About Acts

Acts records the birth and growth of the church through the power of the Holy Spirit from Jerusalem to Rome.

Author: LukeWritten: c. AD 62-64Reading time: ~7 minVerses: 52
Holy SpiritWitnessChurch GrowthMissionPersecutionUnity

King James Version

Acts 13

52 verses with commentary

Barnabas and Saul Sent Out

Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. which: or, Herod's foster brother

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Certain prophets and teachers</strong> (προφῆται καὶ διδάσκαλοι, <em>prophētai kai didaskaloi</em>)—the Antioch church leadership combined the prophetic gift (declaring God's immediate word) with systematic teaching. The five named leaders reflect gospel diversity: Barnabas the Cypriot Levite, Simeon called Niger (Latin 'black,' possibly African), Lucius from Cyrene (North Africa), Manaen ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**XIII.** (1) **Now there were in the church that was at Antioch.**—The fulness of detail in this narrative suggests the inference that the writer was himself at Antioch at this period. **Certain prophets and teachers.**—The two were not necessarily identical, though the higher gift of prophecy commonly included the lower gift of teaching. The former implies a more direct message from God, coming ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**40-43. Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down--**the one in imitation of his Master's way (Lu 8:54; and compare 2Ki 4:33); the other, in striking contrast with it. The kneeling became the lowly servant, but not the Lord Himself, of whom it is never once recorded that he knelt in the performance of a miracle. **opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up--**The graphic minuteness of...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 13 Chapter Outline The mission of Paul and Barnabas.(1-3) Elymas the sorcerer.(4-13) Paul's discourse at Antioch.(14-41) He preaches to the Gentiles, and is persecuted by the Jews.(42-52) **Verses 1-3** What an assemblage was here! In these names we see that the Lord raises up instruments for his work, from various places and stations in life; and zeal for his glo...
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As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

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KJV Study Commentary

The Holy Spirit's directive to 'Separate me Barnabas and Saul' demonstrates the Spirit's personal agency in missionary calling and deployment. The context of worship and fasting shows that strategic ministry guidance comes through devoted seeking. The specific selection of these two from multiple prophets and teachers reveals divine sovereignty in leadership appointments.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **As they ministered to the Lord.**—The verb so translated (*leitourgein*) is commonly used, both in the LXX. and in the Now Testament, of the ministry of the priests and Levites in the Temple (Luke 1:23; Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 9:21). In Hebrews 1:14, the corresponding adjective is used to distinguish the ministry of worship from that of service to man. When St. Paul uses it figuratively of hims...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**40-43. Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down--**the one in imitation of his Master's way (Lu 8:54; and compare 2Ki 4:33); the other, in striking contrast with it. The kneeling became the lowly servant, but not the Lord Himself, of whom it is never once recorded that he knelt in the performance of a miracle. **opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up--**The graphic minuteness of...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 13 Chapter Outline The mission of Paul and Barnabas.(1-3) Elymas the sorcerer.(4-13) Paul's discourse at Antioch.(14-41) He preaches to the Gentiles, and is persecuted by the Jews.(42-52) **Verses 1-3** What an assemblage was here! In these names we see that the Lord raises up instruments for his work, from various places and stations in life; and zeal for his glo...
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And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

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KJV Study Commentary

The laying on of hands following prayer and fasting represents formal commissioning, not impartation of new gifting—Barnabas and Saul already possessed the Spirit. This public act expressed church partnership in their mission and accountability. The sequence (Spirit's call, church's confirmation, public sending) establishes pattern for missionary deployment.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **And when they had fasted and prayed.**—The repetition of the words that had been used in Acts 13:2 seems to imply that the fast was prolonged till the laying-on of hands had been completed. The new command called for that intensity of spiritual life of which fasting was more or less the normal condition. **And laid their hands on them.**—See Note on Acts 6:6. This was, as before, the formal ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 13 Chapter Outline The mission of Paul and Barnabas.(1-3) Elymas the sorcerer.(4-13) Paul's discourse at Antioch.(14-41) He preaches to the Gentiles, and is persecuted by the Jews.(42-52) **Verses 1-3** What an assemblage was here! In these names we see that the Lord raises up instruments for his work, from various places and stations in life; and zeal for his glo...
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So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

