus it; into asstnme. withous statdotw of d,,e, artd from costly and mugnificent ceremonies. There is no appornttss to impress prof a ot scmsel -sc -oretld.e ik-n stty of tho- mirales reotie is Sceip., — th ess so --- ---—. —I- nposdo n dore nIesoo rt orpuod a Ipe to dra the a A. D. S3 ACTS, I. The Alcts inscribed to Theophiluw ('HAP. I. II. The truth of Christ's resurrection is Jerusalem must the Spirit be first poured out, I Christ preparing his apostles to the beholding of his as. maintained and evidenced, v. 3. That part because Christ was to be as King upn th ceansion, gathereth them together into the mount Olivet, of what was related in the former treatise, holy hill of Zion; and because the B4ord of comnmanieth them to enpect in Jerusalem thte senditt n g tti down of the tioly Ghost. promiseth after few dasowasomtrl, thtiVwsncssr to wtt of^ the tt hoty ltost pro mtit nierfe ong was so material, that it was necessary to be the Lord mut go forth from Jerusalem. Thi send it: by virtue whereof they should he witnesses',mto on all occasions repeated. favor done to Jerusalem, teaches us to for Ulima, even to the utmnost parts of tile earth. 9 After his asieion tohey arts ports of tw t eartls. Ateprtnd o 1. The proofs were infall.ble, plain indi- give our enemies andt persecutors. enso -hyae warned bty two angels to depart, and to met their minds upon his second corning. 15'Thy ac- cations, both that He was alive, (He walked, 2. His assurance tlhat they shall not wait cording'.y return, and, giving themselves to prayer, choose Matthias apostle ie n t he place of Judas. talked, ate, drank with them,) and that it in vain. They had alreadly been brea.ted T E former treats a h e T was He Himself, for He showed them, again upon with the Holy Ghost, John 20:22. but Ve and again, the marks of the wounds in his now thev shall have larger measures of his made, 0 Theophilus, of all hands, and feet, and side; the utmost proof gifts, graces, and conmfoirts, and the boptihed that Jesus began both to do and the thing was capable of, or required. with them; where there seems to be at allt teach, 2. They were many, and often repeated; sion to those 0.'1'. proiises of the purit 2 U ntil bthe day in which he He was seen by them 40 days; not constant- out f' the Sjirit, Joel 2:28. Is. 44:3.~32: Was taken Up, after that he throug ly, but frequently appearing to them, and 15.' Ye shall he cleanesd and purgied b3 was taken LIp, after that he through the Holy Ghos had give c bringing them by degrees to be fully satis- the Holy Ghost, as tie priests eiere baplized the Holy Ghost had given cornfled of it, so as to do awvay all their sorrow and w-tashed utith waier, whet consecrated inandments unto the apostles for his departure. Christ's staying on earth to the sacred function. Ye ihaiill be sanci. whonm he had chosen: so long after He was entered on his state of fled by the truth, as the Spirit shall lead yr/v 8 To whom also he shewed him- exaltation and glory, to confirmin his disciples' more and mirie into it, andt your consciences self alive after his passion by many faith, and comfort their hearts, was such an purged by the witness of the Spirit, that ya d infallible proofs, beino- seen of instance of condescension and compassion may serve the living God ii the apostleship. spea0in Ito believers, as may filly assure us, th it we Ye shall hereby be more effectually than them fority days, and speaking oftuhed ur inr- ever engaged tt your Master as r'l tv have a High Priest touched with ou bo-eef n a e dt'u atea sfJt the things pertaining to the king- rmites. Moses in the cloud, and in the sea, so that ye dom of God III. A general hint of the instructions slihall never, for fear of any sufierings, for4 And, "being assembled tOgeth- He furnished his disciples, now He was about sake Himi again, as once you did.' er with them, commanded f thern to leave them. 1st. The Spirit was given by promise, at that they shoulhd not depart from that they should not depart from Is 1. Concerning their work; Christs choice this time the great promise, as that of the Jerusalem, btwait for thepnr is always attended with his charge. it was Messiah was before, Luke 1:72. and that Jerusalemn, but wait for the prom- t ise of the Father, which, saith he, their receiving the Holy Ghost, that sealed of eternal life is now, I John 2:25. Tern. havehleatnerd o h h m. their commission, John 20:22. He was not poral good is given by Providence, but the ye 9 have heard of me. taken up till He had thus finished his work. Spirit anrid spiritual blessings by promnise, Gal. aLu. 1:1-4, &c. 16:15-19. gether. 2. Concerning the doctrine they were to 3:18. not as the spirit of men, i y a cuirse k Lu. 24:51. ver. d Lu. 54:15. Jn. f Lu. 24t49. I 3'i. 3:1t., preach; the this it.in ing to the kingdom of nature, Zcch. 12:1. but by the 14W ord oJ C. 20,'~. g Jn. c. 14, 51. "ag eranI, D.0 a Mat.28:19. Ma. e or, eating - of God; He let them more into the nature God. As Christ, so the Spirit, is received by ~~ "~.'~of it, as a kingdom of grace in this world, faith. CHA&r. I. The inspiredahistorian begins and of glory in the oilther; and opened to 2dly. It was the promise of the Father, of nis narrative of the Acts of the Apostles them that covenant, the great charter by Christ's Futher, owning his misiiton; our with a brief recapitulation of his gospel, or which it is incorporated. This was intend- Father, who, if He give us the adoption of history of the life of Christ, inscribing this, ed to prepare them to receive the Holy Gh,)t, sons, will certainly give us the Spirit oJ/ as he had done that, to his friend Theophilus. and to lbe one of the proofs of his resurrec- adoption, Gal. 4:5, 6. V. 1-5. It was usual with the ancients, tion, so it comes in here; the disciples, to 3dly. This promise of the Father they haa both Christian and heathen writers, thus to whom He showed Himself alive, knew that heard from Christ mnianvy a timie, co1p'eiallv i, nscribe their writings to some particular it was He, not only by what He showed them, the farewell sermon a little before He died, person s. But the directing of some of the but by what He said to them. None but He wherein Ile assured iltett, again and againo, 0ooks of the Scripture so, is an intimatlon could speak thus clearly, thus fully, of the that the Comforter should come. to each of us to receive them as if directed things of the kingdom of God. You have not only heard it fi -,m MAle, beit to us in particular, to us by namie, for our IV. A particular assurance, that they you had it friom John; when he turned tout learning. His gospel lie here called the should now shortly receive the Holy Ghost, over to Me, lie said, Mat. 3: 11. I indeed former treatise, intending this for a continu- with orders to expect it, v. 4, 5. He being baptize you with waiter, but lil that comes ofation and confirmation of that: let not new assembled together with them, probably in the ter me, shall baptize you with, the Holy Ghost sermons and new books make us forget old interview at the mountain in Galilee, which I A great hionor Christ now does to John, tc ones. He had appointed before his death; fior make this great gift of the Spirit, now at 1. Christ both did and taught; v. 2. His there is mention of their coming together Ihand, to be the accomplishliment of his doctrine was confirmed by his imiracles, again,v. 6. to attend his ascension. Though words. which proved Him a Teacherfrom God, John ordered to Galilee, yet they must not con- Now this gift of the Holy GI. et thus proit 3:2. Those are the best ministers, that tinue there, but return to Jerusalem, and not isedt, prophesiet of, waitedt f)r, is Nhat %,,, both do and teach, whose lives are a con- depart thence. findtheapostles received in the text lch., foi slant sermon. His apostles were to carry 1. The command to wait, was to raise in that lthis promisie had its C"11 accomplishon and continue what He began, Heb. 2:3. their expectations of something great: min nient; for it is here promin-ed to be given NOTES. CHAP. I. V. 1-3. The phrase,'began both, &c.' simply transposing only the "hous," [whom.] This trajectio [transposition] ha means, what Jesuts had done and taught, [comp. Gen. 9:20. Mark 6:7. he thinks, the easiest. and, (since in whatever way the words be takein, &c.] from the beginning to the close of his public miniistry.-The use of some trajectio must be admiitted,) is, upon the whole, preferalile. This the word I all,' in this connexion, when so many miracles and discours- punctuation is found in some MISS., and is confirmed lh v the Syr., Arabic, es of our Lord are recorded by the other evangelists, is a fiull demon- and Ethiop. vers. and Cyril. Nor is the transposition unusiual, as 3:24. stration, that arguments tending toestablish universal conclusions, from John 9:40. Comp. Cicero against Verres, 3:31. After all, howetver, the this general term, must be precarious. (John 1:6-9 )-The expression, [Eng. vers.] seems most satisfitctory, and, as being supported hy the by the Holy Ghost,' may either refer to our Lord's choosing the apos- ancient Fathers, miay deserve the prelferenice.' BLOotF. ties, or to his giving them commandments after his resurrection: but the (3.) Shewed Himtself.] The appearances of Christ that are distinctly latter seems to be intended; as HIe' breathed on them, and bade them noted in the N. T.. are,' (1.) To Mary Magdalenie and the other Mary, receive tb i Holy Ghost;' and as ile then' opened their understandings, Mat. 28:1-9. (2.) To the two near Emmaus, Lii. 24:15..3. To Simon that they might understand the Scriptures.' Luke 24:44-49. John 20: Peter, Lu. 24:34. (4. To 10 apostles, Lu. 24:36. Jin. 20:19. All thicse 19-23, vJ.. 22,23.) All those things which Jesus did and taught. in re- appearances were oni thie day of his resurrection. (5.) To 1I apostfles, spect of ais human nature, are ascribed to the IHoly Spirit, as well as Jn. 20:26. (6. To 7 apostles in Galilee, Jn. 21:4. (7.) To.lames, 1 (C'or. the endowments which tIe conferred on his disciples.-It is also stated, 15:7. - most probably in Jerunsalem, and whetn ie ordered all his aasosthat Jesus'showed Himself alive' to his apostles, after his death. by tles to assenmble, as in Acts 1:4.' See _Bp. Pearce. (8.) Ntwin tle; were many signs, oi evidences, which could not possibly, deceive them. It is assembled, and Jlesus led them out as fltr as Blethany, L.ti 24:50. whenci highly probable, that.a great deal more [concerning the kingdom of God] ie ascended:l then IHe seenmstn to huave hen ee i byte 500, 1 Co. 1.5:I passed between our Lord and his apostles, in the course of the 40 days [{arries makes out 13 appearances.] forty.] At intervals dnrcig tl at preceding his ascension, than is anywhere recorded. SCOTTr period. Kin.a-dom of God.] The Christian ruligion, the Christral dis. (1.) Treatise.]'Log-os. a narration, history, or a book of a history; pensatioi,'tie churcu'so Sctoel.i{'eon) of the N. T. liies, evhi~se k. if so the best Gr. writ-ers (see fVetstein, &c.) use it.' Bloonf. Throphi- Christ.' Rloomf. Passion.,'Ie. siw'ri,-g: so the Gr is'ir. 1 lt. us.] Oee Luke 1:3. All.]'This often signifies indefinitely, a lairge por- 1:11. 4:13.' Barnef. ED. tiOli or number, or a great part. Webster. It is so used Acts 3:10. 1 V. 4~8. Notwithstanding all He had taught thlim, they still enter Tim. 1:16. Ja. 1:2. Mat. 2:3. 3:5. Acts 2:5. Rom. 11:26. Col. 1:6.' tainedu sntie thoughts of' a temporal kingdoilt: peinaips thei st'ppoaed Banmes. It is a'popular mode' of speaking, like the phrase, all-about, the pouring out of the Holy Spirit wevuld induce tile nation, in general, &c. ED. to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah; anild that lie would then iterform, (2.) Through, &c.]'Whatever was done after the atonement and what they supposed to i e the miteaninog of the ancient prophetis in this resurrection of Jesus, after lie had finished his great work, was to be re- resipect. 3:19-21, v. 21. It is, hoevever, not only diff/colt, but perhaps garded as tnder the peculiar influence and direction of thue Holy Ghost.' impossible. to delineate, with any toilersble preclision, tile stale of the Barnes.'There has beets much doubt on the construticon, andt cotise- apos~tles' nminds at this c risis; in wehiich idarkness atnd light, hiopes aimd quienthy on the interpretation of this passage. Ku/n. folltows ldeza, Heno- fears, carmnal aind sipirituaol viewvs atid experctaittios were bletided so iitii ~nann, Kypke, Mich, and Ros., who place a comnma after' oapstolois," sately, that alnighuty power ahomme cotuld mepasrse thuem Amid t1^8 wfe [4 A. D 33. ACTS, I Christ's ascension to heaven 5 For John h truly baptized with iow restore it to the Jewish nation, as far selves osut times and seasons to corea water; but ye shall be baptized as it will submit to Thee as its king Two Christ here tells them, With the Holy'Ghost not many thin were am:ss 1. That their work should be honorabks %with the Holy i Ghost not mnany 1ays1. hence. ir expectation of the thing itself, and glorious; Ye shll be witnesses. nartvrs 6 When the* there e w that Clhrist would restore [and perfect] the unto Me They shall proclaim hi King 6 When they therefore were kinIgdmt ro,ie torhee they therefore were kingdom to Israel, i. e. make the nation and confirm their testimnony, not, as witnesses come, they asked of him, of the Jews as great and considerable as do, with an oath, bts with the divine sreal of raying, Lord, wilt i thou at this it was in the days of David, Solomon, Asa miracles and supernatural gifts. time restore k again the kingdom to and Jehoshaphat; whereas Christ came to i 2. That their power for this worl shouli Israel?'l Israel? set up his own kingdom, e sufficient. They,ad not sirength of 7 And he said unto them, It'is of heaven, not to restore the kingdom to Israel their own for it, nor wisdom or courae for you to know the times or an earthly kingdom. See how apt even good enough;' ut ye shell receive the pow (f not fare to placeyou the happiness ofnow the timhe Holy Ghost coming upon you, so't may the