Commentary on Acts Part 2 (No. F044ii)

Intent of the chapters

Chapter 6

After the Church began to grow when many new members were added to them and many gentiles were brought into the faith from the Hellenised system it became obvious that there had to be added to the ministry those that were to be administrators rather than the ministry of the apostles. The position of the deacons was thus added by the appointment of seven Deacon administrators, so that they could undertake the simple tasks of administration and the care of the widows and orphans and those that required assistance (vv. 1-3). This would allow the apostles to devote themselves to the preaching of the faith (v. 4). This pleased the multitude of the faith. They then chose Stephen, Philip, Prochorus and Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolaus a proselyte of Antioch. These men, especially Stephen and also Philip, were full of the Holy Spirit in the faith (v. 5). These were placed before the apostles and ordained by the laying on of hands (v. 6).

The word of God increased and the number of the brethren increased also (vv. 7ff.). Stephen began to speak the word of God in power with signs and wonders. He drew the attention of the Temple and the Synagogue of the Freedmen as it was called. Many of the priests were also called but so also were many who opposed them. They could not stand the power with which Stephen spoke. They then raised false witnesses against Stephen accusing him of blasphemy (vv. 11ff.). The elders and scribes seized him and took him before the council, and the false witnesses who said that he continued to speak against the Temple and the Law. They claimed that the Messiah had said that he would destroy the Temple and change the customs which Moses had delivered to them (v. 14). He was seen by the council and all there to have the face of an angel as he stood before them (v. 15). Thus the claim that Messiah was to change the law and the testimony came from false witnesses among the Jews trying to discredit the Messiah and the Church of God and to falsely accuse them. Thus the antinomian accusations came from the Jews themselves and not from Christ or the Church or from any statement of the apostles; including the Seventy who were to be spread throughout the world (cf. Establishment of the Church under the Seventy (No.122D)).

Chapter 7

The High Priest then asked him if this were so (v. 1). Stephen then began his address to the council (v. 2f) beginning with the appearance of the Elohim or Theos of Glory that appeared to Abraham in Mesopotamia before he lived in Haran. This was when he was called out of Ur of Chaldea. He departed the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran (v. 4). After, when his father died, the Elohim (of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob or Israel), moved him into the promised land where he was told that he would inherit the land with his offspring, even though he as yet had no child; and that he would move them into a foreign land (Egypt) as aliens, where they would be enslaved and ill treated for four hundred years (vv. 5-6). After that he would judge those of that land and then move them out and back into the promised land where they would worship God in that place (v. 7).

Abraham was then given the covenant of circumcision. So Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac became the father of Jacob and Jacob of the Twelve Patriarchs (v. 8).

From verse 9 Stephen then explains how the patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt but God was with him and rescued him from his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom before Pharaoh, who made him governor over Egypt and all his household.

Stephen then recounted how there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan and the fathers could find no food (v. 11). (From the Chinese annals, this ancient seven year famine appears to have been worldwide). He said that when Jacob heard there was grain in Egypt he sent forth the fathers the first time (v. 12) and at the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers and they then became known to Pharaoh. Joseph sent and called his father and all his kindred of seventy-five souls (one in utero) and thus Jacob went down into Egypt and he died, himself and their fathers. Their bodies were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had purchased for a sum of silver from the Sons of Hamor in Shechem (vv. 13-16). However, whilst Abraham had been given permission to bury his dead there, the texts state (Gen. 50:13) Jacob was buried at Hebron, and according to Genesis 33:19 and Joshua 24:32 it was Jacob who bought the tomb at Shechem. There may have been a dual purchase involved to resolve a later issue.

Stephen then commences the story from the time that the promise God had made to Abraham drew near, and the people had grown and multiplied in Egypt (v. 17). There arose another Pharaoh that did not know Joseph (v. 18). He dealt craftily with the people of Israel and forced the fathers to expose their infants, in order to kill them (v. 19). He then begins with the birth of Moses, who was beautiful before God (v. 20). He was three months in his father’s house (v. 21) and when he was exposed, Pharaoh’s daughter adopted him, and brought him up as her own son. He was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and he was mighty in words and deeds (v. 22).

From verse 23 Stephen then recounts the visit of Moses to the Israelites at 40 years of age. On seeing an Egyptian striking an Israelite he defended the Israelite by striking the Egyptian (v. 24). Stephen says at verse 25 that Moses supposed that they would understand that God was giving them deliverance from the Egyptians by his hand but they did not understand. The following day he appeared to them as they were quarrelling and tried to reconcile them saying: “men why do you wrong each other” (v. 26). But the man who was wronging his neighbour thrust him aside saying: “Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? (v. 27). Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?” (v. 28). Stephen then says: “At this retort Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian where he became the father of two sons” (v. 29).

From verse 30 Stephen then begins one of the most important identifications in the NT and perhaps the Bible. He says: Now when forty years had passed, (Moses was now eighty years of age), an Angel appeared to him in the wilderness at Mount Sinai in a flame of fire in a bush (v. 30). When Moses saw it he drew near to look (v. 31); the voice of the Lord came. “I am the god of your fathers, The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” and Moses trembled and did not dare to look (v. 32). And the Lord said to him ‘Take off your shoes from off your feet. For the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have surely seen the ill treatment of my people that are in Egypt and heard their groaning and I have come down to deliver them. And now come I will send you to Egypt’ (vv. 33-34).

These identifications are extremely important. This Angel of the presence that appeared to Moses was the Elohim of the forefathers of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He was the Angel of Redemption of Job 33:23 and the Angel that redeemed Jacob and who was the Elohim of Israel (Gen. 48:15-16). This elohim was one of the sons of God that Eloah had granted the nation of Israel (Deut. 32:8 RSV, LXX, DSS). This being was without doubt the Elohim of Psalm 45:6-7 who is clearly identified as Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:8-9). So also this explains exactly what Christ meant by his statement in John 17:5 and also what was meant in Genesis 48:15f; Deuteronomy 32:8; and also in 1Corinthians 10:1-4 (F046ii) (cf. Angel of YHVH (No. 024); Pre-existence of Jesus Christ (No. 243); and Commentary on Hebrews (F058)).

We will now see Stephen proceed to develop this identity over the next twenty-five verses to 7:60. From this text Judah stands utterly condemned for the murder of Christ as the Angel of the Presence and the Elohim of Israel, appointed and sent by the One True God (Jn. 17:3) whom no man has seen or heard His Voice ever (Jn. 1:18) and who alone is immortal (1Tim. 6:16).

From verse 35 Stephen then continues to berate the Council of Israel and the High Priests and priesthood. He said: “This Moses whom they refused, saying ‘who made you a ruler and a judge?’ God sent as both ruler and deliverer by the hand of the Angel that appeared to him in the bush. Here Stephen is clearly identifying Jesus Christ as the Angel of the Presence that appeared to Moses and who gave Moses the direct commands as the subordinate Elohim of Israel to go into Egypt and confront Pharaoh and deliver Israel from captivity and take them across the Red Sea to Sinai and then into the wilderness for forty years (v. 36) and there deliver the law of God to Israel at Sinai. Thus the insanity of Christ delivering Israel and giving them the law through Moses and then after enforcing it for 1400 odd years and being kept by Christ and the church over the entire First century and on into the Second century and then producing another system doing away with the law was so insane and illogical that the Trinitarian Churches had to pass a canon that prohibited their people from identifying Christ as the Angel of the Presence at Sinai as herein clearly stated. Thus they had to invent Radical Unitarianism as a doctrine saying that Christ had no pre-existence until he was formed in the womb of His mother whom they made out to be the mother goddess figure and called the festival Easter (cf. Origin of Christmas and Easter (No. 235)). Those who try to undermine the Churches of God and their Biblical Doctrines as above either are plants from the Trinitarian or Masonic systems and the Mother goddess cults, or simply have not studied the Bible correctly. They have to be removed from the Churches of God. They will be gone from 2025.

From verse 37 he identifies Moses as the identity who said to the Israelites “God will raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as he raised me up.” He then said: This is he (Moses) who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him at Mt Sinai, and with our fathers and he received (from the Angel) living oracles to give to us (v. 38). Our fathers refused to obey him and in their hearts they turned to Egypt, saying to Aaron “Make for us gods to go before us; as for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him ” (vv. 39-40).

Stephen then recounts: And they made a calf in those days and they offered sacrifice to the idol and rejoiced in the works of their hands. But God turned and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: ‘did you offer to me slain beasts and sacrifices, forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? (vv. 41-42) (The twelve prophets being treated as a unit quoting from Amos 5:25-27 as to suggest Israel had always been idolaters which is correct to this day.) Verse 43 continues this theme: “And you took up the tent of Molech and the star of the God Rephan, the figures which you made to worship, and I will remove you beyond Babylon”. (cf. also The Golden Calf (No. 222))

This text was written well after Israel had been taken into captivity and Judah was taken into captivity in Babylon. The Jews to this day under the name of Israel carry the star of the God Rephan in their flag and they promote Abortion and Infanticide (cf. No. 259B) in worship of Molech throughout the tribes of Israel worldwide and God will punish them further over this coming Holocaust.

Stephen then says from verse 44 that “Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, even as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it according to the pattern that he had seen.

He continues in verse 45 to say: Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations which God thrust out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David, who found favour in the sight of God and asked leave to find a habitation for the God of Jacob (v. 46).

He then says: “But it was Solomon who built a house for him.” Up until this point Stephen is on common ground with the Council.

Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with hands as the prophet says. He then breaks into a direct accusation of the elders of Judah and indeed all Israel. He then quotes Isaiah 66:1-2 saying that the Most High does not dwell in houses made by men. What house will they build for him and what will be his place of rest. Did not his hand make all these things?

From verse 51 he then accuses them: “You stiff necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit as your fathers did so do you. Which of the prophets did not your father’s persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it” (vv. 52-53).

From here Stephen has clearly spelled out that it was Christ that appeared to Moses as both Elohim of Israel and the Angel of the Presence who gave him the law; and who was the entity warned of by Moses who said he would come and had to be obeyed. In that position he then established by default his position in Numbers 24:17 as the Star of Jacob. They also were confronted with the death of the prophets they killed by unspeakable means such as sawing Isaiah in half and stoning Zechariah, between the Altar and the Holy of Holies (cf. Death of the Prophets and Saints No. 122C)).

This then had the effect of enraging the council and they “ground their teeth against him.” (v. 54) To get him through this Stephen was given a vision in the Spirit and he then said: “Behold I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the Right Hand of God” (vv. 55-56). They then rushed at him and cast him out of the city and stoned him and Saul (of Tarsus) was the witness in charge of the execution of Stephen (vv. 57-58). Stephen then asked Lord Jesus to receive his spirit and asked for their forgiveness in this sin because they knew not what they did. And then he fell asleep (vv. 59-60).

Chapter 8

Chapter 8 then states at verse 1 that “Saul was consenting to his death.” Thus he again condemns the apostle Paul before his calling when he was Saul of Tarsus for his part in the persecution of the Church and points here to the execution of Stephen as effectively the commencement of the persecution and that being led by Saul (later Paul) (Gal. 1:13). Luke then states “And on that day a great persecution arose against the Church in Jerusalem and they were all scattered throughout the region of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” Chapter 8:1b-40 deals with the spread of the Gospel from Samaria to the Sea Coast and into non Jewish Regions.

Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him (v. 2); but Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison (v. 3).

Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word (v. 4). Philip went down to a city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ (v. 5). And the multitudes (the mixed remnants of both the few Samarians of the northern tribes that had returned and those Cutheans and Medes transplanted there (212D; 212E; 212F)). One source says that the apostles were forbidden to enter their cities (Mat. 10:5). The multitudes of one accord gave heed to what was said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs which he did (v. 6). Unclean Spirits came out of many who were possessed crying with a loud voice and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed, so there was much joy in that city (v. 7). Christ was friendly to them from the gospels (Lk. 10:30-37; 17:11-19; Jn. 4:4-42).

Simon Magus

Verse 9 speaks of the man Simon Magus or Simon the Sorcerer. He was an acclaimed magician and put it out that he himself was someone of note. The Samarians gave heed to him and stated that he was himself that power of God called “Great.” He was impressed by the miracles and power displayed by the disciples. However when the Samarians saw and believed they turned and were baptised by Philip, both men and women. Even Simon himself was baptised and remained with Philip. He was amazed by the signs and miracles that he saw.

Philip did not lay hands on them for receipt of the Holy Spirit, at the instruction of the Apostles.

When the apostles at Jerusalem got word of the successful mission in Samaria they sent Peter and John to then lay hands on them for receipt of the Holy Spirit.

Usually from Acts, when people are baptised hands are laid on for the receipt of the Holy Spirit (2:38; 19:5-6). The Holy Spirit is often used to bring those of the elect to baptism working with the elect (10:44) and then is placed in the elect on Baptism with the laying on of hands. In this case the apostles withheld the “Laying on of Hands” for receipt of the Holy Spirit (Tim. 4:14). Infant baptism was never undertaken or recognised in the First century anywhere. It was always involving adults over 20 years under the law (Deut. 20). Only the baptism of the Churches of God was recognised. John’s baptism was not recognised either and the Holy Spirit did not enter those disciples. Unitarians always baptised by total immersion in rivers, or at what later was specifically a baptistery. And subsequently Trinitarians used fonts for infants. There is however no Biblical justification for the practice of infant baptism (cf. Antinomian Denial of Baptism No. 164E)).

When Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was obtained by the laying on of the apostle’s hands he offered them money (vv. 17-18), saying give me this power so that anyone on whom he lay his hands would receive the Holy Spirit (v. 19). He was refused and Peter said “Your silver perish with you because you thought that you could obtain the gift of God with money. You have neither part nor lot in this matter because your heart is not right before God. Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours and pray to the Lord that if it were possible that the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity (vv. 20-23).” This practice of buying and selling Church offices is referred to as Simony from this example.

Simon did not understand the power and requirement of the direct relationship between the individual and God and he sought o control that gift for financial gain. He then said to Peter: Pray for me to the Lord that nothing of what you have said may come upon me (v. 24).

Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord they returned to Jerusalem and they preached the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans (v. 25). After this event we know from historical tradition that Simon went as far as Rome, making money from the practice of magic, with his woman Helena, putting her as a goddess. Many stories and films have been made regarding this aspect.

The Ethiopian

Then after the return towards Jerusalem, an angel of the Lord appeared to Philip and told him to rise and go down the desert road that goes from Jerusalem to Gaza. There he met an Ethiopian Eunuch. He was a minster of Candace Queen of the Ethiopians. He had come to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple and had stayed for the Feasts and right through to and beyond Pentecost. He was seated in his chariot and was reading the scroll of Isaiah (vv. 26-28). The Spirit said to Philip: “Go up and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked if he understood what he was reading (vv. 29-30).

The Eunuch replied: How can I unless someone guides me. And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

The Book of Isaiah contains many prophecies concerning Christ and for which he (Isaiah) was sawn in half by the priests given the implications for Levi and also Judah (cf. Death of the Prophets and Saints (No. 122C)). He was reading Isaiah 53:7-8 which deals with the Servant of the Lord (cf. Acts 3:13 RSV, and Mat. 8:17).

The Ethiopian asked about whom did the prophet speak, himself or somebody else; and then Philip began with this scripture and explained the good news of Jesus Christ. As they went along they came to some water and the Eunuch said look here is some water and asked what was to prevent him being baptised, and they both then went down into the water and Philip baptised him (vv. 34-38).

After they came up out of the water the spirit caught up Philip and the Ethiopian saw him no more. He went on his way rejoicing. Philip was taken and found at Azotus and then preached to all the towns until Caesare’a, which was an important Palestinian seaport (vv. 39-40).

The baptism of the Ethiopian was an important event as he established the Abyssinian Church on his return. That church later united and protected the Unitarian Subordinationist structure in its development in Arabia (cf. Establishment of the Church under the Seventy (No. 122D)) and then in the Fifth century it was spread by Archbishop Mueses of Abyssinia across through India into China (cf. General Distribution of the Sabbbath Keeping Churches (No. 122)). The Bible was printed in Arabic on tablets from the Fifth century (ca. 470 CE) from direction from Abyssinia, and then, when Qasim had established the Church at Becca and Petra from 608 CE, where he became chairman of the Council of the Muhammad (cf. Introduction to the Commentary on the Koran (Q001) and also Chronology of the Koran Part II: Becca and the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs (Q001D); http://ccg.org/islam/quran.html ).

The poor of the church at Becca/Petra fled under persecution to Aksum in 613 CE under Jafar in the First Hijrah, where they sought protection under the Sabbatarian Church there. The Baal worshippers from Becca/Petra appealed to the Negus to return them to the rulers at Petra on the grounds that they were not really Christians because they were not Trinitarians, as they knew were the Eighth century Byzantines. The Negus convened a conference to hear them under the bishops there and then granted them asylum and sent the Baal worshippers home (cf. Surah “Myriam” (Q019)).

Chapter 9

The persecution of the church in Judea was carried on by Saul, who, breathing threats and murder against the church, went to the High Priest at Jerusalem and asked for letters to the synagogues at Damascus so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women he might bring them bound to Jerusalem (vv. 1-2). As he was journeying and he approached Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him: Saul, Saul, why persecutes though me? (vv. 3-4). Saul said: Who are you Lord? (v. 5).

The voice said: I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting; but rise and enter the city and you will be told what you are to do (v. 6).

The men travelling with him were speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one (v. 7).

Saul arose from the ground and when his eyes were opened he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and led him into Damascus and for three days he was without sight and he neither ate nor drank (vv. 8-9). (Slightly different versions are found in 22:4-16; 26:9-18 cf. Paul’s account in Galatians 1:13-17 (F048).)

Christ had given instruction concerning what was to be done with Saul to the disciple Ananias. He told him in a vision. (This was not the Ananias killed at Jerusalem with his wife previously.) Christ said: “Ananias” and he answered: Here I am Lord. The Lord said: Rise and go to the street called “Straight” and enquire in the house of Judas, for a man of Tarsus named Saul. Behold he is praying and he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay hands on him so that he might regain his sight (vv. 10-12).

However Ananias answered: Lord I have heard much about this man and how much evil he has done to the saints at Jerusalem and he has authority from the Chief Priests to bind all who call upon thy name (vv. 13-14). But the Lord said to him: Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the Sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name (vv. 15-16).

So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said: “Brother Saul, The Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (v.17)

And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptised, and took food and was strengthened (vv. 18-19). We see here that baptism was necessary even when Christ appeared to the individual themselves.