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KJV Study Commentary

The phrase 'sent forth by the Holy Ghost' emphasizes divine initiative in missions. Paul and Barnabas didn't embark on self-directed ministry but responded to the Spirit's sovereign commissioning through the Antioch church. This pattern - Spirit-led, church-confirmed mission - establishes New Testament precedent for gospel expansion under divine direction rather than human ambition.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **Being sent forth by the Holy Ghost.**—The words may be only a summing up of the result of the previous facts, but looking to Acts 16:6-7, it seems more probable that they refer to a fresh revelation, following on what we should call the “ordination” or “consecration” of the Apostles, and guiding them as to the direction of their journey. **Departed unto Seleucia.**—The town was situated at t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 10 Ac 10:1-48. Accession and Baptism of Cornelius and His Party; or, The First-fruits of the Gentiles. We here enter on an entirely new phase of the Christian Church, the "opening of the door of faith to the Gentiles"; in other words, the recognition of Gentile, on terms of perfect equality with Jewish, discipleship without the necessity of circumcision. Some beginnings appear to have be...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-13** Satan is in a special manner busy with great men and men in power, to keep them from being religious, for their example will influence many. Saul is here for the first time called Paul, and never after Saul. Saul was his name as he was a Hebrew; Paul was his name as he was a citizen of Rome. Under the direct influence of the Holy Ghost, he gave Elymas his true character, but no...
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And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They preached the word of God in the synagogues</strong> (κατήγγελλον τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς, <em>katēngellon ton logon tou theou en tais synagōgais</em>)—Paul's missionary strategy consistently began with synagogues, fulfilling 'to the Jew first' (Romans 1:16). Salamis, Cyprus's eastern port, had a substantial Jewish population. The verb κατήγγελλον (<em>katēngellon</em>, '...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **When they were at Salamis.**—The city was, as stated above, at the east end of Cyprus. The mention of “synagogues” implies a considerable Jewish population, and to these the Apostles, following the general rule announced in Acts 13:46, naturally, in the first instance, turned. **They had also John to their minister.**—The noun so rendered is not that commonly used for the “deacons” or “minis...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 10 Ac 10:1-48. Accession and Baptism of Cornelius and His Party; or, The First-fruits of the Gentiles. We here enter on an entirely new phase of the Christian Church, the "opening of the door of faith to the Gentiles"; in other words, the recognition of Gentile, on terms of perfect equality with Jewish, discipleship without the necessity of circumcision. Some beginnings appear to have be...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-13** Satan is in a special manner busy with great men and men in power, to keep them from being religious, for their example will influence many. Saul is here for the first time called Paul, and never after Saul. Saul was his name as he was a Hebrew; Paul was his name as he was a citizen of Rome. Under the direct influence of the Holy Ghost, he gave Elymas his true character, but no...
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And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>A certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus</strong> (μάγον ψευδοπροφήτην Ἰουδαῖον ᾧ ὄνομα Βαριησοῦ, <em>magon pseudoprophētēn Ioudaion hō onoma Bariēsou</em>)—Bar-jesus ('son of Jesus/Joshua') ironically bears a messianic name while opposing the true Jesus. Luke's triple description (μάγον, sorcerer; ψευδοπροφήτην, false prophet; Ἰουδαῖον, Jew) emphasizes the trag...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **When they had gone through the isle.**—The better MSS. give, *through the whole island.* Paphos lay at its western extremity, and appears to have been the head-quarters of the Roman governor. A local tradition, reported by M. de Cesnola (*Cyprus, *pp. 29, 223), points out a marble column to which St. Paul was bound and scourged by the citizens of Paphos, who are represented as having been am...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3-6. saw ... evidently--**"distinctly." **the ninth hour of the day--**three o'clock, the hour of the evening sacrifice. But he had been "fasting until that hour" (Ac 10:30), perhaps from the sixth hour (Ac 10:9).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-13** Satan is in a special manner busy with great men and men in power, to keep them from being religious, for their example will influence many. Saul is here for the first time called Paul, and never after Saul. Saul was his name as he was a Hebrew; Paul was his name as he was a citizen of Rome. Under the direct influence of the Holy Ghost, he gave Elymas his true character, but no...
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Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Sergius Paulus, a prudent man</strong> (ἀνδρὶ συνετῷ, <em>andri synetō</em>)—the Greek συνετῷ (<em>synetō</em>, 'intelligent, understanding') describes intellectual acumen and discernment. As Roman proconsul, Sergius Paulus governed Cyprus with authority, yet his wisdom led him to seek spiritual truth beyond official paganism. His calling for Barnabas and Saul demonstrates unusual humility...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulius.**—The translators consistently use the word “deputy” as representing the Greek for “proconsul.” It will be remembered that it was applied, under Elizabeth and James, to the governor, known in more recent times as the Viceroy, or Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, and was therefore a very close approximation to the meaning of the Latin. The ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3-6. saw ... evidently--**"distinctly." **the ninth hour of the day--**three o'clock, the hour of the evening sacrifice. But he had been "fasting until that hour" (Ac 10:30), perhaps from the sixth hour (Ac 10:9).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-13** Satan is in a special manner busy with great men and men in power, to keep them from being religious, for their example will influence many. Saul is here for the first time called Paul, and never after Saul. Saul was his name as he was a Hebrew; Paul was his name as he was a citizen of Rome. Under the direct influence of the Holy Ghost, he gave Elymas his true character, but no...
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But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation)</strong> (Ἐλύμας ὁ μάγος, οὕτως γὰρ μεθερμηνεύεται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, <em>Elymas ho magos, houtōs gar methermēneuetai to onoma autou</em>)—Luke provides the Semitic 'Elymas' (possibly from Arabic <em>alim</em>, 'wise one' or 'magician') as Bar-jesus's professional title. The parenthetical explanation suggests Luke's Greek audience nee...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **But Elymas the sorcerer.**—See Note on Acts 13:6. The charlatan feared the loss of the influence which he had previously exercised over the mind of the proconsul. His victim was emancipating himself from his bondage and was passing from credulity to faith, and that progress Bar-jesus sought to check.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3-6. saw ... evidently--**"distinctly." **the ninth hour of the day--**three o'clock, the hour of the evening sacrifice. But he had been "fasting until that hour" (Ac 10:30), perhaps from the sixth hour (Ac 10:9).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-13** Satan is in a special manner busy with great men and men in power, to keep them from being religious, for their example will influence many. Saul is here for the first time called Paul, and never after Saul. Saul was his name as he was a Hebrew; Paul was his name as he was a citizen of Rome. Under the direct influence of the Holy Ghost, he gave Elymas his true character, but no...
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Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

