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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>A C T S.</B></FONT>
<BR>
<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. IV.</FONT>
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<P>
In going over the last two chapters, where we met with so many good
things that the apostles did, I wondered what was become of the scribes
and Pharisees, and chief priests, that they did not appear to
contradict and oppose them, as they had used to treat Christ himself;
surely they were so confounded at first with the pouring out of the
Spirit that they were for a time struck dumb! But I find we have not
lost them; their forces rally again, and here we have an encounter
between them and the apostles; for from the beginning the gospel met
with opposition. Here,
I. Peter and John are taken up, upon a warrant from the priests, and
committed to jail,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:1-4">ver. 1-4</A>.
II. They are examined by a committee of the great sanhedrim,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:5-7">ver. 5-7</A>.
III. They bravely avow what they have done, and preach Christ to their
persecutors,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:8-12">ver. 8-12</A>.
IV. Their persecutors, being unable to answer them, enjoin them
silence, threatening them if they go on to preach the gospel, and so
dismiss them,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:13-22">ver. 13-22</A>.
V. They apply to God by prayer, for the further operations of that
grace which they had already experienced,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:23-30">ver. 23-30</A>.
VI. God owns them, both outwardly and inwardly, by manifest tokens of
his presence with them,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:31-33">ver. 31-33</A>.
VII. The believers had their hearts knit together in holy love, and
enlarged their charity to the poor, and the church flourished more than
ever, to the glory of Christ,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:33-37">ver. 33-37</A>.</P>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Peter and John Imprisoned.</I></FONT></TD>
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<P>
<FONT SIZE=+1>1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the
captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, 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 <I>them</I> in hold unto the
next day: for it was now eventide.
4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the
number of the men was about five thousand.
</FONT></P>
<P>
We have here the interests of the kingdom of heaven successfully
carried on, and the powers of darkness appearing against them to put a
stop to them. let Christ's servants be ever so resolute, Satan's agents
will be spiteful; and therefore, let Satan's agents be ever so
spiteful, Christ's servants ought to be resolute.</P>
<P>
I. The apostles, Peter and John, went on in their work, and did not
labour in vain. The Spirit enabled the ministers to do their part, and
the people theirs.</P>
<P>
1. The preachers faithfully deliver the doctrine of Christ: <I>They
spoke unto the people,</I> to all that were within hearing,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
What they said concerned them all, and they spoke it openly and
publicly. <I>They taught the people,</I> still <I>taught the people
knowledge;</I> taught those that as yet did not believe, for their
conviction and conversion; and taught those that did believe, for their
comfort and establishment. <I>They preached through Jesus the
resurrection from the dead.</I> The doctrine of the resurrection of the
dead,
(1.) Was verified in Jesus; this they proved, that Jesus Christ had
risen from the dead, as the first, the chief, that should rise from the
dead,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+26:23"><I>ch.</I> xxvi. 23</A>.
They preached the resurrection of Christ as their warrant for what they
did. Or,
(2.) It is secured by him to all believers. The resurrection of the
dead includes all the happiness of the future state. This <I>they
preached through Jesus Christ,</I> attainable through him
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Php+3:10,11">Phil. iii. 10, 11</A>),
and through him only. They meddled not with matters of state, but kept
to their business, and preached to the people heaven as their end and
Christ as their way. See
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+17:18"><I>ch.</I> xvii. 18</A>.</P>
<P>
2. The hearers cheerfully receive it
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>):
<I>Many of those who heard the word believed;</I> not all--perhaps not
the most, yet many, <I>to the number of about five thousand,</I> over
and above the three thousand we read of before. See how the gospel got
ground, and it was the effect of the pouring out of the Spirit. Though
the preachers were persecuted, the word prevailed; for sometimes the
church's suffering days have been her growing days: the days of her
infancy were so.</P>
<P>
II. The chief priests and their party now made head against them, and
did what they could to crush them; their hands were tied awhile, but
their hearts were not in the least changed. Now here observe,
1. Who they were that appeared against the apostles. They were <I>the
priests;</I> you may be sure, in the first place, they were always
sworn enemies to Christ and his gospel; they were as jealous for their
priesthood as Cæsar for his monarchy, and would not bear one they
thought their rival now, when he was preached as a priest, as much as
when he himself preached as a prophet. With them was joined <I>the
captain of the temple,</I> who, it is supposed, was a Roman officer,
governor of the garrison placed in the tower of Antonia, for the guard
of the temple: so that still here were both Jews and Gentiles
confederate against Christ. <I>The Sadducees</I> also, who denied
<I>the being of spirits</I> and <I>the future state,</I> were zealous
against them. "One would wonder" (saith Mr. Baxter) "what should make
such brutists as the Sadducees were to be such furious silencers and
persecutors. If there is no life to come, what harm can other men's
hopes of it do them? But in depraved souls all faculties are vitiated.
A blind man has a malignant heart and a cruel hand, to this day."
2. How they stood affected to the apostles' preaching: <I>They were
grieved that they taught the people,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
It grieved them, both that the gospel doctrine was preached (was so
preached, so publicly, so boldly,), and that the people were so ready
to hear it. They thought, when they had put Christ to such an
ignominious death, his disciples would ever after be ashamed and afraid
to own him, and the people would have invincible prejudices against his
doctrine; and now it vexed them to see themselves disappointed, and
that his gospel got ground, instead of losing it. <I>The wicked shall
see it, and be grieved,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+112:10">Ps. cxii. 10</A>.
They were grieved at that which they should have rejoiced in, at that
which angels rejoice in. Miserable is their case to whom the glory of
Christ's kingdom is a grief; for, since the glory of that kingdom is
everlasting, it follows of course that their grief will be everlasting
too. It grieved them that the apostles <I>preached through Jesus the
resurrection from the dead.</I> The Sadducees were grieved that the
resurrection from the dead was preached; for they opposed that
doctrine, and could not bear to hear of a future state, to hear it so
well attested. The chief priests were grieved that they preached the
resurrection of the dead through Jesus, that he should have the honour
of it; and, though they professed to believe the resurrection of the
dead against the Sadducees, yet they would rather give up that
important article than have it preached and proved to be through Jesus.
3. How far they proceeded against the apostles
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>):
<I>They laid hands on them</I> (that is, their servants and officers
did at their command), and <I>put them in hold,</I> committed them to
the custody of the proper officer until the next day; they could not
examine them now, for it was even-tide, and yet would defer it no
longer than <I>till next day.</I> See how God trains up his servants
for sufferings by degrees, and by less trials prepares them for
greater; now they resist unto bonds only, but afterwards to blood.</P>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Peter and John Examined before the Sanhedrim.</I></FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>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, <I>even</I> 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.
</FONT></P>
<P>
We have here the trial of Peter and John before the judges of the
ecclesiastical court, for preaching a sermon concerning Jesus Christ,
and working a miracle in his name. This is charged upon them as a
crime, which was the best service they could do to God or men.</P>
<P>
I. Here is the court set. An extraordinary court, it should seem, was
called on purpose upon this occasion. Observe,
1. The time when the court sat
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>)
--<I>on the morrow;</I> not in the night, as when Christ was to be tried
before them, for they seem not to have been so hot upon this
prosecution as they were upon that; it was well if they began to
relent. But they adjourned it to the morrow, and no longer; for they
were impatient to get them silenced, and would lose no time.
2. The place where--in Jerusalem
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>);
there it was that he told his disciples they must expect to suffer hard
things, as he had done before them in that place. This seems to come in
here as an aggravation of their sin, that in Jerusalem, where there
were so many that looked for redemption before it came, yet there were
more that would not look upon it when it did come. How is that faithful
city become a harlot! See
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+23:37">Matt. xxiii. 37</A>.
It was in the foresight of Jerusalem's standing in her own light that
Christ beheld the city, and wept over it.
3. The judges of the court.
(1.) Their general character: they were <I>rulers, elders,</I> and
<I>scribes,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
The scribes were men of learning, who came to dispute with the
apostles, and hoped to confute them. The rulers and elders were men in
power, who, if they could not answer them, thought they could find some
cause or other to silence them. If the gospel of Christ had not been of
God, it could not have made its way, for it had both the learning and
power of the world against it, both the colleges of the scribes and the
courts of the elders.
