The latter end of the foregoing chapter acquainted us with the sorrowful and heavy parting of the elders and church of Ephesus from the holy apostle. Now, the first verse of this chapter informs us, that it was not less sorrowful on the apostle's and his companions' part. So much the word here impo... [ Continue Reading ]
The divine providence is not more signally discovered in governing the motions of the clouds, than it is in ordering the spirits and motions of his ministers. The motion of the clouds is not spontaneous and from themselves, but they move as they are moved by the wind; neither can the ministers of Ch... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. That nothing could divert the apostle from his intended journey to Jerusalem: the report of sufferings was no discouragement to him, nor could the persuasive intreaties of his friends prevail with him. Seeing therefore he was resolved to go on, they all of them with their wives and... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. That during the apostle's stay at Cesarea, in Philip's house,. certain prophet named Agabus comes thither, and prophesieth of St. Paul's bonds at Jerusalem. Where note, that though Agabus was. prophet, yet by what appeareth of him in scripture, he was always. prophet of evil things... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The entire affection of the disciples to the holy apostles; BOTH WE AND THEY OF THAT PLACE BESOUGHT HIM, THAT HE WOULD NOT GO UP TO JERUSALEM. Learn, That the lives and liberties of those who are eminent instruments of God's glory, are very dear and precious to the faithful servant... [ Continue Reading ]
The apostle having boldly resolved, that come life, or come death, he would be obedient to the call of God by his Spirit, and that nothing should divert him from his intended journey to Jerusalem, sits forward from Cesarea to Jerusalem, accompanied with certain disciples of Cesarea, who brought him... [ Continue Reading ]
We had Paul's report to the church at Jerusalem, of the success which God had given him in his ministry amongst the Gentiles; this is related in the foregoing paragraph of the chapter. In these verses before us, we have the church's reply to the apostle's relation, THEY GLORIFIED GOD; first, for th... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. That at the instance and importunity of his friends, St. Paul is persuaded to purify himself in the temple; partly to gain upon the affections of the believing Jews, who were still zealous of the law; and partly to confute the false aspersions of them that reported him to be against... [ Continue Reading ]
Note here, 1. How the great and gracious God provideth seasonable rescues for his persecuted and perplexed saints and servant: WHEN THEY WENT ABOUT TO KILL PAUL, God raises him up. deliverer. Note, 2. The unexpected instrument of the apostle's deliverance, and that was an heathen governor. The Roma... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, 1. The justice which the chief captain, though an heathen soldier, doth St. Paul: he demands WHAT HE HAD DONE, before he punishes him. An heathen would hear the cause before he condemns the person;. piece of justice which the law of nature requires and obliges to. Observe, 2. The unjust su... [ Continue Reading ]