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30 to the brethren who dwelt in Judea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders, by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

CHAPTER XII.

A. D. 44. Herod persecuteth the christians, killeth James, and imprisoneth

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Peter; but prayer being made by the church for him, he was delivered by an angel; the pride of Herod, and his miserable death.

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to afflict some of the church. 2 And he killed James, the brother of John, with 3 the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to sixteen soldiers to keep him; intending after the passover 5 to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but earnest prayer was 6 made by the church unto God for him. And

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAPTER XI. 1. With what holy joy ought every one, who had any regard to the glory of God, or the happiness of men, to hear that the Gentiles had received the word of the gospel; that to them God had mercifully granted repentance unto life? Yet we find those of the circumcision disputing with Peter for having gone and preached to Gentiles. Such were their prejudices, that in their zeal for Moses, they seem almost to have forgotten that they were disciples of Jesus; of him who was to be, "a light to enlighten the Gentiles, as well as the glory of God's people of Israel." With what mildness and prudence did Peter reply, by rehearsing the whole affair; and by his conduct he has given an example to imitate in like circumstances. We should be ever ready to give a reason for that line of proceeding which a sense of duty has obliged us to adopt. Peter had obeyed the divine will; and to every intimation of it we ought ever to bow. And it is gratifying to remark, that when the disciples had heard this account, they not only acquiesed, but glorified God for his mercy to the Gentiles.

2. Now was the wall of partition broken down, and the word of the Lord ran and was glorified. The report of the increasing success of the gospel produced great joy at Jerusalem; and how did Barnabas

Peter is delivered.

when Herod was about to bring him forth, on that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and keepers before the door guarded the prison. And, behold, 7 an angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shone in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, "Rise up quickly." And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said to him, "Gird thy- 8 self, and bind on thy sandals." And he did so. And he saith to him, "Cast thy mantle about thee, and follow me." And he went out, and 9 followed him; and knew not that what was done by the angel was real; but thought that he saw a vision. And when they had past the 10 first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city; which opened to them of its own accord : and they went out, and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel departed from him. And when Peter II

rejoice when he arrived at Antioch, and saw the blessed effects of the grace of God! And who that has cordially received the gospel, does not feel his heart gladdened with the account or report of its bloodless triumphs? For its triumphs are the triumphs of human happiness. Though we have embraced the faith, let us not imagine, that we shall be exempt from trials and opposition. We shall have need to cleave to the Lord with purpose of heart; and to hold fast the possession of our faith, without wavering, unto the end.

3. Let us reflect with pleasure on the honourable name conferred on the disciples. This is the New Name which the Lord God would name, as the name of his people; and in whatever manner conferred, we may regard an overruling providence in it. While the Christ, the Anointed, is the name of Jesus, as furnished with the Holy Spirit in an immeasurable degree; so his people are anointed with the same Spirit, as a spirit of wisdom, purity and love. O let all who bear this name, or that name the blessed name of Christ, not only depart from all iniquity, but walk worthy of God unto all well-pleasing, being fruitful in every good word and work. Let them act as these Christians did, loving as brethren, and doing good to those who had need, by sending to them the fruits of their charity.

reign. Jos. Antiq. lib. xx. c. 2, 6. The affection and kindness of the disciples of Antioch deserves not only praise, but general imitation.- -To the elders. More aged converts and overseers of the flock.

CHAP. XII. 1. Herod the king. This was Herod Agrippa, grandson of Herod the Great. Caligula had given him all the countries which his uncle Philip possessed; and to these Claudius added Samaria and Judea. See note, Matt. ii. 1.

2. Killed James, &c. See Matt. x. 2. His death was a fulfilment of what our Lord had said of the sons of Zebedee, Matt. xx. 23.; and the continued labours of the apostles after showed their courage.

3. It pleased the Jews, &c. Josephus informs us that he was a great zealot for the law of Moses; and as a proof of it he slew James, and intended to take off Peter.

4. The passover. Nothing could be more improper than to render easter, and Bishop Newcome has justly adhered to the usual sense of the text.

6. Peter was sleepinty, &c. One soldier being on each side of him, to each of whom he was chained, while others guarded the prison. This precaution might be taken, to secure Peter, as he and John had been miraculously delivered from prison before. See Ch. v. 19.

