Commentary on Acts Part 3 (No. F044iii)

Intent of the Chapters

Chapter 10

Here we see the conversion of the Centurion Cornelius at Caesarea and Luke here ascribes the honour of converting the first Gentile to Peter (but see 11:19-21); Regarding the Italian Cohort: Cornelius was probably of the cohors II. Italica Civium Romanorum. The term ‘feared God’ (v. 2) means he worshipped Him but had not adopted Judaism.

The Sixth hour means about noon and the usual Roman time for luncheon. The Ninth hour is about Three PM.

10:14: Common or unclean refers to the food considered unclean under the Food Laws (No. 015). (cf. Lev. 11 and Deut. 14).

Protestants from the Second Millennium assert that God cleansed all food through Jesus’ word (Mk. 7:14-19). The Oxford Annotated RSV asserted that Peter did not realise that until that text. That was erroneous. Chapter 10:28-29 explains that it referred to the Gentiles being cleansed and also under Chapter 11 and had nothing to do with the food laws. Protestants follow the Roman Catholics in order to declare unclean food lawful which is a false teaching of the Gnostics and Baal Worshippers. The Food Laws will be totally enforced at the return of the Messiah along with the Law and Testimony and the Temple Calendar (cf. God’s Calendar (No. 156)); cf. Isaiah 8:20; 66:23-24; Zech 14:16-19). The Sabbatarian Christians still maintained the Food Laws and the God’s Calendar (cf. 15:28 for the strangled and blood under The Acts 15 Conference (No. 069) and Col. 2:16). So also did the Churches of God for the Two Millennia until the Return of the Messiah; except for the Sardis system under Armstrong and the Adventists and Jehovah’s Witnesses of the Laodiceans (cf. Role of the Fourth Commandment in the Sabbatarian Churches of God (No. 170) and Pillars of Philadelphia (No. 283)).

God raised Christ on the Third day after the Jews had put him to death by hanging him from a tree (10:39-40) under the Romans. He then became the judge of the Living and the Dead which God commanded us to preach to the people that fact. (v.42). The gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles (vv. 10:45ff).

Peter then asked them if anyone could forbid baptism with water that had already received the Holy Spirit (cf. 10:47-48). He then remained with them for some time.

Chapter 11

Then the apostles in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticised him asking why he went to uncircumcised men and ate with them (vv. 1-2). Peter then explained that he was in Joppa and he was given a vision of many types of animals descending from heaven in a great sheet. He looked and saw that it contained animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air (vv. 3-6). He then heard a voice saying ‘Rise Peter, kill and eat’. He then said ‘No Lord for nothing common or unclear has ever entered my mouth’ (vv. 7-8).

Then the purpose of the vision is explained. The Holy Spirit was showing Peter that God has declared something was to be cleansed. The general stupidity of the pagans was revealed in that the pagans claimed that God had cleansed the unclean food prohibited by the Law in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. And they completely ignored the actions of the baptism of the Gentiles which was the actual explanation by action and example that followed the text, with the arrival of the three men at the house which the Spirit had sent to them from Caesarea (vv. 9-11).

The Holy Spirit had appeared to these men as an Angel at Caesarea and had told the man of the house to send to Joppa for Simon Peter who would explain to him the message by which he would be saved; he and all his household (vv. 12-14). As Peter began to speak the Holy Spirit fell on the gentiles just as it had on the apostles and the church in the beginning (v. 15). Peter then remembered the words of the Lord when he said that “John baptised with Water but that you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.” This was the explicit way that God was to show through the Holy Spirit that salvation had been extended to the Gentiles through the gift of the Holy Spirit (vv. 16-17) (cf. n 1:5). When they heard that they were silenced and they glorified God: and said: “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance unto life” (v. 18).

Peter’s account was necessary to show the brethren that Salvation had been extended to the Gentiles. This was the major development of the church and was to split Judaism in that many Jews (e.g. the circumcision party) would not accept such extension of salvation (15:1-5; 21:20; Gal. 2:12) even though the OT texts show that was to be the case (e.g. Ephraim, Gen. 48:14-18).

Now these who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch. However, they spoke only to the Jews (re prophets in the early church cf. 13:1 n. 1Cor. 12:28-29). The locations of the 70 are listed in the paper Establishment of the Church under the Seventy (No. 122D), with Peter and these men going to Antioch and Peter later ordained three bishops there over his mission into Parthia and Asia with his final mission in Italy prior to his martyrdom.

There were also men from Cyprus and Cyrene who went to Antioch and spoke with the Greeks (cf. also 8:1b-4) preaching the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit and the hand of the Lord was with them and a great number that believed turned to the Lord. News of this outstanding prophetic fulfilment came to Jerusalem and they then sent Barnabas to Antioch and he was glad and exhorted the brethren there to remain faithful and he then went to Tarsus to look for Saul there and brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they taught a large company there in the church. It was here at Antioch that they were called Christians for the first time.

It was here at Antioch on the Orontes in Syria that the church sent prophets from Jerusalem and one of these, Agabus, stood and foretold by the Spirit of the great famine that was to occur all over the world and that took place in the reign of Claudius (21:10-11). The disciples determined each according to his ability to send relief to Judea as each was able (vv. 28-29). This they did by the hands of Barnabas and Saul (cf. Acts 15).

Chapter 12

Verses 1-19 deal with Herod Agrippa’s persecution of the church. He was made king by Claudius 41 CE. He killed James son of Zebedee the brother of John with the sword and when he saw that it pleased the Jews he arrested Peter also. This was during the Days of Unleavened Bread (i.e. 15-21 Abib), but Peter escaped. Herod Agrippa was grandson of Herod the Great and the Maccabbean Mariamne. He was popular because he favoured the Pharisees. He delivered Peter to four squads of soldiers intending to bring him before the people after the Passover.

However the church made earnest prayer to God and an Angel was sent to him on the night before he was to be delivered to Herod Agrippa. He was between two soldiers and the Angel struck him in the side and woke him. He was bound with chains. Peter was told to get up quickly and the chains fell off him. The Angel said to him dress yourself and put on your sandals. He did so and the Angel then said wrap your mantle about you and follow me (vv. 6-8). He went out and followed him and did not know if what the angel was doing was real, but he thought it was a vision (v. 9). They passed the first and the second guard and came to the iron gate leading into the city which then opened to them of its own accord. They went out through one street and the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said: Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting (vv. 10-11). When he realised this he went to the House of Mary the Mother of John (also named Mark) where many were gathered together and praying. And when he knocked at the door a maid named Rhoda came to answer (vv. 12-13). She recognised Peter’s voice and overjoyed she ran to inform the brethren that Peter was at the gate (v. 14). They said to her that she was mad. She insisted it was so and they said it must be his angel (v. 15). But Peter continued knocking and when they opened they saw him and were amazed (v. 16). He motioned them to be silent and then described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. He then said tell this to James and to the brethren and then went to another place (v. 17).

Now when the day came there was no small stir among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. And when Herod had sought for him and they could not produce him he examined the sentries and ordered that they be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and remained there.

The next phase (v. 20ff) deals with the death of Herod Agrippa. Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and they came to him in a body and persuaded Blastus the king’s chamberlain because their country depended on the king’s country for food. On an appointed day the king put on his robes and took his seat on the throne and made an oration to them. The people shouted ‘the voice of a God and not a man.’ Herod did not give God the glory and an angel smote him and he was eaten by worms and died (vv. 20-23). This was in the spring of 44 CE.

However the word of God grew and multiplied (v. 24). And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, bringing with them John whose other name was Mark.

Chapter 13

12:25-13:12 deals with Barnabas and Saul in Cyprus. In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers. These were notably Barnabas and Simeon (called niger, meaning black), Lucius of Cyrene, which had a large Jewish Colony, Manaen who was a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul (cf. Eph. 4:11). From verses 2-3 The Holy Spirit instructed the group to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work and thus Paul was able to claim that He had been set aside by God and not from any apostle (Gal. 1:1). Thus the laying on of hands was to bless them for the work as Saul (Paul) saw it (cf. RSV 1Tim. 4:14 n.).