(2.) The names of some of them, who were most considerable. Here were
Annas and Caiaphas, ringleaders in this persecution; Annas the
president of the sanhedrim, and Caiaphas the high priest (though Annas
is here called so) and <I>father of the house of judgment.</I> It
should seem that Annas and Caiaphas executed the high priest's office
alternately, year for year. These two were most active against Christ;
then Caiaphas was high priest, now Annas was; however they were both
equally malignant against Christ and his gospel. John is supposed to be
the son of Annas; and Alexander is mentioned by Josephus as a man that
made a figure at that time. There were others likewise that were <I>of
the kindred of the high priest,</I> who having dependence on him, and
expectations from him, would be sure to say as he said, and vote with
him against the apostles. Great relations, and not good, have been a
snare to many.</P>
<P>
II. The prisoners are arraigned,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
1. They are brought to the bar; they <I>set them in the midst,</I> for
the sanhedrim sat in a circle, and those who had any thing to do in the
court stood or sat in the midst of them
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+2:46">Luke ii. 46</A>),
so Dr. Lightfoot. Thus the scripture was fulfilled, <I>The assembly of
the wicked has enclosed me,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+22:16">Ps. xxii. 16</A>.
<I>They compassed me about like bees,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+118:12">Ps. cxviii. 12</A>.
They were seated on every side.
2. The question they asked them was, "<I>By what power, or by what
name, have you done this?</I> By what authority do you these things?"
(the same question that they had asked their Master,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+21:23">Matt. xxi. 23</A>):
"Who commissioned you to preach such a doctrine as this, and empowered
you to work such a miracle as this? You have no warrant nor license
from us, and therefore are accountable to us whence you have your
warrant." Some think this question was grounded upon a fond conceit
that the very naming of some names might do wonders, as
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+19:13"><I>ch.</I> xix. 13</A>.
The Jewish exorcists made use of the name of Jesus. Now they would know
what name they made use of in their cure, and consequently what name
they set themselves to advance in their preaching. They knew very well
that they preached Jesus, and the resurrection of the dead, and the
healing of the sick, through Jesus
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>),
yet they asked them, to tease them, and try if they could get any thing
out of them that looked criminal.</P>
<P>
III. The plea they put in, the design of which was not so much to clear
and secure themselves as to advance the name and honour of their
Master, who had told them that their being brought before governors and
kings would give them an opportunity of preaching the gospel to those
to whom otherwise they could not have had access, and it should be <I>a
testimony against them.</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+13:19">Mark xiii. 19</A>.
Observe,</P>
<P>
1. By whom this plea was drawn up: it was dictated by the Holy Ghost,
who fitted Peter more than before for this occasion. The apostles, with
a holy negligence of their own preservation, set themselves to preach
Christ as he had directed them to do in such a case, and then Christ
made good to them his promise, that the Holy Ghost should <I>give them
in that same hour what they should speak.</I> Christ's faithful
advocates shall never want instructions,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+13:11">Mark xiii. 11</A>.</P>
<P>
2. To whom it was given in: Peter, who is still the chief speaker,
addresses himself to the judges of the court, as the <I>rulers of the
people, and elders of</I> Israel; for the wickedness of those in power
does not divest them of their power, but the consideration of the power
they are entrusted with should prevail to divest them of their
wickedness. "You are rulers and elders, and should know more than
others of the signs of the times, and not oppose that which you are
bound by the duty of your place to embrace and advance, that is, the
kingdom of the Messiah; you are rulers and elders of Israel, God's
people, and if you mislead them, and cause them to err, you will have a
great deal to answer for."</P>
<P>
3. What the plea is: it is a solemn declaration,</P>
<P>
(1.) That what they did was in the name of Jesus Christ, which was a
direct answer to the question the court asked them
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:9,10"><I>v.</I> 9, 10</A>):
"<I>If we this day be examined,</I> be called to an account as
criminals, so the word signifies, for <I>a good deed</I> (as any one
will own it to be) <I>done to the impotent man,</I>--if this be the
ground of the commitment, this the matter of the indictment,--if we are
put to the question, <I>by what means,</I> or by whom, <I>he is made
whole,</I> we have an answer ready, and it is the same we gave to the
people
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+3:16"><I>ch.</I> iii. 16</A>),
we will repeat it to you, as that which we will stand by. <I>Be it
known to you all</I> who pretend to be ignorant of this matter, and not
to you only, but <I>to all the people of Israel,</I> for they are all
concerned to know it, <I>that by the name of Jesus Christ,</I> that
precious, powerful, prevailing name, that name above every name, even
by him whom you in contempt called Jesus of Nazareth, <I>whom you
crucified,</I> both rulers and people, and <I>whom God hath raised from
the dead</I> and advanced to the highest dignity and dominion, <I>even
by him doth this man stand here before you whole,</I> a monument of the
power of the Lord Jesus." Here,
[1.] He justifies what he and his colleague had done in curing the lame
man. It was a <I>good deed;</I> it was a kindness to the man that had
begged, but could not work for his living; a kindness to the temple,
and to those that went in to worship, who were now freed from the noise
and clamour of this common beggar. "Now, if we be reckoned with for
this good deed, we have no reason to be ashamed,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+1Pe+2:20,Ac+4:14,16">1 Pet. ii. 20; <I>ch.</I> iv. 14, 16</A>.
Let those be ashamed who bring us into trouble for it." Note, It is no
new thing for good men to suffer ill for doing well. <I>Bene agere et
male pati vere Christianum est--To do well and to suffer punishment is
the Christian's lot.</I>
[2.] He transfers all the praise and glory of this good deed to Jesus
Christ. "It is by him, and not by any power of ours, that this man is
cured." The apostles seek not to raise an interest for themselves, nor
to recommend themselves by this miracle to the good opinion of the
court; but, "Let the Lord alone be exalted, no matter what becomes of
us."
[3.] He charges it upon the judges themselves, that they had been the
murderers of this Jesus: "It is he <I>whom you crucified,</I> look how
you will answer it;" in order to the bringing of them to believe in
Christ (for he aims at no less than this) he endeavours to convince
them of sin, of that sin which, one would think, of all others, was
most likely to startle conscience--their putting Christ to death. Let
them take it how they will, Peter will miss no occasion to tell them of
it.
[4.] He attests the resurrection of Christ as the strongest testimony
for him, and against his persecutors: "<I>They crucified him,</I> but
God <I>raised him from the dead;</I> they took away his life, but God
gave it to him again, and your further opposition to his interest will
speed no better." He tells them that God raised him from the dead, and
they could not for shame answer him with that foolish suggestion which
they palmed upon the people, that <I>his disciples came by night and
stole him away.</I>
[5.] He preaches this to all the bystanders, to be by them repeated to
all their neighbours, and commands all manner of persons, from the
highest to the lowest, to take notice of it at their peril: "<I>Be it
known to you all</I> that are here present, and it shall be made known
to <I>all the people of Israel,</I> wherever they are dispersed, in
spite of all your endeavours to stifle and suppress the notice of it:
as the Lord God of gods knows, so Israel shall know, all Israel shall
know, that wonders are wrought in the name of Jesus, not by repeating
it as a charm, but believing in it as a divine revelation of grace and
good-will to men."</P>
<P>
(2.) That the name of this Jesus, by the authority of which they acted,
is that name alone by which we can be saved. He passes from this
particular instance to show that it is not a particular sect or party
that is designed to be set up by the doctrine they preached, and the
miracle they wrought, which people might either join with or keep off
from at their pleasure, as it was with the sects of the philosophers
and those among the Jews; but that it is a sacred and divine
institution that is hereby ratified and confirmed, and which all people
are highly concerned to submit to and come into the measures of. It is
not an indifferent thing, but of absolute necessity, that people
believe in this name, and call upon it.
[1.] We are obliged to it in duty to God, and in compliance with his
designs
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>):
"<I>This is the stone which was set at nought of your builders,</I> you
that are <I>the rulers of the people, and the elders of Israel,</I>
that should be the builders of the church, that pretend to be so, for
the church is God's building. Here was a stone offered you, to be put
in the chief place of the building, to be the main pillar on which the
fabric might entirely rest; but you set it at nought, rejected it,
would not make use of it, but threw it by as good for nothing but to
make a stepping-stone of; but this stone is <I>now become the head of
the corner;</I> God has raised up this Jesus whom you rejected, and, by
setting him at his right hand, has made him both the corner stone and
the head stone, the centre of unity and the fountain of power."
