1. He reminds him of the former treatise which he had written for his edification and infraction, containing an account of all that Tefau began both to do and teach, laying the foundation of that Christian church on which they were to build, until the day in which he was taken up, continuing to infruct them in the nature of his kingdom, after that he, through the Holy Ghoft, which the Father gave without measure unto him, had given commandments unto the apollis whom he had chafen, commissioning them to preach his gospel, and, according to the plenitude of his power, enabling them for the arduous work. Note, They who teach, must do: a minister's practice must be correspondent with his precepts. 2. He mentions some of those many infallible signs which Jefus gave of his resurrection. He shewed himself to his disciples alive, convinced them fully of the identity of his person, was seen of them several times, in different places, during the forty days that he continued on earth; eat, drank, and converted freely with them, instructing them in the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, informing them of the nature of his kingdom, the powers they should be endured with, the success of their ministry, and the glory which was prepared for them. 3. Chrift ordered them, at one of their solemn meetings, not to depart from Jerusalem, whether they had probably come from Galilee, after they had seen him on the mountain where he appointed them to meet him; but was for the propriety of the Father, which, faith he, you have heard of me, fully and confidently expecting that Spirit whom the ancient prophecies had received should be abundantly poured out in the days of the Messiah, and of whom he had so often spoken to them before his departure, as the Comforter that he would send unto them from the Father, to enable them for the glorious work which was before them. For John truly baptized with water, and that was all he pretended to do; but ye, according to his declarations, shall be baptized with the Holy Ghoft not many days hence, receiving such abundant measures of light, grace, wisdom, courage, and utterance, as effectually to carry them through every temptation, and make them successful in spreading the gospel, in distance of all opposition. Note, We must patiently wait, and then we shall affordly for the salvation of God. 1 Met. xxiv. 3 Met. xxiv. 5 Met. xxiv. 6. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, 'Lord, will thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7. And he said unto them, 'It is not for you to know the times or the feafoos, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8. But ye shall receive + power, after that the Holy Ghoft is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 9. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10. And while they looked fledfastly towards heaven, as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11. Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jefus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. 9. 6—11. The apostles had not yet quite dropped their apprehensions of the Messiah's temporal kingdom, and the resurrection of Jesus probably flattered them with new hopes. 1. They put the question therefore to him, whether at this time he would restore again the kingdom to Israel, raising the Jewish people to the highest pitch of grandeur, and bringing all the kingdoms of the earth in subjection to them: so had it is to eradicate early prejudices. And even good men are apt to look for a church triumphant instead of a church militant upon earth: but, when the Spirit is poured out more abundantly, we shall learn to expect nothing here but reproach and the cross, and wait for another world to sit down in the kingdom. 2. Chrift checks their vain curiosity. And, as the Spirit, which should be given them, would shortly rectify their mistakes, he tells them it was not for them to know the times and feafoos when those great expected revolutions should be brought about, which the Father hath put in his own power, and which are secrets concealed in the divine mind. Note, (1.) Secret things belong unto God. Curiosity to be wise above what is written, is foolish as well as fruitless. (2.) The uncertainty in which it hath pleased God to leave us, concerning future events, is graciously ordered, to the intent we might be always prepared for that which God hath prepared for us. 3. He assures them, that, poor, illiterate, and despicable instruments as they appeared, they should be endowed with the most astonishing spiritual powers, through the mighty influence of the Holy Ghoft, which should come upon them, when, filled with zeal, courage, and wisdom, which none of their adventures could gainlay or refill, they should be witnesses unto him; asserting his character as the divine Messiah, bearing testimony to his resurrection, publishing the glad tidings of salvation through his name, and confirming the truth of their words by the attestation of the most amazing miracles, beginning at Jerusalem, then going to the Samaritans, among whom before they had been with-held from preaching, and afterwards spreading the glorious gospel to the ends of the earth, not only among the dispersed Jews, but among the Gentiles also. Note, Gospel ministers must preach Jesus Christ, bearing witness to his grace and glory, and publishing to all, the free and full redemption which is obtained for lost sinners through his blood and righteousness. 4. When he had spoken these things, while they beheld, earnestly regarding him, and duly attentive to the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth, he was taken up, and with eager looks they followed him, till a dead received him out of their glory and, amidst congratulating angels, he ascended to the throne of his glory. May I follow ther, Lord, with the eyes of faith now, and, when it shall please them, attend to behold they face to face. 5. An angelic vision appears to them, as they stood gazing towards heaven after their dear Lord, as he went up, willing to catch the last possible glimpse of him, and keeping still there eyes fixed on the place where he became invisible to them. Two celestial spirits in human forms, arrayed in white apparel, the emblem of their purity and grandeur, stood by them, and kindly addressed them, saying, Ye men of Galilee, who stand ye young up into heaven? as if ye ye yeeled unto I will and Mith to return quickly unto you; this same Jefus, which was delivered for your offences, and died on a tree, is now taken up from you to heaven, exalted to the mediatorial throne, as having been done redemption of his people, and is gone to ye pace a place for them; shall ye come in like manner, at the last day of his appearance and glory, in the clouds of heaven, attended by his angelic hold, as ye have seen him go into heaven. On that we may be ready to meet him in that great day! Oh that the expectation of it might be deep upon our minds continually! 12. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Oliver, which is from Jerusalem a tabbatic day's journey. 13. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper-room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 14. Thele all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. 9. 12—14. We have here, 1. The place from whence our Lord ascended, the mount Oliver, about a mile from Jerusalem. There his sufferings began, in the garden, and thence he entered into his glory as a triumphant conqueror, (Zed. xiv. 4.) in full view of that devoted city, for which judgment was now prepared. 2. The return of the disciples. They came back to the city according to their Master's orders, and when they were come in, either into a private house, or, as some suppose, into the temple itself; see Lord xxiv. 55. they went into an upper-room, for greater secrecy. If this was in the temple, they might be accommodated by some priest or Levite, who was a hidden disciple, with a room there; or, if it was in the city, though they constantly attended the temple service, they met in private there, and spent their time, with no accord, in prayer and supplication for the coming of that Comforter who was promised. The eleven apostles are particularly mentioned, all of whom kept close together, with the women, who had approved their fidelity, love, and zeal, in a very distinguished manner, and Mary the mother of Jesus, concerning whom we hear no more mention over after; and his brethren, those of Christ's kinsmen who now believed on him; see Matt. xiii. 53. with many others. Note, (1.) It is good for the disciples of Jesus to unite together: the world is closely leagued against them. They need therefore maintain the closest fellowship with each other. (2.) Prayer is the blessed and constant employment of God's people; and especially in all feafoos of particular trial, when their faith and patience are called into exercise, they have need to redouble their supplications. (3.) Nothing can be denied to the united prayers of the faithful, who with one accord furround a throne of grace in the name of Jesus. 15. ¶ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of the names together were about an hundred and twenty) 16. Men and brethren, This scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the holy Ghoft by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. 17. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. 18. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burll asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. 19. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; infomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Acehama, that is to say, The field of blood. 20. For it is written in the book of Pfalms, Let his habitation be defolate, and let no man dwell therein; and his bishopick let another take. 21. Wherefore of these men which have accompanied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and not among us, 22. B-gunning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must not be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. 23. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barabas, who was surnamed Jufus, and Matthias. 24. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knoweth the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen. 25. That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. 26. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. At one of those solemn meetings, where about an hundred and twenty of the disciples were assembled, Peter, the zealous servant of his Lord, stood up in the midst of them; not affecting to the, as their master or superior, but proposing a matter to them as his equals. We have, 1. His speech. He addresses them as his friends, companions, and brethren in Christ; and having an important proposal to make to them, he reminds them of the fulfilment of the scripture, in the wickedness and miserable end of Judas the traitor, whose treachery the Holy Ghost having foreseen and forerold, it could not but come to pass, and none ought to be offended thereat. As an aggravation of his guilt, Peter observes, (2.) The high dignity to which he was advanced. He was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry; and this but the more aggravated his sin and ruin. Note, Many are numbered with us who are not of us; but a name to him, whilst persons are really dead in trespasses and sins, will avail nothing. (2.) His sin was treachery. He was guide to them that took Jesus; a ringleader in iniquity, as apostles usually prove. (3.) His end was notorious. His money, the wages of unrighteousness, served only to buy a field to bury strangers; and driven by the devil and a despairing conscience, he went and hanged himself; when the rope, or the place on which he hung, giving way, he fell; and his belly burbling afonded, his bowels gushed out; a scarful cast of which great notice was deservedly taken; the fact being publicly known in Jerusalem, and resided abroad, infomuch that the people called the field purchased by this money, Acehama, or The field of blood, with respect to the innocent blood, of which it was the price; perpetuating thereby the infamy, not only of the traitor who sold his master, but of the rulers who tempted him to this atrocious deed. (4.) He cites the Book of Pfalms, in which the prophecy relating to Judas was found. Let his habitation be defolate, and let no man dwell therein, Pfal. Ixix. 25. and his bishopric let another take, Pfal. cix. 8. (5.) He proposes to them, according to this prophetic word, that the sacred college should be filled up, by the addition of one to their number, out of those who had approved themselves from the beginning faithful; and had been among the first who followed Jesus, and privy to all the transactions concerning him, from the time he was baptized at John in Jordan, till his ascension to glory; that he might with them be a witness of his resurrection, of that grand article of faith, as well as of all the other glorious things relative to Christ's divine mission and character. Note, (1.) None should be admitted into the ministry, but such as for a season have proved their fidelity to Christ, in a course of holy walking with him. (2.) They who have known Christ, and the power of his resurrection in their souls, cannot but make him the subject of all their discourses. 