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KJV Study Commentary

Saul's other name 'Paul' (Roman name) appears first when addressing Roman official Sergius Paulus, suggesting strategic cultural adaptation. Being 'filled with the Holy Ghost' empowered bold confrontation of Elymas the sorcerer. This incident demonstrates Spirit-enabled authority over demonic opposition to gospel advance.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Then Saul, (who also is called Paul).**—It is impossible not to connect the mention, and probably the assumption, of the new name with the conversion of the proconsul. It presented many advantages. (1) It was sufficiently like his own name in sound to fall within the general practice which turned Jesus into Jason, Hillel into Pollio, Silas into Silvanus. (2) It was a Roman, not a Greek, name...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3-6. saw ... evidently--**"distinctly." **the ninth hour of the day--**three o'clock, the hour of the evening sacrifice. But he had been "fasting until that hour" (Ac 10:30), perhaps from the sixth hour (Ac 10:9).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-13** Satan is in a special manner busy with great men and men in power, to keep them from being religious, for their example will influence many. Saul is here for the first time called Paul, and never after Saul. Saul was his name as he was a Hebrew; Paul was his name as he was a citizen of Rome. Under the direct influence of the Holy Ghost, he gave Elymas his true character, but no...
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And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

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KJV Study Commentary

Paul confronted Elymas: 'O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?' Paul's severe rebuke exposed Elymas's character - full of deceit and wickedness, a spiritual son of Satan opposing God's purposes. The phrase 'child of the devil' contrasts with God's children, showing spiritual pate...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **Full of all subtilty and all mischief.**—The Greek of the second noun is found here only in the New Testament. Its primary meaning expresses simply “ease in working;” but this passed through the several stages of “versatility,” “shiftiness,” and “trickery.” A kindred word is translated in Acts 18:14 as “lewdness.” **Thou child of the devil.**—There is, perhaps, an intentional contrast betwe...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7-8. when the angel ... was departed, he called--**immediately doing as directed, and thereby showing the simplicity of his faith. **a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually--**of the "soldiers under him," such as the centurion at Capernaum had (Mt 8:9). Who this "devout soldier" was, can only be matter of conjecture. Da Costa [Four Witnesses] gives a number of ingenious reasons...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-13** Satan is in a special manner busy with great men and men in power, to keep them from being religious, for their example will influence many. Saul is here for the first time called Paul, and never after Saul. Saul was his name as he was a Hebrew; Paul was his name as he was a citizen of Rome. Under the direct influence of the Holy Ghost, he gave Elymas his true character, but no...
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And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

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KJV Study Commentary

Paul pronounced judgment: 'the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season.' This miraculous judgment paralleled Paul's Damascus road blinding - divine irony using the same judgment Paul experienced. The temporary nature ('for a season') suggests mercy - opportunity for repentance. The phrase 'hand of the Lord' indicates divine agency in judgment. Reform...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **The hand of the** **Lord is upon thee.**—The anthromorphic phrase would convey to every Jew the thought of a chastisement which was the direct result of the will of God. (Comp. 1Kings 18:46; Ezekiel 1:3; Ezekiel 8:1.) **Thou shalt be blind, not** **seeing the sun for a season.**—The form of the punishment may have been, in part, determined by the Apostle’s choice as manifested in prayer. If...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7-8. when the angel ... was departed, he called--**immediately doing as directed, and thereby showing the simplicity of his faith. **a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually--**of the "soldiers under him," such as the centurion at Capernaum had (Mt 8:9). Who this "devout soldier" was, can only be matter of conjecture. Da Costa [Four Witnesses] gives a number of ingenious reasons...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-13** Satan is in a special manner busy with great men and men in power, to keep them from being religious, for their example will influence many. Saul is here for the first time called Paul, and never after Saul. Saul was his name as he was a Hebrew; Paul was his name as he was a citizen of Rome. Under the direct influence of the Holy Ghost, he gave Elymas his true character, but no...
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Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The deputy, when he saw what was done, believed</strong> (ὁ ἀνθύπατος ἰδὼν τὸ γεγονὸς ἐπίστευσεν, <em>ho anthypatos idōn to gegonos episteusen</em>)—Sergius Paulus's faith followed seeing Elymas struck blind (vv. 9-11), yet Luke distinguishes his conversion from mere amazement at the miracle. The aorist ἐπίστευσεν (<em>episteusen</em>) indicates decisive faith-commitment, not superficial b...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **Being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.**—The genitive is, probably, that of the object, *the teaching which had the Lord, i.e., *the Lord Jesus, *as its main theme.*

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9-16. upon the housetop--**the flat roof, the chosen place in the East for cool retirement. **the sixth hour--**noon.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-13** Satan is in a special manner busy with great men and men in power, to keep them from being religious, for their example will influence many. Saul is here for the first time called Paul, and never after Saul. Saul was his name as he was a Hebrew; Paul was his name as he was a citizen of Rome. Under the direct influence of the Holy Ghost, he gave Elymas his true character, but no...
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Paul Preaches in Antioch of Pisidia

Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos</strong> (Ἀναχθέντες δὲ ἀπὸ τῆς Πάφου οἱ περὶ Παῦλον, <em>Anachthentes de apo tēs Paphou hoi peri Paulon</em>)—this phrase marks a subtle but significant shift: 'those around Paul' (οἱ περὶ Παῦλον, <em>hoi peri Paulon</em>) rather than 'Barnabas and Saul.' Paul now leads the mission. The confrontation with Elymas demonstrated apostolic autho...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **Paul and his company**.—Literally, *those about Paul.* The new description is obviously chosen as indicating the new position which from this time the Apostle began to occupy as the leader of the mission. **Perga.**—The city was at this time the capital of Pamphylia, situated on the river Cestrus, about seven miles from its mouth. The absence of any record of evangelising work there is prob...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9-16. upon the housetop--**the flat roof, the chosen place in the East for cool retirement. **the sixth hour--**noon.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-13** Satan is in a special manner busy with great men and men in power, to keep them from being religious, for their example will influence many. Saul is here for the first time called Paul, and never after Saul. Saul was his name as he was a Hebrew; Paul was his name as he was a citizen of Rome. Under the direct influence of the Holy Ghost, he gave Elymas his true character, but no...
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But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They came to Antioch in Pisidia</strong> (παρεγένοντο εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν τὴν Πισιδίαν, <em>paregenonto eis Antiocheian tēn Pisidian</em>)—not Syrian Antioch (their sending church) but Pisidian Antioch, a Roman colony 3,600 feet above sea level in central Asia Minor. This strategic city on the Via Sebaste (Roman military road) had a substantial Jewish population and became Paul's evangelistic b...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **They came to Antioch in Pisidia.**—The town was one of the many cities built by Seleucus Nicator, and named after his father, Antiochus. It lay on the slopes of Mount Taurus, which the travelers must have crossed, had obtained the “Jus Italicum”—a modified form of Roman citizenship—under Augustus, and had attracted, as the sequel shows, a considerable Jewish population, who had made many pr...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9-16. upon the housetop--**the flat roof, the chosen place in the East for cool retirement. **the sixth hour--**noon.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
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And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>After the reading of the law and the prophets</strong> (μετὰ δὲ τὴν ἀνάγνωσιν τοῦ νόμου καὶ τῶν προφητῶν, <em>meta de tēn anagnōsin tou nomou kai tōn prophētōn</em>)—synagogue worship followed prescribed liturgy: the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), prayers, Torah reading (continuous lectionary), prophetic reading (haftarah), and exposition. Paul's opportunity came during the exposition portion,...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **After the reading of the law and the prophets.**—The order of the Sabbath lessons was fixed as by a kind of calendar, the Law—*i.e., *the Pentateuch—being divided into fifty-three or fifty-four *paraschioth, *or sections. These, probably, came into use soon after the return from Babylon. To these were afterwards added special lessons, known technically as the *Haphtaroth, *from the prophets...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9-16. upon the housetop--**the flat roof, the chosen place in the East for cool retirement. **the sixth hour--**noon.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
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Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand</strong> (ἀναστὰς δὲ Παῦλος καὶ κατασείσας τῇ χειρί, <em>anastas de Paulos kai kataseisas tē cheiri</em>)—the participle κατασείσας (<em>kataseisas</em>, 'having motioned, gestured') describes the rhetorical gesture signaling a speaker's intention to address the assembly. Standing to speak follows synagogue protocol. Paul's hand gesture commands a...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **Beckoning with his hand.**—The gesture was rather that of one who *waves* his hand to command silence and attention than what we commonly describe as beckoning. (Comp. Acts 12:17.) The graphic touch of description would seem to indicate, as does the full report of the speech, that they came in the first instance from one who had been present. A like touch is found again in connection with S...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9-16. upon the housetop--**the flat roof, the chosen place in the East for cool retirement. **the sixth hour--**noon.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
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The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers</strong>—Paul begins his synagogue address at Pisidian Antioch by grounding Israel's identity in divine election (ἐξελέξατο, <em>exelexato</em>). This verb emphasizes God's sovereign choice, not human merit—the same election theology Paul develops in Romans 9-11.<br><br><strong>Exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers</strong> (ὕψωσ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **The God of this people of Israel.**—It will be observed that St. Paul, as far as the plan of his discourse is concerned, follows in the footsteps of St. Stephen, and begins by a recapitulation of the main facts of the history of Israel. It was a theme which Israelites were never tired of listening to. It showed that the Apostles recognised it as the history of God’s chosen people. **And exa...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9-16. upon the housetop--**the flat roof, the chosen place in the East for cool retirement. **the sixth hour--**noon.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
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And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. suffered: or bore, or fed them as a nurse beareth, or feedeth, her child

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness</strong>—Paul recounts Israel's wilderness period from Deuteronomy 1:31, where God 'bare' (נָשָׂא, <em>nasa</em>) Israel like a father carries a child. The KJV 'suffered he their manners' translates Greek τροποφορέω (<em>tropophoreō</em>), better rendered 'bore with their ways' or 'endured their conduct'—emphasiz...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **Suffered he their manners.**—The Greek word so rendered differs by a single letter only from one which signifies “to nurse, to carry, as a father carries his child.” Many of the better MSS. versions and early writers give the latter reading, and it obviously falls in far better with the conciliatory drift of St. Paul’s teaching than one which implied reproach. The word is found in the Greek...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9-16. upon the housetop--**the flat roof, the chosen place in the East for cool retirement. **the sixth hour--**noon.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
Read full commentary →

