Christian Churches of God
No. F044
Commentary
on Acts:
Introduction
and Part 1
(Edition 1.5 20210513-20210515)
Commentary on Chapters 1-5.
Christian Churches of God
E-mail: secretary@ccg.org
(Copyright
© 2021
Wade Cox)
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Commentary on
Acts Part 1
Introduction
The Book of Acts
continues on from Luke’s Gospel. It traces the story of the Christian
Movement. The details of the Sacrifice
of Christ are contained in all four gospels but only John’s Gospel has the full
details of the Passovers from 28 CE to 30 CE. Christ was killed on Wednesday 5
April 30 CE and placed in the tomb and was Resurrected on Sabbath evening 8
April 30 CE. The Timing of the
Crucifixion and Resurrection (159) details the possible timings that
Christ could have been executed on 14 Abib at the evening sacrifice, and no
year in which Christ could have been killed had the sacrifice ever occurred on
a Friday with a resurrection on Sunday. That was a pagan festival of Baal and
the Sun Cults. In addition it would have failed to keep the Sign of Jonah which
was the essential sign given to the Church (cf. The Sign of
Jonah and the History of the Reconstruction of the Temple (No. 013)).
Christ waited all
night until 9AM to be presented before the Throne of God as the Wave Sheaf Offering
(No. 106B). He returned that evening and spent forty days with the brethren,
visited Tartaros and spoke with the Demons, obviously regarding his and their
position (cf. Commentary on 1Peter
F060)). On the fortieth day he ascended into Heaven giving the Church instructions
to remain until Pentecost at Jerusalem. He was the only person to come down
from heaven and then return to heaven as a resurrected being as we are told by
the Gospel of John (Jn. 3:13). No one else has ascended to heaven on death (cf.
Commentary on
Revelation (F066v) and Forty Days Following
Christ’s Resurrection (No. 159A)).
There were many
people there at Jerusalem from all parts of the world. Many had come to be Disciples
of Christ. After they had received the
Holy Spirit they went back to their countries and developed the church in the
many locations to which the apostles and the seventy were sent (cf. Establishment of the
Church under the Seventy (No. 122D)).
The immediate
locations were to spread from Jerusalem to Samaria (8:5), the seacoast (8:40),
Damascus (9:10), Antioch and Cyprus (11:19), Asia Minor (13:13), Europe (16:11)
and finally Rome (28:16).
As is done in Luke
(1:1n to RSV) the author makes use of sources. The first half of Acts makes use
of the various traditions of the Jerusalem Church and what some scholars take
to be to be a document that seems to reflect the church at Antioch (where Peter
was to be based in his work in Parthia with Andrew in Scythia and Thrace (cf.
sections 6-8; 11:19-30; 12:24-13:12; and perhaps other passages. Much of the
book was narrated in the first person plural beginning at 16:10). Many believe
that Luke the Physician (Col. 4:14; 2Tim. 4:11; cf. Phil. 24) wrote the work. Some
claim his travel notes were incorporated but most probably he wrote Luke and
Acts using the “we” style indicating he was an eye witness to the events.
Acts provides the
basis of the record of the fulfilment of OT prophecy and the establishment of
the Plan of God in the sequence of the establishment of the Plan of Salvation
(No. 001A) and the creation of the basis of the church with the Holy
Spirit and the formation of the Elect as Elohim (No.
001). It has all the reality to bring the faith to Life and set the
scene for the rest of the NT narrative.
Book Overview - Acts
by E.W. Bullinger
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE BOOK AS A WHOLE.
Acts 1:1-3. INTRODUCTION
Acts 1:4 - Acts
2:13. JERUSALEM. MISSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. EQUIPMENT OF THE APOSTLES.
Acts 2:14 - Acts 8:1. THE MINISTRY OF PETER (WITH
OTHERS) TO THE NATION IN JERUSALEM AND IN THE LAND.
Acts 8:11 - Acts 11:30. PETER"S MINISTRY
(WITH OTHERS) IN THE LAND OF ISRAEL.
Acts 12:1-23. JERUSALEM.
PETER"S IMPRISONMENT. SUBSEQUENT ABODE (CAESAREA) AND CLOSE OF MINISTRY
Acts 12:24 - Acts 13:3. ANTIOCH. MISSION OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT. EQUIPMENT OF PAUL AND BARNABAS.
Acts 13:4 - Acts 14:28. THE MINISTRY OF PAUL (WITH
OTHERS) TO THE DISPERSION. APART FROM JERUSALEM AND THE TWELVE.
Acts 15:1 - Acts 19:20. PAUL"S MINISTRY IN
ASSOCIATION WITH THE TWELVE.
Acts 19:21 - Acts 28:29. EPHESUS AND JERUSALEM.
PAUL"S ARREST AND IMPRISONMENT. SUBSEQUENT ABODE (ROME) AND CLOSE OF
MINISTRY
Acts 28:30-31. CONCLUSION.
For
the New Testament of the Order of the Books, see Appdx-95.
For the Chronology of the Acts, see Appdx-180.
For the Dispensational place of the Acts, see Appdx-181.
The writer is, without doubt, Luke. The book has the same introductory address
as his Gospel (cp. Acts 1:1 with Luke 1:3), and takes up the history
where the Gospel leaves it, giving in greater detail the account of the
Ascension, with which that Gospel closes.
It is an expansion, in part at least, of Mark 16:20, and records the fulfilment of the
Lord’s promise to send the Holy Spirit (Luke
24:49), as well as the answer to His prayer on the cross [stake] (Luke 23:34), a prayer which secured to
the guilty nation a further respite from the doom He had pronounced (Luke 13:35).
Throughout the book the millennial kingdom is in view (Acts 2:17-20; Acts
3:19-21; Acts 8:12; Acts 14:22; Acts 20:25; Acts 28:23, Acts 28:31). The question of the
Apostles (Acts 1:6) rules the
character of the Acts.
The action has Jerusalem as its center. The Mosaic Law is observed. Peter and
the other Apostles are found continually in the Temple. Paul goes first to the
Synagogues, because "it was
necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you" (Acts 13:46). He keeps the feasts (Acts 18:21; Acts 20:16). He has vows (Acts 18:18; Acts 21:23, Acts 21:26), and walks orderly,
keeping the Law (Acts 21:24).
The Gentiles take the second place (Acts
26:22, Acts 26:23),
coming in after the Jew, but no longer as proselytes (Acts 10:44; Cp. Acts
11:3).
When the name "Christ" is
used without a qualifying word, "Jesus", or "Lord", it has
the definite article, the Christ, i.e. the Messiah. The book
naturally divides into two parts which are relative, mainly (1) to the ministry
of Peter, John, Stephen, Philip, &c., to the People in the Land, and
(2) to the ministry of Paul, Barnabas, Silas, &c., to the Dispersion
outside the Land. Fuller details will be found in Appdx-181.
Luke nowhere names himself, but what are called the "we" sections (Acts 16:10, Acts 16:17; Acts 20:5 Acts 20:15; Acts 21:1 Acts 21:18; Acts 27:1 Acts 28:16) indicate where he was in the company of the Apostle.
Cp. also Philemon 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:11.
*****
Intent of the Chapters
Acts Chapter 1
The texts refer to the commands Christ gave to
the apostles he had created before the end of his mission and as the Seventy in
Luke 10:1,17) (cf. Establishment of the
Church under the Seventy (No. 122D)).
From verse 4 Luke refers to the forty days after
his resurrection (cf. Forty Days Following
Christ’s Resurrection (No. 159A; and 153 Great Fish (No.
170B)).
They were told
that they were to be baptised with the Holy Spirit and this act established the
basis of the granting of the Holy Spirit through the practice of adult baptism
from that time onwards.
From verse 6 they asked if he was to restore the
kingdom of Israel. He said that it was not for them to know the times and
season that the Father has fixed by his own authority. He did however tell them
that they were to preach the gospel in Judea and Samaria and throughout the
whole earth.
He then, while they were looking, ascended into
the air and was taken out of their sight. Two of the Host were standing by and
told them that he would come in the same way he had left (v. 11).
Verse 12 states that they returned to Jerusalem
from the Mount of Olives, which is but a Sabbath day’s journey from the Mount.
From verses 13-14 they are all recorded as entering the upper room where they
were engaged in prayer with the women and with Mariam, the mother of Christ, (falsely
named Mary in the texts). Mariah was the sister of Mariam, and the wife of
Clophas. They also engaged in prayer
with the brothers of Christ; Jacob (wrongly called James), Joseph, Jude (or
Judah) and Simon.
The period of 10 days for the wait to Pentecost
following the Forty days that Christ was with them was a period applying to
repentance and the ten days of the wait to Pentecost in completion of the Omer
count was similar to the period of the wait from Trumpets to Atonement in
Tishri at the return of Messiah. (Similar to the ten days at Ramadan in the
Koran, which no doubt refers to this period which is the period to Pentecost at
the end of Ramadan.
The
Muslim references point to Surah 89 verses 1
and 2 (cf. also Introduction to S89) and also Surah 97 verses 3
to 5 and Surah 44 verses 3
to 4 (cf. Hebrew and Islamic
Calendar Reconciled (No. 053)).
From verse 15 Peter then stood up among them and
set in process the election procedure to replace Judas Iscariot who betrayed
Christ. As is customary under the Temple system, these offices were determined
by lot. Matthias was chosen.
Chapter 2
The chapter then jumps to the actual Day of
Pentecost which was always on the Sunday both in the Temple under the
Sadducees, and in Samaria among the Samaritans. The Pharisees/later Rabbinical
Jews did not introduce a Sivan Six Pentecost until much later after the Fall of
the Temple (cf. Distortion of God’s
Calendar in Judah (No. 195B) and also Hillel,
Babylonian Intercalations and the Temple Calendar (No. 195C)).
The Holy Spirit appeared in tongues of fire
resting on each one of the 120 seated in the room (cf. Lk. 3:16). Then they
began to speak in other languages. At
this sound other Jews, dwelling in Jerusalem, heard them and came together,
hearing the church speaking in their languages, which amazed them (The other “tongues”
referred to in the Corinthian church were an incoherent form of gibberish
(1Cor. 14:1-33 F046iii)). They
were from Parthia, Media, Elamites (Persia), Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia,
Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and Lybia/Cyrene and visitors
from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians. Many were perplexed but many thought they
were full of new wine. Peter standing with the eleven, denied they were drunk
as it was but the third hour of the day (or 9 AM) and he then quoted the
prophet Joel (F029 2:28-32)
from verse 17-21 (cf. also P122D).
Peter then addressed them (vv. 22-40). He
extolled the lineage of Christ as son of David and quoted David from verses
25-28 (Ps. 16:8-11). He was delivered up
according to the definite plan (v. 2:23) (Lk. 24:26 cf. note to RSV). God raised
him from the dead (cf. 1Cor. 15:4-8).
Peter then emphasised (vv. 29-32) that David
died and was buried and his body saw corruption in the grave and thus the psalm
referred to the Messiah as the Holy One of Israel who was resurrected and
ascended as the Wave Sheaf to the Throne of God 50 days previously. He then was exalted and sat at the Right Hand
of God and having the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, he has poured
out that which they saw and heard (vv. 31-33).
In verse 34 Peter then referred to Psalm 110:1ff as referring to Christ
(cf. No. 178 and No. 177 and F058).