seasons, which the Father hath church too much in exteinal pomp and pow be read shall be animated and actuated by put in his own power. er! How apt we are to retain what we a better spirit than your own; ye shall have 8 But ye shall receive m power, have imbibed, and how hard it is to get over power to preach the Gospel, and to prove after that the Holy Ghost is comie the prejudices of education! The disciples I it out of the Scriptures of the 0. T.,' w hich, after that the Holy Ghost is comethprjdcsoeuain upon you an ye shall e witness-havinig early imbibed the notion, that the I lien they weric fiheel wit/i the Holy Ghost, upon you: and ye "shall be witness- M { i' T ~~ ~ i iMessiah was to be a temporal prince, were they id to admiration, h.. n to es unto me both in Jerusalem, and low t have any idea as confir it both by miracles and by stffer in all Judea, and in Samaria, and spiritual. See also how naturally we are I ns.' unto the uttermost part of the biassed in favor of our own people! They 3. That their influence should be great earth, thought God would have no kingdom in the and very extensive;' Ye shall be, sifceses 9 Anrid when he had spoken wold, rnless it were restored to l.rael; for Christ, and shall carry his cause, first, these things, while they beheld h t t Jul, heis world wee to I rogont al was taken up; and a cloud received become lis, in whoi lie would be glorified, Judea, wiere before ye have laboired in was taken up; and a cloud received ^ ^ ^ ^^ ^^ ^ ^ ^^ ^ ^^^ aa him out (of their sight. wsetler Israel sink or svim. Sec slso how vain Thence ye shall prcreed to Somaria, apt we are to mistunderstand Scripture and though at your first mission ye were forbid10 ~IT And while they looked to understand that literally, which is spoken den to preach in any of the cities of the Sasteadfastly toward heaven as he figuratively, and to expound Scripture by maritans. Your usefulness shall reach to went up, behold, two o men stood our schemes, whereas we ought to fori our' the uttermost part oJ' the earth, and ye shall byv them in white apparel schemes by the Scriptures. But when the be blessings to the whole world.' by them in white apparel; 11 hich also satl Ye men ofSpirit shall be poured ot from on high, our IV. Having left these insti-ctions with I I Which also said, Ye men p of msae ilb etfe imistakes will be rectified, as the apostles them,I He leaves thesn, v. 9. so we were told, Galilee, why stand ye gazing up soon after were. Luke 24:50. and wle they d heir into heaven? this same Jesus, 2. Their inquiry econcerning the time; I fixed on Him, receiving his blessing, le was which is taken up from you into they were inquisitive intowhat their Master graduallv taken up, and a cloud receives!' ui heaven, shall q so come in like man- had never directed or encouraged them to out o their sight. He went, not as Elijah, ier as ye have seen him go into inquire into, and were impatient for the set in a chariot and with horses of fire, but He eaven. ting up of that kingdom, in which they rose to heaven, as He rose from the grare, promised themiselves so great a share, and purely by his own power; his body being h Mat. 3:11. I Mat. 24:36. 1 n Lu. 24:47-49. would anticipate lite divine counsels. Christ now, as the bodies of the saints wili be at I c.2:4. 10:45.11: Th. 5:1,2. Mat 28:19. had tohil them, that they shotld sit on thrones the resurrection, a spiritual body, and raise. liS. ni or, the power o Ji. 20:1-. I Mat. Q:,i. f, f e ly p c.2:7. LUK:0. and now snothing will serve but'in power and isowrrhption. i i. 1:26. Da. 7: Ghost coming qJn 14:3. i Th. they inmust be in the throne immediately; V. Two angels appeared to them, and 27..oniou. 4A whereas hethat eli'veth, doth not make. haste, delivered thei a seasonable inessage fioi but is satisfied that God's time is the best (sGod. There was a world (.f angels ready not many days hence. He does not tell them time. to receive ous Redeemer, now that He miade now many, because they must keep every 11. Christ's check to this question, as a Ihis public entry into the Jerusalem above day in a frame fit to receive it. Other Scrip- little before to Peter's concerning John, v-. these two, appear as two mes in white opa lures speak of the gift of the Holy Ghost, 7. Christ is now parting from them, and'parl, hrighlit and glistering; for they know, to ordissary believers, this speaks of that parts in love; vet He gives them this re- according to the dsuty of their place, thiat prarticular power which, by the Holy Ghost, buke, which is intended for a caution to his they are realhv serving Christ, sileia misisthe first preachers of the Gospel, and plant- church in ail ages, to take heed of splittint tering to his servants on earth. We are told ers of the church, were endued with; ena- on the rock which was fatal to our first pa- what they said, bling- theni infallibly to relate to that age, rents,-an inordinate desire of forbiddeus 1. To check their curiosity. Why stand and record to posteritythe doctrine of Christ, knowledge, and intrudisng into things which ye gazing an men firightened and perplexed, and the proofs of it; so that by virtue of we have not seen, because God hais not as men astonished and at their wits' enil this promise, and the performance of it, we shown. Buxtorf mssentions a saving of the Christ's disciples should never stand at a receive the N. T. as of divine inspiration, Rabbins concernirg the coming of the Mes- gaze, because they have a sure rule to go by, and venture our souls upon it. siah; Perish the men who calculate the time! and a sure foundation to build upon. V. 6-I1. Here we have an account a HII. He appoints them their work, and 2. To confirm their faith concerning ghrist's ascension. Observe, with authority assures them of an ability to Christ's second coming: sicIh theie MWs1. The qpuestion the disciples asked Him go on with it, and of success in it, v. 8. ter had often told them of. When we stand at this interview,' Surely Thou wilt not at If Christ mak.l- us serviceable to his honor, gazing and trifling, the consideration of our all restore the kingdom to the present rulers in our own day and generation, let that be Master's second coiming should quicken and of Israel.' Or rather,' Surely Thou wilt enough for is, and let not us perplex out- awaken us: and wheis we stand as iso' and done, at once, and effectually in most things h3 the descent of the V. 9-12. The instructions and promises, which have been coisiher. Holy Spirit: though in a few particulars, they were left, for some time ed. seem to have been delivered, as our Lord was leading the discijples longer, under a degree of error or prejudice.-The chansge wrought forth to that part of the mount of Olives, whence lie atscendedh'rie in the miu-ds and hearts of the apostles, on the day of Pentecost, wvas as place belonging to the village of Bethany, finon which Jesis ascenIed, trsly mniraculousis ts the gift of tongues. They were no longer, tlie same was about a mile from Jerusalem s this was cslled a sabbath-day's Jciir mens, nay in many respects, men of a widely different spirit and char- ney; probably, hecsisse it rnight generalyv he necessary to go'o for on acter; possesising an enlargement of mind. and a superiority to carnal that da i order to attend the service if the synagoguie. e-i st. prejudices, hopes, and fears, beyond what could have possibly been pre- (11.) la like manner ] Among other reasons why Jesvs should thun viouiisl conceived. SCOTT. retus, Parnes gives the following:'The great transactions of redenap(4.) Proatise.]'Epan gelin: the effects of divine power, i. e. the tion have been public, open, often grand. The apostasy was pnbhic, ui hacutties and sstrength necessary to their office, or the divine power the liace of angels and the universe. Sin has been open. pubsle, hichshowing its efflcacy in them, John 14:16, 17.' KriN. handedl. Misery has been public, and has rolled its deep aid turbid (6.)'.At this time, is the point of their inquiry; to this solely, there- waves in the face of the universe. Death has boen Iublic: atl worlds tbre does Christ answer.' BA.NES. have.sen the race cut downi and moulder. The death of Jesus vv as (7.) Power.] Dussamis: those high spiritual endowments necessary to public; the angels saw it; the heavens were clothed with s iouo n'sig. the discharge of their apostolic office, including a perfect knowledge of the earth shookt; and the dead arose. The angels have desiredi to look Christianity, zeal, and perseverance in the propagation, and unshaken into these things, (I Pet. 1:12.) asnd have felt an intense solicitude aboist constancy in the profession of it.' BLOOMF. meni. Jesns was publicly whipped, cursed, crucified; sand it is proper (8.) Utterrmost.) Commentators say, this expression must not be too that lie should publicly triumph; that all heaven rejoicing, andi all aelh ~ manc pressed; but the Japanese have tradi'cions of a religion once made at length huanbled, should sec his public victory. Hence Tie will come known amuiong0 them of similar character to the Christian; and we have in the clouds, (emblem of sublunity)~wvith angels.-wiih lire-~and nopriofthat some, even, of those present did nut carry the Gospel even wilt raise the dead s-od exhibit to all the universe the amazins close of to the farthest corners''then peopled) of America, Africa, and Oceanica. It the scene of redempt, -.. These vs. present the most granud aind wvunWould he botha ciuriouis and profitahle to collect the chi~n recollections, in derful evensts this wuirhd has ever knoewsn... consolathion fcor the Ch in ail these naissihus, of holy teachers cominsg amoeng theta frotn renmote re- than... ceaseless sharm to the sinner.' Ei> notts. The Mexicans sand P'eruvisns have such traditions En. i:i A. D. 33 ACTS, I. The church, after his a.'enston 12 If Then rreturned they unto of Him, Zoch. 14: 4. That his fret shall 12, with an eve to the twelve tribes of Israel JerusalemI from the mount called stand on the mount of Olives, before Jerusa- descended from the twelve patriarchs, Rev. Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a ler, shall stand last there; and presently it 12: 1. Mat. 19:28 Care was taken, before sabbath-dav journey.~ follows, The mount of Olives shall cleave in the descent of the Spirit, to fill up tie vacan ~sabbath-day's journey.~two. This mount, is here said to be n ar Je- cy, occasioned by Judas' sin and ruin, whicl 1 And when they were come in, rusalem, a sabbath-day'sjourney from it, i.e. now we have an account of the doing of; out they went up into an upper room, a little way; somne reckon it, 1000 paces; Lord Jesus, probably, having given direcwhere abode both * Peter, and others, 2000 cubits; some 7 furlongs; oth- tions about it, among other things wnich lie James, and John, and Andrew ers, 8. Bethany, indeed, was 15 furlongs spake pertaining to the kingdom o God. Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, from Jerusalem, John 11: 18. but that p)art 1. The house consisted of about an hun and Matthew, James the son of of the mount of Olives next to Jerusalem, dred and twenty names, that is, persons; e M thwhence Christ began to ride in triumph, some thinkmen only, distinguished fromthe Alpheus, anld Simon Zelotes, and was but 7 or 8. The Chal. par. on Ruth women. Lightfoot reckons the II aposle, Judas the brother of James. 1. says. We are commanded to keep the sab- the 70 disciples, and about 39 more, all of 14 These all continued with one baths and the holy days, so as not to go above Christ's own kindred, country, and conaccord in prayer and supplication, 2000 cubits; which they build on Josh. 3:4. course; and that these were a sort of synod, with the I women, and Mary the and thus far it is a rule to us, not to journey or congregation of ministers, a standing o Jesus, anT wi th h on t'he Sabbath, any more than in order to the presbytery, ch. 4:23. to whom noneof the rep moter f Jsus ani with his sa.bath-work; and, as far as is necessary to durst join themselves, ch. 5: 13. and that the brethren. that, we are not only allowed, but enjoined, continued together, till the peisecrition at 15 ~1 And in those days Peter 2 K. 4:23. Stephen's death dispersed them all butthe stood up in the midst of the disci- 2. Whither the disciples returned. They apostles, ch. 8: 1. but he thinks that beside pies, and said, (the number of the came to Jerusalem, according to their Mas- these, many hundreds in Jerusalem if not names too-ether were about an hun- ter's appointment; there they wentupinto an thonsands, at this time, belieseed and we (ire i -upper room, and there abode; not that any theyat believedll read on manyHim there, but dre an twenty') ^ lodged and dieted in one room, but there durst not confess Him; therefore I cannot 16 Men and brethren, this scrip- they assembled every day, and spent time think, as he does, that they were now formture must needs have been fulfilled, together in religious exercises, in expecta- ed into distinct congregations, foi the which u the Holy Ghost by the tion of the descent of the Spirit. It was said preaching of the Word, ad other acts of mouth of David spake before con- indeed, by the same historian, that they worship nor that there was any tiling of cerning Judas, which was guide t were continually in the temple, Luke 24: 53. that till after the pouring out of the Spirit, and them +that. took Jesus. but that was in the courts of the temple, at the the conversions i the o g c Here was numbeo esus. hours of prayer, where they could not be bin- was tile beginning of the Christian church. 17 For he w was numbered ith dered from attending; but, it shonld seem 2 e speaker was Peter, Io ha een, us, and had obtained part of this'this upper room was in a private house. and still was,the most forward mar; thereministry. 