Seleucia or Pieria was Antioch’s seaport and after they had been sent out by the Holy Spirit Barnabas and Paul set sail from there to Cyprus and having arrived at the port of Salamis there, (north of modern Famagusta), they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews there and they had John to assist them (vv. 4-5).

They went through the whole island as far as Paphos (in the west); they came across a magician and Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus (Gr. for son of Joshua) or Elymas (SGD 1681) meaning wizard). He was with the proconsul of the Senatorial Province, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God (vv. 6-7). The magician sought to withstand them and turn the proconsul away from the faith. However, Saul now called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said: “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord (vv. 8-10). And now behold the Hand of the Lord is upon you and you shall be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.”

Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand (v. 11). Then the proconsul believed when he saw what had occurred and he was astonished at the teachings of the Lord (v. 12). Then Paul and his company set sail from Paphos and went to Perga main seaport in Pamphylia (region of all tribes, lying south of the Taurus range between Cilicia and Lycia), and John left them and returned to Jerusalem (v. 13), but they passed on from Perga and came to Antioch of Pisidia near modern Yalovach; going to the Synagogue on the Sabbath and they sat down. [This was to be Paul’s first work in inner Asia Minor. They went from Perga to Antioch at Pisidia; and then on to Iconium.] After the reading of the law and the prophets (one from each was customary), the rulers of the Synagogue sent to them saying “Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it” (vv. 14-15).

So Paul stood up and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you that fear God, listen: The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and made the people great during our stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. And for about forty years he bore with them in the wilderness. And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan (Deut. 7:1; Jos. 14:1), He gave them their land as an inheritance, for about four hundred and fifty years. And after that He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. Then they asked for a king and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. And when He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king. Of whom He testified and said: ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after My own heart, who will do all my will.’ Of this man’s posterity God has brought to Israel a saviour (5:1 n.), Jesus as He promised (vv. 16-23).

“Before his coming John had preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his course, he said: ‘What is it you suppose I am? I am not he but after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie’ (vv. 24-25) (Mk. 1:7; Lk. 3:16; Mat. 3:11; Jn 1:20).

“Brethren, sons of the Family of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognise him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, fulfilled these by condemning him. Though they could charge him with nothing deserving death, yet they asked Pilate to have him killed. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb (vv. 26-29).

However God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. And we bring you the good news that what God had promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus as also it is written in the Second Psalm. ‘Thou art my son today I have begotten thee.’ (Ps. 2:7)

And as for the fact that He raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He spoke in this way,

‘I will give you the Holy and sure blessing of David.’ (Isa. 55:3)

Therefore He says also in another psalm:

‘Thou wilt not let they Holy One to see corruption.’ (Ps. 16:10).

For David, after he had served the counsel of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption; But he whom God raised up saw no corruption. Let it be known to you therefore that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone that believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. Beware therefore lest there come upon you what is said in the prophets. ‘Behold you scoffers, and wonder, and perish: For I do a deed in your days, a deed you will never believe, if one declares it to you.’ (Hab. 1:5) As they went out of the synagogue the people begged that these matters be told to them next Sabbath also. When the synagogue dispersed many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the Grace of God (vv. 42-43).

The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered together to hear the word of God; but when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy and contradicted what was spoken by Paul and reviled him. And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying: “it was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it from you and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold we turn to the Gentiles (so also 18:6 at Corinth). For the Lord has commanded us saying: ‘I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles that you may bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth’” (Isa. 49:6) (vv. 44-47).

When the Gentiles heard this they were glad and glorified the word of God; and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord spread throughout all the region. But the Jews incited the women of high standing and the leading men of the city and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of the district. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium and the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (vv. 48-52)

ACTS Chapters 10-13 (RSV)

Chapter 10

¹At Caesare'a there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, ²a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms liberally to the people, and prayed constantly to God. ³About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, "Cornelius." ⁴And he stared at him in terror, and said, "What is it, Lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. ⁵And now send men to Joppa, and bring one Simon who is called Peter; ⁶he is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside." ⁷When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those that waited on him, ⁸and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. ⁹The next day, as they were on their journey and coming near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. ¹⁰And he became hungry and desired something to eat; but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance ¹¹and saw the heaven opened, and something descending, like a great sheet, let down by four corners upon the earth. ¹²In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. ¹³And there came a voice to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." ¹⁴But Peter said, "No, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." ¹⁵And the voice came to him again a second time, "What God has cleansed, you must not call common." ¹⁶This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven. ¹⁷Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men that were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood before the gate ¹⁸and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. ¹⁹And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are looking for you. ²⁰Rise and go down, and accompany them without hesitation; for I have sent them." ²¹And Peter went down to the men and said, "I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for your coming?" ²²And they said, "Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house, and to hear what you have to say." ²³So he called them in to be his guests. The next day he rose and went off with them, and some of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him. ²⁴And on the following day they entered Caesare'a. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his kinsmen and close friends. ²⁵When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I too am a man." ²⁷And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered; ²⁸and he said to them, "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit any one of another nation; but God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. ²⁹So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me." ³⁰And Cornelius said, "Four days ago, about this hour, I was keeping the ninth hour of prayer in my house; and behold, a man stood before me in bright apparel, ³¹saying, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. ³²Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter; he is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the seaside.' ³³So I sent to you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God, to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord." ³⁴And Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality, ³⁵but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. ³⁶You know the word which he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), ³⁷the word which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: ³⁸how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. ³⁹And we are witnesses to all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; ⁴⁰but God raised him on the third day and made him manifest; ⁴¹not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. ⁴²And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that he is the one ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead. ⁴³To him all the prophets bear witness that every one who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." ⁴⁴While Peter was still saying this, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. ⁴⁵And the believers from among the circumcised who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. ⁴⁶For they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, ⁴⁷"Can any one forbid water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" ⁴⁸And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

Chapter 11

¹Now the apostles and the brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. ²So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, ³saying, "Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?" ⁴But Peter began and explained to them in order: ⁵"I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, something descending, like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came down to me. ⁶Looking at it closely I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. ⁷And I heard a voice saying to me, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat.' ⁸But I said, 'No, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' ⁹But the voice answered a second time from heaven, 'What God has cleansed you must not call common.' ¹⁰This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven. ¹¹At that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesare'a. ¹²And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brethren also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. ¹³And he told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, 'Send to Joppa and bring Simon called Peter; ¹⁴ he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.' ¹⁵As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. ¹⁶And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, 'John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' ¹⁷If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?" ¹⁸When they heard this they were silenced. And they glorified God, saying, "Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance unto life." ¹⁹Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoeni'cia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to none except Jews. ²⁰But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyre'ne, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. ²¹And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number that believed turned to the Lord. ²²News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. ²³When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad; and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose; ²⁴for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a large company was added to the Lord. ²⁵So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul; ²⁶and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church, and taught a large company of people; and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time called Christians. ²⁷Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. ²⁸And one of them named Ag'abus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world; and this took place in the days of Claudius. ²⁹And the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brethren who lived in Judea; ³⁰and they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

Chapter 12

¹About that time Herod the king laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. ²He killed James the brother of John with the sword; ³and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. ⁴And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. ⁵So Peter was kept in prison; but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. ⁶The very night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison; ⁷and behold, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands. ⁸And the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your mantle around you and follow me." ⁹And he went out and followed him; he did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. ¹⁰When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened to them of its own accord, and they went out and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel left him. ¹¹And Peter came to himself, and said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting." ¹²When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. ¹³And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a maid named Rhoda came to answer. ¹⁴Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and told that Peter was standing at the gate. ¹⁵They said to her, "You are mad." But she insisted that it was so. They said, "It is his angel!" ¹⁶But Peter continued knocking; and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. ¹⁷But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Tell this to James and to the brethren." Then he departed and went to another place. ¹⁸Now when day came, there was no small stir among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. ¹⁹And when Herod had sought for him and could not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesare'a, and remained there. ²⁰Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and they came to him in a body, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food. ²¹On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and made an oration to them. ²²And the people shouted, "The voice of a god, and not of man!" ²³Immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he did not give God the glory; and he was eaten by worms and died. ²⁴But the word of God grew and multiplied. ²⁵And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, bringing with them John whose other name was Mark.