He spoke to those present and they went out with
the apostles and about three thousand were baptised that day. They then devoted
themselves to the apostles and broke bread with prayers. These were the origin of the churches in
Europe, Africa and Asia (cf. No. 122D).
We see that all were in a spirit of the fear of
God, and many signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and held all
things in common selling their possessions and distributing to the brethren as
they had need (vv. 43-45). They attended the Temple daily and ate in their
homes with glad and generous hearts praising God and having favour with
all. And the Lord added to their number,
day by day, those who were to be saved (vv. 46-77).
Chapter 3
In this chapter we see the story of the cripple
who was taken each day to the “Beautiful Gate” of the Temple. Peter and John
came upon him and he asked them for alms.
Peter then directed that he look at he and John. He looked at them
expecting alms but they then healed him in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth
and ordered him to walk and he was immediately healed and strength returned to
his feet and ankles (vv. 1-7). He then entered the Temple with them, walking
and leaping praising God. The people recognised him and were filled with wonder
at his healing (vv. 8-10). While he clung to Peter and John they ran to him in
what was named Solomon’s Portico (prob. on the East side of the Temple) quite
astounded (v. 11). In verse 12 Peter then addressed the people saying Men of
Israel why do you wonder at this etc. telling them that they had not done this
through their own piety, but that the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob of their
fathers glorified his servant (also child
cf. Isa. 52:13 LXX re suffering servant;
cf. prayer at Acts 4: 25, 27, 30). Jesus, who they had delivered up, and denied
in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him (v. 13). But you
denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to
you; and killed the Author of Life (the
word can mean founder, as of a city) whom
God raised from the dead. This was a direct reference to Christ’s position as
the Elohim at the recreation of the earth, and with Adam and Eve, in 4004 BCE
(cf. Outline Timetable of
the Age (No. 272) and The Pre-existence of
Jesus Christ (No. 243)). To this Peter said they were witnesses. And by
faith in his name has made the man strong, whom they all knew, and the faith
through Jesus has given the man perfect health in the presence of them all (vv.
14-16).
Peter then says that he knew they all acted in
ignorance but what God foretold through the mouth of the prophets that His
Christ should suffer. He thus fulfilled (vv. 17-18). Peter then called them to
repentance that their sins may be blotted out and the time of refreshing may
come from the presence of the Lord and that He may send Jesus the Christ
appointed for them. Heaven must receive
him so that all that God foretold through the mouths of the prophets must be
fulfilled (vv. 19-21). Thus all Scripture must be fulfilled as foretold by God
through the prophets of the Scripture up to John the Baptist. There is thus no
break between the Scriptures and the Law and the Testimony and the Apostles and
the Church. Thus the Canon stands in its entirety (cf. The Bible
(No. 164)).
From verse 22 Peter ties the words of Moses
saying: “The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet from among his brethren
as he raised me up. You shall listen to
him in what he tells you, and it shall be that every soul that does not listen
to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people. And all the prophets who have
spoken from Samuel and those who came afterwards, also proclaimed those days.”
Peter then goes on to charge the brethren
saying:
“You are the sons of the prophets and of the
Covenant which God gave to your fathers; Saying to Abraham: And in your posterity
shall all the families of the earth be blessed. God having raised up his
servant, sent him to you first, to bless you in turning every one of you from
your wickedness.”
We are now at the end of that sequence and in
the last cycle of the 120th jubilee and God is about to send the
Host with Messiah to call the entire world to repentance and restore them to
the Law and the Covenant (cf. Law of God (L1);
The Covenant of God
(No. 152); First and Second
Statements of the Covenant (No. 096B); and The Koran
on the Bible the Law and the Covenant (No. 083)).
Chapter 4
Peter and the Apostles were speaking at the
Temple. The priests and the Captain of the Temple and the Sadducees (who
controlled the Temple, but who did not believe in the Resurrection (23:6-8),
came upon them teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus Christ the
Resurrection from the dead. It was for
this error that the Sadducees had to be replaced but they kept the Temple
Calendar correctly, which the Pharisees did not do, and after the destruction
of the Temple and the fall to Rome, the aristocracy, which comprised the
Sadducees, fell with the Temple. After
70 CE the Pharisees took over and formed the Rabbinical authorities and that
resulted in the Hillel Calendar in 358 CE with the Babylonian Intercalations. The
church never accepted the later Hillel system, until the errors of the 20th
century in the Sardis system. The Temple
authorities arrested them as a result of the activity; however, many there who
heard the word believed and the number of the men came to about five thousand
(vv. 1-4).
On the morrow the rulers and elders and scribes
were gathered together in Jerusalem, Annas was High Priest and Caiaphas and
John (Jonathan who succeeded Caiaphas) and Alexander and all who were of the
High Priestly family (vv. 5-6). These would have constituted the Sanhedrin
under which Peter and John would have been tried. Annas was acting as arraigning magistrate at
the trial of Christ and Caiaphas was High Priest who foretold that one should
die for the Salvation of the nation that year (Jn. 11:47-50). (There was no
Exilarch appointed in Judah from the birth of Christ until after his death (cf. From David and the
Exilarchs to the House of Windsor (No. 067)).
Peter and John were placed before them, and
asked by what power, name or authority they did these things. Peter then spoke
in the Holy Spirit saying that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom
they crucified and whom God raised from the dead and by him “this man” was
standing before them “well” (vv. 7-10). He then said: “This is the stone that
was rejected by you builders but which has become the head of the corner, and
there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven
given among men, by which we may be saved” (Ps. 118:22; Mk. 12:10; 1Pet. 2:7; vv.
11-12).
From verse 13 the Council of the Sanhedrin saw
the boldness of Peter and John and saw them as uneducated or common men; they
wondered and saw that they were disciples of Jesus. They also saw the man they
had healed who was standing beside them. They then ordered the men from their
presence to discuss the matter. They could not deny that a notable sign had
been performed by them in healing in the name and that all Jerusalem was aware
of it. They thus called them back in and commanded that they speak no more in
the name of Christ to others. Peter and John answered them: “Whether it is
right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God, you must judge for
we cannot but speak of that which we have seen and heard” (vv. 13-20). The
court then further threatened them, then they let them go, finding no other way
to punish them, because of the people, for all the people praised God for what
had happened; for the man on whom the sign of healing was performed was more
than 40 years old (vv. 21-22).
They then returned to the brethren and reported
what had been said to them by the Chief Priests and Elders. The saints rejoiced
and gave thanks to God and gave thanks in quoting David (Ps. 2:1-2) (vv. 23,
25-26).
From verses 27-28 they acknowledged there were
many in authority gathered against the anointed
Christ from Herod (d. 1-13 Abib 4 BCE) and Pontius Pilate with both the
Gentiles and the people of Israel to do whatever had been predestined by the
Hand of God.
From verse 29 they asked to be enabled to speak
the word of God in all boldness, while He stretches out His Hands to heal and
signs and wonders are performed in the name of Christ.
When they had finished praying God answered by
shaking the building and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the
word of God with boldness (vv. 29-31). Now the company of those who believed
were of one heart and spirit. No one claimed that anything they possessed was
their own as they held all things in common. And in great power the apostles
gave their testimony to the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus and great grace was
upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many were the
possessors of lands, they sold them and gave what they had to the apostles and
they funded any as had need. Verses 26-27 end the chapter with the example of
Barnabas (Son of encouragement), a Levite of Cyprus, who sold a field he had
and brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet.
Chapter
5
The Chapter follows on from the positive example
of Barnabas with the negative example of the power of the Holy Spirit slaying
Ananias and his wife Sapphira who had sold a piece of property and with his
wife’s knowledge he held back some of the proceeds they had said they were to
give to the apostles for the church. The Holy Spirit made Peter aware that he
had withheld some of the funds. He said:
“Ananias why had Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep
back part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold did it not
remain your own? And after it was sold was it not at your disposal? How is it
that you have contrived this deed in your heart. You have not lied to men, but to God” (vv. 1-
4).
The simplicity of the matter was that if Ananias
had wanted to he could have retained whatever part he deemed necessary without
any consequence save his obligations under the tithing laws (cf. Tithing (No. 161)).
Like many Jews today they thought physically not realising the power of the
Holy Spirit among the elect. The punishments were done as an example to the
entire church on an ongoing basis. When Peter said these words Ananias fell
down and died and great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men then
rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him (vv. 5-6). After
three hours his wife Sapphira came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter
asked her if she had agreed to sell the land for so much (the amount that they had
agreed to say and give to the apostles). He then said “How is it that you have
agreed to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Hark the feet of those that have buried
your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Immediately she fell down at his feet and
died. When the young men came in they
found her dead and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And
great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things
(vv. 7-11).
This was a very powerful example of the power of
the Holy Spirit and the enormity of lying to God in matters of Truth and the
church in breach of the Ninth Commandment breaking all, including the Tenth
Commandment.
From verse 12 we see that many signs and wonders
were done among the people by the hands of the apostles. The text says here that they were all
together in Solomon’s Portico. None of
the rest dared join them but the people held them in high honour. More than
ever believers were added to them, both men and women. They even carried out
the sick into the streets and laid them on pallets so that when Peter passed by
perhaps even his shadow might land on some of them. Those from the towns around
Jerusalem came in bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits
and they were all healed (vv. 12-16).
From verse 17 we see that the Sadducees under
the High Priest were moved by jealousy and arrested the apostles and put them
in prison. However that night an angel of the lord came to them and set them
free and instructed them to “go into the Temple and speak to the people all the
words of this Life” When they heard that, they went into the Temple at daybreak
and taught (vv. 17-21a).
From verse 21b we see that the High Priest and
the Council and the Senate of Israel (now Judah and part of Levi and Benjamin
and a scattering of others, Israel being sent into captivity in 722 BCE under
the Assyrians north of the Araxes) were convened and the apostles were summoned
but they were found not to be there in prison and the officers reported back to
the High Priest and the Council and Senate. They reported that they found the
doors securely locked and the sentries on guard but when they opened the doors
they found no one inside. When the
Captain of the Temple and the chief priests heard these words they were much
perplexed, wondering what would come of it. Then someone came and told them
that the men they had put in prison, and now sought, were in the Temple
teaching the people.
Then the captain with the officers went and
brought them but without violence as they were afraid of being stoned by the
people (vv. 24-26).
God was thus using the apostles and the power of
the Holy Spirit to deal with the Temple priesthood at the beginning of the
judgment period of forty years from the death of Christ to the Fall of the
Temple in 70 CE and the Dispersion of Judah under the Sign of Jonah (cf. The Sign of Jonah and
the History of the Reconstruction of the Temple
(No. 013); F027ix, xiii; F032).
When they had brought the apostles before the
council and they were questioned by the High Priest reminding them that they
had been strictly charged by the council not to preach in the name of Christ,
yet they had filled Jerusalem with their teaching and the High Priest said they
intended to bring this man’s blood upon them (vv. 27-28).
Peter and the apostles answered: “We must obey
God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus whom you killed by
hanging on a tree. God exalted him at
His right hand as Leader and Saviour to give repentance to Israel and
forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things and so is the Holy
Spirit to whom God has given to those that obey him.”
