King James Version
Acts 11
30 verses with commentary
Peter's Report to the Church
And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>A Pivotal Moment in Church History</strong><br><br>This verse marks a watershed moment in the expansion of the early church. The Greek word <em>ἤκουσαν</em> (ēkousan, "heard") indicates not just casual awareness but significant news that demanded attention. The phrase "the Gentiles had also received" uses <em>ἐδέξαντο</em> (edexanto), meaning "welcomed" or "accepted," suggesting an active ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
XI.
(1) **And the apostles and brethren that were in Judæa . . .**—The context implies that the tidings travelled, while Peter remained at Cæsarea, first probably to Joppa and Lydda, and afterwards to Jerusalem.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26-28. the angel of the Lord--**rather, "an angel."
**go ... south, the way that goeth down from Jerusalem to Gaza--**There was such a road, across Mount Hebron, which Philip might take without going to Jerusalem (as Von Raumer's'S Palæstina shows).
**which is desert--**that is, the way; not Gaza itself, which was the southernmost city of Palestine, in the territory of the ancient Philistine...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,</strong> The Jerusalem church's immediate challenge to Peter demonstrates how revolutionary Gentile inclusion was, threatening established Jewish-Christian identity.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **They that were of the circumcision contended with him.**—The conversion of the Gentiles at Cæsarea had given a new significance to the name of “those of the circumcision.” From this time forth they are a distinct section, often a distinct party, in the Church, and here we have the first symptom of the line which they were about to take. They contended with Peter (the tense implies continuous...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29-31. the Spirit said--**by an unmistakable voice within, as in Ac 10:19; 16:6, 7.
**go near and join this chariot--**This would reveal to Philip the hitherto unknown object of his journey, and encourage him to expect something.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised , and didst eat with them.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.</strong> The specific accusation—entering Gentile homes and sharing meals—identifies the shocking boundary-crossing that violated Jewish purity laws.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised.**—The words cannot well be translated otherwise, but the Greek (literally, *men with a foreskin*) is somewhat more expressive of scorn than the merely negative form of the English. The same word is commonly used by St. Paul where he discusses the relation between circumcision and uncircumcision (Romans 2:25-26; Romans 4:9-10; 1Corinthians 7:18-19, *et al...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29-31. the Spirit said--**by an unmistakable voice within, as in Ac 10:19; 16:6, 7.
**go near and join this chariot--**This would reveal to Philip the hitherto unknown object of his journey, and encourage him to expect something.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,</strong> Peter's methodical, sequential explanation demonstrates wise apologetic approach—presenting evidence systematically rather than defensively reacting.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning.**—Better, perhaps, the word “rehearse” having grown into a different shade of meaning, *began and set forth the matter.* The translators seem to have paraphrased the participle “having begun” somewhat more fully than its actual meaning admits. The almost verbal repetition of the same narrative as that of Acts 10 seems, at first sight, incons...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29-31. the Spirit said--**by an unmistakable voice within, as in Ac 10:19; 16:6, 7.
