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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. XV.</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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Hitherto we have, with a great deal of pleasure, attended the apostles
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in their glorious travels for the propagating of the gospel in foreign
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parts, have seen the bounds of the church enlarged by the accession
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both of Jews and Gentiles to it; and thanks be to that God who always
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caused them to triumph. We left them, in the close of the foregoing
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chapter, reposing themselves at Antioch, and edifying the church there
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with the rehearsal of their experiences, and it is a pity they should
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ever be otherwise employed; but in this chapter we find other work (not
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so pleasant) cut out for them. The Christians and ministers are engaged
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in controversy, and those that should have been now busied in enlarging
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the dominions of the church have as much as they can do to compose the
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divisions of it; when they should have been making war upon the devil's
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kingdom they have much ado to keep the peace in Christ's kingdom. Yet
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this occurrence and the record of it are of great use to the church,
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both for warning to us to expect such unhappy discords among
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Christians, and direction to us what method to take for accommodating
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them. Here is,
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I. A controversy raised at Antioch by the judaizing teachers, who would
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have the believing Gentiles brought under the yoke of circumcision and
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the ceremonial law,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:1,2">ver. 1, 2</A>.
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II. A consultation held with the church at Jerusalem about this matter,
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and the sending of delegates thither for that purpose, which occasioned
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the starting of the same question there,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:3-5">ver. 3-5</A>.
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III. An account of what passed in the synod that was convened upon this
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occasion,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:6">ver. 6</A>.
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What Peter said,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:7-11">ver. 7-11</A>.
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What Paul and Barnabas discoursed of,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:12">ver. 12</A>.
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And, lastly, what James proposed for the settling of this matter,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:13-21">ver. 13-21</A>.
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IV. The result of this debate, and the circular letter that was written
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to the Gentile converts, directing them how to govern themselves with
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respect to Jews,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:22-29">ver. 22-29</A>.
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V. The delivering of this determination to the church at Antioch, and
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the satisfaction it gave them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:30-35">ver. 30-35</A>.
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VI. A second expedition designed by Paul and Barnabas to preach to the
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Gentiles, in which they quarrelled about their assistant, and separated
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upon it, one steering one course and the other another,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:36-41">ver. 36-41</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Ac15_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ac15_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ac15_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ac15_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Ac15_5"> </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>Controversy Raised at Antioch; Bigotry of the Jewish Converts.</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 certain men which came down from Judæa taught the
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brethren, <I>and said,</I> Except ye be circumcised after the manner
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of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
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2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and
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disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas,
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and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the
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apostles and elders about this question.
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3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed
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through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the
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Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
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4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of
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the church, and <I>of</I> the apostles and elders, and they declared
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all things that God had done with them.
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5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which
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believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to
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command <I>them</I> to keep the law of Moses.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Even when things go on very smoothly and pleasantly in a state or in a
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church, it is folly to be secure, and to think the mountain stands
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strong and cannot be moved; some uneasiness or other will arise, which
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is not foreseen, cannot be prevented, but must be prepared for. If ever
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there was a heaven upon earth, surely it was in the church at Antioch
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at this time, when there were so many excellent ministers there, and
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blessed Paul among them, building up that church in her most holy
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faith. But here we have their peace disturbed, and differences arising.
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Here is,</P>
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<P>
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I. A new doctrine started among them, which occasioned this division,
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obliging the Gentile converts to submit to circumcision and the
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ceremonial law,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
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Many that had been proselytes to the Jewish religion became Christians;
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and they would have such as were proselyted to the Christian religion
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to become Jews.</P>
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<P>
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1. The persons that urged this were <I>certain men who came down from
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Judea;</I> some think such as had been of the Pharisees
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>),
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or perhaps of those priests who were <I>obedient to the faith,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+6:7"><I>ch.</I> vi. 7</A>.
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They came from Judea, pretending perhaps to be sent by the apostles at
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Jerusalem, at least to be countenanced by them. Having a design to
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spread their notions, they came to Antioch, because that was the
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head-quarters of those that preached to the Gentiles, and the
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rendezvous of the Gentile converts; and, if they could but make an
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interest there, this leaven would soon be diffused to all the churches
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of the Gentiles. They insinuated themselves into an acquaintance with
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the brethren, pretended to be very glad that they had embraced the
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Christian faith, and congratulated them on their conversion; but tell
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them that <I>yet one thing they lack,</I> they must be circumcised.
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Note, Those that are ever so well taught have need to stand upon their
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guard that they be not untaught again, or ill taught.</P>
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<P>
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2. The position they laid down, the thesis they gave, was this, that
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except the Gentiles who turned Christians were <I>circumcised after the
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manner of Moses,</I> and thereby bound themselves to all the
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observances of the ceremonial law, <I>they could not be saved.</I> As
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to this,
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(1.) Many of the Jews who embraced the faith of Christ, yet continued
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very <I>zealous for the law,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+21:20"><I>ch.</I> xxi. 20</A>.
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They knew it was from God and its authority was sacred, valued it for
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its antiquity, had been bred up in the observance of it, and it is
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probable had been often devoutly affected in their attendance on these
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observances; they therefore kept them up after they were by baptism
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admitted into the Christian church, kept up the distinction of meats,
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and used the ceremonial purifyings from ceremonial pollutions, attend
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the temple service, and celebrated the feasts of the Jews. Herein they
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were connived at, because the prejudices of education are not to be
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overcome all at once, and in a few years the mistake would be
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effectually rectified by the destruction of the temple and the total
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dissolution of the Jewish church, by which the observance of the Mosaic
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ritual would become utterly impracticable. But it did not suffice them
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that they were herein indulged themselves, they must have the Gentile
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converts brought under the same obligations. Note, There is a strange
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proneness in us to make our opinion and practice a rule and a law to
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every body else, to judge of all about us by our standard, and to
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conclude that because we do well all do wrong that do not just as we
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do.
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(2.) Those Jews who believed that Christ was the Messiah, as they could
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not get clear of their affection to the law, so they could not get
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clear of the notions they had of the Messiah, that he should set up a
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temporal kingdom in favour of the Jewish nation, should make this
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illustrious and victorious; it was a disappointment to them that there
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was as yet nothing done towards this in the way they expected. But now
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that they hear the doctrine of Christ is received among the Gentiles,
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and his kingdom begins to be set up in the midst of them, if they can
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but persuade those that embrace Christ to embrace the law of Moses too
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they hope their point will be gained, the Jewish nation will be made as
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considerable as they can wish, though in another way; and "Therefore by
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all means let the brethren be pressed to be <I>circumcised and keep the
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law,</I> and then with our religion our dominion will be extended, and
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we shall in a little time be able to shake off the Roman yoke; and not
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only so, but to put it on the necks of our neighbours, and so shall
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have such a kingdom of the Messiah as we promised ourselves." Note, It
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is no wonder if those who have wrong notions of the kingdom of Christ
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take wrong measures for the advancement of it, and such as really tend
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to the destruction of it, as these do.
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(3.) The controversy about the circumcising of the Gentile proselytes
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had been on foot among the Jews long before this. This is observed by
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Dr. Whitby out of Josephus--<I>Antiq.</I> 20. 38-45: "That when Izates,
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the son of Helen queen of Adiabene, embraced the Jews' religion,
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Ananias declared he might do it without circumcision; but Eleazar
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maintained that it was a great impiety to remain uncircumcised." And
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when two eminent Gentiles fled to Josephus (as he relates in the
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history of his own life) "the zealots among the Jews were urgent for
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their circumcision; but Josephus dissuaded them from insisting upon
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it." Such has been the difference in all ages between bigotry and
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moderation.
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(4.) It is observable what a mighty stress they laid upon it; they do
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not only say, "<I>You ought to be circumcised after the manner of
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Moses,</I> and it will be good service to the kingdom of the Messiah if
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you be; it will best accommodate matters between you and the Jewish
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converts, and we shall take it very kindly if you will, and shall
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converse the more familiarly with you;" but, "<I>Except you be
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circumcised you cannot be saved.</I> If you be not herein of our mind
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and way, you will never go to heaven, and therefore of course you must
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go to hell." Note, it is common for proud impostors to enforce their
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own inventions under pain of damnation; and to tell people that unless
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they believe just as they would have them believe, and do just as they
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would have them do, they cannot be saved, it is impossible they should;
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not only their case is hazardous, but it is desperate. Thus the Jews
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tell their brethren that except they be of their church, and come into
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their communion, and conform to the ceremonies of their worship, though
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otherwise good men and believers in Christ, yet they cannot be saved;
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salvation itself cannot save them. None are in Christ but those that
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are within their pale. We ought to see ourselves well warranted by the
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word of God before we say, "Except you do so and so, you cannot be
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saved."</P>
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<P>
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II. The opposition which Paul and Barnabas gave to this schismatical
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notion, which engrossed salvation to the Jews, now that Christ has
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opened the door of salvation to the Gentiles
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>):
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<I>They had no small dissension and disputation with them.</I> They
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would by no means yield to this doctrine, but appeared and argued
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publicly against it.
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1. As faithful servants of Christ, they would not see his truths
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betrayed. They knew that Christ came to free us from the yoke of the
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ceremonial law, and to take down that wall of partition between Jews
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and Gentiles and unite them both in himself; and therefore could not
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bear to hear of circumcising the Gentile converts, when their
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instructions were only to baptize them. The Jews would unite with the
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Gentiles, that is, they would have them to conform in every thing to
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their rites, and then, and not till then they will look upon them as
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their brethren; and no thanks to them. But, this not being the way in
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which Christ designed to unite them, it is not to be admitted.
