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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>A C T S.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. IV.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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In going over the last two chapters, where we met with so many good
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things that the apostles did, I wondered what was become of the scribes
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and Pharisees, and chief priests, that they did not appear to
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contradict and oppose them, as they had used to treat Christ himself;
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surely they were so confounded at first with the pouring out of the
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Spirit that they were for a time struck dumb! But I find we have not
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lost them; their forces rally again, and here we have an encounter
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between them and the apostles; for from the beginning the gospel met
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with opposition. Here,
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I. Peter and John are taken up, upon a warrant from the priests, and
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committed to jail,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:1-4">ver. 1-4</A>.
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II. They are examined by a committee of the great sanhedrim,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:5-7">ver. 5-7</A>.
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III. They bravely avow what they have done, and preach Christ to their
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persecutors,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:8-12">ver. 8-12</A>.
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IV. Their persecutors, being unable to answer them, enjoin them
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silence, threatening them if they go on to preach the gospel, and so
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dismiss them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:13-22">ver. 13-22</A>.
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V. They apply to God by prayer, for the further operations of that
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grace which they had already experienced,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:23-30">ver. 23-30</A>.
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VI. God owns them, both outwardly and inwardly, by manifest tokens of
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his presence with them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:31-33">ver. 31-33</A>.
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VII. The believers had their hearts knit together in holy love, and
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enlarged their charity to the poor, and the church flourished more than
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ever, to the glory of Christ,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:33-37">ver. 33-37</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Ac4_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ac4_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ac4_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ac4_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Peter and John Imprisoned.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the
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captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
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2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached
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through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
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3 And they laid hands on them, and put <I>them</I> in hold unto the
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next day: for it was now eventide.
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4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the
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number of the men was about five thousand.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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We have here the interests of the kingdom of heaven successfully
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carried on, and the powers of darkness appearing against them to put a
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stop to them. let Christ's servants be ever so resolute, Satan's agents
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will be spiteful; and therefore, let Satan's agents be ever so
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spiteful, Christ's servants ought to be resolute.</P>
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<P>
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I. The apostles, Peter and John, went on in their work, and did not
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labour in vain. The Spirit enabled the ministers to do their part, and
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the people theirs.</P>
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<P>
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1. The preachers faithfully deliver the doctrine of Christ: <I>They
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spoke unto the people,</I> to all that were within hearing,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
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What they said concerned them all, and they spoke it openly and
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publicly. <I>They taught the people,</I> still <I>taught the people
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knowledge;</I> taught those that as yet did not believe, for their
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conviction and conversion; and taught those that did believe, for their
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comfort and establishment. <I>They preached through Jesus the
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resurrection from the dead.</I> The doctrine of the resurrection of the
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dead,
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(1.) Was verified in Jesus; this they proved, that Jesus Christ had
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risen from the dead, as the first, the chief, that should rise from the
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dead,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+26:23"><I>ch.</I> xxvi. 23</A>.
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They preached the resurrection of Christ as their warrant for what they
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did. Or,
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(2.) It is secured by him to all believers. The resurrection of the
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dead includes all the happiness of the future state. This <I>they
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preached through Jesus Christ,</I> attainable through him
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Php+3:10,11">Phil. iii. 10, 11</A>),
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and through him only. They meddled not with matters of state, but kept
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to their business, and preached to the people heaven as their end and
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Christ as their way. See
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+17:18"><I>ch.</I> xvii. 18</A>.</P>
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<P>
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2. The hearers cheerfully receive it
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>):
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<I>Many of those who heard the word believed;</I> not all--perhaps not
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the most, yet many, <I>to the number of about five thousand,</I> over
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and above the three thousand we read of before. See how the gospel got
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ground, and it was the effect of the pouring out of the Spirit. Though
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the preachers were persecuted, the word prevailed; for sometimes the
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church's suffering days have been her growing days: the days of her
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infancy were so.</P>
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<P>
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II. The chief priests and their party now made head against them, and
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did what they could to crush them; their hands were tied awhile, but
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their hearts were not in the least changed. Now here observe,
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1. Who they were that appeared against the apostles. They were <I>the
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priests;</I> you may be sure, in the first place, they were always
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sworn enemies to Christ and his gospel; they were as jealous for their
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priesthood as Cæsar for his monarchy, and would not bear one they
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thought their rival now, when he was preached as a priest, as much as
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when he himself preached as a prophet. With them was joined <I>the
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captain of the temple,</I> who, it is supposed, was a Roman officer,
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governor of the garrison placed in the tower of Antonia, for the guard
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of the temple: so that still here were both Jews and Gentiles
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confederate against Christ. <I>The Sadducees</I> also, who denied
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<I>the being of spirits</I> and <I>the future state,</I> were zealous
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against them. "One would wonder" (saith Mr. Baxter) "what should make
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such brutists as the Sadducees were to be such furious silencers and
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persecutors. If there is no life to come, what harm can other men's
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hopes of it do them? But in depraved souls all faculties are vitiated.