**go near and join this chariot--**This would reveal to Philip the hitherto unknown object of his journey, and encourage him to expect something.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision.</strong> Peter begins his defense of baptizing Cornelius by describing his supernatural experience that challenged Jewish exclusivism. The detail "in the city of Joppa" establishes the geographical setting and connects to Acts 10:9-16. "Praying" (<em>proseuchomenos</em>, προσευχόμενος) indicates this vision came during dev...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **It came even to me.**—The variations in the narrative are few and of little importance. There is, perhaps, a touch of the vividness of personal recollection in the description of the sheet as coming “even to me,” as compared with its being let down “to the earth” in Acts 10:11.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**32-33. The place ... was this, He was led as a sheep, &c.--**One cannot but wonder that this, of all predictions of Messiah's sufferings in the Old Testament the most striking, should have been that which the eunuch was reading before Philip joined him. He could hardly miss to have heard at Jerusalem of the sufferings and death of Jesus, and of the existence of a continually increasing party...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.</strong> Peter's detailed vision description—specific animal categories—emphasizes the comprehensive abolition of dietary/purity distinctions under new covenant.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered.**—Here again we trace the same kind of vividness as in the previous verse. The Apostle recalls the intense eager gaze with which he had looked on the strange vision.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**32-33. The place ... was this, He was led as a sheep, &c.--**One cannot but wonder that this, of all predictions of Messiah's sufferings in the Old Testament the most striking, should have been that which the eunuch was reading before Philip joined him. He could hardly miss to have heard at Jerusalem of the sufferings and death of Jesus, and of the existence of a continually increasing party...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.</strong> The divine command directly contradicted lifelong training and conscience, requiring radical trust in God's authority over established religious practice.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-38. And the eunuch answered, I pray thee, &c.--**The respect with which he here addresses Philip was prompted by his reverence for one whom he perceived to be his superior in divine things; his own worldly position sinking before this.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.</strong> Peter's initial refusal reveals tension between calling Jesus Lord while resisting His command, illustrating struggle between tradition and fresh revelation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-38. And the eunuch answered, I pray thee, &c.--**The respect with which he here addresses Philip was prompted by his reverence for one whom he perceived to be his superior in divine things; his own worldly position sinking before this.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.</strong> God's rebuke establishes divine authority over purity definitions, declaring His power to declare clean what was formerly unclean.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-38. And the eunuch answered, I pray thee, &c.--**The respect with which he here addresses Philip was prompted by his reverence for one whom he perceived to be his superior in divine things; his own worldly position sinking before this.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.</strong> The threefold repetition emphasizes message's importance while divine origin (drawn up into heaven) validates vision's supernatural character.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **All were drawn up again into heaven.**—Once more there is a slight increase of vividness in the word which expresses a rapid upward movement, as compared with “the vessel was received up into heaven,” in Acts 10:16.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-38. And the eunuch answered, I pray thee, &c.--**The respect with which he here addresses Philip was prompted by his reverence for one whom he perceived to be his superior in divine things; his own worldly position sinking before this.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.</strong> The precise timing—vision's end coinciding with messengers' arrival—demonstrates divine orchestration and validates vision's practical application.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-38. And the eunuch answered, I pray thee, &c.--**The respect with which he here addresses Philip was prompted by his reverence for one whom he perceived to be his superior in divine things; his own worldly position sinking before this.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:</strong> The Spirit's explicit command removes uncertainty while bringing witnesses ensures accountability for controversial action.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **The spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting.**—The Greek verb has a special force as being the same as that for “contended” in Acts 11:2. Peter, guided by the Spirit, raised no debate such as they were raising.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**39-40. the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip--**To deny [as Meyer, Olshausen, Bloomfield] the miraculous nature of Philip's disappearance, is vain. It stands out on the face of the words, as just a repetition of what we read of the ancient prophets, in 1Ki 18:12; 2Ki 2:16. And the same word (as Bengel remarks) is employed to express a similar idea in 2Co 12:2, 4; 1Th 4:17.
**the eunuch saw...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;</strong> Cornelius's testimony to angelic visitation provides independent corroboration, establishing that both parties received divine direction simultaneously.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**39-40. the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip--**To deny [as Meyer, Olshausen, Bloomfield] the miraculous nature of Philip's disappearance, is vain. It stands out on the face of the words, as just a repetition of what we read of the ancient prophets, in 1Ki 18:12; 2Ki 2:16. And the same word (as Bengel remarks) is employed to express a similar idea in 2Co 12:2, 4; 1Th 4:17.
**the eunuch saw...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.</strong> The angel's prophecy identifies Peter as messenger of salvation, emphasizing gospel proclamation as God's ordained means while extending promise to entire household.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.**—The words are not found in the report of the angel’s speech in Acts 10:4-6, but may legitimately be thought of as implied in it. The prayer of Cornelius had been for salvation, and when he was told, in answer to that prayer, to send for one who should speak to him, it must have been clear to him that he was to hear of that way of salvation wh...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
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KJV Study Commentary
Peter reported to the Jerusalem church: 'as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.' The comparison to Pentecost ('the beginning') demonstrated that Gentiles received the identical Spirit as the first Jewish believers. Peter's testimony emphasized God's sovereign action - the Spirit fell while Peter was speaking, not after lengthy teaching or ritual. From a Reform...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **And as I began to speak . . .**—It is, perhaps, a trait of individual character that the Apostle speaks of what is recorded in Acts 10:34-43 as the mere beginning of what he had meant to say.
