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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. XI.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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In this chapter we have,
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I. Peter's necessary vindication of what he did in receiving Cornelius
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and his friends into the church, from the censure he lay under for it
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among the brethren, and their acquiescence in it,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:1-18">ver. 1-18</A>.
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II. The good success of the gospel at Antioch, and the parts adjacent,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:19-21">ver. 19-21</A>.
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III. The carrying on of the good work that was begun at Antioch, by the
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ministry of Barnabas first, and afterwards of Paul in conjunction with
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him, and the lasting name of Christian first given to the disciples
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there,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:22-26">ver. 22-26</A>.
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IV. A prediction of an approaching famine, and the contribution that
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was made among the Gentile converts for the relief of the poor saints
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in Judea, upon that occasion,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:27-30">ver. 27-30</A>.</P>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Peter's Vindication.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judæa heard that
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the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
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2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of
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the circumcision contended with him,
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3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat
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with them.
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4 But Peter rehearsed <I>the matter</I> from the beginning, and
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expounded <I>it</I> by order unto them, saying,
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5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a
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vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet,
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let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:
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6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered,
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and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and
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creeping things, and fowls of the air.
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7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and
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eat.
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8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath
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at any time entered into my mouth.
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9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath
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cleansed, <I>that</I> call not thou common.
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10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again
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into heaven.
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11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come
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unto the house where I was, sent from Cæsarea unto me.
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12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting.
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Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into
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the man's house:
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13 And he showed us how he had seen an angel in his house,
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which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for
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Simon, whose surname is Peter;
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14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house
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shall be saved.
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15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on
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us at the beginning.
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16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said,
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John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with
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the Holy Ghost.
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17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as <I>he did</I>
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unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that
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I could withstand God?
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18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and
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glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted
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repentance unto life.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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The preaching of the gospel to Cornelius was a thing which we poor
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sinners of the Gentiles have reason to reflect upon with a great deal
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of joy and thankfulness; for it was the bringing of light to us who sat
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in darkness. Now it being so great a surprize to the believing as well
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as the unbelieving Jews, it is worth while to enquire how it was
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received, and what comments were made upon it. And here we find,</P>
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<P>
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I. Intelligence was presently brought of it to the church in Jerusalem,
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and thereabouts; for Cesarea was not so far from Jerusalem but that
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they might presently hear of it. Some for good-will, and some for
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ill-will, would spread the report of it; so that before he himself had
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returned to Jerusalem <I>the apostles and</I> the <I>brethren</I> there
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and <I>in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of
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God,</I> that is, the gospel of Christ, which is not only a word of
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God, but the word of God; for it is the summary and centre of all
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divine revelation. They received Christ; <I>for his name is called the
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Word of God,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+19:13">Rev. xix. 13</A>.
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Not only that the Jews who were dispersed into the Gentile countries,
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and the Gentiles who were proselyted to the Jewish religion, but that
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the Gentiles also themselves, with whom it had hitherto been thought
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unlawful to hold common conversation, were taken into church-communion,
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that they had <I>received the word of God.</I> That is,
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1. That the word of God was preached to them, which was a greater
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honour put upon them than they expected. Yet I wonder this should seem
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strange to those who were themselves commissioned to <I>preach the
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gospel to every creature.</I> But thus often are the prejudices of
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pride and bigotry held fast against the clearest discoveries of divine
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truth.
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2. That it was entertained and submitted to by them, which was a better
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work wrought upon them than they expected. It is likely they had got a
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notion that if the gospel were preached to the Gentiles it would be to
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no purpose, because the proofs of the gospel were fetched so much out
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of the Old Testament, which the Gentiles did not receive: they looked
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upon them as not inclined to religion, nor likely to receive the
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impressions of it; and therefore were surprized to hear that they had
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received the word of the Lord. Note, We are too apt to despair of
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doing good to those who yet, when they are tried, prove very
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tractable.</P>
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<P>
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II. That offence was taken at it by the believing Jews
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:2,3"><I>v.</I> 2, 3</A>):
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<I>When Peter had himself come up to Jerusalem, those that were of the
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circumcision,</I> those Jewish converts that still retained a
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veneration for circumcision, <I>contended with him.</I> They charged it
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upon him as a crime that he <I>went in to men uncircumcised, and did
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eat with them;</I> and thereby they think he has stained, if not
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forfeited, the honour of his apostleship, and ought to come under the
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censure of the church: so far were they from looking upon him as
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infallible, or as the supreme head of the church that all were
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accountable to, and he to none. See here,
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1. How much it is the bane and damage of the church, to monopolize it,
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and to exclude those from it, and from the benefit of the means of
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grace, that are not in every thing as we are. There are narrow souls
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that are for engrossing the riches of the church, as there are that
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would engross the riches of the world, and would be <I>placed alone in
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the midst of the earth.</I> These men were of Jonah's mind, who, in a
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jealousy for his people, was angry that the Ninevites received the word
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of God, and justified himself in it.
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2. Christ's ministers must not think it strange if they be censured and
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quarrelled with, not only by their professed enemies, but by their
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professing friends; not only for their follies and infirmities, but for
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their good actions seasonably and well done; but, if we have proved our
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own work, we may have rejoicing in ourselves, as Peter had, whatever
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reflections we may have from our brethren. Those that are zealous and
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courageous in the service of Christ must expect to be censured by those
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who, under pretence of being cautious, are cold and indifferent. Those
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who are of catholic, generous, charitable principles, must expect to be
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censured by such as are conceited and strait-laced, who say, <I>Stand
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by thyself, I am holier than thou.</I></P>
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<P>
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III. Peter gave such a full and fair account of the matter of fact as
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was sufficient, without any further argument or apology, both to
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justify him, and to satisfy them
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>):
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<I>He rehearsed the matter from the beginning,</I> and laid it before
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them in order, and then could appeal to themselves whether he had done
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amiss; for it appeared all along God's own work, and not his.</P>
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<P>
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1. He takes it for granted that if they had rightly understood how the
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matter was they would not have contended with him, and commended him.