2. The church approving the proposal, nominated two, Joseph and Matthias; and not knowing which to prefer, they applied to God, the searcher of hearts, by prayer for directions, that he would be pleased to shew them, which of these he had chosen to take part of that ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place, the dire abode prepared for fallen angels and rebellious sinners. Note, (1.) In our emergencies, we should never fail to look up to God for direction. (2.) Apostles from Christ necessarily plunge themselves into perdition and destruction. 3. Having commended the matter to God's determination, they solemnly call lots; when the Lord, at whose disposal the lot is, Prov. xvi. 33. appointed Matthias, who was then conferred numbered with the eleven apostles. Here is, 1. The descent of the Spirit upon the apostles, and those that were with them, on the day of Pentecost, vers. 1-4. 2. The various symbolisms which this mentioned among the people that were now met in Jerusalem from all parts, vers. 5-13. 3. The sermon which Peter preached to them hereupon, vers. 14-36. 4. The good effect of this sermon in the conversion of many to the souls of Christ, and their addition to the church, vers. 37-41. 5. The eminent party and charity of these promotion Christians, and the manifest talents of God's presence with them, and power in them, vers. 42-47. 1. AND when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2. And suddenly there came a found from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were fitting. 3. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. The great promise here receives its accomplishment in the mission of the Holy Ghost upon the disciples. We have, 1. The time: When the day of Pentecost, the fiftieth from the passover, was fully come, in the morning, they were all with one accord in one place; it being the first day of the week, which they observed in memory of their Lord's resurrection, and consecrated also now by the pouring out of the Spirit upon them. No longer firlies or descended divided them; united in fervent charity, they waited the fulfilment of their master's promise. Note, (1.) They who want upon God in the assembly of his saints, shall find him by his Spirit still present in the midst of them. (2.) God will delight to dwell with those whose hearts, by fervent charity, are united in his service. 2. The manner in which the Holy Ghost descended. Suddenly there came a found from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, an emblem of the freedom of the Spirit's operations, and of his irresistible energy on the minds of men; and it filled all the house where they were fitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire, signifying the illuminating, warming, and purifying influences of the Spirit upon their souls, and the amazing gift of tongues bestowed upon them with that freedom of utterance, whereby they were enabled to preach the gospel among all nations; and it, or he, let upon each of them; the Holy Ghost, in all the subjects of his miraculous operations, now taking up his constant relocance in them, is quality there for the arduous service to which they were ordained. And they were all filled both the Holy Ghost; not only the apostles, but all the disciples; and probably the women, as well as the men, v. 17, 18. experiencing such divine joys and contributions as they had never experienced before; and began to speak with other tongues, in all the variety of languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance, suggesting both the master and wards, and enabling them with the greatest copiousness and most forcible energy to declare the wonderful works of God, v. 11. in the gospel of his dear Son. 5. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak, Galileans? 8. And how bear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9. Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10. Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11. Cretes and Arabians, we do bear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13. Others mocking, said, There men are full of new wine. Such an extraordinary occurrence was soon spread abroad, and brought a vast concourse together. We have, 1. The persons. Devout men, who dwell at Jerusalem, out of every nation under heaven; both Jews and Proselytes, who were now assembled at the teeth of Pentecost, or as some suppote, had taken up their residence there, in expectation of the speedy appearing of the Messiah. 2. The 2. The amazement which filled them at hearing these men, that were poor illiterate Galileans, speak with such fluency and propriety, all the various languages and dialects of their respective countries, Parchians, Modes, &c. They could not, therefore, but with wonder and surprise, observe to each other, how astonishing was this miracle, and question what could be the meaning of it, and whether it ushered in the long-expected kingdom of the Messiah? for they heard them speak in their several native tongues the great things of God, respecting the redemption which was in Jesus Christ, and the glorious privileges obtained by his death, resurrection, and ascension for all believers. 3. Some mocking, said, These men are full of new wives; a cavil and wicked, absurd, and blasphemous. Probably these were inhabitants of Jerusalem, the scribes and Pharisees, who not understanding the languages which the inspired disciples spoke, thought it nonfense, and would fain have branded them as drunkards, that they might prejudice the people against them, by this most malicious falsehood. Now, There are still too many to whom the great things of God appear unintelligible; and because they are themselves desirous of spiritual understanding, they brand the preachers of them as enthusiasts, speaking out of the things they know not. 14. ¶ But Peter standing up with the eleven, lift up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15. For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel. 17. And it shall come to pass in the last days, (faith God)! I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18. And on my servants, and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, and they shall prophesy: 19. And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke. 20. The son shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come. 21. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved. 22. Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23. Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24. Whom God hath raised up, having looted the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 25. For David speaketh concerning him, I forefaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. 26. Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad: moreover also, my flesh shall rest in hope. 27. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer those holy One to see corruption. 28. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. 29. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day: 30. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to fit on his throne: 31. He seeing this before, speak of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35. Until I make thy toes thy footstool. 36. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 9. 14—16. In answer to the malicious cavil of these enemies to the truth, Peter, the zealous speaker, and now inspired by peculiar influences from on high, arche and boldly addressed to these mockers this awakening discourse. Vol. II. 1. He stood up with the eleven, to shew the falsehood of the charge, and vindicate themselves from so malicious an accusation: and aloud directing his discourse to the Jews, who were present, begs attention to the words of truth and tolerance, which he was about to utter. Note, We must not return a sharp answer to a reviling accusation, but with mockery answer these who oppose themselves against us. 2. He denies the calumny, and shews it to be as absurd as malicious. These men are not drunken, as ye suppose, and would infirmate, seeing it is but the third hour of the day, but nine o'clock in the morning; and till then, on the Sabbath and festivals, the Jews usually did neither eat nor drink; nor was it at all probable, that so many as they were, they should have been guilty of such a debauch, or dare appear intoxicated in the house of God. 3. He explains to them an affair which they counted so strange, which some admired and others ridiculed. This was the accomplishment of the prophecy of Joel, chap. ii. 28—32, which he cites at large; for though himself inspired, the Spirit was not given to superlode the scriptures, but to enable us to understand them. God had promised in the last day, the days of the Messiah, which ushered in the last disrepresentation of grace, I will pour out of my Spirit, in a more extraordinary measure than ever before, upon all flesh; on some of all ranks and conditions, or upon the Gentiles as well as Jews: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, forterthing future events, chap. xx. 9. 10. And you young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; God, in these ways, revealing to them his mind and will: and on my servants, and my handmaidens, on persons of all conditions, women as well as men, without distinction of rank or sex; I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, as from an inexhaustible fountain, and they shall prophesy: and I will shew wonders in homes above, dreadful prodigies in the air, which were the prelude to the approaching ruin of the Jewish nation, for their obstinate infidelity and rejection of the Messiah; and signs in the earth beneath, dire prodigies of impending woes: blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke, the blood of the people shed by the invading fire, whole dreadfulness should spread through the country, and the smoke of their cities consumed in flames, which should obscure the sky. The son shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, suffering unusual religion, or looking red, through the dusky clouds of smoke; or this may signify the approaching total dissolution of their government, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come, when he shall execute such condign vengeance on his murderers, as no nation, since the burning of Sodom, ever suffered, and when he shall be glorified in his judgments. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever, discerning the signs of these times, shall call on the name of the Lord, the almighty Jehovah, Jesus, spoken of in this prophecy, placing their dependence on him alone for salvation, and in fervent prayer making their application to him for help, they shall be saved by his power and grace from all the evils they fear, in time or eternity, and be made partakers of his eternal glory. Lord, pour out a spirit of prayer and supplication upon me, that I may be of this blissful number! 