Probably St. Peter here chose to make use of this quotation because
Christ had himself made use of it, in answer to the demand of the chief
priests and the elders concerning his authority, not long before this,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+21:42">Matt. xxi. 42</A>.
Scripture is a tried weapon in our spiritual conflicts: let us
therefore stick to it.
[2.] We are obliged to it for our own interest. We are undone if we do
not take shelter in this name, and make it our refuge and strong tower;
for we cannot be saved but by Jesus Christ, and, if we be not eternally
saved, we are eternally undone
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>):
<I>Neither is there salvation in any other.</I> As there is no other
name by which diseased bodies can be cured, so there is no other by
which sinful souls can be saved. "By him, and him only, by receiving
and embracing his doctrine, salvation must now be hoped for by all. For
there is no other religion in the world, no, not that delivered by
Moses, by which salvation can be had for those that do not now come
into this, at the preaching of it." So. Dr. Hammond. Observe here,
<I>First,</I> Our salvation is our chief concern, and that which ought
to lie nearest to our hearts--our rescue from wrath and the curse, and
our restoration to God's favour and blessing. <I>Secondly,</I> Our
salvation is not in ourselves, nor can be obtained by any merit or
strength of our own; we can destroy ourselves, but we cannot save
ourselves. <I>Thirdly,</I> There are among men many names that pretend
to be saving names, but really are not so; many institutions in
religion that pretend to settle a reconciliation and correspondence
between God and man, but cannot do it. <I>Fourthly,</I> It is only by
Christ and his name that those favours can be expected from God which
are necessary to our salvation, and that our services can be accepted
with God. This is the honour of Christ's name, that it is the only name
whereby we must be saved, the only name we have to plead in all our
addresses to God. This name is <I>given.</I> God has appointed it, and
it is an inestimable benefit freely conferred upon us. It is given
<I>under heaven.</I> Christ has not only a great name in heaven, but a
great name under heaven; for he has all power both in the upper and in
the lower world. It is given <I>among men,</I> who need salvation, men
who are ready to perish. We may be saved by his name, that name of his,
<I>The Lord our righteousness;</I> and we cannot be saved by any other.
How far those may find favour with God who have not the knowledge of
Christ, nor any actual faith in him, yet live up to the light they
have, it is not our business to determine. But this we know, that
whatever saving favour such may receive it is upon the account of
Christ, and for his sake only; so that still <I>there is no salvation
in any other. I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+45:4">Isa. xlv. 4</A>.</P>
<P>
IV. The stand that the court was put to in the prosecution, by this
plea,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:13,14"><I>v.</I> 13, 14</A>.
Now was fulfilled that promise Christ made, that he would give them
<I>a mouth and wisdom, such as all their adversaries should not be able
to gainsay nor resist.</I></P>
<P>
1. They could not deny the cure of the lame man to be both a good deed
and a miracle. He was there standing with Peter and John, ready to
attest the cure, if there were occasion, and they had <I>nothing to say
against it</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>),
either to disprove it or to disparage it. It was well that it was not
the sabbath day, else they would have had that to say against it.</P>
<P>
2. They could not, with all their pomp and power, face down Peter and
John. This was a miracle not inferior to the cure of the lame man,
considering both what cruel bloody enemies these priests had been to
the name of Christ (enough to make any one tremble that appeared for
him), and considering what cowardly faint-hearted advocates those
disciples had lately been for him, Peter particularly, who denied him
for fear of a silly maid; yet now they see <I>the boldness of Peter and
John,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
Probably there was something extraordinary and very surprising in their
looks; they appeared not only undaunted by the rulers, but daring and
daunting to them; they had something majestic in their foreheads,
sparkling in their eyes, and commanding, if not terrifying, in their
voice. They <I>set their faces like a flint,</I> as the prophet,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+50:7,Eze+3:9">Isa. l. 7; Ezek. iii. 9</A>.
The courage of Christ's faithful confessors has often been the
confusion of their cruel persecutors. Now,
(1.) We are here told what increased their wonder: They <I>perceived
that they were unlearned and ignorant men.</I> They enquired either of
the apostles or themselves or of others, and found that they were of
mean extraction, born in Galilee, that they were bred fishermen, and
had no learned education, had never been at any university, were not
brought up at the feet of any of the rabbin, had never been conversant
in courts, camps, or colleges; nay, perhaps, talk to them at this time
upon any point in natural philosophy, mathematics, or politics, and you
will find they know nothing of the matter; and yet speak to them of the
Messiah and his kingdom, and they speak with so much clearness,
evidence, and assurance, so pertinently and so fluently, and are so
ready in the scriptures of the Old Testament relating to it, that the
most learned judge upon the bench is not able to answer them, nor to
enter the lists with them. They were <I>ignorant
men</I>--<B><I>idiotai,</I></B> <I>private men,</I> men that had not
any public character nor employment; and therefore they wondered they
should have such high pretensions. They were <I>idiots</I> (so the word
signifies): they looked upon them with as much contempt as if they had
been <I>mere naturals,</I> and expected no more from them, which made
them wonder to see what freedom they took.
(2.) We are told what made their wonder in a great measure to cease:
they <I>took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus;</I> they,
themselves, it is probable, had seen them with him in the temple, and
now recollected that they had seen them; or some of their servants or
those about them informed them of it, for they would not be thought
themselves to have taken notice of such inferior people. But when they
understood that <I>they had been with Jesus,</I> had been conversant
with him, attendant on him, and trained up under him, they knew what to
impute their boldness to; nay, their boldness in divine things was
enough to show with whom they had had their education. Note, Those that
<I>have been with Jesus,</I> in converse and communion with him, have
been attending on his word, praying in his name, and celebrating the
memorials of his death and resurrection, should conduct themselves, in
every thing, so that those who converse with them may <I>take knowledge
of them that they have been with Jesus;</I> and this makes them so
holy, and heavenly, and spiritual, and cheerful; this has raised them
so much above this world, and filled them with another. One may know
that they have been in the mount by the shining of their faces.</P>
<A NAME="Ac4_15"> </A>
<A NAME="Ac4_16"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ac4_18"> </A>
<A NAME="Ac4_19"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Resolution of Peter and John.</I></FONT></TD>
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P>
<FONT SIZE=+1>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 <I>is</I> manifest to all them
that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny <I>it.</I>
17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us
straitly 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
nor 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 hearken 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 <I>men</I> glorified God for that which was done.
22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle
of healing was showed.
</FONT></P>
<P>
We have here the issue of the trial of Peter and John before the
council. They came off now with flying colours, because they must be
trained up to sufferings by degrees, and by less trials be prepared for
greater. They now but <I>run with the footmen;</I> hereafter we shall
have them <I>contending with horses,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+12:5">Jer. xii. 5</A>.</P>
<P>
I. Here is the consultation and resolution of the court about this
matter, and their proceeding thereupon.</P>
<P>
1. The prisoners were ordered to withdraw
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>):
They <I>commanded them to go aside out of the council,</I> willing
enough to get clear of them (they spoke so home to their consciences),
and not willing they should hear the acknowledgements that were
extorted from them; but, though they might not hear from them, we have
them here upon record. The designs of Christ's enemies are carried on
in close cabals, and they dig deep, as if they would hide their
counsels from the Lord.</P>
<P>
2. A debate arose upon this matter: <I>They conferred among
themselves;</I> every one is desired to speak his mind freely, and to
give advice upon this important affair. <I>Now the scripture was
fulfilled</I> that the rulers would <I>take counsel together against
the Lord, and against his anointed,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+2:2">Ps. ii. 2</A>.