Chapter 13

¹Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyre'ne, Man'a-en a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. ²While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." ³Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. ⁴So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleu'cia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus. ⁵When they arrived at Sal'amis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. ⁶When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet, named Bar-Jesus. ⁷He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. ⁸But El'ymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) withstood them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith. ⁹But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him ¹⁰and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? ¹¹And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind and unable to see the sun for a time." Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. ¹²Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord. ¹³Now Paul and his company set sail from Paphos, and came to Perga in Pamphyl'ia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem; ¹⁴but they passed on from Perga and came to Antioch of Pisid'ia. And on the sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. ¹⁵After the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, "Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it." ¹⁶So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: "Men of Israel, and you that fear God, listen. ¹⁷The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. ¹⁸And for about forty years he bore with them in the wilderness. ¹⁹And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance, for about four hundred and fifty years. ²⁰And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. ²¹Then they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. ²²And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; of whom he testified and said, 'I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.' ²³Of this man's posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. ²⁴Before his coming John had preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. ²⁵And as John was finishing his course, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.' ²⁶"Brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. ²⁷For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled these by condemning him. ²⁸Though they could charge him with nothing deserving death, yet they asked Pilate to have him killed. ²⁹And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb. ³⁰But God raised him from the dead; ³¹and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. ³²And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, ³³this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, 'Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee.' ³⁴And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he spoke in this way, 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.' ³⁵Therefore he says also in another psalm, 'Thou wilt not let thy Holy One see corruption.' ³⁶For David, after he had served the counsel of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid with his fathers, and saw corruption; ³⁷but he whom God raised up saw no corruption. ³⁸Let it be known to you therefore, brethren, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, ³⁹and by him every one that believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. ⁴⁰Beware, therefore, lest there come upon you what is said in the prophets: ⁴¹'Behold, you scoffers, and wonder, and perish; for I do a deed in your days, a deed you will never believe, if one declares it to you.'" ⁴²As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next sabbath. ⁴³And when the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. ⁴⁴The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered together to hear the word of God. ⁴⁵But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted what was spoken by Paul, and reviled him. ⁴⁶And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. ⁴⁷For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 'I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.'" ⁴⁸And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of God; and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. ⁴⁹And the word of the Lord spread throughout all the region. ⁵⁰But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. ⁵¹But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and went to Ico'nium. ⁵²And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Bullinger’s Notes on Acts Chs. 10-13 (for KJV)

Chapter 10

Verse 1

certain. Greek. tis. App-123.

Caesarea. See note on Acts 8:40.

called = by name.

centurion = a captain over a hundred men. Greek. hekatontarchos. Occurs elsewhere, Acts 10:22; Acts 24:23; Acts 27:1, Acts 27:31. In the Gospels and in nine other places in Acts, the form hekatontarchos is used.

band = cohort. Greek. speira. See Matthew 27:27.

Italian. It would be one levied in Italy.

Verse 2

devout = pious. Greek. eusebes. Here, Acts 10:7; Acts 22:12. 2 Peter 2:9. Not the same as in Acts 2:5; Acts 8:2.

God. App-98.

alms. Greek. eleemosune. See note on Acts 3:2.

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

prayed. Greek. deomai. App-134.

Verse 3

saw. Greek. eidon. App-133.

vision. Greek. horama, as in Acts 7:31.

evidently = clearly, i.e. objectively. Greek. phaneros.

about = as if.

the ninth hour = 3pm App-165.

unto = to.

Verse 4

And when he looked on him = But gazing at him. Greek. atenizo. App-133. See note on Acts 1:10.

he was afraid, and = and becoming affrighted, he. Greek. emphobos. Here, Acts 22:9; Acts 24:25. Luke 24:5, Luke 24:37. Revelation 11:13.

Lord. Greek. kurios. Used as in John 4:11, where it is rendered "Sir".

prayers. Greek. proseuche. App-134.

memorial. Greek. mnemosunon. Here, Matthew 26:13. Mark 14:9.

before = in the sight of. Greek. enopion.

Verse 5

send. Greek. pempo. App-174.

call for = send for. Greek. metapempo. App-174.

whose surname is = who is surnamed.

Verse 6

He = This one.

lodgeth. Greek. pass, of xenizo, to receive as a guest.

one. Greek. tis. App-123.

tanner. See Acts 9:43.

by the sea side = by the side of the sea. he shall, &c. The texts omit this clause.

Verse 7

And = Now.

spake. Greek. laleo. App-121.

Cornelius. The texts read "him".

household servants. Greek. oiketes. App-190.

waited . . . continually. Greek. proskartereo. See note on Acts 1:14.

Verse 8

when he had declared = having related. Greek. exegeomai. Here, Acts 15:12, Acts 15:14; Acts 21:10. Luke 21:35. John 1:18.

sent. Greek. apostello. App-174. drew nigh = were drawing near.

Verse 9

housetop = house.

pray. Greek. proseuchomai. App-134.

Verse 10

very hungry. Greek. prospeinos. Only here.

would have eaten = wished (Greek. ethelo. App-102.) to eat.

eaten. Greek. geuomai, to taste (food understood). Always trans, "taste", except in Acts, here, Acts 20:11; Acts 23:14.

he fell, &c. Literally a trance (Greek. ekstasis) fell upon him. The texts read "came upon him". Ekstasis is sometimes translated "amazement", as in Acts 3:10. It is akin to existemi (Acts 2:7; Acts 8:9, &c). This was not an objective vision, as in the ease of Cornelius.

Verse 11

saw = beheld. Greek. theoreo. App-133.

heaven = the heaven. Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10.

unto him. The texts omit. sheet. Greek. othcme, Only here and Acts 11:6.

knit. The texts omit. Read "Let down by the four corners".

let down = sent down. Greek. kathiemi. Occurs elsewhere, Acts 9:25; Acts 11:5. Luke 5:19.

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

earth. Greek. ge. App-129.

Verse 12

Wherein = In which. were. Greek. huparcho. See note on Luke 9:48.

all manner of = all.

fourfooted beasts. Greek. tetrapous. Hebrews 11:6. Romans 1:23.

and wild beasts. The texts omit.

creeping things. Greek. herpeton. Hebrews 11:6. Romans 1:23. James 3:7.

air = heaven.

Verse 13

Rise. Greek. aniatemi. App-178.

kill = slay. Greek. thuo, to slay, or to sacrifice.

Verse 14

Not so = By no means. Greek. medamos.

have . . . eaten = ate.

never = not even at any time. Greek. oudepote.

unclean. Greek. akathartos. The previous twenty-one occurrences all apply to evil spirits. Here the reference is to the ceremonial uncleanness of the Levitical law.

Verse 15

the second time. Literally from (Greek. ek. App-104.) a second (time).

What = The things which.

Verse 16

thrice. Literally upon thrice.

Verse 17

doubted = was perplexed. Greek. diaporeo. See note on Luke 9:7.

mean = be.

behold. Greek. idou. App-133.

had made enquiry . . . and = having inquired carefully. Greek. dierotao. Compound of dia App-104and erotao App-134. Only here.

before = at.

Verse 18

asked = inquired. Greek. punthanomai.

whether = if. Greek. ei. App-118.

Verse 19

thought on = turned over in his mind. Greek. enthumeomai. Only here and Matthew 1:20; Matthew 9:4. The texts read dienthumeomai, a stronger word.

the Spirit, i.e. the angel of Acts 10:3. App-101.

Verse 20

Arise therefore = But arise. Same as rise Acts 10:13.

doubting. Greek. diakrino. App-122.

nothing. Greek. medeis.

for I have sent them. This proves that it is the angel that is speaking. Compare Acts 10:5.

Verse 21

which were sent unto him from Cornelius. All the texts and Syriac omit.

wherefore = on account of which.

are come = are present.

Verse 22

just. Greek. dikaios. App-191.

of good report = borne witness to. Greek. martureo. Same as "of honest report" in Acts 6:3.

among = by. Greek. hupo. App-104.

nation. Greek. ethnos.

warned from God. Greek. chrematizo. See note on Luke 2:26.

by. Greek. hupo, as above.

send for. Greek. metapempo, as in Acts 10:5.

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

of = from. Greek. para. App-104.