3. Who the disciples were, that kept to- fore notice is taken of his forwardness and 18 NoWv'this man purchased a gether. ThIe eleven apostles, v. 13. and zeal, to show that he had perfectly recover field with the reward Y of itniiquity; Mary the mother of our Lord, v. 14. It is the ed the ground hie lost by dening his Master, and fallig headlon, he burst last time mention is made of her in the and Peter being designed to bethe apostl andfalin,, hadlmrheburst asung a. e_ asun'J~~~ i iScriptures. There were others, here said to of the circumcision, while the sacred story der in the midst, and all his bowels be the bthren of our Lord, his kinsmen ac- stays among thIe Jews, he is still brought in, gushed out. cording to the flesh; and, to make up the 120, as afterward, when it comes to speak of ve 19 And it was known unto all v.15.we may spiilpose all or most of thie 70dis- Gentiles, it keeps to the story of Paul. the dwellers at Jerusalem; inso- ciples, were with them, associates with tile (1.) His account of the vacancy made n much as that field is called in their apostles, and employed as evangrelists. the death of Judas, is very articular, an proper ton-ue, Aceldanna, that is to 4 These all continued with one accord in as became one that Christ had breatimed say,'the field of11 blo, prayer and supplication. It was now a time uponi, lie notices the fullilling of tile S'cri>~ say,,rhe field~of blood. of trouble and danger with the dofcrples of ttres in. it. r Lu. 24:52. u PR. 41:9. Jir. w Lii. 6:16. Clrrist. they were as sheep in the midst of He lost his money ehariefullv enougl,, ot aLu. 613-it, 1i:i8. a Mar. 027:5-t10 ile;ri ifrete hsmnysrreecheeorlt Li. 23:49,55. v Mac.'26:47. Jn. y 2 Pet.:'15. wlvers; aelnd, they had before them a great 18. his life more shamnefully. We were told, 24:10. 18:3. work, thev were waiting also for the descent Mat. 27: 5. that lie went away in despair, - of the Spirit on them. The Spirit descended on ani] was suffocated; so thie wsore1 signifirl trembling, the consideration of it should our Savior when He was praying, Luke 3:21. 1 there, and no more; here it is added, that comfort and encourage us. Those are in tlie best frame to receive spir- being strangled, or clioked withl grief and V. 12-14. We are here told, itual blessings, that are in a praying framie. horror, lie fell heradlong, ell r on his Jace, so 1. From whence Christ ascended, v. 12. Christ's promise now shortly to send the Ho- Dr. Hammond, and partly iith tine swelling from that part of the mount of Olives, where ly Ghost, was not to supersede prayer, btit of his own breast, and partly with tire viothe town of Bethany stood, Luke 24: 50. to quicken and encourage it. God will be lence of the fall, lie burst asunder in the midnst, There He began his sufferings, Luke 22:39. inquired of for promised mercies, and tire so that all his bowels tniuiled out. The oniftherefore, there He rolled away thue reproach nearer the performance seems to be, the focating Matthiew relates, would make rim of them, by his glorious ascension, and thus more earnest we should be in prayer for it. swell till hie burst, which Peter relates. He showed that his passion and his ascension Their accord intimates, they were together I burst asunder with a great noise, so Dr. Euhad the same reference and tendency. Thus in holy lore, and those who so keep the unity swards, which was heard Icy tire neighbors, would He enter on his kingdom in tire sight of the Spirit in the bond of peace, are best pre- and so, as it follows, it came to be known, of Jerusalem, and of those undutiful, un- pared to receive the comforts of the Holy v. 19. His bowiels gushed out; Luike wsrites grateful citizens of his, that would not have Ghost. See Mat. 18: 19. l hike a physician, understand. cig all the enHim to reign over them. It was prophesied V. 15-26. The apostles were ordained trails of the middle and lower ventricle. (12.)'A'sabbath-day's journey " was 2,000 cubits or paces, or 71 ter: hut the apostles frequently did, in speaking to the Jews. nas well as stadia, Li. 24:13. In. 1I:]8. This had been determined, not by Moses Christians, yet never in addressing the Genitiles and it seenes to imphle, bit by the Rabbins. See Lignhtf. The distance of Olivet is variously that they recognised a two-fold relation to themn, as nieen of nine same stated at 6, or 5 stadia; sither might be correct, according to the point nature descended froen Adamn, and as brethren of the same favored fanin Jerusalem, or in the mountain, reckoned from.' Bn.oOenF. til descended from Abraham. SCOTT. V. 13, 14. Mary is mentioned in a very cursory manner, as one of the (16.)'While David [Ps. 41:9. 10, so Wolf, Ecirerman, &c., 69:25 coirpany wim joined in prayer; but without any peculiar distinction, 109:8, so Rtoomf., Doddr., &-c.] prophesied of the ecclsrnities which or the least appearance of her exercising authority oser the apostles, or should befia his persecutors, it was revealed to him. by the r folv ec Spirit even of giving them counsel, or at all interferineg in their nmeasures.- that the enemies and murderers of the Messiah shoveld incher t th(ne contlnued.I'The wort signifies, to go on, in perfornming or enduring crises in ail their terror, and vet he niore rtioeralccl( tpihc tlie persOsti er any thing, courageously, and with a certain invincible hardiness and whom they were more iminediartely to fall. This fact is asserted in these reaclmtion of mind.' Beza. rIPursued with great ardor and intentiiess words, as cwhat was revealed, by the sniae Spirit, to Peter.' Dodd BlL. of noul.' Doddridge. S1uTT. l.') Purchaaed.j'I. e. occasioned the purchase.'on)p. Gei. 42'38 (13.) Uppuer-room.] Note, Jer. 22:13,14.' Epiphanius says, it was on I K. 14:16. Is. 6: 10. 1 Cor. 7:16. &c.' Doddr.' I rather inceline to thina Mt. Sion. and that a church was afterwards erected on the place where it afisoirative catachresis, by which Juras miiht be scid to have bought it stood.' Doddride-e. En. the field with the wnges of iniqniiv, by rereivngu i-nch wages as would V. 15. Names.]'I1. e. persons, men e (Rev. 3:4.) so used by Polybins, have bounorst it. So 2 K. 5:26. Possessed by beingh bhrcedl in it, seem O-id, Statius, H1orace.' Bloomf. The.ews required 120 for a council, too forced; and tlie fact wantds confirmration'. Bloo mf.'An e- pressior hi any city, so sominsappose the disciples took care to gem that number similar to "he pire'hcsed recentanie dearly. &c.'' Ir A. C. Krin. together. ID. Ros., Heinrich, Dr. A. C. &c., make vs. 18, 19. a parenthesis of Irike's, V. 16-18. It is most reasonable to suppose Peter was directed by a not Peter's. ED. divine admonition, to take the lead on this occasion; and tIre whvole V. 19. This seems a parenthesis, not of the apostle, biet of:be histo. trarnsaetioni showed, bowy fully all conmcerrnect were satisfied, that he was rian.~It is remarkablie, that he rites nout sav. mn ouir, hot time'r proper sinrcerely and deeply penitent. Ini his address, be callerd the idisciples tongue, arid this, T thick, shcrws that bhe woriter wsas icot a Heblrewy, hai Men and brethren.' Ocir Lord never tthus addressed the people; a0Cc eithser a Hietlencist, or a Geirtile. Pref. to Luke. Mec.. 27 6-10. v. 8 perhaps it implied an equmality, no': suitable to the digivtf uf his charao Some thrink, thor Jiudai also was buried inr this l'end; ii so, tee bought A. D. S38. ACTS, II. Matthias elected in the place of Jud. S0 For it is written in the book (2.) The public notice taken of this. It ular dignity and dominion, but to prcA of Ps'tlm:, Let z his habitation be was known to all the dwellers in Jerusalem, Christ, and the power ofhisresurrition. desolate, and let no man dwell known as a remarkable judgment of God on The nomination of the person to succeed therein his b bishopri thim that betrayed his Master, v. 19. known Judas. therein: and a his b bishopric let to be true, incontestably so, and every body 1. Two, who were known to have bcen another take spoke of it; one would think this should Christ's constant attendants, and men of 21 WVherefore of these men C have awakened those to repentance, that great integrity, were set up as candidate* which have companied with us all had had any hand in thle death of Christ, fIor the place, v.23. They oipointed te; i.e the time that the Lord Jesus went when they saw him that had the first hand, the hundred and twenty did so, for ic twn in and out among US thus made an example. But their hearts Peter spake, and not to the eleven. Of 220e3 nn n f'rom th bpis,~ were hardened, and as to those of them that neither of the two dowe read elsewhere, ex22 Beg-inningo from the baptism C n ""were to he softened, it must be done by the cept this Joseph be the same with that Jesus of John, unto that same day that Wo'rdadteSii okn Ot John, unto that same da~y that Word, and the Spirit working with it. One who is called Justus, whom Paul speaks of, he was taken up from us, must one proof of the notoriety of the thing mention- Col. 4: 11. and who is said to he of the cirbe ordained to be a witness with us ed, the field purchased with Judas' money, cumciion, a native Jew, as this was; and of his resurrection, was called Aceldama,-thefield of blood be- who was a fellow-worker with Paul unto the 3 And they pointed two, To- cause it was bought with the price ofblood kingdom of God, and a comfort to him. ~seph enetidBarsaaswo waswhich perpetuated tme infamy, not only of Some think this Joseph, is he that is called seph called d Barsabas, who was' Justus, and-Matias. him that sold that innocent precious blood, Joses Mark 6:3. the brother of Jornes the urnam ied Justus, and Matthias. but of them that bought it too. Look how less, Mark 15: 40. and was called Joses the 24 And they prayed, and said, they will answer it, when God shall make just as another person was called James the Thou, Lord, which * knowest the inquisition for blood. just Some confound this with that Joses hearts of all men, show whether of (3.) Let none be surprised, or stumble at mentioned Acts 4:36. But hat was ofCvthese two thou hast chosen, it, that this sol be te exit of one of the prus, this of Galilee; anl, it should seem, 25 That he may take part of twele, for David had foretold ot only is to distinmush them, that was called Barna thi ~ ~,. ] " i,_.* ^ smn, (which Christ had noticed,John 13:18 basa son of consolation; this Barsabas,thi~; ministry and apostleship, fi'om firom Ps. 41: 9.) but also his punishment Ps a son of the oath. These two were, both of which Judas by transgression fell, 69: 25. Perhaps Judas hadsomehabitation themsuch worthy men, and so well qualified that he might go to his own place. of his own at Jerusalem, which, upon this, for the office, that they could not tell which 26 And they gave forth their lots every body was afraid to live in, and so it of thei was fitter, but all agrceed it must be and the lot fell upon Matthias; and became desolate, [people detesting the very one of these two. They appeal to Goi, (as he was numbered with the eleven lace where the suicide lived ad died] the Secher of hearts,) by the lot, v. 26. Tihe subhstitution of another in his room, is Matthias was not ordained by the imposition apostles. quoted from Ps. 109: 8. With this quota of hands, as presbyters were, for lie was CHAP. II. tion, Peter very aptly introduces the follow chosen by lot, which was the act of God I The apostles, filled with the Hioly Ghost, and speaking ing proposal. God will not suffer any pur- and therefore as he must be bantized, so he divers laegag, tre admitdtt cvomeatdcideti iy ps of his to be frustrated, any commission must be ordained, by the HoI Ghost, as oiners 14 Whom Peter dispretitm, nt thewicg that bsy eot ste,. a.3:)stlessitake,hvthe power o the Holy Gtost, that of his to be vacated, or any word of is to they were all, notmay ds after. he*ai p's rtiset from the deadascended into heaven, be undone, for the miscarriages of them that had poured dowii the same liev Ghost, and was th~e Messias, a miui known to thiem to be approved ot'God ly are intrusted therewith. Judas is hanged, CTAP. II. V. -4. Between the proa his mir-acles-, wonders, and signs, aiml not crucified with- t I ouat his determinate otmsul, and foreknowledge: 37 ie lc hutlis bishopric is not lost, and Christ's ie of the Spirit and his coinin, there 1,ithit leet-cccctcte edcttntia sidwfadavcecalelgec OictlosteSpiri battizeth a greait number that were cnver-ted. 41 Who cause shall never Doe lost for want of wit- terveted t a fe das; during thest eviada cevotutlv and eharitably clnesee togethver nesses apostles, th gh under orders to preach. the apostles workin g many miracles, and God daily incrsing his cihurch. (4.) The subst e itutv W 2 ere. an accoat AND when the day of Pentecost one of these men, &c. tlhe 70 disciples, i wit- of tie descent of the Holy Ghost. Observe,. awaus fully come, they I were ness wieh us of his resurrection. By this,'t T When and wn here; which is partieall with one accord in' one Jilace appears, that others of the disciples were larly aooed mor greater certainty alle. tic -. e Cci t~ct,2. Ja 253. with ttme 11 wp.heti Christ appeared to them, I W4hrn the day of yfntecoel *r2 faily a Ps. 10958. t15'27. a Cr23'15. else they could mot have been witnesses fith come. There seems a reference t-, trie man. hor, iffice, or, d c. 15:22. be. 1:14. them, as competent witnesses as thev of his ner of expression in thee institution of this charge. e Je. t7:i0. Re. resurrection. The great thing which thle feast, Lev. 23:15. Ye shall count 7 sabbaths Bowelling is part of the punishment of trai- apostles were to attest to thee world, was, complyte, from the day of the' offering of the tors. And, perhaps Christ had an eye to the Christ's resurrection, for that was thle great first-fruits, the next but one after the passfate of Judas, when lie said of the wicked proof of his being time Messiah, and the over, thee 16th of Abib, which was the (lay servant, that lie wvould cut him in sunoder, foi'undation of our hlope in Him. See what Christ rose. This day was fully come, i. e. Mat. 24: 51. the apostles were ordained to, not to a sec- I the night preceding, with a part of the clay, PRACT. OBS. Let us remember, that all instruction should be re- promoting the cause of Christ, by every mean in their power, will genduced to practice; and that ministers should begin to do, amel then to erally increase with rapidity.