4. He improves this occasion, in order to preach to them Jesus, whose gift and purchase this Spirit was, which now was shed abroad so abundantly upon them, instructing their attention to the important truths he was about to deliver. [1.] He reminds them of his well-known life and character. Jesus of Nazareth, a name they gave him by way of reproach, but a man appeared of God among you; evidently signalized with his peculiar favors, by miracles, and wonders, and signs, which he was enabled to work in proof of his divine mission, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know; bearing his attestation to the character he assumed, and they themselves had been eye-witnesses of these wonderful works. [2.] They had, notwithstanding, rejected his credentials, and hung him on a tree. Him, this glorious Messiah, delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ordained as a sacrifice to divine justice, ye have taken and seized as a criminal, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain; engaging the Gentile governor to bring him to this ignominious death; and his innocent blood is now upon your heads. [3.] God had raised him, notwithstanding all their enmity, rage, and malice; having looted the pains of death, judicially discharging him from the grave, and from all the sorrows of death; which, as the substitute of his people, he consented to endure, because it was not possible he should be holden of them. The dignity of his person, the perfection of his sacrifice, and the prophecies concerning him, rendered it impossible that he should remain longer the prisoner of death; whom by dying he had destroyed, and as a triumphant conqueror, rose to lead his captivity captive. [4.] He shews that this was foretold by the Royal Psalmist, who, performing Jesus, the true Messiah, thus speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face; he walked under the confines fence of his father's presence, and with an eye to his glory; for he is on my right hand, to support and carry me through my arduous undertaking, that I should not be moved with any of the sufferings of life, or the 7 L terrors terrors of death. Therefore did my heart rejoice in his power, faithfulness, and love, and my tongue was glad; praising him for the experience of his almighty grace, and the assured salvation of his people, which he had promised him as the travail of his soul: my flesh also shall rest in hope, entirely satisfied of a glorious issue, and entering the grave in the fullest assurance of a speedy resurrection; because, or that thou will not leave my soul in hell, to abide, like other departed spirits, in the invisible world, one his body in the dull, neither will thou suffer thy holy One to see corruption, and justify in the tomb, being the holy One of God, and having by a perfect obedience to death, even the death of the cross, compleated the redemption of his people, he had a right to a speedy discharge from that lowest step of his humiliation. Thus hath made known to me the ways of life, which lie through the gates of death; and Christ, the first-fruits of those that đẹp, is gone before; having raided himself to an endless life, and leading his people after him to a glorious immortality: thou fault with me full of joy with thy countenance, in that state of bliss and blessedness to which, as Mediator, he should be exalted: and what is here primarily spoken concerning the great head of the church, is true of every member of his body mystical. (1.) They live for God, designing his glory as their end, and resting upon his promise, his power, and grace, as their abiding support, comfort, and joy. (2.) They die in hope, committing their souls into the hands of a faithful Creator, and rejecting in the prospect of eternal life and glory which the gospel rests before them, and of which faith assures them. (5.) He comments on the text he had quoted. Great and respectable as the patriarch David was, the head of the royal race of Judah, yet he saw corruption; and they, as reasonable men, and his countrymen, if they dispassionately considered these words, must needs be convinced that the Platonist spoke not this of himself; he dying, and being buried as other men, and his tomb being extant to that day; but being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, Pl. CXXII. 11. that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit upon his throne, as Israel's king, in the most exalted fields, reigning in the hearts of his redeemed people: he seeing this before, by the spirit of prophecy, spoke of the resurrection of Christ, whom he personates when he finds, that his soul turn on his in hell, neither did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus, who lately lay in the grave, the Son of David after the flesh, the person of whom he, as a prophet, speaks, God hath raised up, whereof we all are witnesses; having been his constant followers before his death, and having often seen, converted, and eat and drank with him since his resurrection, till the day that we beheld him ascend up to heaven. (6.) The gifts of the Spirit were the fruit of his exaltation. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted to the mediatorial throne, and possessed of the most transcendent dignity and glory, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, the purchase of his obedience to death in the behalf of his people, he hath shed forth this, which ye were for and over; the flames of fire, and gift of tongues, which appeared to them so strange. And his ascension also David had foresaid, Psal. cx. 1. For David is not ascended into the heavens, as the person, in whose name he speaks, evidently was; but the Lord Jesus is gone thither, as he saith himself. The Lord, Jehovah, said unto my Lord, the Messiah, Sit thou on my right hand, in the highest dignity, and possessed of universal dominion and authority, until I make thy feet thy faustified; until sin, Satan, death, and every enemy of the Redeemer and his people, shall be finally and for ever destroyed. (7.) He warmly applies the matter to their consciences. Therefore let all the heals of Israel know assuredly, as a truth most infallible and certain, that God hath made that some Jesus whom ye have crucified, hath Lord and Christ; and there could not be a greater aggravation of their wickedness than this, that whom the Lord had glorified, they had crucified; nor a more tremendous consideration than that he was now exalted to a throne of glory to execute vengeance on all his murderers, who obstinately perished in their impenitence. 37. ¶ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter, and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and he baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41. ¶ Then they that gladly received his word, were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 8. ¶ And 'there fat a certain man at Lydra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked. 9. The fame heard that speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that 'he had faith to be healed, 10. Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet, 'And he leaped and walked. 11. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, laying in the speech of Lycania, 'The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter, and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and 'would have done sacrifice with the people. 14. Which when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of, 'they rose their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15. And saying, Sirs, 'why do ye these things?' We also are men of like paffians with you, and preach unto you, that ye should turn from 'these vanities unto the living God, 'which made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16. Who in times paid suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18. And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. During their stay at Lydra we are told, 1. Of a notable cure performed by Paul on a man lame from his birth. In the assembly where Paul was preaching, he sat attentive to his discourse, when the apostles stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving, by the spirit of discernment, that he had faith to be healed, and was persuaded of the power with which the apostles were endued to cure his lameness, incurable as it was by any human means; he said with a loud voice, that all present might bear and take notice of the miracle, Stand upright on thy feet; and instantly he leaped and walked, restored to perfect strength. Note, (1.) They who love the word of God, though they are lame, and cannot walk, will be carried to bear it. (2.) The pains which some take to attend God's worship, though lame and infirm, will rise up to condemn their faith and negligence, who, though so much better able to go, indulge themselves at home. (3.) When Jesus speaks to the impotent that in his word, then, tho' helpless to all good before, our hearts exult with holy joy, and rise to run the way of his commandments. 2. Affirmated at what they had seen, the idolatrous Gentiles who were present, concluded, according to the notions of their pagan theology, that the gods were come down to them in the likeness of men, and in an efficacy of joy at this supposed honour done them, in their own language expressed about the sentiments of their hearts; and, agreeable to the absurd ideas which they had received of their gods, they called Barnabas, Jupiter, being probably the elder man, and his stature more majestic; and Paul Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker, Mercury being the god of eloquence, and reputed the messenger who went on the errands of Jove and the superior deities. Then the priest of Jupiter which was before their city, reputed their patron God, to whose temple stood in the suburbs, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, the place of concourse, where Paul and Barnabas were speaking to the people, or to the door of the house where they lodged, and would have done sacrifice with the people, crowning them with their garlands, and offering their sacrifices before them. 3. With horror and indignation, when the apostles perceived their design, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? Far from suffering the people to continue to do dangerous a mistake, though it brought them such honour, they desired to renounce all such vain glory, and with earnestness remonstrated against a design so impious and idolatrous. Far from assuming divinity, we also are men of the godless wish you, subject to all the insomniums of humanity, and corrupt and sinful worms of the earth, as the rest of mankind, and preach unto you, as ministers and ambassadors of Christ, which is the highest honour we claim, that ye should turn from their vanities, these absurd, useless, unprofitable deities, which are more unthings, creatures of the unity which never existed, and whose worship is the height of folly, as well as impiety; and that ye should be brought unto the worship and service of the living God, who alone is worthy to be feared and adored, as the fountain of life, and the great Creator of all; which made heaven and earth, and the sea, and things that are therein, visible or invisible; who in times past, in his mysterious ways of providence, which are all righteous and just, suffered all nations to walk in their own ways, with much long-suffering bearing with their provocations. Nevertheless, he left not himself without witness, but gave them sufficient evidences of his wisdom and goodness, of his eternal power and Godhead, (Rom. 1. 20.) in that he did good, and and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness, which gifts of his beneficence should have led up our hearts unto him, and left us without excuse in our ignorance of him, neglect, and unthankfulness: to persist therefore in these abominations of idolatry, now the gospel light was come unto them, would be peculiarly criminal. Note, (1.) All our temporal mercies should lead up our hearts to God, and looking above all second causes, the great Author of all should be constantly seen in all the bounties of his providence, in every drop of dew that waters the earth, and every blade that breaks the clod. (2.) The goodness of God to us should engage our hearts towards him, and if we have lived in ignorance before, we are called to improve what better light he now graciously communicates. (3.) Our gratitude is due to God, not only for the food he believes, but for the gladness of heart which he gives to make use of his bedding. 4. With these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them; all their expeditations and entreaties with difficulty prevailed upon them to desist, so foolishly obstinate were they in their mistaken persuasion. 19. ¶ And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and 'having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, 'together, 'to bring he had been dead. 20. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 21. And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lydra, and to Iconium, and Antioch. 22. Confirming the souls of the disciples, and 'exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that 'we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. 24. And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25. And when they had preached the word in Verga, they went down into Attalia: 26. And thence failed to Antioch, 'from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God, for the work which they fulfilled. 27. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, 'they rehearsed all that God, had done with them, and how he had 'opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 28. And there they abode long time with the disciples. C. Male disciples of many. See Mat. 2201. 9. 