Verse 24

waited = was waiting. Greek. prosdokao. App-138.

near = intimate. Greek. anankaios. Literally necessary. First occurance. Translated elsewhere "necessary", "needful", &c.

Verse 25

And as, &c. = Now as it came to pass that Peter entered in.

met. Greek. sunantao. Hebrews 20:22. Luke 9:37; Luke 22:10. Hebrews 7:1, Hebrews 7:10.

worshipped = did him homage or reverence. Greek. proskuneo. App-137.

Verse 26

took him up = raised him up. Greek. egeiro. App-178.

Stand up = rise up. Greek. mid. of anistemi. App-178.:1.

man. Greek. anthropos. App-123.

Verse 27

as he talked with = conversing with. Greek. sunomileo. Only here.

Verse 28

know. Greek. epistamai. App-132.

unlawful. Greek. athemitos. Here and 1 Peter 4:3. Themis is that which is established by custom or usage.

keep company. Greek. kollaomai. See Luke 15:15.

one of another nation = aliens. Greek. allophulos Only here in N.T., but frequently in Septuagint, where the Hebrew reads "Philistines".

hath. Omit.

me. Emphatic because it stands first in the sentence. "Me God shewed".

not call any = call no (Greek. medeis).

Verse 29

came, &c. Read, "without gainsaying also I came".

without gainsaying. Greek. anantirrhetes. Only here.

for what intent = for what word, or reason. Greek. logos. App-121.

have. Omit.

Verse 30

Four days ago = From (Greek. apo. App-104.) the fourth day.

I was, &c. The texts omit "fasting", and read "until this hour I was praying".

bright = shining. Greek. lampros.

Verse 31

is = was.

are had in, &c. = were remembered.

in the sight of. The same as "before", verses: Acts 10:10, Acts 10:4, Acts 10:30, Acts 10:33.

Verse 32

call hither. Greek. metakaleo. See note on Acts 7:14.

who, &c. The texts omit.

Verse 33

Immediately. Greek. exautes. Here, Acts 11:11; Acts 21:32; Acts 23:30. Mark 6:25. Philippians 1:2, Philippians 1:23.

hast well done = didst well. Compare Philippians 1:4, Philippians 1:14. James 2:19. 2 Peter 1:19. 3 John 1:6.

of = by. Greek. hupo. App-104.

Verse 34

opened his mouth. See note on Acts 8:35.

Of = Upon. Greek. epi. App-104.

perceive. See note on Acts 4:13.

no = not a. Greek. ou. App-105.

respecter of persons. Literally one who takes faces (i.e. persons) into account. Greek. prosopoleptes. Only here. Compare James 2:9.

Verse 35

accepted with = acceptable to. Greek. dektos. Here Luke 4:19, Luke 4:24; 2 Corinthians 6:2. Philippians 1:4, Philippians 1:18.

Verse 36

word. Greek. logos. App-121.

children = sons. Greek. huios. App-108.

preaching. Greek. euangelizo. App-121.

by = by means

Jesus Christ. App-98.

He, &c. Cornelius had no claim on Him as son of David. Compare Matthew 15:22-28.

Verse 37

know. Greek. oida. App-132.

was published. Literally came to be.

throughout. Greek. kata.

baptism. App-115.

preached = proclaimed. Greek. kerusso. App-121.

Verse 38

How, &c. The Greek reads, "Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed (See Acts 4:27) Him".

Jesus. App-98.

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

the Holy Ghost = holy spirit. No art. App-101.

power. Greek. dunamis. App-172.

doing good. Greek. euergeteo = acting as a benefactor. Only here. Compare Luke 22:25, and See Acts 4:9.

healing. Greek. iaomai. See note on Luke 6:17.

oppressed = overpowered. Greek. katadunasteuo. Here, James 2:6. Compare Luke 13:16. 2 Corinthians 12:7. Revelation 2:10.

Verse 39

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

land = country. Greek. chora.

slew. Greek. anaireo. See note on Acts 2:23.

and hanged = having hanged Him.

on. Greek. epi. App-104.

tree. See note on Acts 5:30.

Verse 40

Him = This One.

raised up. Greek. egeiro. App-178.

shewed Him openly . Literally gave Him to become manifest, i.e. to be openly seen. Greek. emphanes. Here, Romans 10:20. Compare App-106.

Verse 41

chosen before. Greek. procheirotoneo. Only here. Compare Acts 14:23.

did eat . . . with. Greek. sunesthio. Here, Acts 11:3. Luke 15:2. 1 Corinthians 5:11. Galatians 1:2, Galatians 1:12.

drink with. Greek. sumpino. Only here.

from the dead. Greek. ek nekron. App-139.

Verse 42

commanded = charged.

testify = fully testify. Greek. diamarturomai. See note on Acts 2:40.

ordained. Greek. horizo. See note on Acts 2:23.

Judge. Greek. krites. Compare App-122and App-177.

quick = living.

dead = dead persons. Greek. nekros. App-139.

Verse 43

give . . . witness = testify. Greek. martureo, as in Acts 10:22.

name. See note on Acts 2:38.

believeth in. App-150.

remission = forgiveness. Greek. aphesis. See note on Acts 2:38; Acts 5:31.

sins. Greek. hamartia. App-128.

Verse 44

the word, i.e. the gospel message. Figure of speech Idioma. App-6.

Verse 45

they, &c, i.e. the Jews. Compare Acts 11:2. Romans 4:12; Romans 15:8. Galatians 1:2, Galatians 1:12. Colossians 4:11. Titus 1:10. These were Jewish Christians, called "brethren", Acts 10:23, Acts 11:12.

believed = were faithful. Greek. pistos. App-150.

were astonished. Greek. existemi. See note on Acts 2:7.

Gentiles. Greek. ethnos. Same as "nation", verses: Acts 10:22, Acts 10:35.

gift. Greek. dorea. See note on John 4:10.

Verse 46

speak = speaking. Greek. laleo, as in Acts 10:7.

magnify = magnifying. Greek. megaluno, as in Acts 5:13.

answered. App-122.

Verse 47

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

forbid. Same as "hinder" in Acts 8:36.

baptized. App-115.

as well as we = even as we also.

Verse 48

baptized in. App-115.

the Lord. App-98. The texts read "Jesus Christ".

prayed. Greek. erotao. App-131.

tarry. Greek. epimeno. See John 8:7 (continue).

Chapter 11

Verse 1

And = Now.

apostles. App-189.

in = throughout. Greek. kata. App-104.

Gentiles. Greek. ethnos, as in Acts 10:45.

had. Omit.

word. Greek. logos. App-121.

Verse 2

they, &c. See note on Acts 10:45.

contended = were contending. Greek. diakrino. App-122.

with = against. Greek. pros. App-104.

Verse 3

eat with. Greek. sunesthio, as in Acts 10:41.

Verse 4

rehearsed . . . from the beginning, and = having begun.

expounded = set forth. Greek. ektithemi. See note on Acts 7:21.

by order = in order. Greek. kathexes. See note on Acts 3:24.

unto = to.

Verse 5

praying. Greek. proseuchomai. App-134.

trance. Greek. ekstasis. See Acts 10:10.

saw. Greek. eidon. App-133.

vision = sight. Greek. horama. See note on Acts 7:31.

certain. Greek. tis. App-123.

sheet. Greek. othone, as in Acts 10:11.

let down = sent down, as in Acts 10:11.

from = out of. Greek. ek. App-104.

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

even to = as far as to. Greek. achris.

Verse 6

Upon = Unto. Greek. eis. App-104.

when I had . . . eyes = having gazed. Greek. atenizo. App-133. See note on Acts 1:10.

considered. Greek. katanoeo. App-133.

fourfooted beasts. Greek. tetrapous, as in Acts 10:12.

earth. Greek. ge. App-129.

wild beasts. Greek. therion. Omitted in Acts 10:12.

creeping things. Greek. herpeton. See Acts 10:12.

air = heaven.

Verse 7

arise. Greek. anistemi. App-178.

slay. Greek. thuo, as in Acts 10:13.

Verse 8

Not so = By no means. Greek. medamos.

nothing, &c, never at any time (Greek. oudepote) came anything common, &c.