-The crimes and awful ecnd of soeme ninteach, that their examtple may illustrate, confirtm, and adorn their doc- isters, who have been high in rank and reputation in the chuirch, should trine. We do not indeed expect the miraculous powers of the Holy by no means lead men to despise that sacred calling: but such instances Spirit; but we must experience his purifying baptism, or we never can toudly require others,'to look to themselves,' to their motives and in serve God, or be made meet for the inheritance of heaven. But it be- temetions, as well as to their doctrine and moral conduct.-But when merhooves us to leave' secret things to the Lord, to whom they belong;' cenary and ungodly men are removed; hwe should beseech the Great anid to submit to his wisdom, in all the dispensations of his providence Searcher of hearts, to fill their places in the church, with tsuch ministers and grace. It is eeiougli, that He has enggaged to give his people strength as have known Christ, and are capable of being witnesses for Hitm, and adequate to their trials and services: that, under the influence of the of declaring to others the efficacy of his sufferings, and'the pi cwer of Holy Spirit, they may, in one way or other, be witnesses for Christ his resurrection.' Indeed, in every thing, when we leave gone a.s far s on earth i while in heaven tIe manages their concerns with the most we can,'according to the wisdom givene' to us, we should, in one way perfect wisdom, truth, and love.-A little company, united in love, ex- or other, refer the decision to the Lord. SCOTT. emplary in their conduct, fervent in prayer, amedl prudently zealous in burying-place among strangers for himseif, with'tIhe wages of his ini- with the surprising blindness of the disciples to the true umeaning of quity.' Num. 31S: 2 Pet. 2:15, 16. SCOTT. the prophecies, before the resurrection of Christ, illustrates the evangeV.20~22. Let ix, &c.] (20) This varies considerably frone the list's words,'Then opened Ile their uiderstaiidings, to understand the Sept., and especial v as the plural pronoun is used in both. (Ps. 69:22 Scripture:' Luke 24:44-49, v. 44. for there is a constart recurrence to — 28, v. 25.)~His, ii-c.] Verbatim from the LXX. Ps. 109:8. ID. the sacred oracles, acid to eear aned sound interpretation of time pissages (20.) Hahitaftion.o] Impaulis: like the He'. tyrh, properly, a shep- adduced.-It is wonderful, that any person should have referreid to this herd's h'it,'wita the eirciosed cattle-yard1 and also generathy a habitation narrative, in the arg-ument concerning the choice of ministers; when of any kind. See Hesychius. Hence the Latin ail aand caula, [and the the case was most evidentit ec:traordinary, and one which could never English ball.] From the rustic tut, says Valcftenaer, the word was again occur: attid when the 11 apostles, with a number oif the 70 disci. transferred to other habitations ~ for nil moen were originally rustics and pies, probably forimed the far greater part of the company present. Sc. ehehpherds. Bimshopmc.} Episcope ~in the Sept. it answers to the He- (25.) Place.] See Ksein. and Bloomf., proviug that helt is neant. En. brew hqda, nwhich denotes any office commitnte.. to one's administration. (26.)' Groties' account seetns probable, that they put their lots into Kuin." BLOOMF. two trns, one of which contained the names of Josetph and Matthias, (22.) Ordained to be.]' The Gr. is simply'-pnesthai, &c. be made, and the other a blalk and the word apostle. In drawing these out, the no rite was used, and none is alluded to.' l)r. A. C. Resurrection, blank came tip with the name of Joseph, and the lot oil which was writ&c.] The phrase is put for all the heads of Christian doctrine. Comp. ten the word apostle came up with the name of Matthias.' Burder. I Cor. 15:14..nd see Bloomf. ED. Beza, and Bloomf. think the decision was made by throwing dice. IV. 23-2g. As Jesus had personawhly appointed the other apostles, many NOTES. CHAP. II. V. 1. The word'Pentecost' implies, that expositors have ayrgueed, that this prayer was immediately addressed to this was the fiftieth, day; i. e. from the second day of unmeavened Him: and the language favors the sopposition. Matthias, soime suppose bread, whence' the feast of the ingathering I of the harvest was cone-'.o have heeni the same with Nathianael, becauuse bothe their cameos sigmnify pntedl.~Different opimniones are maintaiined, concermnin thue persones ~us*'the gift of God:' hut this is very uncertain. It is remnarktable, that semnbhed on thin occasion'; whcether the apostles only, or uhe whohe comnMainhia. is never.euint~tomed imn Scripture, except otc this occasion, but pany of discitites; bun the langueage of the sacred writer obviously hmhBars as hs, 15:22-so, to. 22, 312. The whole account, when compared plies the pouring out of the Spihrit, on not the apostles only, but on aill A. D S3. ACTS, II. Descent of the Holy Ghost on the ckssplei, 2 And suddenly there came a more to.gether of,ate than usual, ch. 1:14. The operations of the Spirit were many; sound fromin heaven as of a rushing and thai made them love one another better, that of speaking with divers tongues was nighty wini, and it filled C all the By his grace ie tl ps repared themt for the one, and was singled out to be the first in. hous wher aheyi wirle < altsitting. w Iogift of the Holy Ghost. Would we ave dication of the gft of the Ho Ghost, and nuse wher they were sitting. the Spirit poured out upon us from on high? to that this sign had a reference. (4.) Thi 3 And ther be all ppOf one rord and, notith. fire sdt upont them Letfor some time, to show cloven tongues like as of fire, and standing variety of sentim,,its and interests, the constant residence of the Holv Ghost It sat upon each of them. as, no doubt, there was among those disci- with them. The prophetic giftsof old were 4:31. pies, let us agree to love one another; for conferred sparingly, and but at some times, --- where brethren dwell together in unity, there but the disciples of Christ had the gifts of was fily past. (1.) The Holy Ghost came the Lord commands his blessing. the Spirit always with them; though the down at the time of a solemn feast, because 11. How the Holy Ghost came. sign, we mav suppose, soon disappeared. there was then a great concourse of people 1. Here is an audible summons to awa- Ill. The immediate effect. to Jerusalem from all parts of the country, ken their expectations, v. 1. a sudden, un- 1. They were allfilled with the Holi Ghost, and of proselytes from other countries, expected sound from heaven, Rev. 6:1. the more plentifully and powerfully than before; which would make it the more public, and sound of a wind, for thile way of the Spirit filled with the graces of the Sprit, and the fame of it to be spread the sooner and is like that of the wind, John 3:8. Ez. 37: more than ever tinder his sanctifin influ. further, contributing much to propagate the 9. It'was a rushing, mighty wind; it came ences, were now holy, heaveniv, spiritual, Gospel into all nations. (2.) This feast not only with a great noise, but with great more weaned from this world, and Letter was kept in remembrance of the giving of force, as if it would bear down all before it. acquainted with tie oiher wee more filled the law on nit. Sinai, whence the incorpo- This was to signify the powerful influences with the comforts of the Spirit; rejoiced rating of the Jewish church was to be dated, and operations of the Spirit of God on the more than ever in tie love of Chiist, and the which Lightfoot reckons to be just 1447 minds of men, and thereby on the world, hope of heaven, and in it all their griefs years before. Fitly, therefore, is the Holy that they should be mighty through God to and fears were swallowed up. They were Ghost given at that feast, in fire and in the casting down of imaginations. It filled also, for the proof of this, filled with the tongues, for the promulgation of the evan- not only the room, but all the house, where gfts of the Holy Ghost, xhich is especially gelical law, not to one nation, but to every they were sitting. Probably, it alarmed the meant here; they were endued with airaccreature. (3.) This feast happened on the whole city, but, to show that it was super- ulus powers for le furtherance of the Gos. first day of the week; which was an addi- natural, presently fixed on that particular pel. It seems evident to ic-, that not the tional hlionor put on that day, and a confir- house; as sotie think tile wind that was 12 apostles only, but all the 120 lisciples, mation of it tobe the Christian Sabbath, the sent to arrest Jonah, affected only the ship were filled with the Holy Ghost alike at this day the Lord hath made, to be a standing that hlie was in, Jon. 1:4. and as the wise time; all the 70 disciples, who were aposmemorial in his church of those two great men's star stood over the house where the tolical men, and eniployed in the siae work, blessings,-the resurrection of Christ, and child was. This would direct the people aid all the rest too that nere to preach the the poturing out of the Spirit. This serves who observed it, whither to go, to inquire Gospel; for it is said, expressiv, Epli. 4:8, not only to justify us in observing that day the meaning of it. This wind fillin the 11. When Christ ascended on hih, which under the style and title of the Lord's day, house, would strike an awe on the disciples, refers to tis, v. 33. He gave gifts unto men, but to direct us, in sanctifying it, to give God and help to put them into a very serious, tnt only some apostles, such were the twelve; praise particularly for those two great bless- reverend, and composed framie, to receive but some prophets, atd 0ome evngclists, such ings; every Lord's day in the year, I think, the Holy Ghost. Thus the ro covi- were ay of the 70 discipies, itierant there should be a full anid particular notice tions of the Spirit make way for his gentle preachers, and some pastors and teachers taken in our prayers and praises of these comforts. settled in particular churches, as we mav two, as there is by some churches of the 2. A visible sign of the gift they were to suppose some of these afterward tere. one, once a year, on Easter-day, and of the receive, cloven tongues, like as offire; v. 3. The all, here, must refer to the al that ver", other, once a year, onil Whit-sunday. Oh! and it sat, not they, those cloven tongues, but together, ch. 1:14, 15.-v. 1. that we may do it with suitable affections. Ile, the Spirit, signified thereby, rested oi 2. They began to speak with other tongues, 2. It was when they were all with one ac- each of them, as He is said to rest on the beside their native language, thotugh they cord in one place, we are not told, particular- prophets of old. Or, as Hamnnond de-had neser learnet any other. They spake Sy, whether in the temple, Luke 24:53. or scribes it,' An appearance of somnething: not matters of common conver.-ation, but in their own upper room. But it was at like flarinug fire, [a lambent liatme.] light- the Word of God, and the praises of lii1 Jerusalem, because it had been the place ing osi every one of them, which (divided iiane, sulbstantial, weighty savings, worthy God chose to put his name there; the proph- asutmnder, aid so formed the resemiblance of to be had in remembrance, so the Greek. ecy was, that front hence the Word of the tongues, with that part of them that was Probably not only one was enabiled to speak Lord should go forth to all nations, Is. 2:3. next their heads, divided or cloven.' (1.) I one language, and another another, but and it was now the place of the geincral Time outward sensible sign, was t" confirm u every one to speak divers langiusges. as lie rendezvous of all devout people; there God thie faith of the disciples themselves, and should have occasion. Arid lhey spoke, not had promised to meet them, and bless them, convince others. (2.) The sgign was fire, here and there a word of antiher tont)gve, here therefore He meets them with this thlat John Baptist's saving concerning Christ statimeringly, in broken sentences; but blessintg of blessings. This teaches its not might, lie fulfilled, He shall baptize you with spake it as readily, properly, and elegantly, to fall out with places, nor conceive- preju- the Holy Ghost, amid with fire; with thie as if it hiad been their mother-tongue. 1They dices against them. Holy Ghost, as with fire. Ezekiel's mission spake not from any previous thought or Heie they were with one accord. We can- was confirmed by a vision of burning cools numeditation, but as the Spirit g 0'i'e them utnot forget how often, while their Master was of fire, ch. 1:13. and Isaiaoh's bh a coal of terance; He fiurnished them withl the matter with them, there were vtrifes among theem, fire touching his lips, ch. 6:7. The Spirit, as well as time language. Now this was, which should be the greatest; but nowy we like fire, melts thie heart, separates avid (1.) A very great miracle, it was a mira. htsar no more of these; whiat they had re- burns vip the dross, and kindles pious amid cle on the mind, for in thie mitd words aw. ceived already of the Holy Ghost, when devout affections in the soul, in wvhichi, as in framed. They had not only never learned Christ breathed oai them, had in a good the fire upon the altar, the spiritual sacrifi- these languages, but, for aught that appears, measure rectified the mistakes on which ces are offered tip. This is that fire Christ had never so much as heard these languages those contests were grounded, and tad dis- came to send on the earth. Luke 12:49. spoken, or had any idea of thetm. They posed them to holy love. They had prayed (3.) This fire appeared in cloven tongues. were neither scholars nor travellers; nor the disciples, which would form a more exact fulfilment ot'Joel's prophe- will known to their votaries. Every thing of this kdind was probably cy (18); and it is plain that others. besides the apostles, were' filled with borrowed from the account given by Moses, of the appearance onA Mount the Holy Ghost,' at a very early period. (6, 3, 5, 8.) As afterwards, inirac- Sinai; Icomip. too, Gen. 3:24. 