The Angel appears to Moses. ་ ACTS VII. and as he drew near to consider it attentively, the voice of the Lord came unto him, 32 Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' Then Moses trembled, and 33 durst not attentively consider it. Then the Lord said to him, 'Put off thy shoes from thy feet for the place on which thou standest is 34 holy ground. I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee 35 into Egypt.' This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge?' him did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer, by the hand of the angel who appeared to him 36 in the bush. He brought them out, after that he had shown wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the desert, forty years. 37 "This is that Moses, who said to the children of Israel, A prophet will Jehovah your God raise up unto you from among your brethren, 38 like unto me; to him shall ye hearken. This is he that, in the congregation in the desert, was with the angel, who spoke to him on mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the 39 life-giving oracles, to deliver them to us. To whom our fathers would not be obedient, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts 40 turned back into Egypt, Saying to Aaron, 'Make us gods to go before us: for as to this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, 41 we know not what is become of him.' So they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice * Idolatry of the people. unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Then God turned, and gave them 42 up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, did ye offer to me only slain beasts and sacrifices during forty years in the desert? Nay, but ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, 43 and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship: therefore I will carry you away beyond Babylon. Our fathers 44 had the tabernacle of testimony in the desert, as he had appointed, speaking to Moses, that he should make it according to the pattern which he had seen. Which also our fathers 45 received and brought in with Joshua, when they possessed the land of the nations, whom God drove out from before our fathers, unto the days of David; Who found favour before 46 God, and desired to provide a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. But Soloman built him a tem- 47 ple. However, the Most High dwelleth not 48 in temples made with hands, as the prophet saith, Heaven is my throne, and the earth 49 is my footstool: what temple will ye build for me? saith Jehovah: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these 50 things?' "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart 51 and ears, ye always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the pro- 52 phets did not your fathers persecute? yea, they slew those who foretold the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have now been the betrayers and murderers: Ye, who received the law by 53 the ministry of angels, but have not kept it." forth to be the deliverer and legislator of Israel. Angel of the Lord, &c. It is remarkable, that both in Exodus and here, he who is first called the 'angel of the Lord,' is afterwards spoken of as Jehovah, who addressed Moses, saying, Put off, &c. See also verse 35. 35, 36. This Moses whom, &c. This is also a delicate hint of the Spirit which prevailed among their ancestors, and how possible it is for men to be mistaken. 37. A prophet will, &c. See Deuter. xviii. 15. 38. Jehovah.. With the angel. The angel of the covenant, the representative of —Life-giving oracles. They were intended to lead to life and happiness. Deuter. xxxii. 47. Levit. xviii. 5. 39-43, Would not be obedient, &c. All their history proved this. See Exod. xxxii. 1, 4, &c.- -Then God turned, &c. He permitted them to follow their own inclinations. See Amos v. 25, and notes there. 44-50. Our fathers had, &c. He was accused of speaking against the law, and he has hitherto spoken of it with the highest respect. He was also charged with speaking against the temple, and he now mentions it with reverence, but reminds them what God said to Solomon, 1 Kings viii. 27, &c. Is. lxvi. 1, 2. 51. Ye stiffnecked, &c. It is probable that they heard until now with patience, but perceiving that he did not think of that holy place, the temple, as they did, they testified their disapprobation, either by their gestures or words. Stephen, unintimidated, warmly but justly reprehends them.Resist the Holy, &c. Speaking by the prophets. Nehem. ix. 30. 52. Yea, they slew, &c. Isaiah particularly foretold the coming of the Just One, and him they slew; and they had now betrayed and slain the Just One himself. 53. By the ministry, &c. Or, through the ranks, &c. They were present as the attendants and servants of the supreme lawgiver. Ps. lxviii. 17. Gal. iii. 19. Hebr. ii. 2. They slone Stephen. . ACTS VIII. 54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart; and they gnashed on him 55 with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing 56 on the right hand of God, And said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man 57 standing on the right hand of God." Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one consent, 58 And cast him out of the city, and prepared to stone him; and the witnesses laid down their mantles at a young man's feet, whose name 59 was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon, and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my 60 spirit." And he kneeled down, and cried with REFLECTIONS UPON CHAPTER VII. 1. We see and hear as it were the clamour of malice and falsehood rise against innocence and truth. One of the most pious of men is charged with blasphemy for uttering what the whole history of the Jewish nation supported and justified. Nor need we wonder at this; for if they called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more those of his household? Yet what did Stephen say to excite all this rage and enmity? He said no other things than what Moses and the prophets had said and written. He recalls to their remembrance the faith of Abraham, the promises made to him, the descent and slavery of Israel in Egypt; and how God preserved them there by means of Joseph, whom his brethren had envied and sold for a slave, but whom God made lord of Egypt. 2. We learn that faithful is he that promised. He remembered his covenant and at length went forth for the deliverance of his chosen. He appeared amidst the bush burning, but not consumed, to teach Moses and his people, that he does and will preserve his church amidst the severest persecutions. What tenderness does he manifest towards his oppressed children: "I have surely seen the affliction of my people." Yes he had seen all that their enemies had done, and knew all they intended to do. In what a wonderful manner had he preserved Moses, and made the house of Pharaoh nurse and bring him up who was appointed to deliver Israel, and to inflict new and unheard of plagues on Egypt. He saw the tears of the oppressed, and animated 55. The glory of God, &c. The symbol of the divine presence, and Jesus himself standing ready to receive his spirit. 57-58. They cried out, &c. They could not restrain their rage any longer. That this was a tumultuous and irregular proceeding is manifest. See John xviii. 31.—Cast him out, &c. Because it was not allowable to kill any within it.Prepared, &c. See Markland; and it is well known that active verbs are often thus used. See John x. 32. Stephen was not stoned until the witnesses had stripped, who cast the first stone. 59. Calling upon and saying, &c. Some have thought the text elliptical, and with our translators supply God or Lord; but there is no need of this, as the object he invoked, is afterwards specified.Lord Jesus, &c. We are told that as Stephen saw Christ, he might justly pray to him; but that this is Dd 3 Great persecution. with a brotherly love, he stood forward to vindicate them, but they rejected his kind interference. Yet he was made a leader and redeemer; and so is Jesus, though once despised and rejected of men. Like Moses he has delivered us, and brought us forth into a wilderness, in which God nourishes us and guides us, and will ere long do what Moses did not, bring us into the land of promise, and divide it to us for an everlasting heritage. 3. It is the duty of ministers to exhort and rebuke with all longsuffering and gentleness. So did holy Stephen, His reproofs were indeed plain and faithful, and on this account deserved the more to be regarded. But these obstinate and stiffnecked sinners, stopped their ears, and raised an outrageous cry, and like so many wild and savage beasts rushed upon him to destroy him. They were not awed or restrained by that glory that beamed from his countenance; but were ready to disfigure and overwhelm that blessed person with stones, whose face shone as an angel of God. However appalling the fury of such a mob might be to flesh and blood, the glorious vision of Christ, at the right hand of God, was calculated to inspire confidence and courage. It did so, and Stephen, in the exercise of the highest christian love, praying for his murderers, could calmly commit his departing spirit into the hands of his Lord and Saviour. O may thy presence, blessed Jesus be with us in death, whatever be the manner of it, to disarm it of its sting; and may we also fall asleep in thee. improper for us, who do not see him. How contrary this is to primitive prastice, see I Cor. i. 2. Acts ix. 14. 60. Lord, lay not this, &c. He desires Jesus not to avenge his death upon them.And Saul gladly, &c. This young Pharisee joined in this outrage and murder. CHAP. VIII. 1. Were all scattered. &c. Doddridge thought it probable that Ananias now went to Damascus, ch. ix. 10.; while others, after having preached the gospel in neighbouring parts, travelled on to Phonicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch. 2. Godly men. Brother disciples. They boldly testified their respect for Stephen, and by this avowed their faith. 4. Preaching the, &c. This persecution by the providence of God was overruled to spread abroad the gospel. 211 The Samaritans called. 