Verse 9

the = a.

answered. Greek. apokrinomai. App-122.

me. Omit.

again. Literally from (Greek. ek. App-104.) a second (time).

call = make.

Verse 10

was done = came to pass.

three times. Literally upon (Greek. epi. App-104. ix) thrice.

drawn up. Greek. anaspao. Only here and Luke 14:5. Compare Acts 20:30.

Verse 11

immediately. Greek. exautes, as in Acts 10:33.

were . . . come = stood before.

already. Omit.

unto = at. Greek. epi. App-104.

where = in which.

sent. Greek. apostello. App-174.

Caesarea. See note on Acts 8:40.

Verse 12

the spirit. The angel of Acts 10:3.

nothing. Greek. mideis.

doubting. Greek. diakrino. App-122.

accompanied = came with (Greek. sun. App-104. xvi).

Verse 13

shewed = announced. Greek. apangello. Same as "report", Acts 4:23, and "tell", Acts 5:22, Acts 5:25.

an = the.

which stood and said = standing and saying.

unto him. Omit.

men. All the texts omit.

call for = send for. Greek. metapempo. App-174.

whose surname is = who is surnamed.

Verse 14

tell thee = speak (Greek. laleo. App-121.) to (Greek. pros.) thee.

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

whereby = by (Greek. en.) which.

Verse 15

as I began. Literally in (Greek. en) my beginning.

speak. Greek. laleo, as in Acts 11:14 (tell).

the Holy Ghost. App-101.

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

as, &c. = even as on us also.

at the beginning = in (Greek. en) the beginning. Compare Acts 2:4 and John 1:1.

Verse 16

baptized. App-115.

the Holy Ghost. No art. App-101.

Verse 17

Forasmuch then = If (App-118) therefore.

gift. Greek. dorea. Compare Acts 2:38 and John 4:10.

us = us also.

who = when we.

believed. App-150.

Jesus Christ. App-98.

could = was able to.

withstand = hinder.

Verse 18

When they heard = Now, having heard.

held their peace = ceased, as in Acts 21:14. See Luke 14:4; Luke 23:56. 1 Thessalonians 4:11.

also to the Gentiles = to the Gentiles also. This and Acts 11:3 shows that Cornelius was not a proselyte.

granted = given.

repentance. Greek. metanoia. App-111.

unto. Greek. eis. App-104.

life. Greek. zoe. App-170.

Verse 19

Wow they = They in deed therefore.

scattered abroad. Greek. diaspeiro. See note on Acts 8:1.

upon = from. Greek. apo.

persecution. Greek. thlipsis. See note on Acts 7:10.

arose = came to pass.

about = over, or upon. Greek. epi. App-104.

Antioch. The capital of Syria, about sixteen miles from the sea. Seleucia was its port.

preaching = speaking. Greek. laleo, as in verses: Acts 11:14, Acts 11:15.

none = no one. Greek. medeis.

but = except. Greek. ei me.

Jews = Seed of Abraham.

Verse 20

some. Greek. tis. App-123.

of Cyprus, &c. Cypriotes and Cyrenians.

Grecians. See note on Acts 6:1. Most texts read Hellenes, Greeks. There was nothing strange in speaking to the Greek-speaking Jews.

preaching. Greek. euangelizo. App-121.

Verse 21

believed, and = having believed. App-150.

Verse 22

tidings = the report, or word. Greek. logos. App-121.

of = concerning. Greek. peri

came = was heard.

church. App-186.

sent forth. Greek. exapostello. App-171.

Barnabas. He was himself of Cyprus. Compare Acts 4:36, and see Acts 11:20.

that he should go. The texts omit.

as far as. Greek. heos.

Verse 23

when he came and had = having come, and.

grace. App-184.

exhorted = was exhorting. Greek. parakaleo. App-134.:6. Compare Acts 4:36.

purpose. Greek. prothesis, that which is put before one. The Eng. word is from the Latin propositum, which exactly corresponds to the Greek. The word is used of the shewbread, i.e. the bread of presentation, in Matthew 12:4. Mark 2:26. Luke 6:4. Hebrews 9:2. In its seven other occurances it is rendered as here.

cleave unto = abide with, Greek. prosmeno. Here, Acts 18:18. Matthew 15:32. Mark 8:2. 1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 5:5.

Verse 24

faith. App-150.

people. Greek. ochlos. Literally crowd.

Verse 25

for to seek. Literally to seek up and down. Greek. anazeteo. Here, Luke 2:44.

Verse 26

when he had = having.

it came to pass. The three clauses which follow are all dependent on "it came to pass".

And = And that.

called. Greek. chrematizo. This word occurs nine times. See note on Luke 2:26. Generally of a Divine communication. The noun chrematismos Occurs only in Romans 11:4. Though the name may have been given at first by Gentiles in mockery, the usage of the word by the Holy Spirit indicates that its real origin was Divine.

Christians. Here, Acts 26:28. 1 Peter 4:16. Compare Acts 15:17. Jews could not have given the name, as Christos was a sacred word.

Verse 27

came = came down.

prophets. App-189.

Verse 28

stood up. Greek. anistemi. App-178.

named = by name.

Agabus. Compare Acts 21:10.

by = through. Greek. dia. App-104. Acts 11:1.

the Spirit. The article shows that this was the Holy Spirit (App-101.), speaking through Agabus. Compare Acts 21:11.

should be = was about to be.

dearth. Greek. limos. Occurs twelve times. Compare Acts 7:11. Elsewhere translated "hunger" or "famine".

throughout = over. Greek. epi. App-104.

world. Greek. oikoumene. App-129.

in the days of. Greek. epi. App-104. A Greek. idiom.

Claudius Caesar. The fourth Roman Emperor (A D. 41-54). Roman historians mention several famines during his reign. See also Josephus, Antiquities XX. iii. 6.

Verse 29

Then, &c. Literally But as any one (Greek. tis) of the disciples prospered (Greek. euporeomai. Only here), they determined, each one of them.

determined. Greek horizo. See note on Acts 2:23.

send. Greek. pempo. App-174.

relief = for (Greek. eis. App-104.) ministration. Greek. diakonia. App-190.

dwelt. See note on Acts 2:5.

Verse 30

also they did = they did also.

and sent = sending.

elders. Greek. presbuteros. This is the first time we meet with elders in the Christian churches. App-189. Here elders included the Apostles. Compare Acts 8:1. 1 Peter 5:1.

Chapter 12

Verse 1

This chapter is a parenthesis, describing events in A.D. 14.

about. Greek. kata.

time = season.

Herod. Herod Agrippa I. App-109.

stretched forth his hands = put to his hands. Compare Luke 9:62, same phrase.

vex = maltreat. Greek. kakoo. See note on Acts 7:6.

certain. Greek. tis. App-123.

of = of those from the church. App-186.

Verse 2

killed. Greek. anaireo. See note on Acts 2:23.

James. App-141.

John. App-141. The last historical reference to John.

sword. Death by the sword was regarded by the Rabbis as particularly disgraceful.

Verse 3

because he saw = seeing. Greek. eidon. App-133.

pleased = is pleasing to. See note on Acts 6:2, and Mark 15:15 (note).

proceeded further = added. A Hebraism. Greek. prostithemi. Compare Luke 20:11.

take. See note on Acts 1:16.

unleavened bread. Literally the unleavened (things). Leaven in every form was to be put away. Exodus 12:16, Exodus 12:19.

Verse 4

apprehended = arrested. Greek. piazo. See note on John 11:57.

in = into. Greek. eis.

prison = ward. Greek. pkulake.

quaternions. Greek. tetradion, a body of four. Only here. There were four soldiers to guard Peter for each of the four watches. The prisoner was chained to two and the other two kept watch. See Acts 12:6.

intending. Greek. boulomai. App-102.

after. Greek. meta. App-104.

Easter. Greek. to pascha, the Passover. Easter is a heathen term, derived from the Saxon goddess Eastre, the same as Astarte, the Syrian Venus, called Ashtoreth in the O.T.

bring . . . forth = lead up, i.e. to the judgment seat. Compare Luke 22:66.

people. Greek. laos.