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And it is a good reason why we should be moderate in our censures, and
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sparing of them, because if we rightly understood that which we are so
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forward to run down perhaps we should see cause to run in with it. When
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we see others do that which looks suspicious, instead of contending
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with them, we should enquire of them what ground they went upon; and,
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if we have not an opportunity to do that, should ourselves put the best
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construction upon it that it will bear, and <I>judge nothing before the
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time.</I></P>
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<P>
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2. He is very willing to stand right in their opinion, and takes pains
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to give them satisfaction. He does not insist upon his being the chief
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of the apostles, for he was far from the thought of that supremacy
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which his pretended successors claim. Nor does he think it enough to
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tell them that he is satisfied himself in the grounds he went upon, and
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they need not trouble themselves about it; but he is ready to <I>give a
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reason of the hope that is in him</I> concerning the Gentiles, and why
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he had receded from his former sentiments, which were the same with
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theirs. It is a debt we owe both to ourselves and to our brethren to
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set those actions of ours in a true light which at first looked ill and
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gave offence, that we may remove stumbling-blocks out of our brethren's
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way. Let us now see what Peter pleads in his own defence.</P>
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<P>
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(1.) That he was instructed by a vision no longer to keep up the
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distinctions which were made by the ceremonial law; he relates the
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vision
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:5,6"><I>v.</I> 5, 6</A>),
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as we had it before
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+10:9"><I>ch.</I> x. 9</A>,
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&c. The sheet which was there said to be <I>let down to the earth</I>
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he here says came <I>even to him,</I> which circumstance intimates that
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it was particularly designed for instruction to him. We should thus see
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all God's discoveries of himself, which he has made to the children of
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men, coming even to us, applying them by faith to ourselves. Another
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circumstance here added is that when the sheet <I>came to him he
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fastened his eyes upon it, and considered it,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
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If we would be led into the knowledge of divine things, we must fix our
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minds upon them, and consider them. He tells them what orders he had to
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eat of all sorts of meat without distinction, asking no questions for
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conscience' sake,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
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It was not till after the flood (as it should seem) that man was
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allowed to eat flesh at all,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+9:3">Gen. ix. 3</A>.
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That allowance was afterwards limited by the ceremonial law; but now
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the restrictions were taken off, and the matter set at large again. It
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was not the design of Christ to abridge us in the use of our
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creature-comforts by any other law than that of sobriety and
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temperance, and preferring the meat that endures to eternal life before
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that which perishes. He pleads that he was as averse to the thoughts of
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conversing with Gentiles, or eating of their dainties, as they could
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be, and therefore refused the liberty given him: <I>Not so, Lord; for
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nothing common or unclean has at any time entered into my mouth,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
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But he was told from heaven that the case was now altered, that God
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had cleansed those persons and things which were before polluted; and
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therefore that he must no longer call them common, nor look upon them
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as unfit to be meddled with by the peculiar people
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>);
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so that he was not to be blamed for changing his thoughts, when God had
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changed the thing. In things of this nature we must act according to
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our present light; yet must not be so wedded to our opinion concerning
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them as to be prejudiced against further discoveries, when the matter
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may either be otherwise or appear otherwise; and God may reveal even
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this unto us,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Php+3:15">Phil. iii. 15</A>.
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And, that they might be sure he was not deceived in it, he tells them
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it was done three times
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>),
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the same command given, to kill and eat, and the same reason, because
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that which God hath cleansed is not to be called common, repeated a
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second and third time. And, further to confirm him that it was a divine
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vision, the things he saw did not vanish away into the air, but <I>were
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drawn up again into heaven,</I> whence they were let down.</P>
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<P>
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(2.) That he was particularly directed by the Spirit to go along with
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the messengers that Cornelius sent. And, that it might appear that the
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vision was designed to satisfy him in this matter, he observes to them
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the time when the messengers came--immediately after he had that vision;
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yet, lest this should not be sufficient to clear his way, the Spirit
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bade him <I>go with the men</I> that were then sent from Cesarea to
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him, <I>nothing doubting</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:11,12"><I>v.</I> 11, 12</A>);
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though they were Gentiles he went to, and went with, yet he must make
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no scruple of going along with them.</P>
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<P>
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(3.) That he took some of his brethren along with him, who were of the
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circumcision, that they might be satisfied as well as he; and these he
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had brought up from Joppa, to witness for him with what caution he
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proceeded, foreseeing the offence that would be taken at it. He did not
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act separately, but with advice; not rashly, but upon due
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deliberation.</P>
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<P>
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(4.) That Cornelius had a vision too, by which he was directed to send
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for Peter
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>):
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<I>He showed us how he had seen a angel in his house,</I> that bade him
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<I>send to Joppa for one Simon, whose surname is Peter.</I> See how
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good it is for those that have communion with God, and keep up a
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correspondence with heaven, to compare notes, and communicate their
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experiences to each other; for hereby they may strengthen one another's
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faith: Peter is the more confirmed in the truth of his vision by
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Cornelius's, and Cornelius by Peter's. Here is something added in what
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the angel said to Cornelius; before it was, <I>Send for Peter, and he
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shall speak to thee, he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+10:6,32"><I>ch.</I> x. 6, 32</A>);
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but here it is, "<I>He shall tell thee words whereby thou and thy house
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shall be saved</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>),
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and therefore it is of vast concern to thee, and will be of unspeakable
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advantage, to send for him." Note,
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[1.] The words of the gospel are words whereby we may be saved,
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eternally saved; not merely by hearing them and reading them, but by
|
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believing and obeying them. They set the salvation before us, and show
|
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us what it is; they open the way of salvation to us, and, if we follow
|
|
the method prescribed us by them, we shall certainly be saved from
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wrath and the curse, and be for ever happy.
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[2.] Those that embrace the gospel of Christ will have salvation
|
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brought by it to their families: "<I>Thou and all thy house shall be
|
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saved;</I> thou and thy children shall be taken into covenant, and have
|
|
the means of salvation; thy house shall be as welcome to the benefit of
|
|
the salvation, upon their believing, as thou thyself, even the meanest
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servant thou hast. <I>This day is salvation come to this house,</I>"
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+19:9">Luke xix. 9</A>.