The question proposed was, <I>What shall we do to these men?</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
If they would have yielded to the convincing commanding power of truth,
it had been easy to say what they should do to these men. They should
have placed them at the head of their council, and received their
doctrine, and been baptized by them in the name of the Lord Jesus, and
joined in fellowship with them. But, when men will not be persuaded to
do what they should do, it is no marvel that they are ever and anon at
a loss what to do. The truths of Christ, if men would but entertain
them as they should, would give them no manner of trouble or
uneasiness; but, if they <I>hold them</I> or imprison them <I>in
unrighteousness</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+1:18">Rom. i. 18</A>),
they will find them a burdensome stone that they will not know what to
do with,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Zec+12:3">Zech. xii. 3</A>.</P>
<P>
3. They came at last to a resolution, in two things:--</P>
<P>
(1.) That it was not safe to punish the apostles for what they had
done. Very willingly would they have done it, but they had not courage
to do it, because the people espoused their cause, and cried up the
miracle; and they stood now in as much awe of them as they had done
formerly, when they durst not lay hands of Christ <I>for fear of the
people.</I> By this it appears that the outcry of the mob against our
Saviour was a forced or managed thing, the stream soon returned to its
former channel. Now they could not find how they might punish Peter and
John, what colour they might have for it, <I>because of the people.</I>
They knew it would be an unrighteous thing to punish them, and
therefore should have been restrained from it by the fear of God; but
they considered it only as a dangerous thing, and therefore were held
in from it only by the fear of <I>the people.</I> For,
[1.] The people were convinced of the truth of the miracle; it was a
<I>notable miracle,</I> <B><I>gnoston semeion</I></B>--<I>a known
miracle;</I> it was known that they did it in Christ's name, and that
Christ himself had often the like before. This was a known instance of
the power of Christ, and a proof of his doctrine. That it was a great
miracle, and wrought for the confirmation of the doctrine they preached
(for it was a sign), was <I>manifest to all that dwelt in
Jerusalem:</I> it was an opinion universally received, and, the miracle
being wrought at the gate of the temple, universal notice was taken of
it; and they themselves, with all the craftiness and all the effrontery
they had, <I>could not deny it</I> to be a true miracle; every body
would have hooted at them if they had. They could easily deny it to
their own consciences, but not to the world. The proofs of the gospel
were undeniable.
[2.] They went further, and were not only convinced of the truth of the
miracle, but all men <I>glorified God for that which was done.</I> Even
those that were not persuaded by it to believe in Christ were yet so
affected with it, as a mercy to a poor man and an honour to their
country, that they could not but give praise to God for it; even
natural religion taught them to do this. And, if the priests had
punished Peter and John for that for which all men glorified God, they
would have lost all their interest in the people, and been abandoned as
enemies both to God and man. Thus therefore their wrath shall be made
to praise God, and the remainder thereof shall be restrained.</P>
<P>
(2.) That it was nevertheless necessary to silence them for the future,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:17,18"><I>v.</I> 17, 18</A>.
They could not prove that they had said or done any thing amiss, and
yet they must no more say nor do what they have done. All their care is
that the doctrine of Christ <I>spread no further among the people;</I>
as if that healing institution were a plague begun, the contagion of
which must be stopped. See how the malice of hell fights against the
counsels of heaven; God will have the knowledge of Christ to spread all
the world over, but the chief priests would have it spread no further,
which he that sits in heaven laughs at. Now, to prevent the further
spreading of this doctrine,
[1.] They charge the apostles never to preach it any more. Be it
enacted by their authority (which they think every Israelite is bound
in conscience to submit to) that <I>no man speak at all nor teach in
the name of Jesus,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
We do not find that they give them any reason why the doctrine of
Christ must be suppressed; they cannot say it is false or dangerous, or
of any ill tendency, and they are ashamed to own the true reason, that
it testifies against their hypocrisy and wickedness, and shocks their
tyranny. But, <I>Stat pro ratione voluntas--They can assign no reason
but their will.</I> "We strictly charge and command you, not only that
you do not preach this doctrine publicly, but that you <I>speak
henceforth to no man,</I> not to any particular person privately, <I>in
this name,</I>"
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
There is not a greater service done to the devil's kingdom than the
silencing of faithful ministers; and putting those under a bushel that
are the lights of the world.
[2.] They threaten them if they do, strictly threaten them: it is at
their peril. This court will reckon itself highly affronted if they
do, and they shall fall under its displeasure. Christ had not only
charged them to preach the gospel to every creature, but had promised
to bear them out in it, and reward them for it. Now these priests not
only forbid the preaching of the gospel, but threaten to punish it as a
heinous crime; but those who know how to put a just value upon the
world's threatenings, though they be threatenings of slaughter that it
breathes out,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+9:1"><I>ch.</I> ix. 1</A>.</P>
<P>
II. Here is the courageous resolution of the prisoners to go on in
their work, notwithstanding the resolutions of this court, and their
declaration of this resolution,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:19,20"><I>v.</I> 19, 20</A>.
Peter and John needed not confer together to know one another's minds
(for they were both actuated by one and the same Spirit), but agree
presently in the same sentiments, and jointly put in the answer:
"<I>Whether it be right in the sight of God,</I> to whom both you and
we are accountable, <I>to hearken unto you more than unto God,</I> we
appeal to yourselves, <I>judge you; for we cannot forbear speaking</I>
to every body <I>the things which we have seen and heard,</I> and are
ourselves full of, and are charged to publish." The prudence of the
serpent would have directed them to be silent, and, though they could
not with a good conscience promise that they would not preach the
gospel any more, yet they needed not tell the rulers that they would.
But the boldness of the lion directed them thus to set both the
authority and the malignity of their persecutors at defiance. They do,
in effect, tell them that they are resolved to go on in preaching, and
justify themselves in it with two things:--
1. The command of God: "You charge us not to preach the gospel; he has
charged us to preach it, has committed it to us as a trust, requiring
us upon our allegiance faithfully to dispense it; now whom must we
obey, God or you?" Here they appeal to one of the <I>communes
notitiæ--to a settled and acknowledged maxim</I> in the law of
nature, that if men's commands and God's interfere God's commands must
take place. It is a rule in the common law of England that if any
statute be made contrary to the law of God it is null and void. Nothing
can be more absurd than to hearken unto weak and fallible men, that are
fellow-creatures and fellow-subjects, more than unto a God that is
infinitely wise and holy, our Creator and sovereign Lord, and the Judge
to whom we are all accountable. The case is so plain, so uncontroverted
and self-evident, that we will venture to leave it to yourselves to
judge of it, though you are biassed and prejudiced. Can you think it
<I>right in the sight of God</I> to break a divine command in obedience
to a human injunction? That is right indeed which is <I>right in the
sight of God;</I> for his judgment, we are sure, is according to truth,
and therefore by that we ought to govern ourselves.
2. The convictions of their consciences. Even if they had not had such
an express command from heaven to preach the doctrine of Christ, yet
they <I>could not but speak,</I> and speak publicly, <I>those things
which they had seen and heard.</I> Like Elihu, they were <I>full of
this matter,</I> and <I>the Spirit within them constrained them,</I>
they must speak, that they might be refreshed,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:18,20">Job xxxii. 18, 20</A>.
(1.) They felt the influence of it upon themselves, what a blessed
change it had wrought upon them, had brought them into a new world, and
therefore they could not but speak of it: and those speak the doctrine
of Christ best that have felt the power of it, and tasted the sweetness
of it, and have themselves been deeply affected with it; it is as a
<I>fire in their bones,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+20:9">Jer. xx. 9</A>.
(2.) They knew the importance of it to others. They look with concern
upon perishing souls, and know that they cannot escape eternal ruin but
by Jesus Christ, and therefore will be faithful to them in giving them
warning, and showing them the right way. They are things <I>which we
have seen and heard,</I> and therefore will be faithful to them in
giving them warning, and showing them the right way. They are things
which we only have seen and heard, and therefore, if we do not publish
them, who will? Who can? <I>Knowing the</I> favour, as well as the
<I>terror of the Lord, we persuade men; for the love of Christ</I> and
the love of souls constrain us,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:11,14">2 Cor. v. 11, 14</A>.</P>
<P>
III. Here is the discharge of the prisoners
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>):
<I>They further threatened them,</I> and thought they frightened them,
and then <I>let them go.</I> There were many whom they terrified into
an obedience to their unrighteous decrees; they knew how to keep men in
awe with their excommunication
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+9:22">John ix. 22</A>),
and thought they could have the same influence upon the apostles that
they had upon other men; but they were deceived, for they had been with
Jesus. They threatened them, and that was all they did now: when they
had done this they <I>let them go,</I>
1. Because they durst not contradict the people, who <I>glorified God
for that which was done,</I> and would have been ready (at least they
thought so) to pull them out of their seats, if they had punished the
apostles for doing it. As rulers by the ordinance of God are made a
terror and restraint to wicked people, so people are sometimes by the
providence of God made a terror and restrain to wicked rulers.
