Opening and alleging. The latter word is rather propounding, or setting forth [π α ρ α τ ι θ ε μ ε ν ο ς]. See on set before, Luke 9:16; and commit, 1 Peter 4:19. Bengel remarks, "Two steps, as if one, having broken the rind, were to disclose and exhibit the kernel.... [ Continue Reading ]
Consorted with [π ρ ο σ ε κ λ η ρ ω θ η σ α ν]. Only here in New Testament. More strictly, "were added or allotted to." Chief women. The position of women in Macedonia seems to have been exceptional. Popular prejudice, and the verdict of Grecian wisdom in its best age, asserted her natural inferior... [ Continue Reading ]
Of the baser sort [α γ ο ρ α ι ω ν]. From ajgora, the market - place; hence loungers in the market - place; the rabble. Cicero calls them subrastrani, those who hung round the rostra, or platform for speakers in the forum; and Plautus, subbasilicani, the loungers round the court - house or exchange.... [ Continue Reading ]
Rulers of the city [π ο λ ι τ α ρ χ α ς]. Another illustration of Luke's accuracy. Note that the magistrates are called by a different name from those at Philippi. Thessalonica was not a colony, but a free city (see on colony, ch. 16 12), and was governed by its own rulers, whose titles accordingly... [ Continue Reading ]
Contrary to the decrees of Caesar. The charge at Philippi was that of introducing new customs; but as Thessalonica was not a colony, that charge could have no force there. The accusation substituted is that of treason against the emperor; that of which Jesus was accused before Pilate. "The law of tr... [ Continue Reading ]
Security [τ ο ι κ α ν ο ν]. See on Luke 7:6. Bail, either personal or by a deposit of money. A law term. They engaged that the public peace should not be violated, and that the authors of the disturbance should leave the city.... [ Continue Reading ]
Searched. Or examined. See on Luke 23:14.... [ Continue Reading ]
Honorable women. See on verse 4, and Mark 14:43.... [ Continue Reading ]
They that conducted [κ α θ ι σ τ ω ν τ ε ς]. Lit., brought to the spot. Note the different word employed, ch. 14 3 (see note there).... [ Continue Reading ]
Was stirred [π α ρ ω ξ υ ν ε τ ο]. Better, as Rev., provoked. See on the kindred word contention [π α ρ ο ξ υ σ μ ο ς], ch. 14 39. Saw [θ ε ω ρ ο υ ν τ ι]. Better, beheld. See on Luke 10:18. Wholly given to idolatry [κ α τ ε ι δ ω λ ο ν]. Incorrect. The word, which occurs only here in the New Testa... [ Continue Reading ]
Epicureans. Disciples of Epicurus, and atheists. They acknowledged God in words, but denied his providence and superintendence over the world. According to them, the soul was material and annihilated at death. Pleasure was their chief good; and whatever higher sense their founder might have attached... [ Continue Reading ]
Areopagus. The Hill of Mars : the seat of the ancient and venerable Athenian court which decided the most solemn questions connected with religion. Socrates was arraigned and condemned here on the charge of innovating on the state religion. It received its name from the legend of the trial of Mars f... [ Continue Reading ]
Strange [ξ ε ν ι ζ ο ν τ α]. A participle : surprising. Compare 1 Peter 4:4; 1 Peter 4:12.... [ Continue Reading ]
All the Athenians. No article. Lit., "Athenians, all of them." The Athenian people collectively. Strangers which were there [ο ι ε π ι δ η μ ο υ ν τ ε ς ξ ε ν ο ι]. Rev., more correctly, the strangers sojourning there. See on 1 Peter 1:1. Spent their time [ε υ κ α ι ρ ο υ ν]. The word means to hav... [ Continue Reading ]
I perceive [θ ε ω ρ ω]. I regard you, in my careful observation of you. See on Luke 10:18. Too superstitious [δ ε ι σ ι δ α ι μ ο ν ε σ τ ε ρ ο υ ς]. This rendering and that of the Rev., somewhat superstitious, are both unfortunate. The word is compounded of deidw, to fear, and daimwn, a deity. It s... [ Continue Reading ]
As I passed by [δ ι ε ρ χ ο. μ ε ν ο ς]. More strictly, "passing through [δ ι α] " your city, or your streets. Beheld [α ν α θ ε ω ρ ω ν]. Only here and Hebrews 13:7. Rev :, much better, observed. The compound verb denotes a very attentive consideration (ajna, up and down, throughout). Devotions ... [ Continue Reading ]
God. With the article : "the God." The world [τ ο ν κ ο σ μ ο ν]. Originally, order, and hence the order of the world; the ordered universe. So in classical Greek. In the Septuagint, never the world, but the ordered total of the heavenly bodies; the host of heaven (Deuteronomy 4:19; Deuteronomy 17:3... [ Continue Reading ]
Is worshipped [θ ε ρ α π ε υ ε τ α ι]. Incorrect. Rendel; as Rev., served. Luke often uses the word in the sense of to heal or cure; but this is its primary sense. See on Luke verse 15. It refers to the clothing of the images of the gods in splendid garments, and bringing them costly gifts and offer... [ Continue Reading ]
Before appointed [π ρ ο τ ε τ α γ μ ε ν ο υ ς]. The Rev., properly, omits before, following the reading of the best texts, prostetagmenouv, assigned. Bounds [ο ρ ο θ ε σ ι α ς]. Only here in New Testament. The word, in the singular, means the fixing of boundaries, and so is transferred to the fixed... [ Continue Reading ]
Might feel after. See on handle, Luke 14:39. Compare Tennyson : "I stretch lame hands of faith, and grope And gather dust and chaff, and call To what I feel is Lord of all." In Memoriam, 55... [ Continue Reading ]
We are also his offspring. A line from Aratus, a poet of Paul's own province of Cilicia. The same sentiment, in almost the same words, occurs in the fine hymn of Cleanthes to Jove. Hence the words, "Some of your own poets.... [ Continue Reading ]
The Godhead [τ ο θ ε ι ο ν]. Lit., that which is divine. Like to gold, etc. These words must have impressed his hearers profoundly, as they looked at the multitude of statues of divinities which surrounded them. Graven [χ α ρ α γ μ α τ ι]. Not a participle, as A. V., but a noun, in apposition with... [ Continue Reading ]
Winked at [υ π ε ρ ι δ ω ν]. Only here in New Testament. Originally, to overlook; to suffer to pass unnoticed. So Rev., overtooked.... [ Continue Reading ]
Resurrection. This word was the signal for a derisive outburst from the crowd. Mocked [ε χ λ ε υ α ζ ο ν]. From cleuh, a jest. Only here in New Testament, though a compound, diacleuazw, mock, occurs, according to the best texts, at ch. 2 13. The force of the imperfect, began to mock, should be given... [ Continue Reading ]
Clave. See on Luke 10:11; Luke 14:15; Acts 5:13. The Areopagite. One of the judges of the court of Areopagus. Of this court Curtius remarks : "Here, instead of a single judge, a college of twelve men of proved integrity conducted the trial. If the accused had an equal number of votes for and agains... [ Continue Reading ]