XIII: 1. We have already seen that Barnabas and Saul had labored one whole year together in the city of Antioch, and we now learn that at the close of this period there were other inspired teachers associated with them. (1) "_ Now there were in the Church in Antioch certain prophets and teachers, Ba... [ Continue Reading ]
XIII: 1. We have already seen that Barnabas and Saul had labored one whole year together in the city of Antioch, and we now learn that at the close of this period there were other inspired teachers associated with them. (1) “_ Now there were in the Church in Antioch certain prophets and teachers, Ba... [ Continue Reading ]
2, 3. (2) "_ As they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate for me Barnabas and Saul to the work to which I have called them._ (3) _And when they had fasted and prayed and laid hands on them, they sent them away. " This command of the Holy Spirit is not the call_ of... [ Continue Reading ]
4, 5. We now follow Barnabas and Saul to their new field of labor. Their departure from Antioch is thus announced by Luke: (4) "_ So they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia, and thence sailed into Cyprus._ (5) _And when they were in Salamis, they preached the word of God in... [ Continue Reading ]
6, 7. Luke is entirely silent in reference to the effect of the apostolic preaching in Salamis, leaving us to suppose that it was not great. After stating that they preached in the synagogues of the Jews, he follows them in their further progress through the island. (6) "_ And having passed through... [ Continue Reading ]
8-12. While listening to the gospel, there were some indications that he was inclined to believe it. (8) "_ But the magician Elymas, for so is his name translated, withstood them, seeking to turn aside the proconsul from the faith._ (9) _Then Saul, who is also Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixe... [ Continue Reading ]
13. Without pausing to give more detailed accounts of the success of the gospel in Cyprus, our historian now hurries us away with the two apostles upon the further prosecution of their tour. (13) "_ Now those about Paul set sail from Paphos, and went to Perga of Pamphylia. But John, departing from t... [ Continue Reading ]
14, 15. Luke does not longer to recount the dangers through which the two travelers may have passed in crossing the mountains, but describes their progress in these few words: (14) "_ But they, having departed from Perga, arrived in Antioch of Pisidia, and entering into the synagogue on the Sabbath-... [ Continue Reading ]
16. To this invitation Paul responded, by immediately arising and addressing the audience. It need not be supposed, in order to account for the leadership which he now assumes, that he had laid formal claim to superiority over Barnabas; for when two men, of generous spirit, are co-operating together... [ Continue Reading ]
17-24. After thus arresting the attention of his hearers, he approaches his main theme, by a rapid glance at some of the most cherished events in Jewish history. (17) "_ The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and wit... [ Continue Reading ]
25. Having alluded to John's preparatory ministry, he next introduces the direct testimony which he bore to the Messiahship of Jesus. (25) "_ Now as John was fulfilling his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he, but behold, there is coming after me one whose sandal I am not worthy to... [ Continue Reading ]
26. Those who have been accustomed to watch the sympathy between a speaker and his audience can readily perceive, in the change of Paul's manner just here, evidence that he discovered some favorable emotions at work in his audience. He interrupts the thread of his argument, by warmly remarking: (26)... [ Continue Reading ]
27-29. After claiming that the Messiahship of Jesus was so well authenticated, it was necessary to give some explanation of the singular fact, that the Jews, who knew him well, had put him to death as an impostor. This he does in a way that not only removes all objection, but furnishes additional ev... [ Continue Reading ]
30-33. The speaker proceeds to the climax of his argument; a proof of the Messiahship still more conclusive, if possible than the testimony of John, or the fulfillment of prophesy. (30) "_ But God raised him from the dead;_ (31) _and he was seen many days by those who came up with him from Galilee t... [ Continue Reading ]
34-37. That we have given the true explanation of the clause last quoted is confirmed by the course of the argument in that which follows, in which the speaker continues to quote from David, to prove that, according to his prophesies, the Messiah should rise from the dead. (34) "_ Now that he did ra... [ Continue Reading ]
38, 39. Having now established, by brief, but unanswerable arguments, the Messiahship of Jesus, Paul proceeds to offer the audience the benefit of his mediation. (38) "_ Be it known to you, therefore, brethren, that through this man is preached to you the remission of sins;_ (39) _and in him every o... [ Continue Reading ]
40, 41. This passage in Paul's speech was most unwelcome to his Jewish hearers. It was an express disparagement of the law of Moses such as always fell harshly upon Jewish ears. We consequently see in the next and last paragraph of the speech an indication of a change in the aspect of the audience.... [ Continue Reading ]
42, 43. When Paul's speech was concluded, the synagogue was dismissed and the apostle had an opportunity to learn what particular effects had been produced. The people, candid and outspoken, let him in no doubt on the subject. (42) "_ Now as they were going out, they entreated that these words shoul... [ Continue Reading ]
44. So deep an interest kindled in the synagogue, and taking hold of Gentile minds, could not fail to spread widely through the city during the following week, and its progress was doubtless furthered by the most active private exertions of Paul and Barnabas. The result was seen in the next assembla... [ Continue Reading ]
45. So large an assemblage of the people, to hear a doctrine which appeared disparaging to the law of Moses, and which had, on this account, already offended the mass of the Jews, could but arouse their utmost indignation. They acted according to their uniform policy under such circumstances. (45) ... [ Continue Reading ]
46, 47. When men take a stand like this, nothing will satisfy them but an abandonment of the truth; and hence that conciliatory bearing which should mark our address to them up to this point, may, with propriety, be dismissed, and we may proceed without regard to their feelings. So the apostles acte... [ Continue Reading ]
48. In the next paragraph we have a statement, the meaning of which has excited no little controversy. (48) "_ On hearing this the Gentiles rejoiced, and glorified the word of the Lord, and as many as were determined for eternal life believed. " The controversy turns upon the meaning of the clause o... [ Continue Reading ]
49-52. The animosity of the Jews, excited by the success of the apostles, finally resulted in their expulsion from the city. The account is given in brief terms: (49) "_ And the word of the Lord was published throughout the whole region._ (50) _But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women,... [ Continue Reading ]