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A blind man has a malignant heart and a cruel hand, to this day."
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2. How they stood affected to the apostles' preaching: <I>They were
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grieved that they taught the people,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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It grieved them, both that the gospel doctrine was preached (was so
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preached, so publicly, so boldly,), and that the people were so ready
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to hear it. They thought, when they had put Christ to such an
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ignominious death, his disciples would ever after be ashamed and afraid
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to own him, and the people would have invincible prejudices against his
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doctrine; and now it vexed them to see themselves disappointed, and
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that his gospel got ground, instead of losing it. <I>The wicked shall
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see it, and be grieved,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+112:10">Ps. cxii. 10</A>.
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They were grieved at that which they should have rejoiced in, at that
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which angels rejoice in. Miserable is their case to whom the glory of
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Christ's kingdom is a grief; for, since the glory of that kingdom is
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everlasting, it follows of course that their grief will be everlasting
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too. It grieved them that the apostles <I>preached through Jesus the
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resurrection from the dead.</I> The Sadducees were grieved that the
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resurrection from the dead was preached; for they opposed that
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doctrine, and could not bear to hear of a future state, to hear it so
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well attested. The chief priests were grieved that they preached the
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resurrection of the dead through Jesus, that he should have the honour
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of it; and, though they professed to believe the resurrection of the
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dead against the Sadducees, yet they would rather give up that
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important article than have it preached and proved to be through Jesus.
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3. How far they proceeded against the apostles
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>):
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<I>They laid hands on them</I> (that is, their servants and officers
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did at their command), and <I>put them in hold,</I> committed them to
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the custody of the proper officer until the next day; they could not
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examine them now, for it was even-tide, and yet would defer it no
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longer than <I>till next day.</I> See how God trains up his servants
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for sufferings by degrees, and by less trials prepares them for
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greater; now they resist unto bonds only, but afterwards to blood.</P>
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<A NAME="Ac4_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ac4_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ac4_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ac4_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ac4_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ac4_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ac4_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ac4_12"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ac4_13"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ac4_14"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Peter and John Examined before the Sanhedrim.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and
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elders, and scribes,
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6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and
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Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest,
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were gathered together at Jerusalem.
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7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what
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power, or by what name, have ye done this?
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8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye
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rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
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9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the
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impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
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10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel,
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that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified,
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whom God raised from the dead, <I>even</I> by him doth this man stand
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here before you whole.
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11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders,
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which is become the head of the corner.
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12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none
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other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be
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saved.
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13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and
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perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they
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marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been
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with Jesus.
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14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them,
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they could say nothing against it.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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We have here the trial of Peter and John before the judges of the
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ecclesiastical court, for preaching a sermon concerning Jesus Christ,
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and working a miracle in his name. This is charged upon them as a
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crime, which was the best service they could do to God or men.</P>
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<P>
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I. Here is the court set. An extraordinary court, it should seem, was
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called on purpose upon this occasion. Observe,
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1. The time when the court sat
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>)
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--<I>on the morrow;</I> not in the night, as when Christ was to be tried
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before them, for they seem not to have been so hot upon this
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prosecution as they were upon that; it was well if they began to
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relent. But they adjourned it to the morrow, and no longer; for they
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were impatient to get them silenced, and would lose no time.
