_CRITICAL REMARKS_
Acts 8:1. CONSENTING.—Compare Acts 22:20; Luke 11:48; Romans 1:32.
Luke had probably often heard this remark from Paul. AT THAT
TIME.—Lit., _on that day_—viz., of Stephen’s murder, which had
been the signal for an outbreak of hostility against the Christians.
ALL.—Not to be taken... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL REMARKS_
Acts 8:5. PHILIP.—Not the apostle, but the deacon (Acts 6:4). THE
CITY OF SAMARIA—according to the best MSS.—signifies that the
capital built by Omri (1 Kings 16:24), and renamed Sebaste by Herod
the Great (Jos., _Ant._, XX. Acts 6:2), was the place to which Philip
went; if with... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL REMARKS_
Acts 8:9. SIMON.—Not the Cyprian Jew of that name whom, according to
Josephus (_Ant._, XX. vii. 2), Felix afterwards employed to persuade
Drusilla to leave for him her husband. King Azizus of Emesa (De Wette,
Neander, Hilgenfeld, Alford), but, according to Justin Martyr
(_Apol._,... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL REMARKS_
Acts 8:14. SENT.—The mission of the two apostles, Peter and John, is
not said to have had as its motive the imparting of the Holy Spirit to
the Samaritans (Holtzmann), although this was undoubtedly a
consequence which flowed from their mission.
Acts 8:15. PRAYED FOR THEM THAT TH... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL REMARKS_
Acts 8:18. AND WHEN SIMON SAW.—Most likely through hearing the
baptised speak with tongues. HE OFFERED THEM MONEY.—From Simon’s
name and proposal arose the expression “Simony” for the purchase
of spiritual offices. _Inde Simoniœ vocabulum_ (Bengel).
Acts 8:19. TO ME ALSO.—_I.e._... [ Continue Reading ]