2. Because they could not contradict the miracle: <I>For</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>)
<I>the man was above forty years old on whom this miracle of healing
was shown.</I> And therefore,
(1.) The miracle was so much the greater, he having been lame <I>from
his mother's womb,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+3:2"><I>ch.</I> iii. 2</A>.
The older he grew the more inveterate the disease was, and the more
hardly cured. If those that are grown into years, and have been long
accustomed to evil, are cured of their spiritual impotency to good, and
thereby of their evil customs, the power of divine grace is therein so
much the more magnified.
(2.) The truth of it was so much the better attested; for <I>the man
being above forty years old,</I> he was able, like the blind man whom
Christ healed, when he was asked, to <I>speak for himself,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+9:21">John ix. 21</A>.</P>
<A NAME="Ac4_23"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Apostles Return to Their Company; The Devout Appeal of the Apostles.</I></FONT></TD>
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P>
<FONT SIZE=+1>23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and
reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto
them.
24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God
with one accord, and said, Lord, thou <I>art</I> God, which hast made
heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the
heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were
gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast
anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and
the people of Israel, were gathered together,
28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined
before to be done.
29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy
servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and
wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they
were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy
Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
</FONT></P>
<P>
We hear no more at present of the chief priests, what they did when
they had dismissed Peter and John, but are to attend those <I>two
witnesses.</I> And here we have,</P>
<P>
I. Their return to their brethren, the apostles and ministers, and
perhaps some private Christians
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>):
<I>Being let go, they went to their own company,</I> who perhaps at
this time were met together in pain for them, and praying for them; as
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+12:12"><I>ch.</I> xii. 12</A>.
As soon as ever they were at liberty, they went to their old friends,
and returned to their church-fellowship.
1. Though God had highly honoured them, in calling them out to be his
witnesses, and enabling them to acquit themselves so well, yet they
were not puffed up with the honour done them, nor thought themselves
thereby exalted above their brethren, but <I>went to their own
company.</I> No advancement in gifts or usefulness should make us think
ourselves above either the duties or the privileges of the communion of
saints.
2. Though their enemies had severely threatened them, and endeavoured
to break their knot, and frighten them from the work they were jointly
engaged in, yet they <I>went to their own company,</I> and feared not
the wrath of their rulers. They might have had comfort, if, being let
go, they had retired to their closets, and spent some time in devotion
there. But they were men in a public station, and must seek not so much
their own personal satisfaction as the public good. Christ's followers
do best in company, provided it be in their own company.</P>
<P>
II. The account they gave them of what had passed: They <I>reported all
that the chief priests and elders had said to them,</I> adding, no
doubt, what they were enabled by the grace of God to reply to them, and
how their trial issued. They related it to them,
1. That they might know what to expect both from men and from God in
the progress of their work. From men they might expect every thing that
was terrifying, but from God every thing that was encouraging; men
would do their utmost to run them down, but God would take effectual
care to bear them up. Thus the brethren in the Lord would wax confident
through their bonds, and their experiences, as
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Php+1:14">Phil. i. 14</A>.
2. That they might have it recorded in the history of the church, for
the benefit of posterity, particularly for the confirmation of our
faith touching the resurrection of Christ. The silence of an adversary,
in some cases, is next door to the consent and testimony of an
adversary. These apostles told the chief priests to their faces that
God had <I>raised up Jesus from the dead,</I> and, though they were a
body of them together, they had not the confidence to deny it, but, in
the silliest and most sneaking manner imaginable, bade the apostles not
to tell any body of it.
3. That they might now join with them in prayers and praises; and by
such a concert as this God would be the more glorified, and the church
the more edified. We should therefore communicate to our brethren the
providences of God that relate to us, and our experience of his
presence with us, that they may assist us in our acknowledgment of God
therein.</P>
<P>
III. Their address to God upon this occasion: <I>When they heard</I> of
the impotent malice of the priests, and the potent courage of the
sufferers, they called their company together and went to prayer:
<I>They lifted up their voice to God with one accord,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>.
Not that it can be supposed that they all said the same words at the
same time (though it was possible they might, being all inspired by one
and the same Spirit), but one in the name of the rest <I>lifted up his
voice to God</I> and the rest joined with him,
<B><I>hymothymadon</I></B>--<I>with one mind</I> (so the word
signifies); their hearts went along with him, and so, though but one
spoke, they all prayed; one lifted up his voice, and, in concurrence
with him, they all lifted up their hearts, which was, in effect,
lifting up their voice to God; for thoughts are as words to God.
<I>Moses cried unto God,</I> when we find not a word said. Now in this
solemn address to God we have,</P>
<P>
1. Their adoration of God as the Creator of the world
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>):
With <I>one mind,</I> and so, in effect, with <I>one mouth,</I> they
<I>glorified God,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+15:6">Rom. xv. 6</A>.
They <I>said, "O Lord, thou art God,</I> God alone;
<B><I>Despota</I></B>, thou art <I>our Master and sovereign Ruler</I>"
(so the word signifies), "thou art God; God, and not man; God, and not
the work of men's hands; the Creator of all, and not the creature of
men's fancies. Thou art the God <I>who hast made heaven, and earth, and
the sea,</I> the upper and lower world, and all the creatures that are
in both." Thus we Christians distinguish ourselves from the heathen,
that, while they worship gods which they have made, we are worshipping
the God that made us and all the world. And it is very proper to begin
our prayers, as well as our creed, with the acknowledgement of this,
that God is the <I>Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of
all things visible and invisible.</I> Though the apostles were at this
time full of the mystery of the world's redemption, yet they did not
forget nor overlook the history of the world's creation; for the
Christian religion was intended to confirm and improve, not to eclipse
nor jostle out, the truths and dictates of natural religion. It is a
great encouragement to God's servants, both in doing work and suffering
work, that they serve the God that made all things, and therefore has
the disposal of their times, and all events concerning them, and is
able to strengthen them under all their difficulties. And, if we give
him the glory of this, we may take the comfort of it.</P>
<P>
2. Their reconciling themselves to the present dispensations of
Providence, by reflecting upon those scriptures in the Old Testament
which foretold that the kingdom of the Messiah would meet with such
opposition as this at the first setting of it up in the world,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:25,26"><I>v.</I> 25, 26</A>.
God, who <I>made heaven and earth,</I> cannot meet with any [effectual]
opposition to his designs, since none dare [at least, can prevailingly]
dispute or contest with him. Yea, thus it was written, <I>thus he spoke
by the mouth,</I> thus he wrote by the pen, <I>of his servant
David,</I> who, as appears by this, was the penman of the second psalm,
and therefore, most probably, of the first, and other psalms that are
not ascribed to any other, though they have not his name in the title.
Let it not therefore be a surprise to them, nor any discouragement to
any in embracing their doctrine, for the <I>scripture must be
fulfilled.</I> It was foretold,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+2:1,2">Ps. ii. 1, 2</A>,
(1.) That the heathen would rage at Christ and his kingdom, and be
angry at the attempts to set it up, because that would be the pulling
down of the gods of the heathen, and giving a check to the wickedness
of the heathen.
(2.) That the people would imagine all the things that could be against
it, to silence the teachers of it, to discountenance the subjects of
it, and to crush all the interests of it. If they prove vain things in
the issue, no thanks to those who imagined them.
(3.) That the kings of the earth, particularly, would stand up in
opposition to the kingdom of Christ, as if they were jealous (though
there is no occasion for their being so) that it would interfere with
their powers, and intrench upon their prerogatives. The kings of the
earth that are most favoured and honoured by divine Providence, and
should do most for God, are strangers and enemies to divine grace, and
do most against God.