Verse 5

therefore = then indeed.

prayer. Greek. proseuche. App-134.

without ceasing = intense, Greek. ektenes. Occurs elsewhere only in 1 Peter 4:8. The comparative only in Luke 22:44, and the adverb in 1 Peter 1:22. The texts here read the adverb, ektenos.

of = by. Greek. hupo. App-104.

for = in behalf of. Greek. huper. App-104., but texts read peri, concerning.

Verse 6

would have brought = was about to bring.

the same = that.

sleeping. Greek. koimaomai. App-171.

keepers = guards. See Acts 5:23.

kept = were keeping.

Verse 7

behold. Greek. idou. App-133.

came upon = stood over.

light. Greek. phos. App-130.

prison. Greek. oikema, dwelling. Only here. The Revised Version reads "cell". That was Peter"s dwelling-place. The angel of the Lord there.

Peter on the side = Peter"s side.

raised . . . up. Greek. egeiro. App-178.

Arise up. Greek. anistemi. App-178.

quickly = in (Greek. en) or with speed.

Verse 8

Gird thyself. Greek. perizonnumi. Occurs elsewhere, Luke 12:35, Luke 12:37; Luke 17:8. Ephesians 6:14. Revelation 1:13; Revelation 15:6. Texts read zonnumi, as in John 21:18.

unto = to.

garment. Greek. himation, the outer garment.

Verse 9

him. The texts omit.

wist = knew. Greek. oida. App-132.

true. Greek. alethes. App-175.

by = through. Greek. dia.

thought = was thinking.

saw. Greek. blepo. App-133.

vision. Greek. horama, as in Acts 7:31.

Verse 10

When, &c. Now, having passed through.

ward = prison. Greek. phulake, as in verses: Acts 12:4, Acts 12:5, Acts 12:6, Acts 4:17.

unto = upon. Greek. epi.

opened = was opened.

of his own accord = automatically. Greek. automatos. Elsewhere only in Mark 4:28.

street. Greek. rhume. See note on Acts 9:11.

forthwith = immediately. Greek. eutheos.

Verse 11

when, &c. Peter, having come to be.

to himself = in (Greek. en) himself, i.e. in his right senses. Compare "out of his senses", or "beside himself".

know. Greek. oida, as in Acts 12:9.

of a surety = truly. Greek. alethos. Compare App-175.

hath sent = sent. Greek. exapostello. App-174.

hath delivered = delivered. See note on Acts 7:10.

expectation = eager looking. Greek. prosdokia. Elsewhere only in Luke 21:26. Compare App-133.

Verse 12

when, &c. = having considered or realized. Greek. suneidon. See note on Acts 5:2.

Mary. App-100.

John. See Acts 13:5, Acts 13:13; Acts 15:37, Acts 15:39. Colossians 4:10. 2 Timothy 4:11.

gathered together. Greek. sunathroizo. Elsewhere only in Acts 19:25. Luke 24:33.

praying = and praying. Greek. proseuchomai. App-134.

Verse 13

as Peter knocked = Peter, having knocked.

gate. Greek. pulon. Translated "porch" in Matthew 26:71.

damsel. Greek. paidiske. Compare App-108.

hearken = answer. Greek. hupakouo. Elsewhere translated "obey", or "be obedient".

named = by name.

Rhoda. Greek. Rhode, rose.

Verse 14

when she knew = having recognized. Greek. epiginosko. App-132.

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

told = reported. Greek. apangello. Compare App-121.

Verse 15

Thou art mad. Greek. mainomai. Here, Acts 26:24, Acts 26:25. John 10:20. 1 Corinthians 14:23.

constantly affirmed = kept strongly asserting. Greek. diischurizomai. Compound of dia and ischurizomai. Compare App-172. Elsewhere only in Luke 22:59.

angel, i.e. guardian angel, according to Jewish belief. Compare Matthew 18:10. Hebrews 1:14.

Verse 16

continued. Greek. epimeno. See note on Acts 10:48.

were astonished = were astounded. Greek. existemi. See Acts 2:7; Acts 8:9; Acts 9:21; Acts 10:45.

Verse 17

beckoning. Literally shaking down. Greek. kataseio. Only in Acts, here, Acts 13:16; Acts 19:33; Acts 21:40. The action suggested he was in haste and must not be interrupted.

hold their peace = be silent.

declared. Greek. diegeomai. See Acts 8:33.

had. Omit.

shew. Same as "told" in Acts 12:14.

James. The Lord"s brother. See Galatians 1:1, Galatians 1:19, and App-182.

another. Greek. heteros. App-124.

Verse 18

as soon as, &c. = day having come.

stir = disturbance. Greek. tarachos. Here and Acts 19:23.

among. Greek. en. App-104.

what was, &c. Literally what then Peter had come to be.

Verse 19

sought for him = sought him up and down.

not. Greek. me. App-105.

examined. Greek. anakrino. App-122.

put to death = led away, i.e. to execution. Greek. apago. Same word as in Matthew 27:31, &c.

Caesarea. See Acts 8:40.

abode. Greek. diatribo, to rub away, or spend (time). Occures John 3:22; John 11:54, and eight times in Acts.

Verse 20

Herod. Texts read "He".

was highly displeased. Greek. thumomacheo, to fight angrily. Only here.

them of Tyre, &c. = the Tyrians, &c.

came = were present, or presented themselves.

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

made . . . their friend = persuaded, or won over. Greek. peitho. App-150.

the king"s chamberlain = one who was over (Greek. epi. App-104) the bedchamber (Greek. koiton. Only here) of the king.

desired = were asking for. Greek. aiteo. App-134.

because. Greek. dia. App-104. Acts 12:2.

nourished. Compare 1 Kings 5:9, 1 Kings 5:11. Ezekiel 27:17.

king"s = royal. Greek. basilikos. See note on John 4:46.

Verse 21

set = appointed.

royal. Same as "king"s", Acts 12:20.

apparel. Josephus (Antiquities XIX. viii. 2) says it was of silver tissue, and glittered resplendently in the sun.

his throne = the throne. Greek. bema. Always translated "judgment seat" except here and Acts 7:5. Compare John 19:13.

made an oration, i.e. a political oration. Greek. demegoreo. Only here.

Verse 22

people. Greek. demos. The usual word for the populace. Only here, Acts 17:5; Acts 19:30, Acts 19:33.

gave a shout. Greek. epiphoneo. Only here, Acts 22:24, and Luke 23:21.

man. Greek. anthropos. App-123.

Verse 23

immediately. Greek. parachrema. See note on Acts 3:7.

because = the reason for (Greek. anti. App-104. ) which.

eaten of worms. Greek. skolekobrotos. Only here. skolex, a worm, only in Mark 9:44-48.

gave up the ghost = expired. Greek. ekpsucho. Only here and Acts 5:5, Acts 5:10.

Verse 24

word. Greek. logos. App-121.

grew = increased.

multiplied. Greek. plethuno. See Matthew 24:12.

Verse 25

ministry, i.e. of administering the contributions of Acts 11:30. Greek. diakonia. App-190.

took with them. Greek. sumparalambano. Only here, Acts 15:37, Acts 15:38, and Galatians 1:2, Galatians 1:1.

Chapter 13

Verse 1

church. App-186.

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

Antioch. See note on Acts 11:19.

certain. Texts omit.

prophets. App-189.

teachers. Greek. didaskalos. Occurs forty-eight times in Gospels, translated "Master" except in Luke 2:46 (doctor) and John 3:2 (teacher). Only here in Acts. Always "teacher" in the Epistles, except James 3:1 (master).

which had been brought up with = foster-brother of. Greek suntrophos. Only here.

Herod. Herod Antipas. App-109.

tetrarch. See Matthew 14:1. Luke 3:19; Luke 9:7.

Verse 2

ministered. Greek. leitourgeo. App-190. Here, Romans 15:27. Hebrews 10:11. In the Septuagint used of the Levitical service, as in Hebrews 10:11.

the Holy Ghost. App-101.

Separate. Compare Romans 1:1. Galatians 1:1, Galatians 1:15.

whereunto = to which.

Verse 3

when they had = having.

prayed. Greek. proseuchomai. App-134.

sent . . . away. Greek. apoluo. App-174.