**As on us at the beginning.**—The words are spoken, it will be remembered, to apostles and disciples who had been sharers in the Pentecostal gift. St. Peter bears his witness that what he witnessed at...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 9 Ac 9:1-25. Conversion of Saul, and Beginnings of His Ministry.
**1. Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, &c.--**The emphatic "yet" is intended to note the remarkable fact, that up to this moment his blind persecuting rage against the disciples of the Lord burned as fiercely as ever. (In the teeth of this, Neander and Olshausen picture...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
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KJV Study Commentary
Peter remembered Jesus' words: 'John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.' This prophecy (Acts 1:5) found fulfillment not only at Pentecost but also at Cornelius's house. The contrast between John's water baptism and the Spirit's baptism shows the superiority of new covenant reality over old covenant shadows. Reformed theology distinguishes between the outward ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Then remembered I the word of the Lord.**—The special promise referred to was that recorded in Acts 1:5. Then it had seemed to refer only to the disciples, and the Day of Pentecost had appeared to bring a complete fulfilment of it. Now Peter had learnt to see that it had a wider range, that the gift might be bestowed on those who were not of Israel, and who were not called to come outwardly...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. desired ... letters--**of authorization.
**to Damascus--**the capital of Syria and the great highway between eastern and western Asia, about one hundred thirty miles northeast of Jerusalem; the most ancient city perhaps in the world, and lying in the center of a verdant and inexhaustible paradise. It abounded (as appears from Josephus, Wars of the Jews, 2.20,2) with Jews, and with Gentile p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
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KJV Study Commentary
Peter reasoned: 'Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?' Peter's logic is irrefutable - if God gave Gentiles the same Spirit, who is Peter to object? The phrase 'who was I' demonstrates appropriate humility before divine sovereignty. Reformed theology emphasizes that human traditions and prefer...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Forasmuch then . . .**—More accurately, *If* *then.*
**Unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.**—The Greek construction gives a somewhat different meaning: *If then God gave to them an equal gift as to us, upon their believing* . . . That condition was sufficient in their case for the greater gifts, and their admissibility to baptism and to general fellowship followed naturally as a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. he came near Damascus--**so Ac 22:6. Tradition points to a bridge near the city as the spot referred to. Events which are the turning points in one's history so imprint themselves upon the memory that circumstances the most trifling in themselves acquire by connection with them something of their importance, and are recalled with inexpressible interest.
**suddenly--**At what time of day, it...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The Jerusalem church's conclusion 'Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life' marks a theological revolution. The passive voice ('hath granted') emphasizes that repentance itself is God's gift, not human achievement. This recognition validates Gentile inclusion without Jewish conversion, establishing grace-alone salvation.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **They held their peace, and glorified God.**—The difference of tenses in the two Greek verbs implies that they first held their peace, and then began a continuous utterance of praise. The fact was obviously one of immense importance in its bearing on the question at issue between St. Paul and the Judaisers, of which St. Luke had seen so much and which he sought, by his narrative, to settle. ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-6. he fell to the earth--**and his companions with him (Ac 26:14), who "saw the light" (Ac 22:9).
**and heard a voice saying unto him--**"in the Hebrew tongue" (Ac 26:14).
**Saul, Saul--**a reduplication full of tenderness [De Wette]. Though his name was soon changed into "Paul," we find him, in both his own narratives of the scene, after the lapse of so many years, retaining the original ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Peter's defence.(1-18)
The success of the gospel at Antioch.(19-24)
The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.(25-30)
**Verses 1-18**
The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has been received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we are too...
Read full commentary →The Church in Antioch
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.
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KJV Study Commentary
After Stephen's martyrdom, scattered believers 'travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.' Persecution scattered the church, but they continued preaching despite danger. Initially they preached only to Jews, not yet grasping the full scope of the Gentile mission. From a Reformed perspective, God used persecution (intended by Satan to d...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Now they which were scattered abroad.**—A new and important section begins with these words. We are carried back to the date of the persecution of which Stephen was the chief victim.
**The persecution that arose about Stephen.**—The MSS. vary in their reading, some giving the case which would be rendered by “the persecution *in the time of* Stephen;” some, that which answers to the persecut...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-6. he fell to the earth--**and his companions with him (Ac 26:14), who "saw the light" (Ac 22:9).