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2. As spiritual fathers to the Gentile converts, they would not see
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their liberties encroached upon. They had told the Gentiles that if
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they believed in Jesus Christ they should be saved; and now to be told
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that this was not enough to save them, except they were circumcised and
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kept the law of Moses, this was such a discouragement to them at
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setting out, and would be such a stumbling-block in their way, as might
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almost tempt them to think of returning into Egypt again; and therefore
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the apostles set themselves against it.</P>
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<P>
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III. The expedient pitched upon for preventing the mischief of this
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dangerous notion, and silencing those that vented it, as well as
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quieting the minds of the people with reference to it. They determined
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that Paul and Barnabas, and some others of their number, should <I>go
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to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders,</I> concerning this doubt. Not
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that the church at Antioch had any doubt concerning it: they knew the
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liberty wherewith Christ had made them free; but they sent the case to
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Jerusalem,
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1. Because those who taught this doctrine came from Jerusalem, and
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pretended to have directions from the apostles there to urge
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circumcision upon the Gentile converts; it was therefore very proper to
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send to Jerusalem about it, to know if they had any such direction from
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the church there. And it was soon found to be all wrong, which yet
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pretended to be of apostolical right. It was true that these <I>went
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out from them</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>),
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but they never had any such orders from them.
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2. Because those who were taught this doctrine would be the better
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confirmed in their opposition to it, and in the less danger of being
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shocked and disturbed by it, if they were sure that <I>the apostles and
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elders at Jerusalem</I> (which was the Christian church that of all
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others retained the most affection to the law of Moses) were against
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it; and, if they could but have this under their hands, it would be the
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likeliest means to silence and shame these incendiaries, who had
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pretended to have it from them.
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3. Because the apostles at Jerusalem were fittest to be consulted in a
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point not yet fully settled; and being most eminent for an infallible
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spirit, peculiar to them as apostles, their decision would be likely to
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end the controversy. It was owing to the subtlety and malice of the
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great enemy of the church's peace (as it appears by Paul's frequent
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complaints of these <I>judaizing teachers,</I> these <I>false
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apostles,</I> these <I>deceitful workers,</I> these <I>enemies of the
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cross of Christ</I>), that it had not this effect.</P>
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<P>
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IV. Their journey to Jerusalem upon this errand,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
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Where we find,
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1. That they were honoured at parting: <I>They were brought on their
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way by the church,</I> which was then much used as a token of respect
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to useful men, and is directed to be done <I>after a godly sort,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=3Jo+1:6">3 John 6</A>.
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Thus the church showed their favour to those who witnessed against
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these encroachments on the liberties of the Gentile converts, and stood
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up for them.
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2. That they did good as they went along. They were men that would not
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lose time, and therefore visited the churches by the way; they passed
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through Phenice and Samaria, and as they went <I>declared the
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conversion of the Gentiles,</I> and what wonderful success the gospel
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had had among them, which <I>caused great joy to all the brethren.</I>
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Note, The progress of the gospel is and ought to be a matter of great
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joy. <I>All the brethren,</I> the faithful brethren in Christ's family,
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rejoice when more are born into the family; for the family will be
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never the poorer for the multitude of its children. In Christ and
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heaven there is portion enough, and inheritance enough for them
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all.</P>
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<P>
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V. Their hearty welcome at Jerusalem,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
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1. The good entertainment their friends gave them: They were
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<I>received of the church, and of the apostles and elders,</I> were
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embraced as brethren, and had audience as messengers of the church at
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Antioch; they received them with all possible expressions of love and
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friendship.
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2. The good entertainment they gave their friends: They <I>declared all
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things that God had done with them,</I> gave them an account of the
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success of their ministry among the Gentiles, not what they had done,
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but <I>what God had done with them,</I> what he had by his grace in
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them enabled them to do, and what he had by his grace in their hearers
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enabled them to receive. As they went they had planted, as they came
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back they had watered; but in both they were ready to own it was God
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that gave the increase. Note, It is a great honour to be employed for
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God, to be workers for him; for those that are so have him a worker
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with them, and he must have all the glory.</P>
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<P>
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VI. The opposition they met with from the same party at Jerusalem,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
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When Barnabas and Paul gave an account of the multitude of the
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Gentiles, and of the great harvest of souls gathered in to Christ
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there, and all about them congratulated them upon it, <I>there rose up
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certain of the sect of the Pharisees,</I> who received the tidings very
|
|
coldly, and, though they believed in Christ, yet were not satisfied in
|
|
the admission of these converts, but thought it was needful to
|
|
circumcise them. Observe here,
|
|
|
|
1. That those who have been most prejudiced against the gospel yet have
|
|
been captivated by it; so mighty has it been through God to the pulling
|
|
down of strong-holds. When Christ was here upon earth, few or none of
|
|
the rulers and of the Pharisees believed on him; but now there are
|
|
those of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, and many of them, we
|
|
hope, in sincerity.
|
|
|
|
2. That it is very hard for men suddenly to get clear of their
|
|
prejudices: those that had been Pharisees, even after they became
|
|
Christians, retained some of the old leaven. All did not so, witness
|
|
Paul, but some did; and they had such a jealousy for the ceremonial
|
|
law, and such a dislike of the Gentiles, that they could not admit the
|
|
Gentiles into communion with them, unless they would be circumcised,
|
|
and thereby engage themselves to keep the law of Moses. This was, in
|
|
their opinion, needful; and for their parts they would not converse
|
|
with them unless they submitted to it.</P>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Council at Jerusalem.</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>6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of
|
|
this matter.
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|
7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and
|
|
said unto them, Men <I>and</I> brethren, ye know how that a good while
|
|
ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth
|
|
should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
|
|
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving
|
|
them the Holy Ghost, even as <I>he did</I> unto us;
|
|
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their
|
|
hearts by faith.
|
|
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck
|
|
of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to
|
|
bear?
|
|
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus
|
|
Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
|
|
12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to
|
|
Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had
|
|
wrought among the Gentiles by them.
|
|
13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying,
|
|
Men <I>and</I> brethren, hearken unto me:
|
|
14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the
|
|
Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
|
|
15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is
|
|
written,
|
|
16 After this I will return, and will build again the
|
|
tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again
|
|
the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
|
|
17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all
|
|
the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who
|
|
doeth all these things.
|
|
18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the
|
|
world.
|
|
19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which
|
|
from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
|
|
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from
|
|
pollutions of idols, and <I>from</I> fornication, and <I>from</I> things
|
|
strangled, and <I>from</I> blood.
|
|
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach
|
|
him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here a council called, not by writ, but by consent, on this
|
|
occasion
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>The apostles and presbyters came together, to consider this
|
|
matter.</I> They did not give their judgment separately, but came
|
|
together to do it, that they might hear one another's sense in this
|
|
matter; for in the multitude of counsellors there is safety and
|
|
satisfaction. They did not give their judgment rashly, but considered
|
|
of this matter. Though they were clear concerning it in their own
|
|
minds, yet they would take time to consider of it, and to hear what
|
|
might be said by the adverse party. Nor did the apostles give their
|
|
judgment concerning it without the elders, the inferior ministers, to
|
|
whom they thus condescended, and on whom they thus put an honour. Those
|
|
that are most eminent in gifts and graces, and are in the most exalted
|
|
stations in the church, ought to show respect to their juniors and
|
|
inferiors; for, though <I>days should speak,</I> yet <I>there is a
|
|
spirit in man,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:7,8">Job xxxii. 7, 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
Here is a direction to the pastors of the churches, when difficulties
|
|
arise, to come together in solemn meetings for mutual advice and
|
|
encouragement, that they may know one another's mind, and strengthen
|
|
one another's hands, and may act in concert. Now here we have,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. Peter's speech in this synod. He did not in the least pretend to any
|
|
primacy or headship in this synod. He was not master of this assembly,
|
|
nor so much as chairman or moderator, <I>pro hac vice--on this
|
|
occasion;</I> for we do not find that either he spoke first, to open
|
|
the synod (<I>there having been much disputing</I> before he <I>rose
|
|
up</I>), nor that he spoke last, to sum up the cause and collect the
|
|
suffrages; but he was a faithful, prudent zealous member of this
|
|
assembly, and offered that which was very much to the purpose, and
|
|
which would come better from him than from another, because he had
|
|
himself been the first that preached the gospel to the Gentiles.
