Here we have an account of the fourth journey which Paul and Barnabas undertook in their travels, to plant and propagate the Christian faith, and that was to Iconium. Where observe, 1. The unity of these two great apostles, both amongst themselves and in the work of God: THEY WENT BOTH TOGETHER INT... [ Continue Reading ]
Note here, 1. The manner of the apostles' preaching at Iconium: THEY SPAKE BOLDLY: that is, openly in the synagogues: and there with great freedom and plainness of speech asserted truth, condemned error, reproved sin, and denounced judgments against impenitent sinners; and this with. wise, but convi... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. How upon the preaching of the gospel there follow great divisions; THE MULTITUDE WAS DIVIDED. Not that the gospel is the cause of division, but the occasion only, and that by accident too. The sacred institutions and ordinances of Christ, are not to be quarrelled with, or objected a... [ Continue Reading ]
Here we have an account of the fifth journey which the apostles Barnabas and Paul undertook in their travels to plant and propagate the Christian faith; and that was at Lystra and Derbe. Here their first work was to preach the gospel; which done, God honoured Paul to work. glorious miracle for the c... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, 1. How far Paganish superstition did transport and carry these men: they come to the gates of the house where the apostles had lodged, and bring oxen with them, trimmed with garlands of flowers, according to their heathenish rites, verily intending to offer sacrifice unto them. Learn, How... [ Continue Reading ]
Note here, 1. The ill requital St. Paul had for his excellent discourse to these blasphemous idolators: THEY STONED HIM TO DEATH, in their own apprehension. The sharpest and keenest edge of persecution is usually turned against the ministers of Christ, and falls heaviest on the prophets of God. The... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, The great and good use which the apostle makes of his miraculous recovery: he is no sooner upon his legs, but he travels to Derbe, to preach the gospel. Nothing do the faithful ministers of Christ more fervently desire, and more diligently endeavour, than to lay out their lives, their... [ Continue Reading ]
Here we have two farther instances and evidences of the apostles' care of these new-planted churches; and the first was, to settle them in church order, ordaining elders in every church, to be the guides and teachers of the rest, and this with fasting and prayer, in regard of the great solemnity and... [ Continue Reading ]
This last paragraph of the chapter acquaints us with the return of Paul and Barnabas to Antioch in Syria, from whence they set out two years before, and where they were by the prayers of the church most affectionately recommended to the grace and assistance of God, for carrying on of that great work... [ Continue Reading ]