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Hitherto salvation was of the Jews
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|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+4:22">John iv. 22</A>),
|
|
|
|
but now salvation is brought to the Gentiles as much as ever it was
|
|
with the Jews; the promises, privileges, and means of it are conveyed
|
|
to all nations as amply and fully, to all intents and purposes, as ever
|
|
it had been appropriated to the Jewish nation.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(5.) That which put the matter past all dispute was the descent of the
|
|
Holy Ghost upon the Gentile hearers; this completed the evidence that
|
|
it was the will of God that he should take the Gentiles into communion.
|
|
|
|
[1.] The fact was plain and undeniable
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>As I began to speak</I>" (and perhaps he felt some secret
|
|
reluctance in his own breast, doubting whether he was in the right to
|
|
preach to the uncircumcised), "presently <I>the Holy Ghost fell on
|
|
them</I> in as visible signs <I>as on us at the beginning,</I> in which
|
|
there could be no fallacy." Thus God attested what was done, and
|
|
declared his approbation of it; that preaching is certainly right with
|
|
which the Holy Ghost is given. The apostle supposes this, when he thus
|
|
argues with the Galatians: <I>Received you the Spirit by the works of
|
|
the law, or by the hearing of faith?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+3:2">Gal. iii. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] Peter was hereby put in mind of a saying of his Master's, when he
|
|
was leaving them
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+1:5"><I>ch.</I> i. 5</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>John baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy
|
|
Ghost,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
This plainly intimated, <I>First,</I> that the Holy Ghost was the gift
|
|
of Christ, and the product and performance of his promise, that great
|
|
promise which he left with them when he went to heaven. It was
|
|
therefore without doubt from him that this gift came; and the filling
|
|
of them with the Holy Ghost was his act and deed. As it was promised by
|
|
his mouth, so it was performed by his hand, and was a token of his
|
|
favour. <I>Secondly,</I> That the gift of the Holy Ghost was a kind of
|
|
baptism. Those that received it were baptized with it in a more
|
|
excellent manner than any of those that even the Baptist himself
|
|
baptized with water.
|
|
|
|
[3.] Comparing that promise, so worded, with this gift just now
|
|
conferred, when the question was started, whether these persons should
|
|
be baptized or no, he concluded that the question was determined by
|
|
Christ himself
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did to
|
|
us</I>--gave it to us as <I>believing in the Lord Jesus Christ,</I> and
|
|
to them upon their believing in him--<I>What was I, that I could
|
|
withstand God?</I> Could I refuse to baptize them with water, whom God
|
|
had baptized with the Holy Ghost? Could I deny the sign to those on
|
|
whom he had conferred the thing signified? <I>But, as for me, who was
|
|
I?</I> What! able to forbid God? Did it become me to control the
|
|
divine will, or to oppose the counsels of Heaven?" Note, Those who
|
|
hinder the conversion of souls withstand God; and those take too much
|
|
upon them who contrive how to exclude from their communion those whom
|
|
God has taken into communion with himself.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. This account which Peter gave of the matter satisfied them, and all
|
|
was well. Thus, when the two tribes and a half gave an account to
|
|
Phinehas and the princes of Israel of the true intent and meaning of
|
|
their building themselves an altar on the banks of Jordan, the
|
|
controversy was dropped, and it pleased them that it was so,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+22:30">Josh. xxii. 30</A>.
|
|
|
|
Some people, when they have fastened a censure upon a person, will
|
|
stick to it, though afterwards it appear ever so plainly to be unjust
|
|
and groundless. It was not so here; for these brethren, though they
|
|
were of the circumcision, and their bias went the other way, yet, when
|
|
they heard this,
|
|
|
|
1. They let fall their censures: they held their peace, and said no
|
|
more against what Peter had done; they laid their hand upon their
|
|
mouth, because now they perceived that God did it. Now those who prided
|
|
themselves in their dignities as Jews began to see that God was
|
|
staining their pride, by letting in the Gentiles to share, and to share
|
|
equally, with them. And now that prophecy was fulfilled, <I>Thou shalt
|
|
no more be haughty because of my holy mountain,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Zep+3:11">Zeph. iii. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
2. They turned them into praises. They not only held their peace from
|
|
quarrelling with Peter, but opened their mouths to glorify God for what
|
|
he had done by and with Peter's ministry; they were thankful that their
|
|
mistake was rectified, and that God had shown more mercy to the poor
|
|
Gentiles than they were inclined to show them, saying, <I>Then hath God
|
|
also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life!</I> He hath granted
|
|
them not only the means of repentance, in opening a door of entrance
|
|
for his ministers among them, but the grace of repentance, in having
|
|
given them his Holy Spirit, who, wherever he comes to be a Comforter,
|
|
first convinces, and gives a sight of sin and sorrow for it, and then a
|
|
sight of Christ and joy in him. Note,
|
|
|
|
(1.) Repentance, if it be true, is unto life. It is to spiritual life;
|
|
all that truly repent of their sins evidence it by living a new life, a
|
|
holy, heavenly, and divine life. Those that by repentance die unto sin
|
|
thenceforward live unto God; and then, and not till then, we begin to
|
|
live indeed, and it shall be to eternal life. All true penitents shall
|
|
live, that is, they shall be restored to the favour of God, which is
|
|
life, which is better than life; they shall be comforted with the
|
|
assurance of the pardon of their sins, and shall have the earnest of
|
|
eternal life, and at length the fruition of it.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Repentance is God's gift; it is not only his free grace that
|
|
accepts it, but his mighty grace that works it in us, that <I>takes
|
|
away the heart of stone, and gives us a heart of flesh. The sacrifice
|
|
of God is a broken spirit;</I> it is he that provides himself this
|
|
lamb.
|
|
|
|
(3.) Wherever God designs to give life he gives repentance; for this is
|
|
a necessary preparative for the comforts of a sealed pardon and a
|
|
settled peace in this world, and for the seeing and enjoying of God in
|
|
the other world.
|
|
|
|
(4.) It is a great comfort to us that God has exalted his Son Jesus,
|
|
not only to <I>give repentance to Israel, and the remission of sins</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+5:31"><I>ch.</I> v. 31</A>),
|
|
|
|
but to the Gentiles also.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Ac11_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac11_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac11_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac11_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac11_23"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac11_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac11_25"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac11_26"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Gospel Preached at Antioch; Success of the Gospel at Antioch; Barnabas at Antioch.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution
|
|
that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus,
|
|
and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
|
|
20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when
|
|
they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the
|
|
Lord Jesus.
|
|
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number
|
|
believed, and turned unto the Lord.