7-10. An angel of the Lord, &c. This interposition of God is very re

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came to himself, he said, "Now I certainly know that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me from the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the Jewish 12 people." And when he had considered the matter, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John, whose surname was Mark where many were gathered together, and were 13 praying, And as Peter knocked at the door of the porch, a damsel came to attend, named 14 Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the porch-door for gladness, but ran in, and told that Peter stood before the 15 porch. And they said to her, "Thou art mad." But she confidently affirmed that it was so. 16 Then said they, "It is his angel." But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. 17 But he, beckoned to them with the hand to be silent, and related to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison; And he said, Report these things unto James, and to the brethren." And he departed, and went to ano18 ther place. Now when it was day, there was

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REFLECTIONS UPON CHAPTER XII. 1. We have another proof of the unbelief and obstinacy of the Jews. They had crucified Jesus, and they continued to persecute his disciples. They were delighted with the conduet of Herod, in supporting, as they thought, the honour of the law by the murder of an apostle. James was slain with the sword; but that blow only served to transmit him to the presence of his dear Lord; nor did this unrighteous act accomplish his design. Others were left, who had the courage still to preach Jesus; and no dangers could seal up their mouths in silence. They continued their labours of love and patience; and by their constancy and holy perseverance, they were the instruments of establishing the christian Church.

2. The deliverance of Peter was designed to support and encourage the disciples; and was wrought in answer to prayer. Pious men and women, the young and the aged, were assembled on this important occasion. And while they were pouring out their requests to God, he heard, and graciously answered. Peter himself is sent among them, to bring them the heart-cheering news of that real deliverance, which at

Herod's miserable death,

no small disturbance among the soldiers, respecting what was become of Peter. And when 19 Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Cesarea, and abode there.

And Herod was highly displeased with the 20 people of Tyre and Zidon: but they came to him with one consent, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country. And on a day appointed, 21 Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne, and made an oration unto them.. And 22 the people gave a shout, saying, “It is the voice of a god, and not of a man." And im- 23 mediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not glory to God: and he was eaten by worms, and expired.

But the word of God grew and multiplied. 24 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusa- 25 lem, when they had fulfilled their office, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

first had appeared to himself but as a vision of the night. What holy pleasure must this event have diffused among them! And what an encouragement is it for all in every difficulty, by prayer and supplications to make their requests known unto God. Let us pray and not faint. In this delightful, this happy employ may we never grow weary. 3. In the awful end of Herod, we are constrained to acknowledge, Verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth. How short is the triumphing of the wicked! However stout-hearted, or powerful, there is one above them who will deal with them in righteous judgment. How insufferable the pride of Herod, and impious the applause of the multitude, when the one was gratified with hearing, and the other with ascribing divinity to a sinful mortal! Soon were both confounded, He was smitten by the angel of death; a death equally tormenting and dishonourable; worms devoured this god; nor could his robes, his guards, or his physicians preserve his living body from becoming their prey. Let us shun the path of the wicked, that we may not perish like them.

markable, and shows that no power can contravene his will. He can do as he pleases among the inhabitants of the earth, and control all the laws of nature. The whole of these wonderful circumstances appeared to Peter as a vision; and doubtless the soldiers were either asleep, or their eyes and ears so closed by divine power as to perceive nothing.

11. Came to himself. Recovered from his astonishment, and was sensible that the whole was not a vision, but a real transaction.

12. To the house of Mary, &c. Pearce thinks it probable that she was the sister of Barnabas. See Coloss. iv, 10.

13-16. Peter knocked, &c. The circumstances here related are very natural.- It is his angel. Some supernatural appearance, resembling him. Some think that this refers to the Jewish opinion about guardian angels, without establishing the truth of it.

17. Unto James, &c. James, the brother of John, had been slain; so that this must be James, the brother or kinsman of our Lord, and the author of the epistle, which bears his name. Peter withdrew from Jerusalem, and probably now went into Pontus, Galatia, Asia, and Bithynia, &c. 1Pet. i. 1. 20-23. And Herod, &c. This account of Herod is supported by what

Paul and Barnabas appointed

CHAPTER XIII.

ACTS XIII.

A. D. 45. Paul and Barnabas are chosen to go to the Gentiles; Sergius Paulus and Elymas the Sorcerer; Paul preaches at Antioch in Pisidia ; the Gentiles believe, &c.

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Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul, 2 And while they were ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Separate to me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which 1 3 have called them." And when they had fasted and prayed, and put their hands on them, they sent them away.

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So these, having been sent forth by the Holy Spirit, departed unto Seleucia; and thence 5 they sailed to Cyprus. And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had John 6 also for their attendant. And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain magian, a Jewish false prophet, whose 7 name was Bar-jesus: Who was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a well informed man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and 8 desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magian, (for so his name signifies,) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy 9 from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called

to go and preach to the Gentiles. Paul,) filled with the Holy Spirit, set his eyes on him, And said, “O full of all subtilty and 10 all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, 11 behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season." And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the 12 deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

Now when Paul and his company loosed 13 from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. And when they departed from 14 Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath, and sat down. And after the reading of the law 15 and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, "Brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, speak.” Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his 16 hand said, " Men of Israel, and ye Gentiles that fear God, hearken. that fear God, hearken. The God of this peo- 17 ple chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they sojourned in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm he brought them out of it. And about the time of forty years he bore with 18 their manners in the desert. And when he had 19

Josephus relates. Antiq. lib. xix. 8, 2. He ascribes his miserable end to his receiving the blasphemous language of his flatterers. See Pearce and Lardner,

25. Fulfilled their office. In bringing relief from Antioch. See Ch. xi. 30. CHAP. XIII. 1. Prophets and teachers. Or 'teachers and instructors.' -Manaen, who, &c. Rich persons, and especially princes, had not only preceptors and attendants, but companions in their education. Manaen must have been a person of family, as he had been the companion of Herod Antipas.