And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan</strong>—Paul references the conquest of Canaan, recounting God's redemptive acts in Israel's history. The "seven nations" (Greek: ἔθνη ἑπτά, <em>ethnē hepta</em>) recalls Deuteronomy 7:1, where God lists the Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. The verb <strong>destroyed</strong> (κα...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **He divided their land to them by lot.**—Accepting this reading, the reference is to the command given in Numbers 26:55-56, and recorded as carried into effect in Joshua 14-19. The better MSS., however, give a kindred word, which signifies “he gave as an inheritance.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9-16. upon the housetop--**the flat roof, the chosen place in the East for cool retirement. **the sixth hour--**noon.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
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And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years</strong>—Paul's sermon in Pisidian Antioch recounts Israel's history from Egyptian bondage through the period of the judges. The 450-year timeframe has prompted scholarly discussion: some manuscripts place this duration <em>before</em> the judges (covering Egyptian bondage, wilderness wandering, and Can...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **After that he gave unto them judges . . .**—The statement in the text, assigning 450 years to the period of the judges, and apparently reckoning that period from the distribution of the conquered territory, is at variance with that in 1Kings 6:1, which gives 480 years as the period intervening between the Exodus and the building of the temple. The better MSS., however, give a different read...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17-24. while Peter doubted ... what this should mean, behold, the three men ... stood before the gate ... and asked--**"were inquiring," that is, in the act of doing so. The preparations here made--of Peter for his Gentile visitors, as of Cornelius for him--are devoutly to be noted. But besides this, at the same moment, "the Spirit" expressly informs him that three men were inquiring for him, an...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
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And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And afterward they desired a king</strong> (αἰτέω, <em>aiteo</em>)—Israel’s demand for a king (1 Samuel 8:5) was rooted in covenant unfaithfulness, rejecting the LORD as their King (1 Samuel 8:7). Paul emphasizes this as <strong>they desired</strong>, highlighting human initiative rather than divine design.<br><br><strong>God gave unto them Saul</strong> (Σαούλ, from Hebrew שָׁאוּל, <em>sh...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin.**—It is natural to think of the Apostle as dwelling on the memory of the hero-king of the tribe to which he himself belonged. (Comp. Philippians 3:5.) The very fact that he had so recently renounced the name, would bring the associations connected with it more vividly to his recollection. **Forty years.**—The duration of Saul’s reign is n...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17-24. while Peter doubted ... what this should mean, behold, the three men ... stood before the gate ... and asked--**"were inquiring," that is, in the act of doing so. The preparations here made--of Peter for his Gentile visitors, as of Cornelius for him--are devoutly to be noted. But besides this, at the same moment, "the Spirit" expressly informs him that three men were inquiring for him, an...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
Read full commentary →

And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

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KJV Study Commentary

God's testimony about David - 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will' - connects Jesus to Davidic promises. Paul's citation emphasizes that God's choice rested on character ('after mine own heart') rather than external qualifications, pointing forward to Jesus as David's greater Son who perfectly fulfills God's will.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **I have found David the son of Jesse.**—The words that follow are a composite quotation, after the manner of the Rabbis, made up of Psalm 89:20, and 1Samuel 13:14. The obvious purpose of this opening was, as in the case of St. Stephen’s speech, to gain attention by showing that the speaker recognised all the traditional glories of the people. It is possible that we have, as it were, but the ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17-24. while Peter doubted ... what this should mean, behold, the three men ... stood before the gate ... and asked--**"were inquiring," that is, in the act of doing so. The preparations here made--of Peter for his Gentile visitors, as of Cornelius for him--are devoutly to be noted. But besides this, at the same moment, "the Spirit" expressly informs him that three men were inquiring for him, an...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
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Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of this man's seed</strong> (ἐκ τοῦ σπέρματος τούτου) directly connects Jesus to David's lineage, fulfilling the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Paul's phrase <strong>according to his promise</strong> (κατ' ἐπαγγελίαν) emphasizes divine faithfulness—God keeps His ancient promises. The verb <strong>raised</strong> (ἤγειρεν) carries double meaning: God 'raised up' Jesus historically as ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **Raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus.**—It is, of course, probable that the names of Jesus and of John were not utterly unknown, even in those remote regions of Pisidia. No Jew could have gone up to keep a feast at Jerusalem for some years past without having heard something of the one or of the other. St. Paul’s tone is clearly that of one who assumes that their story is already vaguely kno...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17-24. while Peter doubted ... what this should mean, behold, the three men ... stood before the gate ... and asked--**"were inquiring," that is, in the act of doing so. The preparations here made--of Peter for his Gentile visitors, as of Cornelius for him--are devoutly to be noted. But besides this, at the same moment, "the Spirit" expressly informs him that three men were inquiring for him, an...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
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When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance</strong> (βάπτισμα μετανοίας, <em>baptisma metanoias</em>)—Paul's sermon in Pisidian Antioch anchors Jesus's ministry in John the Baptist's preparatory work. The verb κηρύσσω (<em>kēryssō</em>, 'to herald') emphasizes John's role as the forerunner who publicly proclaimed the need for <em>metanoia</em>—not mere remorse...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **The baptism of repentance.**—See Notes on Matthew 3:1-12.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17-24. while Peter doubted ... what this should mean, behold, the three men ... stood before the gate ... and asked--**"were inquiring," that is, in the act of doing so. The preparations here made--of Peter for his Gentile visitors, as of Cornelius for him--are devoutly to be noted. But besides this, at the same moment, "the Spirit" expressly informs him that three men were inquiring for him, an...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
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And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And as John fulfilled his course</strong> (ὡς δὲ ἐπλήρου Ἰωάννης τὸν δρόμον)—Paul recounts the Baptizer's testimony using <em>dromos</em> (course/race), the same athletic metaphor Paul later applied to his own ministry (Acts 20:24, 2 Timothy 4:7). John's ministry was a divinely appointed assignment with a defined beginning and end.<br><br><strong>Whom think ye that I am? I am not he</stron...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **And as John fulfilled his course.**—Better *was fulfilling, *the tense implying continuous action. **Whom think ye that I am?**—The precise question is not found in the Gospel records of St. John’s ministry, but the substance of the answer is implied in Matthew 3:11; John 1:20-21.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17-24. while Peter doubted ... what this should mean, behold, the three men ... stood before the gate ... and asked--**"were inquiring," that is, in the act of doing so. The preparations here made--of Peter for his Gentile visitors, as of Cornelius for him--are devoutly to be noted. But besides this, at the same moment, "the Spirit" expressly informs him that three men were inquiring for him, an...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
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Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

