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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

[ prudent advice.

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. (L)

EXPOSITION-Chap. V. Continued.

(L) Ver. 17-42. The Apostles again imprisoned, and called to account before the Sanhedrim. It is shocking to learn from Josephus himself, that many of the high priests were Sadducees; and from this man being surrounded with persons of that sect, it is very natural to suppose that this High Priest was one of them-God's high priest, believing neither in angel nor spirit, nor in the resurrection from the dead! (Acts xxiii. 8.) "The Sadducees (says the late excellent Mr. Milner) appear at this time to have had the chief sway in the Jewish State. These formed a licentious, worldly-minded sect; and, in their opinions, they were the most corrupt of all those which at that time were maintained in Judea. The High Priest and his party were of this sect, and were filled with indignation to see the progress of the gospel. Their first step was to imprison the apostles, who by night, through the ministry of an angel, were set free, and ordered to preach in the temple. The next morning a full Sanhedrim was convened, and the apostles were ordered to be brought into court. An angel had opened the prison doors, and the court was astonished to find that the prisoners had escaped: they were, however, informed, that they were preaching in the temple. The favourable regard of the common people obliged the Sanhe drim to use some address in conducting their prisoners in a gentle manner before the court. The High Priest upbraids them with their disobedience to the former injunction of silence; to whom they returned their former answer, that they 66 ought to obey God rather than men." They bore witness to the resurrection of Christ, and declared that " God had exalted him with

his right hand, to be a prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins;" and that the Holy Ghost, "whom God bestows on those who obey him, witnessed" the same thing. With such plainness did these first Christians lay open the real nature of the gospel, and exhibit it as something extremely different from a mere system of morals, though it included all good morality in its nature. The testimony of Jesus, the forgiveness of sins through his blood, and the operations of the Holy Ghost, as they were doubtless the peculiarities of Christianity, so they were those things which most offended the Jewish rulers; and have been, indeed, the chief object of the enmity of unconverted men in all ages."

"The spirit of persecution was proceeding to exercise itself in violent counsels. There was, however, one Gamaliel among them, a Pharisee; of a sect not, indeed, inimical to the doctrine of a resurrection, and by no means so heterodox, in general, as the Sadducees, though, on the whole, agreeing with them in the hatred of Christianity. This man was judicious, learned, and respectable, and possessed much worldly prudence; beyond this no evidence appears. Providence made an importaut use of him at this time, to prolong twelve most valuable lives, who were designed to spread the gospel through the world; and by their inspired writings (not one of which was yet published) to speak to us at this day. Gamaliel, by some authentic, historical precedents, instructed the members of the court, that persons who rose up to propagate new sects, if not sent of God, were soon annihilated. He wished them to exercise forbearance and

NOTES.

Ver. 42. In every house.-It was long after this before any places of worship were expressly built for Christians: but in every house there was a worship

ping family; frequently several of them united, and thus, by degrees, the house became a church. See 1 Cor. xvi. 19.

On the church's increase.]

CHAP. VI.

THE ACTS.

AND in those days, when the num

ber 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 busi

ness.

[Seven deacons chosen.

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 chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

6 Whom they set before the apostles: 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.

8 And Stephen, full of faith and

EXPOSITION-Chap. V. Continued.

moderation toward the apostles, whose influence would soon come to nothing, if it were merely human; if divine, to attempt its destruction would be equally foolish and impious. This sage advice was followed, and the apostles were dismissed; but not without stripes, and a severe charge given them, no more to preach in the name of Jesus. They ceased not, however, to "teach and preach Jesus Christ; and rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name." (Hist. of the Church, vol. L. chap. i.)

We must not here forget to remark, that this Gamaliel was the tutor of St. Paul, who was brought up at his feet, and perhaps had not yet finished his Jewish studies: but how little did this man think that he was now training up a youth, who, but in little more than a year, should come forward as the champion of that Jesus, and that Gospel, which they were now considering the best means to suppress. Per

haps even Saul himself was now present, attending on his master: perhaps in his own mind censuring his cautious coolness, and anticipating the day when he might be at liberty to persecute the professors of this new sect. But Jesus was exalted on high, "to give repentance to Israel; and the hour of Saul's conversion was fast approaching.