|
|
<I>There had been much disputing, pro and con,</I> upon this question,
|
|
and liberty of speech allowed, as ought to be in such cases; those of
|
|
the sect of the Pharisees were some of them present, and allowed to say
|
|
what they could in defence of those of their opinion at Antioch, which
|
|
probably was answered by some of the elders; such questions ought to be
|
|
fairly disputed before they are decided. When both sides had been
|
|
heard, <I>Peter rose up,</I> and addressed himself to the assembly,
|
|
<I>Men and brethren,</I> as did James afterwards,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
And here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. He put them in mind of the call and commission he had some time ago
|
|
<I>to preach the gospel to the Gentiles;</I> he wondered there should
|
|
be any difficulty made of a matter already settled: <I>You know
|
|
that</I> <B><I>aph hemeron archaion</I></B>--<I>from the beginning of
|
|
the days</I> of the gospel, many years ago, <I>God made choice</I>
|
|
among us apostles of one to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, and I
|
|
was the person chosen, <I>that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the
|
|
word, and believe,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
You know I was questioned about it and cleared myself to the universal
|
|
satisfaction; every body rejoiced that <I>God had granted to the
|
|
Gentiles repentance unto life,</I> and nobody said a word of
|
|
circumcising them, nor was there any thought of such a thing. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:18"><I>ch.</I> xi. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
"Why should the Gentiles who hear the word of the gospel by Paul's
|
|
mouth be compelled to submit to circumcision, any more than those that
|
|
heard it by my mouth? Or why should the terms of their admission now be
|
|
made harder than they were then?"</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. He puts them in mind how remarkably God owned him in preaching to
|
|
the Gentiles, and gave testimony to their sincerity in embracing the
|
|
Christian faith
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>God, who knows the hearts,</I> and therefore is able to judge
|
|
infallibly of men, <I>bore them witness</I> that they were his indeed,
|
|
by <I>giving them the Holy Ghost;</I> not only the graces and comforts,
|
|
but the extraordinary miraculous gifts of the Holy Ghost, <I>even as he
|
|
did unto us</I> apostles." See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:15-17"><I>ch.</I> xi. 15-17</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, <I>The Lord knows those that are his,</I> for he knows men's
|
|
hearts; and we are as our hearts are. Those to whom God <I>gives the
|
|
Holy Ghost,</I> he thereby <I>bears witness</I> to that they are his;
|
|
hence we are said to be <I>sealed</I> with that Holy Spirit of
|
|
promise--<I>marked</I> for God. God had bidden the Gentiles welcome to
|
|
the privilege of communion with him, without requiring them to be
|
|
circumcised and to keep the law; and therefore shall not we admit them
|
|
into communion with us but upon those terms? "God has <I>put no
|
|
difference between us and them</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>);
|
|
|
|
they, though Gentiles, are as welcome to the grace of Christ and the
|
|
throne of grace as we Jews are; why then should we set them at a
|
|
distance, as if we were holier than they?"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+65:5">Isa. lxv. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, We ought not to make any conditions of our brethren's acceptance
|
|
with us but such as God has made the conditions of their acceptance
|
|
with him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+14:3">Rom. xiv. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
Now the Gentiles were fitted for communion with God, in <I>having their
|
|
hearts purified by faith,</I> and that faith God's own work in them;
|
|
and therefore why should we think them unfit for communion with us,
|
|
unless they will submit to the ceremonial purifying enjoined by the law
|
|
to us? Note,
|
|
|
|
(1.) <I>By faith the heart is purified;</I> we are not only justified,
|
|
and conscience purified, but the work of sanctification is begun and
|
|
carried on.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Those that have their hearts purified by faith are therein made so
|
|
nearly to resemble one another, that, whatever difference there may be
|
|
between them, no account is to be made of it; for the faith of all the
|
|
saints is alike precious, and has like precious effects
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Pe+1:1">2 Peter i. 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
and those that by it are united to Christ are so to look upon
|
|
themselves as joined to one another as that all distinctions, even that
|
|
between Jew and Gentile, are merged and swallowed up in it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. He sharply reproves those teachers (some of whom, it is likely, were
|
|
present) who went about to bring the Gentiles under the obligation of
|
|
the law of Moses,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
The thing is so plain that he cannot forbear speaking of it with some
|
|
warmth: "<I>Now therefore,</I> since God has owned them for his, <I>why
|
|
tempt you God to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples,</I> of the
|
|
believing Gentiles and their children" (for circumcision was a yoke
|
|
upon their infant seed, who are here reckoned among the disciples),
|
|
"<I>a yoke which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?</I>"
|
|
Here he shows that in this attempt,
|
|
|
|
(1.) They offered a very great affront to God: "You tempt him, by
|
|
calling that in question which he has already settled and determined by
|
|
no less an indication than that of the gift of the Holy Ghost; you do,
|
|
in effect, ask, 'Did he know what he did? Or was he in earnest in it?
|
|
Or will he abide by his own act?' Will you try whether God, who
|
|
designed the ceremonial law for the people of the Jews only, will now,
|
|
in its last ages, bring the Gentiles too under the obligation of it, to
|
|
gratify you?" Those tempt God who prescribe to him, and say that people
|
|
cannot be saved but upon such and such terms, which God never
|
|
appointed; as if the God of salvation must come into their measures.
|
|
|
|
(2.) They offered a very great wrong to the disciples: Christ came to
|
|
proclaim <I>liberty to the captives,</I> and they go about to enslave
|
|
those whom he has made free. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ne+5:8">Neh. v. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
The ceremonial law was a heavy yoke; they and their fathers found it
|
|
difficult to be borne, so numerous, so various, so pompous, were the
|
|
institutions of it. The distinction of meats was a heavy yoke, not only
|
|
as it rendered conversation less pleasant, but as it embarrassed
|
|
conscience with endless scruples. The ado that was made about even
|
|
unavoidable touch of a grave or a dead body, the pollution contracted
|
|
by it, and the many rules about purifying from that pollution, were a
|
|
heavy burden. This yoke Christ came to ease us of, and called those
|
|
that were <I>weary and heavy laden</I> under it to come and take his
|
|
yoke upon them, his easy yoke. Now for these teachers to go about to
|
|
lay that yoke upon the neck of the Gentiles from which he came to free
|
|
even the Jews was the greatest injury imaginable to them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. Whereas the Jewish teachers had urged that circumcision was
|
|
necessary to salvation, Peter shows it was so far from being so that
|
|
both Jews and Gentiles were to be saved purely <I>through the grace of
|
|
our Lord Jesus Christ,</I> and in no other way
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>We believe to be saved through that grace</I> only; <B><I>pisteuomen
|
|
sothenai</I></B>--<I>We hope to be saved;</I> or, <I>We believe unto
|
|
salvation in the same manner as they</I>--<B><I>kath hontropon
|
|
kakeinoi.</I></B> "We that are circumcised believe to salvation, and so
|
|
do those that are uncircumcised; and, as our circumcision will be no
|
|
advantage to us, so their uncircumcision will be no disadvantage to
|
|
them; for we must depend upon the grace of Christ for salvation, and
|
|
must apply that grace by faith, as well as they. There is not one way
|
|
of salvation for the Jews and another for the Gentiles; <I>neither
|
|
circumcision avails any thing nor uncircumcision</I> (that is neither
|
|
here nor there), <I>but faith which works by love,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+5:6">Gal. v. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
Why should we burden them with the law of Moses, as necessary to their
|
|
salvation, when it is not that, but the gospel of Christ, that is
|
|
necessary both to our salvation and theirs?"</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. An account of what Barnabas and Paul said in this synod, which did
|
|
not need to be related, for they only gave in a narrative of what was
|
|
recorded in the foregoing chapters, <I>what miracles and wonders God
|
|
had wrought among the Gentiles by them,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
This they had given in to the church <I>at Antioch</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+14:27"><I>ch.</I> xiv. 27</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>to their brethren by the way</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:3"><I>ch.</I> xv. 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
and now again to the synod; and it was very proper to be given in here.
|
|
That which was contended for was that the Gentiles ought to submit to
|
|
the law of Moses; now, in opposition to this, Paul and Barnabas
|
|
undertake to show, by a plain relation of matters of fact, that God
|
|
owned the preaching of the pure gospel to them without the law, and
|
|
therefore to press the law upon them now was to undo what God had done.
|
|
Observe,
|
|
|
|
1. What account they gave; they declared, or opened in order, and with
|
|
all the magnifying and affecting circumstances, what glorious miracles,
|
|
what signs and wonders, <I>God had wrought among the Gentiles by
|
|
them,</I> what confirmation he had given to their preaching by miracles
|
|
wrought in the kingdom of nature, and what success he had given to it
|
|
by miracles wrought in the kingdom of grace. Thus God had honoured
|
|
these apostles whom Jewish teachers condemned, and had thus honoured
|
|
the Gentiles whom they contemned. What need had they of any other
|
|
advocate when God himself pleaded their cause? The conversion of the
|
|
Gentiles was itself a wonder, all things considered, no less than a
|
|
miracle. Now if <I>they received the Holy Ghost by the hearing of
|
|
faith,</I> why should they be embarrassed with <I>the works of the
|
|
law?</I> See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+3:2">Gal. iii. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
2. What attention was given to them: <I>All the multitude</I> (who,
|
|
though they had not voted, yet came together to hear what was said)
|
|
<I>kept silence, and gave audience to Paul and Barnabas;</I> it should
|
|
seem they took more notice of their narrative than they did of all the
|
|
arguments that were offered. As in natural philosophy and medicine
|
|
nothing is so satisfactory as experiments, and in law nothing is so
|
|
satisfactory as cases adjudged, so in the things of God the best
|
|
explication of the word of grace is the accounts given of the
|
|
operations of the Spirit of grace; to these the multitude will with
|
|
silence give audience. Those that fear God will most readily hear those
|
|
that can tell them <I>what God has done for their souls,</I> or by
|
|
their means,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+66:16">Ps. lxvi. 16</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The speech which James made to the synod. He did not interrupt
|
|
Paul and Barnabas, though, it is likely, he had before heard their
|
|
narrative, but let them go on with it, for the edification of the
|
|
company, and that they might have it from the first and best hand; but,
|
|
<I>after they had held their peace,</I> then James stood up. <I>You may
|
|
all prophesy one by one,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+14:31">1 Cor. xiv. 31</A>.
|
|
|
|
God is the God of order. He let Paul and Barnabas say what they had to
|
|
say, and then he made the application of it. The hearing of variety of
|
|
ministers may be of use when one truth does not drive out, but clench,
|
|
another.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. He addresses himself respectfully to those present: "<I>Men and
|
|
brethren, hearken unto me.</I> You are men, and therefore, it is to be
|
|
hoped, will hear reason; you are my brethren, and therefore will hear
|
|
me with candour. We are all brethren, and equally concerned in this
|
|
cause that nothing be done to the dishonour of Christ and the
|
|
uneasiness of Christians."</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. He refers to what Peter had said concerning the conversion of the
|
|
Gentiles
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>Simeon</I>" (that is, Simon Peter) "<I>hath declared,</I> and
|
|
opened the matter to you--<I>how God at the first did visit the
|
|
Gentiles,</I> in Cornelius and his friends, who were the first-fruits
|
|
of the Gentiles--how, when the gospel began first to spread, presently
|
|
the Gentiles were invited to come and take the benefit of it;" and
|
|
James observes here,
|
|
|
|
(1.) That the <I>grace of God</I> was the origin of it; it was God
|
|
<I>that visited the Gentiles;</I> and it was a kind visit. Had they
|
|
been left to themselves, they would never have visited him, but the
|
|
acquaintance began on his part; he not only <I>visited and redeemed his
|
|
people,</I> but visited and redeemed those that were <I>lo ammi--not a
|
|
people.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) that the glory of God was the end of it: it was <I>to take out of
|
|
them a people for his name,</I> who should glorify him, and in whom he
|
|
would be glorified. As of old he took the Jews, so now the Gentiles,
|
|
<I>to be to him for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+13:11">Jer. xiii. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
Let all the people of God remember that therefore they are thus
|
|
dignified in God, that God may be glorified in them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. He confirms this with a quotation out of the Old Testament: he could
|
|
not prove the calling of the Gentiles by a vision, as Peter could, nor
|
|
by miracles wrought by his hand, as Paul and Barnabas could, but he
|
|
would prove that it was foretold in the Old Testament, and therefore it
|
|
must be fulfilled,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>To this agree the words of the prophets;</I> most of the
|
|
Old-Testament prophets spoke more or less of the calling in of the
|
|
Gentiles, even Moses himself,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+10:19">Rom. x. 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
It was the general expectation of the pious Jews that the Messiah
|
|
should be <I>a light to enlighten the Gentiles</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+2:32">Luke ii. 32</A>):
|
|
|
|
but James waives the more illustrious prophecies of this, and pitches
|
|
upon one that seemed more obscure: <I>It is written,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Am+9:11,12">Amos ix. 11, 12</A>,
|
|
|
|
where is foretold,
|
|
|
|
(1.) The setting up of the kingdom of the Messiah
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>I will raise up the tabernacle of David, that is fallen.</I> The
|
|
covenant was made with David and his seed; but the house and family of
|
|
David are here called his <I>tabernacle,</I> because David in his
|
|
beginning was a shepherd, and dwelt in tents, and his house, that had
|
|
been as a stately palace, had become a mean and despicable tabernacle,
|
|
reduced in a manner to its small beginning. This tabernacle was ruined
|
|
and <I>fallen down;</I> there had not been for many ages a king of the
|
|
house of David; <I>the sceptre had departed from Judah,</I> the royal
|
|
family was sunk and buried in obscurity, and, as it should seem, not
|
|
enquired after. But God <I>will return, and will build it again,</I>
|
|
raise it out of its ruins, a phoenix out of its ashes; and this was now
|
|
lately fulfilled, when our Lord Jesus was raised out of that family,
|
|
had <I>the throne of his father David given him,</I> with a promise
|
|
<I>that he should reign over the house of Jacob for ever,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:32,33">Luke i. 32, 33</A>.