5 ACTS VIII. into every house; and dragging forth men and 4 women committed them to prison. Those therefore that were scattered abroad, went every where preaching the glad tidings of the word. Then Philip went down to a city of Samaria, 6 and preached Christ to them. And the multitude attended with one consent to those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the hearing and seeing the 7 miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many that had them: and many that were sick of the 8 palsy, and that were lame, were cured. And there was great joy in that city. 9 But there had been before in that city a certain man, called Simon, using magic, and astonishing the people of Samaria, saying that 10 himself was some great one: To whom they all attended, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God." 11 And to him they attended, because for a long time he had astonished them by magical arts. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the glad tidings concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were bap13 tized, both men and women. Then even Simon himself believed; and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Simon's sin exposed. yet he had fallen on none of them: only they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they put their hands on them, and they 17 received the Holy Spirit. And when Simon 18 saw that by the putting on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, Saying, "Give me also this power, 19 that on whomsoever I put my hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit," But Peter said to 20 him, "Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither 21 part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore 22 of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bit- 23 terness, and in the bond of iniquity." Then 24 Simon answered, and said, "Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me." So they, 25 when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many towns of the Samaritans. Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, 26 saying, "Arise, and go towards the south, to the way which goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is in the desert. And he arose 27 and went; and, behold, there was an Ethiopian, an eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and who had come to Jerusalem to worship; And he was returning; and 28 5. Then Philip. Not the apostle of that name, but the deacon, Ch. vi. 5. The apostles abode at Jerusalem; and if he had been an apostle he would have had the power of imparting the Spirit as well as Peter and John. -A city of Samaria. Herod the Great had destroyed Samaria itself, but afterwards built another city, and called it Sebaste, that is, Augusta, in honour of the Emperor Augustus. The town to which Philip went might be Sichem. Joha iv. 5, &c. 8. Great joy in, &c. On account of the wonderful cures wrought, and especially on account of the salvation proclaimed among them. 9-11. Using magic, &c. He most probably possessed a superior knowledge of the powers of nature and the efficacy of medicines. So the effects of electricity, chemical phenomena, &c. do even now astonish the ignorant. See Pearce. 13. Then even Simon, &c. Simon saw that Philip possessed a knowledge and powers far superior to himself; and by professing to believe and attending the ministry of Philip, might hope to attain like knowledge and powers. 14-19. The apostles heard, &c. These verses clearly prove that the honour of conferring the Spirit in his miraculous gifts was peculiar to the apostles. But what has this to do with the rite of ordination or confirmation, when it is certain no such powers or gift are bestowed? 18-25. Offered them money, &c. This proved alike his ignorance and impiety. Peter very properly concluded that he was in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity, and exhorted him to repent if the thoughts of bis heart may be forgiven. This is an instance so striking of an unconverted sinner being exhorted to repent, as ought for ever to silence those half-thinkers, who maintain that such should not be addressed. 26. Which is in the desert. Gaza was the last town or city in the way to Egypt, and bordered on the desert. Newcome renders, 'a desert way;' and Wakefield suspects that the words aurn cari suos are a gloss. 27. An Ethiopian, &c. Pearce supposes that he was a Jew, who enjoyed the rank of chamberlain under Candace. Candace was a name common to several queens, who reigned in More, to the south of Egypt, according to Philip teacheth the eunuch, ACTS VIII. and baptizeth him. sitting in his chariot read Isaiah the prophet. || thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near, and himself, or of some other man?" Then Philip 35 30 join thyself to this chariot." And Philip And Philip ran opened his mouth, and began from this scripture, thither to him, and heard him reading the pro- and preached unto him Jesus. And as they 36 phet Isaiah, and said, "Understandest thou went on the way, they came to some water; 31 what thou readest?" And he said, "How can and the eunuch said, "See, here is