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Though Gamaliel was evidently an enemy of Jesus, yet the temper and moderation of his advice, in this instance, bas been commended more frequently than copied; but we have more to admire in the providence of God, who now raised up to the disciples of Jesus an unexpected advocate, and one who, by his prudence, for a while checked the fury of his brethren. "So does God sometimes use the good sense and temper of those who do not themselves receive the Gospel, for the protection of those who are faithfully devoted to his service." (Doddr. in loc.)

NOTES.

CHAP. VI. Ver. 1. The Grecians-Commonly called Hellenists; namely, foreign Jews, who used the Greek language, both in their synagogues, and in their common conversation; whereas those called Hebrews used the then Hebrew, or Syro-Chaldaic. So Doddr., Camp., Scott, and most others.

Ver. 3. Among you-i. e. among the body of believers; so Drs. Hammond and Whitby, but Prebendary Townsend and others think they were chosen from the seventy disciples, of which, however, we have no decisive proof. We incline to think they were chosen specially from among the complaining Hellenists, since the names seem all of Greek extraction.

Ver. 5, Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch-Might

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Stephen accused]

CHAP. VI.

power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

[by false witnesses.

12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the Scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,

13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. (M)

CHAP. VI.

EXPOSITION.

(M) Ver. 1-15. Seven Deacons chosen, and why-Stephen (one of them) falsely accused." The Church was now much enlarged, consisting partly of native, and partly of foreign Jews, who used the Greek language, (and were) on that account called Hellenists, or Grecians. These supposed that, in the daily supply of the poor, the apostles had not ministered equal relief to their widows as to those of the Hebrews. Men who know any thing of the work of God, in the visitation of his Holy Spirit, and have any acquaintance with the fulness of employ, which Christian Ministers have in great and populous cities, in instructing, warning, consoling, and directing awakened and serious minds, will not wonder, if, through inadvertence, some temporary neglects might have taken place. The apostles, however, with great mildness and wisdom, soon regulated this affair. They informed the disciples that the ministry of the word of God must be attended to in the first place, and must not be neglected for the sake of providing for the poor. They therefore advised the disciples to look out for seven holy and wise men, to whom this business should be committed. "But we (say they) will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the

ministry of the word." ...... The whole multitude consented with pleasure, and seven deacons were amicably elected, who are above enumerated, and who, from their Greek names, are supposed to have been all (or most of them) Hellenists. "In this easy way (says Mr. Milner) the first appearances of contention were blasted in the Church; and seven coadjutors were appointed to the apostles, some of whom, at least, were of signal service, not only in temporal, but also in spiritual things." (Church Hist. ch. i.)

" of

It has been doubted whether these were all employed in the Christian ministry. Those who think so, consider them as chosen from among "the seventy," which, however, there is no direct proof: others observing them as chosen expressly to" serve tables" and provide for the poor, consider them as merely laymen, though some of them were afterwards called to the exercise of the Christian ministry, particularly Stephen and Philip.

Wishing, as we do, to avoid all unnecessary controversies, we shall merely observe that, in this age of inspiration, the Holy Spirit was so generally poured out on believers, that we feel it difficult to conceive of any persons eminent for wisdom and piety, not being employed, more or less,

NOTES.

Ver. 9. The synagogue of the Libertines, &c.This appears to us to be a synagogue for foreigners of the different countries here named. The Libertines are admitted to be liberated slaves, or their children, at Rome, of which there appear to have been so great a number, that 4000 were sent to Sardinia, others to different parts, and the rest banished to Judea, but the synagogue does not appear to have been restricted to these, but was frequented by Cyrenians, Alexandrians, &c., some of whom had probably a taste for the Greek philosophy. See Horne's

Addenda to his Critical Introduction, p. 743; and Lardner's Cred. vol. i. p. 230, et seq. The latter thinks that each of these parties had a synagogue, which is not unlikely, if, as the Jews say, they had 480 synagogues in Jerusalem.

Ver. 11. Blasphemous words.-Camp. would render it "reviling words," as they did not amount to blasphemy. True; but they might represent them as such in aggravation. See Camp. Diss. xi. part 2. Ver. 14. The customs-Marg. "rites."

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[the Sanhedrim.

in it; no, not so much as to set his foot on yet he promised that he would

HEN said the High Priest, Are give it to him for a possession, and to these things so?

2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.

4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

5 And he gave him none inheritance

his seed after him, when as yet he had

no child.

6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.