For several days he was with the disciples at Damascus (v. 19b). And in the Synagogues immediately he proclaimed Jesus saying he is the Son of God (v. 20). All who heard him were amazed and said: Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called on his name? And he has come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests (v. 21). But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus, by proving that Jesus was the Christ. (v. 22)

From verse 23 we see that after many days had passed the Jews plotted to kill Saul but their plot became known to him. They were watching the gates day and night to kill him, but his disciples took him and lowered him down over the wall in a basket (v. 25) (cf. Josh. 2:1-24). Paul was treated with great suspicion when he returned to Jerusalem. As he attempted to join the disciples and they were all afraid of him because they did not believe he was one of them (v. 26). But Barnabas brought him to the Apostles, and he declared to them that on the road he had seen the Lord and spoke to him and he then preached boldly in the name of the Jesus (vv. 26-27). So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. And he disputed against the Hellenists; but they were seeking to kill him (v. 29). And when the brethren became aware of it they took him to the port at Caesare’a and sent him off to Tarsus (v. 30). So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria had peace and was built up; and walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit it was multiplied (v. 31).

Next we move to Peter moving among the brethren; he came among the brethren at Lydda. There was found among them a man named Aeneas who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed (vv. 32-33). Peter said to him “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you arise and make your bed.” And immediately he arose and all the inhabitants of Lydda (in the plain of Sharon and Sharon (10 M. SE of Lydda) saw him and they turned to the Lord (vv. 34-35).

Now there was at Joppa a disciple names Tabitha, which means Dorcas (or gazelle). She was stricken and had died. The disciples at Joppa sent for Peter at Lydda. On arrival Peter put the women outside and knelt down and prayed and then said “Tabitha, rise.” She opened her eyes and on seeing Peter she sat up. He gave her his hand and then lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive (vv. 36-41). And it became known throughout all Joppa and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed for many days in Joppa with one Simon the tanner. Among the Jews Tanners were culturally unclean because of the Law and so this was also an example to the Brethren. These miracles were performed by the will of God to call the brethren to the churches in the area.

Acts Chapters 6-9 (RSV)

Chapter 6

¹Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. ²And the twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. ³Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. ⁴But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." ⁵And what they said pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Proch'orus, and Nica'nor, and Ti'mon, and Par'menas, and Nicola'us, a proselyte of Antioch. ⁶These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them. ⁷And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. ⁸And Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyre'nians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cili'cia and Asia, arose and disputed with Stephen. ¹⁰But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. ¹¹Then they secretly instigated men, who said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." ¹²And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, ¹³and set up false witnesses who said, "This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law; ¹⁴for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us." ¹⁵And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Chapter 7

¹And the high priest said, "Is this so?" ²And Stephen said: "Brethren and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopota'mia, before he lived in Haran, ³and said to him, 'Depart from your land and from your kindred and go into the land which I will show you.' ⁴Then he departed from the land of the Chalde'ans, and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living; ⁵yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot's length, but promised to give it to him in possession and to his posterity after him, though he had no child. ⁶And God spoke to this effect, that his posterity would be aliens in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and ill-treat them four hundred years. ⁷'But I will judge the nation which they serve,' said God, 'and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.' ⁸And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patrarchs. ⁹"And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him, ¹⁰and rescued him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him governor over Egypt and over all his household. ¹¹Now there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food. ¹²But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent forth our fathers the first time. ¹³And at the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh. ¹⁴And Joseph sent and called to him Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five souls; ¹⁵and Jacob went down into Egypt. And he died, himself and our fathers, ¹⁶and they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. ¹⁷"But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt ¹⁸till there arose over Egypt another king who had not known Joseph. ¹⁹He dealt craftily with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, that they might not be kept alive. ²⁰At this time Moses was born, and was beautiful before God. And he was brought up for three months in his father's house; ²¹and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. ²²And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds. ²³"When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the sons of Israel. ²⁴And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking the Egyptian. ²⁵He supposed that his brethren understood that God was giving them deliverance by his hand, but they did not understand. ²⁶And on the following day he appeared to them as they were quarreling and would have reconciled them, saying, 'Men, you are brethren, why do you wrong each other?' ²⁷But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? ²⁸Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' ²⁹At this retort Moses fled, and became an exile in the land of Mid'ian, where he became the father of two sons. ³⁰"Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. ³¹When Moses saw it he wondered at the sight; and as he drew near to look, the voice of the Lord came, ³²'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.' And Moses trembled and did not dare to look. ³³And the Lord said to him, 'Take off the shoes from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. ³⁴I have surely seen the ill-treatment of my people that are in Egypt and heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.' ³⁵"This Moses whom they refused, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge?' God sent as both ruler and deliverer by the hand of the angel that appeared to him in the bush. ³⁶He led them out, having performed wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. ³⁷This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, 'God will raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as he raised me up.' ³⁸This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and he received living oracles to give to us. ³⁹Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt, ⁴⁰saying to Aaron, 'Make for us gods to go before us; as for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.' ⁴¹And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and rejoiced in the works of their hands. ⁴²But God turned and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: 'Did you offer to me slain beasts and sacrifices, forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? ⁴³And you took up the tent of Moloch, and the star of the god Rephan, the figures which you made to worship; and I will remove you beyond Babylon.' ⁴⁴"Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, even as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen. ⁴⁵Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations which God thrust out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David, ⁴⁶who found favor in the sight of God and asked leave to find a habitation for the God of Jacob. ⁴⁷But it was Solomon who built a house for him. ⁴⁸Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with hands; as the prophet says, ⁴⁹'Heaven is my throne, and earth my footstool. What house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? ⁵⁰Did not my hand make all these things?' ⁵¹"You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. ⁵²Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, ⁵³you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it." ⁵⁴Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth against him. ⁵⁵But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; ⁵⁶and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God." ⁵⁷But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together upon him. ⁵⁸Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. ⁵⁹And as they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." ⁶⁰And he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Chapter 8

¹And Saul was consenting to his death. And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the region of Judea and Sama'ria, except the apostles. ²Devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him. ³But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. ⁴Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. ⁵Philip went down to a city of Sama'ria, and proclaimed to them the Christ. ⁶And the multitudes with one accord gave heed to what was said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs which he did. ⁷For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying with a loud voice; and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. ⁸So there was much joy in that city. ⁹But there was a man named Simon who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the nation of Sama'ria, saying that he himself was somebody great. ¹⁰They all gave heed to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is that power of God which is called Great." ¹¹And they gave heed to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. ¹²But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. ¹³Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed. ¹⁴Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Sama'ria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, ¹⁵who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; ¹⁶for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁷Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. ¹⁸Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, ¹⁹saying, "Give me also this power, that any one on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." ²⁰But Peter said to him, "Your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! ²¹You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. ²²Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. ²³For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity." ²⁴And Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me." ²⁵Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans. ²⁶But an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is a desert road. ²⁷And he rose and went. And behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a minister of the Can'dace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to worship ²⁸and was returning; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. ²⁹And the Spirit said to Philip, "Go up and join this chariot." ³⁰So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" ³¹And he said, "How can I, unless some one guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. ³²Now the passage of the scripture which he was reading was this: "As a sheep led to the slaughter or a lamb before its shearer is dumb, so he opens not his mouth. ³³In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken up from the earth." ³⁴And the eunuch said to Philip, "About whom, pray, does the prophet say this, about himself or about some one else?" ³⁵Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this scripture he told him the good news of Jesus. ³⁶And as they went along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! What is to prevent my being baptized?" ³⁷* [No text] ³⁸And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. ³⁹And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught up Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. ⁴⁰But Philip was found at Azo'tus, and passing on he preached the gospel to all the towns till he came to Caesare'a.

Chapter 9

¹But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest ²and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. ³Now as he journeyed he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. ⁴And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" ⁵And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting; ⁶but rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." ⁷The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. ⁸Saul arose from the ground; and when his eyes were opened, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. ⁹And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. ¹⁰Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Anani'as. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Anani'as." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." ¹¹And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for a man of Tarsus named Saul; for behold, he is praying, ¹²and he has seen a man named Anani'as come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." ¹³But Anani'as answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to thy saints at Jerusalem; ¹⁴and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon thy name." ¹⁵But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; ¹⁶for I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." ¹⁷So Anani'as departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." ¹⁸And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized, ¹⁹and took food and was strengthened. For several days he was with the disciples at Damascus. ²⁰And in the synagogues immediately he proclaimed Jesus, saying, "He is the Son of God." ²¹And all who heard him were amazed, and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called on this name? And he has come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests." ²²But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. ²³When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, ²⁴but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night, to kill him; ²⁵but his disciples took him by night and let him down over the wall, lowering him in a basket. ²⁶And when he had come to Jerusalem he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. ²⁷But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. ²⁸So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, ²⁹preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists; but they were seeking to kill him. ³⁰And when the brethren knew it, they brought him down to Caesare'a, and sent him off to Tarsus. ³¹So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Sama'ria had peace and was built up; and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit it was multiplied. ³²Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda. ³³There he found a man named Aene'as, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. ³⁴And Peter said to him, "Aene'as, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." And immediately he rose. ³⁵And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. ³⁶Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. ³⁷In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. ³⁸Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, "Please come to us without delay." ³⁹So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. ⁴⁰But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, rise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. ⁴¹And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. ⁴²And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. ⁴³ And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.

Bullinger’s Notes on Acts Chs. 6-9 (for KJV)

Chapter 6

Verse 1

murmuring. Greek. gongusmos An onomatopoeic word. Here, John 7:12. Philippians 2:14; 1 Peter 4:9.

Grecians = Greek-speaking Jews. Greek. Hellenistes.

neglected = being overlooked. Greek. paratheoreo. Compare App-133. Only here.

daily. Greek. kathemerinos. Only here.

ministration = ministering. App-190. It was the relief of Acts 2:44, Acts 2:45.