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KJV Study Commentary

Paul's direct address - 'Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God' - includes both ethnic Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. His proclamation 'to you is the word of this salvation sent' emphasizes that the gospel comes as divine message, not human invention. The phrase 'sent to you' indicates both priority and responsibility - first opportunity brings fir...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **Children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God.**—The two classes are, as before (see Note on Acts 13:16), again pointedly contrasted with each other. **To you is the word of this salvation sent.**—The demonstrative pronoun implies that the salvation which St. Paul proclaimed rested on the work of Jesus the Saviour (Acts 13:23), and was found in union with Him. (Comp....
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17-24. while Peter doubted ... what this should mean, behold, the three men ... stood before the gate ... and asked--**"were inquiring," that is, in the act of doing so. The preparations here made--of Peter for his Gentile visitors, as of Cornelius for him--are devoutly to be noted. But besides this, at the same moment, "the Spirit" expressly informs him that three men were inquiring for him, an...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
Read full commentary →

For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

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KJV Study Commentary

Paul's paradox - Jerusalem's inhabitants and rulers 'knew him not' yet 'fulfilled' prophetic Scriptures by condemning Jesus - demonstrates how opposition to God can unwittingly accomplish His purposes. Their ignorance didn't excuse guilt but showed how spiritual blindness led them to fulfill precisely what they should have recognized. This reveals God's sovereignty in using even rebellion to accom...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **For they that dwell at Jerusalem.**—The implied reason of the mission to the Gentiles and more distant Jews is that the offer of salvation had been rejected by those who would naturally have been its first recipients, and who, had they received it, would have been, in their turn, witnesses to those that were “far off,” in both the local and spiritual sense of those words. **The voices of th...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17-24. while Peter doubted ... what this should mean, behold, the three men ... stood before the gate ... and asked--**"were inquiring," that is, in the act of doing so. The preparations here made--of Peter for his Gentile visitors, as of Cornelius for him--are devoutly to be noted. But besides this, at the same moment, "the Spirit" expressly informs him that three men were inquiring for him, an...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
Read full commentary →

And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And though they found no cause of death in him</strong> (αἰτίαν θανάτου, <em>aitian thanatou</em>)—Paul emphasizes the judicial innocence of Jesus. Despite rigorous examination by both Jewish and Roman authorities, no legitimate capital charge could be substantiated. This echoes Pilate's threefold declaration "I find no fault in him" (Luke 23:4, 14, 22) and fulfills Isaiah 53:9, "he had do...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **And though they found no cause of death in him.**—Technically, the Sanhedrin had condemned our Lord on the charge of blasphemy (Matthew 26:66), but they had been unable to prove the charge by any adequate evidence (Matthew 26:60), and finally condemned him by extorting words from His own lips. When they came before Pilate they shrank at first from urging that accusation, and contented thems...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**25-29. as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him--**a mark of the highest respect. **fell down at his feet, and worshipped him--**In the East this way of showing respect was customary not only to kings, but to others occupying a superior station; but among the Greeks and Romans it was reserved for the gods. Peter, therefore, declines it as due to no mortal [Grotius]. "Those who claim to have s...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
Read full commentary →