|
|
22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the
|
|
church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that
|
|
he should go as far as Antioch.
|
|
23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad,
|
|
and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would
|
|
cleave unto the Lord.
|
|
24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of
|
|
faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
|
|
25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
|
|
26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And
|
|
it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with
|
|
the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called
|
|
Christians first in Antioch.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here an account of the planting and watering of a church at
|
|
Antioch, the chief city of Syria, reckoned afterwards the third most
|
|
considerable city of the empire, only Rome and Alexandria being
|
|
preferred before it, next to whose patriarch that of Antioch took
|
|
place. It stood where Hamath or Riblah did, which we read of in the Old
|
|
Testament. It is suggested that Luke, the penman of this history, as
|
|
well as Theophilus, to whom he dedicates it, was of Antioch, which may
|
|
be the reason why he takes more particular notice of the success of the
|
|
gospel at Antioch, as also because there it was that Paul began to be
|
|
famous, towards the story of whom he is hastening. Now concerning the
|
|
church at Antioch observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. The first preachers of the gospel there were such as were dispersed
|
|
from Jerusalem by persecution, that persecution which arose five or six
|
|
years ago (as some compute), at the time of Stephen's death
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>They travelled as far as Phenice</I> and other places <I>preaching
|
|
the word.</I> God suffered them to be persecuted, that thereby they
|
|
might be dispersed in the world, sown as seed to God, in order to their
|
|
bringing forth much fruit. Thus what was intended for the hurt of the
|
|
church was made to work for its good; as Jacob's curse of the tribe of
|
|
Levi (<I>I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel</I>)
|
|
was turned into a blessing. The enemies designed to scatter and lose
|
|
them, Christ designed to scatter and use them. Thus the wrath of man is
|
|
made to praise God. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. Those that <I>fled from persecution</I> did not flee from their
|
|
work; though for the time they declined suffering, yet they did not
|
|
decline service; nay, they threw themselves into a larger field of
|
|
opportunity than before. Those that persecuted the preachers of the
|
|
gospel hoped thereby to prevent their carrying it to the Gentile world;
|
|
but it proved that they did but hasten it the sooner. <I>Howbeit, they
|
|
meant not so, neither did their heart think so.</I> Those that were
|
|
persecuted in one city fled to another; but they carried their religion
|
|
along with them, not only that they might take the comfort of it
|
|
themselves, but that they might communicate it to others, thus showing
|
|
that when they got out of the way it was not because they were afraid
|
|
of suffering, but because they were willing to reserve themselves for
|
|
further service.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. They pressed forward in their work, finding that the <I>good
|
|
pleasure of the Lord prospered in their hands.</I> When they had
|
|
preached successfully in Judea, Samaria, and Galilee, they got out of
|
|
the borders of the land of Canaan, and travelled into Phœnicia, into
|
|
the island of Cyprus, and into Syria. Though the further they travelled
|
|
the more they exposed themselves, yet they travelled on; <I>plus
|
|
ultra--further still,</I> was their motto; grudging no pains, and
|
|
dreading no perils, in carrying on so good a work, and serving so good
|
|
a Master.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. They <I>preached the word to none but to the Jews only</I> who were
|
|
dispersed in all those parts, and had synagogues of their own, in which
|
|
they met with them by themselves, and preached to them. They did not
|
|
yet understand that the Gentiles were to be fellow-heirs, and of the
|
|
same body; but left the Gentiles either to turn Jews, and so come into
|
|
the church, or else remain as they were.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. They particularly applied themselves to the Hellenist Jews, here
|
|
called the Grecians, that were at Antioch. Many of the preachers were
|
|
natives of Judea and Jerusalem; but some of them were by birth of
|
|
Cyprus and Cyrene, as Barnabas himself
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:36"><I>ch.</I> iv. 36</A>),
|
|
|
|
and Simon
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+15:21">Mark xv. 21</A>),
|
|
|
|
but had their education in Jerusalem; and these, being themselves
|
|
Grecian Jews, had a particular concern for those of their own
|
|
denomination and distinction, and applied themselves closely to them at
|
|
Antioch. Dr. Lightfoot says that they were there called
|
|
<I>Hellenists,</I> or <I>Grecians,</I> because they were Jews of the
|
|
corporation or enfranchisement of the city; for Antioch was a
|
|
Syrogrecian city. To them they preached the Lord Jesus. This was the
|
|
constant subject of their preaching; what else should the ministers of
|
|
Christ preach, but Christ--Christ, and him crucified--Christ, and him
|
|
glorified?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
5. They had wonderful success in their preaching,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
(1.) Their preaching was accompanied with a divine power: <I>The hand
|
|
of the Lord was with them,</I> which some understand of the power they
|
|
were endued with to work miracles for the confirming of their doctrine;
|
|
in these the Lord <I>was working with them, for he confirmed the word
|
|
with signs following</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+16:20">Mark xvi. 20</A>);
|
|
|
|
in these God <I>bore them witness,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+2:4">Heb. ii. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
But I rather understand it of the power of divine grace working on the
|
|
hearts of the hearers, and opening them, as Lydia's heart was opened,
|
|
because many saw the miracles who were not converted; but when by the
|
|
Spirit the understanding was enlightened, and the will bowed to the
|
|
gospel of Christ, that was a day of power, in which volunteers were
|
|
enlisted under the banner of the Lord Jesus,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+110:3">Ps. cx. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>The hand of the Lord was with them,</I> to bring that home to the
|
|
hearts and consciences of men which they could but speak to the outward
|
|
ear. Then the word of the Lord gains its end, when the hand of the Lord
|
|
goes along with it, to write it in their heart. Then people are brought
|
|
to believe the report of the gospel, when with it the <I>arm of the
|
|
Lord is revealed</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+53:1">Isa. liii. 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
when God <I>teaches with a strong hand,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+8:11">Isa. viii. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
These were not apostles, but ordinary ministers, yet they had the hand
|
|
of the Lord with them, and did wonders.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Abundance of good was done: <I>A great number believed, and turned
|
|
unto the Lord</I>--many more than could have been expected, considering
|
|
the outward disadvantages they laboured under: some of all sorts of
|
|
people were wrought upon, and brought into obedience to Christ.
|
|
Observe, What the change was.
|
|
|
|
[1.] They believed; they were convinced of the truth of the gospel, and
|
|
subscribed to the record God had given in it concerning his Son.