2. Holy Spirit said. We are not told in what manner, whether by a voice addressed to them, or by some powerful suggestion on their minds.

3. And put their hands, &c. This was only a token of their approbation, as it conferred no power or authority on Paul and Barnabas. See Gal. i. 1, and next verse; yet God required it, that they might have the approbation of the church. This is a warrant for ordination.

4-5. Seleucia. Sea-port of Syria, and a city of considerable trade. Salamis was the eastern part of the island of Cyprus,―John, called John Mark, Ch. xii. 12, 25.

6,7. To Paphos. This lay on the western coast of Cyprus, so that they went through the midst of the country.A false prophet. Or teacher, His Hebrew name was Bar-jesus, the son of one Jesus or Joshua. He professed to be a magian, a person of great acquirements in the knowledge of nature. See note, Ch. xi. 27.- Deputy, or Proconsul. See Lardner, who has shown from Dion Cassius, that Luke has given Sergius Paulus his proper title.

8. Elymas. This name is an appellative, signifying a wise or learned man; but that of magian, which has the same sense, the Jews and Greeks better understood.- Withstood them, &c. Trying, by all his subtilty and influence to turn away the deputy from regarding the gospel.

9. Saul, called Paul, &c. Pearce supposes that Paul was so called, in honour of the proconsul, who might be his first Gentile convert; but Doddridge agrees with Beza, that as he in a great measure henceforth conversed with and taught the Gentiles, the Greeks and Romans, that they pronounced his name, not Saul, but Paul. Luke always calls him Paul after this. Others think that Paul was the name he bore as a Roman citizen.

10-12. O full of all, &c. The wickedness of this magian justified this severe reprehension, and the judgment which fell upon him.-Astonished at the, &c. At the power which now accompanied it.

13-14. John departing, &c. He seems to have declined the labour and danger of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. Pamphilia was on the coast of the Mediterranean, in the lesser Asia, west of Cilicia; and Antioch in Pisidia, was north-west of Pamphilia.

15. Reading the law, &c. See lutrod. p. 16, 17.

16. Ye that fear God. Such Gentiles as had embraced the religion of the Jews.

17-21. The God of this, &c. We see in what manner the apostle preached and reasoned with the Jews, out of their own sacred books.

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destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, 20 he divided their land for an inheritance. And after these things, which include a period of about four hundred and fifty years, he gave them 21 judges, until Samuel the prophet. And afterwards they desired a king: and God gave to them Saul, the son of Kish, a man of the tribe 22 of Benjamin, during forty years. And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom he gave testimony also, and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, who 23 will do all my pleasure.? Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised to Is24 rael a Saviour, Jesus: When John had first preached, before his appearance, the baptism 25 of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was fulfilling his course, he said, 'Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, one cometh after me, the shoes of whose feet I am not worthy to unloose.'

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"Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you 27 is the doctrine of this salvation sent. For those who dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, not knowing Christ, nor the words of the prophets which are read every sabbath, have. fulfilled 28 them by condemning him. And though they found no just cause of death in him, yet desired 29 they Pilate that he might be put to death. And when they had fulfilled all which was written concerning him, they took him down from the 30 cross, and laid him in a sepulchre. But God 31 raised him from the dead; And he was seen many days by those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem; who are his wit32 nesses unto the people. And we declare unto you glad tidings, concerning the promise which

22. I have found David, &e. See Ps. lxxxix. 20, and 1 Sam. xiii. 14, and note there.

23–25. Of this man's seed, &c. See Is. xi. 1, 2. Jerem. xxiii. 5, 6.Whom think ye, &c. See John i. 20.

26-37. Brethren, &c. Paul, with great earnestness, presses upon them attention to the doctrine which he delivered, as announcing to them salvation. In Christ the promises and predictions of the prophets were fulfilled.— This day have, &c. See note, Ps. ii. 7. The Hebrew signifies, to bring up, or educate children; and is used for bringing up or raising to a throne, says Pearce. See also Is. lv. 3, and Ps. xvi. 10.

38-41. Be it therefore known, &c. Through the sufferings and death

The unbelieving persécute Pau'.