7 And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.

8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

EXPOSITION-Chap. VI. Continued.

in the edification of the Church and the propagation of the Gospel; but we shall not take upon us to say how far this is to be considered as a model to present times.

Stephen, however, one of the deacons, was evidently endowed with the talents and spirit of an apostle, which exposed him, not only to a share in their persecutions, but raised him to the honour of being the first Christian martyr.

We now find the Church of God rapidly increasing, particularly at Jerusalem,where a great (or considerable) number of the priests believed, which has been thought incredible. But "why should it be thought incredible that God should raise the dead" spiritually, any more than literally? (Acts xxvi. 8.) Indeed the manner in which the apostles were enabled to explain the prophecies, in which we may naturally suppose the priests to be more conversant than the laity, would naturally lead to such an expectation, especially when all the discourses of the apostles were confirmed by miracles, and miracles generally of the same benevolent character as those of their divine master.

Stephen also, though not an apostle, we

have remarked ranks in every point of view on a level with them; for he was "full of faith and power, and did great wonders and miracles among the people." There was, however, in the city, a synagogue, or perhaps several synagogues, of foreign Jews, some of whom (particularly those from Alexandria) might have a fondness for dispute, and therefore eagerly engaged in controversy with St. Stephen; but, being foiled, were so aggravated, that they sought revenge in charging him with blasphemy in predicting the ruin of the temple and city; but were probably guilty of the same kind of misrepresentation as those who accused our Lord himself before Caiaphas. (See Matt. xxvii. 61.) When men are determined, right or wrong, to make good a charge, it is not difficult to put their own construction on almost any thing. But they must have been sadly disconcerted when, "looking steadfastly on his countenance," they saw in it a sweet and divine placidness, like that of a celestial being; in addition to which, some have supposed it to have been surrounded with a heavenly radiance.

NOTES.

CHAP. VII. Ver. 2. Charran, or "Haran," Gen. xi. 31,32.

Ver. 3. Get thee out, &c.-See Gen. xii. 1, Exposition and Notes.

Ver. 5. So much as to set his foot on.-To this it is objected, that he purchased a family grave of the sons of Heth; Gen. xxv. 17. True; but, 1. A grave is a place for a man to lay his bones, and not

to set his feet. 2. Even this he bought, notwithstanding the whole country had been made over to him by Divine promise. 3. The expression is evidently proverbial, and means that he had no ground whereon he might either build or walk.

Ver. 6. Four hundred years.-See Notes on Gen. XV. 13; Exodus xii. 40.

The history]

CHAP. VII.

9 And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

11 Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

12 But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.

13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.

14 Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls. 15 So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died; he, and our fathers,

16 And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.

17 But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,

18 Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.

19 The same dealt subtilly with our

CHAP. VII.

[of the Patriarchs.

kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

20 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:

21 And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.

22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

23 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.

24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian :

25 For he supposed his brethren would have understood, how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.

26 And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethen; why do ye wrong one to another?

27 But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?

28 Wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday?

29 Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons. (N)

EXPOSITION.

(N) Ver. 1-29. Stephen's defence before the Sanhedrim.-Stephen being now called upon to make his defence before the high

est court of the Jews, proceeds as follows. First, he begins by endeavouring to convince the Jews of their mistake relative to the promise given to Abraham and his

NOTES.

Ver. 14. Three score and fifteen.-See Note on Gen. xlvi. 26, 27.

Ver. 16. That Abraham bought.-Some error seems to have crept into this text, but it would take a much longer note than we can spare room for, to name the different methods adopted by critics and commentators to remove it. The field here alluded to was evidently bought not by Abraham but Jacob; Gen. xxxiii. 19; Josh. xxiv. 32.-Beza, Doddr., and others, are of opinion that St. Luke used the pronoun he, referring to Jacob, and that, by some error in copying the name, Abraham was introduced: there are, however, neither MSS. nor versions to

support this conjecture, so we must leave it as we find it. Boothroyd, instead of "Abraham," inserts "Jacob."

Ver. 20. Exceeding fair.-Marg. "Fair to God;" where the name of God is considered as an adjective, and might perhaps be rendered "divinely fair." See Exod. ii. 2, and Note.

Ver. 22. All the wisdom of the Egyptians.-This may be fairly inferred, from his being educated as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. See Heb. xi. 24. Ver. 23. Forty years old.-See the history, Exod. ii. 13, &c.

Ver. 29. Madian-or "Midian." Exod. ii. 16.

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