|
|
|
|
And, when <I>the tabernacle of David</I> was thus rebuilt in Christ,
|
|
all the rest of it was, not many years after, wholly extirpated and cut
|
|
off, as was also the nation of the Jews itself, and all their
|
|
genealogies were lost. The church of Christ may be called the
|
|
tabernacle of David. This may sometimes be brought very low, and may
|
|
seem to be in ruins, but it shall be built again, its withering
|
|
interests shall revive; it is <I>cast down, but not destroyed:</I> even
|
|
dry bones are made to live.
|
|
|
|
(2.) The bringing in of the Gentiles as the effect and consequence of
|
|
this
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>That the residue of men might seek after the Lord;</I> not the Jews
|
|
only, who thought they had the monopoly of the tabernacle of David, but
|
|
<I>the residue of men,</I> such as had hitherto been left out of the
|
|
pale of the visible church; they must now, upon this re-edifying of the
|
|
tabernacle of David, be brought <I>to seek after the Lord,</I> and to
|
|
enquire how they may obtain his favour. When David's tabernacle is set
|
|
up, they <I>shall seek the Lord their God,</I> and <I>David their
|
|
king,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ho+3:5,Jer+30:9">Hos. iii. 5; Jer. xxx. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Then Israel shall possess the remnant of Edom</I> (so it is in the
|
|
Hebrew); but the Jews called all the Gentiles <I>Edomites,</I> and
|
|
therefore the Septuagint leave out the particular mention of Edom, and
|
|
read it just as it is here, <I>that the residue of men might seek</I>
|
|
(James here adds, <I>after the Lord), and all the Gentiles,</I> or
|
|
heathen, <I>upon whom my name is called.</I> The Jews were for many
|
|
ages so peculiarly favoured that the residue of men seemed neglected;
|
|
but now God will have an eye to them, and his name shall be called upon
|
|
by the Gentiles; his name shall be declared and published among them,
|
|
and they shall be brought both to know his name and to call upon it:
|
|
they shall call themselves the people of God, and he shall call them
|
|
so; and thus, by consent of both parties, <I>his name is called upon
|
|
them.</I> This promise we may depend upon the fulfilling of in its
|
|
season; and now it begins to be fulfilled, for it is added, <I>saith
|
|
the Lord, who doeth this; who doeth all these things</I> (so the
|
|
Seventy); and the apostle here: <I>he saith it who doeth it,</I> who
|
|
therefore said it because he was determined to do it; and who therefore
|
|
does it because he hath said it; for though with us saying and doing
|
|
are two things they are not so with God. The uniting of <I>Jews and
|
|
Gentiles in one body,</I> and all those things that were done in order
|
|
to it, which were here foretold, were,
|
|
|
|
[1.] What God did: <I>This was the Lord's doing,</I> whatever
|
|
instruments were employed in it: and,
|
|
|
|
[2.] It was what God delighted in, and was well pleased with; for he is
|
|
the God of the Gentiles, as well as the Jews, and it is his honour
|
|
<I>to be rich in mercy to all that call upon him.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. He resolves it into the purpose and counsel of God
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the
|
|
world.</I> He not only foretold the calling of the Gentiles many ages
|
|
ago by the prophets (and therefore it ought not to be a surprise or
|
|
stumbling-block to us), but he foresaw and foreordained it in his
|
|
eternal counsels, which are unquestionably wise and unalterably firm.
|
|
It is an excellent maxim here laid down concerning all God's works,
|
|
both of providence and grace, in the natural and spiritual kingdom,
|
|
that they were all <I>known unto him from the beginning of the
|
|
world,</I> from the time he first began to work, which supposes his
|
|
knowing them (as other scriptures speak) <I>from before the foundation
|
|
of the world,</I> and therefore from all eternity. Note, Whatever God
|
|
does, he did before design and determine to do; for he works all, not
|
|
only according to his will, but <I>according to the counsel of his
|
|
will:</I> he not only <I>does whatever he determined</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+135:6">Ps. cxxxv. 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
which is more than we can do (our purposes are frequently broken off,
|
|
and our measures broken), but he <I>determined whatever he does.</I>
|
|
Whatever he may say, to prove us, <I>he himself knows what he will
|
|
do.</I> We know not our works beforehand, but must <I>do as occasion
|
|
shall serve,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+10:7">1 Sam. x. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
What we shall do in such or such a case we cannot tell till it comes to
|
|
the setting to; but <I>known unto God are all his works;</I> in the
|
|
volume of his book (called <I>the scriptures of truth,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+10:21">Dan. x. 21</A>)
|
|
|
|
they are all written in order, without any erasure or interlining
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+40:7">Ps. xl. 7</A>);
|
|
|
|
and all God's works will, in the day of review, be found to agree
|
|
exactly with his counsels, without the least error or variation. We
|
|
are poor short-sighted creatures; the wisest men can see but a little
|
|
way before them, and not at all with any certainty; but this is our
|
|
comfort, that, whatever uncertainty we are at, there is an infallible
|
|
certainty in the divine prescience: <I>known unto God are all his
|
|
works.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
5. He gives his advice what was to be done in the present case, as the
|
|
matter now stood with reference <I>to the Gentiles</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>My sentence is;</I> <B><I>ego krino</I></B>--<I>I give it as my
|
|
opinion,</I> or judgment; not as having authority over the rest, but as
|
|
being an adviser with them. Now his advice is,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) That circumcision and the observance of the ceremonial law be by
|
|
no means imposed upon the Gentile converts; no, not so much as
|
|
recommended nor mentioned to them. "There are many from among the
|
|
Gentiles that are turned to God in Christ, and we hope there will be
|
|
many more. Now I am clearly for using them with all possible
|
|
tenderness, and putting no manner of hardship or discouragement upon
|
|
them," <B><I>me parenochlein</I></B>--"<I>not to give them any
|
|
molestation nor disturbance,</I> nor suggest any thing to them that may
|
|
be disquieting, or raise scruples in their minds, or perplex them."
|
|
Note, Great care must be taken not to discourage nor disquiet young
|
|
converts with matters of <I>doubtful disputation.</I> Let the
|
|
essentials of religion, which an awakened conscience will readily
|
|
receive, be first impressed deeply upon them, and these will satisfy
|
|
them and make them easy; and let not things foreign and circumstantial
|
|
be urged upon them, which will but trouble them. <I>The kingdom of
|
|
God,</I> in which they are to be trained up, <I>is not meat and
|
|
drink,</I> neither the opposition nor the imposition of indifferent
|
|
things, which will but trouble them; <I>but it is righteousness, and
|
|
peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost,</I> which we are sure will trouble
|
|
nobody.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) That yet it would be well that in some things, which gave most
|
|
offence to the Jews, the Gentiles should comply with them. Because they
|
|
must not humour them so far as to be circumcised, and keep the whole
|
|
law, it does not therefore follow that they must act in a continual
|
|
contradiction to them, and study how to provoke them. It will please
|
|
the Jews (and, if a little thing will oblige them, better do so than
|
|
cross them) if the Gentile converts abstain,
|
|
|
|
[1.] <I>From pollutions of idols, and from fornication,</I> which are
|
|
two bad things, and always to be abstained from; but writing to them
|
|
particularly and expressly to abstain from them (because in these
|
|
things the Jews were jealous of the Gentile converts, lest they should
|
|
transgress) would very much gratify the Jews; not but that the
|
|
apostles, both in preaching and writing to the Gentiles that embraced
|
|
Christianity, were careful to warn against, <I>First, Pollutions of
|
|
idols,</I> that they should have no manner of fellowship with idolaters
|
|
in their idolatrous worships, and particularly not in the feasts they
|
|
held upon their sacrifices. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+10:14,2Co+6:14">1 Cor. x. 14, &c.; 2 Cor. vi. 14</A>,
|
|
|
|
&c. <I>Secondly, Fornication, and all manner of uncleanness.</I> How
|
|
large, how pressing, is Paul in his cautions against this sin!