(4.) That the rulers would gather together against God and Christ; not
only monarchs, that have the power in their single persons, but where
the power is in many rulers, councils, and senates, they <I>gather
together,</I> to consult and decree <I>against the Lord and against his
Christ</I>--against both natural and revealed religion. What is done
against Christ, God takes as done against himself. Christianity was
not only destitute of the advantage of the countenance and support of
kings and rulers (it had neither their power nor their purses), but it
was opposed and fought against by them, and they combined to run it
down and yet it made its way.</P>
<P>
3. Their representation of the present accomplishment of those
predictions in the enmity and malice of the rulers against Christ. What
was foretold we see fulfilled,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:27,28"><I>v.</I> 27, 28</A>.
It is <I>of a truth</I>--it is certainly so, it is too plain to be
denied, and in it appears the truth of the prediction that Herod and
Pilate, the two Roman governors, with the Gentiles (the Roman soldiers
under their command), and with the <I>people of Israel</I> (the rulers
of the Jews and the mob that is under their influence), were
<I>gathered together</I> in a confederacy <I>against thy holy child
Jesus whom thou has anointed.</I> Some copies add another circumstance,
<B><I>en te polei sou taute</I></B>--<I>in this thy holy city,</I>
where, above any place, he should have been welcomed. But herein they
do <I>that which thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be
done.</I> See here
(1.) The wise and holy designs God had concerning Christ. He is here
called the <I>child Jesus,</I> as he was called
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+2:27,43">Luke ii. 27, 43</A>)
in his infancy, to intimate that even in his exalted state he is not
ashamed of his condescensions for us, and that he continues meek and
lowly in heart. In the height of his glory he is the <I>Lamb of
God,</I> and the <I>child Jesus.</I> But he is the <I>holy child
Jesus</I> (so he was called,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:35">Luke i. 35</A>,
<I>that holy thing</I>), and <I>thy</I> holy child; the word signifies
both a son and a servant, <B><I>paida sou</I></B>. He was the Son of
God; and yet in the work of redemption he acted as his Father's servant
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+42:1">Isa. xlii. 1</A>),
<I>My servant whom I uphold.</I> It was he whom God anointed, both
qualified for the undertaking and called to it; and thence he was
called the Lord's Christ,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>.
And this comes in as a reason why they set themselves with so much rage
and violence against him, because God had anointed him, and they were
resolved not to resign, much less to submit to him. David was envied
by Saul, because he was the Lord's anointed. And the Philistines came
up to seek David when they heard he was anointed,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+5:17">2 Sam. v. 17</A>.
Now the God that anointed Christ determined what should be done to him,
pursuant to that anointing. He was anointed to be a Saviour, and
therefore it was determined he should be a sacrifice to make atonement
for sin. He must die--therefore he must be slain; yet not by his own
hands--therefore God wisely determined before by what hands it should be
done. It must be by the hands of those who will treat him as a criminal
and malefactor, and therefore it cannot be done by the hands either of
angels or of good men; he must therefore be <I>delivered into the hands
of sinners</I> as Job was,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+16:11"><I>ch.</I> xvi. 11</A>.
And as David was delivered to Shimei to be <I>made a curse</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+16:11">2 Sam. xvi. 11</A>):
<I>The Lord has bidden him. God's hand and his counsel determined
it</I>--his will, and his wisdom. God's <I>hand,</I> which properly
denotes his executive power, is here put for his purpose and decree,
because with him saying and doing are not two things, as they are with
us. His hand and his counsel always agree; for <I>whatsoever the Lord
pleased that did he.</I> Dr. Hammon makes this phrase of <I>God's hand
determining it</I> to be an allusion to the high priest's casting lots
upon the two goats on the day of atonement
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+16:8">Lev. xvi. 8</A>),
in which he lifted up the hand that he happened to have the lot for the
Lord in, and that goat on which it fell was immediately sacrificed; and
the disposal of this lot was from the Lord,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+16:33">Prov. xvi. 33</A>.
Thus God's hand determined what should be done, that Christ should be
the sacrifice slain. Or, if I may offer a conjecture, when God's hand
is here said to determine, it may be meant, not of God's acting hand,
but his writing hand, as
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+13:26">Job xiii. 26</A>,
<I>Thou writest bitter things against us;</I> and God's decree is said
to be <I>that which is written in the scriptures of truth</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+10:21">Dan. x. 21</A>),
and <I>in the volume of the book it was written of Christ,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+40:7">Ps. xl. 7</A>.
It was <I>God's hand</I> that wrote it, his hand according to his
counsel. The commission was given under his hand.
(2.) The wicked and unholy instruments that were employed in the
executing of this design, though they <I>meant not so, neither did
their hearts think so.</I> Herod and Pilate, Gentiles and Jews, who had
been at variance with each other, united against Christ. And God's
serving his own purposes by what they did was no excuse at all for
their malice and wickedness in the doing of it, any more than God's
making the blood of the martyrs the seed of the church extenuated the
guilt of their bloody persecutors. Sin is not the less evil for God's
bringing good out of it, but he is by this the more glorified, and will
appear to be so when the mystery of God shall be finished.</P>
<P>
4. Their petition with reference to the case at this time. The enemies
<I>were gathered together against Christ,</I> and then no wonder that
they were so against his ministers: <I>the disciple is not better than
his Master,</I> nor must expect better treatment; but, being thus
insulted, they pray,</P>
<P>
(1.) That God would take cognizance of the malice of their enemies:
<I>Now, Lord, behold their threatenings,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:29"><I>v.</I> 29</A>.
Behold them, as thou art said to behold them in the psalm before quoted
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+2:4">Ps. ii. 4</A>),
when they thought <I>to break his bands asunder, and cast away his
cords from them; he that sits in heaven laughs at them, and has them in
derision;</I> and <I>then the virgin, the daughter of Zion, may
despise</I> the impotent menaces even of <I>the great king, the king of
Assyria,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+37:22">Isa. xxxvii. 22</A>.
And <I>now, Lord;</I> <B><I>ta nyn</I></B> there is an emphasis upon
the <I>now,</I> to intimate that then is God's time to appear for his
people, when the power of their enemies is most daring and threatening.
They do not dictate to God what he shall do, but refer themselves to
and him, like <I>Hezekiah</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+37:17">Isa. xxxvii. 17</A>):
"<I>Open thine eyes, O Lord, and see;</I> thou knowest what they say,
<I>thou beholdest mischief and spite</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+10:14">Ps. x. 14</A>);
to thee we appeal, <I>behold their threatenings,</I> and either tie
their hands or turn their hearts; make their wrath, as far as it is let
loose, to praise thee, and the remainder thereof do thou restrain,"
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+76:10">Ps. lxxvi. 10</A>.
It is a comfort to us that if we be unjustly threatened, and bear it
patiently, we may make ourselves easy by spreading the case before the
Lord, and leaving it with him.</P>
<P>
(2.) That God, by his grace, would keep up their spirits, and animate
them to go on cheerfully with their work: <I>Grant unto thy servants
that with all boldness they may speak thy word,</I> though the priests
and rulers have enjoined them silence. Note, In threatening times, our
care should not be so much that troubles may be prevented as that we
may be enabled to go on with cheerfulness and resolution in our work
and duty, whatever troubles we may meet with. Their prayer is not,
"<I>Lord, behold their threatenings,</I> and frighten them, and stop
their mouths, and fill their faces with shame;" but, "<I>Behold their
threatenings,</I> and animate us, open our mouths and fill our hearts
with courage." They do not pray, "Lord, give us a fair opportunity to
retire from our work, now that it is become dangerous;" but, "Lord,
give us grace to go on in our work and not to be afraid of the face of
man." Observe,
[1.] Those that are sent on God's errands ought to deliver their
message with boldness, with all boldness, with all liberty of speech,
<I>not shunning to declare the whole counsel of God,</I> whoever is
offended; not doubting of what they say, nor of being borne out in
saying it.