19—28. How fickle is the mind of vain men! how soon are they, who have no foundation, carried about with every wind. They who are desited to day, are thus often detested tomorrow. It becomes us, if we would have abiding honour, to fock that which cometh from God only. 1. The apofites are brought into the most imminent danger, and Paul fished and left for dead. The Jews, their implacable enemies, followed them from Iconium and Antioch on purpose to counteract their labours; and with dishelical malice to prevent, to their utmost, the progress of the gospel. And soon they found means to persuade the wavering multitude that their men were deceivers, turbulent and seditious; and exasperated them so highly that fearing Paul, against whom they bore the bitterest grudge as the chief preacher, they fished him in a popular tumult, and drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Heurth, as the disciples fished round about him, lamenting over him, praying he might be restored to life, or with an intent to bury him, he rose up, quickened by miraculous power; and, notwithstanding the late wounds and bruises he had received, he came into the city, strengthened in his body, and not daunted in his mind by all that he had endured. Nate, (1.) True disciples will not forlorn their persecuted ministers, but earn them in the face of every reproach and danger. (2.) God's faithful servants, though brought to the gates of the grave, shall not die till their work is done. 2. The next day Paul departed with Barnabas for Derba; and when, as usual, they had preached the gospel, and taught, their ministry being blessed to the conversion of many, they returned back again to the cities of Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, confirming the fault of the disciples, settling them on Christ the great foundation, that no troubles felt or feared, no careless or temptations, might move them away from the hope of the gospel; and coverting them to continue in the faith of Jesus, in the belief of his office, glory, and gospel, and in the bold and open profession of his name; and saying, that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God, for which therefore they must prepare, not count as if some strange thing happened unto them, since all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, must share this common lot. Nate, (1.) They who have received the gospel-word, have still need of farther confirmation, that they may be built up on their most holy faith; and ministers must labour to establish the prophecies, as well as to awaken the careless. (2.) Nothing but faith can enable us to overcome the fear, the allurements, and discouragements of this present evil world; they who would stand in the evil day, must continue to hold fast on Christ. (3.) The way to heaven lies through much tribulation; but let us look to the end, and keep the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory in view, and then we shall count all the sufferings of the present time as light afflictions that are but for a moment. 3. They ordained elders, or presbyters, in every church, to lead their devotions, minister the sacraments, preach the word, and watch over the flock of God committed to their charge; men of gravity and piety, selected from the other disciples, and judged well qualified for the arduous work of the ministry; and having prayed with fasting, for the supplies of grace and the divine benediction upon them, they commended them to the Lord, as whom they believed, both the elders and their congregations; begging that the Lord, who had begun the good work, would perfect the same; nourishing them up in the words of found doctrine, and preserving them unto his everlasting kingdom. Nate, (1.) The work of the ministry cannot be undertaken with too great solemnity; and they who feel the weight of it, will not fail importunately to fock, by prayer, for more than human power, to carry them through. (2.) We may comfortably and confidently commit to the divine keeping, those who have faithfully obeyed the calls of divine grace, for more shall pluck them out of the Saviour's hand. (3.) The best parting of friends is in prayer to the Lord, mutually commending ourselves to his care and love. 4. The apofites continued their journey to Antioch in Syria, passing through Pisidia, till they came to Pamphylia, where they preached the word at Pogia, a city of that province, and Attadia another town on the far-coast, and from thence they failed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God, for the work which they fulfilled; and now were returned from their successful expedition, bringing back a full answer to the prayers that had been put up at their departure. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, afterliving nothing to themselves, but giving him the glory to whom alone the praise of all was due; and how he had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles, great multitudes of whom had been converted unto the faith of Jesus. And there, at Antioch, they abode long time with the disciples; comforting, establishing, strengthening them. Nate, (1.) Whatever good is done by our preaching, we must remember that all the efficacy proceeds not from us, but from the grace of God. (2.) The way into the kingdom of grace and glory lies through the door of faith, which God alone can open. The power of the Spirit upon the apostles themselves appeared gloriously evident in the boldness wherewith he inspired them, as well as in the miraculous gifts with which he endured them: here we have also a proof of his energetic influence on the consciences of the hearers, accompanying his own word in the mouths of his servants. 1. Many of the hearers, struck with conscious guilt at what they heard, were pricked in their heart with sharp and deep convictions of their sin and danger, and in great distress of conscience, said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, whom just before they had mocked at, Men and brethren, what shall we do, to avert the dire vengeance we have provoked, and to obtain pardon for a deed so atrocious? Note, (1.) When the Spirit of God opens the sinner's conscience to discern his hell-deserving guilt, his hard heart then is broken with the most fearful apprehensions of his danger. (2.) Ministers are the physicians to whom convinced sinners should apply, and they have been to cure the mortal wound which sin hath made in their souls. (3.) They who truly feel their hell estate, cannot but desire, above all things, to know if yet there may be hope. 2. Peter, in the name of his brethren, said unto them, your case, however dangerous, is not desperate; Repent, under a sense of redeeming love he deeply humbled for your guilt and ingratitude; and with deep self-adherence, and a thorough change of temper and comfy, turn upon the Lord, and he baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ; proceeding your faith to him as the true Messiah, and sincerely yielding up yourselves to him as his willing subjects; for the remission of sin, purchased by him, and freely bestowed on the chief of sinners; and herewith also ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, of his comforting and sanctifying influences; as also (it is probable) of his miraculous powers. For the promise, v. 38. of pardon and the Holy Ghost, or the great promise made to Abraham and his seed, is to you and to your children, his descendants, and to all that are afar of, departed Jesus or Gentiles, yet more distant from the covenant of promise, even as many as the Lord our God shall call to the knowledge of his Son, and to faith to him, who shall be blessed with faithful Abraham. Note, (1.) No sinner need despair; the gospel holds forth, through the blood of Jesus, a free pardon to the most guilty of the sons of Adam, and he that believes shall be saved. (2.) Where the Lord gives remission of sin, he tends his Holy Ghost effectually to produce that repentance which he enjoins. (3.) None can come to God but those whom he calls; not merely by the outward voice of his word, but by the internal power of his Spirit. 3. The apostles enlarged on this subject. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation; come out from among them, and be ye separate; renounce the false tenets and corrupt practices of the Scribes and Pharisees, that ye may escape the plagues ready to descend upon this sinful people, abandoned to their infidelity and destruction. Note, They who would be saved among Christ's people, must be separated from the ways of this wicked world, and from the familiar society of careless sinners, flunning their assemblies, as a man dreads the house unfeited by the plague. 4. Great was the effect produced by this discourse, through the Spirit's mighty energy. No less than three thousand souls immediately embraced, and gladly received, the word of gospel-grace; and believing in a crucified Redeemer now risen from the dead, made open profession of their faith, and were baptized in his name. Note, (1.) The salvation which is by Jesus Christ, is glad news to the sinner who is pricked to the heart with a sense of his guilt and danger. (2.) They who are truly turned to the Lord, will boldly make profession of his name, and join themselves to the society of the faithful, whatever danger or reproach they may be exposed to thereby. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44. And all that believed were together, and had all things common, 45. And fold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46. And they continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and fingerness of heart, 47. Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. We have here the practice of the primitive church. 1. They were united in holy ordinances. They continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine, professing their faith in Christ and his gospel, and attending on the apostles' ministry and fellowship, maintaining the closest communion with them; and on breaking of bread, celebrating the Lord's Supper, and in prayers, social and public, continuing daily with one accord in the temple at the stated hours of service, and praying God for all the inestimable blessings bestowed, through Jesus Christ, upon them. Note, They 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. They who have tailed of the bleffing of communion with God, will delight to maintain it in the diligent ufe of all holy ordinances. 2. A solemn awe refrained their enemies from molesting them. Fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles, so that it evidently appeared that God was with them. Nate, God can get his bride in the jaws of perfectures, and say, Touch not my prophets, and do my anointed me harm. 3. A spirit of most noble and disinterested charity appeared among them. All that believed were together; they were of one heart and mind, and assembled in several companies, as many as conveniently could meet in one place, and had all things common, each calling his all into the common flock; and as the necessity of the times was urgent, and they knew the sure and neat approach of Jerusalem's overthrow, they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man, of their society, had used; and as they assembled daily with one accord in the temple, so did they break bread from body to body, provided out of the common flock, eating their meat together with gizzard and fingertips of heart; forrest in love to each other, thankful to God, and conscious of their own undifferentiated simplicity and sincerity before him. Nate, Who should rejoice, if the children of God do not? 4. They were highly esteemed, and their numbers daily increased. They had favour with the people; their undifferentiated piety commanded respect; and the miraculous powers with which they were invested, excited reverence. And the Lord so eminently blessed their ministrations, that there were added unto the church daily such as should be saved. Nate, (1.) Those whom the Lord will save, he will take care so effectually to call, as that they shall come to him. (2.) It is the Lord's work to add converts to his church: in dependence on his power and promise, we labour with comfort and confidence. In this chapter we have a miracle and a sermon: 1. The miracle was the healing of a man that was lame from his birth, with a word speaking, ver. 1—8. And the impression which this made upon the people, ver. 9—11. 2. The scope of the sermon which was preached hereafter, was to bring people to Christ, to report of their sin in crucifying him, ver. 12—19. And to believe in him now he was glorified, ver. 20—26. 1. NOW Peter and John went up together into the temple, at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 2. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entred into the temple. 3. Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked an alms. 4. And Peter fastening his eyes upon him, with John, said, Look on us. 5. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. 7. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up; and immediately his feet and anele-bones received strength. 8. And he leaping up, stood, and walked, and entred with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. 9. And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10. And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. 11. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. 9. 1—11. Among the many miracles performed by the apostles, one notable one is here recorded. 