**and heard a voice saying unto him--**"in the Hebrew tongue" (Ac 26:14).
**Saul, Saul--**a reduplication full of tenderness [De Wette]. Though his name was soon changed into "Paul," we find him, in both his own narratives of the scene, after the lapse of so many years, retaining the original ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-24**
The first preachers of the gospel at Antioch, were dispersed from Jerusalem by persecution; thus what was meant to hurt the church, was made to work for its good. The wrath of man is made to praise God. What should the ministers of Christ preach, but Christ? Christ, and him crucified? Christ, and him glorified? And their preaching was accompanied with the Divine power. The han...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
Some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene 'spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus' in Antioch. These unnamed believers pioneered Gentile evangelism, likely emboldened by Peter's Caesarean mission. Their message centered on 'the Lord Jesus' - emphasizing both Jesus' identity as Lord and Savior. Reformed theology celebrates how ordinary believers (not apostles) initiated the Gentile mission i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene.**—Better, *But some.* These were, from the nature of the case, Hellenistic or Greek-speaking Jews. Who they were we can only conjecture. Possibly Lucius of Cyrene, who appears in the list of prophets in Acts 13:1; possibly Simon of Cyrene, of whom we have seen reason to think as a disciple of Christ. (See Notes on Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21.) T...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-6. he fell to the earth--**and his companions with him (Ac 26:14), who "saw the light" (Ac 22:9).
**and heard a voice saying unto him--**"in the Hebrew tongue" (Ac 26:14).
**Saul, Saul--**a reduplication full of tenderness [De Wette]. Though his name was soon changed into "Paul," we find him, in both his own narratives of the scene, after the lapse of so many years, retaining the original ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-24**
The first preachers of the gospel at Antioch, were dispersed from Jerusalem by persecution; thus what was meant to hurt the church, was made to work for its good. The wrath of man is made to praise God. What should the ministers of Christ preach, but Christ? Christ, and him crucified? Christ, and him glorified? And their preaching was accompanied with the Divine power. The han...
Read full commentary →And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
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KJV Study Commentary
Luke reports: 'the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.' The 'hand of the Lord' signifies divine power and blessing on their ministry. The twofold response - believing and turning - describes conversion: faith in the gospel and repentance toward God. The 'great number' shows God's sovereign election extends to many among the Gentiles. Reformed theo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. the men ... stood speechless--**This may mean merely that they remained so; but if the standing posture be intended, we have only to suppose that though at first they "all fell to the earth" (Ac 26:14), they arose of their own accord while Saul yet lay prostrate.
**hearing a--**rather "the"
**voice--**Paul himself says, "they heard not the voice of Him that spake to me" (Ac 22:9). But jus...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-24**
The first preachers of the gospel at Antioch, were dispersed from Jerusalem by persecution; thus what was meant to hurt the church, was made to work for its good. The wrath of man is made to praise God. What should the ministers of Christ preach, but Christ? Christ, and him crucified? Christ, and him glorified? And their preaching was accompanied with the Divine power. The han...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
News of Antioch's Gentile conversions reached Jerusalem, prompting them to send Barnabas. That the mother church investigated new work shows appropriate oversight and discernment. Barnabas's selection was providential - as an encourager with ties to Cyprus (Acts 4:36), he would recognize and affirm God's genuine work among Gentiles. Reformed polity values church oversight while recognizing God's s...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **They sent forth Barnabas.**—The choice was probably determined, we may believe, by the known sympathies of the Son of Consolation for the work which was going on at Antioch. The friend of Paul, who had been with him when he was at Jerusalem (Acts 9:27), must have known his hopes and convictions on this matter, and must have welcomed the opening which was thus given him for working in the sa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. Saul arose ... and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man--**after beholding the Lord, since he "could not see for the glory of that light" (Ac 22:11), he had involuntarily closed his eyes to protect them from the glare; and on opening them again he found his vision gone. "It is not said, however, that he was blind, for it was no punishment" [Bengel].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-24**
The first preachers of the gospel at Antioch, were dispersed from Jerusalem by persecution; thus what was meant to hurt the church, was made to work for its good. The wrath of man is made to praise God. What should the ministers of Christ preach, but Christ? Christ, and him crucified? Christ, and him glorified? And their preaching was accompanied with the Divine power. The han...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
When Barnabas saw 'the grace of God' in Antioch, 'he was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.' Barnabas recognized God's grace at work and responded with joy and encouragement. His exhortation - to 'cleave unto the Lord' with 'purpose of heart' - emphasizes perseverance in faith. The Greek <em>prothesis tes kardias</em> (purpose of heart) suggest...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **And exhorted them all.**—The tense implies continuous action; and the verb in the Greek is that from which Barnabas took his name as the “Son of Comfort” or “Counsel.” (See Note on Acts 4:36.)