Now when they heard this they were enraged and
wanted to kill them. However a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel (probably
the teacher of Paul (22:3)), stood up and ordered they be put outside. He
cautioned the council to take care what they did with these men. He then
reminded them of those who had gone before such as Theudas, who had arisen and
took 400 men, and in the end he was slain and the 400 dispersed and came to
nothing. After him came Judas the Galilean who arose in the days of the census
and he also perished and those that followed him came to nothing. He advised them that if it was of men it will
come to nothing but if it is of God they would not be able to overthrow them
and they might even be found opposing God (vv. 33-39).
So they took the advice of Gamaliel and called
in the apostles and then beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of
Jesus and then let them go. They left the presence of the council rejoicing
that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name. And every day
in the Temple and at home they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as
the Christ.
Thus began the work of the Church of God in the
Holy Spirit from Jerusalem and Samaria and then it spread all over the world.
Acts Chapters
1-5 (RSV)
Chapter 1
1In the first book, O The-oph'ilus, I have dealt with
all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2until the day when he was taken up, after he had given
commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3To them he presented himself
alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days,
and speaking of the kingdom of God. 4And while staying with them he charged them not to depart
from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said,
"you heard from me, 5for
John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the
Holy Spirit." 6So
when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time
restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or
seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8But you shall receive power
when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in
Jerusalem and in all Judea and Sama'ria and to the end of the
earth." 9And
when he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud
took him out of their sight. 10And
while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in
white robes, 11and
said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus,
who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him
go into heaven." 12Then
they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near
Jerusalem, a sabbath day's journey away; 13and when they had entered, they went up to the upper room,
where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and
Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot
and Judas the son of James. 14All
these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and
Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. 15In those days Peter stood up
among the brethren (the company of persons was in all about a hundred and
twenty), and said, 16"Brethren,
the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by
the mouth of David, concerning Judas who was guide to those who arrested
Jesus. 17For he
was numbered among us, and was allotted his share in this ministry. 18(Now this man bought a field
with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong he burst open in the
middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem,
so that the field was called in their language Akel'dama, that is, Field of
Blood.) 20For it
is written in the book of Psalms, 'Let his habitation become desolate, and let
there be no one to live in it'; and 'His office let another take.' 21So one of the men who have
accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among
us, 22beginning
from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us--one of
these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection." 23And they put forward two,
Joseph called Barsab'bas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthi'as. 24And they prayed and said,
"Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which one of these two thou
hast chosen 25to
take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside,
to go to his own place." 26And
they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthi'as; and he was enrolled
with the eleven apostles.
Chapter 2
1When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all
together in one place. 2And
suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled
all the house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed
and resting on each one of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to
speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5Now there were dwelling in
Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6And at this sound the multitude
came together, and they were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking
in his own language. 7And
they were amazed and wondered, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking
Galileans? 8And how
is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9Par'thians and Medes and
E'lamites and residents of Mesopota'mia, Judea and Cappado'cia, Pontus and
Asia, 10Phryg'ia
and Pamphyl'ia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyre'ne, and visitors
from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11Cretans and Arabians, we hear them telling in our own
tongues the mighty works of God." 12And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another,
"What does this mean?" 13But others mocking said, "They are filled with new
wine." 14But
Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them,
"Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you,
and give ear to my words. 15For
these men are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the
day; 16but this
is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I
will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream
dreams; 18yea,
and on my menservants and my maidservants in those days I will pour out my
Spirit; and they shall prophesy. 19And I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on
the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; 20the sun shall be turned into
darkness and the moon into blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great
and manifest day. 21And
it shall be that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' 22"Men of Israel, hear
these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works
and wonders and signs which God did through him in your midst, as you
yourselves know-- 23this
Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God,
you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24But God raised him up, having
loosed the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by
it. 25For David
says concerning him, 'I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right
hand that I may not be shaken; 26t herefore my heart was glad, and my
tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will dwell in hope. 27For thou wilt not abandon my
soul to Hades, nor let thy Holy One see corruption. 28Thou hast made known to me the
ways of life; thou wilt make me full of gladness with thy presence.' 29"Brethren, I may say to
you confidently of the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and
his tomb is with us to this day. 30Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn
with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants upon his
throne, 31he
foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned
to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are
witnesses. 33Being
therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father
the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this which you see and
hear. 34For
David did not ascend into the heavens; but he himself says, 'The Lord said to
my Lord, Sit at my right hand, 35till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet.' 36Let all the house of Israel
therefore know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus
whom you crucified." 37Now
when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest
of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" 38And Peter said to them,
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for
the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise is to you and
to your children and to all that are far off, every one whom the Lord our God
calls to him." 40And
he testified with many other words and exhorted them, saying, "Save
yourselves from this crooked generation." 41So those who received his word
were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42And they devoted themselves to
the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the
prayers. 43And
fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the
apostles. 44And
all who believed were together and had all things in common; 45and they sold their
possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. 46And day by day, attending the
temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with
glad and generous hearts, 47praising
God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number
day by day those who were being saved.
Chapter 3
1Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the
hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid
daily at that gate of the temple which is called Beautiful to ask alms of those
who entered the temple. 3Seeing
Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. 4And Peter directed his gaze at
him, with John, and said, "Look at us." 5And he fixed his attention upon
them, expecting to receive something from them. 6But Peter said, "I have no
silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of
Nazareth, walk." 7And
he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and
ankles were made strong. 8And
leaping up he stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking and
leaping and praising God. 9And
all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10and recognized him as the one
who sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with
wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11While he clung to Peter and
John, all the people ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's,
astounded. 12And
when Peter saw it he addressed the people, "Men of Israel, why do you
wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety
we had made him walk? 13The
God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his
servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when
he had decided to release him. 14But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a
murderer to be granted to you, 15and killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the
dead. To this we are witnesses. 16And his name, by faith in his name, has made this man
strong whom you see and know; and the faith which is through Jesus has given
the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. 17"And now, brethren, I
know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18But what God foretold by the
mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus
fulfilled. 19Repent
therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of
refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20and that he may send the
Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21whom heaven must receive until the time for establishing
all that God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old. 22Moses said, 'The Lord God will
raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as he raised me up. You shall
listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23And it shall be that every soul that does not listen to
that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.' 24And all the prophets who have
spoken, from Samuel and those who came afterwards, also proclaimed these
days. 25You are
the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God gave to your fathers,
saying to Abraham, 'And in your posterity shall all the families of the earth
be blessed.' 26God,
having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you in turning
every one of you from your wickedness."
Chapter 4
1And as they were speaking to the people, the priests
and the captain of the temple and the Sad'ducees came upon them, 2annoyed because they were
teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the
dead. 3And they
arrested them and put them in custody until the morrow, for it was already
evening. 4But
many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to
about five thousand. 5On
the morrow their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in
Jerusalem, 6with
Annas the high priest and Ca'iaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of
the high-priestly family. 7And
when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, "By what power or by
what name did you do this?" 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them,
"Rulers of the people and elders, 9if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done
to a cripple, by what means this man has been healed, 10be it known to you all, and to
all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom
you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing
before you well. 11This
is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head
of the corner. 12And
there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven
given among men by which we must be saved." 13Now when they saw the boldness
of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they
wondered; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14But seeing the man that had
been healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15But when they had commanded
them to go aside out of the council, they conferred with one another, 16saying, "What shall we do
with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is
manifest to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17But in order that it may
spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to any
one in this name." 18So
they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of
Jesus. 19But
Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to
listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; 20for we cannot but speak of
what we have seen and heard." 21And when they had further threatened them, they let them
go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for all men praised
God for what had happened. 22For
the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years
old. 23When they
were released they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests
and the elders had said to them. 24And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together
to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who didst make the heaven and the earth
and the sea and everything in them, 25who by the mouth of our father David, thy servant, didst
say by the Holy Spirit, 'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine
vain things? 26The
kings of the earth set themselves in array, and the rulers were gathered
together, against the Lord and against his Anointed' -- 27for truly in this city there
were gathered together against thy holy servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint,
both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of
Israel, 28to do
whatever thy hand and thy plan had predestined to take place. 29And now, Lord, look upon their
threats, and grant to thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, 30while thou stretchest out thy
hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of thy holy
servant Jesus." 31And
when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was
shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God
with boldness. 32Now
the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said
that any of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had everything
in common. 33And
with great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the
Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34There was not a needy person
among them, for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and
brought the proceeds of what was sold 35and laid it at the apostles' feet; and distribution was
made to each as any had need. 36Thus
Joseph who was surnamed by the apostles Barnabas (which means, Son of
encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37sold a field which belonged to him, and brought the money
and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Chapter 5
1But a man named Anani'as with his wife Sapphi'ra sold
a piece of property, 2and
with his wife's knowledge he kept back some of the proceeds, and brought only a
part and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3But Peter said, "Anani'as, why has Satan filled your
heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the
land? 4While it
remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not
at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart?
You have not lied to men but to God." 5When Anani'as heard these words, he fell down and died. And
great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out
and buried him. 7After
an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had
happened. 8And
Peter said to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much."
And she said, "Yes, for so much." 9But Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed
together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Hark, the feet of those that have
buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out." 10Immediately she fell down at
his feet and died. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they
carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11And great fear came upon the
whole church, and upon all who heard of these things. 12Now many signs and wonders
were done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all
together in Solomon's Portico. 13None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them
in high honor. 14And
more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and
women, 15so that
they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and
pallets, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of
them. 16The
people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and
those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. 17But the high priest rose up
and all who were with him, that is, the party of the Sad'ducees, and filled
with jealousy 18they
arrested the apostles and put them in the common prison. 19But at night an angel of the
Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said, 20"Go and stand in the
temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life." 21And when they heard this, they
entered the temple at daybreak and taught. Now the high priest came and those
who were with him and called together the council and all the senate of Israel,
and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22But when the officers came, they did not find them in the
prison, and they returned and reported, 23"We found the prison securely locked and the sentries
standing at the doors, but when we opened it we found no one
inside." 24Now
when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they
were much perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 25And some one came and told
them, "The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and
teaching the people." 26Then
the captain with the officers went and brought them, but without violence, for
they were afraid of being stoned by the people. 27And when they had brought
them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned
them, 28saying,
"We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have
filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend to bring this man's blood
upon us." 29But
Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men. 30The God of our fathers raised
Jesus whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31God exalted him at his right
hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of
sins. 32And we
are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to
those who obey him." 33When
they heard this they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34But a Pharisee in the council
named Gama'li-el, a teacher of the law, held in honor by all the people, stood
up and ordered the men to be put outside for a while. 35And he said to them, "Men
of Israel, take care what you do with these men. 36For before these days Theu'das
arose, giving himself out to be somebody, and a number of men, about four
hundred, joined him; but he was slain and all who followed him were dispersed
and came to nothing. 37After
him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census and drew away some of
the people after him; he also perished, and all who followed him were
scattered. 38So
in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone;
for if this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail; 39but if it is of God, you will
not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing
God!" 40So
they took his advice, and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them
and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41Then they left the presence of
the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the
name. 42And
every day in the temple and at home they did not cease teaching and preaching
Jesus as the Christ.
Bullinger’s
Notes on Acts Chs. 1-5 (for KJV)
Chapter 1
former. Literally
first. This links the Acts with Luke"s Gospel, see p. 1575.
treatise =
account. Greek. logos. App-121.
have. Omit.
Theophilus. See
note on Luke 1:3.
of =
concerning. Greek. peri. App-104.