Verse 2

reason pleasing. Greek. arestos. Occurs also Acts 12:3. John 8:29. 1 John 3:22.

word. App-121.

God. App-98.

serve. App-190.

tables. i.e. the business of distribution. Figure of speech Idioma. App-6.

Verse 3

look ye out. App-133.

among = from. App-104.

seven. App-10.

men. Greek. aner. App-123.

of honest report. Literally witnessed to, or attested. Greek. martureo. Compare Hebrews 11:2, Hebrews 11:4, Hebrews 11:5, Hebrews 11:39, Revised Version.

the Holy Ghost. App-101. The texts omit "Holy". Compare Acts 6:10.

over. App-104.

business = need. Greek. chreia, as in Acts 2:45; Acts 4:35.

Verse 4

give ourselves continually. Greek. proskartereo, as in Acts 1:14.

prayer. App-134.

ministry. App-190.

Verse 5

saying. Greek. logos, as in Acts 6:2.

Stephen. Greek. Stephanos = a crown. All the names are Greek. These are called the seven deacons, but the word diakonos is not used in the Acts. See App-190. Besides Stephen, Philip is the only one of whom anything is recorded (Acts 8:5; Acts 21:8).

faith. App-150.

proselyte. See note on Matthew 23:15.

Antioch. In Syria.

Verse 6

before = in the presence of apostles. App-189.

prayed. App-131.

laid, &c. Compare Numbers 27:18-23.

Verse 7

company = crowd. Greek. ochlos.

the faith, i.e. in the Name. Compare Acts 3:16.

Verse 8

faith. The texts read "grace". App-184.

power. App-172.

wonders. App-176.

miracles = signs. App-176.

people. See note on Acts 2:47.

Verse 9

arose. App-178.

certain. App-123.

of = out of. App-104.

synagogue. App-120.

Libertines. During the Civil Wars many Jews had been enslaved, and afterwards set free by their masters. A manumitted slave was called libertinus. These were probably the descendants of such freedmen who had returned to Jerusalem, after the decree of Tiberius expelling the Jews from Rome about 20 A.D.

of = from. App-104.

Cilicia. A province of Asia Minor, of which Tarsus was the capital. See Acts 21:39. Probably Saul was one of these disputers.

disputing. Greek. suzeteo, generally translated "question". Compare Mark 1:27; Mark 8:11; Mark 9:10, Mark 9:14, Mark 9:16.

Verse 10

able = strong enough See Acts 15:10.

resist. Greek. anthistemi. Compare Luke 21:15.

spirit. See note on Acts 6:3.

spake. App-121.

Verse 11

suborned. Greek. hupoballo. Only here.

blasphemous. Greek. blasphemos. Here, Acts 6:13. 1 Timothy 1:13. 2 Timothy 3:2. 2 Peter 2:11.

words. Greek. rhema. See note on Mark 9:32.

Moses. See note on Acts 3:22. Here meaning the Law.

Verse 12

stirred up. Greek. sunkineo. Only here. Frequent in medical works.

elders, &c. See note on Acts 4:5, and App-189.

caught = violently seized. Greek. sunarpazo. Only here, Acts 19:29; Acts 27:15, and Luke 8:29.

council. See note on Acts 4:15.

Verse 13

witnesses. Greek. martur. See Acts 1:8.

man. App-123.

Verse 14

Jesus. App-98.

of Nazareth = the Nazarene. Compare Acts 2:22; Acts 3:6; Acts 4:10.

shall = will.

destroy. Greek. kataluo. Compare Acts 5:38, Acts 5:39.

this place, i.e. the temple, in one of the courts of which the Sanhedrin was sitting.

change. Greek. allasso. Here; Romans 1:23. 1 Corinthians 15:51, 1 Corinthians 15:52. Galatians 1:4, Galatians 1:20. Hebrews 1:12.

customs. Greek. ethos. Hence Engl, "ethics". Occurs twelve times. All in Luke and Acts, except John 19:40. Hebrews 10:25.

Verse 15

looking stedfastly = fastening their eyes. App-133. Compare Acts 1:10.

saw. App-133.

as it had been = as if.

Chapter 7

Verse 1

Are these things so = If (App-118. a) these things are so.

Verse 2

Men. App-123. Compare Acts 1:11.

God. App-98.

glory. See p. 1511. This is the genitive of character. App-17. Compare Psalms 29:3, and note the seven other similar expressions, "the God of comfort" (Romans 15:5. 2 Corinthians 1:3), "hope" (Romans 15:13), "love" (2 Corinthians 13:11), "patience" (Romans 15:5), "peace" (Romans 15:33, &c), "all grace" (1 Peter 5:10), and "truth" (Deuteronomy 32:4, &c).

appeared unto = was seen by. Greek. optomai. App-106.

dwelt = settled. Greek. katoikeo. See note on Acts 2:6.

Charran = Haran (Genesis 11:31).

Verse 3

unto. Greek. pros. App-104.

country = land. Greek. ge. App-129.

from = out of. Greek. ek, as above.

kindred. Greek. sungeneia. Only here, Acts 7:14, and Luke 1:61.

come = hither. Greek. deuro.

land. Greek. ge, as above.

Verse 4

when = after that. Greek. meta. App-104. It was Abraham, not Terah, who had been called (Genesis 12:1), and therefore Terah could get no farther than Haran. There was a long sojourn in Haran of twenty-five years. See App-50. pp Acts 51:52.

removed him. Greek. metoikizo = to cause to change one"s abode. Only here and Acts 7:43. In the Septuagint in 1 Chronicles 5:6. Amos 5:27, &c. wherein = into (Greek. eis. App-104.) which, i.e. into which ye came and now dwell there.

Verse 5

none = not (Greek. ou. App-105) any.

no, not, &c. = not even (Greek. oude). Figure of speech Epitasis. App-6.

to set his foot on = a place (Greek. bema. See note on John 19:13) for a foot.

promised. Reference to Genesis 13:15.

possession. Greek. kataschesis. Only here and Acts 7:45.

no = not any, as above.

child. Greek. teknon. App-108.

Verse 6

spake. Greek. laleo. App-121. Quoted from Genesis 15:13, Genesis 15:14.

sojourn = be a stranger. Greek. paroikos. Here, Acts 7:29. Ephesians 2:19. 1 Peter 2:11. The verb paroikeo, only in Luke 24:18. Hebrews 11:9.

strange = foreign. Greek. allotrios. App-124.

bring them into bondage = enslave them. Greek. douloo. App-190.

entreat them evil = wrong them. Greek. kakoo. Compare App-128. Here, Acts 7:19; Acts 12:1; Acts 14:2; Acts 18:10. 1 Peter 3:13.

four hundred years. See note on Exodus 12:40.

Verse 7

nation. Greek. ethnos. See note on Acts 4:25, Acts 4:27.

to whom, &c. = whom they shall serve. Greek. douleuo. App-190.

judge. Greek. krino. App-122.

that = these things.

serve = worship. Greek. latreuo. App-137. Compare Exodus 3:12.

Verse 8

covenant. Greek. diatheke. See note on Matthew 26:28.

patriarchs. See note on Acts 2:29.

Verse 9

moved with envy = being jealous. Greek. zeloo. Compare the noun zelos, Acts 5:17.

Verse 10

delivered. Greek. exaireo. Here, Acts 7:34; Acts 12:11; Acts 23:27; Acts 26:17. Matthew 5:29; Matthew 18:9. Galatians 1:1, Galatians 1:4.

afflictions = tribulations. Greek. thlipsis. Compare Psalms 105:17-19.

favour = grace. Greek. charis. App-184.

in the sight of = before. Greek. enantion.

Verse 11

the land of. Omit.

sustenance. Greek. chortasma. Only here. Compare the verb chortazo = to fill. First occurance Matthew 5:6.

Verse 12

corn. Greek. sita, an irregular plural of sitos, the word used elsewhere in N.T. and Septuagint. The texts read sitia, from sition, a word much used by medical writers.

sent out. Greek. exapostello. App-174.

first = the first time.

Verse 13

at = in. Greek. en. App-104.

made known. Greek. anagnorizomai. Only here. Compare App-132.

kindred = race. Greek. genos.

was made known = became (Greek. ginomai) manifest (Greek. phaneros. App-106.) See Genesis 45:16.

unto = to.

Verse 14

sent. Greek. apostello. App-174.

called . . . to him. Greek. metakaleomai. Here, Acts 10:32; Acts 20:17; Acts 24:25. meta in composition expresses the idea of change.

threescore, &c. This included Jacob"s kindred. See note on Genesis 46:26.

souls. Greek. psuche. App-110.

Verse 15

died = came to his end. Greek. teleutao.

Verse 16

carried over = removed. Greek. metatithemi. Only here; Galatians 1:1, Galatians 1:6. Hebrews 7:12; Hebrews 11:5, Hebrews 11:6. Jude 1:4.

Sychem = Shechem (Genesis 50:5). See App-187.

sepulchre. Greek. mnema. See note on Acts 2:29.

bought. Greek. oneomai. Only here.

of = from. Greek. para.

sons. Greek. huios. App-108.

Verse 17

when = as soon as.

promise. Greek. epangelia. See note on Acts 1:4.

people. Greek. laos. See note on Acts 2:47.

Verse 18

another. Greek. heteros. App-124.

king. See App-188.

arose. Greek. anistemi. App-178.

knew. Greek. oida. App-132.