And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When they had fulfilled all that was written of him</strong>—Paul emphasizes the complete fulfillment of messianic prophecy. The Greek τελέσαντες (telesantes, 'having completed/fulfilled') carries the sense of bringing to perfect completion, echoing Jesus's cry τετέλεσται (tetelestai, 'It is finished,' John 19:30). Paul's point is devastating: the Jewish leaders who rejected Jesus actually...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **When they had fulfilled all that was written** **of** **him.**—The words are suggestive of much that lies below the surface. St. Paul, also, had studied in the same school of prophetic interpretation as the writers of the Gospels, and saw as they did, in all the details of the Crucifixion, the fulfilment of that which had been written beforehand, it might be, of other sufferers, but which w...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**25-29. as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him--**a mark of the highest respect. **fell down at his feet, and worshipped him--**In the East this way of showing respect was customary not only to kings, but to others occupying a superior station; but among the Greeks and Romans it was reserved for the gods. Peter, therefore, declines it as due to no mortal [Grotius]. "Those who claim to have s...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
Read full commentary →

But God raised him from the dead:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But God raised him from the dead</strong> (ὁ δὲ θεὸς ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν)—The emphatic 'But God' (ὁ δὲ θεὸς) contrasts human rejection with divine vindication. The verb <strong>raised</strong> (ἤγειρεν, aorist tense) marks a decisive historical act, not myth or metaphor. This is resurrection theology at its core: what men killed, God raised; what appeared as defeat became victory.<br><...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**25-29. as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him--**a mark of the highest respect. **fell down at his feet, and worshipped him--**In the East this way of showing respect was customary not only to kings, but to others occupying a superior station; but among the Greeks and Romans it was reserved for the gods. Peter, therefore, declines it as due to no mortal [Grotius]. "Those who claim to have s...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
Read full commentary →

And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he was seen many days</strong> (ὤφθη ἐπὶ ἡμέρας πλείους, <em>ōphthē epi hēmeras pleious</em>)—Paul emphasizes the <em>plurality</em> and <em>duration</em> of Christ's post-resurrection appearances, not a fleeting vision but sustained eyewitness encounters over forty days (Acts 1:3). The passive "was seen" implies divine initiative—Christ revealed himself deliberately to chosen witnesse...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **And he was seen many days.**—The language is that of one who had conversed with the witnesses, and had convinced himself of the truth of their testimony. We find what the Apostle had in his thoughts in a more expanded form in 1Corinthians 15:3-8. **Who are his witnesses.**—More accurately, *who are now his witnesses.* **Unto the people.**—The word is used in its distinctive sense as applied...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**25-29. as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him--**a mark of the highest respect. **fell down at his feet, and worshipped him--**In the East this way of showing respect was customary not only to kings, but to others occupying a superior station; but among the Greeks and Romans it was reserved for the gods. Peter, therefore, declines it as due to no mortal [Grotius]. "Those who claim to have s...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 14-31** When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves...
Read full commentary →

And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And we declare unto you glad tidings</strong> (εὐαγγελιζόμεθα, euangelizometha)—Paul uses the verbal form of 'gospel' to proclaim the good news. This is not human opinion but apostolic announcement of divine fulfillment.<br><br><strong>The promise which was made unto the fathers</strong> refers to the patriarchal covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:3, 22:18, 26:4). P...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**25-29. as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him--**a mark of the highest respect. **fell down at his feet, and worshipped him--**In the East this way of showing respect was customary not only to kings, but to others occupying a superior station; but among the Greeks and Romans it was reserved for the gods. Peter, therefore, declines it as due to no mortal [Grotius]. "Those who claim to have s...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 32-37** The resurrection of Christ was the great proof of his being the Son of God. It was not possible he should be held by death, because he was the Son of God, and therefore had life in himself, which he could not lay down but with a design to take it again. The sure mercies of David are that everlasting life, of which the resurrection was a sure pledge; and the blessings of redemp...
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God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>God hath fulfilled</strong> (ἐκπεπλήρωκεν) uses the perfect tense—God's fulfillment stands complete and permanent. The promise made to 'the fathers' now reaches 'their children' (ἡμῖν τοῖς τέκνοις αὐτῶν), demonstrating covenant continuity across generations.<br><br>Paul quotes <strong>Psalm 2:7</strong>—<strong>Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee</strong> (Υἱός μου εἶ σύ, ἐγὼ σή...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(33) **God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children.**—The better MSS. give, with hardly an exception, *unto our children, *and the Received text must be regarded as having been made to obtain what seemed a more natural meaning. St. Paul’s language, however, is but an echo of St. Peter’s “to us and to our children,” in Acts 2:39. **As it is also written in the second psalm.**—The various-rea...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**30-33. Four days ago--**the messengers being despatched on the first; on the second reaching Joppa (Ac 10:9); starting for Cæsarea on the third; and on the fourth arriving.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 32-37** The resurrection of Christ was the great proof of his being the Son of God. It was not possible he should be held by death, because he was the Son of God, and therefore had life in himself, which he could not lay down but with a design to take it again. The sure mercies of David are that everlasting life, of which the resurrection was a sure pledge; and the blessings of redemp...
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And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. mercies: Gr. holy, or just things: which word the Septuagint in many places, uses for that which is in the Hebrew, mercies