Jesus. App-98.
began. This
shows that the Acts records the continuation of the Lord"s ministry to the
Circumcision (Romans 15:8).
taken
up = received up. Compare Mark 16:19.
after
that He . . . had = having.
through. Greek. dia. App-104. Acts 1:1.
the
Holy Ghost = Divine power. App-101. given commandments unto = commanded.
the
apostles. See App-189.
had
chosen = chose out (Luke 6:13).
also. Read
after "Himself".
shewed =
presented.
after
His passion = after (Greek. meta. App-104.) that He suffered.
infallible
proofs = indubitable evidence. Greek. tek-merion. Only here.
Compare 1 John 1:1, 1 John 1:2.
seen. Greek. optanomai. App-133.
Only here.
forty
days = during (Greek. dia. App-104. Acts 1:1)
forty days. The only reference to the period between the Resurrection and the
Ascension.
pertaining
to = concerning. Greek. peri, as in Acts 1:1.
the
kingdom of God. App-112and App-114.
being
assembled together with. Greek. sunalizomai. Only here.
commanded. Greek. parangello. First
occurance Matthew 10:5.
Compare App-121.:6. Not the same word as in Acts 1:2.
depart =
separate themselves. Greek. charizo. First occurance, Matthew 19:6.
wait
for. Greek. perimeno. Only here.
promise
of the Father. See App-17. Compare Luke 24:49.
be
baptized with. App-115.
not. Greek. ou. App-105.
many
days hence = after (Greek. meta. App-104.) these many days.
asked
of = were questioning. Greek. eperotao. Compare App-134.
wilt
Thou. Literally if (App-118. a) Thou dost. Figure of speech Heterosis (of
Tense). App-6.
at =
in. Greek. en. App-104.
restore
again = establish or setup. Greek. apokathistano. First
occurance Matthew 12:13.
the
kingdom: i.e. the Messianic kingdom, which the prophets spoke of, and all
Israelites were looking for. Compare Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33;
and see App-112and App-114.
unto. Greek. pros.
App-104.
for
you = yours.
know. Greek. ginosko. App-132.
the
times, &c. = the great time, &c. A Hebraism, plural of majesty.
Figure of speech Heterosis. App-6.
in. Greek. en, as Acts 1:6.
power =
authority. App-172.
power. Greek dunamis. App-172.
the
Holy Ghost = the Holy Spirit (with art.) App-101. Compare Luke 24:49.
upon. App-104.
witnesses. See
note on John 1:7.
unto
Me. Texts read, "of Me", or "My" witnesses.
Compare Isaiah 43:10, Isaiah 43:12; Isaiah 44:8.
unto =
as far as. Greek. heos.
earth. App-129.
beheld. App-133.
taken
up = lifted up. Greek. epairo. First occurance Matthew 17:8.
Always in Gospels, "lift up".
a
cloud. Not a rain cloud of the earth, but referring to the
attendant angelic hosts. Compare Psalms
24:7-10; Psalms 47:5. Matthew 24:30; Matthew 26:64. 1
Thessalonians 4:17. Revelation
1:7; Revelation
11:12.
received. Greek. hupolambano. Here; Acts 2:15. Luke 7:43; Luke 10:30.
out
of their sight = from (App-104.) their eyes.
looked
stedfastly = were gazing earnestly. App-133.
toward =
into. App-104.
heaven =
the heaven (sing). See note on Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10.
went
up = was going.
behold. App-133.
men. App-123.
These were angels. Compare Acts 10:30. John 20:12.
also
said = said also.
Ye
men of Galilee. Literally Men, Galileans. The
term "men" was usual in addressing a company. Compare our
use of the word, "Gentlemen". This usage is common in Acts: Acts 1:16; Acts 2:14, Acts 2:22, Acts 2:29, Acts 2:37; Acts 3:12; Acts 5:35; Acts 7:2; Acts 13:15, Acts 13:16, Acts 13:26, Acts 13:38; Acts 15:7, Acts 15:13; Acts 17:22; Acts 19:35; Acts 21:28; Acts 22:1; Acts 23:1, Acts 23:6; Acts 28:17.
gazing
up. App-133. Some texts read App-133.
this
same = this.
so
. . . in like manner. The Descent, therefore, will be like the Ascension,
actual, literal, visible, unexpected, save by those looking for Him, in the
clouds of heaven, and to the same place whence He departed (Zechariah
14:4).
have
seen = beheld. App-133.
go =
going
Olivet. Only
here in N.T., but found often in the Papyri. The usual expression is
the "Mount of Olives".
from =
near.
a
sabbath day"s journey. See App-51.
were
come = entered.
an =
the.
upper
room. Greek. huperoon: here; Acts 9:37, Acts 9:39; Acts 20:8.
Not the same word as in Mark 14:15. Luke 22:12.
abode =
were abiding. Greek. katameno. Only here.
Peter,
&c. See App-141.
continued =
were continuing. Greek. proskartereo. In Acts, here; Acts 2:42, Acts 2:46; Acts 6:4; Acts 8:13; Acts 10:7.
with
one accord = with one mind. Occurs eleven times in Acts, once in Romans 15:6.
Found in a Papyrus of 117 B.C.
prayer. App-134.
supplication. The
texts omit.
and
Mary. The last mention of her, "at prayer".
brethren. App-182.
stood
up = rose up. Greek. anistemi. App-178.
disciples. The
texts read "brethren".
number. Greek. ochlos, crowd.
This is an occurance of the Figure of speech Epitrechon.
together =
to the same (place). Greek. epi to auto. See Acts 2:1, Acts 2:44; Acts 4:26. 1 Corinthians
7:5; 1 Corinthians
11:20; 1 Corinthians
14:23.
an
hundred and twenty = three forties. A divinely appointed number during a
period of waiting. It -was the number of Ezra"s great synagogue. See
App-10.
Men
and brethren. Compare Acts 1:11.
scripture. Greek. graphe.
fulfilled =
filled full. App-126.
Ghost =
Spirit. App-101.
by =
through. App-104. Acts 1:1.
David. Peter
asserts that Psa 69 was written by David, and was the utterance of the Holy
Spirit. Compare 2 Peter 1:21.
concerning. App-104.
was =
became.
took =
arrested. Greek. sullambano. Compare Matthew 26:55.
numbered. Greek. katarithmeo.
Only here.
with. Greek. sun, as
in Acts 1:14,
but the texts read en, among.
had. Omit.
part =
the lot. Greek. kleros. Five times in the Gospels, of the lots cast
for the Lord"s garments.
ministry. Greek. diakonia. App-190.
Now =
Therefore. Verses Acts 18:19 form
a parenthesis.
this
man = this one, indeed.
purchased =
caused to be purchased. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect). App-6.
See App-161.
field =
place, or holding. Greek. chorion. See note on Matthew 26:36.
reward =
pay. Greek. misthos. Sin pays its wages (Romans 6:23).
iniquity. App-128.
Compare 2 Peter 2:13,
where the same Greek words are translated "wages of
unrighteousness".
headlong. Greek. prenes. Only
here.
burst
asunder. Greek. lakeo. Only here. Dr. John Lightfoot (1602-75)
writes: "The devil, immediately after Judas had cast back his money
into the temple, caught him up into the air, strangled him, threw him headlong,
and dashed him in pieces on the ground". He refers to Tobit 3.8, and adds,
"That this was known to all the dwellers at Jerusalem, argues that it was
no common and ordinary event, and must be something more than hanging himself,
which was an accident not so very unusual in that nation.
"Works, viii, pp 366, 367. This requires that Matthew 27:5 be
read, "He was hanged, or strangled", instead of "hanged
himself".
gushed
out = were poured out.
known. Greek. gnostos. Compare
App-132. This word occurs fifteen times, ten times in Acts. unto = to.
proper =
own. Greek. idios.
tongue =
dialect. Greek. dialektos. Only in Acts: here; Acts 2:6, Acts 2:8; Acts 21:40; Acts 22:2; Acts 26:14.
Aceldama. See App-94.:3 and 161.
is =
has been.
the =
a: i.e. the second book, in Psalms 69:25.
habitation =
farm, or country house. Greek. epaulis. Only here.
desolate =
desert: i.e. let the place he has thus acquired become a wilderness.
let,
&c. Literally let there not (Greek. me.) be the dweller (Acts 1:19).
therein =
in (Greek. en App-104.) it.
bishoprick. Greek. episcope, the
office of an episcopos, or overseer. Occurs only here; Luke 19:44. 1 Timothy 3:1. 1 Peter 2:12.
Compare Acts 1:17.
This is a composite quotation from Psalms 69:25,
and Psalms 109:8.
App-107.
another. Greek. heteros. App-124.
take =
receive.
all =
in (Greek. en) all.
went
in and out. A Hebraism for life in general. Figure of
speech Synecdoche (of the Species). App-6. Compare Acts 9:28. Deuteronomy
28:6. John 10:9.
among =
over. App-104.
baptism. Greek. baptisma. App-115.
Put for ministry by Figure of speech Synecdoche. App-6.
one =
one of these.
be
ordained to be = become.
resurrection. Greek. anastasis. App-178.
The resurrection is the great subject of the Apostolic witness. Compare Acts 2:32; Acts 3:26; Acts 4:10; Acts 5:30; Acts 10:40; Acts 13:30; Acts 17:3, Acts 17:31,
&c.
appointed =
put forward, or nominated.
Barsabas. Texts
read Barsabbas. App-94.:11. Compare Acts 15:22.
prayed. Greek. proseuchomai. App-134.
Which
knowest, &c. Literally heart-knowing. Greek. kardiognostes. Only
here and Acts 15:8.
Compare Jeremiah
17:10.
shew =
shew plainly. Greek. anadeiknumi. Only here and Luke 10:1.
whether
of these two. Literally of these two, the one.
take
part = receive the lot. Greek. kleros.
this
ministry, &c. = this apostolic ministry. Figure of
speech Hendiadys. App-6.
apostleship. Greek. apostole. Only
here, Romans 1:5. 1 Corinthians
9:2. Galatians 1:2, Galatians 1:8.
from. App-104.
but texts read apo.
by
transgression fell = transgressed. App-128.
that
he might = to.
his
own. Same word as "proper", Acts 1:19.
lots,
lot. Greek. kleros. Same word as "part", in Acts 1:17.
numbered. Greek. sunkatapsephizo. Only
here. See note on Luke 14:28.
with. Greek. meta. App-104.
Chapter 2
Verse
1
when,
&c. Literally in the day. being completed. The Syriac and Vulgate
read "days". This refers to the completion of the seven weeks
(fifty days inclusive) from the waving of the sheaf of firstfruits (Leviticus
23:15, Leviticus
23:16).
Pentecost =
fiftieth (day). Greek. Pentekostos. Only here; Acts 20:16. 1 Corinthians
16:8.
fully
come = being fulfilled. Greek. siimpleroo. Only here and Luke 8:23; Luke 9:51.
with
one accord. See note on Acts 1:14.
in
one place = together. See note on Acts 1:15.
