− − 1.] In the chapter last going before, Luke declared how Paul and Barnabas took in hand their embassage unto the Gentiles. Furthermore, it might seem to be an unprosperous and unlucky beginning, in that they were not only expelled out of Antioch, but also enforced by the obstinate wickedness of... [ Continue Reading ]
− 2._And those Jews which believed not _Lo, they are persecuted now afresh, and that by the Jews, for they were like firebrands to inflame the minds of the Gentiles; for it is to be thought that the Gentiles could abide to hear the gospel preached, unless they had been incensed to resist by these f... [ Continue Reading ]
− 3._A long time. _Luke declareth here, that Paul and Barnabas did not depart the city so soon as they saw some set against them, for when he saith that they behaved themselves boldly, he giveth us an inkling − (7) that there was cause of fear offered them. Whence we gather that they stood stoutly,... [ Continue Reading ]
− 4._The multitude was divided. _The most troublesome part of the tragedy − (9) followeth now, for the city is divided into two parts; and at length Paul and Barnabas (being enforced by the uproar of the people) depart unto another place. If it be demanded what was the original of the discord, assur... [ Continue Reading ]
− 5.Mark how far forth the holy champions of Christ did suffer. They give not back when their enemies do only set themselves against them; but when the sedition waxeth hot, and they be in danger of stoning, though they have many favorers of their doctrine, they go no further, but remembering the say... [ Continue Reading ]
− 8._A certain man at Lystra. _Luke reciteth one miracle which we may think − (14) was one of many; but there was mention made of it alone by reason of the famous event. For we shall see by and by what happened. Luke reckoneth up the circumstances, which do more plainly set forth the power of God,... [ Continue Reading ]
− 9._He heard Paul speak. _Hearing is set down first, that we may know that the faith which Luke will commend by and by was conceived of Paul’s doctrine. Therefore, when he heard Paul, he hoped to be healed. But the question is, whether this was promised to him specially; for God doth not command us... [ Continue Reading ]
− 10._He said with a loud voice. _Many old books, − (19) and those of great credit, add, “I say to thee in the name of Jesus Christ,” and surely we see how careful the apostles were to magnify the name of Christ in all miracles; therefore I think that that was expressed by Luke, and yet we cannot f... [ Continue Reading ]
− 11._Furthermore, the multitude. _This history doth abundantly testify how ready and bent men are unto vanity. Paul uttered not that word abruptly, _Arise; _but he added it as it were a conclusion to the sermon made concerning Christ. Yet the people ascribe the praise of the miracle unto their idol... [ Continue Reading ]
− 13._Also Jupiter’s priest. _Though Luke doth not express with what affection he [this priest] was moved to be so diligent, yet it is to be thought, that, forasmuch as there was great hope of most plentiful gain offered, he was moved with covetousness. For he had great hope of gain in time to come,... [ Continue Reading ]
− 14._When the apostles had heard. _In that Paul and Barnabas rent their garments, and leapt into the midst of the multitude, it appeareth thereby how zealous they were for the glory of God; [no;] being content only to speak to the people, − (29) they troubled the preparation of the sacrifice so muc... [ Continue Reading ]
− 15._Men, why do ye those things? _They begin with a reprehension, as the matter did require; that done, they show to what end they were sent. Afterward they preach concerning the only God, and show that he was unknown to the world. Lastly, that they may more strongly pluck out of their hearts the... [ Continue Reading ]
− 16._In times past. _Because the men of Lystra might object that that God was unknown hitherto, Paul and Barnabas prevent them and say, that all men wandered indeed in darkness, and that all mankind was stricken with blindness, but that they deny that any prejudice must be made − (34) according to... [ Continue Reading ]
− 17.− _Notwithstanding, he did not suffer himself to be without witness. _Paul and Barnabas take from the Gentiles in this place the cloak [pretext] of ignorance. For how greatly soever men please themselves in their own inventions, being at length convicted of error, they fly unto this fortress, ... [ Continue Reading ]
− 18._When they had said thus. _Luke said before that they did not only use words, but they ran also with violence into the multitude. − (39) Now he addeth, that the fury of the people was scarce appeased − (40) with that vehemency, whereby appeareth how mad and untamed the heat of the world is tow... [ Continue Reading ]
− 19._There came. _Paul and Barnabas can hardly stay the people from doing sacrifice; but a company of knaves do, with small ado, persuade them to stone Paul, whom of late they made a god. Whereby appeareth how much more men be bent unto superstition than unto the true worship of God, and how arroga... [ Continue Reading ]
− 20._As the disciples. _Though no man defended Paul, yet Luke showeth that the godly were desirous of his life; − (42) yet they did so moderate themselves, lest they should attempt anything with great danger to no end, seeing they could not help him unless it were done privily. And surely we must... [ Continue Reading ]
− 22._And exhorting them. _This was the principal way to confirm, in that they provoke the disciples who had before embraced the Gospel and did profess it, to go forward by exhorting them; for we are far from being so ready and stout − (45) as we ought. Therefore our laziness needeth pricks, and our... [ Continue Reading ]
− 23._When they had ordained elders. _By this it appeareth sufficiently, that it is not enough if men have been once taught the doctrine of godliness, and to have [hold] the sum of faith, unless they go forward continually; therefore, Christ did not only send his apostles to preach the gospel, but h... [ Continue Reading ]
− 24._Passing through Pisidia. _We have already said that Paul and Barnabas came to Antioch of Pisidia. Being now about to return to Antioch of Syria, whence they were sent away, they go through Pamphylia, which is the middle region toward the mount Taurus. And Perga and Attalia are cities lying ne... [ Continue Reading ]
− 26._When they had been commended. _Luke might have said that they were ordained there to be the apostles of the Gentiles; but by a circuit of words − (65) he doth more plainly express that they were neither sent away of men, neither did they attempt any thing trusting to their own strength, but t... [ Continue Reading ]
− 27._After they had called the Church together. _As those who return from an embassage used to give an account of their acts, so Paul and Barnabas declared to the Church all the sum of their voyage, that it may thereby appear what good success they had, and how faithfully they behaved themselves in... [ Continue Reading ]