Verse 19

The same = This one.

dealt subtilly with. Greek. katasophizomai. Only here. In Septuagint "deal wisely", Exodus 1:10.

cast out = caused to he exposed (Greek. ekthetos. Only here).

young children = babes. Greek. brephos. App-108.

to the end. Greek. eis.

live = be born alive, or preserved alive. Greek. zoogoneo. Only here and Luke 17:33. See also 1 Timothy 6:13. In Septuagint in Exodus 1:17, Exodus 1:18, Exodus 1:22, &c.

Verse 20

Moses. See note on Acts 8:22.

exceeding fair = fair to God. Figure of speech Idioma. App-6.

fair. Greek. asteios. Only here and Hebrews 11:23. The word used in Exodus 2:2, Septuagint

nourished up. Greek. anatrepho. Only here, Acts 7:21 with Acts 22:3. A word common in medical writers.

Verse 21

cast out. Greek. ektithemi, verb of ekthetos, in Acts 7:19. Only here, Acts 11:4; Acts 18:26; Acts 28:23.

took . . . up. Greek. anaireo. Generally translated "kill", i.e. take away (by death). See Acts 7:28; Acts 2:23; Acts 5:33, Acts 5:36, &c.

her own son = a son for herself.

Verse 22

learned = educated. Greek. paideuo.

in all, &c. This included the mysteries of the Egyptian religion, as all education was in the hands of the priests.

words. Greek. logos. App-121.

deeds = works. Figure of speech Syntheton. App-6.

Verse 23

he was, &c. Literally a period (Greek. chronos) of forty years (Greek. tessarakontaetes. Only here and Acts 13:18) was fulfilled. Greek. pleroo. App-125.

into = upon. Greek. epi. App-104.

visit. Greek. episkeptomai. App-133.

children = sons. Greek. huios as in Acts 7:16.

Verse 24

seeing. Greek. eidon. App-133.

suffer wrong = being wronged. Greek. adikeo. Compare App-128.

defended. Greek. amunomai. Only here.

avenged = took vengeance (Greek. ekdikesis. Here, Luke 18:7, Luke 18:8; Luke 21:22. Romans 12:19. 2 Corinthians 7:11. 2 Thessalonians 1:8. Hebrews 10:30. 1 Peter 2:14) for.

him that was oppressed = the oppressed one. Greek. kataponeomai. Only here and 2 Peter 2:7.

and smote = having smitten.

Verse 25

would have. Omit.

deliver them = give them salvation.

Verse 26

next = following. Greek. epeimi. Only here, Acts 16:11; Acts 20:15; Acts 21:18; Acts 23:11. See note on Matthew 6:11.

shewed himself. Greek. optomai, as in Acts 7:2.

strove = fought. Greek. machomai. Only here, John 6:52. 2 Timothy 2:24. James 4:2.

would have set them = was driving them together. Greek. sunelauno. Only here. But the texts read "was reconciling them", Greek. sunallasso.

at one = into (Greek. eis. App-104.) peace.

again. Omit.

Sirs = Men. Greek. aner. App-123. The plural andres is translated "Sirs" six times, all in Acts, here, Acts 14:15; Acts 19:25; Acts 27:10, Acts 27:21, Acts 27:25.

do ye wrong one to another = wrong ye one another. Greek. adikeo, as in Acts 7:24.

Verse 27

thrust him away. Greek. apotheomai. Only here. Acts 7:39; Acts 13:46. Romans 11:1, Romans 11:2; 1 Timothy 1:19.

judge. Greek. dikastes. Only here, Acts 7:35. Luke 12:14. Compare App-177.

Verse 28

Wilt thou = Thou dost not (App-105) wish (App-102); me is used with questions, where a negative answer is expected.

kill. Greek. anaireo, as in Acts 7:21.

diddest = killedst.

Verse 29

saying. Greek. logos, as in Acts 7:22.

stranger. Greek. paroikos. Same as "sojourn" in Acts 7:6.

Madian = Midian. See Exodus 2:15; Exodus 3:1.

Verse 30

expired = fulfilled. Greek. pleroo, as in Acts 7:23.

of the Lord. The texts omit.

of fire in a bush = of a burning bush. Figure of speech Antimereia. App-6.

Verse 31

sight. Greek. horama. Occurs twelve times, all in Acts, except in Matthew 17:9. Always trans, "vision", except here. Not the same word as in Acts 2:17.

behold = inspect, or consider. Greek. katanoeo. App-133.

the Lord. App-98.

unto him. The texts omit. The quotations are from Exodus 3:32

Verse 32

God. The texts omit the third and fourth occurance of the word in this verse.

trembled = became trembling (Greek. entromos. Only here, Acts 16:29. Hebrews 12:21).

Verse 33

thy shoes, &c. = the sandal of thy feet.

where = in (Greek. en) which, but the texts read epi.

ground. Greek. ge. App-129.

Verse 34

I have seen, I have seen. A Hebraism. Figure of speech Polyptoton. App-6. Literally Seeing, I saw.

affliction = wrong. Greek. kakosis. Only here. Compare Kakoo, verses: Acts 7:6, Acts 7:19.

groaning. Greek. stenagmos. Only here and Romans 8:26.

Verse 35

deliverer = redeemer. Greek. lutroes. Only here. Compare lutron, ransom (Matthew 20:28. Mark 10:45); lutroo, redeem (Luke 24:21. Titus 2:14. 1 Peter 1:18); lutrosis, redemption (Luke 1:68; Luke 2:38. Hebrews 9:12).

by = in. Greek. en, but the texts read sun.

Verse 36

He = This one.

shewed. Literally done. See Deuteronomy 31:2; Deuteronomy 34:7.

wonders. Greek. teras. App-176.

signs. Greek. semeion. App-176.

Verse 37

that = the.

A Prophet. Quoted from Deuteronomy 18:15. Compare Acts 3:22.

your. The texts omit.

raise up. Greek. anistemi. App-178.

like unto = as.

Him shall ye hear. The texts omit, but not the Syriac.

Verse 38

church. App-186.

lively = living. Figure of speech Idioma. App-6.

oracles = utterances. Greek. logion. Only here; Romans 3:2. Hebrews 5:12. 1 Peter 4:11.

Verse 39

would. App-102.

obey = be obedient (Greek. hupekoos. Only here; 2 Corinthians 2:9. Philippians 1:2, Philippians 1:8).

from them = away.

Verse 40

gods. App-98.

to go before. Greek. proporeuomai. Only here and Luke 1:76.

wot = know. App-132.

is become of = has come (to).

Verse 41

made a calf Greek. moschopoieo, a compound word, meaning "were calf-making" Only here.

idol. Greek. eidolon. The first of eleven occurances. Only word so rendered.

rejoiced = were rejoicing. Greek. euphraino. Same word as in Acts 2:26.

Verse 42

worship. Same word as "serve" in Acts 7:7.

host = army. Greek. stratia. Only here and Luke 2:13.

heaven = the heaven. See note on Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10.

as = even as.

is = has been.

the = a.

ye. Omit.

have ye offered = did ye offer. This question is introduced by me, as in Acts 7:28.

slain beasts. Greek. sphagion. Only here. Compare sphage, Acts 8:32.

Verse 43

Yea, ye = Ye even.

tabernacle. Greek. skene, tent.

Remphan. See notes on Amos 5:25-27, from which this quotation is taken. It follows the Septuagint very closely. App-107.

figures. Greek. tupos. See note on John 20:25 (print). Romans 5:14.

worship. Greek. proskuneo. App-137.

carry . . . away. Greek. metoikizo, as in Acts 7:4.

beyond. Greek. epekeina. Only here.

Babylon. Amos says "Damascus". See note there. The stages of captivity were: Syrian, to Damascus; Assyrian, beyond Damascus to Mesopotamia; Babylonian, to Babylon and beyond, and now they were to be carried to the uttermost parts of the earth.

Verse 44

witness = testimony. Greek. marturion, as in Acts 4:33. See Exodus 25:16; Exodus 26:33; Exodus 30:6, Revelation 15:5.

had appointed = arranged.

according to. Greek. kata. App-104.

fashion Greek. tupos, as in Acts 7:43.

seen. Greek. horao. App-133. Compare Exodus 26:30; Exodus 27:8. Hebrews 8:5.

Verse 45

also. This should he read after "brought in".

came after = received in succession. Greek. diadechomai. Only here. Revised Version "in their turn".

Jesus = Joshua. Compare Hebrews 4:8. The Hebrew means "Jehovah the Saviour". See note on Joshua 1:1.

Gentiles. Greek. ethnos, same as nation, Acts 7:7.

drave out = thrust out. Greek. exotheo. Only here and Acts 27:39. Compare Acts 7:27.

before = from. Greek. apo. App-104.

unto = until. Greek. heos.

David. Like Joseph, David was rejected, and tested by affliction before God gave him deliverance.

Verse 46

before = in the eyes of. Greek. enopion.

desired = asked. Greek. aiteo. App-134. See 2 Samuel 7:2, 2 Samuel 7:3.

tabernacle. Greek. skenoma. Only here and 2 Peter 1:13, 2 Peter 1:14. Not the same as in Acts 7:44. Revised Version reads "habitation". Compare Psalms 132:5.

Verse 47

Solomon. Stephen does not enlarge upon the history of either David or Solomon, probably because he saw the gathering storm on the faces of his audience.

Verse 48

Howbeit, &c. Read, "But not the Most High in hand-made temples dwelleth". The "not"stands first by Figure of speech Anastrophe. App-6.

the Most High. Greek. hupsistos. This, as a title of Deity, occurs nine times. See Luke 1:32.

Temples. The texts omit.

made with hands. Greek. cheiropoietos. Here, Acts 17:34. Mark 14:58. Ephesians 2:11. Hebrews 9:11, Hebrews 9:24.