Verse
2
suddenly. Greek. aphno. Only
here; Acts 16:26; Acts 28:6.
sound. Greek. echos. Only
here; Luke 4:37. Hebrews 12:19.
from. App-104.
heaven =
the heaven (singular) See Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10.
rushing,
&c. = a mighty wind borne along.
rushing. Greek.
pass, of phero. Same word as in 2 Peter 1:21 (moved).
mighty. Greek. biaios. Only
here. The noun, bia (force), is only found in Acts. See Acts 5:26.
wind =
blast. Greek. pnoe, from pneo, to breathe, or blow,
whence pneuma. Only here and Acts 17:25.
In the Septuagint twenty-one times, of which fifteen are the rendering of the
Hebrew neshamah. App-16.
Verse
3
appeared
unto = were seen by. Greek. horao. App-133.
cloven
tongues = tongues distributing, or parting themselves.
upon. Greek. epi. App-104.
each =
each one.
Verse
4
the
Holy Ghost = Holy Spirit. App-101.
speak. Greek. laleo. App-121.
other. Greek. heteros. App-124.
as =
even as.
the
Spirit. App-101.
gave =
was giving.
utterance =
to utter or speak forth. Greek. apophthengomai, here, Acts 2:14,
and Acts 26:25.
Verse
5
dwelling. Greek. katoikeo. As
in Acts 1:19.
Not sojourners for the Feast, but Jews of the dispersion who had taken up their
abode at Jerusalem, perhaps because of the expectation of the Messiah.
Compare Luke 2:25, Luke 2:38.
at =
in. App-104.
devout =
pious. Greek. eulabes. Only here, Acts 8:2,
and Luke 2:25.
men. App-123.
out
of. Greek. apo. App-104.
nation. Greek. ethnos. In
Acts translated twelve times, "nation"; thirty times,
"Gentiles"; once, "people" (Acts 8:9);
and once, "heathen" (Acts 4:25).
under =
of those under. App-104.
Verse
6
when,
&c. Literally this voice (Greek. phone) having come.
multitude. Greek. plethos. Occurs
seventeen times in Acts, translated multitude, save Acts 28:3, "bundle".
confounded. Greek. sunchuno. Only
here, Acts 9:22; Acts 19:32; Acts 21:27, Acts 21:31.
every
man, &c. = they heard them speaking, each one.
language. Greek. dialektos. See
note on Acts 1:19.
Verse
7
amazed =
dumbfounded. Compare Mark 3:21.
one
to another = to (App-104.) one another. The texts omit, but not the
Syriac.
Behold. App-133.
Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.
Verse
8
tongue. Greek. dialektos, as
in Acts 2:6.
wherein. In
(App-104.) which.
Verse
9
Parthiars,
&c. These were Jews of the dispersion. The first four were within the
limits of the Persian Empire. Elam is mentioned in Genesis 14:1. Jeremiah
49:34 (note). Daniel 8:2,
&c. Mesopotamia is the same as Padan-Aram (Genesis 24:10; Genesis 28:2).
Cappadocia,
&c. Provinces of Asia Minor. Asia here means the district comprising
Mysia, Lydia, &c. on the Western coast, governed by a Roman pro-consul.
Compare Revelation
1:4.
Verse
10
Egypt,
&c. These were from Africa.
strangers,
&c. = sojourners from Rome. Greek. epidemeo. Only here
and Acts 17:21.
proselytes. See
note on Matthew 23:15.
Verse
11
Crates =
Cretans. See Titus 1:12.
wonderful
works = great things. Greek. megaleios. Only here and Luke 1:49.
God. App-98.
Verse
12
were
in doubt = were perplexed. Occurs here; Acts 5:24; Acts 10:17. Luke 9:7; Luke 24:4.
What
meaneth this? = What does this imply? Greek. thelo. (App-102.)
Verse
13
mocking. Greek. chleuazo. Only
here and Acts 17:32.
The texts read diachleuazo.
These
men = They.
are
full = have been filled. Greek. mestoo. Only here.
new
wine. Greek. gleukos. Only here. This word and mestoo are
frequent in medical works.
Verse
14
voice. Greek. phone. See Acts 2:6.
said =
spoke out. Greek. apophthengomai, as in Acts 2:4.
This was an utterance in the power of the Holy Spirit.
unto =
to.
Ye
men, &c. Literally men, Jews, and dwellers at Jerusalem. See note
on Acts 1:11.
The ministry of Peter was to the Circumcision. Compare Matthew 15:24.
known. See
note on Acts 1:19.
hearken =
attend closely. Greek. enotizomai. Only here. Literally take into the
ears.
words =
sayings. Greek. rhema. Mark 9:32.
Verse
15
suppose. Greek. hupolambano. See
note on Acts 1:9.
seeing =
for.
the
third hour: i.e. 9am. App-165. Compare 1
Thessalonians 5:7.
Verse
16
this
is that, &. c. Quoted from Joel 2:28-31.
See App-183.
by =
through. App-104. Acts 2:1.
Verse
17
in. App-104.
the
last days. See note on Genesis 49:1.
pour
out. Greek. ekcheo. Translated "shed
forth" in Acts 2:33.
Spirit. App-101.
all
flesh. A Hebraism. Compare Isaiah 40:5; Isaiah 66:24. Luke 3:6. John 17:2.
sons. Greek. huios. App-108.
young
men. App-108.
see. App-133.
visions. Greek. horasis. Revelation
4:3; Revelation
9:17.
dream. Only
here and Jude 1:8.
dreams. Only
here.
Verse
18
servants. Greek. doulos. App-190.
handmaidens =
bondmaids. Greek. doule.
Verse
19
shew =
give.
wonders. App-176.
signs. App-176.
earth. App-129.
Wonders in the heavens, signs upon earth.
vapour. Only
here and James 4:14.
smoke. Only
here, and twelve times in Revelation.
Verse
20
turned =
changed. Only here; Galatians 1:1, Galatians 1:7. James 4:9.
into. App-104.
notable. Greek. epiphanes. Only
here. Same word as in the Septuagint. Compare App-106. The kindred
noun, epiphaneia, is used of the Lord"s coming. 2
Thessalonians 2:8. 1 Timothy
6:14, &c. In Joel, the word is "terrible".
day
of the Lord. First occurance of this expression is in Isaiah 2:12.
See note there.
Verse
21
call,
&c. Greek. epikaleo. Compare Acts 7:59; Acts 9:14; Acts 22:16. Romans
10:12-14. 1 Corinthians
1:2.
Verse
22
Ye
men, &c. Compare Acts 2:14.
words. App-121.
Jesus. App-98.
of
Nazareth = the Nazarene. This title occurs seven times in Acts.
Man. App-123.
approved =
set forth, or commended. Greek. apodeiknumi. Only here, Acts 25:7. 1 Corinthians
4:9. 2
Thessalonians 2:4.
among =
unto. App-104.
miracles =
powers. App-176.
also. Omit.
know. App-132.
Verse
23
being
delivered. Only here.
determinate =
determined. Greek. horizo. Here; Acts 10:42; Acts 11:29; Acts 17:26, Acts 17:31. Luke 22:22. Romans 1:4. Hebrews 4:7.
counsel. App-102.
foreknowledge. Greek. prognosis. Compare
App-132. Only here and 1 Peter 1:2.
have
taken, and. The texts omit.
wicked. Greek. anomos. App-128.
have
crucified = nailed up to (the cross). Greek. prospegnumi. Only
here. In the other forty-five
places "crucify" is stauroo.
slain. =
slew. Greek. anaireo, take off, or away. Occurs twenty-three times.
All in Luke and Acts, save Matthew 2:26. Hebrews 10:9.
Verse
24
raised
up. App-178. Compare Acts 13:32, Acts 13:33.
pains =
birth-pangs. Greek. odin. Only here; Matthew 24:8. Mark 13:8. 1
Thessalonians 5:3. Used in the Septuagint in Psalms 116:3,
where the Authorized Version reads "sorrows".
holden. Same
word as "retain", in John 20:23.
of =
by. App-104.
Verse
25
David., Psalms 18:8.
concerning =
with reference to. App-104.
foresaw =
saw before (me). Only here and Acts 21:29.
Greek. proorao.
always =
through (App-104. Acts 2:1)
every (event).
before
my face. Literally in the eyes of (Greek. enopion) me.
on. App-104.
that =
in order that. Greek. hina.
not. App-105.
moved. shaken.
Verse
26
Therefore =
On account of (App-104. Acts 2:2)
this.
was
glad = rejoiced exceedingly. See Matthew 5:12. 1 Peter 1:8; 1 Peter 4:13.
also
my flesh = my flesh also.
rest. Literally
tabernacle. Greek. kataskenoo. Here; Matthew 13:32. Mark 4:32. Luke 13:19.
leave =
forsake, or abandon. Greek. enkataleipo. Occurs nine times. Always
translated "forsake", except here and Romans 9:29.
my
soul = me. App-110.
in =
into. App-104.
hell. App-131.
neither. Greek. oude.
suffer =
give.
Holy
One. Greek. hosios. Here; Acts 13:34, Acts 13:35; 1 Timothy 2:8. Titus 1:8. Hebrews 7:26. Revelation
15:4; Revelation
16:5. Over thirty times in Septuagint, of which twenty-five are in
Psalms. Mostly as rendering of Hebrew. ha id = grace, or favour.
See Deuteronomy
33:8. Psalms 16:10; Psalms 52:9.
see. App-133.
corruption. Greek. diaphthora. Only
here; Acts 2:31; Acts 13:34-37.
hast
made known = madest known. App-132.
life. App-170.
joy. Greek. euphrosune. Only
here and Acts 14:17.
Men,
&c. See note on Acts 1:11.
let
me = I may.
freely =
with (App-104.) frankness.
unto. App-104.
patriarch. Occurs
here, Acts 7:8, Acts 7:9,
and Hebrews 7:4.
Applied to Abraham and the sons of Jacob, as founders of" the nation, and
to David, as founder of the monarchy.
sepulchre =
tomb, as in Mark 5:5.
Greek. mnema. Compare Acts 7:16. Luke 23:53.
The more usual word is mnemeion, as in Acts 13:29.
with =
among Greek. en. App-104.
unto =
until Greek. achri.
being. Greek. huparcho. See
note on Luke 9:48.
had
sworn = swore. See 2Sa 7.
with =
by.
according
. . . Christ to sit. The texts read, "He would set (one)".
on =
Greek. epi. App-104.
His
throne. i.e. God"s throne. Compare 1 Chronicles
29:23, and see Psalms 2:6.
seeing
this before = fore-seeing(it). Greek. proeidon. Here and Galatians 1:3, Galatians 1:8.
resurrection. Greek. anastasis. App-178.
Christ =
the Christ. App-98.
His
soul. Texts read "He".
left. Greek. kataleipo, but
the texts read enkataleipo, as in Acts 2:27.
did
see = saw.
hath. Omit.
whereof =
of which.
all. i.e.
the twelve.
witnesses. See
note on Acts 1:8.
being
. . . exalted. Greek. hupsoo. See note on John 12:32.
of =
from beside. Greek. para. App-104.
promise. See
note on Acts 1:4.
the
Holy Ghost = the Holy Spirit. App-101.
shed
forth. Same as "pour out" in verses: Acts 17:18.
now. Omit.
see. Greek. blepo. App-133.
is
not ascended = went not up. Therefore still sleeping. Compare Acts 13:36.
the
heavens. See note on Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10.
Thy
footstool = the footstool of Thy feet. Quoted from Psalms 110:1.