water; what I, unless some man should guide me?" And hindereth my being baptized?” • And he 38 he desired that Philip would come up and sit commanded the chariot to stand still; and they 32 with him. Now the place of the scripture two went down into the water, both Philip and which he read was this, "He was led as a sheep the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when 39 to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before they had come up out of the water, the Spirit 33 his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In of the Lord caught away Philip, so that the his humiliation his judgment was taken away; eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his and the men of his generation who can describe? way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: 40 34 for his life is taken from the earth." And and passing through he preached glad tidings the eunuch spoke to Philip, and said, "I pray in all the cities, till he came to Cesarea. CHAP. VIII. 37. ° And Philip said, If thou believest with all thy heart, REFLECTIONS UPON CHAPTER VIII. 1. How awful is the delusion practiced by such men as Simon! He had long imposed on others by his arts and address; and now thought to impose on the disciples of Christ, and even on God. Steady to his purpose of acquiring wealth, and of astonishing the multitude, he professed to be a believer in Christ, and hoped thereby to regain the influence he had lost. His hypocrisy soon appeared, by his wishing to purchase the power of conferring the gifts of the Holy Spirit, with money. How must he have been struck with the faithful, but affecting reply of Peter. "Thy money perish with thee. For I perceive that thou art in the bond of iniquity and in the gall of bitterness." In vain is it for men to profess themselves christians, to submit to baptism, to follow ministers, if their hearts are not right with God. O that he may save from all guile and deceit, and make us sincere and without rebuke, by making us unfeigned penitents and believers. While many received the truth in the love of it, and occasioned great joy, such tares as Simon were the cause of much grief and offence. 2. In what respects the eunuch, we see that he who improves his one talent shall receive more. He showed his sacred regard to the God of Israel by coming from afar to worship at his temple. He loved and valued the holy scriptures; and while seriously perusing them Pliny. Lib. 6. c. 29. He seems to have been a serious devout man, not only from the journey which he had taken, but from the manner of employing his time. 30. Understandest thou, &c. This question asked by a stranger, would have offended many great men; but the eunuch readily confessed his ignorance and his need of a teacher; and was willing to admit Philip into his chariot for this purpose. 32, 33. He was led as a, &c. See Is. liii. 7, 8, and notes; and Acts xiii. 36, where you is used for 'the men of this generation.' 35. Preached unto him Jesus. That he is the Messiah and Saviour; and that it was of him and his sufferings that the prophet spoke. 37. Philip said, If thou, &c. With Griesbach I omit this as a marginal gloss. It is wanting in the best mss, and both Bengelius and Wetstein omit it. thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Griesb. was taught of God. How interesting was that portion he was reading when Philip addressed him! The prophet spoke of Jesus as suffering for guilty men; as bearing their sins and carrying their sorrows; as being striken, smitten of God, and afflicted, that by his stripes sinners might be healed. What love and grace were here foretold! And this had been all now fulfilled in the person of Jesus. He had come as the prince of peace, and by his own amazing sufferings, had obtain ed eternal redemption for all that obey him. O what glad tidings to perishing sinners. Let us welcome them; and constantly peruse those sacred writings which contain them. 3. From the conduct of the eunuch we are taught that those who believe Jesus to be the Son of God, should profess it, and enter into his church by that rite which he has appointed. The eunuch was not slow in obeying the precepts of the Saviour; but with the humility of a penitent, and the cheerfulness of a believer, submitted to be baptized. Let all ministers encourage and admit those who make a credible profession of their faith in Jesus, and of their resolution to serve him, to come to his ordinances; and when any have given up themselves to the Lord and to his people, let them go on their christian way rejoicing in the hope of final salvation and happiness. In such a case, joy and gladness are proper and becoming. 38. Went down into the water. "I do not see any proof," says Lardner, "that the eunuch was baptized by immersion. He and Philip stood in the water; and Philip poured some of it upon him. Nor do I see reason to think that John the baptist used immersion, but rather otherwise. It is contrary to decency, and the respect we owe to one another." 39. Caught away Philip, &c. This miraculous disappearance of Philip would tend to confirm the eunuch in the faith.