And [δ ε]. Better but, as a contrast is now introduced with the prosperous condition of the Church indicated at the close of the last chapter. Was multiplied [π λ η θ υ ν ο ν τ ω ν]. Lit., "when the disciples were multiplying;" the present participle indicating something in progress. A murmuring [γ... [ Continue Reading ]
Reason [α ρ ε σ τ ο ν]. Lit., pleasing or agreeable. Leave [κ α τ α λ ε ι ψ α ν τ α ς]. Rather forsake or abandon : leave in the lurch. Serve tables. Superintend the distribution of food.... [ Continue Reading ]
Of good report [μ α ρ τ υ ρ ο υ μ ε ν ο υ ς]. Lit., attested, having witness born them.... [ Continue Reading ]
We will give ourselves continually [π ρ ο σ κ α ρ τ ε ρ η σ ο μ ε ν]. See on ch. Acts 1:14. Rev., continue steadfastly.... [ Continue Reading ]
Stephen, etc. The names are all Greek. There is no reason to infer from this that they were all Hellenists. It was customary among the Jews to have two names, the one Hebrew and the other Greek. They were probably partly Hebrews and partly Hellenists.... [ Continue Reading ]
To the faith [τ η π ι σ τ ε ι]. Opinions differ greatly as to whether this is to be taken as meaning faith in Jesus Christ, or faith considered as Christian doctrine - the Gospel; the faith in the ecclesiastical sense. This passage and Galatians 1:23 are the strong passages in favor of the latter vi... [ Continue Reading ]
Did [ε π ο ι ε ι]. Imperfect : was working wonders during the progress of the events described in the previous verse.... [ Continue Reading ]
Synagogue. See on Church, Matthew 16:18. Of the libertines. In Jerusalem, and probably in other large cities, the several synagogues were arranged according to nationalities, and even crafts. Thus we have in this verse mention of the synagogues of the Cyrenians, Alexandrians, Cilicians, and Asiatic... [ Continue Reading ]
They were not able [ο υ κ ι σ χ υ ο ν]. See on Luke 14:30; Luke 16:3.... [ Continue Reading ]
Suborned [υ π ε β α λ ο ν]. Only here in New Testament. The verb originally means to put under, as carpets under one's feet; hence, to put one person in place of another; to substitute, as another's child for one's own; to employ a secret agent in one's place, and to instigate or secretly instruct h... [ Continue Reading ]
They stirred up the people [σ υ ν ε κ ι ν η σ α ν τ ο ν λ α ο ν]. The verb occurs only here in the New Testament. It implies to stir up as a mass, to move them together [σ υ ν]. This is the first record of the hostility of the people toward the disciples. See ch. Acts 2:47. Caught [σ υ ν η ρ π α σ... [ Continue Reading ]
This Jesus of Nazareth. Contemptuous.... [ Continue Reading ]