15:17.1 fbr traditions of this event were ulous powers, and the gift of latiguages, were conferred on others, by carried through iahliost every part of the habitable world, partly by the the laying on of the hands of the apostles; so without this, the gilt of expelled Canaanites, partly by the Greek sages, travelling through Asiattonlglues was now conferred on converts in general. Indeed, either the ic couturies, [cotiti. Townsend's Arrang. notes oni Dan.] in quest of phitpestles assembled alone, as if for this special purpose, of which no in- losophic truth; aid partly by means of the Gr. vers. of the Sept., made timation is given; or else the whole company partook of the blessing ~ nearly 300 B. C., Dr. A. CL. and this certainly accords to the tradition of the church in ancient (3.) Cloven.]'Rather, distributed, see Markland; so the il/smi. dig' times. SCOTT. pertita Valck. tr. dividing themselves. Ros., &c. tr. discursitailtes, run V. 2, 3. The shape of the mitre, worn by bishops, is by some thought ning hither astd thither.' Supposing the opinion of the later Jews, (see to have beeni derived from the supposed form of these divided tongues; Schoettg-cn,) to have ioeeii entertained by the earlier, it is not unureasonbut if they sat on every one present,(as the original determines,) and oth- able to suppose, that God would vouchsafie to use a symbol accordant ena besides the apostles were present, the ground of this distinction fails. with the notions of that age, and therefore intelligible to all. Storr Indeed, it is more likely, that there appeared several divisions in the urges strong objections to the manner of accounting for this by some tongues, than merely two; as the former would be a mnore exact emblem Germans, as Kuin., Hermann, Eichhtorn, &c. Nich., Ros., Hczel, Pauof the gift of speaking divers languages conferred at the same time. ID. lum, Kuin. refer to the electric fluid. Wetstein (see his citations) ob. (2.)' Strong wind, loud and repeated peals of thunder, coruscations serves, that the ancients believed the presence of the Deity to be indicatstf lightning, and lam bent ilames resting on those who w/ere objects of ed byfire, amid that a flame burning from thin head was accoiunted a sign he Deity's regard, are all emiployed by them [the Greeks, Ronians, &c.] or symbol of Divine favor; amid that a little tongue of fire, or a radiated'.~poi~nt out the euui ja which their gods were reported to make their head, indicated the sanctity of those on whom it was found. Eu. ^s A D S8 AC FS, II. The people amazed at inediscepteI 4 And tney were all d filled with preach to them in their own language. And read, and public worship performed, intha the Holy Ghost, and began e to it should seem, that this was tie accoriplish- vulgar languages of the nations. Speak with Other tongues, as the w lent of that promise which Christ made III. The scorn some natives of Judea an. speak with other tongues, as theI nr~rit oto his disciples, John 14:12. Greater works Jerusalem made of it, probably the Scribes Spirit gave 1hem. utterance. pirit gave hn utha these shall yean F t a ad Pharisees, and chief priests, who al 5 And there were dwelling at be reckoned, all things considered, a greater ways resisted the Holy Ghost, v. 13. Not Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out work than the miraculous cures Christ that they were so absurd, as to think that of every nation under heaven, wrought: Christ Himself did not speak with wine would enable men to speak language~ 6 Now f when this was noised other tongues, nor did He enable his dis- they never learned; but these, being native abroad, them-ciples to do it, while Hle was with them; Jews, knew not, as the others did, tHa abroad, the multitude came togethandf were e confounded bcuebut it was the first effect of the pouring out these were -eally the languages of other na el, and were 9eonfiounded, because of the Spirit on them. And Abp. Tillotson tions, and therfore took what they said te that every man heard them speak thinks it probable, that if the conversion of be gibberish and nonsense, such as dtunlin his own language. infidels to Christianity were now sincerely ards, those fools in Israel, sometimes talk 7 And they were all amazed and and vigorously attempted, by men of honest As when they resolved not to believe tls marvelled, saying one to another, minds, God would extraordinarily counte- finger of the Spirit in Christ's miracles, they Behold, are not all these which nance such an attempt with all fitting assist- turned it off with this, le casteth out devils s hne'lk~~~ ^ G'ilileaance, as He did thie first publication of the by compact with the prince of the devils speak h Galileans?~ Ae ailea? Gospel, so wen thev resolved not to believe the voice S Andhow har w ever man V. 5-13. We have here an accotut of of the Spirit in the apostles' preaching, they in our own tongue, wherein we the public notice taken of this extraordina- turned it off with this, These a'i arefull were born? ry gift, with which the disciples were all of new wine. 9 Parthians, and Medes, and on a sudden endued. Observe, V. 14-36. We have here the first-fruits Elamites, and the dwellers in Mes-. The great concourse of people now at of the Spirit in Peter's sermon, directed, not opotania, and in Judea, and Cap- Jerusalem. [The religious centre of the to those ofother nations in a strange lan. I world, as London is the commercial, and guage, but to the Jews in tue vulgar Ian. pado.-ia, in Pontus, and Asia, 3 It pau a nPntusa, Paris the literary.] It should seem, there guage, even to them that mocked, for he 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in were more than usual at the feast of pente- begins with the notice of that, v. 15. and Egypt, and in the parts of Libya cost. The expression, out of every nation, addresses his discourse, v. 14. to the men of about Cyrene, and strangers of is hyperbolical, denoting, that there were Judea and inhabitants of Jerusalem; but we Rome, Jews and proselytes some from most of the then known parts of have reason enough to think, that the other 11 Gretes and Arabians, we do the world. disciples continued to speak to those who heair then speak in oir ton s the 1. All were either Jews oriiall, dis understood them in te languages of their hear' themn speak in our tongues i the Mn npersed into those countries, v. 9, 11. or respective countries, the wmderful works of wonderful works of God. proselytes to the Jewish religion, but natives God. And it was not by Peter's preaching I2 And they were all amazed, of tho'se countries. Whitby observes, that only, but that of all, or most, of thie 120, tat and were in doubt, saying one to tihe Jewish writers about this time, as Philo 3000souls were that day converted, and added another, J What meaneth this? and Josephus, speak of theJews as dwelling to the church; but Peter's sermon onjyis n. 13 Others mocking, said, These everywhere through the whole earth; and that corded,to be an evidence that lie wasthorfull ofanew avine. there is not a people upon earth among whom oughly recovered, and restored totheDiviat hen are full of new wine. J Z men aierr~~~~ T ]~''isome Jews do not inhabit, favor; lie'hat had sneakingly denied Chri.t, 14 ~ But Peter, standing up with 2. What brought them all together to now as courageously confesses Hir the eleven, lifted up his voice, and Jerusalem at this time was, a general expec- 1. His account of the miraculous effusiee said unto them, Ye men of Judea, tation of the appearing of the Messiah; of the Spirit,is designed to awaken them a and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, Daniel's weeks were just now expired, the to embrace the faith of Christ, and toj.ia e this known unto O andheark- sceptre was departed from Judah, and it themselves to his church. Two thing he en to nmy words was then geTmerai'y thought that the kingdom resolves it into,-the fufidlling of the Srp. C. t:5. was made. h r. 1:11. qf God shauld immediately appear, Luke 19: ture, and the fruit of Christ's resurrection Mo. 16:17. c. g or, troubled in i i Co. 12:10,28. 11. This birought the most zealoiis anmd and ascension, and, consequently, the pmoof 10:4i. mind. j c. 17:20. devout to Jerusalem, to sojourn there, that of both. in~hes they mnight early share in the blessings of 1. It was the accomplishment of the bad had any opportunity of learning Ian- Messiah's kingdom, prophecies of the Old Test., which related guages, either by books or conversation. (2.) II. Their amazement when they heard the to the kingdom of the Messiah. He speciA very proper, needful, anid serviceable disciples speak in their own tonguies. The fies, Joel, ch. 2: 28. It is observable, that miracie. The language the disciples spake, Parthians hear one of them speak their lan- though Peter was filled with the Holy (host, was Syriac, a dialect of the Hebrew; so guiage, the Medes hear another of theme and epake with tongues as the Spirit aave him that it was necessary that they should be speak theirs; and so of the rest, v. 11. utterance, vet lie did riot set aside the Scripendued Iwitli the gift, both for the under- Probably they spake of Christ, and redenip tures, ior;hink himself above them; nay, standing of the original Hebrew of the 0. tion by Him, and the grace of the Gospel; much of his discourse is quotation out of the T. in which it was written, and of the these are indeed the great things of God, 0. T., to which he appeals, and with wnica origninal Gireek of the N. T., in which it which will be for ever smarvellous in our eyes. lie proves what lie says. Observe, (1.) Ths was to be awritten. Bit that was not all; It was strange, and kind as strange, and text Peter quotes, v. 17 —21. refers to tie they were commissioned to preach the Gos- helped to engage their affections, as a plainim la:-'t days, the times of the Gospel, therefore pel to every creature, to disciple all nations. indication of the favor intended to the called the last days, because the dispensation But here is an insuperable difficulty at the Gentiles, and that the knowledge and wor-i of God's kingdocm artong men, which the threshmold; How shahl they master time seve- ship of God shoumni no longer be confined to Gospel sets up, is the last dispensation of ral languages so, as to speak intnelligibly to the Jews; and this is to is a plain intimna- rdivine grace, to time end of time. Or, in the all nations 1 It will be the work of a man's tion of the mind and will of God, that the last days, i. e. a great while after the ceasc life to learn their languages. Therefore, to sacred records of God's wonderful works ing of prophecy in the 0. T. chlurch. Or, prove tliat Christ could give authority to should be preserved by all nations in their in the day immediately preceding the depremuh to the nations, He gives ability to own tongiue; that the Scriptures should be struction of the Jewish nation, in the laet V. 4. A more stupendous miracle than this car. scarcely be imagined]; too, makes king Agrippa say to the Jews, "There is no nation in the as every one must perceive, who carefully considers the subject; and world where a part of you is not to be found."' LOOMF. recollects with what difficulty an adult person acquires the accurate V. 6-II. The Hebrew, or the Syriac, was generally used. f romo the knowledge and pronunciation even of one lagnguage, so as to speak it with different regions afterwards mentioned, it is computed, that seven or propriety, and without hesitation.-The diversity of lanigages intro- eight distinct langmuages, and many more different dialects of the armeo 4uced by the power of Got], as a judgment on the presumptuous and langaige, must have been thus spoken, that each of this company nmight rebellious builders at Babel, has always been the great obstacle to the hear his native tongue.-' The strangers of Romne,' mean iiative Jews, diffusion of useful knowledge, and of true religion. ScorTr. and persons pros;elyted to their religion, who generally resided at Rome, (4.) Speak with ton-uec.] Many essays have been written on this, but then sojourned as strangers at.ierusalem.r-(9) The peculiar dialect see Diloomf., but the Ed. perceives nothing fit to overthrow the opinions of the Galileans no longer was perceived by the inhabitants ofmJudes. 3. of Henry and Scott, and the Fathers. En. (7.) Ga!ileans.J' Was the name thus early given to the sect? En. V. 5. The phrase,' every nation under heaven,' is zeneral, not uni V. 13. New.]' I. e. sweet: it could linot at that season have been verxial, and the interpretation of it, which the subject absolutely re- new.' Dr. A.CLARKE. quires, should render ins cautious of deducing conclusions, and attempting V. 14-21. It may here be observed, that the descent of the Holy to prove doctrines, from single expressions, at least not more energetic; Spirit on the day of Pentecost was no more than the beginning of the especialy when clear testimonies of Scripture must be explained, differ- accomplishment of this prophecy.