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+6:9-15,Eph+5:3">1 Cor. vi. 9-15; Eph. v. 3</A>,
|
|
|
|
&c. But the Jews, who were willing to think the worst of those they did
|
|
not like, suggested that these were things in which the Gentiles, even
|
|
after conversion, allowed themselves, and the apostle of the Gentiles
|
|
connived at it. Now, to obviate this suggestion, and to leave no room
|
|
for this calumny, James advises that, besides the private admonitions
|
|
which were given them by their ministers, they should be publicly
|
|
warned <I>to abstain from pollutions of idols and from
|
|
fornication</I>--that herein they should be very circumspect, and
|
|
should avoid all appearances of these two evils, which would be in so
|
|
particular a manner offensive to the Jews.
|
|
|
|
[2.] <I>From things strangled, and from blood,</I> which, though not
|
|
evil in themselves, as the other two, nor designed to be always
|
|
abstained from, as those were, had been forbidden by <I>the precepts of
|
|
Noah</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+9:4">Gen. ix. 4</A>),
|
|
|
|
before the giving of the law of Moses; and the Jews had a great dislike
|
|
to them, and to all those that took a liberty to use them; and
|
|
therefore, to avoid giving offence, let the Gentile converts abridge
|
|
themselves of their liberty herein,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+8:9,13">1 Cor. viii. 9, 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
Thus we must <I>become all things to all men.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
6. He gives a reason for his advice--that great respect ought to be
|
|
shown to the Jews for they have been so long accustomed to the solemn
|
|
injunctions of the ceremonial law that they must be borne with, if they
|
|
cannot presently come off from them
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>For Moses hath of old those that preach him in every city,</I> his
|
|
writings (a considerable part of which is the ceremonial law) <I>being
|
|
read in the synagogues every sabbath day.</I> "You cannot blame them if
|
|
they have a great veneration for the law of Moses; for besides that
|
|
they are very sure God spoke to Moses,"
|
|
|
|
(1.) "Moses is continually preached to them, and they are called upon
|
|
<I>to remember the law of Moses,</I>"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mal+4:4">Mal. iv. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, Even that word of God which is written to us should also be
|
|
preached: those that have the scriptures have still need of ministers
|
|
to help them to understand and apply the scriptures.
|
|
|
|
(2.) "His writings are read in a solemn religious manner, <I>in their
|
|
synagogues,</I> and on <I>the sabbath day,</I> in the place and at the
|
|
time of their meetings for the worship of God; so that from their
|
|
childhood they have been trained up in a regard to the law of Moses;
|
|
the observance of it is a part of their religion."
|
|
|
|
(3.) "This has been done <I>of old time;</I> they have received from
|
|
their fathers an honour for Moses; they have antiquity for it."
|
|
|
|
(4.) "This had been done <I>in every city,</I> wherever there are any
|
|
Jews, so that none of them can be ignorant what stress that law laid
|
|
upon these things: and therefore, though the gospel has set us free
|
|
from these things, yet they cannot be blamed if they are loth to part
|
|
with them, and cannot of a sudden be persuaded to look upon those
|
|
things as needless and indifferent which they, and their fathers before
|
|
them, had been so long taught, and taught of God too, to place religion
|
|
in. We must therefore give them time, must meet them half-way; they
|
|
must be borne with awhile, and brought on gradually, and we must comply
|
|
with them as far as we can without betraying our gospel liberty." Thus
|
|
does this apostle show the spirit of a moderator, that is, a spirit of
|
|
moderation, being careful to give no offence either to Jew or Gentile,
|
|
and contriving, as much as may be, to please both sides and provoke
|
|
neither. Note, We are not to think it strange if people be wedded to
|
|
customs which they have had transmitted to them from their fathers, and
|
|
which they have been educated in an opinion of as sacred; and therefore
|
|
allowances must be made in such cases, and not rigour used.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_23"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_25"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_27"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_28"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_29"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_30"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_31"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_32"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_33"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_34"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_35"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Decision of the Council at Jerusalem; The Publication of the Decree.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole
|
|
church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with
|
|
Paul and Barnabas; <I>namely,</I> Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas,
|
|
chief men among the brethren:
|
|
23 And they wrote <I>letters</I> by them after this manner; The
|
|
apostles and elders and brethren <I>send</I> greeting unto the
|
|
brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and
|
|
Cilicia:
|
|
24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from
|
|
us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying,
|
|
<I>Ye must</I> be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no
|
|
<I>such</I> commandment:
|
|
25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to
|
|
send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
|
|
26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord
|
|
Jesus Christ.
|
|
27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell
|
|
<I>you</I> the same things by mouth.
|
|
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon
|
|
you no greater burden than these necessary things;
|
|
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood,
|
|
and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye
|
|
keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
|
|
30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when
|
|
they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the
|
|
epistle:
|
|
31 <I>Which</I> when they had read, they rejoiced for the
|
|
consolation.
|
|
32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves,
|
|
exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed <I>them.</I>
|
|
33 And after they had tarried <I>there</I> a space, they were let go
|
|
in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.
|
|
34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
|
|
35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and
|
|
preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here the result of the consultation that was held at Jerusalem
|
|
about the imposing of the ceremonial law upon the Gentiles. Much more,
|
|
it is likely, was said about it than is here recorded; but at length it
|
|
was brought to a head, and the advice which James gave was universally
|
|
approved and agreed to <I>nemine contradicente--unanimously;</I> and
|
|
letters were accordingly sent by messengers of their own to the Gentile
|
|
converts, acquainting them with their sentiments in this matter, which
|
|
would be a great confirmation to them against the false teachers. Now
|
|
observe here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. The choice of the delegates that were to be sent with Paul and
|
|
Barnabas on this errand; not as if they had any suspicion of the
|
|
fidelity of these great men, and could not trust them with their
|
|
letters, nor as if they thought that those to whom they sent them would
|
|
suspect them to have altered any thing in their letter; no, their
|
|
charity thought no such evil concerning men of such tried integrity;
|
|
but,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. They thought fit <I>to send men of their own company to Antioch,
|
|
with Paul and Barnabas,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
This was agreed to by <I>the apostles and elders, with the whole
|
|
church,</I> who, it is likely, undertook to bear their charges,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+9:7">1 Cor. ix. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
They sent these messengers,
|
|
|
|
(1.) To show their respect to the church at Antioch, as a
|
|
sister-church, though a younger sister, and that they looked upon it as
|
|
upon the same level with them; as also that they were desirous further
|
|
to know their state.
|
|
|
|
(2.) To encourage Paul and Barnabas, and to make their journey home the
|
|
more pleasant (for it is likely they travelled on foot) by sending such
|
|
excellent men to bear them company; <I>amicus pro vehiculo--a friend
|
|
instead of a carriage.</I>
|
|
|
|
(3.) To put a reputation upon the letters they carried, that it might
|
|
appear a solemn embassy, and so much the more regard might be paid to
|
|
the message, which was likely to meet with opposition from some.
|
|
|
|
(4.) To keep up <I>the communion of the saints,</I> and cultivate an
|
|
acquaintance between churches and ministers that were at a distance
|
|
from each other, and to show <I>that, though they were many, yet they
|
|
were one.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Those they sent were not inferior persons, who might serve to carry
|
|
the letters, and attest the receipt of them from the apostles; but
|
|
<I>they were chosen men, and chief men among the brethren,</I> men of
|
|
eminent gifts, graces, and usefulness; for these are the things which
|
|
denominate men chief among the brethren, and qualify them to be the
|
|
messengers of the churches. They are here named: <I>Judas,</I> who was
|
|
called <I>Barsabas</I> (probably the brother of that Joseph who was
|
|
called <I>Barsabas,</I> that was a candidate for the apostleship,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+1:23"><I>ch.</I> i. 23</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>and Silas.</I> The character which these men had in the church at
|
|
Jerusalem would have some influence upon those that came from Judea, as
|
|
those false teachers did, and engage them to pay the more deference to
|
|
the message that was sent by them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The drawing up of the letters, circular letters, that were to be
|
|
sent to the churches, to notify the sense of the synod in this
|
|
matter.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. Here is a very condescending obliging preamble to this decree,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
There is nothing in it haughty or assuming, but,
|
|
|
|
(1.) That which intimates the humility of the apostles, that they join
|
|
<I>the elders and brethren</I> in commission with them, the ministers,
|
|
the ordinary Christians, whom they had advised with in this case, as
|
|
they used to do in other cases. Though never men were so qualified as
|
|
they were for a monarchical power and authority in the church, nor had
|
|
such a commission as they had, yet their decrees run not, "We, the
|
|
apostles, Christ's vicars upon earth, and pastors of all the pastors of
|
|
the churches" (as the pope styles himself), "and sole judges in all
|
|
matters of faith;" but <I>the apostles, and elders, and brethren,</I>
|
|
agree in their orders. Herein they remembered the instructions their
|
|
Master gave them
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+23:8">Matt. xxiii. 8</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Be not you called Rabbi; for you are all brethren.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) That which bespeaks their respect to the churches they wrote to;
|
|
they <I>send</I> to them <I>greeting,</I> wish them health and
|
|
happiness and joy, and call them <I>brethren of the Gentiles,</I>
|
|
thereby owning their admission into the church, and giving them the
|
|
right hand of fellowship: "You are our brethren, though Gentiles; for
|
|
we meet in Christ, <I>the first born among many brethren,</I> in God
|
|
our common Father." Now that <I>the Gentiles are fellow-heirs and of
|
|
the same body,</I> they are to be countenanced and encouraged, and
|
|
called brethren.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Here is a just and severe rebuke to the judaizing teachers
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>We have heard that certain who went out from us have troubled you
|
|
with words,</I> and we are very much concerned to hear it; now this is
|
|
to let them know that those who preached this doctrine were false
|
|
teachers, both as they produced a false commission and as they taught a
|
|
false doctrine."
|
|
|
|
(1.) They did a great deal of wrong to the apostles and ministers at
|
|
Jerusalem, in pretending that they had instructions from them to impose
|
|
the ceremonial law upon the Gentiles, when there was no colour for such
|
|
a pretension. "They <I>went out from us</I> indeed--they were such as
|
|
belonged to our church, of which, when they had a mind to travel, we
|
|
gave them perhaps a testimonial; but, as for their urging the law of
|
|
Moses upon you, we <I>gave</I> them <I>no such commandment,</I> nor had
|
|
we ever thought of such a thing, nor given them the least occasion to
|
|
use our names in it." It is no new thing for apostolical authority to
|
|
be pleaded in defence of those doctrines and practices for which yet
|
|
the apostles gave neither command nor encouragement.