1. The apostles by whom it was done were Peter and John; they were going up to the temple together at the flated hour of prayer, probably the same day in which Peter had preached in the morning, being the ninth hour, or three o'clock in the afternoon. Nate, They who love the temple service, will be glad to be there twice a day. 2. The poor object, on whom the miracle was performed, was a beggar, a cripple from his mother's womb, who lay at the beautiful gate of the temple, which was made of Cornelian brabs, more precious than gold, and asked alms of them that entred into the temple, seeing Peter and John, therefore, about to enter, he asked of them an alms. Nate, (1.) Those who are poor, and incapable of working, are the true objects of charity. (2.) They who are drawn to the temple by the love of God, will have their hearts enlarged in tendered compaillon towards the wants of the necessities. 3. Peter and John looking earnestly at him, bid him attend to them, as about to shew him a singular favour; and the poor man expecting an alms, looked attentively at them. When Peter, the forward speaker, addressed him, saying, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have, and what Silver and gold never could procure, give I thee: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk; by his authority I speak, and his power shall enable thee for what I command. Then taking him by the right hand, he left him up, and immediately the astonishing cure was wrought, his feet and anele bones received strength. Nate, (1.) The riches of grace are infinitely more valuable than the treasures of both the Indies. (2.) According to our abilities, we must be ready to communicate of the gifts of God with which he hath entredled us, whether temporal or spiritual. (3.) In this impotent man, every sinner may read his own case and cure. 1. By nature, from our birth, thus spiritually paralytic are we, and utterly unable to walk one step in God's ways. 2. The temple is the place where the poor impotent sinner should be found, for there the Lord usually observes the alms of his grace. 3. The ministers of Christ say not in vain arise and walk, to those who have no power of themselves to help themselves; for he, in whose name they speak, doth by his Spirit accompanying their word, enable the helpless soul for that which they region. 4. Christ will have a hold of us by the hand of his grace, and then we lay hold of him by the hand of faith, and feel an unusual power communicated to our paralytic souls. 4. The lame man, transported with joy at the strange alteration he instantly felt, leaped up with astonishing agility, and freed him on his feet, and walked about before all present, in token of his perfect cure, and entred with his benefactors into the temple, waiting, and leaping, and praying God. Nate, (1.) If our souls have received a spiritual cure, then will our hearts and lips be filled with praise and thanksgiving to the God of all grace, and we shall be happy in employing the strength he hath given us, in walking in his holy ways. (2.) They who have found a bleffing from the ministry of Christ's servants, will not fail to accompany them into the temple, that they may reap farther benefit from their company and dislour. 5. The people who beheld him were struck with wonder and surprise, at seeing him thus walking and praising God, knowing that it was the same cripple who had lain at the gate of the temple; and whilst, as in an ecstasy, he hung about Peter and John, expressing his unutterable gratitude for this mercy received by their means, the people gathered round them in the part of the temple called Solomon's porch, greatly wondering at this amazing miracle, and at those who wrought it. Nate, They who have been made the instruments of good to our souls, cannot but be dear to us, and embraced with peculiar affection. 12. ¶ And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this I or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 13. The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. 14. But ye denied the holy One, and the just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you, 15. And killed the prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead, whereof we are witnesses. 16. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. 17. And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. 18. But those things which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. 19. ¶ Reject ye therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. 20. And he shall send Jesus Christ, which was before preached unto you: 21. Whom the heaven must receive, until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 22. For Moses truly laid unto the fathers, a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall lay unto you. 23. And it shall come to pass, that every soul which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. 24. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel, and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. 25. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, 'And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. 26.' Unto you first, God having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, 'in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. Peter beholding the concourse of people assembled on this occasion, improves so happy an opportunity to preach the gospel to those who seemed so affected with the miracle before them. A word in season, how good is it? 1. He humbly disclaims all the honour of the miracle, which was due to his Master alone. Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? when so much greater cures have been before performed among you by the Lord Jesus; or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man walk? Note, (1.) The most successful ministers must be the most humble; the more they are admired of others, the lower they must lie down at the feet of Jesus, ascribing to him alone the praise. (2.) We are too apt to idolize the men and ministers, who have been made signal instruments of good to us; but we should look farther, even to him who alone give the increase. 2. He preaches to them that Jesus, whom they crucified, by whose power alone this miracle was wrought. The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, that covenant-keeping God, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus, owning him in this high character; not only by all the miracles which he had wrought, but by his resurrection from the dead, and ascension to heaven; whom ye delivered up as a malefactor, into the hands of the Roman governor, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, as your King Messiah, requiring his crucifixion; when he, convinced of his innocence, was determined to let him go. But ye, infligated by the priests and rulers, with savage barbarity denied the holy One, and the Test, whom none could ever convince of sin, or impeceth his spouses purity: and as the most provoking aggravation of your guilt, desired a murderer to be granted unto you, in preference to him, and killed the Prince of Life, the author and fountain of natural, spiritual, and eternal life; whom God hath raised from the dead; defeating all the malice of his enemies, rolling away the reproach of the cros, and exalting him to a state of the most transcendent glory; whereof we are wrongly; have seen and converted with him after his resurrection, and are endowed with these miraculous powers by him, to make our testimony more regarded. And his name, through faith in his name, hath made this man strong whom ye see and know; acting under his authority, and trusting on his power, hath this inconceivable miracle been performed: yea, the faith which is by him, exercised upon him as the object, and wrought in us by him as the author, hath given him the perfect soundness in the presence of you all; for this thing was not done in a corner, but publicly in the temple, and the perfection of the care was evident to every beholder. 3. Yet stressful as their guilt was, he means not to drive them to despair. And now, brethren, exceeding sinful as your conduct hath been, I was that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers; I persuade myself that many, I would hope the most, who were engaged in that black deed, were blindly hurried on by their passions and prejudices, and knew not what they did, else would they not have crucified the Lord of glory, 1 Cor. ii. 8. But those things which God before had showed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled; and though this be no extenuation of your wickedness, yet since the very end of his dying was, in order to obtain remission of sin for the most miserable and desperate, there is still hope, even for those, whose hands are red with his blood. Note, (1.) Charity bids us hope the best, even of the vileth; and not to impute to them worse motives to their actions than really influence them. (2.) The wickedness of men God can over-rule, and bring good out of their evil. 4. He exhorts an immediate penitent return to him whom they had crucified. Repent ye, therefore, of this conscious deed; and since there is yet hope towards God, he concurred: turn to this Jesus, as the true Messiah: laying aside your pride and prejudices, yield up your hearts to his guidance and government, and fly to the atoning blood of his cros, which was shed for this very purpose, that your sins, however great, numberless, and aggravated, may be blathed out, and your guilt cancelled, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; those joyful reasons of consolation which now you will experience, when turning unto him you shall be filled with joy and peace in believing, and shall also find favour with him, and be acknowledged by him, when he shall come to be glorified in his faims, and to be admired of all that believe; in his presence then shall you possess bliss unattainable, and under his shadow enjoy an eternal rest from all the burdens of sin, sorrow, and temptation. For he shall send Jesus, this Jesus whom he hath made both Lord and Christ, and appointed the Judge of quick and dead, even him which before was preached unto you, in all the sacred oracles, and by his own blessed ministry; whom the bearous must receive, whither we have seen him ascend, and where he now sits enslaved in glory, until the times of resurrection of all things, when the mystery of godliness shall be finished, all his elect people be gathered in to him, and his kingdom shall finally come at the great day of his appearing to judge the world. Note, (1.) The great inducement to evangelical repentance, is the promise of pardon and forgiveness. (2.) They who truly turn to Jesus, shall find refreshing and rest to their souls, and reconciliation with a pardoning God. (3.) Though Christ be now exalted to his throne, we expect his coming a second time: oh that we may be prepared to meet him? then shall it be a time of refreshing; when seeing him face to face, we shall be changed into the same image, be like and with him for ever. 5. He supports what he had said by an appeal and reference to the scriptures, in which they believed. For these were the things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began, concerning the kingdom of his Messiah. For instance, Moses, that great law-giver, in whom was glory, he bore a noble testimony to Jesus, and truly said unto the fathers in the wilderness, if prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, sprung from the flock of Abraham, like unto me; who shall wish he greater dignity be a mediator between God and you; shall deliver you from worse than Egyptian bondage, and from the most intimate knowledge of God, shall reveal to you his mind and will: how shall ye have to all things whatsoever be shall say unto you; embracing his doctrines, obedient to his precepts, and observant of his institutions with implicit faith, unbounded love, and unreserved submission; yielding up your souls to his guidance and government. And it shall come to pass, that every soul which will not hear that prophet, and believe and obey him, shall be destroyed from among the people, cut off by some notorious stroke of divine vengeance. Yes, and all the prophets from Samuel, in whom the spirit of prophecy revived, and those that follow after, in a long succession, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of their days; speaking of the Messiah, his sufferings, glory, and kingdom, from its beginning on earth, till its consummation in heaven. 