Verse 49

earth. Greek. ge, as in Acts 7:3.

My footstool = the footstool of my feet, as in Acts 2:35. Compare Matthew 5:35, and see note on Matthew 22:44.

what = what kind of.

rest. Greek. katapausis. Only here; Hebrews 3:11, Hebrews 3:18; Hebrews 4:1, Hebrews 4:3, Hebrews 4:3, Hebrews 4:5, Hebrews 4:10, Hebrews 4:11.

Verse 50

not. Greek. ouchi. App-105. Freely quoted from Isaiah 66:1, Isaiah 66:2.

Verse 51

stiffrieoked. Greek. sklerotrachelos. Only here in NT., but in Sept, in Exodus 33:3, Exodus 33:5; Exodus 33:34, Exodus 33:9. Deuteronomy 9:6, Deuteronomy 9:13. Compare Deuteronomy 31:27. 2 Chronicles 30:8. Proverbs 29:1. This is an instance of Figure of speech Ecphonesis. App-6.

uncircumcised. Greek. aperitmetos. Only here.

resist = fall against. Greek. antipipto. Only here.

the Holy Ghost. App-101. This verse is quoted in support of the idea that men can successfully withstand the Spirit, instead of stumbling at His words. Compare Matthew 21:44.

Verse 52

have, &c. = did . . . persecute.

have slain = slew.

shewed before. Greek. prokatangello. See Acts 3:18.

coming. Greek. eleusis. Only here. the Just One. Greek. dikaios. App-191. Compare Acts 3:14; Acts 22:14. 1 John 2:1.

have been = became.

the. Omit.

betrayers. Greek. prodotes. Here, Luke 6:16. 2 Timothy 3:4.

Verse 53

have. Omit.

by = unto. Greek. eis. App-104.

disposition. Greek. diatage. Only here and Romans 13:2. The Syriac reads, "by the precept". Compare Acts 7:38 and Galatians 1:3, Galatians 1:19.

have, &c. = guarded it not.

Verse 54

cut. Greek. diapriomai, as in Acts 5:33.

gnashed, &c. = were gnashing their teeth on him. Greek. brucho Only here. An onomatopoeic word, like brugmos. Matthew 8:12, &c. Both are medical words.

Verse 55

being. Greek. huparcho. See note on Luke 9:48.

the Holy Ghost No article. App-101.

looked up stedfastly. Greek. atenizo. App-133. He was probably in one of the Temple courts, open to the sky.

Jesus. App-98.

right hand Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6.

Verse 56

Behold Greek. idou, App-133.:2. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.

see = behold. Greek. theoreo. App-133.

the heavens. Plural See note on Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10.

opened. Greek. anoigo, but the texts read "dianoigo", thrown open.

Son of Man. App-98. The eighty-fifth occurance. Only here in Acts, and the only place where He is so named by man. In John 12:34, the Lord"s own words are repeated in a question.

Verse 57

loud = great, i.e. the shout of the crowd in indignation.

stopped = held tight. Greek. sunecho. See Luke 4:38.

ran = rushed.

with one accord. Greek. homothumadon. See note on Acts 1:14.

Verse 58

out of = without. Greek. exo. Compare Leviticus 24:14. The charge was blasphemy, as in the case of his Master. Compare Hebrews 13:13.

stoned him = kept easting stones at him. Greek. lithoboleo. Compare Mark 12:4.

witnesses. See note on Acts 1:8. In accordance with the law they had to cast the first stone (Deuteronomy 17:7).

young man. Greek. neanias. Only here, Acts 20:9; Acts 23:17, Acts 23:18, Acts 23:22. He was probably about thirty-three years of age. Neanias was the next period to neaniskos (App-108. x), but the limits are very uncertain.

Saul. Greek. Saulos. Compare Acts 22:20.

Verse 59

calling upon. There is no Ellipsis of the word God. See Revised Version. Stephen called upon and invoked the Lord.

spirit. App-101.

Verse 60

kneeled down. Literally "placed the knees", an expression used in Luke (Acts 22:41) and Acts (here, Acts 9:40; Acts 20:36; Acts 21:5), and once in Mark (Acts 15:19). In the Epistles we read "bow the knee". Ephesians 3:14.

sin. Greek. hamartia. App-128

to their charge = to them

fell asleep. Greek. koimaomai. App-171.

Chapter 8

Verse 1

consenting unto = approving of. Greek. suneu-dokeo. Only here, Acts 22:20. Luke 11:48. Romans 1:32. 1 Corinthians 7:12, 1 Corinthians 7:13. Compare John 16:2

death. Greek. anairesis = taking off. Only here and Acts 22:20 Compare anaireo, Acts 2:23, &c. This clause belongs to the previous chapter.

at = en. App-104

time = day

was = arose

church. App-186

scattered abroad. Greek. diaspeiro. Only here, Acts 8:4; Acts 11:19. Compare diaspora. James 1:1. 1 Peter 1:1

throughout. Greek. kata. App-104

regions = districts

except. Greek. plen.

the apostles. They remained at the center of affairs, to watch over the infant assemblies Compare Acts 8:14. See App-189

Verse 2

devout. Greek. eulabes. See note on Acts 2:5.

carried . . . to his burial. Literally carried away together Greek. sunkomizo Only here.

lamentation. Greek. kopetos. Only here.

Verse 3

As for = But.

made havock of. Greek. lumainoimai. Only here

every house. Greek. kata App-104tous oikous = house by house

haling = dragging Gr. suro. See note on John 21:8.

women. Compare Acts 1:14; Acts 5:14.

prison. Greek. phulake. See Acts 5:19

Verse 4

Therefore, &c. = They therefore indeed.

went every where. Lit passed through. Greek. dierchomai. Occ forty-three times, thirty-one times in Luke and Acts.

preaching. Greek. euangelizo. App-121.

word. Greek. logos. App-121.

Verse 5

preached. Greek. kerusso. App-121.

Christ. i.e. the Messiah App-98.

unto = to

Verse 6

people = crowds. Greek. ochlos.

with one accord. Greek. homothumadon. See note on Acts 1:14.

gave heed. Same word as "take heed in Acts 5:35, and "attended" in Acts 16:14.

which Philip spake = spoken by hupo. App-104Philip.

hearing, &c. Literally in that they heard and saw (Greek. blepo. App-133)

miracles = Greek. semeion. App-176

did = was doing

Verse 7

spirits. App-101

taken with palsies = paralytic. Greek. paraluomai. Only here, Acts 9:33, Luke 5:18, Luke 5:24. Hebrews 12:12. (feeble)

healed. Greek. therapeuo. App-137

Verse 8

was = came to be.

Verse 9

certain. Greek. tis. App-123.

called. Literally by name

beforetime . . . used sorcery Literally before was (Greek. prouparcho Luke 23:12) practicing magic (Greek. mageuo, to act as a magos. Only here. Compare Acts 13:6, Acts 13:8. Matthew 2:1, Matthew 2:7, Matthew 2:16).

same. Omit

and bewitched = bewitching Greek. existemi, to drive out of one"s senses. In middle voice, to be amazed. Compare Acts 2:7, Acts 2:12. Mark 3:21, 2 Corinthians 5:13

people. Greek. ethnos, nation

giving out = saying

some = a certain tis. App-123

Verse 10

from. Greek. apo. App-104.

least, &c. Literally little unto great.

This man = This one.

power. Greek. dunamis. App-172.

God App-98. He thus assumed to be the Divine Logos. Compare 1 Corinthians 1:24.

Verse 11

had regard. Same word as "gave heed" in verses: Acts 8:6; Acts 8:10.

because that . . . he had. Literally because of (Greek. dia. App-104. Acts 8:2) their having been bewitched by.

sorceries = magical arts. Greek. mageia. Only here. Compare mageuo, Acts 8:9.

Verse 12

believed. App-150.

the things. The texts omit.

concerning. Greek. peri. App-104.

the kingdom of God. App-112and App-114.

name. Compare Acts 3:6.

Jesus Christ. App-98.

baptized. App-115.

Verse 13

believed also = also believed. App-150.

continued = was continuing. Greek. proskartereo. See note on Acts 1:14.

wondered = was amazed, or dumbfounded. Middle of existemi. Compare "bewitched", Acts 8:9.

beholding. Greek. theoreo. App-133.

miracles. Greek. dunamis. App-176.

signs. Greek. semeion. App-176. The Authorized Version reverses the translation here. "Miracles and signs" should be "signs and powers, or mighty works". The texts add "great".

Verse 14

sent. Greek. apostello. App-174.

Verse 15

prayed. Greek. proseuchomai. App-134.

for = concerning. Greek. peri, as in Acts 8:12.

the Holy Ghost = holy spirit. Greek. pneuma hagion. No article. App-101.

Verse 16

none = no one. Greek. oudeis. There is a double negative in the sentence.

were = had been. Greek. huparcho See Luke 9:48.

baptized in = baptized into. App-115.

Jesus. App-98. See App-185.

Verse 17

on = upon. Greek. epi. App-104.

received = were receiving, i.e. continuing to receive.

Verse 18

saw. Greek. theaomai. App-133. The texts read eidon. App-133.

through. Greek. dia. App-104. Acts 8:1.

the Holy Ghost. to pneuma to hagion. Both articles, because referring to what has been already spoken of in Acts 8:15.

was = is.

Verse 19

power = authority. Greek. exousia. App-172.

that = in order that. Greek. hina.