|
|
|
|
[2.] The effect and evidence of this was that they <I>turned unto the
|
|
Lord.</I> They could not be said to turn from the service of idols, for
|
|
they were Jews, worshippers of the true God only; but they turned from
|
|
a confidence in the righteousness of the law, to rely only upon the
|
|
righteousness of Christ, the righteousness which is by faith; they
|
|
turned from a loose, careless, carnal way of living, to live a holy,
|
|
heavenly, spiritual, and divine life; they turned from worshipping God
|
|
in show and ceremony, to worship him <I>in spirit and in truth.</I>
|
|
They turned to the Lord Jesus, and he became all in all with them. This
|
|
was the work of conversion wrought upon them, and it must be wrought
|
|
upon every one of us. It was the fruit of their faith. All that
|
|
sincerely believe will turn to the Lord; for, whatever we profess or
|
|
pretend, we do not really believe the gospel if we do not cordially
|
|
embrace Christ offered to us in the gospel.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The good work thus begun at Antioch was carried on to great
|
|
perfection; and the church, thus founded, grew to be a flourishing one,
|
|
by the ministry of Barnabas and Saul, who built upon the foundation
|
|
which the other preachers had laid, and <I>entered into their
|
|
labours,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+4:37,38">John iv. 37, 38</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The church at Jerusalem sent Barnabas thither, to nurse this
|
|
new-born church, and to strengthen the hands both of preachers and
|
|
people, and put a reputation upon the cause of Christ there.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) They heard the good news, that the gospel was received at Antioch,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
The apostles there were inquisitive how the work went on in the
|
|
countries about; and, it is likely, kept up a correspondence with all
|
|
parts where preachers were, so that <I>tidings of these things,</I> of
|
|
the great numbers that were converted at Antioch, soon <I>came to the
|
|
ears of the church that was in Jerusalem.</I> Those that are in the
|
|
most eminent stations in the church ought to concern themselves for
|
|
those in a lower sphere.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) They despatched Barnabas to them with all speed; they desired him
|
|
to go, and assist and encourage these hopeful beginnings. They <I>sent
|
|
him forth</I> as an envoy from them, and a representative of their
|
|
whole body, to congratulate them upon the success of the gospel among
|
|
them, as matter of rejoicing both to preachers and hearers, and with
|
|
both they rejoiced. He must go <I>as far as Antioch.</I> It was a great
|
|
way, but, far as it was, he was willing to undertake the journey for a
|
|
public service. It is probable that Barnabas had a particular genius
|
|
for work of this kind, was active and conversable, loved to be in
|
|
motion, and delighted in doing good abroad as much as others in doing
|
|
good at home, was as much of Zebulun's spirit, who rejoiced <I>in his
|
|
going out,</I> as others are of Issachar's, who rejoiced <I>in his
|
|
tent;</I> and, his talent lying this way, he was fittest to be employed
|
|
in this work. God gives various gifts for various services.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) Barnabas was wonderfully pleased to find that the gospel got
|
|
ground, and that some of his countrymen, men of Cyprus (of which
|
|
country he was,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:36"><I>ch.</I> iv. 36</A>)
|
|
|
|
were instrumental in it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>When he came, and had seen the grace of God,</I> the tokens of God's
|
|
good-will to the people of Antioch and the evidences of his good work
|
|
among them, <I>he was glad.</I> He took time to make his observations,
|
|
and not only in their public worship, but in their common conversations
|
|
and in their families, he saw the grace of God among them. Where the
|
|
grace of God is it will be seen, as the <I>tree is known by its
|
|
fruits;</I> and, where it is seen, it ought to be owned. What we see
|
|
which is good in any we must call God's grace in them, and give that
|
|
grace the glory of it; and we ought ourselves to take the comfort of
|
|
it, and make it the matter of our rejoicing. We must be glad to see the
|
|
grace of God in others, and the more when we see it where we did not
|
|
expect it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(4.) He did what he could to fix them, to confirm those in the faith
|
|
who were converted to the faith. He <I>exhorted them</I>--<B>
|
|
<I>parekalei.</I></B> It is the same word with that by which the name
|
|
of Barnabas is interpreted
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:36"><I>ch.</I> iv. 36</A>),
|
|
|
|
<B><I>hyios parakleseos</I></B>--<I>a son of exhortation;</I> his
|
|
talent lay that way, and he traded with it; let him that <I>exhorteth
|
|
attend to exhortation,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+12:8">Rom. xii. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
Or, being <I>a son of consolation</I> (for so we render the word), he
|
|
<I>comforted or encouraged them with purpose of heart to cleave to the
|
|
Lord.</I> The more he rejoiced in the beginning of the good work among
|
|
them, the more earnest he was with them to proceed according to these
|
|
good beginnings. Those we have comfort in we should exhort. Barnabas
|
|
was glad for what he saw of the grace of God among them, and therefore
|
|
was the more earnest with them to persevere.
|
|
|
|
[1.] To <I>cleave to the Lord.</I> Note, Those that have <I>turned to
|
|
the Lord</I> are concerned to <I>cleave unto the Lord,</I> not to fall
|
|
off from following him, not to flag and tire in following him. To
|
|
cleave to the Lord Jesus is to live a life of dependence upon him and
|
|
devotedness to him: not only to hold him fast, but to hold fast by him,
|
|
to <I>be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] To cleave to him with purpose of heart, with an intelligent, firm,
|
|
and deliberate resolution, founded upon good grounds, and fixed upon
|
|
that foundation,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+108:1">Ps. cviii. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is to bind our souls with a bond to be the Lord's, and to say as
|
|
Ruth, <I>Entreat me not to leave</I> him, or to return from following
|
|
after him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(5.) Herein he gave a proof of his good character
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>He was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith,</I> and
|
|
approved himself so upon this occasion.