-The word' prophecy' mnay denote, ently than their obvious meaning implies, to establish such conclusions. not only the fluency of the persons in speaking of divine thingss, for the SCOTr. instruction of others, as the termc is sometimes used; but also' their pre(5.) Devout.)' Eulatmeis: never used in the N. T. for proset~ytee. It dieting fititire events, esni~ecially those concerninug the approachinigo ruin means men of integnity, piety, as Sinmeon, Luke 2:25. Every.] Hyper- of the uinbelieving Jewvish nation-~The quotation, though in general yus'cali as that of Xen. "he killed alit ani] took a few alive.' Philo, made in the words of the Sept., varies from that veisinti, and fren lbe ii T. VOL. V 2 9 A. D. S3. ACTS, II. Peter's sermon at Jerusalem 15 For these are not drunken, as days of that people, just before hat great to prepare for the judgments coming upon ye suppose, seeing k it is but the and notable day of the Lord, spr-en of,v. them. Or, it may be applied, and very fitly, third hour of the day.20. [1.] There should be a moreplentifl to the previous judgments themselves, by 1t BR ut this i that wa. hic wra and extensive effusion of the Spirit of grace which that desolation was brought on. The 16O it ti lstat which was fromon high thanhadeveryet been. The blood pointsatthe wars of the Jews with the spoken by the prophet Joel; prophets of the 0. T. had been filled with the neighboring nations, with the Samaritans, 17 And it shall come to pass in Holy Ghost, and it was said of the people Syrians, and Greeks, in which abundance the last days, saith God, I will pour of Israel, that God gave them his good Spirit of blood was shed, as there was aso in tnei out "of my Spirit upon all flesh: to instruct them, Neh. 9:20. But now the civil wars, and the struggles of the seditious and your sons and your daughters Spirit shall be poured out, not only on the (as they called them,) whicn were very phall prophesy, and your young Jews, but on all flesh, Gentiles as well as bloody; there was O peace to him tha ne shal seevisioansal yo ur ol Jews; though yet Peter himself did not un- went out, or to him that came in. The fire nen shall seeVisions, and your old rstand it so, as appears, ch. 11: 17. Or, and vapor of smoke, here foretold, literally men shall dream dreams. on all flesh, i. e. on some of all ranks and came to pass, in the burning of their cities, 18 And on my servants and on conditions of men. The Jewish doctors and towns, and synagogues, and temple at my hand-maidens I will pour out taught, that the Spirit came only on wise and last. And this turning of the sun into daok. in those days of my Spirit; and rich men, and of the seed of Israel! [2.] The ness, and the moon into blood, speaks the they "shall prophesy ~ Spirit should be in them a Spirit of prophecy; dissolution of their government, civil and e Ami shall p hesy W in by the Spirit, they should be enabled to fore- sacred, and the extinguishing of all their 19 And I will shew wonders in tell things to come, and to prech the Gospel lihts. Lastly, The signal preservation of. neaven above, anti signs in the to every creature. This power shall be given the Lord's people is here promised, v. 21 earth beneath; blood, and fire, and without distinction of sex, age, or outward (2.) He applies this prophecy to the present vapor of smoke condition, v. 18. or, in general, men and event. v. 16; it is the accomplishment of it, 20 The sun shall be turned into women, whom God calls his servants and his the full accomplishment of it: and so this darkness and the moon into blood hadmaids. The mention of the daughters, Spirit of grace, the Advocate, or Conforier, before that great and notb d' r v. 17. and the handmaidens, v. 18. would that was given now, according to the prombef'ore that great:and notable- daymkoe thiktewoe o ay make one think the women noticed, ch. 1:14. ise, will, according to the same promise, of the Lord come: received the extraordinary gifts of the Holy continue with the church on earth to the 21 And it shall come to pass, Ghost, as well as the men, ch. 21:9. and end, and will work all its works in it an( that whosoever P shall call on the Paul, finding abundance of the gifts both of for it, and every member of it, ordinary anc name of the Lord shall be saved. tongues and prophecy in the church of Corinth, extraordinary, by the means of the scrip 23 Ye men of Israel, hear these saw it neefl to prohibit women's use of tures and the ministry. words Jesus of Nazareth, a man those gifts in public, Cor. 14:26, 34. 2. It was the gift of Christ, n the pro. [3.] One great thing they should prophesy duct and proot of his resurrection and ascenapproved of God among you, by of6hudb h uget approvedn of, should be the judgments coing on tIe sion. From this gift of the Holy Ghost, he mniracles and wonders and S:gns, Jewish nation, the chief t'ing that Christ takes occasion to preach unto them Jesus; which God did by him in the midst Himself had foretold, Mat. 24. at his en- and this part of is sermon lie introduces of you, as ye r yourselves also trance into Jerusalem, Luke 19:41. and with another solemn preface, v. 22. See ~~~know ~~~: " - when He was going to die, Luke 23:29. and what a stress Peter lays on Christ's mira23 Him, being s delivered oy the these judgments were to be brought on them, cles! The matter of fact was not to be do. determnate ounselandforekoli to punish them for their contempt of the Gos- nied; They were one in the midst ofyou, determinate counsel and foreknowl- pl n hi poiint t peld and their opposition to it, though it came j in the midst of your country, vour city, youe edge of God, ye have taken, and to them thus proved. Josephus speaks of solemn assemblies; I appeal to yourselves. "by wicked hands have crucified prodigies that preceded theJewish wars, ter- The inference from them cannot be disputed; and s' ain: rible thunders, lightuings, and earthquakes; the reasoning is as strong as the evidence; 24 Whom V God bath raised Up, a fiery coinet hung over the city a year, and if He did those miracles, certainly (God ap. having loosed the pains of death: a flaming sword was seen pointing down proved Him, declared iHisn to be,'what Hie because it was not possible teat upon it; a light shone on the temple and the declared Himself to be, the Son of God, and altar at midnight, as if it had been noon- the Savior of the world; for the God of -uth he should be holden of It. day. Lightfoot gives another sense of these would never set his seal to a lie.' ITh.57 132.32 CHo.' 1 u 4 c 2 13- Presges. The blood of the Son of God, the They were witnesses of his death and stufI Joel2:'28 —-32. 2. He. 4:16. v sf. 24:i e 13.prsg.J is i. 44:3. Ez.36: q Jn 14:10,11. 30,34. t.'Co. 6 fire ofthe Holy Ghost mow appearing, the va- ferings also, but a few weeks ago; and this 2-4, 9. it. 1 r. 1:4.'l. ih por of smoke in which Christ ascended, was the greatest miracle of all, that a Alan Co. 12': 10. a Lu. U'22. 24: l-:16. He. 1320 the sun darkened, and the moon made blood, at approved of God, should thus seein to be * M.13:24. 2P. 44.' C.'3:' 1. I Pc. 1t, the time of Christ's passion, were all loud abandoned of Him; and a Man thusapproved a:,10. a:30. sW Jo7. 10:18. 11 a5(i,;apoe p Pa' 8:5. Ro. warnings given to that unbelieving people,i among the people, and in the midst of them, ITeb. text, in nearly the same particulars. Instead of'afterward,' 6r and foretell, what man, not hindered by Him, but left to his own incli-' after these things,' we here read, I in the last days;' the order of the nations, will do. And if that foresight hath any influence on the will. clauses in v. 17. is changed;'and they shall prophesy,' at the end of the to make the action necessary, then... all our actions must be niecessa 18th, is added; as is' above,' and'beneath,' in the 19th. The Sept. ry.' Whitby. Did this learned writer suppose, that, according to the has'notable,' or illustrious, instead ofterrible, which is here retained, doctrine of Calvinists, the foresig/ht, or even the decree, of God has -The conclusion of the prophecy is omitted. SCOTT. any influence on the will or free agency of man? If either he, oi oth(14.) The eleven stood as witn.essin.g to Peter's account. ED. ers, who have brought the sanme objections, suppose this, they are very (15.) 7hird.]'I1. e. nine o'clock, the hour of prayer, previous to blameably ignorant of the doctrine which they would confute.-God which the Jews scarcely-ever eat or drank.' Dr. A. C.'None who foresees and foretd(ls, what' man left to his inclinations will do;' and regarded religion did so. Lightf. quotes from Berachoth, " It is not God determines to leave him to his inclinations. The permission is lawful for a muan to taste any thing before he shall have prayed his enough in such a case; but to determine, by preventing grace, to make prayer." So Jos. says, the Sabbath assembly was not usually dismiss- the sinner willing to submit, believe, and obey, requires a positive intered to breakfast till the sixth hour, i. e. after the prayers appropriated to position of a divine and new-creating power; which none deserves, that hour. Even the Gentiles accounted it disgraceful to get drunk in or, left entirely to himself, desires, and which God bestows or withholds, tCe day time. See Plaut., Seneca, AElian, Cic.' BLOOMF.'according to the counsel of his own will.'-Again, such texts constrain (16-1.)'Peter quotes neither the Iheb. nor Sept., but from menuo- both the above cited learned writers [ifaninond as well as Whimby] to ry.' Bloomf. (18.) And on, &c.]' Rather, Yea, further: i. e. in other allow, that the event was certainly foreseen, and could not but take nations, also, my servants [in all nations anmd times] shall have the same place; thoumh the persons concerned were under no coercion, alnd acted gifts. This [important promise, thus expressed by the peculiar copula- according to the luists of their own hearts. But did God certaiilv foi etive kai gel shows, tniat the most inconsiderable things in the scriptmures see this, as his own all-wise determination and decree; or as somueti hiig are not to be neglected.' Markland. ED. independent on his decree, which could neither be altered nor prevented? (19.) Blood, fire, smoke, &c. denote war,'which causes them; and, Notes, 423-28, v. 28. Mat. 26:21-24. Luke 22:21-23.-' The pains of perhaps, calamitous titnes in general, political, civil, social, and domes- death' Iwould introduce' the pains of hell,' to sinfui man. But the sinOir. lt was an opinion common to Hebrews, Greeks, and Roamans, less Savior, as our Surety, endured tIme former, till Ile cotild say,'It is that. by p "digies of the kind here mentioned (19, 20), were portended finished:' and having done so, it was impossible that IHe shaikd lie hold public calamities, and the ruin of estates.' Bloomf. Vapor of Smoke.] en under the power of the latter; or that any of his believing people'Smoke the densest.' By fire may more correctly be understood, ig- should be subjected to them. SCOTT. uited meteors, sulphurous and inflaniinable bodies, which burn and (23.) Foreknowledge.] Bloomf. contends, with Krebs, that tie conshime; and by smoke, thick and black vapors, which ascend from the text requires prognosis, tr. foreknowledge, to be tr. decree, counsel, as earth, and offuscate the light of the sun and moon, so (Kuin.) that they in I Pet. 1:2. Christ's sufferings not depending so much oni anty prereceive that rubicund color, (blood,) which is usually observed to pre- science as on the divine decrees.' This signification of prog'snosis is not cede earthquakes.' Bloomf. Dr. A. C. refers v. 20. to the darkness of only confirmted by the usage of the Heb., but the Gr. For the Hebrews he, sun and redriess of the moon, during an eclipse of tne sun; and v. 18. use ydh, as the Greeks do gnonai, in the sense of (by a metonymy of to war devastations with fire, dagger, and sword. See Doddr. ID. cause for effect) decree, appoint. So Herod., 7:5, 4. Philo, 966 B. See V. 22-24.' Int Scripture, that is said to be done by " the determinate Eisner and loesner.' Bloosmf.' Though the awful subject of God's counsel of God," which is done according to what He had written and foreknowledge, no finite mind can comprehend, yet it is possible Ko tc declared in his Wordh; all tpredictions conscerninmg thinigs future, being understand what relates to mms hum it, as to avoid the extremies of pie' declarations and determimmamionsa that they shall come to pass. (Mat. sumption or despondency. God's foreknowledge is spokemm of itn re.'cs 15:24. Liuke 22:22.)...'t'hig only doth suppose, that God can foresee ence tous mnot to Himself. To omniscience there can be tieither An.f 10] A D. 33. ACTS, II. Peter's sermon at Jerusatem 25 For D)avi I speaketh x con- therefore he insists most largely on. 1. He sufferings should be, not to Him only, but to cerning him, I foresaw the Lord describes his resurrection; God loosed the all his, an inlet to the blessed unnorrality always before my face, for he is o bands of death,-the sorrows of death; the'Thou hst madeknown to Me the ways of I'll ri t h, I, s d word is used for travailing pains; and some life, and by Me made them known to the world, my right handthatIshouldno think, it signifies the trouble and agony of his and laid them open' That all his sorrows moved: soul, in which it wcv exceeding sorrouful, and sufferings should end in perfect aid per2" Therefore did my heart re- even to tht death; from these pains and sor- petua! felicity Thou shalt make Mefull of joice, and my tongue was glad; rows of soul, this travail of soul, the Father joy with thy countenance. The reward set moreover also my flesh shall rest in loosed Him, when at his death, He said, It is before Him, was, joy, afulness ofjoy; anc hope Q ~~~~.finished. Thus Dr. Goodwin understands it: the smiles with which the Father received ho7 Beas to wilt not laeLightfoot gives another sense of it, alluding Him, when, athisascension, le was bough 7Because thouWllt not leave to his having broken the power of death, and to the Ancientof days, filled H in wthjoy un my soul in hell, neither wilt thou destroyed its pangs on his own people. But speakable: and that is the joy of our Lord suffer thy Holy One to see corrup- most refer this to the resurrection of Christ's into which all his shall enter, and in which tion. body. And death, says Mr. Baxter, as a sep- they shall be for ever happy. 28 Thou hast made known to me aration between soul and body, is by priva- III. Here is Peter's comment on this the ways of life; thou shalt make tion a penal state, though not dolorous by text, especially so much of it as relates to the the full ofjo with thyousatenan e. ~positive evil. But Hammond shows, that resurrection of Christ, v. 29. David is here Menllo j nd brehthreontetame. the Sept., and from them the apostle here, called a patriarch, because he was the father 9 iMen and brethren, Y let me use the word for cords and bands, as Ps. 18: of the royal family, and a man of great note freely speak unto you of the patri- 4. to which the metaphor of loosing and be- in his generation, and whose name and memarch David, that he is both dead ing held best agrees. 