|
|
|
|
(2.) They did a great deal of wrong to the Gentile converts, in saying,
|
|
<I>You must be circumcised, and must keep the law.</I>
|
|
|
|
[1.] It perplexed them: "<I>They have troubled you with words,</I> have
|
|
occasioned disturbance and disquietment to you. You depended upon those
|
|
who told you, <I>If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ you shall be
|
|
saved;</I> and now you are startled by those that tell you <I>you must
|
|
keep the law of Moses or you cannot be saved,</I> by which you see
|
|
yourselves drawn into a snare. They trouble you with words--words, and
|
|
nothing else--mere words--sound, but no substance." How has the church
|
|
been troubled with words, by the pride of men that loved to hear
|
|
themselves talk!
|
|
|
|
[2.] It endangered them; they <I>subverted</I> their souls, put them
|
|
into disorder, and pulled down that which had been built up. They took
|
|
them off from pursuing pure Christianity, and minding the business of
|
|
that, by filling their heads with the necessity of circumcision, and
|
|
the law of Moses, which were nothing to the purpose.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. Here is an honourable testimony given of the messengers by whom
|
|
these letters were sent.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Of Paul and Barnabas, whom these judaizing teachers had opposed
|
|
and censured as having done their work by the halves, because they had
|
|
brought the Gentile converts to Christianity only, and not to Judaism.
|
|
Let them say what they will of these men,
|
|
|
|
[1.] "They are men that are dear to us; they are <I>our beloved
|
|
Barnabas and Paul</I>--men whom we have a value for, a kindness for, a
|
|
concern for." Sometimes it is good for those that are of eminence to
|
|
express their esteem, not only for the despised truth of Christ, but
|
|
for the despised preachers and defenders of that truth, to encourage
|
|
them, and weaken the hands of their opposers.
|
|
|
|
[2.] "They are men that have signalized themselves in the service of
|
|
Christ, and therefore have deserved well of all the churches: they are
|
|
men <I>that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus
|
|
Christ</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>),
|
|
|
|
and therefore are worthy of double honour, and cannot be suspected of
|
|
having sought any secular advantage to themselves; for they have
|
|
ventured their all for Christ, have engaged in the most dangerous
|
|
services, as good soldiers of Christ, and not only in laborious
|
|
services." It is not likely that such faithful confessors should be
|
|
unfaithful preachers. Those that urged circumcision did it to avoid
|
|
persecution
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+6:12,13">Gal. vi. 12, 13</A>);
|
|
|
|
those that opposed it knew they thereby exposed themselves to
|
|
persecution; and which of these were most likely to be in the
|
|
right?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Of Judas and Silas: "<I>They are chosen men</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>),
|
|
|
|
and they are men that have heard our debates, and are perfectly
|
|
apprized of the matter, and will <I>tell you the same things by
|
|
mouth,</I>"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
What is of use to us it is good to have both in writing and by word of
|
|
mouth, that we may have the advantage both of reading and of hearing
|
|
it. The apostles refer them to the bearers for a further account of
|
|
their judgment and their reasons, and the bearers will refer them to
|
|
their letters for the certainty of the determination.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. Here is the direction given what to require from the Gentile
|
|
converts, where observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The matter of the injunction, which is according to the advice
|
|
given by James, that, to avoid giving offence to the Jews,
|
|
|
|
[1.] They should never eat any thing that they knew had been offered in
|
|
sacrifice to an idol, but look upon it as, though clean in itself, yet
|
|
thereby polluted to them. This prohibition was afterwards in part taken
|
|
off, for they were allowed to eat whatever was sold in the shambles, or
|
|
set before them at their friend's table, though it had been offered to
|
|
idols, except when there was danger of giving offence by it, that is,
|
|
of giving occasion either to a weak Christian to think the worse of our
|
|
Christianity, or to a wicked heathen to think the better of his
|
|
idolatry; and in these cases it is <I>good to forbear,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+10:25">1 Cor. x. 25</A>,
|
|
|
|
&c. This to us is an antiquated case.
|
|
|
|
[2.] <I>That they should not eat blood,</I> nor drink it; but avoid
|
|
every thing that looked cruel and barbarous in that ceremony which had
|
|
been of so long standing.
|
|
|
|
[3.] <I>That they should not eat any thing that was strangled,</I> or
|
|
died of itself, or had not the blood let out.
|
|
|
|
[4.] That they should be very strict in censuring those that <I>were
|
|
guilty of fornication,</I> or marrying within the degrees prohibited by
|
|
the Levitical law, which, some think, is principally intended here. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+5:1">1 Cor. v. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
Dr. Hammond states this matter thus: The judaizing teachers would have
|
|
the Gentile converts submit to all that those submitted to whom they
|
|
called the proselytes of righteousness, <I>to be circumcised and keep
|
|
the whole law;</I> but the apostles required no more of them than what
|
|
was required of the proselytes of the gate, which was to observe <I>the
|
|
seven precepts of the sons of Noah,</I> which, he thinks, are here
|
|
referred to. But the only ground of this decree being in complaisance
|
|
to the rigid Jews that had embraced the Christian faith, and, except in
|
|
that one case of scandal, all meats being pronounced free and
|
|
indifferent to all Christians as soon as the reason of the decree
|
|
ceased, which, at furthest, was after the destruction of Jerusalem, the
|
|
obligation of it ceased likewise. "These things are in a particular
|
|
manner offensive to the Jews, and therefore do not disoblige them
|
|
herein for the present; in a little time the Jews will incorporate with
|
|
the Gentiles, and then the danger is over."</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The manner in which it is worded.
|
|
|
|
[1.] They express themselves with something of authority, that what
|
|
they wrote might be received with respect, and deference paid to it:
|
|
<I>It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us,</I> that is, to us
|
|
under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and by direction from him: not
|
|
only the apostles, but others, were endued with spiritual gifts
|
|
extraordinary, and knew more of the mind of God than any since those
|
|
gifts ceased can pretend to; their infallibility gave an incontestable
|
|
authority to their decrees, and they would not order any thing because
|
|
<I>it seemed good to them,</I> but that they knew it first <I>seemed
|
|
good to the Holy Ghost.</I> Or it refers to what the Holy Ghost had
|
|
determined in this matter formerly. When the Holy Ghost descended upon
|
|
the apostles, he endued them with the gift of tongues, in order to
|
|
their preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, which was a plain
|
|
indication of God's purpose to call them in. When the Holy Ghost
|
|
descended upon Cornelius and his friends, upon Peter's preaching, it
|
|
was plain that Christ designed the taking down of the Jewish pale,
|
|
within which they fancied the spirit had been enclosed.
|
|
|
|
[2.] They express themselves with abundance of tenderness and fatherly
|
|
concern. <I>First,</I> They are afraid of burdening them: We will
|
|
<I>lay upon you no greater burden.</I> So far were they from delighting
|
|
to impose upon them that they dreaded nothing so much as imposing too
|
|
far upon them, so as to discourage them at their setting out.
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> They impose upon them <I>no other than necessary
|
|
things.</I> "The avoiding of <I>fornication</I> is necessary to all
|
|
Christians at all times; the avoiding of <I>things strangled,</I> and
|
|
of <I>blood,</I> and of <I>things offered to idols,</I> is necessary at
|
|
this time, for the keeping up of a good understanding between you and
|
|
the Jews, and the preventing of offence;" and as long as it continues
|
|
necessary for that end, and no longer, it is enjoined. Note,
|
|
Church-rulers should impose only necessary things, things which Christ
|
|
has made our duty, which have a real tendency to the edification of the
|
|
church, and, as here, to the uniting of good Christians. If they impose
|
|
things only to show their own authority, and to try people's obedience,
|
|
they forget that they have not authority to make new laws, but only to
|
|
see that the laws of Christ be duly executed, and to enforce the
|
|
observance of them. <I>Thirdly,</I> They enforce their order with a
|
|
commendation of those that shall comply with it, rather than with the
|
|
condemnation of those that shall transgress it. They do not conclude,
|
|
"From which if you do not keep yourselves, you shall be an anathema,
|
|
you shall be cast out of the church, and accursed," according to the
|
|
style of after-councils, and particularly that of Trent; but "<I>From
|
|
which if you keep yourselves,</I> as we do not question but you will,
|
|
<I>you will do well;</I> it will be for the glory of God, the
|
|
furtherance of the gospel, the strengthening of the hands of your
|
|
brethren, and your own credit and comfort." It is all sweetness and
|
|
love and good humour, such as became the followers of him who, when he
|
|
called us to take his yoke upon us, assured us we should find him
|
|
<I>meek and lowly in heart.</I> The difference of the style of the true
|
|
apostles from that of the false is very observable. Those that were for
|
|
imposing the ceremonial laws were positive and imperious: <I>Except you
|
|
keep it, you cannot be saved</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
you are excommunicated <I>ipso facto--at once, and delivered to
|
|
Satan.</I> The apostles of Christ, who only recommend necessary things,
|
|
are mild and gentle: "<I>From which if you keep yourselves, you will do
|
|
well,</I> and as becomes you. <I>Fare ye well;</I> we are hearty
|
|
well-wishers to your honour and peace."</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The delivering of the letters, and how the messengers disposed of
|
|
themselves.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. <I>When they were dismissed,</I> had had their audience of leave of
|
|
the apostles (it is probable that they were dismissed with prayer, and
|
|
a solemn blessing in the name of the Lord, and with instructions and
|
|
encouragements in their work), <I>They then came to Antioch;</I> they
|
|
staid no longer at Jerusalem than till their business was done, and
|
|
then came back, and perhaps were met at their return by those that
|
|
brought them on their way at their setting out; for those that have
|
|
taken pains in public service ought to be countenanced and
|
|
encouraged.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. As soon as they came to Antioch, <I>they gathered the multitude
|
|
together, and delivered the epistle to them</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:30,31"><I>v.</I> 30, 31</A>),
|
|
|
|
that they might all know what it was that was forbidden them, and might
|
|
observe these orders, which would be no difficulty for them to do, most
|
|
of them having been, before their conversion to Christ, proselytes of
|
|
the gate, who had laid themselves under these restrictions already. But
|
|
this was not all; it was that they might know that <I>no more</I> than
|
|
this was forbidden them, that it was no longer a sin to eat swine's
|
|
flesh, no longer a pollution to touch a grave or a dead body.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. The people were wonderfully pleased with the orders that came from
|
|
Jerusalem
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:31"><I>v.</I> 31</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>They rejoiced for the consolation;</I> and a great consolation it
|
|
was to the multitude,
|
|
|
|
(1.) That they were confirmed in their freedom from the yoke of the
|
|
ceremonial law, and were not burdened with that, as those upstart
|
|
teachers would have had them to be. It was a comfort to them to hear
|
|
that the carnal ordinances were no longer imposed on them, which
|
|
perplexed the conscience, but could not purify nor pacify it.