-For he went, &c. The eunuch proceeded on his journey, rejoicing in the knowledge which he had acquired, and in the hope of salvation. Some mss. read, "The Holy Spirit fell upon the eunuch; but an angel of the Lord took away, &c." 40. At Azotus. Called in the Old Testament Ashdod, on the coast of the sea, and north of Gaza. Philip thence proceeded along the coast, preaching in all the towns until he reached Cesarea, a sea-port, between Dora and Joppa. Christ appeareth to Saul. ACTS IX. Annanias sent to him. CHAPTER IX. A. D. 34. Saul going to Damascus is called to the apostleship; and baptized by Ananias; he preacheth Christ boldly; the Jews and Hellenists lay wait for him; Eneas healed and Tabitha raised from the dead. 1 Now Saul, yet breathing out threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, 2 went to the high priest, And desired of him letters to the synagogues at Damascus, that if he found any of this religion, whether they were men or women, he might bring them 3 bound to Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly a light 4 from heaven shone round about him: And he And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" 5 And he said, "Who art thou, Lord ?" And the Lord said, “I am Jesus whom thou perse6 cutest. But rise up and go into the city and it 7 shall be told thee what thou must do." And And the men who journeyed with him remained silent, hearing a sound, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but some led him by the hand, and brought him into Damas9 cus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. CHAP. IX. 2. At Damascus. From Josephus we learn that the number of Jews in this city amounted to ten thousand, and that almost all the women were of the Jewish religion. 5, 6. I am Jesus, &c. The voice from heaven arrested him, and led him to make the inquiry, Who art thou, Lord? How must he have been confounded when he received the answer, and reflected on the object of his journey. In the common text additions have been made here from the parallel places, Ch. xxii. 8-10, and xxvi. 13-18. See Griesbach. 9. Three days. The glorious appearance of Jesus had produced blindness; and in this state he fasted one whole day, and part of two others. This was a fast of deep humiliation and repentance. 10-16. The Lord said in a vision, &c. What Jesus said to Ananias surprised, and induced him very naturally to state what he had heard concerning him. He is informed that Saul was a chosen vessel, and destined to the most honourable but difficult service in the cause of Jesus. 17. The Lord Jesus, &c. That Jesus himself did appear on this occasion, in a form most glorious, is certain from what is here said, and from Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth; And 12 hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias, who came in, and put his hand on him, that he might receive his sight." Then Ananias an- 13 swered, "Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority 14 from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name." But the Lord said to him, "Go; for 15 he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will show him how great 16 things he must suffer for my name's sake." Then Ananias departed, and entered into the 17 house; and when he had put his hands on him said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared unto thee on the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest recover thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And 18 immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales and he recovered his sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul continued some days with the dis- 19 ciples who were at Damascus. And immedi- 20 ately he preached Jesus" in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard 21 him were amazed, and said, " Is not this he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for this purpose, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?" But Saul increased the more 22 1 Cor. xv. 8.- -Filled with the Holy Spirit. To instruct him and enable him to preach the gospel. 18. As it were scales. Whether the eyes had been inflamed, and some scales were really formed, or whether it only denotes the sudden manner in which his sight was restored, it is not possible to determine. 20. Preached Jesus, &c. The Jews admitted that the Christ or Messiah was to be the Son of God; and what Paul proved was that Jesus was so. This reading is necessary. 21. Who called on this name. In the opinion of some critics, this should be rendered, who are called by thy name.' They surely have forgot that they were only called disciples, believers, saints, but not Christians, until after this period. See Acts xi. 26. After a careful examination of every place in the Septuagint or New Testament, where the verb occurs, I do not hesitate to say, that when it is followed by the accusative, it is taken in the active sense, and strictly means to call on, to invoke or pray ;' and to call on the name is a well known mode of speaking, to denote person. Comp. Rom. x. 12-14, and Mintert and Biel, in verb. 1 |