2. He attests the truth ory were justly very precious. Now we and buried, and his sepulchre is of his resurrection, v. 32. 3. Because the must consider, that, as he could not say of with us unto this day. Scripture had said, that He must rise again, himself, (for he died, and was buried, and his 30 Therefore being z a prophet, before He saw corruption, therefore it was isa- sepulchre remained when Peterspoke, his bones and kno eug that Go a sro ne possible that He should be holden by death and and ashes in it, nobody ever pretending he andkn~ii.; tht odhad sworn t the grave; for David speaks of his being had risen,) thathe should not see corruption With an oath to hi, that of the raised, so it comes in, v. 25. The Scripture it was plain he dide corruption. Paul urge fruit of his loins, according to the he refers to, is Ps. 16: 8-11. which, though this, ch. 13: 35-37. Comp. I K. 2: 2. flesh, he would raise up Christ to in part applicable to David as a saint, yet Therefore certainly he spake it as a prophet, sit on his throne; refers chiefly to Christ, of whom David was with an eye to the Messiah, whose sufferings 31 He seeing this cbefore, s pake a type, and shows us, the prophets testified beforehand, and with ofIthe rsuecin of Chit that (1. ) The constant regard our Lord Jesus them the glory that should follow; so di( o the resurrection o Christ, that had to his Father, in his whole undertaking. David in that Ps., as Peter here )laihis soul was not left in hell, neither Iforesawthe Lord before Me continually,John shows. his flesh did see corruption. 13: 31, 32. 17:4, 5. (2.) The assurance 1. David knew that the Messiah should de 32 This d Jesus hath God raised He had of his Father's presence and power scend from his loins, v. 30. that God had up, whereof' we all are witnesses goiig along with Him. He is on my right sworn to him. He promised him a son, the 83 Therefo~re, being-by the rig at'i T hand: this was an article of the covenant throne of whose kingdom should be establiohed Iand of God exalte, an of redemption, Ps. 89:21. (3.) The cheer- for ever, 2 S.7:12. And it is said, Ps. 132: hand f God exated, and having filness with which our Lord Jesus went on 11. God swore it in truth unto David. When S received of the Father the prom- in his work, notwithstanding the sorrows He Jesus was born, it was promised, that th ise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed was to pass through.'Being satisfied that Lord God would give Him the throne of't forth h this, which ye now see and the good pleasure of the Lord shall prosper father David, Luke 1: 32. Aid all Israel hear in my hand, therefore doth my heart rejoice, knew that the.Messiah was to be the Son of 34 For David is not ascended and my tongue is glad,and the thought of my David, i. e. that, according to the flesh, H. into the heavens: but he saith him- sorrow is as nothing to Me.* (4.) The pleas- should he so by Iis suman nature; for - self, The LORD said unto mnyLord, ing prospect He had of the happy issue oflhis cordiig to the Spirit, and( by his diviase miature, selfIt thou LOn D'saidunto my rigt hdeath and suifferings; He was pntting off the He was to be David's Lord. This David Sit thou on my right hand, body, but my flesh shall rest; the grave shall kept in view, in penning his Psalms. tue. 617 g A,. 167,t3. 1)0be to the body, while there, a bed of sweet 2. Christ being the Fruit of his loins, and, i or, l-ay.' IlPe.:l,12. 1:4. repose; it shall rest in hope, that Thou wilt consequently, in his loins when lie penned S2 8.OO23:2. d vei. 24. h e. 10:45. Ep.4:8- not leave my soul in hell; what follows is the that Ps., if what lie says, as in his own per5 2 S. 7:i15, 13. e Lu. 2i:48. Pi. iia:i. Mat. Ps. i32:il. t ". 5:31. pi. 2:9. 2:a4. nmatter of his hpc, or assurance rather: son, be not applicable to himself, (as plainly that the soul shall not continuie in a state it is not,) we iiust conclude it points to that should be thus abandoned by them too! Beut of separation from the body; for that would I Son of his that was then in his loins, in whoin both these mysteries are here explained, v. be the continuance of death's triumph over his family and kingdom were to have their 23. Neither God's designing it from eter- Him who was, in truth, a Conqueror over perfection and perpetuity; therefore, when nity, nor his bringing good out of it to eter- death: that the body shall lie but a little he says, that his soul should not be left in its uitv, would in tlie least excuse their sin; while in the grave; not to see corruption; separate state, nor his flesh see coriuption, for it was their voluntary act amid deed, from therefore it must return to life, on, or before, without doubt he must be understood to % principle morally evil; it was justly looked the third day after death. This was typified speak of the resurrection of Christ, v. 31 upon as a national act, because done both by the law concerning the sacrifices, that no And as Christ died, so He rose ogain, acby tlhe vote of the great council, anid by the part of the flesh of the sacrifices which was to icording to the Scriptures; and that He did so, voice of the greatu crowd, the majority, be eaten, should be kept till the third day, for we are witnesses. Further, as David did not 1I. Christ's resurrection effectually wiped fear it should see corruption, and begin to pu- rise from the dead, so neither did be ascend away the reproach of his death, v. 24. This trefy, Lev. 7: 15-18. That his death and * into the heavens, bodily, as Christ did, v. 34. knowledge nor after-knowledge.'nothing can be future to God, He lives V. 27. Hell. Gr. Hiades: Tartarus to the wicked, Elyosium to the in all we call ftiurity; nothing past. because lie equally exists in all past good. Corruptirn, 4-c.] I Unto dust shalt thou return was man's sentime; past, present, meia feature can have no relation to God, who exists teiace after the fa I, therefore it could be executed on none tut thefaillen. in an infinite, indivisible, aid eternal NOW.' Dr. A. Clarke, whom see. The immortality of Jesus' human nature was a necessary coinsequtence All things, both beings asud events, possible as well as actual, and the of its being pure from transgression.' Dr. A. C.'Htades- anoswers tlae nature, qualities, and actions of all, together with all sii!pposable coiinex- Ileb. Sheol, orcus, the subterraneous seat of the impious spirits.ions, dependences, snd relations, were eternally asud perfectly known to Bi oOmnv is o. God. These also were seen with one single view, and that completely V. 29. With us.)' Only the royal family could be buried wthina the comnprehensive and perfectly clear, by tie Divine Mind; so that nothing city.' Kuin. See the mosque now over David's tomab, in the vigncie pert'liniig to tlieni Ha any respect was, in any degree, unperceived in this title, Vol. III., and comp. note there, en the back of the tit'lepage. ED perfect mianner. This view I consider, also, as being absuolutely one, inva- V. 30.'The [supeerfluous' words "according to the flesh, lie -aoul riable, aid eternal. It never began, it will never terminate. It never has raise up Christ." are omitted in the A. C. D.* Bart. 1., Ed. Syr. been, it never will be. in the least degree changedl. All this is involved in Erp., Copt., Etb_., Arm., Vulg., lEih., Cyr., Iren., Victorin.. Fult., and the Omniscience ofiGoi, [which isJ a part of the Divine character.' Dw. in other books, -we have after ihis throne," "in raise up Chist hacord (24.) Pain/u] Odines: lit. chains, bonds, equivalent to the Ileb. chebe- ing to the flesh." The common reading is defended by De Die., Wolf. lym; originally ropes, bonds, and, by a figure, pains. Is. 13:8. Jer. 49:24. Heesinan, and others: but has been, w'th reason, rejected by Bnged, Comp. the metaphors, I Thes. 5:4. Ps. 119:61. 18:5. 116:3. 2 S. 22:6. Ps. Mill, Schott, Griesbach, [Schoettgen, Pr. White, Bp. Pearce. Dr. A. C?l:3. (where Death is a fowler); aol the note and cut, Ps. 18:5. ED. and others; since the very variety of reading betrays a IeIs The V. 25. Iforesaw.] The word seems to refer to place, not time. In words are not to be found in Ps. 132. nor in the par. pass. 25. 7:12. Ps.'tf.. Ketber, the Hebrew word for grave, is never rendered hades, (in 89:5. and by ornitting the words the reading is rendered more d/ifcualt, tie LXX).' Sheol, on the contrary, is never rendered a tomb, or prave, which points to the real origin of the common reading. Oni omnitting nor construed with.... to bury, a thing almost inevitable, in words so them, we rnust subaud tina [one] at "to sit," i. e., a successor to the freqiently iecurrimg,it it had ever properly signified a grave.' Campbell, kingdom, namely, Christ. Kuin. David indeed spoke of himself, but he baScvmcoT. (25. See oa the doublle sense of prophecy, p. 110, Vol. III. Eu. spoke just as if he had foreseen what had now hapleened. Wetst V. 26. Heart.] The lleb. has he bad,'glory,' equivalenit, it awould seem Bloom f. to. S'.xa the parallelism, Gen. 14 6. to aniunis, niri"h, heart. See Bloomf. ID. V. 3S~36. The scope of Peter's tsrgument was, ho show that the crai 4. 1). 33. ACTS, II. The effect of Peters dzscouwse 35 Until I mnake thys foes thy foot speaks Hin to be the Mediator, or middle tie ordinance of baptism; be proselyted te gn~~~~~tool. "Person between God and the church. The Christ and to his holy religion,and renounce 36 Thfrrefore let alF the house i of g/fi of the Holy Ghost was a performance of your infidelity.' They ust be baptized in Israel knov assureiIlv, that k God divine promises already made, here called the name of Jesus Christ. They believed in ath rsad thaeam Je susa whom the promise of the Holy Ghost; also, a pledge the F]ather and the oly Ghost, speaking by hath made that ame Jesus, whoim of all Divine favors further intended; what the prophets; but they must also believe in ye have crucified, both' Lord and you now see and hear, is but an earnest of Jesus, that He is the Christ, the Messias, Christ. greater things. promised to the fathers; Take Jesus for 37 ~F Now when they heard this, 2. This proves, what you are all bound to your King, and by baptism swear allegiance Lhey were pricked "in their heart believe, that Christ Jesus is the true Messiah to Him; take Him for your Prophe and and id uto Peter ani to ther and Savior of the world; this hlie closes his hear Him; take Him for your Priest to and aid ~jt Petr ad to the, rest aftheiauostles Menandbre,sermon with, as the conclusion of the whole make atonement for you;' which seems peO the aostles. Men and brethren, matter, v. 36. Therefore let all the house of culiarly intended here; for they must be what * SU- we do Israel know assuredly, that this truth has now baptized in his name for the remission of sins 38 Then Peter said unto them, received its full confirmation, and we our full on the score of his righteousness. S This P Repent, and be baptized every commission to publish it; for they were is pressed on each particular person; thre one of you in the name of Jesus charged to tell no man that He was Jesus the is grace enough in Christ, be ye ever so Christ, till after his resurrection, Mat. 16:20. many, and grace suited to the case of every Chrstfortheresrision of' sins, andri i ye s hal re ivethsift of sl the 17: 9. This is the great truth of the Gospel one. Israel of old were baptized unto Moand e shll eceie te gift of the, Iand~ly Gho~st. sushatich we are to believe, that that same Je- ses in the cainp, the whole body together, ~Holy G(ilh~OS~t. ^~sus, the very same that was crucified at Jeru- when they passed through the cloud and sea, 39 For the promise q is unto you, salem, is tie to whom we owe allegiance, I Cor. 10:1, 2. for the covenant of pecuand to your children, and r to all and from whom we are to expect protection, liarity was national; but now everyone of that are afar off, even as many as as Lord and Christ. you, distinctly, must be baptized in the name the Lord our God shall call. V. 37-41. We have seen the wonderful of the Lord Jesus, and transact for himself An d with maini ot r w s effect of the pouring out of the Spirit, in its in this great afair. See Col. 1: 28. 40 A d wth mny ther words i!3 40 And WithmanyOherw s influence on the preachers of the Gospel. 2. He encourages them to take that course: did he testify and exhort, saying, We are now to see another blessed fruit of (1.)' It shall e for the remission of sins. Save yourselves from this untoward it, in its influence on the hearers of the Repent, and be baptized into the faith of generation. Gospel. Let uits see the method of it. Christ, and in truth you shall bejustified, Zec. 13:i. n Eze. 7:16. Zee. 19. 1. They were startled, and convinced, and which you could never be by the law of 12l,.~5. o' q Joel 2:28. put upon a serious inquiry, v. 37. Having Moses.' (2.)' You shall receive the gift of j II.3. ~M o c.9:6. 6:30. r Ep. 2:13,17. i:s. 23:2.6~ 8. 9L1.24:47.0.3: i3 r''. patiently heard Peter out, they were pricked the Holy Ghost as well as we; for it is de -~~~~ ~ to the heart, or in the heart, and, under a deep signed for a general blessing: some shall And, to prove thait when lie spake of the res- concern and perplexity, applied themselves receive these external gifts, and each, if tirrection, lie meant it of Christ, hlie observes, to the preacher with this question, WVhtat sincere in your faith and repentance, his that when in another Ps. lie speaks of the shall we do? It was very strange such in- internal graces and comforts; shall be sealed next step of his exaltation, lie plainly shows pressions should be made on such hard with the Holy Spirit of promise.' (3.)'Your that lie spake of another person, and such hearts all of a sudden! Yet, when they heard children shall still have, as they have had, another as was his Lord, Ps. 110 1. The this plain scriptural sermion, they were much an interest in thie covenant, and a title to Lord said'unto my Lord, when He had affected with it. 1. It put them in pain; the external seal of it.' v. 39. The promise raised Him from the hdead,'Sit Thou at my Peter, charging the death of Christ upon was very express, Is. 44:3. 