6. He draws a most encouraging motive from their relation to the prophets, to receive their word, and believe in the Messiah, of whom they testified. Ye are the children of the prophets, their disciples and descendants from the patriarchs, and heirs of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed, which seed was Christ, whose salvation shall extend to all nations; therefore, being the immediate offspring of the great father of the faithful, State you first, God having raised up his Son Jesus, leading him in the human nature, and raising him from the dead, hath sent him to bless you, by his own ministry and labours, and now by investing us with power and authority to preach his gospel, in which the most powerful motives are urged, in order to your conversion, and which his Spirit makes effectual to the turning every one of you, that believe in him, from his iniquities, and bringing you to pardon, salvation, and like eternal. Note, (1.) Jesus is come to be the blessing of the world. We about him, the curse and wrath of God must have for ever abode upon us. (2.) Inquiry is the cause of all our misery; when Christ comes to the sinner, he not only pardons his guilt, but converts his soul, and thus effectually recovers him to the life of grace, in order to bring him to the life of glory. In this chapter the persecution against the apostles begins. 1. Peter and John are taken up upon a warrant from the priests, and committed to jail, ver. 1—4. 2. They are examined by a committee of the great Lambdron, ver. 5—7. 3. They bravely away what they have done, and preach Christ to their persecutors, ver. 8—12. 4. Their persecutors, being unable to answer them, rejoin them silence, threaten them if they go on to preach the gospel, and so dismiss them, ver. 13—22. 5. They apply themselves to God by prayer, for the further operations of that grace which they had already experienced, ver. 23—30. 6. God owns them, both outwardly and inwardly, by manifest tokens of his presence with them, ver. 31—33. 7. The believers had their hearts best together in holy love, and enlarged their charity to the poor, and the church flourished more than ever, to the glory of Christ, ver. 33, 34—37. 1. AND as they spake unto the people, the priests and the captain of the temple, and the Saducees came upon them; 2. Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now evenide. 4. Howbeit, many of them which heard the word, believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. The success of the gospel could not but provoke Satan's enmity; and the inveterate enemies of the name of Christ cannot be expected long to be at rest. 1. The apostles continued to teach the people, and, as their grand subject, preached through Jesus the reformation from the dead. They both testified the certainty of his resurrection, and affirmed, that he was raised up for this purpose, to be the author of Spiritual and eternal life to his people, who should be raised up by him at the last day to a glorious immortality. 2. Misfeitudes of their hearers believed; and, notwithstanding the enmity to which they saw their preachers exposed, five thousand converts more were added to the church; so mightily grew the word of God, and prevailed. Note, Where the gospel meets with the greatest opposition, it is usually attended with the most remarkable success. 3. The priests, the captain of the temple, who presided over the watches, and the Sadducees, grieved and vexed to the heart, that the doctrine of Jesus, which they had taken such pains to suppress, should now spread with greater rapidity than ever; and that he whom they had ignominiously crucified, should be exalted as the resurrection and life, as the author of all blessedness in time and eternity; rushed upon the apostles suddenly, seized them as criminals, and committed them to safe custody for the night, it being eventuated, that they might be brought before the Inhentism the next day. Note, They who preach Christ, must prepare to suffer for him. 5. ¶ And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 6. And 'Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, 'By what power, or by what name have ye done this? 8. Then Peter filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9. If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10. Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. 13. ¶ Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 14. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. No sooner was the morning returned than we have. 1. The court assembled to try the innocent prisoners; but little justice can be expected, when their judges are known to be their avowed and inveterate enemies. The rulers, elders, and scribes, the high priest Annas, who now enjoyed that dignity, with Caiaphas, who had set in the chair the year preceding, with John and Alexander, persons of distinguished nate, and others of the high priest's kindness, were all hanged against two poor fishermen, to try if their power could not intimidate, or their learning confute, or their authority silence them. 2. The prisoners are arraigned. They set them in the midst, to answer before their judges the interrogatories which they chose to put to them, and haughtily demanded, by what power, human, divine, or diabolical; or by what name, by virtue of whole authority, or by the invocation of what name, have ye done this? 3. Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, endued with singular boldness, and directed by his immediate influence, according to Christ's promise, (Mark xiii. 11.) said unto them, respectfully addressing them as magistrates and men of rank, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we be examined as criminals this day, of the good deed done to the impotent man; and you demand information, by what means such an act of mercy and power was performed, and be it made whole; we with pleasure appear to give you the fullest satisfaction. Therefore, be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, whom it highly concerns, that by the name, the precious, powerful, all-prevailing name of Jesus of Nazareth, whom ye have treated with the highest contempt, and most ignominiously crucified, but whom God raised from the dead, disappointing the impotent malice of his murders: even by him, by this once despised, but now glorified Jesus, and by no power of our own, by no magic charm, but by faith in him alone, doth this man stand here before you whole. This Jesus in the stone spoken of, Pf. cavii. 22. which was set at nought of you, who by station and office should be builders of Yes. II. God's Spiritual temple, but which is now exalted of God, and become the head of the corner, by which the church of God is supported, and firmly knit together. Neither is there salvation in any other; there is no Spiritual or eternal salvation out of him, by the deeds of the law, or by any human power or righteousness whatsoever; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved; God having appointed him to be the only redeemer from sin, death, and hell, and all who believe not in him, must therefore perish everlastingly. Note, (1.) Salvation is every sinner's great concern. (2.) In and of ourselves we have nothing but misery, sin, and wrath, and have no power of ourselves to help ourselves. (3.) Christ alone can save a sinful soul by the merit of his blood and righteousness. (4.) God freely offers him in the gospel to the miserable, and invites all men to believe on him to the saving of their souls. (5.) They must inevitably and eternally perish, who neglect to great a salvation. 4. Such an answer quite confounded the court. When they saw the boldness of Peter and John, their undaunted courage, their readiness of speech, and powerful education; and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, had been brought up at none of the public seminaries, at the feet of none of their rabbins, nor had ever the least advantages of education; they marvelled at the intrepidity, wisdom, and eloquence that appeared in them; and they had knowledge of them that they had seen with Jesus, in whose company they recollected they had seen them formerly; and subsiding the man which was healed standing with them, who probably came ready to bear testimony for them, and to do honour to his benefactors, to whatever danger it might expose him, they could say nothing against it; the miracle was too notorious to be contradicted. Note, (1.) In Christ's cause, even before the greatest, we may well bodily stand forth; he will bear us through. (2.) They who have been with Jesus, will carry the marks of it visibly about them: like Moses on the mount, their faces will shine, and their holy and heavenly conversations proclaim their Master's glory. 15. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16. Saying, 'What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.' 17. But that is spread no further among the people, let us strastily threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 18. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all, not teach in the name of Jesus. 19. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, 'Whether it be right in the sight of God, to brakken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 21. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them,' because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. 22. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. How to punish those against whom they had no charge to lay they knew not, yet fair would they brand them, if possible, with some mark of infamy. 1. In order to consult upon the case the more freely, they commanded the apostles to be led out of the council-chamber, whilst they conferred among themselves, saying, when had not done to the other, they were not to be done to the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and the other, and 2. The prisoners give in their answers; they needed no premeditation to reply, and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to brakken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. Can it be possible we should be silent, when acting under his express injunctions; or how can we thus acquit ourselves to our In this chapter we have, 1. The sin and punishment of Ananias and Sapphira, ver. 1—11. 2. The flourishing state of the church, in the power that went along with the preaching of the gospel, ver. 12—16. 3. The imprisonment of the apostles, and their miraculous discharge out of prison, with fresh orders to go on to preach the gospel, which they did, to the great vexation of their perplexness, ver. 17—26. 4. Their arraignment before the great Sanhedrim, and their justification of themselves in what they did, ver. 27—33. 5. Gamaliel's counsel concerning them, that they should not persecute them, but let them alone, and see what would come of it; and their concurrence for the present with this advice, in the disheartenance of the apostles with no more but a fearing, ver. 34—40. 6. The apostles cheerful progress in their work, notwithstanding the profession and upon them, and the indignity done them, ver. 41, 42. 1. BUT a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, fold a possession. 2. And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy as it, and brought a certain part, and 'laid it at the apostles' feet. 3. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4. Whilst it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was fold, was it not in thine own power? why hath thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5. And Ananias hearing these words, fell down and gave up the ghost: and 'great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6. And the young men arose, 'wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. 7. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye fold the land for so much. And she said, Yea, for so much. 9. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together, 'to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. 11. And 'great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. The purest societies on this side heaven have some hypocrites, as we see here: 1. Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, willing to appear among the foremost of the disinterested disciples of Jesus, fold a possession, and publicly brought a part of the money, which they would infirmate was the whole, and laid it at the apostles' feet, whilst their courteous hearts secretly referred a part, and still halted between God and Mammon; though they desired to make a fair show in the flesh, and thought to impose upon the apostles. Now, Hypocrites may go far in appearance, and even, through pangs of zeal, forego for a while some temporal advantage, or endure lids; but their heart is not right with God, and therefore there is still a reserve made, which serves to make them more eminently miserable, parting with many of the comforts of this world, and yet having no sure portion in a better. 