|
|
|
|
[1.] He showed himself to be a man of a very sweet, affable, courteous
|
|
disposition, that had himself the art of obliging, and could teach
|
|
others. He was not only a righteous man, but a <I>good man,</I> a
|
|
good-tempered man. Ministers that are so recommend themselves and their
|
|
doctrine very much to the good opinion of those that are without. He
|
|
was a good man, that is, a charitable man; so he had approved himself,
|
|
when he sold an estate, and gave the money to the poor,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:37"><I>ch.</I> iv. 37</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] By this it appeared that he was richly endued with the gifts and
|
|
graces of the Spirit. The goodness of his natural disposition would not
|
|
have qualified him for this service if he had not been <I>full of the
|
|
Holy Ghost, and so full of power by the Spirit of the Lord.</I>
|
|
|
|
[3.] He was full of faith, full of the Christian faith himself, and
|
|
therefore desirous to propagate it among others; full of the grace of
|
|
faith, and full of the fruits of that faith that works by love. He was
|
|
<I>sound in the faith,</I> and therefore pressed them to be so.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(6.) He was instrumental to do good, by bringing in those that were
|
|
without, as well as by building up those that were within: <I>Much
|
|
people were added to the Lord,</I> and thereby added to the
|
|
<I>church;</I> many were turned to the Lord before, yet more are to be
|
|
turned; it is <I>done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is
|
|
room.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Barnabas went to fetch Saul, to join with him in the work of the
|
|
gospel at Antioch. The last news we heard of him was that, when his
|
|
life was sought at Jerusalem, he was sent away to Tarsus, the city
|
|
where he was born, and, it should seem, he continued there ever since,
|
|
doing good, no doubt. But now Barnabas takes a journey to Tarsus on
|
|
purpose to see what had become of him, to tell him what a door of
|
|
opportunity was opened at Antioch, and to desire him to come and spend
|
|
some time with him there,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:25,26"><I>v.</I> 25, 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
And here also it appears that Barnabas was a good sort of a man in two
|
|
things--
|
|
|
|
(1.) That he would take so much pains to bring an active useful man out
|
|
of obscurity. It was he that introduced Saul to the disciples at
|
|
Jerusalem, when they were shy of him; and it was he that brought him
|
|
out of the corner into which he was driven, into a more public station.
|
|
It is a very good work to fetch a candle from under a bushel, and to
|
|
set it in a candlestick.
|
|
|
|
(2.) That he would bring in Saul at Antioch, who, being a <I>chief
|
|
speaker</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+14:12"><I>ch.</I> xiv. 12</A>),
|
|
|
|
and probably a more popular preacher, would be likely to eclipse him
|
|
there, by outshining him; but Barnabas is very willing to be eclipsed
|
|
when it is for the public service. If God by his grace inclines us to
|
|
do what good we can, according to the ability we have, we ought to
|
|
rejoice if others that have also larger capacities have larger
|
|
opportunities, and do more good than we can do. Barnabas brought Saul
|
|
to Antioch, though it might be the lessening of himself, to teach us to
|
|
seek the things of Christ more than our own things.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. We are here further told,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) What service was now done to the church at Antioch. Paul and
|
|
Barnabas continued there a whole year, presiding in their religious
|
|
assemblies, and preaching the gospel,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe,
|
|
|
|
[1.] The church frequently assembled. The religious assemblies of
|
|
Christians are appointed by Christ for his honour, and the comfort and
|
|
benefit of his disciples. God's people of old frequently came together,
|
|
<I>at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation;</I> places of
|
|
meeting are now multiplied, but they must come together, though it be
|
|
with difficulty and peril.
|
|
|
|
[2.] Ministers were the masters of those assemblies, and held those
|
|
courts in Christ's name to which all that hold by, from, and under him,
|
|
owe suit and service.
|
|
|
|
[3.] <I>Teaching the people</I> is one part of the work of ministers,
|
|
when they preside in religious assemblies. They are not only to be the
|
|
people's mouth to God in prayer and praise, but God's mouth to the
|
|
people in opening the scriptures, and teaching out of them the good
|
|
knowledge of the Lord.
|
|
|
|
[4.] It is a great encouragement to ministers when they have
|
|
opportunity of teaching much people, of casting the net of the gospel
|
|
where there is a large shoal of fish, in hopes that the more may be
|
|
enclosed.
|
|
|
|
[5.] Preaching is not only for the conviction and conversion of those
|
|
that are without, but for the instruction and edification of those that
|
|
are within. A constituted church must have its teachers.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) What honour was now put upon the church <I>at Antioch: There the
|
|
disciples were first called Christians;</I> it is probable they called
|
|
themselves so, incorporated themselves by that title, whether by some
|
|
solemn act of the church or ministers, or whether this name insensibly
|
|
obtained there by its being frequently used in their praying and
|
|
preaching, we are not told; but it should seem that two such great men
|
|
as Paul and Barnabas continuing there so long, being exceedingly
|
|
followed, and meeting with no opposition, Christian assemblies made a
|
|
greater figure there than any where, and became more considerable,
|
|
which was the reason of their being called <I>Christians</I> first
|
|
there, which, if there were to be a mother-church to rule over all
|
|
other churches, would give Antioch a better title to the honour than
|
|
Rome can pretend to. Hitherto those who gave up their names to Christ
|
|
were called <I>disciples, learners, scholars,</I> trained up under him,
|
|
in order to their being employed by him; but henceforward they were
|
|
called <I>Christians.</I>
|
|
|
|
[1.] Thus the reproachful names which their enemies had hitherto
|
|
branded them with would, perhaps, be superseded and disused. They
|
|
called them <I>Nazarenes</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+24:5"><I>ch.</I> xxiv. 5</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>the men of that way, that by-way,</I> which had no name; and thus
|
|
they prejudiced people against them. To remove the prejudice, they gave
|
|
themselves a name which their enemies could not but say was proper.
|
|
|
|
[2.] Thus those who before their conversion had been distinguished by
|
|
the names of Jews and Gentiles might after their conversion be called
|
|
by one and the same name, which would help them to forget their former
|
|
dividing names, and prevent their bringing their former marks of
|
|
distinction, and with them the seeds of contention, into the church.