Verse 20

perish. Literally be unto (Greek. eis) destruction (Greek. apoleia). See John 17:12. Peter"s indignant words are an instance of Figure of speech Apodioxis. App-6.

with. Greek. sun. App-104.

that, &c. = to purchase.

gift = free gift. Greek. dorea. See Acts 2:38.

with = through. Greek. diet. App-104. Acts 8:1.

Verse 21

neither = not. Greek. ou.

lot. Greek. kleros. Compare Acts 1:17, Acts 1:25, Acts 1:26.

matter = reckoning, or account. Greek. logos. App-121.

not. Greek. ou, as above.

in the sight of = in the eyes of. Greek. enopion. But the texts read enanti, before.

Verse 22

Repent. Greek. metanoeo. App-111.

of = from. Greek. apo.

wickedness. Greek. kakia. App-128.

pray. Greek. deomai. App-134.

God. App-98. The texts read "Lord".

if. Greek. ei. App-118.

thought. Greek. epinoia. Only here.

may = shall.

forgiven. Greek. aphiemi. App-174.

Verse 23

perceive = see. Greek. horao. App-133.

gall. Greek. chole. Only here and Matthew 27:34. Compare Deuteronomy 29:18.

bitterness. Greek. pikria. Here, Romans 3:14. Ephesians 4:31. Hebrews 12:15.

bond. Greek. sundesmos. Here, Ephesians 4:3. Colossians 2:19; Colossians 3:14. A medical word for a ligature.

iniquity. Greek. adikia. App-128.

Verse 24

answered, &c. App-122.

to. Greek. pros.

none = not one. Greek. medeis.

upon. Greek. epi. App-104. From this incident comes the term "simony" for traffic in sacred things.

Verse 25

And they. Literally They indeed therefore.

testified. Greek. diamarturomai, i.e. fulfilled their testimony. Compare Acts 2:40.

preached = spoke. Greek. laleo. App-121.

preached the gospel in = evangelized. Greek. euangelizo. App-121.

villages. Once John had wished to call down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village. Luke 9:54.

Verse 26

And = But.

the = an.

spake. Greek. laleo, as Acts 8:25.

Arise. Greek. anistemi. App-178.

towards = down to. Greek. kata. App-104.

unto. Greek. epi.

unto. Greek. eis. App-104.

Gaza. One of the five cities of the Philistines; destroyed by Alexander.

Verse 27

behold. Greek. idou. App-133.

of great authority = a potentate. Greek. dunastes. App-98.

under = of.

Candace. A title of the queens of Ethiopia. Compare Pharaoh.

queen. Greek. basilissa. Only here, Matthew 12:42. Luke 11:31. Revelation 18:7.

had the charge of = was over (Greek. epi. App-104.)

treasure. Greek. gaza. Only here.

worship. Greek. proskuneo. App-137.

Verse 28

in = upon. Greek. epi. App-104.

Verse 29

Then = And.

the Spirit, i.e. the angel. App-101.

join thyself. Greek. kollaomai. See note on Acts 5:13.

Verse 30

And. Same as "Then", Acts 8:29.

ran thither to him, and. Literally having run up.

Understandest. Greek. ginosko. App-132. Figure of speech Paregmenon. App-6. "Read" is anaginosko.

Verse 31

except. Literally If (App-118.) . . . not (App-105).

some man = some one. Greek. tis. App-123.

guide me = lead me in the way. Greek. hodegeo. Only here, Matthew 15:14. Luke 6:39. John 16:13. Revelation 7:17.

desired = besought. Greek. parakaleo. App-134.

Verse 32

The place = Now the context. Greek. perioche. Only here. Quoted from Isaiah 53:7, almost word for word from the Septuagint

slaughter. Greek. sphage. Only here, Romans 8:36. James 5:5.

lamb. Greek. amnos. See note on John 1:29.

dumb. Greek. aphonos, voiceless. Only here, 1 Corinthians 12:2; 1 Corinthians 14:10. 2 Peter 2:16. The usual word in the Gospels is kophos.

his shearer = the one shearing (Greek. keiro) him.

Verse 33

humiliation = low estate. Referring to the whole period of His life on earth. Greek. tapeinosis. Only here, Luke 1:48. Philippians 1:3, Philippians 1:21. James 1:10.

judgment. Greek. krisis. App-177.

declare = tell. Greek. diegeomai. Only here, Acts 9:27; Acts 12:17. Mark 5:16; Mark 9:9. Luke 8:39; Luke 9:10. Hebrews 11:32.

generation = posterity. Greek. genea. Compare Matthew 1:17. See also Daniel 9:26, "have nothing" (Revised Version) John 12:24, "alone".

for = because.

life. Greek. zoe. App-170.

earth. Greek. ge. App-129.

Verse 35

Then = But.

opened his mouth. A Hebraism. Figure of speech Idioma. App-6.

at = from. Greek. apo. App-104.

the same = this.

Verse 36

On = down. Greek. kata. App-104.

See = Behold. Greek. idou. App-133.

Verse 37

Most texts omit this verse. The Revised Version puts it in the margin.

with = out of. Greek. ek.

Son. Greek. huios. App-108. See also App-98.

Verse 38

into. Greek. eis.

Verse 39

Out of. Greek. ek. App-104.

saw. Greek. eidon. App-133.

no more. Greek. ouk ouketi, a double negative.

and = for. Supply ellipsis, taught by the Spirit, he needed him not.

went on his way = went his way.

rejoicing. Compare Acts 8:8.

Verse 40

was found = was carried to, and found. A constructioproegnans.

at = to. Greek. eis. App-104.

Azotus. = Ashdod. See Joshua 11:22.

till. Greek. heos.

Caeserea. Not Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13), but the place on the coast, between Carmel and Joppa. It was built by Herod, and called Caesarea Sebaste, in honour of Augustus (Greek. Sebastoa) Caesar. Herod built a mole or breakwater, so as to make a harbour (Josephus, Antiquities XVI, 8, 1). Now a ruin.

Chapter 9

Verse 1

And = But, or Now.

breathing out. Greek. empneo. Only here.

threatenings. Greek. apeile. See Acts 4:17.

slaughter = murder. Greek. phonos. Occurs ten times. Always translates, murder, except here and Hebrews 11:37.

against. Greek. eis. App-104.

unto = to.

Verse 2

desired. Greek. aiteo. App-134.

Damascus. Probably the oldest city in the world. First mentioned in Genesis 14:15. Founded before Baal-bee and Palmyra, has outlived them both. In David"s time a garrison town (2 Samuel 8:6). Rebelled against Solomon (1 Kings 11:24). Many interesting events connected with it See 2 Kings 8:7-15; 2 Kings 14:28; 2 Kings 16:9, 2 Kings 16:10; 2 Chronicles 24:23. Isaiah 7:8, &c.

of this way = being of the way. Note the term "the way" to describe the faith of the believers. See Acts 18:25, Acts 18:26; Acts 19:9, Acts 19:23; Acts 22:4; Acts 24:14, Acts 24:22, and compare John 14:6.

whether they were = both.

men. Greek. aner. App-123.

women. Compare Acts 8:3.

unto. Greek. eis. App-104.

Verse 3

as he journeyed. Literally in (Greek. en. App-104.) the journeying.

he came near = it came to pass that he drew nigh.

suddenly. Greek. exaiphnes. Occurs here, Acts 22:6, Mark 13:36. Luke 2:13; Luke 9:39.

shined round about = flashed around. Greek. periastrapto Only here and Acts 22:6. Compound of peri, around, and astrapto, to lighten. (See Luke 17:24; Luke 24:4. Compare Matthew 28:3.)

light. Greek. phos. App-130.

from. Greek. apo. App-104. but texts read ek.

heaven, singular. See Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10.

Verse 4

fell . . . and = falling.

earth. Greek. ge. App-129.

voice. Greek. phone. Same as "sound", Acts 2:6.

Saul, Saul. Up to Acts 13:9, the Greek form Saulos is used in the narrative, but here, 17; Acts 13:21; Acts 22:7, Acts 22:13; Acts 26:14, the Hebrew Saoul is found. Figure of speech Epizeuxis. App-6. See Genesis 22:11.

Verse 5

the Lord. The texts read "He".

Jesus. App-98.

it is hard, &c. The texts omit "it is hard", &c. to "unto him", in the middle of Acts 9:6. The words were probably supplied from the personal narrative in Acts 26:14.

Verse 6

Arise. Greek. anistemi. App-178.

into. Greek. eis. App-104.

told. Greek. laleo. App-121.

Verse 7

journeyed with. Greek. sunodeuo. Only here.

speechless. Greek. enneos or eneos. Only here in N.T., but found in Septuagint Proverbs 17:28 (holdeth his peace) and Isaiah 56:10 (dumb).

hearing. The companions of Saul heard the sound of the voice, but did not distinguish the words spoken. Compare Acts 22:9. This is expressed by the word "voice" (phone) being in the genitive case here, and in the accusative case in Acts 9:4. Compare John 12:28-30.

seeing. Greek. theoreo. App-133.:11.

no man = no one. Greek. medeis.

Verse 8

arose = was raised up. Greek. egeiro. App-178.

saw. Greek. blepo. App-133.

no man = no one. Greek. oudeis. The texts read "nothing".

led . . . and = leading him by the hand. Greek. cheiragogeo. Only here and Acts 22:11. Compare Acts 13:11.

Verse 9

without slight = not (Greek. me) seeing (Greek. blepo. App-133.)

neither = not. Greek. ou. App-105.

Verse 10

certain. Greek. tis. App-123.

named = by name.

vision. See note on Acts 7:31.

Behold. Greek. idou. App-133. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.