2. Peter, who knew by divine revelation the falsehood of this pretended disloyal, said unto him, Why hath Satan filled thy heart with such or tooofness and falsehood, to lie to the Holy Ghost; either to think thus to impose upon the apostles, who were endued with the discernment of spirits by the Holy Ghost; or by pretending to act under his impulse and influence, when in fact he was under the spirit of the devil; and to keep back part of the price, though intimating that the land was parted with for pious purposes, and devoted to the service of the church. While it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was fold, was it not thine own? both the false and surrender of the price being a voluntary act, and none were compelled to do either, but were left to their own pious zeal. Why hath thou conceived this thing in thine heart? and harboured the suggestion of Satan to contrive so false a deed; thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God, to that eternal Spirit which resided in the apostles, who searched the hearts of all men, and from whom nothing is hid, nothing is secret. Now, (1.) Nothing betrays persons more frequently into the sin of lying than the affectation of appearing high in others. (2.) They who conceive falsehood in their hearts are filled with Satan; a lying spirit is his strongest resemblance. (3.) The Holy Ghost is God omniscient. Let those whom pride, worldly-mindedness, or a maintenance, drives into the ministry, take heed how they presume to declare they are inwardly moved by him, left, like Ananias and Sapphira, their lie be described, if not bare, yet hereafter to their everlasting confusion. 3. Behold a fearful example of divine vengeance! No sooner had Peter spoken than Ananias fell down and gave up the ghost, struck by an invisible hand, as the just punishment of his wickedness, and to make one example to deter others from such impious hypocrisy. And great fear came on all them that heard these things: it impressed an awe upon the minds of those who had joined themselves to the church, and served to keep off from the society of the apostles those who would have been spots in their assembly. 4. The young men present removed the corpse, wrapped it in grave-clothes, and buried it. 5. Sapphira, the wife of Ananias, who was privy to his falsehood, ignorant of what had passed, about three hours after joined the assembly; and, being required of Peter to answer if they had fold the land for so much, without hesitation she affirmed the sin, foolishly prefunding none could disprove it. Her doom therefore is pronounced; being the partner of her husband's sin, she shares his punishment. Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? how astonishing is your stupidity, as well as mostinous your wickedness, to attempt imposing upon the omniscient God? behold the fear of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Inthately, death-thruck, she fell at his feet, and they carried her out and buried her with her husband; whilst all the church were filled with reverence and guilty fear at that jealous God, who thus appeared the avenger of falsehood and hypocrisy; and all others, that heard these judgments, were afraid of provoking or tempting the apostles, whose very word formed cloached with death. Now, (1.) It is truly grievous when near relations serve to encourage each other to iniquity. (2.) God, though patient under numberless provocations, is pleased to make some sinners monuments of his vengeance, that men may hear and fear, and do no more wickedly. 12. ¶ And 'by the hands of the apostles were many fights and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. 13. And 'of the reft durft no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. 14. And 'believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women) 15. Infomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, 'that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by, might overshadow some of them. 16. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. We are here told, 1. Of the many and great miracles performed by the apostles, in proof of their divine mission; and so much were the people in general convinced of the mighty powers they possessed, that they brought forth the sick in beds and couches and laid them in the streets, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them, persuaded that thus would be effectual to work a cure: and from the country vast multitudes of patients, sick and vexed with unclean spirits, were brought to them, and they were healed every one: none being rejected who made application to them. 2. Of the vast veneration in which the apostles were held. They were all with one accord in Solomon's porch, appearing and teaching publicly in the temple with the greatest unanimity among themselves: and of the vast durft no man join himself unto them; either none of the disciples presumed to set themselves on a level with the apostles, or rather none durft make a hypocritical profession of Christianity, who were not conscious of the simplicity of their hearts, being terrified with the doom of Ananias and Sapphira: but the people magnified them, held them in the highest veneration, and spoke of them with the highest esteem, beholding the wonders which they wrought, and the presence and power of God evident in the midst of them. 3. Of the vast accession of converts made to the church. Believers were the more added to the Lord, and made open profession of their faith in Christ, multitudes both of men and women, so mightily grew the word of God and increased. 17. ¶ Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees) and were filled with indignation, 18. And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. 19. But 'the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 20. So, stand and speak in the temple to the people, 'all the words of this life. 21. And when they heard that they entred into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But 'the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22. But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, 23. Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. 24. Now when the high priest, and the captain of the temple, and the chief priest heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. 25. Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison, 'are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. It cannot be supposed that the inveterate enemies of the gospel would long be quiet, or Satan rest when his kingdom was falling to ruins before the gospel word. 1. The apostles are seized and imprisoned. The hand of the high-priest was first in this transgression, supported by the Saddam and the other men, who could not endure the testimony born to the resurrection of Jesus, which radically struck at all their trusts: exasperated to fury, they could contain no longer, and with lawful violence laid hands on them; and, to put the greater disgrace upon them, dragged them to the common prison among the vilest malefactors. Note, (1.) The facets of the gospel is a vexation to wicked men, and, when they have power in their hands, the disciples of Jesus shall feel their oppression. (2.) It is Satan's artifice, by endeavouring to make the ministers of Christ despicable, to prejudice the people against them. 2. The Lord miraculously delivers his servants, by the hand of an angel, from their confinement. The commitment was illegal; therefore the great Judge of all lands his messenger to discharge them honourably; and, by his power opening the prison-doors, he said, Go, stand and speak in the temple, to the people, all the words of this life; not the least intimidated by all the malice of their inveterate sons, but in their very rate, in the temple, the most public place, must they declare the life-giving truths of the gospel word, and the offensive doctrines of a risen Redeemer. Note, (1.) God can make the most unselfish prison a paradise of delights, when he manifests his presence there. (2.) They who are put in truth with the gospel must not, in the most public manner, shun to declare the whole council of God, however offensive it may prove, and whatever may be the consequence to themselves. 3. Without delay they obey the heavenly command, and early, as soon as the temple doors were open, they went thither, and boldly taught as before, fearless of any consequences. Note, When duty calls, no danger must be done. 4. An extraordinary council was assembled by the high-priest and his abettors, consisting not only of the Sanhedrism, but of all the power of the children of Israel. And now, ready to proceed to trial, the prisoners are commanded to be brought forth; when, by with expectations of their appearing in chains before them, they are allothed with the report of their officers, that the prison was safe as they left it, and the guards upon duty, but none of the prisoners, whom they had committed thither, were to be found. Such an account threw them into the greatest perplexity; they know not what courts to take, and began to be under terrible apprehensions whereunto this would grow: when, to their greater confusion, tidings are brought them, that the men whom they fought, and had the evening before committed to prison, were preaching openly in the temple, in defiance of all their men, and, before committed to the people, were preaching openly in the temple, in defiance of all their men, and, before committed to the people, were preaching openly in the temple, in defiance of all their men, and, before committed to the people, were preaching openly in the temple, in defiance of all their men, and, before committed to the people, were preaching openly in the temple, in defiance of all their men, and, before committed to the people, were preaching openly in the temple, in defiance of all their men, and, before committed to the people, were preaching openly in the temple, in defiance of all their men. 26. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: (for they feared the people, left they should have been stoned.) 27. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high-priest asked them, 28. Saying, 'Did not we greatly command you, that you should not reach in this name?' and behold ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring 'this man's blood upon us'. 29. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, 'We ought to obey God rather than man. 30. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye flew and 'hanged on a tree. 31. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, 'for to give repentance to Israel, and 'forgiveness of sins. 32. And 'we are his witnesses of these things; and 'ja is also the holy Ghost, 'whom God hath given to them that obey him. 33. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took council to lay them. 34. Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of Chay, had law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space, 35. And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves, what ye intend to do as touching these men. 36. For before these days rose up Theudas boasting himself to be somebody, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was flun, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered and brought to nought. 37. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee, in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished, and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. 38. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for 'if this counsel, or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39. But 'if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found even 'to fight against God. 40. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles and 'beaten them, 'they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41. And they departed from the presence of the council, 'rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42. And daily 'in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. We have here, 1. The peaceable submission of the apostles to the officers, who came to feast them a second time in the temple. They dared not use violence, for fear left the people should have rose upon them, who held in just veneration the character of the apostles. The captain of the temple therefore, with his attendants, spoke them fair; and they, not unwilling nor afraid to appear before the council, combined to go with them. 2. The insolent reprimand given them by the high-priest, for daring to disobey the charge given them. Did not we greatly command you, that you should not teach in this name? and ye have treated our orders with contempt; and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, most describable and pernicious as it is; and intend to bring this man's blood upon us, both to expose us to the people, and lay the guilt of it at our doors, as if we had murdered an innocent man, and one whom you cry up so highly. But had not the apostles told them before, they must obey God rather than man? and had they not themselves invoked the blood of Jesus upon them, when Pilate would have let him go? Why then should they be angry? 3. The apostles boldly replied, We ought to obey God rather than man; and, far from softening any of the truths they declared, or the accusations they brought against them as the murderers of the Son of God, to their faces they dare declare it, and charge this atrocious deed on their conscience. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, testifying his highest approbation of him, whom ye have and hanged on a tree, with the most impious cruelty and injustice; him hath God exalted with his right hand to a throne of glory in the heavens, to be a Prince and a Saviour to his redeemed people, or give repentance to his Israel, and remission of sins, freely and fully pardoning the transgressions of all who by true faith turn unto him, and working that conversion and faith in these hearts by the power of his grace. And we are his witnesses of these things, appointed by him, and speaking with the greatest assurance the truths we must certainly know; and so is the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to these that obey him, who in all his miraculous gifts, as well as by the mighty energy of his gospel on our own hearts and the hearts of others, attests the truths which we declare. Note, (1.) Christ, as a Saviour, offers the free and full remission of their sins, be they never so many, great, or aggravated, to those who fly to him as their refuge. (2.) The promises of pardon are the great motives and causes of evangelical repentance. (3.) All who embrace Jesus as their Saviour, submit to him as their Prince; they who would reign unto him, must be ruled by him. (4.) Besides all the great and glorious external evidences of Christianity, every obedient believer hath the internal witness of the Spirit in his heart, which is to him instead of a thousand arguments; and, without this divine conviction of the truth, though we may silence and confound good-bye, we never can convert them. 4. When they heard this, far from submitting to the Saviour, and seeking the remission of sins which he is exalted to give, they were cut to the heart; and, in the presence of the Lord, and in infancy they took comfort to say them, resolving to rid themselves as once of their troublers, and murder them together. Note, The bosom of the wicked, when triumphant in iniquity, is a profane hell; whistly, even in their sufferings for righteousness take, the faithful feel their heaven began. 5. To check the fury of these zealots, Gamaliel, a man of more moderate counsels, made. He was a Pharisee, a doctor of the law by profession; and his high reputation among the people gave him weight and influence in the assembly: and he is said to have been now the president of the Sanhedrim. He commanded to put the apostles forth a little space, that he might speak more freely. Whereupon, addressing his brethren, (1.) He advises them not to act too rashly. To men of Israel, take bond to yourselves when ye intend to do as reaching these men, left by some hasty retribution ye bring guilt upon your souls, and provoke God's displeasure. (2.) He instances the ruin of some late impositions, who soon came to nothing, which would now be the call with these men, if the matter was a mere human contrivance. Theudas and Judas, two late pretenders, had arisen and collected a number of followers; but both were quickly destroyed, their followers dispersed, and their attempts abortive: and they might reasonably expect the same would be the issue of the present disturbance, if the thing was a mere artifice of deceivers, without embracing themselves, and taking the matter out of God's hand. Therefore, (3.) His advice is for the present to refermen from these men, and let them alone, and wait a while in the what courts-martens may take; for if this counsel or this work be of men, a mere invention of the crafty, or the folly of deduced enthusiasts, it will now be might, the deceit will be I can directed, and their attempts end in their own confusion, without our interfering; but if it be of God, though you oppose it with never to much violence, ye cannot overthrow it, and resistance would be as vain as impious. Therefore wait quietly the event, left happy ye be found now to fight against God; the modesty of which is evident, and the consequence cannot but be your own confusion and ruin. Note, (4.) Perfection for confidence take is as abduct as it is wicked. (2.) They who oppose Christ's ministers and gospel fight against God, and the issue of that conflict must needs be fatal to his enemies. 6. Gamalist's counsel so far prevailed as to rescue the apostles from immediate death; but their enemies could not so entirely abstain from them as to discharge them unhurt; their rage must be vented on their backs, though refrained from their blood: they called in the apostles, and, having ignominiously and severely scourged them as malefactors, dismissed them, with the most express impunctions of never more speaking in the name of Jesus, at the peril of all the pains and penalties which would attend their disobedience. 7. With admirable constancy the apostles bore their sufferings, and boldly perished in their glorious work. They deported from the presence of the council, without a word of reproach or reviling, patiently submitting to their indignities, and, so far from being ashamed or intimidated, repairing that they were counted merely to suffer shame for his name. This reproach was their highest honour, their stripes their glory; and, so far from desisting and being silent, as they were commanded, daily in the temple, in defiance of their persecutors, and in every house, where they referred, they stayed not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. He was the great theme of all their discourse, and the complete redemption which was in him they explained and enforced, inviting all to come and share their mercy, and believe to the saving of their souls. Note, (1.) When for the sake of Jesus and his truth we are called to suffer, we should take pleasure in reproaches, and rejoice at the insults we meet with: they shall issue to our more abundant glory. (2.) A crucified Jesus must be the constant subject of our ministrations; and publickly when called into the pulpit, and privately, when visiting from house to house, him should we ceaseless teach and preach. In this chapter we have, 1. The discontent about the distribution of the public charity, ver. 1. 2. The ordination of seven deacons to ease the apostles of the burden, ver. 2-6. 3. The increase of the church, ver. 7. 4. A particular account of Stephen, one of the seven: (1.) His great activity for Christ, ver. 8. (2.) The opposition he met with, ver. 9, 10. (3.) The convening of him before the great Sanhedrim, and the crimes laid to his charge, ver. 11-14. (4.) God's evening him upon his trial, ver. 15. 1. AND in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, "It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5. ¶ And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they choate Stephen, a man full of faith and of the holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a presbyter of Antioch. 6. Whom they set before the apostles, Vols. II. tles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. The admirable peace and harmony of the church here suffers some slight interruption, and yet good aries out of the evil. We have, 1. The cause, whether real or imaginary, of the discontent which appears among some of the members of the church. In those days, when the number of disciples was multiplied; for the sufferings of the apostles, so far from checking the progress of the gospel, proved its furtherance; their origin a murmuring of the Grecians, or Helenist Jews, who were chiefly foreigners, and were so called from the Greek language, which they spoke, and used in their synagogues, proved the Hebrews, who were inhabitants of Judea, and made use of the Hebrew language in reading the Old Testament; and they complained, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration, as if there was a partiality shown to the poor, who were Hebrews, and their either passed over, or scantily supplied. The complaint might possibly be real; in the multiplicity of affairs which lay on the apostles hands, they might be unable to look minutely into the wants of the several widows, or other poor, who had made application to them for relief, or perhaps, as the public stock was chiefly raised by the Hebrews, they might count that the widows and other poor of that denomination were entitled to the preference; but probably mere suspicion dictated the complaint, and, as they lay under some kind of disadvantages as foreigners, they were jealous: but they should be slighted; for those who are poor are too apt to be querulous, to eye with jealousy what is bestowed on others, and to clamour, as if any kindness done to them was an injustice to themselves. Note, (1.) Money matters are too often the causes of much dissatisfaction even among those who profess to be dead to the world. (2.) In the best ordered church some imperfections will be found, and the most careful paffons may hear of some real or pretended cause of complaint. 2. The apostles propose an excellent expedient to remove all cause of murmuring; and this not only for the satisfaction of others, but for their own relief; their necessary employment, in preaching the word of God, being too much interrupted by minding these secular concerns. They assembled the multitude of the disciples, it being a matter of common concern, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables; these avocations of providing for the poor diverting them too much from the great business of preaching the gospel. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business, men of established reputation and integrity, endowed with a distinguished measure of the gifts and graces of the Spirit, to enable them for the faithful discharge of their office, and whose wisdom and prudence are eminent, that they may manage the church's stock to greatest advantage. These were to be chosen by the people themselves, who could not afterwards reasonably find fault with the persons of their own appointment; and the apostles would ordain them to their office, that they might be interdicted with due authority, and that those who were concerned might know to whom they must apply in these matters: but we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word, as our more immediate and proper employment. Note, (1.) They who are appointed to any holy office, even the lowest in the church, may here behold the requisites thereto. They must be persons of blameless character, men of piety and abusive; for the discharge of their trust with wisdom, and above all experimentally acquainted with the grace of God in their souls, and partakers of the Holy Ghost. To ordain persons immoral, ignorant, destitute of experimental religion, and to count them fit for the ministry who are fit for nothing else; how shocking how contrary to the apothistical practice? and what a scandal must such be to the office they bear! (2.) Divided as much as possible of worldly cares, Christ's immediate ambassadors should be occupied wholly in his work and the service of immortal souls, preaching his gospel in season and out of season, and watering with their prayers the labours of the pulpit, that God may give the increase. 3. The proposal met with general approbation, and, after serious deliberation, they, with joint concurrence and perfect unanimity, made choice of seven persons, whose names are recited, and seem to be of the Hellenist Jews, which would most effectually serve to silence all future murmuring among them. Stephen stands full in the capulence, with a most honourable testimony born to him; he was full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, a man eminent for gifts and graces. Philip, who follows him, we find afterwards successfully employed in preaching the gospel, chap. viii. Of the rest we have no particular account, unless Nicolas, as some have suggested, was the founder of that sect which St. John mentions with abhorrence, Rev. ii. 6-15. These seven being presented to the apostles, they prayed with them and for them, that they might be qualified for their work. 7 N and and approve themselves faithful, and then, by the imposition of hands, solemnly separated them for this service, to which they were chosen. 4. The church continued to increase greatly, the interline murmurs being silenced, the apostles being more disheartened, and all zealously attending to their several charges. Thus the gospel-word spread its blessed influence around, the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem, where, during our Lord's ministry, few seem to have believed in him; and what is still more astonishing, and to be reckoned among the chief wonders of green, a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith, who had been the most inveterate enemies of Christ and his gospel, but now embraced the profession of Christianity, and proved by their holy contemplation the unfeigned faith which was in them. Now, True faith in Jesus as a Saviour ever produces sincere obedience to him as our Master. 1. Ver. 5.