|
|
Let not one say, "I was a <I>Jew;</I>" nor the other, "I was a
|
|
<I>Gentile;</I>" when both the one and the other must now say, "I am a
|
|
<I>Christian.</I>"
|
|
|
|
[3.] Thus they studied to do honour to their Master, and showed that
|
|
they were not ashamed to own their relation to him, but gloried in it;
|
|
as the scholars of Plato called themselves <I>Platonists,</I> and so
|
|
the scholars of other great men. They took their denomination not from
|
|
the name of his person, <I>Jesus,</I> but of his office,
|
|
<I>Christ-anointed,</I> so putting their creed into their names,
|
|
<I>that Jesus is the Christ;</I> and they were willing all the world
|
|
should know that this is the truth they will live and die by. Their
|
|
enemies will turn this name to their reproach, and impute it to them as
|
|
their crime, but they will glory in it: <I>If this be to be vile, I
|
|
will be yet more vile.</I>
|
|
|
|
[4.] Thus they now owned their dependence upon Christ, and their
|
|
receivings from him; not only that they believed in him who is <I>the
|
|
anointed,</I> but that through him they themselves had <I>the
|
|
anointing,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:20,27">1 John ii. 20, 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
And God is said to have <I>anointed us in Christ,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+1:21">2 Cor. i. 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
[5.] Thus they laid upon themselves, and all that should ever profess
|
|
that name, a strong and lasting obligation to submit to the laws of
|
|
Christ, to follow the example of Christ, and to devote themselves
|
|
entirely to the honour of Christ--<I>to be to him for a name and a
|
|
praise.</I> Are we Christians? Then we ought to think, and speak, and
|
|
act, in every thing as becomes Christians, and to do nothing to the
|
|
reproach of that worthy name by which we are called; that that may not
|
|
be said to us which Alexander said to a soldier of his own name that
|
|
was noted for a coward, <I>Aut nomen, aut mores muta--Either change thy
|
|
name or mend thy manners.</I> And as we must look upon ourselves as
|
|
Christians, and carry ourselves accordingly, so we must look upon
|
|
others as Christians, and carry ourselves towards them accordingly. A
|
|
Christian, though not in every thing of our mind, should be loved and
|
|
respected for his sake whose name he bears, because he belongs to
|
|
Christ.
|
|
|
|
[6.] Thus <I>the scripture was fulfilled,</I> for so it was written
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+62:2">Isa. lxii. 2</A>)
|
|
|
|
concerning the gospel-church, <I>Thou shalt be called by a new name,
|
|
which the mouth of the Lord shall name.</I> And it is said to the
|
|
corrupt and degenerate church of the Jews, <I>The Lord God shall slay
|
|
thee, and call his servants by another name,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+65:15">Isa. lxv. 15</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Ac11_27"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac11_28"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac11_29"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ac11_30"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Primitive Charity.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
|
|
28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified
|
|
by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all
|
|
the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar.
|
|
29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability,
|
|
determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in
|
|
Judæa:
|
|
30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands
|
|
of Barnabas and Saul.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
When our Lord Jesus <I>ascended on high he gave gifts unto men,</I> not
|
|
only <I>apostles and evangelists, but prophets,</I> who were enabled by
|
|
the Spirit to foresee and foretel things to come, which not only served
|
|
for a confirmation of the truth of Christianity (for all that these
|
|
prophets foretold came to pass, which proved that <I>they were sent of
|
|
God,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+18:22,Jer+28:9">Deut. xviii. 22; Jer. xxviii. 9</A>),
|
|
|
|
but was also of great use to the church, and served very much for its
|
|
guidance. Now here we have,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. A visit which some of these prophets made to Antioch
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>In these days,</I> during that year that Barnabas and Saul lived at
|
|
Antioch, there <I>came prophets from Jerusalem to Antioch:</I> we are
|
|
not told how many, nor is it certain whether these were any of those
|
|
prophets that we afterwards find <I>in the church at Antioch,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+13:1"><I>ch.</I> xiii. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
1. They came from Jerusalem, probably because they were not now so much
|
|
regarded there as they had been; they saw their work in a manner done
|
|
there, and therefore thought it time to be gone. Jerusalem had been
|
|
infamous for <I>killing the prophets</I> and abusing them, and
|
|
therefore is now justly deprived of these prophets.
|
|
|
|
2. They came to Antioch, because they heard of the flourishing state of
|
|
that church, and there they hoped they might be of some service. Thus
|
|
should <I>every one as he hath received the gift minister the same.</I>
|
|
Barnabas came to exhort them, and they, having received the exhortation
|
|
well, now have prophets sent them <I>to show them things to come,</I>
|
|
as Christ had promised,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:13">John xvi. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
Those that are faithful in their little shall be entrusted with more.
|
|
The best understanding of scripture-predictions is to be got in the way
|
|
of obedience to scripture-instructions.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. A particular prediction of a famine approaching, delivered by one
|
|
of these prophets, his name <I>Agabus;</I> we read of him again
|
|
prophesying Paul's imprisonment,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+21:10,11"><I>ch.</I> xxi. 10, 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
Here he stood up, probably in one of their public assemblies, and
|
|
prophesied,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:28"><I>v.</I> 28</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe,
|
|
|
|
1. Whence he had his prophecy. What he said was not of himself, nor a
|
|
fancy of his own, nor an astronomical prediction, nor a conjecture upon
|
|
the present workings of second causes, but <I>he signified it by the
|
|
Spirit, the Spirit of prophecy, that there should be</I> a famine; as
|
|
Joseph, by the Spirit enabling him, understood Pharaoh's dreams,
|
|
foretold the famine in Egypt, and Elijah the famine in Israel in Ahab's
|
|
time. Thus God revealed his secrets to his servants the prophets.
|
|
|
|
2. What the prophecy was: <I>There should be great dearth throughout
|
|
all the world,</I> by unseasonable weather, that corn should be scarce
|
|
and dear, so that many of the poor should perish for want of bread.
|
|
This should be not in one particular country, but <I>through all the
|
|
world,</I> that is, all the Roman empire, which they in their pride,
|
|
like Alexander before them, called <I>the world.</I> Christ had
|
|
foretold in general <I>that there should be famines</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+24:7,Mk+13:8,Lu+21:11">Matt. xxiv. 7; Mark xiii. 8; Luke xxi. 11</A>);
|
|
|
|
but Agabus foretels one very remarkable famine now at hand.