|
|
|
|
(2.) That those who troubled their minds with an attempt to force
|
|
circumcision upon them were hereby for the present silenced and put to
|
|
confusion, the fraud of their pretensions to an apostolical warrant
|
|
being now discovered.
|
|
|
|
(3.) That the Gentiles were hereby encouraged to receive the gospel,
|
|
and those that had received it to adhere to it.
|
|
|
|
(4.) That the peace of the church was hereby restored, and that removed
|
|
which threatened a division. All this was consolation which they
|
|
rejoiced in, and blessed God for.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. They got the strange ministers that came from Jerusalem to give them
|
|
each a sermon, and more,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
Judas and Silas, <I>being prophets also themselves,</I> endued with the
|
|
Holy Ghost, and called to the work, and being likewise entrusted by the
|
|
apostles to deliver some things relating to this matter by word of
|
|
mouth, <I>exhorted the brethren with many words,</I> and <I>confirmed
|
|
them.</I> Even those that had the constant preaching of Paul and
|
|
Barnabas, yet were glad of the help of Judas and Silas; the diversity
|
|
of the gifts of ministers is of use to the church. Observe what is the
|
|
work of ministers with those that are in Christ.
|
|
|
|
(1.) To confirm them, by bringing them to see more reason both for
|
|
their faith in Christ and their obedience to him; to confirm their
|
|
choice of Christ and their resolutions for Christ.
|
|
|
|
(2.) To exhort them to perseverance, and to the particular duties
|
|
required of them: to quicken them to that which is good, and direct
|
|
them in it. They comforted the brethren (so it may be rendered), and
|
|
this would contribute to the confirming of them; for the joy of the
|
|
Lord will be our strength. They exhorted them with many words; they
|
|
used a very great copiousness and variety of expression. One word would
|
|
affect one, and another another; and therefore, though what they had to
|
|
say might have been summed up in a few words, yet it was for the
|
|
edification of the church that they used <I>many words,</I> <B><I>dia
|
|
logou pollou</I></B>--<I>with much speech, much reasoning; precept must
|
|
be upon precept.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
5. The dismission of the Jerusalem ministers,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:33"><I>v.</I> 33</A>.
|
|
|
|
When they had <I>spent some time among them</I> (so it might be read),
|
|
<B><I>poiesantes chronon</I></B>--<I>having made some stay,</I> and
|
|
having made it to good purpose, not having trifled away time, but
|
|
having filled it up, they were let go in peace from the brethren at
|
|
Antioch, to the apostles at Jerusalem, with all possible expressions of
|
|
kindness and respect; they thanked them for their coming and pains, and
|
|
the good service they had done, wished them their health and a good
|
|
journey home, and committed them to the custody of the peace of
|
|
God.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
6. The continuance of Silas, notwithstanding, together with Paul and
|
|
Barnabas, at Antioch.
|
|
|
|
(1.) Silas, when it came to the setting to, would not go back with
|
|
Judas to Jerusalem, but let him go home by himself, and chose rather to
|
|
<I>abide still at Antioch,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:34"><I>v.</I> 34</A>.
|
|
|
|
And we have no reason at all to blame him for it, though we know not
|
|
the reason that moved him to it. I am apt to think the congregations at
|
|
Antioch were both more large and more lively than those at Jerusalem,
|
|
and that this tempted him to stay there, and he did well: so did Judas,
|
|
who, notwithstanding this, returned to his post of service at
|
|
Jerusalem.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Paul and Barnabas, though their work lay chiefly among the
|
|
Gentiles, yet continued for some time in Antioch, being pleased with
|
|
the society of the ministers and people there, which, it should seem by
|
|
divers passages, was more than ordinarily inviting. They continued
|
|
there, not to take their pleasure, but <I>teaching and preaching the
|
|
word of God.</I> Antioch, being the chief city of Syria, it is probable
|
|
there was a great resort of Gentiles thither from all parts upon one
|
|
account or other, as there was of Jews to Jerusalem; so that in
|
|
preaching there they did in effect preach to many nations, for they
|
|
preached to those who would carry the report of what they preached to
|
|
many nations, and thereby prepare them for the apostles' coming in
|
|
person to preach to them. And thus they were not only not idle at
|
|
Antioch, but were serving their main intention.
|
|
|
|
(3.) There were <I>many others also</I> there, labouring at the same
|
|
oar. The multitude of workmen in Christ's vineyard does not give us a
|
|
writ of ease. Even where there are many others labouring in the word
|
|
and doctrine, yet there may be opportunity for us; the zeal and
|
|
usefulness of others should excite us, not lay us asleep.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_36"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_37"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_38"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_39"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_40"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac15_41"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Disagreement between Paul and Barnabas.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again
|
|
and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the
|
|
word of the Lord, <I>and see</I> how they do.
|
|
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose
|
|
surname was Mark.
|
|
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who
|
|
departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the
|
|
work.
|
|
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they
|
|
departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark,
|
|
and sailed unto Cyprus;
|
|
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the
|
|
brethren unto the grace of God.
|
|
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the
|
|
churches.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have seen one unhappy difference among the brethren, which was of a
|
|
public nature, brought to a good issue; but here we have a private
|
|
quarrel between two ministers, no less men than Paul and Barnabas, not
|
|
compromised indeed, yet ending well.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. Here is a good proposal Paul made to Barnabas to go and review their
|
|
work among the Gentiles and renew it, to take a circuit among the
|
|
churches they had planted, and see what progress the gospel made among
|
|
them. Antioch was now a safe and quiet harbour for them: they had there
|
|
no adversary nor evil occurrent; but Paul remembered that they only put
|
|
in there to refit and refresh themselves, and therefore begins now to
|
|
think of putting to sea again; and, having been in winter quarters long
|
|
enough, he is for taking the field again, and making another campaign,
|
|
in a vigorous prosecution of this holy war against Satan's kingdom.
|
|
Paul remembered that the work appointed him was afar off among the
|
|
Gentiles, and therefore he is here meditating a second expedition among
|
|
them to do the same work, though to encounter the same difficulties;
|
|
and this <I>some days after,</I> for his active spirit could not bear
|
|
to be long out of work; no, nor his bold and daring spirit to be long
|
|
out of danger. Observe,
|
|
|
|
1. To whom he makes this proposal--to Barnabas, his old friend and
|
|
fellow-labourer; he invites his company and help in this work. We have
|
|
need one of another, and may be in many ways serviceable one to
|
|
another; and therefore should be forward both to borrow and lend
|
|
assistance. Two are better than one. Every soldier has his comrade.
|
|
|
|
2. For whom the visit is designed: "Let us not presently begin new
|
|
work, nor break up new ground; but let us take a view of the fields we
|
|
have sown. <I>Come, and let us get up early to the vineyards, let us
|
|
see if the vine flourish,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=So+7:12">Cant. vii. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have
|
|
preached the word of the Lord.</I>" Observe, He calls all the
|
|
Christians brethren, and not ministers only; for, <I>Have we not all
|
|
one Father?</I> He has a concern for them in <I>every city,</I> even
|
|
where the brethren were fewest and poorest, and most persecuted and
|
|
despised; yet let us visit them. Wherever we have <I>preached the word
|
|
of the Lord,</I> let us go and water the seed sown. Note, Those that
|
|
have preached the gospel should visit those to whom them have preached
|
|
it. As we must look after our praying, and hear what answer God gives
|
|
to that; so we must look after our preaching, and see what success that
|
|
has. Faithful ministers cannot but have a particular tender concern
|
|
for those to whom they have preached the gospel, that they may not
|
|
bestow upon them labour in vain. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+3:5,6">1 Thess. iii. 5, 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
3. What was intended in this visit: "Let us <I>see how they do,</I>"
|
|
<B><I>pos echousi</I></B>--<I>how it is with them.</I> It was not
|
|
merely a compliment that he designed, nor did he take such a journey
|
|
with a bare <I>How do you do?</I> No, he would visit them that he might
|
|
acquaint himself with their case, and impart unto them such spiritual
|
|
gifts as were suited to it; as the physician visits his recovering
|
|
patient, that he may prescribe what is proper for the perfecting of his
|
|
cure, and the preventing of a relapse. Let us see how they do, that is,
|
|
|
|
(1.) What spirit they are of, how they stand affected, and how they
|
|
behave themselves; it is probable that they frequently heard from them,
|
|
"But let us go and see them; let us go and see whether they hold fast
|
|
what we preached to them, and live up to it, that we may endeavour to
|
|
reduce them if we find them wandering, to confirm them if we find them
|
|
wavering, and to comfort them if we find them steady."
|
|
|
|
(2.) What state they are in, whether the churches have rest and
|
|
liberty, or whether they are not in trouble or distress, that we may
|
|
rejoice with them if they rejoice, and caution them against security,
|
|
and may weep with them if they weep, and comfort them under the cross,
|
|
and may know the better how to pray for them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas about an assistant; it
|
|
was convenient to have a young man with them that should attend on them
|
|
and minister to them, and be a witness of their <I>doctrine, manner of
|
|
life, and patience,</I> and that should be fitted and trained up for
|
|
further service, by being occasionally employed in the present service.
