Earnestly beholding. See on Luke 4:20. Some, who hold that Paul's eyesight was defective, explain this steadfast look in connection with his imperfect vision. Men and brethren. He addresses the Sanhedrim as an equal. I have lived [π ε π ο λ ι τ ε υ μ α ι]. Lit., have lived as a citizen, with speci... [ Continue Reading ]
Ananias. He is described as a revengeful and rapacious tyrant. We are told that he reduced the inferior priests almost to starvation by defrauding them of their tithes, and sent his creatures to the threshing - floors with bludgeons to seize the tithes by force.... [ Continue Reading ]
Shall smite thee [τ υ π τ ε ι ν σ ε μ ε λ λ ε ι]. More strictly, is about to smite. The words are not an imprecation, but a prophecy of punishment for his violent dealing. According to Josephus, in the attack of the Sicarii upon Jerusalem, he was dragged from his hiding - place, in a sewer of the pa... [ Continue Reading ]
Revilest [λ ο ι δ ο ρ ε ι ς]. The word signifies vehement abuse, scolding, berating.... [ Continue Reading ]
The one part were Sadducees, etc. Perceiving the impossibility of getting a fair hearing, Paul, with great tact, seeks to bring the two parties of the council into collision with each other. The resurrection. A main point of contention between the Pharisees and Sadducees, the latter of whom denied... [ Continue Reading ]
Both. Showing that two classes of doctrines peculiar to the Sadducees, and not three, are meant : 1. The resurrection. 2. The existence of spirits, whether angels or souls of men; "neither angel nor spirit.... [ Continue Reading ]
Strove. The diversion was successful. The Pharisees ' hatred of the Sadducees was greater than their hatred of Christianity. What if a spirit, etc. Neither the A. V. nor Rev. give the precise form of this expression. The words form a broken sentence, followed by a significant silence, which leaves... [ Continue Reading ]
Banded together [π ο ι η σ α ν τ ε ς σ υ σ τ ρ ο φ η ν]. Lit., having made a conspiracy. See on concourse, ch. 19 40. Bound themselves under a curse [α ν ε θ ε μ α τ ι σ α ν ε α υ τ ο υ ς]. Lit., anathematized or cursed themselves; invoked God's curse on themselves if they should violate their vow.... [ Continue Reading ]
Conspiracy [σ υ ν ω μ ο σ ι α ν]. Lit., swearing together; conjuration. According to its etymology, conspiracy is a breathing or blowing together (Latin, conspirare). Hence, of concerted thought and action.... [ Continue Reading ]
We have bound ourselves under a great curse [α ν α θ ε μ α τ ι α ν ε θ ε μ α τ ι σ α μ ε ν ε α υ τ ο υ ς]. Lit., we have anathematized ourselves with an anathema. A very strong expression. For similar expressions, see Luke 22:15; John 3:29; Acts 4:17.... [ Continue Reading ]
Enquire [δ ι α γ ι ν ω σ κ ε ι ν]. Only here and ch. 24 22. Originally, to distinguish or discern; hence, to decide, as a suit. Rev., more correctly, therefore, judge. More perfectly [α κ ρ ι β ε σ τ ε ρ ο ν]. Rev., better, more exactly. See on Luke 1:3; Acts 18:25; Acts 18:26. Concerning him [τ α... [ Continue Reading ]
The prisoner [ο δ ε σ μ ι ο ς]. From dew, to bind. Paul, as a Roman citizen, was held in custodia militaris, "military custody." Three kinds of custody were recognized by the Roman law : 1. Custodia publica (public custody); confinement in the public jail. This was the worst kind, the common jails b... [ Continue Reading ]
Have bound themselves. "If we should wonder how, so early in the morning, after the long discussion in the Sanhedrim, which must have occupied a considerable part of the day, more than forty men should have been found banded together, under an anathema, neither to eat nor to drink till they had kill... [ Continue Reading ]
Soldiers [σ τ ρ α τ ι ω τ α ς]. Heavy - armed footmen : legionaries. Spearmen [δ ε ξ ι ο λ α β ο υ ς]. Only here in New Testament, and not in classical Greek. From dexiov, right, and lambanw, to take. The exact meaning is uncertain. Some explain it as those who take the right side of the prisoners... [ Continue Reading ]
Beasts [κ τ η ν η]. See on Luke 10:34.... [ Continue Reading ]
After this manner [π ε ρ ι ε χ ο υ σ α ν τ ο ν τ υ π ο ν τ ο υ τ ο ν]. Lit., containing this form or type. See on it is contained, 1 Peter 2:6.... [ Continue Reading ]
To the most excellent [τ ω κ ρ α τ ι σ τ ω]. "His excellency" : an official title. Compare ch. Acts 24:3; Acts 26:25. Greeting [χ α ι ρ ε ι ν]. See on ch. Acts 14:23.... [ Continue Reading ]
Rescued. Bengel says, "a lie." Lysias wishes to make the impression that Paul's citizenship was the cause of his rescuing him; whereas he did not know of this until afterward. He says nothing about the proposed scourging.... [ Continue Reading ]
Questions. See on ch. Acts 14:2. Nothing - worthy of death or of bonds. Every Roman magistrate before whom the apostle is brought declares him innocent.... [ Continue Reading ]
When it was told [μ η ν υ θ ε ι σ η ς]. Lit., pointed out, or shown, as Rev. See on Luke 20:37. Farewell. The best texts omit. See on ch. Acts 14:29.... [ Continue Reading ]
Took [α ν α λ α β ο ν τ ε ς]. Lit., "having taken up." Compare set Paul on, verse 24. To Antipatris. A hard night's ride : forty miles.... [ Continue Reading ]
On the morrow. After arriving at Antipatris.... [ Continue Reading ]
Caesarea. Twenty - six miles from Antipatris.... [ Continue Reading ]
Of what province [ε κ π ο ι α ς ε π α ρ χ ι α ς]. Rather, "from what kind of a province;" whether senatorial or imperial. See Introduction to Luke. Cilicia was an imperial province.... [ Continue Reading ]
I will hear thee [δ ι α κ ο υ σ ο μ α ι]. Better, as Rev., will hear thy cause; the word meaning "to hear fully [δ ι α] in a judicial sense." The present questioning was merely preliminary. Herod's palace. Built by Herod the Great. Judaea being now a Roman province, the palace of its former kings h... [ Continue Reading ]