|
|
|
|
3. The accomplishment of it: <I>It came to pass in the days of Claudius
|
|
Cæsar;</I> it began in the second year of his reign, and
|
|
continued to the fourth, if not longer. Several of the Roman historians
|
|
make mention of it, as does also Josephus. God sent them the bread of
|
|
life, and they rejected it, loathed the plenty of that manna; and
|
|
therefore God justly broke the staff of bread, and punished them with
|
|
famine; and herein he was righteous. They were barren, and did not
|
|
bring forth to God, and therefore God made the earth barren to
|
|
them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The good use they made of this prediction. When they were told of
|
|
a famine at hand, they did not do as the Egyptians, hoard up corn for
|
|
themselves; but, as became Christians, laid by for charity to relieve
|
|
others, which is the best preparative for our own sufferings and want.
|
|
It is promised to those that <I>consider the poor that God will
|
|
preserve them, and keep them alive, and they shall be blessed upon the
|
|
earth,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+41:1,2">Ps. xli. 1, 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
And <I>those who show mercy, and give to the poor, shall not be ashamed
|
|
in the evil time, but in the days of famine they shall be
|
|
satisfied,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+37:19,21">Ps. xxxvii. 19, 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
The best provision we can lay up against a dear time is to lay up an
|
|
interest in these promises, by doing good, and communicating,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+12:33">Luke xii. 33</A>.
|
|
|
|
Many give it as a reason why they should be sparing, but the scripture
|
|
gives it as a reason why we should be liberal, <I>to seven, and also to
|
|
eight,</I> because <I>we know not what evil shall be upon the
|
|
earth,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+11:2">Eccl. xi. 2</A>.
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Observe,</P>
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<P>
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1. What they determined--that <I>every man, according to his
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ability,</I> should <I>send relief to the brethren that dwelt in
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Judea,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:29"><I>v.</I> 29</A>.
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(1.) The persons that were recommended to them as objects for charity
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were <I>the brethren that dwelt in Judea.</I> Though we must, as we
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have opportunity, <I>do good to all men,</I> yet we must have a special
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regard <I>to the household of faith,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+6:10">Gal. vi. 10</A>.
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No poor must be neglected, but God's poor most particularly regarded.
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The care which every particular church ought to take of their own poor
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we were taught by the early instance of that in the church at
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Jerusalem, where the ministration was so constant <I>that none
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lacked,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:34"><I>ch.</I> iv. 34</A>.
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But the communion of saints in that instance is here extended further,
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and provision is made by the church at Antioch for the relief of the
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poor in Judea, whom they call their brethren. It seems it was the
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custom of the Jews of the dispersion to send money to those Jews who
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dwelt in Judea, for the relief of the poor that were among them, and to
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make collections for that purpose (Tully speaks of such a thing in his
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time, <I>Orat. pro Flacco</I>), which supposes there were many poor in
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Judea, more than in other countries, so that the rich among them were
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not able to bear the charge of keeping them from starving; either
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because their land had become <I>barren,</I> though it had been a
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fruitful land, <I>for the iniquity of those that dwelt therein,</I> or
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because they had no traffic with other nations. Now we may suppose
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that the greatest part of those who turned Christians in that country
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were the poor
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+11:5">Matt. xi. 5</A>,
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<I>The poor are evangelized</I>), and also that when the poor turned
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Christians they were put out of the poor's book, and cut off from their
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shares in the public charity; and it were easy to foresee that if there
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came a famine it would go very hard with them; and, if any of them
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should perish for want, it would be a great reproach to the Christian
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profession; and therefore this early care was taken, upon notice of
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this famine coming, to send them a stock beforehand, lest, if it should
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be deferred till the famine came, it should be too late.
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(2.) The agreement there was among the disciples about it, that
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<I>every man</I> should contribute, <I>according to his ability,</I> to
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this good work. The Jews abroad, in other countries, grew rich by
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trade, and many of the rich Jews became Christians, whose abundance
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ought to be <I>a supply to the want of their poor brethren</I> that
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were at a great distance; for the case of such ought to be considered,
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and not theirs only that live among us. Charitable people are traders
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with what God has given them, and the merchants find their account in
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sending effects to countries that lie very remote; and so should we in
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giving alms to those afar off that need them, which therefore we should
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be forward to do when we are called to it. <I>Every man determined to
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send</I> something, more or less, <I>according to his ability,</I> what
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he could spare from the support of himself and his family, and
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<I>according as God had prospered him.</I> What may be said to be
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<I>according to our ability</I> we must judge for ourselves, but must
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be careful <I>that we judge righteous judgment.</I></P>
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<P>
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2. What they did--they did as they determined
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:30"><I>v.</I> 30</A>).
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<I>Which also they did.</I> They not only talked of it, but they did
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it. Many a good motion of that kind is made and commended, but is not
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prosecuted, and so comes to nothing. But this was pursued, the
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collection was made, and was so considerable that they thought it worth
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while <I>to send Barnabas and Saul to Jerusalem,</I> to carry it <I>to
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the elders</I> there, though they would want their labours in the mean
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time at Antioch. They sent it,
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(1.) <I>To the elders,</I> the presbyters, the ministers or pastors,
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<I>of the churches in Judea,</I> to be by them distributed according to
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the necessity of the receivers, as it had been contributed according to
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the ability of the givers.
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(2.) It was sent <I>by Barnabas and Saul,</I> who perhaps wanted an
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occasion to go to Jerusalem, and therefore were willing to take this.
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Josephus tells us that at this time king Irates sent his charity to the
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chief men of Jerusalem, for the poor of that country; and Helena, queen
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of the Adiabeni, being now at Jerusalem, and hearing of many that died
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of famine there, and in the country about, sent for provisions from
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Cyprus and Alexandria, and distributed them among the people; so says
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Dr. Lightfoot, who also computes, by the date of Paul's rapture,
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"fourteen years before he wrote the second Epistle to the Corinthians"
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+12:1,2">2 Cor. xii. 1, 2</A>),
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that it was in this journey of his <I>to Jerusalem, with these alms and
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offerings,</I> that he had his <I>trance</I> in the temple (which he
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speaks of,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+22:17"><I>ch.</I> xxii. 17</A>),
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and in that <I>trance was rapt up into the third heaven;</I> and then
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it was that Christ told him he would send him thence <I>unto the
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Gentiles,</I> which accordingly he did as soon as ever he came back to
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Antioch. It is no disparagement, in an extraordinary case, for
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|
ministers of the gospel to be messengers of the church's charity,
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|
though to undertake the constant care of that matter would ordinarily
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|
be too great a diversion from more needful work <I>to those who have
|
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given themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.</I></P>
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