[2.] God is to be sought unto for an ability to speak his word with
boldness, and those that desire divine aids and encouragements may
depend upon them, and ought to go forth and go on <I>in the strength of
the Lord God.</I>
[3.] The threatenings of our enemies, that are designed to weaken our
hands and drive us off from our work, should rather stir us up to so
much the more courage and resolution in our work. Are they daring that
fight against Christ? For shame, let not us be sneaking that are for
him.</P>
<P>
(3.) That God would still give them power to work miracles for the
confirmation of the doctrine they preached, which, by <I>the cure of
the lame man,</I> they found to contribute very much to their success,
and would contribute abundantly to their further progress: <I>Lord,
grant us boldness, by stretching forth thy hand to heal.</I> Note,
Nothing emboldens faithful ministers more in their work than the tokens
of God's presence with them, and a divine power going along with them.
They pray,
[1.] That God would <I>stretch forth his hand to heal</I> both the
bodies and souls of men; else in vain do <I>they stretch forth their
hands,</I> either in preaching
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+65:2">Isa. lxv. 2</A>),
or in curing,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+9:17"><I>ch.</I> ix. 17</A>.
[2.] <I>That signs and wonders might be done by the name of the holy
child Jesus,</I> which would be convincing to the people, and
confounding to the enemies. Christ had promised them a power to work
miracles, for the proof of their commission
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+16:17,18">Mark xvi. 17, 18</A>);
yet they must pray for it; and, though they had it, must pray for the
continuance of it. Christ himself must ask, and it shall be given him.
Observe, It is the honour of Christ that they aim at in this request,
that the wonders might be done by the name of Jesus, the holy child
Jesus, and his name shall have all the glory.</P>
<P>
IV. The gracious answer God gave to this address, not in word, but in
power.
1. God gave them a sign of the acceptance of their prayers
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:31"><I>v.</I> 31</A>):
<I>When they had prayed</I> (perhaps many of them prayed successively),
one by one, according to the rule
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+14:31">1 Cor. xiv. 31</A>),
and when they had concluded the work of the day, <I>the place was
shaken where they were assembled together;</I> there was a <I>strong
mighty wind,</I> such as that when the Spirit was poured out upon them
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+2:1,2"><I>ch.</I> ii. 1, 2</A>),
<I>which shook the house,</I> which was now their house of prayer. This
shaking of the place was designed to strike an awe upon them, to awaken
and raise their expectations, and to give them a sensible token that
God was with them of a truth: and perhaps it was to put them in mind of
that prophecy
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Hag+2:7">Hag. ii. 7</A>),
<I>I will shake all nations, and will fill this house with glory.</I>
This was to show them what reason they had to fear God more, and then
they would fear man less. He that shook this place could make the
hearts of those who threatened his servants thus to tremble, for he
<I>cuts off the spirit of princes, and is terrible to the kings of the
earth.</I> The place was shaken, that their faith might be established
and unshaken.
2. God gave them greater degrees of his Spirit, which was what they
prayed for. Their prayer, without doubt, was accepted, for it was
answered: <I>They were all filled with the Holy Ghost,</I> more than
ever; by which they were not only encouraged, but enabled to speak the
word of God with boldness, and not to be afraid of the proud and
haughty looks of men. The Holy Ghost taught them not only <I>what</I>
to speak, but <I>how</I> to speak. Those that were endued habitually
with the powers of the Holy Ghost had yet occasion for fresh supplies
of the Spirit, according as the various occurrences of their service
were. They were <I>filled with the Holy Ghost</I> at the bar
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>),
and now <I>filled with the Holy Ghost</I> in the pulpit, which teaches
us to live in an actual dependence upon the grace of God, according as
the duty of every day requires; we need to be <I>anointed with fresh
oil</I> upon every fresh occasion. As in the providence of God, so in
the grace of God, we not only in general <I>live, and have our
being,</I> but <I>move</I> in every particular action,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+17:28"><I>ch.</I> xvii. 28</A>.
We have here an instance of the performance of that promise, <I>that
God will give the Holy Spirit to those that ask him</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+11:13">Luke xi. 13</A>),
for it was in answer to prayer that <I>they were filled with the Holy
Ghost:</I> and we have also an example of the improvement of that gift,
which is required of all on whom it is bestowed; have it and use it,
use it and have more of it. When <I>they were filled with the Holy
Ghost, they spoke the word with all boldness;</I> for <I>the
ministration of the Spirit is given to every man, to profit withal.</I>
Talents must be traded with, not buried. When they find <I>the Lord God
help them</I> by his Spirit, they know they shall <I>not be
confounded,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+50:7">Isa. l. 7</A>.</P>
<A NAME="Ac4_32"> </A>
<A NAME="Ac4_33"> </A>
<A NAME="Ac4_34"> </A>
<A NAME="Ac4_35"> </A>
<A NAME="Ac4_36"> </A>
<A NAME="Ac4_37"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec5"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Prosperity of the Church; The Liberality of the Disciples.</I></FONT></TD>
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P>
<FONT SIZE=+1>32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart
and of one soul: neither said any <I>of them</I> that ought of the
things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things
common.
33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them
all.
34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as
were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the
prices of the things that were sold,
35 And laid <I>them</I> down at the apostles' feet: and distribution
was made unto every man according as he had need.
36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which
is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, <I>and</I>
of the country of Cyprus,
37 Having land, sold <I>it,</I> and brought the money, and laid <I>it</I>
at the apostles' feet.
</FONT></P>
<P>
We have a general idea given us in these verses, and it is a very
beautiful one, of the spirit and state of this truly primitive church;
it is <I>conspectus sæculi--a view of that age</I> of infancy and
innocence.</P>
<P>
I. The disciples loved one another dearly. Behold, how good and how
pleasant it was to see how <I>the multitude of those that believed were
of one heart, and of one soul</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>),
and there was no such thing as discord nor division among them.
Observe here,
1. There were multitudes that believed; even in Jerusalem, where the
malignant influence of the chief priests was most strong, <I>there were
three thousand</I> converted on one day, and <I>five thousand</I> on
another, and, besides these, <I>there were added to the church
daily;</I> and no doubt they were all baptized, and made profession of
the faith; for the same Spirit that endued the apostles with courage to
preach the faith of Christ endued them with courage to confess it.
Note, The increase of the church is the glory of it, and the multitude
of those that believe, more than their quality. Now the church shines,
and her light is come, when souls thus fly like a cloud into her bosom,
and <I>like doves to their windows,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+60:1,8">Isa. lx. 1, 8</A>.
2. They <I>were all of one heart, and of one soul.</I> Though there
were many, very many, of different ages, tempers, and conditions, in
the world, who perhaps, before they believed, were perfect strangers to
one another, yet, when they met in Christ, they were as intimately
acquainted as if they had known one another many years. Perhaps they
had been of different sects among the Jews, before their conversion, or
had had discords upon civil accounts; but now these were all forgotten
and laid aside, and they were unanimous in the faith of Christ, and,
being all <I>joined to the Lord, they were joined to one another in
holy love.</I> This was the blessed fruit of Christ's dying precept to
his disciples, to <I>love one another,</I> and his dying prayer for
them, <I>that they all might be one.</I> We have reason to think they
divided themselves into several congregations, or worshipping
assemblies, according as their dwellings were, under their respective
ministers; and yet this occasioned no jealousy or uneasiness; for
<I>they were all of one heart, and one soul,</I> notwithstanding; and
loved those of other congregations as truly as those of their own. Thus
it was then, and we may not despair of seeing it so again, <I>when the
Spirit shall be poured out upon us from on high.</I></P>
<P>
II. The ministers went on in their work with great vigour and success
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:33"><I>v.</I> 33</A>):
<I>With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of
the Lord Jesus.</I> The doctrine they preached was, the resurrection of
Christ: a matter of fact, which served not only for the confirmation of
the truth of Christ's holy religion, but being duly explained and
illustrated, with the proper inferences from it, served for a summary
of all the duties, privileges, and comforts of Christians. The
resurrection of Christ, rightly understood and improved, will let us
into the great mysteries of religion. By the great power wherewith the
apostles attested the resurrection may be meant,
1. The great vigour, spirit, and courage, with which they published and
avowed this doctrine; they did it not softly and diffidently, but with
liveliness and resolution, as those that were themselves abundantly
satisfied of the truth of it, and earnestly desired that others should
be so too. Or,
2. The miracles which they wrought to confirm their doctrine. With
works of great power, they <I>gave witness to the resurrection of
Christ,</I> God himself, in them, <I>bearing witness</I> too.</P>
<P>
III. The beauty of the Lord our God shone upon them, and all their
performances: <I>Great grace was upon them all,</I> not only all the
apostles, but all the believers, <B><I>charis
megale</I></B>--<I>grace</I> that had something <I>great</I> in it
(magnificent and very extraordinary) <I>was upon them all.</I>
1. Christ poured out abundance of <I>grace upon them,</I> such as
qualified them for great services, by enduing them with <I>great
power;</I> it came <I>upon them</I> from on high, from above.