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2. The place where--in Jerusalem
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>);
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there it was that he told his disciples they must expect to suffer hard
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things, as he had done before them in that place. This seems to come in
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here as an aggravation of their sin, that in Jerusalem, where there
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were so many that looked for redemption before it came, yet there were
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more that would not look upon it when it did come. How is that faithful
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city become a harlot! See
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+23:37">Matt. xxiii. 37</A>.
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It was in the foresight of Jerusalem's standing in her own light that
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Christ beheld the city, and wept over it.
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3. The judges of the court.
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(1.) Their general character: they were <I>rulers, elders,</I> and
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<I>scribes,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
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The scribes were men of learning, who came to dispute with the
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apostles, and hoped to confute them. The rulers and elders were men in
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power, who, if they could not answer them, thought they could find some
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cause or other to silence them. If the gospel of Christ had not been of
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God, it could not have made its way, for it had both the learning and
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power of the world against it, both the colleges of the scribes and the
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courts of the elders.
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(2.) The names of some of them, who were most considerable. Here were
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Annas and Caiaphas, ringleaders in this persecution; Annas the
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president of the sanhedrim, and Caiaphas the high priest (though Annas
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is here called so) and <I>father of the house of judgment.</I> It
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should seem that Annas and Caiaphas executed the high priest's office
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alternately, year for year. These two were most active against Christ;
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then Caiaphas was high priest, now Annas was; however they were both
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equally malignant against Christ and his gospel. John is supposed to be
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the son of Annas; and Alexander is mentioned by Josephus as a man that
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made a figure at that time. There were others likewise that were <I>of
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the kindred of the high priest,</I> who having dependence on him, and
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expectations from him, would be sure to say as he said, and vote with
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him against the apostles. Great relations, and not good, have been a
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snare to many.</P>
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<P>
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II. The prisoners are arraigned,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
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1. They are brought to the bar; they <I>set them in the midst,</I> for
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the sanhedrim sat in a circle, and those who had any thing to do in the
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court stood or sat in the midst of them
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+2:46">Luke ii. 46</A>),
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so Dr. Lightfoot. Thus the scripture was fulfilled, <I>The assembly of
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the wicked has enclosed me,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+22:16">Ps. xxii. 16</A>.
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<I>They compassed me about like bees,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+118:12">Ps. cxviii. 12</A>.
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They were seated on every side.
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2. The question they asked them was, "<I>By what power, or by what
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name, have you done this?</I> By what authority do you these things?"
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(the same question that they had asked their Master,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+21:23">Matt. xxi. 23</A>):
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"Who commissioned you to preach such a doctrine as this, and empowered
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you to work such a miracle as this? You have no warrant nor license
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from us, and therefore are accountable to us whence you have your
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warrant." Some think this question was grounded upon a fond conceit
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that the very naming of some names might do wonders, as
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+19:13"><I>ch.</I> xix. 13</A>.
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The Jewish exorcists made use of the name of Jesus. Now they would know
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what name they made use of in their cure, and consequently what name
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they set themselves to advance in their preaching. They knew very well
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that they preached Jesus, and the resurrection of the dead, and the
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healing of the sick, through Jesus
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>),
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yet they asked them, to tease them, and try if they could get any thing
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out of them that looked criminal.</P>
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<P>
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III. The plea they put in, the design of which was not so much to clear
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and secure themselves as to advance the name and honour of their
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Master, who had told them that their being brought before governors and
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kings would give them an opportunity of preaching the gospel to those
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to whom otherwise they could not have had access, and it should be <I>a
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testimony against them.</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+13:19">Mark xiii. 19</A>.
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|
|
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>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac4_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac4_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac4_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac4_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac4_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac4_22"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<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>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac4_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac4_25"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac4_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac4_27"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac4_28"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac4_29"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac4_30"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac4_31"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<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>
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|
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|
<P>
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|
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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>
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|
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>),
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and there was no such thing as discord nor division among them.
|
|
Observe here,
|
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|
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>
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+60:1,8">Isa. lx. 1, 8</A>.
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|
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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>
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<P>
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|
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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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