Verse 11

street = lane. Greek. rhume. Here, Acts 12:10. Matthew 6:2. Luke 14:21.

Straight. It ran direct from the W. gate to the E. gate. In oriental cities such would be the bazaar.

enquire = seek. Greek. zeteo.

one, &c. = a Tarsean, Saul by name. Tarsus was the capital of Cilicia. Saul was doubtless one of those who disputed with Stephen (Acts 6:9).

prayeth. Greek. proseuchomai. App-134.

Verse 12

hath seen = saw. Greek. eidon. App-133.

receive his sight. Greek. anablepo. App-133.

Verse 13

by = from. Greek. apo. App-104.

Of = concerning. Greek. peri. App-104.

how much evil = how many evil things. Greek. kakos. App-128.

saints = holy, or separated, ones. Greek. hagios. Compare Psalms 116:15.

Verse 14

authority. Greek. exousia. App-172.

call, &c. See note on Acts 2:21.

Verse 15

a chosen vessel = a vessel of choice, or election (Greek. ekloge). Occurs here, Romans 9:11; Romans 11:5, Romans 11:7, Romans 11:28; 1 Thessalonians 1:4. 2 Peter 1:10.

unto = for.

Before = in the presence of.

Gentiles = nations. Greek. ethnos.

children = sons. Greek. huios. App-108. Note the order.

Verse 16

shew = forewarn. Greek. hupodeiknumi. Occurs elsewhere Acts 20:35. Matthew 3:7. Luke 3:7; Luke 6:47; Luke 12:5.

suffer. See 2 Corinthians 11:23-28.

for My name"s sake = on behalf of (Greek. huper.) My name. See Acts 22:14-18

Verse 17

Brother. Thus recognizing him as a fellow-disciple.

Saul. Greek. Saoul, as in Acts 9:4.

appeared unto = was seen by. Greek. optomai. App-106.

as = by which.

sent. Greek. apostello. App-174.

the Holy Ghost. Greek. pneuma hagion. App-101.

Verse 18

immediately = straightway. Greek. eutheos,

fell = fell away. Greek. apopipto. Only here.

scales. Greek. lepis. Only here in NT. In Septuagint, Leviticus 11:9, Leviticus 11:10. &C.

forthwith. Greek. parachrema. Compare Acts 3:7; Acts 5:10. The texts omit.

baptized. App-115.

Verse 19

meat = nourishment. Greek. trophe.

Verse 20

straightway. Greek. eutheos, as in Acts 9:18.

preached. Greek. kerusso. App-121.

Christ. The texts read "Jesus".

He = This One.

the Son of God. . App-98.

Verse 21

were amazed. Greek. existemi. Compare Acts 2:7; Acts 8:9, Acts 8:13.

destroyed = devastated. Greek. portheo. Same word as in Galatians 1:1, Galatians 1:13, Galatians 1:23. Not the same as in Acts 8:3.

for that intent = for (Greek. eis.) this.

that = in order that. Greek. hina.

Verse 22

increased . . . in strength = was strengthened. Greek. endunamoo. Occurs elsewhere, Romans 4:20. Ephesians 6:10. Philippians 1:4, Philippians 1:13. 1 Timothy 1:12. 2 Timothy 2:1; 2 Timothy 4:17. Hebrews 11:34. Compare App-172.

confounded. See note on Acts 2:6.

dwelt. See note on Acts 2:5.

proving. Greek. sumbibazo. Literally bring together, compare. Here, Acts 16:10, 1 Corinthians 2:16. Ephesians 4:16. Co Acts 1:2, Acts 1:2, Acts 1:19.

very Christ = the Christ, i.e. the Messiah. App-98. Instead of searching the Scriptures to see if these things were so, the Damascenes were occupied with the change in Saul"s attitude. Hence we read nothing of believers. Contrast Acts 17:11, Acts 17:12. No epistle addressed to them nor any record of a church there.

Verse 23

after that = when.

many days = the three years of Galatians 1:1, Galatians 1:18. Compare 1 Kings 2:38, 1 Kings 2:39, where many days also implies three years.

took counsel = plotted. Greek. sumbouleuo. Occurs elsewhere, Matthew 26:4. John 11:53; John 18:14. Revelation 3:18.

kill. See note on "slain", Acts 2:23.

Verse 24

laying await = plot. Greek. epiboule. Occurs elsewhere Acts 20:3, Acts 20:19; Acts 23:30.

known. Greek. ginosko. App-132.

of = to.

to = that they might. In 2 Corinthians 11:32, Paul says "the governor under Aretas kept the city with a garrison". This Aretas was Herod"s father-in-law, upon whom he made war because Herod had abandoned his daughter for his brother Philip"s wife, Herodias. Perhaps to do the Jews a pleasure, like Felix, Aretas endeavored to seize Paul.

Verse 25

let him down = sent him down. Greek. kathiemi. Occurs elsewhere, Acts 10:11; Acts 11:5. Luke 5:19.

by = through. Greek. dia. App-104. Acts 9:1.

in = lowering him in. See note on Luke 5:4.

basket. Greek. spuris. See note on Matthew 15:37.

Verse 26

assayed = tried. Greek. peirao.

join. See note on Acts 5:13.

and believed not = not believing, i.e. hesitating to believe. App-150.

Verse 27

Barnabas. See note on Acts 4:36.

took = laid hold of. Greek. epilambanomai. Occurs twelve times in Luke and Acts. Mostly of helping or arresting.

apostles. App-189.

declared = related. Greek. diegeomai. See note on Acts 8:33.

spoken. Greek. laleo. App-121.

preached boldly = spoke without reserve. Greek. parrhiesiazomai. Occurs elsewhere, Acts 9:29; Acts 13:46; Acts 14:3; Acts 18:26; Acts 19:8; Acts 26:26. Ephesians 6:20. 1 Thessalonians 2:2.

Verse 28

coming in and going out. See note on Acts 1:21.

Verse 29

spake boldly. Same word as "preached boldly" in Acts 9:27.

disputed. Same word as in Acts 6:9.

Grecians. See note on Acts 6:1.

went about = took in hand. Greek. epicheireo. Occurs elsewhere, Acts 19:13. Luke 1:1. A medical word.

slay. Same word as "kill", verses: Acts 9:23, Acts 9:24.

Verse 30

Which . . . knew = But the brethren having got to know it. Greek. epiginosko. App-132.

brought . . . down. Greek. katago.

Caesarea. See Acts 8:40.

sent. Greek. exapostello. App-174. See Acts 11:25.

Verse 31

Then, &c. = The church indeed therefore.

churches. App-186.

rest = peace. Greek. eirene.

throughout. Greek. kata. App-104.

and were edified = being edified. Greek. oikodomec. Compare Acts 4:11; Acts 7:47, Acts 7:49.

walking = going. Figure of speech Hendiadys. App-6. Read, "being edified and walking in the fear of the Lord were replenished with".

comfort. Greek. paraklesis. See note on Acts 4:36.

the Holy Ghost. App-101.

were = was. The texts put this verse in the singular. "The church . . . was".

multiplied. See note on Acts 6:1.

Verse 32

throughout = through. Greek. dia. App-104. Acts 9:1.

also to the saints = to the saints also.

Lydda. Ludd, in the plain of Sharon, about a day"s journey w. of Jerusalem. See 1 Chronicles 8:12.

Verse 33

which had kept his bed = lying on a bed (Greek. krabbaton. See note on Mark 2:4).

eight years = from (Greek. ek. App-104.) eight years.

sick of the palsy = paralyzed. See note on Acts 8:7.

Verse 34

maketh thee whole = healeth thee. Greek. iaomai. See note on Luke 6:17.

make thy bed. Literally spread for thyself.

Verse 35

turned. See Acts 11:21; Acts 14:15; Acts 15:19; Acts 26:18, Acts 26:20.

Verse 36

disciple. Greek. mathetria, the feminine form of mathetes. Only here.

Tabitha. Aramaic. App-94.:42. The Hebrew for roe or gazelle is Zebee. The feminine is found in 2 Kings 12:1, there spelled Zibiah.

by interpretation = being interpreted. Greek. diermeneuo. Here, Luke 24:27. 1 Corinthians 12:30; 1 Corinthians 14:5, 1 Corinthians 14:13, 1 Corinthians 14:27.

Dorcas. Greek. for antelope, or gazelle.

almsdeeds = alms. Greek. eleemosune, as in Acts 3:2,

Verse 37

was sick = fell sick. Greek. astheneo. Frequent in the Gospels. In Acts, here, Acts 19:12; Acts 20:35.

washed = bathed. Greek. louo. App-136.

upper chamber = upper room. See note on Acts 1:13.

Verse 38

forasmuch as Lydda was nigh. Literally Lydda being near.

there = in (Greek. en. App-104.) it.

desiring = entreating. Greek. parakaleo. App-134.

delay. Greek. okneo. Only here.

to = as far as. Greek. heos.

Verse 39

coats. Greek. chiton. = tunic or under-garment.

Verse 40

forth = outside. Greek. exo. Compare Mark 5:40.

kneeled down. Same expression as in Acts 7:60.

Verse 41

lifted her up. Literally caused her to rise up. Greek. anistemi, as above, Acts 9:40.

when he had = having.

Verse 42

it was = it came to be.

known. Greek. gnostos. See note on Acts 1:19.

believed in. App-150.

Verse 43

tarried = abode. Greek. meno. See note on p. 1511.

one = a certain. Greek. tis. App-123.

tanner. Greek. burseus. Only here and Acts 10:6, Acts 10:32. Perhaps no one else would receive him.

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