Verse 4

sailed. Greek apopleo. Here, Acts 14:26; Acts 20:15; Acts 27:1.

Cyprus. Compare Acts 4:36.

Verse 5

Salamis. The first port they would reach, at east end of the island.

preached. Greek. katangello. App-121.

word. Greek. logos. App-121.

synagogues. App-120. Compare Acts 13:14; Acts 14:1; Acts 17:1, Acts 17:10, Acts 17:17; Acts 18:4, Acts 18:19; Acts 19:8.

also John = John also. See Acts 12:25. minister. Greek. huperetes (App-190.) He was not included by the Holy Spirit"s command, but doubtless came at his kinsman (Colossians 4:10) Barnabas" invitation.

Verse 6

unto = as far as.

Paphos. The capital and residence of the governor. certain. Greek. tis. App-123.

sorcerer. Greek. magos. Here, Acts 13:8, and Matthew 2:1, Matthew 2:7, Matthew 2:16.

false prophet. Greek. pseudoprophetes. Used five times by our Lord.

Bar-jesus. App-94.:8.

Verse 7

deputy of the country. Greek. anthupatos. Here, verses: Acts 13:8, Acts 13:12, Acts 13:38. This is the Greek word for proconsul. Cyprus had been an imperial province, governed by a propraetor, but according to Strabo Augustus transferred it to the Senate, and the governor would be now a proconsul. The title "proconsul" has been found on a coin of Cyprus of A.D. 62, and a slab has been discovered at Soli in Cyprus, with the name Paulus,

proconsul. One of the proofs of Luke"s accuracy.

prudent. Greek. sunetos. Here, Matthew 11:25. Luke 10:21. 1 Corinthians 1:19.

man. Greek. aner, App-123.

who = he.

desired = sought earnestly. Greek. epizeteo. See Acts 12:19.

Verse 8

Elymas. The knowing one. Compare Ulema, the corporation of Moslem who interpret the Koran. Arabic alim, wise.

withstood. Greek. anthistimi. First Occurs Matthew 5:39; often translated "resist".

turn away. Greek. diastrepho. On its other six occurences translated "pervert" or "perverse", as Acts 13:10. from. Greek. apo. App-104.

faith. Greek. pistis. App-150.

Verse 9

also, &c. = is called Paul also. As a Roman citizen he would have a Roman name, as well as his Jewish one.

Paul. Always so called from this time, except when he refers to his conversion, Acts 22:7, Acts 22:13; Acts 26:14.

the Holy Ghost. App-101.

set his eyes . . . and = gazing intently. Greek. atenizo. App-133. This is inconsistent with weak sight.

Verse 10

all. Notice the three "alls".

subtilty = guile. Greek. dolos. Compare Matthew 26:4. Mark 14:1. Revelation 14:5.

mischief = wickedness. Greek. radiourgia. Only here. Compare Acts 18:14.

child = son. Greek. huios. App-108. See Matthew 13:38; Matthew 23:15. John 8:44; John 17:12. 1 John 3:10, and compare "sons of Belial", so frequent in the O.T.

righteousness. Greek. dikaiosune. App-191. pervert. See Acts 13:8.

right = straight

the Lord. App-98. This rebuke is a case of Figure of speech Aganactesis. App-6.

Verse 11

seeing. Greek. blepo. App-133.

for = until.

immediately. Greek. parachrema, as in Acts 3:7.

mist. Greek. achlus. Only here. A medical word for incipient blindness.

some to lead, &c. Literally hand-leaders. Greek. cheiragogos. Only here. Compare Acts 9:8.

Verse 12

saw. Greek. eidon. App-133.

believed. App-150.

astonished. Greek. ekplesso. Compare Matthew 7:28; Matthew 22:33. Luke 4:32.

at. Greek. epi. App-104.

doctrine = teaching.

Verse 13

Paul and his company. Literally Those about (Greek. per.) Paul. A Greek idiom.

loosed = weighed (anchor). Greek. anago. Used in this sense once in Luke (Acts 8:22), and thirteen times in Acts (Acts 16:11; Acts 18:21, &c).

Perga. The capital of Pamphylia. A few miles up the Cestrus, which flows into the bay of Attalia. Now a ruin. John"s departure may have been due to some difference as to the change of plan, and the proceeding from the lowlands of Pamphylia to the high ground of Antioch may have been on account of Paul"s illness, to which he refers in Galatians 1:4, Galatians 1:13.

in = of.

departing = having withdrawn. Greek. apochoreo. Only here, Matthew 7:23. Luke 9:39.

Verse 14

when they, &c. = having gone through, as Acts 13:6.

Antioch. The capital of Pisidia, and a Roman colony.

in = of.

the sabbath day = the day of the sabbaths. See note on John 20:1. This was after Passover A.D. 46, or 47.

Verse 15

reading. Greek. anagnosis. Only here, 2 Corinthians 3:14. 1 Timothy 4:13. See note on Luke 4:16, Luke 4:17.

rulers, &c. Greek. archisunagogos. Here, Acts 18:8, Acts 18:17. Mark 5:22, Mark 5:35, Mark 5:36, Mark 5:38. Luke 8:49; Luke 13:14. These rulers were probably the ruler and the angel. App-120.

sent. Greek. apostello. App-174.

men, &c. See note on Acts 1:11.

if. App-118.

ye have. There is among (Greek. en. App-104.) you.

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

people. Greek. laos.

say on = speak. Greek. lego.

Verse 16

Paul. Prom this time Paul takes precedence of Barnabas.

stood up, &c. = having risen up, and beckoned.

stood up. Greek. anistemi. App-178.

beckoning. See note on Acts 12:17.

Men of Israel = Men, Israelites. See note on Acts 1:11.

ye that fear God. Compare Acts 13:26; Acts 10:2, Acts 10:22, Acts 10:35. Luke 1:50; Luke 12:5; Luke 23:40. Revelation 11:18; Revelation 14:7; Revelation 15:4; Revelation 19:5. Psalms 61:5, &c.

Verse 17

exalted. Greek. hupsoo. See note on John 12:32.

when they dwelt as strangers = in (Greek. en. App-104.) their sojourning. Greek. paroikia. Only here and 1 Peter 1:17. Compare Acts 7:6.

land. Greek. ge. App-129.

out of. Greek. ek. App-104.

Verse 18

about = as it were. Greek. hos.

of forty years. Greek. tessarakontaetes. See Acts 7:23.

suffered He their manners. Greek. tropophoreo, but many MSS. read trophophoreo, bore them as a nurse. Compare Deuteronomy 1:31. It is the change of one letter in the Greek.

Verse 19

when He had = having. seven. See Deuteronomy 7:1.

nations. Greek. ethnos.

divided . . . by lot = gave by lot. Greek. kataklerodoteo. Only here. Compare Septuagint, Psalms 77:55. But texts read katakleronomeo, distributed by lot. Frequently in Septuagint; e.g. Numbers 33:54.

Verse 20

that = these things.

the space of. Omit.

four hundred and fifty years. See App-50and App-86.

until. Greek. heos, i.e. the end of Samuel"s ministry.

Samuel. See note on Acts 3:24.

Verse 21

desired = asked. Greek. mid. of aiteo. App-134.

unto = to.

Saul. Greek. Saoul. The Hebr. form. Compare Acts 9:4.

son. Greek. huios. App-108.

of = out of. Greek. ek. App-104.

by. Omit.

forty years. See App-10and App-50.

Verse 22

removed = set aside. Greek. methistemi. Only here, Acts 19:26. Luke 16:4. 1 Corinthians 13:2. Colossians 1:13.

raised up. Greek. egeiro. App-178.

to be their king = for (Greek. eis). king.

He gave testimony, and = having testified, (Greek. martureo. See p. 1511). He. The quotation is from Pa. Acts 89:20.

have. Omit.

after = according to. Greek. kata. App-104.

shall fulfil = will do.

will = wishes, or desires. Pl, as in Ephesians 2:3. Greek. thelema. App-102.

Verse 23

Of = From. Greek. apo.

this man"s = this one"s.

according to. Greek. kata, as in Acts 13:22.

promise. See 2 Samuel 7:12-16. Psalms 132:11.

raised. Greek. egeiro, as in Acts 13:22. But the texts read ago, led or brought.