See note on Matthew 22:44.
all
the house, &c. Compare Acts 2:14.
know. Greek. ginosko. App-132.
assuredly. Greek. asphalos. See
note on "safely", Mark 14:44.
have
crucified = crucified. Greek. stauroo, not same word as in Acts 2:23.
pricked =
pierced through. Only here in NT. In Septuagint Genesis 34:7. Psalms 109:16,
&c.
apostles. See
App-189.
Repent. App-111.
be
baptized . . . in. App-115. For the formula of baptism, see App-185.
name. Note
the frequent use of "the name" in the Acts. Compare Acts 3:6, Acts 3:16; Acts 4:10, Acts 4:12, Acts 4:17, Acts 4:18, Acts 4:30,
&c. See also Genesis 12:8. Exodus
3:13-15; Exodus 23:21.
Jesus
Christ. i.e. Jesus as Messiah. App-98.
for. Greek. eis. App-104.
remission =
forgiveness. Greek. aphesis. Compare App-174.
sins. App-128.
gift =
free gift. Greek. dorea. See note on John 4:10.
Always used of divine gifts. The word doron is always used of
man"s gifts, except in Ephesians 2:8.
children. App-108.
afar
off. Literally unto (Greek. eis) far, i.e. the Dispersion and
then the Gentiles. Compare Acts 22:21. Ephesians
2:13, Ephesians
2:17. Figure of speech Euphemismos. App-6.
call =
call to (Himself).
with =
by.
testify =
earnestly testify. Greek. diamarturomai. Occurs fifteen times. Once
in Luke 16:28,
nine times in Acts, and five times in Paul"s Epistles.
exhort. App-134.
from =
away from. Greek. apo. App-104. untoward = crooked.
gladly. Texts
omit.
received =
received fully. Greek. apodechomai. Only here; Acts 15:4; Acts 18:27; Acts 24:3; Acts 28:30. Luke 8:40.
baptized. App-115.
souls. App-110.
See Psalms 110:3.
And. This
and the "ands" in following verses give the Figure of
speech Polysyndeton. App-6.
continued
stedfastly. Greek. proskartereo. See note on Acts 1:14.
doctrine =
teaching.
fellowship =
the fellowship. Compare Acts 2:44.
breaking
of bread. This was the common meal. Compare verses:##Acts 44:46 and Matthew 14:19. Isaiah 58:7.
breaking. Only
here and Luke 24:35.
prayers =
the prayers. App-134. Compare Acts 3:1.
upon =
to.
believed. App-150.
together. See Acts 2:1.
to
all. i.e. to the believers.
every
man = any one. App-123.
temple =
temple courts. Greek. hieron. See note on Matthew 23:16.
from
house to house = at home.
did
eat = were partaking of
meat =
food. Greek. trophe. nourishment.
gladness. Occurs
here; Luke 1:14, Luke 1:44. Hebrews 1:9. Jude 1:24.
singleness. Greek. aphelotes. Only
here.
Praising. Greek. aieno. Always
used of praising God. Here; Acts 3:8, Acts 3:9. Luke 2:13, Luke 2:20; Luke 19:37; Luke 24:53. Romans 15:11. Revelation
19:5.
favour. Greek. charts. App-186.
with =
in regard to. Greek. pros.
people. Greek. laos.
to
the church. The texts omit.
such,
&c. = the saved.
Chapter 3
Verse
1
Peter
and John. Mentioned together seven times in Acts, John always in subordination
to Peter.
went =
were going.
temple. See Acts 2:46.
at =
upon. App-104.
prayer. App-134.
the
ninth hour. About 3pm. See App-165. Compare Luke 1:9, Luke 1:10.
Verse
2
certain. App-123.
man. App-123.
lame =
being (Greek. huparcho. See note on Luke 9:48)
lame.
from. Greek. ek. App-104.
at =
townrds. App-104.
Beautiful. Probably
the East gate, which, Josephus says, "was of Corinthian brass and
greatly excelled those that were only covered over with silver and
gold" (Wars Acts 5:3).
ask. App-134.
alms. Greek. eleemosune. This
was shortened into "aelmesse", and then into "alms".
of =
from. Greek. para. App-104.
Verse
3
seeing. App-133.
asked. Greek. erotao. App-134.
an
alms. Literally to receive an alms.
Verse
4
And =
But.
fastening
his eyes. Greek. atenizo. App-133.
Look. Greek. blepo. App-133.
on. Same
as "upon".
Verse
5
gave
heed. Greek. epecho. Here, Acts 19:22. Luke 14:7. Philippians
1:2, Philippians
1:16. 1 Timothy
4:16.
unto =
to.
expecting. Gr.
prosdokao. App-133.
Verse
6
have
I none = belong not (Gr. ou. App-105). Apart from Peter"s lack,
it was unlawful by Rabbinical ruling to carry a purse into the Temple.
give,
&c. = this I give thee.
the
name. See Acts 2:38.
Jesus
Christ. App-98. XL
of
Nazareth = the Nazarene. This title occurs seven times in Acts. See Acts 2:22; Acts 4:10; Acts 6:14; Acts 10:38; Acts 22:8; Acts 26:9.
rise
up. Greek. egeiro. App-178.
Verse
7
took. Greek. piazo. See
note on John 11:57.
lifted =
raised, as in Acts 3:6.
immediately. Greek. parachrema. Occurs
nineteen times, of which ten are in Luke and seven in Acts.
feet. Greek. basis,
a step, then that with which one steps, &c. Only here.
ankle
bones. Greek. sphuron. Only here.
received
strength = were strengthened. Greek. stereoo. Only here, Acts 3:16,
and Acts 16:5.
Verse
8
leaping
up. Greek. exallomai. Only here, a strong form of hallomai.
leaping. Greek. hallomai. Only
here, Acts 14:10,
and John 4:14.
Compare Isaiah 35:6.
God. App-98.
This man had never walked before, even a baby takes time to learn how to walk.
Verse
9
people. See Acts 2:47.
Verse
10
knew. Greek. epiginosko. App-132.
for. Greek. pros.
amazement. Greek. ekstasis, ecstasy.
See note on Mark 5:42.
Verse
11
the
lame . . . healed. The texts read "he".
unto. Greek. pros.
App-104.
in. App-104.
porch,
&c. See note on John 10:23.
greatly
wondering. Only here. Compare Mark 11:33.
This miracle was significant of Israel"s restoration. Isaiah 35:6.
Compare Matthew 11:5.
Verse
12
Ye
men of Israel. Literally Men, Israelites. See note on Acts 1:11.
look
ye so earnestly. Greek. atenizo, App-133.
on =
to.
power. Greek. dunamis. App-172.
holiness =
godliness. Compare App-137.
this
man = him.
Verse
13
glorified. Greek. doxazo. See
note on p. 1511.
Son =
Servant. App-108. Compare Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 49:6. Matthew 12:18.
delivered
up. Greek. paradidomi. See note on John 19:30.
denied. Compare John 19:15.
Him. The
texts omit.
when,
&c. Literally he having decided (Greek. krino. App-122.)
let
Him go = to release Him. Greek. apoluo. App-174.
Verse
14
the
Holy One. Compare Acts 4:27, Acts 4:30. Isaiah 29:23; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 49:7.
Figure of speech Antonomasia. App-6.
the
Just. Greek. dikaios. App-191. Compare Acts 7:52; Acts 22:14.
desired. Greek. aiteo. App-134.
a
murderer = a man (App-123.) a murderer.
to
be granted. Greek. charizomai.
Prince. Greek. archegos
= leader; one who stands at the head or beginning; arche) of a list, or
rank. Here, Acts 5:31. Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 12:2.
life. Greek. zoe. App-170.
from
the dead. Greek. ek nekron. App-139.
witnesses. Greek. martur. See
note on Acts 1:8.
Verse
16
through =
upon. Greek. epi. App-104.
faith. Greek. pistis. App-150.
in =
of.
made
. . . strong. See Acts 3:7.
this
man = this one.
see. Greek. theoreo. App-133.
know. Greek. oida. App-132.
perfect
soundness. Literally wholeness. Greek. holokleria. Only here.
Compare 1
Thessalonians 5:23. Hebrews 2:4.
in
the presence of. . Literally over against. Greek. apenanti. Here, Acts 17:7. Matthew 21:2; Matthew 27:24, Matthew 27:61. Romans 3:18,
Verse
17
wot =
know, as in Acts 3:16.
through =
according to. Greek. kata. App-104.
did
also, &c. = your rulers also (did). Compare Luke 23:34.
Verse
18
before
had shewed = announced before. Here, Acts 3:24; Acts 7:52. 2 Corinthians
9:5. Compare App-121.
Christ. App-98.
The texts read "His Christ".
hath
. . . fulfilled = fulfilled. Greek. pleroo. App-125. See Acts 1:16; Acts 2:2, Acts 2:28.
Verse
19
Repent. Greek. metanoeo. App-111.
be
converted = turn ye again (to Me). Jeremiah 3:7, Jeremiah 3:14, Jeremiah 3:22,
&c
that,
&c. Literally for (Greek. eis. App-104.) the blotting out.
sins. Greek. hamartia. App-128.
blotted
out = wiped out, the blotting out. Here, Colossians
2:14. Revelation
3:5; Revelation
7:17; Revelation
21:4
when =
in order that. Greek. hopos. Occurs fifteen times in Acts, and always
expresses a purpose. Compare Acts 8:15, Acts 8:24; Acts 9:2, Acts 9:12, Acts 9:17, Acts 9:24,
&c.
the. Omit.
refreshing. Greek. anapsuxis. Only
here. Compare 2 Timothy
1:16.
shall =
may.
from. Greek. apo.
App-104.
Verse
20
send. Greek. apostello. App-174.
Jesus
Christ = Christ Jesus. App-98.
before
was preached. Greek. prokerusso. Compare App-121. Only here, and
in Acts 13:24.
But the texts read procheirizomai, to choose or appoint before, as
in Acts 22:14; Acts 26:16.
Verse
21
the
heaven. No art. See Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10.
until. Greek. achri.
restitution. Greek. apokatastasis
= re-establishment from a state of ruin. Only here.
hath
spoken = spoke. Greek. laleo. App-121.
since
the world began. App-151.
Verse
22
For =
Indeed.
Moses. Moses
is referred to nineteen times in Acts. See note on Matthew 8:4.
said. See Deuteronomy
18:15-19. So Peter claimed Deuteronomy as the work of Moses.
unto
the fathers. The texts omit.
A
prophet. Compare John 1:21, John 1:25.
raise
up. Greek. anistemi. App-178.
of =
out of. Greek. ek. App-104.
like
unto = as He raised up me.
in =
according to. Greek. kata. App-104.
say =
speak, as in Acts 3:21.
(See App-107.) The reference is to Deuteronomy
18:15.
Verse
23
soul. App-110.
destroyed =
utterly destroyed. Greek. exolothreuomai. Only here. Frequently in
Septuagint. About eighty times as rendering of karath, cut off. See Genesis 17:14. Exodus 30:33; Exodus 31:14 The
quotation is from Deuteronomy
18:18, Deuteronomy
18:19. App-107. Here the Holy Spirit gives the solemn meaning
of "I will require it of him", as being destruction from among the
people. Compare Malachi 4:1.
from
among. App-104.