|
|
Now,
|
|
|
|
1. Barnabas would have his nephew John, whose surname was Mark, to go
|
|
along with them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:37"><I>v.</I> 37</A>.
|
|
|
|
He determined to take him, because he was his relation, and, it is
|
|
likely, was brought up under him, and he had a kindness for him, and
|
|
was solicitous for his welfare. We should suspect ourselves of
|
|
partiality, and guard against it in preferring our relations.
|
|
|
|
2. Paul opposed it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:38"><I>v.</I> 38</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>He thought not good to take him with them,</I> <B><I>ouk
|
|
exiou</I></B>--<I>he did not think him worthy</I> of the honour, nor
|
|
fit for the service, who had <I>departed from them,</I> clandestinely
|
|
as it should seem, without their knowledge, or wilfully, without their
|
|
consent, from Pamphylia
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+13:13"><I>ch.</I> xiii. 13</A>),
|
|
|
|
and <I>went not with them to the work,</I> because he was either lazy
|
|
and would not take the pains that must be taken, or cowardly and would
|
|
not run the hazard. He run his colours just as they were going to
|
|
engage. It is probable that he promised very fair now that he would not
|
|
do so again. But Paul thought it was not fit he should be thus honoured
|
|
who had forfeited his reputation, nor thus employed who had betrayed
|
|
his trust; at least, not till he had been longer tried. If a man
|
|
deceive me once, it is his fault; but, if twice, it is my own, for
|
|
trusting him. Solomon saith, <I>Confidence in an unfaithful man in time
|
|
of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint,</I> which
|
|
will hardly be used again,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+25:19">Prov. xxv. 19</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The issue of this disagreement: it came to such a height that they
|
|
separated upon it. The contention, the <I>paroxysm</I> (so the word
|
|
is), the fit of passion which this threw them both into, was so sharp
|
|
that they <I>departed asunder one from the other.</I> Barnabas was
|
|
peremptory that he would not go with Paul unless they took John Mark
|
|
with them; Paul was as peremptory that he would not go if John did go
|
|
with them. Neither would yield, and therefore there is no remedy but
|
|
they must part. Now here is that which is very humbling, and just
|
|
matter of lamentation, and yet very instructive. For we see,
|
|
|
|
1. That the best of men are but men, <I>subject to like passions</I> as
|
|
we are, as these two good men had expressly owned concerning themselves
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+14:15"><I>ch.</I> xiv. 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
and now it appeared too true. I doubt there was (as usually there is in
|
|
such contentions) a <I>fault on both sides;</I> perhaps Paul was too
|
|
severe upon the young man, and did not allow his fault the extenuation
|
|
it was capable of, did not consider what a useful woman his mother was
|
|
in Jerusalem
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+12:12"><I>ch.</I> xii. 12</A>),
|
|
|
|
nor make the allowances he might have made to Barnabas's natural
|
|
affection. But it was Barnabas's fault that he took this into
|
|
consideration, in a case wherein the interest of Christ's kingdom was
|
|
concerned, and indulged it too much. And they were certainly both in
|
|
fault to be hot as to let the contention be sharp (it is to be feared
|
|
they gave one another some hard words), as also to be so stiff as each
|
|
to stick resolutely to his opinion, and neither to yield. It is a pity
|
|
that they did not refer the matter to a third person, or that some
|
|
friend did not interpose to prevent its coming to an open rupture. Is
|
|
there never a wise man among them to interpose his good offices, and to
|
|
accommodate the matter, and to put them in mind of the Canaanite and
|
|
the Perizzite that were <I>now in the land,</I> and that not only Jews
|
|
and heathens, but the false brethren among themselves, would warm their
|
|
hands at the flames of the contention between Paul and Barnabas? We
|
|
must own it was their infirmity, and is recorded for our admonition;
|
|
not that we must make use of it to excuse our own intemperate heats and
|
|
passions, or to rebate the edge of our sorrow and shame for them; we
|
|
must not say, "What if I was in a passion, were not Paul and Barnabas
|
|
so?" No; but it must check our censures of others, and moderate them.
|
|
If good men are soon put into a passion, we must make the best of it,
|
|
it was the infirmity once of two of the best men that ever the world
|
|
had. Repentance teaches us to be severe in reflections upon ourselves;
|
|
but charity teaches us to be candid in our reflections upon others. It
|
|
is only Christ's example that is a copy without a blot.
|
|
|
|
2. That we are not to think it strange if there be differences among
|
|
wise and good men; we were told before that such offences would come,
|
|
and here is an instance of it. Even those that are united to one and
|
|
the same Jesus, and sanctified by one and the same Spirit, have
|
|
different apprehensions, different opinions, different views, and
|
|
different sentiments in points of prudence. It will be so while we are
|
|
in this state of darkness and imperfection; we shall never be all of a
|
|
mind till we come to heaven, where light and love are perfect. That is
|
|
<I>charity</I> which <I>never fails.</I>
|
|
|
|
3. That these differences often prevail so far as to occasion
|
|
separations. Paul and Barnabas, who were not separated by the
|
|
persecutions of the unbelieving Jews, nor the impositions of the
|
|
believing Jews, were yet separated by an unhappy disagreement between
|
|
themselves. O the mischief that even the poor and weak remainders of
|
|
pride and passion, that are found even in good men, do in the world, do
|
|
in the church! Now wonder the consequences are so fatal where they
|
|
reign.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. The good that was brought out of this evil-meat out of the eater,
|
|
and sweetness out of the strong. It was strange that even the
|
|
sufferings of the apostles (as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Php+1:12">Phil. i. 12</A>),
|
|
|
|
but much more strange that even the quarrels of the apostles, should
|
|
tend to the <I>furtherance of the gospel of Christ;</I> yet so it
|
|
proved here. God would not permit such things to be, if he knew not how
|
|
to make them to serve his own purposes.
|
|
|
|
1. More places are hereby visited. Barnabas went one way; he sailed to
|
|
Cyprus
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:39"><I>v.</I> 39</A>),
|
|
|
|
that famous island where they began their work
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+13:4"><I>ch.</I> xiii. 4</A>),
|
|
|
|
and which was <I>his own country,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:36"><I>ch.</I> iv. 36</A>.
|
|
|
|
Paul went another way into Cilicia, which was <I>his own country,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+21:39"><I>ch.</I> xxi. 39</A>.
|
|
|
|
Each seems to be influenced by his affection to his native soil, as
|
|
usual (<I>Nescio quá natale solum dulcedine cunctos ducit--There
|
|
is something that attaches us all to our native soil</I>), and yet God
|
|
served his own purposes by it, for the diffusing of gospel light.
|
|
|
|
2. More hands are hereby employed in the ministry of the gospel among
|
|
the Gentiles; for,
|
|
|
|
(1.) John Mark, who had been an unfaithful hand, is not rejected, but
|
|
is again made use of, against Paul's mind, and, for aught we know,
|
|
proves a very useful and successful hand, though many think it was not
|
|
the same with that Mark that wrote the gospel, and founded the church
|
|
at Alexandria, and whom Peter calls his son,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+5:13">1 Pet. v. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Silas who was a new hand, and never yet employed in that work, nor
|
|
intended to be, but to return to the service of the church at
|
|
Jerusalem, had not God changed his mind
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:33,34"><I>v.</I> 33, 34</A>),
|
|
|
|
he is brought in, and engaged in that noble work.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. We may further observe,
|
|
|
|
1. That the church at Antioch seem to countenance Paul in what he did.
|
|
Barnabas sailed with his nephew to Cyprus, and no notice was taken of
|
|
him, nor a <I>bene discessit--a recommendation</I> given him. Note,
|
|
Those that in their service of the church are swayed by private
|
|
affections and regards forfeit public honours and respect. But, when
|
|
Paul departed, he was <I>recommended by the brethren to the grace of
|
|
God.</I> They thought he was in the right in refusing to make use of
|
|
John Mark, and could not but blame Barnabas for insisting upon it,
|
|
though he was one who had deserved well of the church
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:22"><I>ch.</I> xi. 22</A>)
|
|
|
|
before they knew Paul; and therefore they prayed publicly for Paul, and
|
|
for the success of his ministry, encouraged him to go on in his work,
|
|
and, though they could do nothing themselves to further him, they
|
|
transferred the matter to the grace of God, leaving it to that grace
|
|
both to work upon him and to work with him. Note, Those are happy at
|
|
all times, and especially in times of disagreement and contention, who
|
|
are enabled so to carry themselves as not to forfeit their interest in
|
|
the love and prayers of good people.
|
|
|
|
2. That yet Paul afterwards seems to have had, though not upon second
|
|
thoughts, yet upon further trial, a better opinion of John Mark than
|
|
now he had; for he writes to Timothy
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+4:11">2 Tim. iv. 11</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>Take Mark and bring him with thee, for he is profitable to me for
|
|
the ministry;</I> and he writes to the Colossians concerning Marcus,
|
|
sister's son to Barnabas, that <I>if he came to them</I> they should
|
|
<I>receive him,</I> bid him welcome, and employ him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:10">Col. iv. 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
which teaches us,
|
|
|
|
(1.) That even those whom we justly condemn we should condemn
|
|
moderately, and with a great deal of temper, because we know not but
|
|
afterwards we may see cause to think better of them, and both to make
|
|
use of them and make friendship with them, and we should so regulate
|
|
our resentments that if it should prove so we may not afterwards be
|
|
ashamed of them.
|
|
|
|
(2.) That even those whom we have justly condemned, if afterwards they
|
|
prove more faithful, we should cheerfully receive, forgive and forget,
|
|
and put a confidence in, and, as there is occasion, give a good word
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to.
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3. That Paul, though he wanted his old friend and companion in the
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kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, yet went on cheerfully in his
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work
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:41"><I>v.</I> 41</A>):
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<I>He went through Syria and Cilicia,</I> countries which lay next to
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Antioch, <I>confirming the churches.</I> Though we change our
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colleagues, we do not change our principal president. And observe,
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Ministers are well employed, and ought to think themselves so, and be
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satisfied, when they are made use of confirming those that believe, as
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well as in converting those that believe not.</P>
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