**With purpose of heart.**—The preacher had seen the grace of God, and had rejoiced at it; but he knew, as all true teachers know, that it is possible for man’s will to frustrate that grace, and that ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink--**that is, according to the Hebrew mode of computation: he took no food during the remainder of that day, the entire day following, and so much of the subsequent day as elapsed before the visit of Ananias. Such a period of entire abstinence from food, in that state of mental absorption and revolution into which he had been so...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-24**
The first preachers of the gospel at Antioch, were dispersed from Jerusalem by persecution; thus what was meant to hurt the church, was made to work for its good. The wrath of man is made to praise God. What should the ministers of Christ preach, but Christ? Christ, and him crucified? Christ, and him glorified? And their preaching was accompanied with the Divine power. The han...
Read full commentary →For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
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KJV Study Commentary
Luke describes Barnabas: 'he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith.' This three-fold commendation - goodness, Spirit-fullness, and faith - marks exemplary Christian character. 'Goodness' (Greek <em>agathos</em>) indicates moral excellence; Spirit-fullness empowers ministry; faith maintains confidence in God's promises. The result: 'much people was added unto the Lord.' Reformed t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **For he was a good man.**—Words of praise of this kind are comparatively rare in this history, and we may, perhaps, think of them here as expressing St. Luke’s personal estimate of the character of the preacher, which he was all the more anxious to place on record because he had to narrate before long the sad contention which separated him from his friend and fellow-worker (Acts 15:39). The ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-16. a certain disciple ... named Ananias--**See on Ac 22:12.
**to him said the Lord--**that is, Jesus. (See Ac 9:13, 14, 17).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-24**
The first preachers of the gospel at Antioch, were dispersed from Jerusalem by persecution; thus what was meant to hurt the church, was made to work for its good. The wrath of man is made to praise God. What should the ministers of Christ preach, but Christ? Christ, and him crucified? Christ, and him glorified? And their preaching was accompanied with the Divine power. The han...
Read full commentary →Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?</strong> Peter's rhetorical question demonstrates theological conclusion—Spirit's equal giving proves God accepts Gentiles, making human resistance futile and wrong.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus.**—The act is every way significant. It indicates the assurance that Saul would approve of the work which had been going on at Antioch, and the confident belief that he was the right person to direct and organise it. It probably implies also some intercourse with the Apostle, by letter or message, since his departure from Jerusalem. In the absence of any dir...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-16. a certain disciple ... named Ananias--**See on Ac 22:12.
**to him said the Lord--**that is, Jesus. (See Ac 9:13, 14, 17).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-30**
Hitherto the followers of Christ were called disciples, that is, learners, scholars; but from that time they were called Christians. The proper meaning of this name is, a follower of Christ; it denotes one who, from serious thought, embraces the religion of Christ, believes his promises, and makes it his chief care to shape his life by Christ's precepts and example. Hence it i...
Read full commentary →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. with: or, in the church
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KJV Study Commentary
The name 'Christians' (Greek 'Christianoi,' followers of Christ) first applied at Antioch captures believers' core identity in Christ. Whether a term of derision or neutral description, believers embraced it, accepting identification with their crucified Lord. This Gentile church's one-year teaching ministry under Barnabas and Saul established the pattern of sustained discipleship.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.**—The term for “were called” is not the word usually so rendered. Better, perhaps, *got the name of Christians.* The Emperor Julian (*Misopog., *p. 344) notes the tendency to invent nicknames, as a form of satire, as characteristic of the population of Antioch in his time, and the same tone of *persiflage* seems to have prevailed on the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-16. a certain disciple ... named Ananias--**See on Ac 22:12.