59:21. Gen. right hand, in the highest dignity and do- them, as accessaries, awakened their con- 17:7. Now it is proper for an Israelite, imilion there; be thou iotrusted with the sciences, and the reflection they now made when hlie is by baptism to come into a new administration of thie kingdom, both of upon it, pierced them, as they haid pierced dispensation- of this covenant, to ask, prcvidence and grace; sit there as King, un- Christ. Those that are truly sorry for their' Wiat must be done with omy child'ren l til Imnoke thy fioes either thy friends or thy sins, and ashamed of them, and afraid of Must they be thrown out, or taken in with fbotsto-l, v. e 5. the consequences of them, are pricked to the me \'' Taken in,' says Peter,' by all IV. We now comimsm to the application of heart. 2. It put them on inquiry. Minis- means; for the promise, that great promise, this diso-urse concerniiog ie death, resur- ters are spiritual physicians, (hey should be of God's being to you a God, is as tmuch to rection, aim asCCcemsi oii mifCriSr. advised with, as bere, by those whose con- you amid to your children now as ever.' (4.) 1.'ilis ex(pl. i the imeanming of the pres- sciences are wvounded and it is good for'Though the promise is still extended to ent'won. i-ill i?fu'' of the Spirit in those people to be free and familiar with those your children as it has been, yet it is not, extiaordiiintiv gifts, as some hivh asked, ministers, as men and their brethren, who as it has been, confined to you and them, v. 12. WVItt tine mieth it? This Jesus being ex- deal for their souis as for their own. Those but the benefit of it is designed for all that alted to the richt hand of Gaod; so soame, to that are convinced of sin, would gladly know are afar off,' we may add, and their children. sit there; by the rimht hana, we read it, by the way to peace ant I pardon, r. 9: 6. 16:30. for the blessing of Abraham comes on the God's power and authority; it coinmes all to II. Peter amid time apostles direct themt Gentiles, through Jesus Christ, Gal. 3: 14. one; aid having receimved of the Father, to what they must do, amid iwhat ini so doin5 Rom. 9:4. even on as many particular perwhomn Hhe is ascended, theprosmntse of the Holy they might expect, v. 38, 39. 1. Repent; sons in each nation, as God shall call effecGhost, He hath given what He received, Ps. this was the saine duity J'ihn the Baptist and t tually into the fellowship of Jesus Christ. 68: 18. amid hath shed forth this which you now Christ had preached'l, and now the Spirit is III. These directions are followed wilh a see and hear; for the Holy Ghost was to be poured out, it is still insisted on;' Repent, needful caution, v. 40. The unbelieving given whein Jesus was glorified, and not be- repent.' 2. Bebapfizcd, every oneof you,in the Jews were in untoward generation, pertore, Jolo 7: 39. Now this which you see nameof Jesus Christ," i.e.' firmly believe the! verse and obstinate, they walked contrary to and heiar is from the Holy Ghost, iwhose corn- doctrine of Christ, and submit to his grace God and man, 1. Thess. 2: 15. wedded to ing is ani evidence that Jesus is exalted, and and government; amd make an open, solenmna sin and marked for ruin. Now as to thei, ihhit I-He inus received this gift from the Father, profession of this, and come under an en- Save, i. e. separate yourselves, distinguish to confer it on the church, which plainly gagement to abide by it, by submitting to yourselves, from this untoward generation. eified Jesims was inmdeed the promised Messiah, and that lie was actually children;' ard not to those present onlv, but to all, however dispersed. 7iseii. ascended, and glorified. When the Jews were convinceid of this, whom God should call by his Gospel. The promise, as made to Abra and miniced to believe omi Him in that characterl; they would readily ham, included also his posterity; anmd that of the new covenant did the mcrn frimoim Scripture, and from furmher instructions, time spiritual nature samme to those who shoild lie interested in it; and the language here acof his kingdomn and salvation, the intent of his sufferings and death, amid cords with this. Jer. 32:39-41. Rom. 11:11-21. 1 Cor. 7:10-11. The the various doctrinees of his religion. Scoer'r. male descendants of Abraham were circumcised, as included in thie <35.) Foes thy footstoo'.] A expression derived from the ancisnt promise, and as a part of the visible church; and this passage may incastoin towards the vanqimished, Josh. 10:24. Ps. 60:11. See Ovid, tunate that the infant-offspring of Christians, being also inclidedin the Virg., Prmmdentius, Jos., and cuts, 2K. 17-6. Ps. 110:1. and m. at the end promise. and in the covenant of their parents, and being a part of the of Jeremiah.. ED. visible church, should be admitted to baptism, which is the outward sign V. 37-40. The apostle's arguments were invincibly conclusive, and of time same spiritual blessings, as circumcision was. Gen. 17:9-12. S ftis application most highly interesting; though in other respects his (38.) Gift, &c.]'Comp. v. 17. i. e., the effects of divine grace, a discourse was peculiarly plain and simple. Bum if we dumly comsider the full ant accurate knowledge of divine things, a fervent ansi. constant complicated evidence of our Lord's doctrine and miracles, mind the ob- striving after holiness, a most ardent desire to profess and propagate atinate unbelief of the Jews notwithstanding; we shall perceive, that the doctrine of Christ.' K IN. neither Peter's words, nor yet the miracles which the people witnessed, (39.) All afar off.]'Peter seems to have understood Gentiles, [su would have produced those effects which followed, had miit them Holy UEcum., Bloomf., 4fc.J but (comp. Acts 10.) Dot till they had passed over Spirit also been communicated, to remove the veil of pride, prejudice, to the Jewish religion.' KuN.'The Spirit of God, by which he spoke, and sinful affections from their minds.'Thie Comforter being come, had doubtless the calling of the Gentiles. in view.' Dr. A. C., Henry, He convinced them of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.' John Scott. Since Peter knew not of this catlimg of the Gentiles, he could 16:8~II. For' the promise,' both thme general promise respecting the only mean the dispersed of Israel m but thme Sant of God might have a Messiahi, amnd thme blessings of his kinsgdomm, as mmade to Abramham their futriher view.' Doddr.''Tle phrase is equally applicable to those who fether, Gems. 12:1-3. 17:7, 8. sail the particular hiromise of the Spirit have been afar off from God, by their sins, and their evil etfectionh riotred.? ti Joel, 16~21. was made, or propmosed'to them amid to their Barnes. Ems. r 2^ A. D. 33. ACTS, II. State of the pimative church. 41 ~1 Thtert they that gladly re- ing them, thie whole form Christ prescribed poured out, as well as before, for prave ceived his wo' d were baptized: and was used in the name of the Father, the Son, will never be superseded till it cones to b the same day there were added un- and the Holy Ghost. Those that receive the swallowed up in everasting praise Briak to them about three thousand souls. Christian covenant, ought to receive the ing of bread comes in between the Vord and An t they continueChristian baptism. 4. Hereby there were prayer, for it has reference to both, and ii 42 An I they continued stead- added to the disciples about 3000 souls that a help to both. The Lord's supper is a serfastly in dhe apostles' doctrine and same day. The conversion of these 3000 mon to the eye, and a confirmation of God' fellowship, and in breaking of with these words, was a greater work than Word to us; and it is an encouragement to bread, and in prayers. the feeding of 4000 or 5000 with a few our prayers, and a solemn expression of tie 43 And fear carme upon every loaves. They who are joined to Christ, ascent of our souls tc God. 5. Tiey otl and rany tonders an are added to the disciples of Christ. When abounded in thanksgiving; were continua.y 80111:and mnany Iwonders and signs we take God for our God, we must take his praising God, r. 47. They that bave a were one y theaposles.. were done y the aostles people to be ours. ceived the gift of the oly Ghost, t 44 And all that believed were V. 42 - 47. In these vs. we have the his- much in praise. together, and "had all things com- tory of the truly primitive church, of the first II. They were loving one to another, wMon days of it, its state of infancy indeed, but, and very kind; their charity was as eminent 45 And sold their possessions and like that, the state of its greatest innocence, as their piety, and their joining in hly ordioods, an i rtet themtoall, I They kept close to holy ordinan.- nances knit their hearts, and very m lih en(Foos, nd patedthe to all men, goon nd died tim t dl es, and abounded in all instances of piety deared them to one another. as every man h61. vT.5:.2C.and devotion; for Christianity, admitted in 1. They had frequent meetings for Chris.'i0.125'. c. cM. 4:317. v9:1,9. 1. 2 3:17. the power of it, will dispose the soul to tian converse, v. 44. All that believed, were 1'.._4. 99 communion with God, in all those ways together; not all those thousands in one Be not rebellious like this rebellions house; wherein Hlie has appointed us to meet Him, place; but, as Lightfoot explains it, differpartake not their sins, that you share not and promised to meet us. 1. They were ent companies or congregations, according their plagues.' To separate from wicked diligent and constant in their attendance on to their languages, nations, or other referpeople, is the only way to save ourselves the preaching of the Word: continued in the ences. They thus expressed and increased from them; we miay thereby expose our- apostles' doctrine; or, as it may be read, their mutual love. 2. They had all things selves to their rage and enmity, but it is continued constant to the apostles' teaching or common: perhaps common tables, or, there better to have the trouble of swimming instructions. 2. They kept up the communion was such a concern for one another, and against their stream than the dlanger of being of saints, v. 42, 46; not only had a mutual af- such a readiness to help one an(thier, as carried down it. Those that repent, and fection, but a great deal of mutual conversa- there was occasion, that it migh't be said, give themselves to Jesus, must evidence tion; they were much together. They were They had all things common, according to their sincerity by breaking off all intimate concerned for one another, sympathized with the law of friendship; one wanted not what society with wicked people. one another, and heartily espoused one an- another had, for lie might have it for the IV. The happy success and issue, v. 41. other's interests. They had fellowship with asking. 3. They were very cheerful, and The Spirit wrolught with the Word, and one another in religious worship; the ternm. very generous in the use of what they had did wonders by it. These, that had many ple was their place of rendezvonus: and a great deal of religion appeared in their of them been eyewitnesses of the death of though they met with the Jews in the courts common meals; they did eat their meat with Christ, andu: the attendant prodigies, un- of the temple, yet the Christians kept to- gladness and singleness of heart. None have wro1ught upon, were yet wrought upon by gether by themselves, and were unanimous such cause to be cheerful as good Christians the preaching of thle Word, for that is the in their separate devotions. 3. They frie- have; it is pity, but that they should al power of God unto salvation. quently joined in the ordinance of the Lord's ways have hearts to be so. It made them 1. They received the Word; admitted supper; they kept up this memorial of the very liberal to their poor brethren, and en ts conviction, accepted its offers. 2. They death of Christ, because it was an institu- larged their hearts in charity. They did gladly received it; though humbling to them, lion of Christ, to be transmitted to the suc- eat their meat with singleness of heart,-ith and likely to expose thuen to the enmity of ceeding ages of the church. They broke liberality of heart; so some; they bid tho their countrymen. 3. They were baptized; bread front house to house,-house by house; poor uwelcome to their table, not grudgingly, believing with the heart, they made confes- not in the temple, for the eucharist was pe- but with all the hearty freedom inagimnable. nion with the moith, and enrolled them- culiar to the Christian institutes, and there- It becomes Christians to be open-hearted selves among the disciples of Christ by that fore they administered that ordinance in and open-handed, and in every good work sacred rite and ceremony which Hle had in- private houses, choosing such houses of the to sow plentifully, as those on whom God stituted. And though Peter had said, I Be converted Christians as were convenient, to hath sowed plentifully, and who hope to Baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus,' which the neig.bors resorted. 4. They: reap so. 4. They raised a fnuhd for charim 5et we have reason to think that, in baptiz- continued in prayer, after the Spirit was ts, v. 45. This was to destroy, not property, V. 41. As it is highly improbable, that there should have been none break bread and breaking of bread, in the N. T. are not only used to of John's disciples in this large company; we may fairly intfer, that denote breaking of bread, breakinu it to pieces anti giving it to outlers, Christ's baptism was not precisely the same institution with John's; (see Is. 58:7. Jer. 16:6. Luke 24:30, 35. Mat. 14:19.) but are likewise so and that front this time, at least, John's disciples were baptized, whetn used as to denote the meal itself, and the coitnrmoi partakilo- of li