Verse
24
Samuel. Samuel
was the first great prophet and spokesman of God after Moses.
those
that follow after = those next in order. Greek. kathexes. Only
used by Luke, here, Acts 11:4; Acts 18:23. Luke 1:3; Luke 8:1.
have
likewise foretold = foretold also. See Acts 3:18.
Verse
25
the. Omit.
children =
sons. Greek. huios. App-108.
covenant. Greek. diatheke. Compare Luke 1:72.
For this Hebraism, "sons of the covenant", compare Matthew 8:12; Matthew 9:15. Luke 16:8.
made =
covenanted. Greek. diatithemi.
in. Dative
case; no preposition.
thy
seed. i.e. Christ. See Galatians 1:3, Galatians
1:16.
kindreds =
families. Greek. patria. Only here, Luke 2:4. Ephesians
3:15.
earth. Greek. ge. App-129.
blessed. Greek. eneulogeomai. Only
here, and in Galatians 1:3, Galatians 1:8.
Strong form of eulogeo, which occurs in the next verse.
Verse
26
iniquities. Greek. poneria. App-128.
Chapter 4
Verse
1
And =
Now.
spake. Greek. laleo. App-121.
unto. Greek. pros. App-104.
people. See Acts 2:47.
captain. See
note on Luke 22:4.
temple. See Acts 2:46.
Sadducees. App-120.
The Lord was opposed by the Pharisees. Now the opponents are the Sadducees,
because of their hatred of the truth of the resurrection, of which the Apostles
were witnesses. See note on Acts 1:22; Acts 23:6-8.
Verse
2
grieved =
exasperated. Greek. diaponeomai. Only here, and Acts 16:18.
that =
because. Greek. dia. App-104. Acts 4:2.
preached. Greek. katangello. App-121.
through =
in. Greek. en. App-104.
Jesus. App-98.
resurrection. Greek. anastasis. App-178.
from
the dead. Greek. ek nekron. App-139.
Verse
3
in. App-104.
hold =
ward. Greek. teresis Only here, Acts 5:18,
and 1 Corinthians
7:19.
now =
already.
Verse
4
Howbeit =
But.
word. Greek. logos. App-121.
believed. App-150.
men. Greek. aner. App-123.
Verse
5
it
came to pass. A Hebraism, very common in Luke, about fifty times in his
Gospel, and some fifteen times in the Acts.
rulers,
&c. An assembly of the Sanhedrin. Compare Matthew 26:3. Mark 14:53,
and see note on Matthew 2:4.
Verse
6
Annas. See
note on Luke 3:2.
Caiaphas. See
note on John 11:49-53; John 18:13.
John. Nothing
certainly known of him. Dr. John Lightfoot supposes he was Johanan Ben Lacoai,
a famous Rabbi of that time. Works, viii. p. 392.
of. Greek. ek. App-104.
kindred =
race. Greek. genos. Not the same word as in Acts 3:25.
kindred
of the high priest = high-priestly race.
Greek. archieratikos. Only here.
Verse
7
in. Greek. en. App-104.
asked =
were enquiring. Greek. punthanomai, as in Matthew 2:4.
By =
In, as above.
what =
what kind of.
power. Greek. dunamis. App-172.
have
ye done = did ye.
Verse
8
filled,
&c. See Acts 2:4.
Holy
Ghost. App-101.
Verse
9
If. Greek.
ei. App-118.
be
examined. Greek. anakrino. App-. Compare Luke 23:14.
of. Greek. epi.
App-104.
good
deed = benefit. Greek. euergesia. Only here and 1 Timothy 6:2.
done
to = of. Genitive of relation. App-17.
man. Greek. anthropos. App-123.
what
means = whom.
he =
this one.
is
made whole = has been saved. Greek. sozo. Compare John 11:12.
Verse
10
known. See
note on Acts 1:19.
unto =
to.
the
name. See Acts 2:38.
Jesus
Christ. App-98.
of
Nazareth = the Nazarene. Compare Acts 2:22.
crucified. See Acts 2:23.
God. App-98.
raised. Greek. egeiro. App-178.
this
man = this one.
before
you = in your presence.
whole. Greek. hugies. Only
here in the Acts. Twelve times in the Gospels. Compare Matthew 12:13.
Occurs Titus 2:8;
fourteen occurences in all.
Verse
11
the
Stone, &c. A reference to Psalms 118:22.
set
at nought = treated with contempt.
Greek. exoutheneo. Compare Luke 18:9; Luke 23:11.
of =
by Gr hupo. App-104.
the
head, &c. Literally unto (Greek. eis.) a head of a corner,
i.e. a corner-stone. Compare Isaiah 28:16.
Verse
12
Neither
is there, &c. = And there is not (App-105) in any
(Greek. oudeis). A double negative, for emphasis.
other. Greek. allos. App-124.
there
is none = neither is there. Greek. oude.
other. Greek. heteros. App-124.
under. Greek. hupo.
heaven =
the heaven. See note on Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10.
among. App-104.
whereby =
in (App-104.) which.
be
saved. Greek. sozo, as in Acts 4:9.
Verse
13
Now
when they saw = And beholding. Greek theoreo. App-133.
boldness =
outspokenness. Greek. parrhesia. Same word
as "freely", in Acts 2:29.
perceived. Greek. katalambano. Compare John 1:5. Ephesians
3:18.
unlearned =
illiterate. Greek. agrammatos. Only here. Compare John 7:15.
ignorant =
obscure. Greek. idiotes. Literally private, i.e. unprofessional. Only
here, 1 Corinthians
14:16, 1 Corinthians
14:23, 1 Corinthians
14:24; 2 Corinthians
11:6.
took
knowledge = recognized. Greek. epiginosko. App-132.
with Greek. sun. App-104.
Jesus. App-98.
Verse
14
beholding. Greek. blepo. App-133.
was =
had been.
could,
&c. = had nothing (Greek. oudeis) to say against it
(Greek. antepo. Only here and Luke 21:15).
Verse
15
council =
Sanhedrin. Greek. sunedrion. See note on Matthew 5:22.
conferred. Greek. sumballo. Only
used by Luke, here, Acts 17:18; Acts 18:27; Acts 20:14. Luke 2:19; Luke 14:31.
among
themselves = towards (Greek. pros. App-104.) one another.
Verse
16
notable. Greek. gnostos, as
in Acts 4:10.
miracle. Greek. semeion. App-176.
been
done = come to pass.
manifest. Greek. phaneros. App-106.
dwell
in = inhabit. Greek. katoikeo. See note on Acts 2:5.
cannot =
are not (Greek. ou. App-105) able to.
Verse
17
that =
in order that. Greek. hina.
spread. Greek. dianemomai. Only
here.
no
further = not (Greek. me) for (Greek. epi) more.
among =
unto. Greek. eis. App-104.
straitly
threaten = threaten with threats. Figure of
speech Polyptoton. App-6.
threaten. Greek. apeileo. Only
here and 1 Peter 2:23.
The noun apeile occurs here, Acts 4:29; Acts 9:1. Ephesians 6:9.
that
they speak, &c. = Literally no longer to speak to no man. A double
negative, for emphasis.
Verse
18
not. Greek. me. App-105.
speak =
speak forth. Greek. phthengomai. Only here, and 2 Peter 2:16, 2 Peter 2:18.
Compare Acts 2:4.
at
all. Greek. katholou. Only here.
nor. Greek. mede.
Verse
19
answered
and said. App-122.
Whether =
If. Greek. ei. App-118.
more =
rather.
judge. Gr .
krino. App-122. Figure of speech Anacoenosis. App-6.
Verse
20
but =
not. As Acts 4:17.
have
seen and heard = saw (Greek. eidon. App-133.) and heard.
Verse
21
So
when, &c. = But having further threatened. Only here.
let
. . . go = Greek. apoluo. App-174.
nothing,
&c. = no further means of punishing.
because
of Greek. dia. App-104. Acts 4:2.
glorified. Greek. doxazo See
note on Acts 3:13.
was
done = had taken place.
Verse
22
was
shewed = had been wrought.
Verse
24
with
one accord. See note on Acts 1:14.
Lord. Greek. Despotes. App-98.
art
God. The texts omit
hast
made = rnadest.
earth. Greek. ge App-129.
Verse
25
servant. Greek. pais.
App-108 and App-190.
hast
said = saidst. This quotation is from Psalms 2:1, Psalms 2:2 See
notes there.
heathen =
nations. Greek. ethnos Hence our word "heathen".
rage. Greek. phuasso.
Only here in N.T. Used in Septuagint of Psalms 2:1,
as translation of Hebrew. ragash
imagine =
meditate. Greek. meletao. Here, Mark 13:11. 1 Timothy
4:15.
Verse
26
The
kings. i.e. Gentiles.
rulers. i.e.
Jews.
together. See
note on Acts 1:15.
Christ. i.e.
Messiah. App-98.
Verse
27
of
a truth. Literally upon (App-104.) truth. The texts add "in this
city".
Child =
servant. Greek. pais, as Acts 4:25.
Figure of speech Catachresis App-6.
hast
anointed = didst anoint. See note on Luke 4:18.
Gentiles. Greek. ethnos, as
in Acts 4:25.
Verse
28
counsel. App-102.
Compare Acts 2:23.
determined
before. Greek. proorizo. Generally
translated "predestinate". See Romans 8:29, Romans 8:30; 1 Corinthians
2:7. Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians
1:11.
to
be done. Figure of speech Hypo-zeugma (Zeugma. App-6).
As "hand" could not determine.
Verse
29
now =
as to the present. Greek. tanun. A strong form of num. Only
here, Acts 5:38; Acts 17:30; Acts 20:32; Acts 27:22.
behold. Greek. epeidon. App-133.
Only here and Luke 1:25.
grant =
give.
servants =
bond-servants. App-190.
with. App-104.
Verse
30
to
heal = for(Greek. eis. App-104.) healing.
signs. As
in verses: Acts 4:10, Acts 4:22.
wonders. Greek. teras.
App-176.
Verse
31
when
they had = while they.
prayed. App-134.
shaken. Greek. saleuo. Compare Acts 16:26.
where =
in which.
the
Holy Ghost. App-101.
Verse
32
the
multitude, &c. = of the full number (Greek. plethos) of the
believing ones.
soul. App-110. Acts 4:1.
neither =
and not even.
any =
one.
ought =
any one. Greek. tis. App-123.
the
things which he possessed = his possessions.
Greek. huparcho. Compare Luke 9:48 with Luke 12:15.
Verse
33
gave =
were giving forth.
apostles. App-189.
witness =
the testimony. Greek. marturion. First occurance Matthew 8:4.
grace. App-184.
Verse
34
Neither =
For neither.
was =
were. Greek. huparchc. See note on Luke 9:48.
The texts read en was.
that
lacked = in need. Only here. Compare App-134.
possessors. Greek. ktetor. Only
here. lands. Greek. chorion. See note on Matthew 26:36.
Verse
35
distribution,
&c. = it was distributed.
he =
any one. Greek. tis, as in Acts 4:34.
Verse
36
The
next chapter should begin here.
Joses. Texts
read Joseph, as in Acts 1:23.
Barnabas. It
is possible that Joseph Barnabas, or
Barnabas. It
is possible that Joseph Barnabas, or Barnabbas, is the same as Joseph Barsabbas
of Acts 1:23,
and that he was reserved for a better lot by the Holy Spirit.
son. App-108.