Verse 24

When John, &c. = John having before proclaimed. Greek. prokerusso. See note on Acts 3:20.

His coming. Literally the face of His entering in (Greek. eisodos), i.e. upon public life.

Verse 25

fulfilled, &c. = was running his race. Compare Acts 20:24.

fulfilled. Greek. pleroo. App-125.

course. Greek. dromos. Only here, Acts 20:24. 2 Timothy 4:7.

Whom = Who.

think = suppose. Greek. huponoeo. Only here, Acts 25:18; Acts 27:27.

Verse 26

stock = race. Greek. genos.

whosoever, &c. = those among (Greek. en.) you who fear. See Acts 13:16.

is = was.

sent. Greek. apostello, as in Acts 13:15, but the texts read exapoatello. App-174.

Verse 27

dwell. Greek. katoikeo. See note on Acts 2:5.

because, &c. = being ignorant of.

Him. This word referring to Acts 13:26.

nor yet = and.

every sabbath day = throughout (kata) every sabbath.

in condemning = having judged. Greek. krino. App-122.

Verse 28

though they = having. no. Greek. medeis.

cause. Greek. aitia. See John 18:38; John 19:4, John 19:6.

slain. Greek. anaireo. See note on Acts 2:23.

Verse 29

fulfilled = ended. Greek. teleo.

all that was = all things that were.

of = concerning. Greek. peri.

tree. Greek. xulon. See Acts 5:30.

in = into. Greek. eis. App-104.

sepulchre = tomb. Greek. mnemeion. See note on Matthew 27:60.

Verse 30

from the dead. Greek. ek nekron. App-139.

Verse 31

seen. Greek. optomai. App-106.

many days = for (Greek. epi.) many days.

of = by.

came up with Him. Greek. sunanabaino. Only here and Mark 15:41.

Galilee. All the Apostles, except Judas, were Galileans Compare Acts 1:11; Acts 2:7. Luke 23:49, Luke 23:55.

are. The texts add "now".

witnesses. See Acts 1:8.

Verse 32

declare unto you glad tidings = tell you good news. Greek. euangelizo. App-121.

Verse 33

the same = this.

children. Greek. teknon. App-108.

in that he hath . . . again = having raised up. Greek. anistemi. App-178.

it is also, &c. = it has been written in the second Psalm also. See Psalms 2:7. App-107.

begotten Thee = brought Thee to the birth, i.e. in resurrection.

Verse 34

And as concerning = But.

no more, &c. = being no longer (Greek. meketi. Comp. of me. App-105.) about to return.

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

corruption. Greek. diaphthora. See note on Acts 2:27. Here corruption means the place of corruption, i.e. the grave, for He did not see corruption and therefore could not return to it.

on this wise = thus.

sure = assured. Greek. pistos. App-150.

mercies = holy things. Greek. hosios. See Acts 2:27. Same as "holy" in Acts 13:35. The sure mercies are the promises faithfully kept by the Almighty. Figure of speech Catachresis. See Isaiah 55:3.

Verse 35

also, &c. = in another Psalm also.

another. Greek. heteroa. App-124. The reference is to Psalms 16:10.

shalt = wilt. suffer = give. Holy One. Greek. Jioaios. as in Acts 13:3*.

Verse 36

David = David indeed.

after he had = having.

served. Greek. hupereteo. App-190.

will. Greek. boule. App-102. Compare Acts 13:22. Only place where boule is translated "will".

fell on sleep. Greek. koimaomai. App-171.

Verse 37

again. Omit.

no = not. Greek. ou. App-105.

Verse 38

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

through. Greek. dia. App-104. Acts 13:1.

forgiveness = remission. Greek. aphesis. See note on Acts 2:38; Acts 5:31.

sins. Greek. hamartia. App-128.

Verse 39

by = in. Greek. en.

Him = This One.

all that believe are = every one who believes is.

justified. Greek. dikaioo. App-191.

could not = were not able to.

Moses. See Acts 3:22.

Verse 40

Beware = See. Greek. blepo. App-133.

lest. Greek. me. App-105.

upon. Greek. epi. App-104. But the texts omit "upon you".

Verse 41

Behold. Greek. Plural of ide. App-133. The quotation is from Habakkuk 1:5.

despisers. Greek. kataphronetes. Only here.

perish = vanish away. Greek. aphanizo. Occurs elsewhere, Matthew 6:16, Matthew 6:19, Matthew 6:20. James 4:14. Negative of phaino, App-106. Compare Luke 24:31. Hebrews 4:13; Hebrews 8:13.

in no wise. Greek. ou me. App-105.

believe. App-150.

though = (even) if.

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

declare. Greek. ekdiegeomai. Only here and Acts 15:3. A medical word. Compare diegeomai (Acts 8:33).

Verse 42

the Jews. Texts omit.

gone = going forth. Greek. exeimi. Only here, Acts 17:15; Acts 20:7; Acts 27:43.

the Gentiles. The texts read "they".

besought = were beseeching. Greek. parakaleo. App-134.

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

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

the next sabbath = on (Greek. eis.) the intervening (Greek. metaxu) sabbath.

One of the weekly gatherings. See App-120.

Verse 43

congregation = synagogue.

broken up = released. Greek. luo, same word as "loosed" in Acts 13:25.

religious = worshipping. Greek. sebomai. App-137.

proselytes. See note on Matthew 23:15.

speaking to = addressing. Greek. proslaleo. Only here and Acts 28:20.

persuaded = were urging. Greek. peitho. App-150.

continue. Greek. epimeno. See note on Acts 10:48. The texts read prosmeno, as in Acts 11:23.

grace. Greek. charis. App-184.

Verse 44

the next sabbath day = the following sabbath; not the same expression as in Acts 13:42.

came . . . together = was gathered together.

almost. Greek. schedon. Here, Acts 19:26, and Hebrews 9:22.

Verse 45

multitudes = crowds. Greek. ochlos. envy. Gr. zelos. Compare Acts 5:17.

spake against. Greek. antilego. Compare Luke 2:34. The same word as "contradicting" at the end of the verse. See note on Acts 28:19.

Verse 46

waxed bold, and = speaking boldly. Greek. parrhesiazomai. See note on Acts 9:27.

spoken. Greek. laleo. App-121.

seeing = since. Greek. epeide.

put it from you = thrust it away. Greek. apotheomai. See note on Acts 7:27.

judge. Greek. krino. App-122.

unworthy = not (Greek. ou) worthy.

everlasting. Greek. aionios. App-151.

life. Greek. zoe. App-170.

lo = behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6. Greek. idou.

Gentiles. Greek. ethnos.

Verse 47

light. Greek. phos. App-130. The quotation is from Isaiah 49:6. This commission to Jehovah"s Servant is cited as their authority for turning to the Gentiles.

that thou shouldest be = to be.

unto = as far as. Greek. heos.

earth. Greek. ge. App-129.

Verse 48

ordained = appointed. Greek. tasao. Here, Acts 15:2; Acts 22:10; Acts 28:23. Matthew 28:16. Luke 7:8. Romans 13:1. 1 Corinthians 16:15.

eternal. Greek. aionios.

Verse 49

published. Greek. diaphero. Literally to carry through.

throughout. Greek. dia. App-104. Acts 13:1.

region. Greek. chora. See Acts 8:1; Acts 16:6.

Verse 50

stirred up = instigated. Greek. parotruno Only here.

devout. Greek. sebomai, same as "religious" (Acts 13:43). honourable. Greek. euschemdn. Here, Acts 17:12. Mark 15:43. 1 Corinthians 7:35; 1 Corinthians 12:24.

chief men = first.

raised. Greek. epegeiro. App-178. Only here and Acts 14:2.

against. Greek. epi. App-104.

out of. Greek. apo. App-104.

coasts = borders.

Verse 51

shook off. Greek. ektinasso. Only here, Acts 18:6. Matthew 10:14. Mark 6:11. A medical word. Compare Nehemiah 5:13. Figure of speech Paroemia. App-6.

Iconium. Now Konieh, the present (1915) terminus of the Bagdad railway. About 300 miles from Smyrna.

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