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was made unto the fathers; That God hath 33 fulfilled it to us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus; as it also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.' And that God raised him up 34 from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he spoke thus, I will give you the sure mercies of David.' Wherefore he saith in another 35 psalm also, Thou wilt not suffer thy Holy One to see corruption.' For after David had served 36 his own generation according to the counsel of God, he fell asleep, and was gathered to his fathers, and saw corruption: But he, whom 37 God raised again, saw no corruption.

"Be it therefore known unto you, brethren, 38 that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all who be- 39 lieve are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, 40 which is spoken of in the prophets, Behold, 41 ye despisers, and wonder, and perish; for I work a work in your days, a work which ye will in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.'

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many of the Jews and

And as the apostles were going out, some 42 desired that these words might be spoken to them the next sabbath. And when the And when the congre- 43 gation was broken up, religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the to continue in the grace of God.

And on the next sabbath almost the whole 44 city came together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they 45 were filled with envy, and contradicted those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Then Paul and Barna- 46

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Christ the light of Gentiles.

ACTS XIV.

bas became bold, and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should have been spoken first to you but since yeput it from you, and do not judge yourselves worthy of everlasting life, 47 lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord hath commanded us, saying, "I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldst be for salvation unto the ends of the earth."" 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord; and as many as were determined for everlasting life 49 believed. And the word of the Lord was pub50 lished throughout all the country. But the Jews stirred up some devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, 51 and expelled them out of their borders. But they shook off the dust of their feet against 52 them and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Spirit.

CHAPTER XIV.

A. D. 45. Paul and Barnabas are persecuted at Iconium; at Lystra Paul healeth a cripple and there are accounted god's; Paul is then stoned ; they pass through and confirm the churches, c.

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAPTER XIII. 1. We who were once sinners of the Gentiles, and now through the goodness of God brought to the obedience of faith, have great reason to be thankful, that inspired messengers were sent to preach the gospel, the ground of our faith. They were chosen and separated to this work, by the direct appointment of the Holy Spirit; and may all that now engage in it be led by his influence, that their labours may not be in vain. And how fervently should fellow labourers and brethren commend them to the mercy and grace of God, that he may make their way prosperous, as he did that of Paul and Barnabas. Though they had to encounter opposition from one of those deceivers, who endeavour to impose on men, in order to enrich themselves, yet the gospel triumphed and induced the first man as to rank and influence in Cyprus to believe.

2. We have abundant cause for gratitude that the holy scriptures are read among us every sabbath, as the Jews read them in their synagogues. Let it be our care to understand and practually improve them. They set before us many amiable examples of piety, such as that of David is here described. He was a man after God's own

gospel message; it was acting as if they judged themselves not worthy, or determined not to receive the blessing of eternal life. Is. xlix. 6.

48. Glorified. That is, spoke highly of it. And as many, &c. I have adopted the rendering of Doddridge for the reasons which he assigns. See his note. Newcome renders, Disposed to, &c.' The version adopted includes both the divine purpose, the influence of grace on their hearts, and their own deep concern to enjoy everlasting life.

Many believe at Iconium.

AND it came to pass in Iconium, that they 1 went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Gentiles believed. (But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the 2 Gentiles, and made their minds ill affected to the brethren.) They therefore abode a long 3 time speaking boldly concerning the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of his grace, and granted that signs and wonders should be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city 4 was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. And when there was a 5 design both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews and their rulers, to insult them, and to stone them; They having considered it, fled 6 unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: And 7. there they preached the glad tidings.

And a certain man sat at Lystra, infirm in his 8 feet, being lame from his mother's womb, and who never had walked: This man heard Paul 9 speak: who sted fastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith so as to be cured, Said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on thy 10

heart, who would fulfil all his pleasure. Like him may we be solicitous to serve our generation according to the will of God; to do all the good we can in the station and place in which God hath placed us, that at last we may rest in peace, when gathered to our fathers. For however exalted our rank in society, we must see corruption; but let us rejoice that the Lord Jesus saw no corruption, and that his resurrec tion is a pledge of ours.

3. It is matter of encouragement when numbers attend on the preaching of the gospel; for "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." They who reject the counsel of God in respect to themselves may be provoked at the circumstance; and the enmity of their hearts may lead them to contradict and reproach. Let such know that they oppose in vain; and are but showing that they judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, and that others will receive that truth to their salvation which they dispise and reject. Such was the fact at Antioch. The Jews who believed not, opposed and persecuted the ambassaders of Christ; but the Gentiles received the word with joy and gladness.

50. Honourable women. Most probably such as were converts to Judaism, and who excited their husbands to persecute Paul and Barnabas. 51. Iconium. This was the chief city of Lycaonia, north of Pamphilia. CHAP. XIV. 1. Jews and Gentiles. Or Greeks believed; but those who continued in their unbelief, soon disturbed them.

3. Abode a long time. To confirm the great multitudes who had be

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