See note on Acts 3:25.
consolation. Greek.
exhortation. Greek. paraklesis has both meanings. See Luke 2:25; Luke 6:24. 1 Corinthians
14:3.
of
the country of Cyprus = a Cypriote by race.
Verse
37
land Literally
a field, as in Luke 14:18.
Chapter 5
Verse
1
certain. App-123.
man. App-123.
named =
by name.
Ananias. Ananias
and Sapphira, names of grace and beauty attached to persons whose principles
were bad.
Verse
2
kept
back. Greek. noaphizomai. Only here, Acts 5:3. Titus 9:10.
of =
from. App-104.
being
privy to = being conscious of. Greek. suneidon. Only here, Acts 12:12; Acts 14:6. 1 Corinthians
4:4.
at. App-104.
apostles". App-189.
Verse
3
the
Holy Ghost. Two arts. App-101.: Compare Acts 1:16.
land. Greek. chorion, as
in Acts 1:18, Acts 1:19; Acts 4:31,
not ktema possession, as in Acts 5:1; Acts 2:45. Matthew 19:22.
Verse
4
Whiles
. . . power? Literally Is it not (Greek. ouchi) that, remaining,
it remained to thee, and sold, it belonged to thy right?
was =
belonged. Greek. huparcho. See Luke 9:48.
power. App-172.
why =
why is it that.
hast.
. . conceived = didst put, implying careful deliberation, not sudden
temptation.
unto =
to.
men. App-123.
God. App-98.
Verse
5
And =
Now, or But.
words. App-121.
gave
up tho ghost = expired. Only here, Acts 5:10; Acts 12:23.
A medical word. Compare ekpneo. Mark 15:37.
great
fear. Compare "great grace", "great power",
in Acts 4:33.
on =
upon. App-104.
these
things. The texts omit.
Verse
6
young
men = younger (men).
arose. App-178.
wound
. . . up. Greek. sustello. Only here and 1 Corinthians
7:29.
Verse
7
about
the space. after = as it were an interval. Greek. diastema. Only
here. A medical word.
when =
and. not. App-105.
knowing. App-132.
Verse
8
answered. App-122.
whether =
if. App-118.
Verse
9
unto. Greek. pros. App-104.
How = Why.
have
agreed together = were agreed together.
Greek. sumphoneo. Here, Acts 15:15,
and four times in the Gospels. Compare Engl, "symphony".
Spirit. App-101.
behold. App-133.
Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.
husband. App-123.
at. App-104.
shall =
they shall.
Verse
10
straightway. Greek. parachrema. See
note on Acts 3:7.
at. Greek. para, as
in Acts 5:2,
but the texts read pros.
yielded
up the ghost. Same as in Acts 5:5.
young
men. App-108.
dead. App-139.
by. App-104.
Verse
11
upon. Greek. epi.
church. App-180.
as
many as = all those who.
Verse
12
signs. App-176.
wonders. App-176.
wrought =
being wrought. Compare Mark 16:17, Mark 16:18.
among. App-104.
people. Greek. laoa. See
note on Acts 2:47.
with
one accord. See note on Acts 1:14
Solomon"s
porch. See note on John 10:23.
Verse
13
no
man = no one. Greek. oudeis.
join
himself. Greek. kollaomai. See note on Luke 15:15.
magnified. Greek. megaluno. Compare Luke 1:46, Luke 1:58.
Verse
14
believers =
believing (ones). App-150.
multitudes. Greek. ptethos.
women. Compare Acts 1:14.
Verse
15
Insomuch
that = So that. This depends upon the first clause of Acts 5:1, Acts 5:2,
all that intervenes being in a parenthesis.
sick. See
note on John 11:1.
into =
along.
on =
upon. App-104.
couches. Greek. krabbatos. See
note on Mark 2:4.
that =
in order that. Greek. hina.
at
the least = even if (it might be).
overshadow. Greek. episkiazo. See
note on Luke 9:34.
some =
some one. App-123.
Verse
16
also,
&c. = a multitude also.
round
about. Greek. perix. Only here.
unto. App-104.
vexed =
beset. Greek. ochleo, to crowd. Only here and Luke 6:18.
A medical word.
with =
by. App-104.
spirits. App-101.
healed. Greek. therapeuo. See
note on Luke 6:17, Luke 6:18.
every
one = all of them,
Verse
17
Then =
But.
high
priest. Greek. archiereus.
rose
up. App-178. See Acts 5:6.
sect. Greek. hairesis
= a choosing, hence "heresy". Occurs here Acts 15:5; Acts 24:5, Acts 24:14; Acts 26:5; Acts 28:22. 1 Corinthians
11:19. Galatians 1:5, Galatians
1:20. 2 Peter 2:1.
Sadducees. App-120.
Compare Acts 4:1.
indignation. Greek. zelos. Only
other occurance in Acts in Acts 13:45.
Used in a good sense in John 2:17. 2 Corinthians
11:2, &c.
Verse
18
common =
public. Greek. demosios. Only here, Acts 16:37; Acts 18:28; Acts 20:20.
prison. Same
as "hold" in Acts 4:3.
Verse
19
prison. Greek. phulake, the
common word for "prison".
Verse
20
speak. App-121.
temple. See Acts 2:46.
the
words, &c. = these words of life. Figure of
speech Hypallage. App-6.
words. Greek. rhema. See
note on Mark 9:32.
life. App-170.
The life through resurrection so bitterly opposed by the Sadducees.
Compare Acts 13:26.
Verse
21
into. Greek. eis. App-104.
early
in the morning = towards (App-104) daybreak. Greek. tou
orthrou. Compare Luke 24:1. John 8:2.
taught =
were teaching.
senate =
assembly of the elders. Only here in NT but frequent in Septuagint
for "elders".
children =
sons. App-108.
sent. App-174.
to =
unto App-104.
prison =
place of bonds. Only here, Acts 5:23; Acts 16:26, Matthew 11:2.
Used in Septuagint in Genesis 39:22,
&c
Verse
22
officers. App-190.
See note on Luke 1:2. John 7:32; John 18:3.
told. Same
as "reported", Acts 4:23.
Verse
23
truly =
indeed.
shut =
locked. Greek. kleio.
keepers =
guards. Greek. phulax. Only here and Acts 12:6, Acts 12:19.
without. The
texts omit.
before. App-104.
Verse
24
the
high priest and. The texts omit.
captain. See
note on Acts 4:1.
things =
words. App-121.
doubted =
were doubting Greek. diaporeo. See note on Luke 9:7.
whereunto,
&c. = what this might come to be.
Verse
25
one. App-123.
Verse
26
without. Literally
not (App-105.) with (App-104.) violence (Greek. bia; here, 21, 35; Acts 24:7; Acts 27:41).
lest =
in order that (Greek. hina).
Verse
27
before =
In. App-104.
asked. See
note on Acts 1:6.
Verse
28
straitly
command. Literally command with a command. Figure of
speech Polyptoton. App-6. A Hebraism.
name. See
note on Acts 2:38.
intend. Greek. boulomai. App-102.
bring Greek. epago. Only
here and 2 Peter 2:1, 2 Peter 2:5.
Compare their own invocation in Matthew 27:25.
this,
&c. = the blood of this Man (Emph.)
Verse
29
obey. Greek. peitharcheo. Only
here, Acts 5:32; Acts 27:21. Titus 3:1.
Verse
30
raised
up. Greek. egeiro. App-178.
Jesus. App-98.
slew =
laid hands on. Greek. diacheirizomai. Only here and Acts 26:21.
and =
having.
tree. App-162.
Verse
31
him =
This One. It is emphatic, and so placed first in the sentence.
hath. Omit.
exalted. Greek. hupsoo. See
note on John 12:32.
with =
at, or to. See Acts 2:33.
Prince. Greek. archegos. See
note on Acts 3:15.
Saviour. Greek. Soter. Occurs
twenty-four times. First occurance Luke 1:47.
repentance. App-111.
forgiveness. Greek. aphesis. More
frequently translated "remission". See Acts 2:38. Luke 4:18; Luke 24:47.
Compare App-174.
sins. Greek. hamartia. App-128.
Verse
32
His. Omit.
witnesses. See
note on Acts 1:8.
things =
words. Greek. rhema, as in Acts 5:20.
the
Holy Ghost. App-101.
hath
given = gave.
Verse
33
When,
&c. = Now they having heard.
cut
to the heart. Greek. diapriomai. Only here and Acts 7:54.
took
counsels = were consulting. Greek. bouleuo.
slay. Greek. anaireo. See
note on Acts 2:23.
Verse
34
stood
there up = rose up. Greek. anistemi. App-178. 1, as in
verses: Acts 6:17.
Pharisee. App-120.
Gamaliel. The
grandson of the famous Hillel. He was Saul"s instructor (Acts 22:3),
and is said to have died about 52 A.D.
a
doctor of the law. See note on Luke 5:17.
had
in reputation = honoured. Greek. timios. Generally
translated "precious".
among =
by (dative case).
put
. . . forth. Literally make . . . outside, i.e. put out of court.
Verse
35
Ye
men of Israel = Men, Israelites. See note on Acts 1:11.
intend =
are about.
as
touching = upon, or in the case of. App-104.
Verse
36
Theudas. The
name is not uncommon in the Talmud.
boasting,
&c. = saying that he was.
somebody. Greek. tis. App-123.
Figure of speech Tapeinosis. App-6.
joined
themselves. Greek. proskollaomai. Only here, Matthew 19:5. Mark 10:7. Ephesians
5:31. Compare Acts 5:13.
obeyed. App-150.
scattered. Greek. dialuo Only
here. A medical word.
brought. Literally
came to be.
Verse
37
After. Greek. meta. App-104.
this
man = this one.
Judas
of Galilee. His revolt is recorded by
Josephus, Antiquities xviii. 1,1.
taxing. Greek. apographe. Only
here and Luke 2:2,
which see.
drew
away = caused to revolt or apostatize.
after. Greek. opiso.
he
also. App-124.
perished Greek. apollumi. Only
here in Acts. See note on John 17:12.
Verse
38
Refrain =
Stand away. Greek. Mid. of aphistemi (Acts 5:37).
if. App-118.
counsel. Greek. boule. App-102.
of =
out of. Greek. ek. App-104.
will
come to nought = will be overthrown.
Greek. kataluo, translated "dissolve" in 2 Corinthians
5:1.
Verse
39
if. Greek. ei.
App-118.
cannot =
are not (App-105.) able to.
overthrow. Greek. kataluo, as
in Acts 5:38.
lest
haply. Greek. mepote, compound of me. App-105.
to
fight against God = God-fighters. Greek. Theomachos.
Verse
40
agreed,
as Acts 5:36.
beaten. Compare Deuteronomy
25:1-3. Mark 13:9.
let
them go. See on Acts 4:21.
Verse
41
And
they = They indeed therefore.
counted
worthy. Greek. kataxioomai. Here, Luke 20:35; Luke 21:36. 2
Thessalonians 1:5.
suffer
shame = be dishonoured or counted unworthy.
Greek. atimazo. Here, Luke 20:11. John 8:49. Romans 1:24; Romans 2:23. James 2:6.
Figure of speech Oxymoron. App-6.
His =
the.
Verse
42
in
every house. Greek. kat" (App-104.) oikon = at
home. See on Acts 2:46.
preach. App-121.
Jesus
Christ = Jesus as the Christ (App-98), the name of Acts 5:41.