2. There were evident fruits of this grace in all they said and did,
such as put an honour upon them, and recommended them to the favour of
God, as being in his sight <I>of great price.</I>
3. Some think it includes the favour they were in with the people.
Every one saw a beauty and excellency in them, and respected them.</P>
<P>
IV. They were very liberal to the poor, and dead to this world. This
was as great an evidence of the grace of God in them as any other, and
recommended them as much to the esteem of the people.</P>
<P>
1. They insisted not upon property, which even children seem to have a
sense of and a jealousy for, and which worldly people triumph in, as
Laban
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+31:43">Gen. xxxi. 43</A>):
<I>All that thou seest is mine;</I> and Nabal
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+25:11">1 Sam. xxv. 11</A>):
<I>My bread and my water.</I> These believers were so taken up with the
hopes of an inheritance in the other world that this was as nothing to
them. <I>No man said that aught of the things which he possessed was
his own,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>.
They did not take away property, but they were indifferent to it. They
did not call what they had their own, in a way of pride and vainglory,
boasting of it, or trusting in it. They did not call it their own,
because they had, in affection, forsaken all for Christ, and were
continually expecting to be stripped of all for their adherence to him.
They did not say that aught was their own; for we can call nothing our
own but sin. What we have in the world is more God's than our own; we
have it from him, must use it for him, and are accountable for it to
him. <I>No man said that what he had was his own,</I>
<B><I>idion</I></B>--<I>his peculiar;</I> for he was <I>ready to
distribute, willing to communicate,</I> and desired not to eat his
morsel alone, but what he had to spare from himself and family his poor
neighbours were welcome to. Those that had estates were not solicitous
to lay up, but very willing to lay out, and would straiten themselves
to help their brethren. No marvel that <I>they were of one heart and
soul,</I> when they sat so loose to the wealth of this world; for
<I>meum--mine,</I> and <I>tuum--thine,</I> are the great makebates.
Men's holding their own, and grasping at more than their own, are the
rise of wars and fightings.</P>
<P>
2. They abounded in charity, so that, in effect, <I>they had all things
common;</I> for
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:34"><I>v.</I> 34</A>)
<I>there was not any among them that lacked,</I> but care was taken for
their supply. Those that had been maintained upon the public charity
were probably excluded when they turned Christians, and therefore it
was fit that the church should take care of them. As there were many
poor that received the gospel, so there were some rich that were able
to maintain them, and the grace of God made them willing. Those
<I>that gather much have nothing over,</I> because what they have over
they have for those who gather little, that they may have no lack,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+8:14,15">2 Cor. viii. 14, 15</A>.
The gospel hath laid <I>all things common,</I> not so that the poor are
allowed to rob the rich, but so that the rich are appointed to relieve
the poor.</P>
<P>
3. They did many of them sell their estates, to raise a fund for
charity: <I>As many as had possession of lands or houses sold them,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:34"><I>v.</I> 34</A>.
Dr. Lightfoot computes that this was the year of jubilee in the Jewish
nation, the fiftieth year (the twenty-eighth since they settled in
Canaan fourteen hundred years ago), so that, what was sold that year
being not to return till the next jubilee, lands then took a good
price, and so the sale of those lands would raise the more money.
Now,</P>
<P>
(1.) We are here told what they did with the money that was so raised:
They <I>laid it at the apostles' feet</I>--the left it to them to be
disposed of as they thought fit; probably they had their support from
it; for whence else could they have it? Observe, The apostles would
have it laid at their feet, in token of their holy contempt of the
wealth of the world; they thought it fitter it should be laid at their
feet than lodged in their hands or in their bosoms. Being laid there,
it was not hoarded up, but <I>distribution was made,</I> by proper
persons, <I>unto every man according as he had need.</I> Great care
ought to be taken in the distribution of public charity,
[1.] That it be given to such as have need; such as are not able to
procure a competent maintenance of themselves, through age, infancy,
sickness, or bodily disability, or incapacity of mind, want either of
ingenuity or activity, cross providences, losses, oppressions, or a
numerous charge. Those who upon any of these accounts, or any other,
have real need, and have not relations of their own to help them--but,
above all, those that are reduced to want for well doing, and for
<I>the testimony of a good conscience,</I> ought to be taken care of,
and provided for, and, with such a prudent application of what is
given, as may be most for their benefit.
[2.] That it be given <I>to every man</I> for whom it is intended,
<I>according as he has need,</I> without partiality or respect of
persons. It is a rule in dispensing charity, as well as in
administering justice, <I>ut parium par sit ratio--that those who are
equally needy and equally deserving should be equally helped,</I> and
that the charity should be suited and adapted to the necessity, as the
word is.</P>
<P>
(2.) Here is one particular person mentioned that was remarkable for
this generous charity: it was <I>Barnabas,</I> afterwards Paul's
colleague. Observe,
[1.] The account here given concerning him,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:36"><I>v.</I> 36</A>.
His name was <I>Joses;</I> he was of <I>the tribe of Levi,</I> for
there were Levites among the Jews of the dispersion, who, it is
probable, presided in their synagogue--worship, and, according to the
duty of that tribe, <I>taught them the good knowledge of the Lord.</I>
He was born in Cyprus, a great way off from Jerusalem, his parents,
though Jews, having a settlement there. Notice is taken of the
apostles' changing his name after he associated with them. It is
probable that he was one of the seventy disciples, and, as he increased
in gifts and graces, grew eminent, and was respected by the apostles,
who, in token of their value for him, gave him a name, <I>Barnabas--the
son of prophecy</I> (so it properly signifies), he being endued with
extraordinary gifts of prophecy. But the Hellenist Jews (saith Grotius)
called <I>praying</I> <B><I>paraklesis,</I></B> and therefore by that
word it is rendered here: <I>A son of exhortation</I> (so some), one
that had an excellent faculty of healing and persuading; we have an
instance of it,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:22-24"><I>ch.</I> xi. 22-24</A>.
<I>A son of consolation</I> (so we read it); one that did himself walk
very much in <I>the comforts of the Holy Ghost</I>--a cheerful
Christian, and this enlarged his heart in charity to the poor; or one
that was eminent for comforting the Lord's people, and speaking peace
to wounded troubled consciences; he had an admirable facility that way.
There were two among the apostles that were called <I>Boanerges--sons
of thunder</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+3:17">Mark iii. 17</A>);
but here was a <I>son of consolation</I> with them. Each had his
several gift. Neither must censure the other, but both case one
another; let the one search the wound, and then let the other heal it
and bind it up.
[2.] Here is an account of his charity, and great generosity to the
public fund. This is particularly taken notice of, because of the
eminency of his services afterwards in the church of God, especially in
carrying the gospel to the Gentiles; and, that this might not appear to
come from any ill-will to his own nation, we have here his benevolence
to the Jewish converts. Or perhaps this is mentioned because it was a
leading card, and an example to others: <I>He having land,</I> whether
in Cyprus, where he was born, or in Judea, where he now lived, or
elsewhere, is not certain, but <I>he sold it,</I> not to buy elsewhere
to advantage, but, as a Levite indeed, who knew he had the Lord God of
Israel for his inheritance, he despised earthly inheritances, would be
encumbered no more with them, but <I>brought the money, and laid it at
the apostles' feet,</I> to be given in charity. Thus, as one that was
designed to be a preacher of the gospel, he disentangled himself from
the affairs of this life: and he lost nothing upon the balance of the
account, by laying the purchase-money at the apostles' feet, when he
himself was, in effect, numbered among the apostles, by that word of
the Holy Ghost, <I>Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto
I have called them,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+13:2"><I>ch.</I> xiii. 2</A>.
Thus, for the respect he showed to the apostles as apostles, he had an
apostle's reward.</P>
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