**to him said the Lord--**that is, Jesus. (See Ac 9:13, 14, 17).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-30**
Hitherto the followers of Christ were called disciples, that is, learners, scholars; but from that time they were called Christians. The proper meaning of this name is, a follower of Christ; it denotes one who, from serious thought, embraces the religion of Christ, believes his promises, and makes it his chief care to shape his life by Christ's precepts and example. Hence it i...
Read full commentary →And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem.</strong> The rapid communication about Antioch's Gentile Christianity shows early church's communication networks and concern for doctrinal unity.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **Came prophets from Jerusalem.**—The mission thus described was obviously a further sanction given by the Church at Jerusalem to the work that Saul and Barnabas were carrying on at Antioch. If we adopt the view suggested in the Note on Luke 10:1, that the Seventy were the representatives of the prophetic order, and were symbolically significant of the conversion of the Gentiles, it will seem...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-16. a certain disciple ... named Ananias--**See on Ac 22:12.
**to him said the Lord--**that is, Jesus. (See Ac 9:13, 14, 17).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-30**
Hitherto the followers of Christ were called disciples, that is, learners, scholars; but from that time they were called Christians. The proper meaning of this name is, a follower of Christ; it denotes one who, from serious thought, embraces the religion of Christ, believes his promises, and makes it his chief care to shape his life by Christ's precepts and example. Hence it i...
Read full commentary →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 Caesar.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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 Caesar.</strong> Agabus's prophecy and its fulfillment demonstrate continuing prophetic ministry while establishing historical context for church's relief efforts.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **There stood up one of them named Agabus.**—The same prophet appears again in Acts 21:10 as coming down from Jerusalem to Cæsarea. Nothing more is known of him. The prophecy of the “dearth” or “famine” was in part an echo of Matthew 24:7.
**Throughout all the world.**—Literally, *the inhabited earth, *used, as in Luke 2:1; Luke 4:5, and elsewhere in the New Testament, for the Roman empire.
*...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-16. a certain disciple ... named Ananias--**See on Ac 22:12.
**to him said the Lord--**that is, Jesus. (See Ac 9:13, 14, 17).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-30**
Hitherto the followers of Christ were called disciples, that is, learners, scholars; but from that time they were called Christians. The proper meaning of this name is, a follower of Christ; it denotes one who, from serious thought, embraces the religion of Christ, believes his promises, and makes it his chief care to shape his life by Christ's precepts and example. Hence it i...
Read full commentary →Then the disciples, every man according to his ability , determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:</strong> The Antioch church's generous response demonstrates practical Christian love transcending ethnic divisions—Gentile believers helping Jewish Christians.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **Then the disciples, every man according to his ability.**—Literally, *as each man prospered.* It is obviously implied that the collection was made at once, as a provision against the famine, in consequence of the prophecy, before the famine itself came. We may well believe that Saul and Barnabas were active in stirring up the Gentiles to this work of charity. It was the beginning of that co...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-16. a certain disciple ... named Ananias--**See on Ac 22:12.
**to him said the Lord--**that is, Jesus. (See Ac 9:13, 14, 17).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-30**
Hitherto the followers of Christ were called disciples, that is, learners, scholars; but from that time they were called Christians. The proper meaning of this name is, a follower of Christ; it denotes one who, from serious thought, embraces the religion of Christ, believes his promises, and makes it his chief care to shape his life by Christ's precepts and example. Hence it i...
Read full commentary →Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.</strong> The relief delivery through trusted representatives establishes accountability while advancing Saul's emerging apostolic ministry.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **And sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.**—The elders of the Church are here named for the first time, and appear henceforth as a permanent element of its organisation, which in this respect followed the arrangements of the Synagogue. Officers filling like functions were known in the Gentile churches as Episcopi = Bishops, or Superintendents, and where Jews and Gentiles ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-16. a certain disciple ... named Ananias--**See on Ac 22:12.
**to him said the Lord--**that is, Jesus. (See Ac 9:13, 14, 17).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-30**
Hitherto the followers of Christ were called disciples, that is, learners, scholars; but from that time they were called Christians. The proper meaning of this name is, a follower of Christ; it denotes one who, from serious thought, embraces the religion of Christ, believes his promises, and makes it his chief care to shape his life by Christ's precepts and example. Hence it i...
Read full commentary →