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>"I will give you the sure mercies of David"</strong> (τὰ ὅσια Δαυὶδ τὰ πιστά, <em>ta hosia Dauid ta pista</em>)—Paul quotes Isaiah 55:3, connecting Christ's resurrection to the Davidic covenant's irrevocable promises. The Greek <em>hosia</em> means "holy things" or "covenant mercies," while <em>pista</em> emphasizes their certainty and faithfulness. These mercies are "sure" because Christ ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(34) **Now no more to return to corruption.**—We note from the turn of the phrase that St. Paul already has the words of Psalm 16:10 in his mind, though he has not as yet referred to it. **I will give you the sure mercies of David.**—The words do not seem in themselves to have the nature of a Messianic prediction. To those, however, whose minds were full to overflowing with the writings of the pro...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**30-33. Four days ago--**the messengers being despatched on the first; on the second reaching Joppa (Ac 10:9); starting for Cæsarea on the third; and on the fourth arriving.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 32-37** The resurrection of Christ was the great proof of his being the Son of God. It was not possible he should be held by death, because he was the Son of God, and therefore had life in himself, which he could not lay down but with a design to take it again. The sure mercies of David are that everlasting life, of which the resurrection was a sure pledge; and the blessings of redemp...
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Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption</strong>—Paul quotes Psalm 16:10 as his second messianic proof text, after citing Psalm 2:7. The Greek <em>hosion</em> (ὅσιον, 'Holy One') translates Hebrew <em>hasid</em> (חָסִיד), meaning 'faithful' or 'covenant-loyal one.' The word <em>diaphthoran</em> (διαφθοράν, 'corruption') refers to bod...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(35) **Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.**—See Notes on the prophecy so cited in Acts 2:25-31.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**30-33. Four days ago--**the messengers being despatched on the first; on the second reaching Joppa (Ac 10:9); starting for Cæsarea on the third; and on the fourth arriving.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 32-37** The resurrection of Christ was the great proof of his being the Son of God. It was not possible he should be held by death, because he was the Son of God, and therefore had life in himself, which he could not lay down but with a design to take it again. The sure mercies of David are that everlasting life, of which the resurrection was a sure pledge; and the blessings of redemp...
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For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: after: or, after he had in his own age served the will of God

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KJV Study Commentary

The contrast between David who 'fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption' and Jesus (implied in verses 37-38) establishes resurrection as the crucial difference. David's death and decay prove he wasn't the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Only Jesus, raised without seeing corruption, qualified as the true Davidic king whose kingdom would never end.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(36) **After he had served his own generation.**—Literally, *ministered to his own generation.* There is, perhaps, a suggested contrast between the limits within which the work of service to mankind done by any mere man, however great and powerful, is necessarily confined, and the wide, far-reaching, endless ministry to the whole human family which belongs to the Son of Man. **By the will of God.*...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**30-33. Four days ago--**the messengers being despatched on the first; on the second reaching Joppa (Ac 10:9); starting for Cæsarea on the third; and on the fourth arriving.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 32-37** The resurrection of Christ was the great proof of his being the Son of God. It was not possible he should be held by death, because he was the Son of God, and therefore had life in himself, which he could not lay down but with a design to take it again. The sure mercies of David are that everlasting life, of which the resurrection was a sure pledge; and the blessings of redemp...
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But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption</strong> (διαφθοράν, <em>diaphthoran</em>)—Paul's climactic contrast in his synagogue sermon. While David <strong>saw corruption</strong> (13:36), Jesus did not. The Greek <em>diaphthora</em> means decay, dissolution, the biological decomposition every human body undergoes.<br><br>This resurrection proof was central to apostolic preaching (A...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**34-35. Peter opened his mouth--**(See on Mt 5:2). **Of a truth I perceive--**that is, "I have it now demonstrated before mine eyes." **that God is no respecter of persons--**Not, "I see there is no capricious favoritism with God," for Peter would never imagine such a thing; but (as the next clause shows), "I see that God has respect only to personal character and state in the acceptance of m...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 32-37** The resurrection of Christ was the great proof of his being the Son of God. It was not possible he should be held by death, because he was the Son of God, and therefore had life in himself, which he could not lay down but with a design to take it again. The sure mercies of David are that everlasting life, of which the resurrection was a sure pledge; and the blessings of redemp...
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Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins</strong>—Paul's first recorded sermon (in Pisidian Antioch) declares Christ as the source of forgiveness. <strong>Through this man</strong> (διὰ τούτου) identifies the risen Jesus just described (vv.30-37) as God's sole means of pardon. <strong>Forgiveness of sins</strong> (...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(38) **Men and brethren.**—Better, *brethren, *simply. **Is preached . . .**—The force of the Greek tense emphasises the fact that the forgiveness was, at that very moment, in the act of *being proclaimed* or preached. **Forgiveness of sins.**—This forms the key-note of St. Paul’s preaching (here and in Acts 26:18), as it had done of St. Peter’s (Acts 2:38; Acts 5:31; Acts 10:43), as it had done b...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**34-35. Peter opened his mouth--**(See on Mt 5:2). **Of a truth I perceive--**that is, "I have it now demonstrated before mine eyes." **that God is no respecter of persons--**Not, "I see there is no capricious favoritism with God," for Peter would never imagine such a thing; but (as the next clause shows), "I see that God has respect only to personal character and state in the acceptance of m...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 38-41** Let all that hear the gospel of Christ, know these two things: 1. That through this Man, who died and rose again, is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins. Your sins, though many and great, may be forgiven, and they may be so without any injury to God's honour. 2. It is by Christ only that those who believe in him, and none else, are justified from all things; from all the...
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And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses</strong>—Paul articulates justification by faith alone, his signature doctrine. The contrast is stark: <strong>by him</strong> (ἐν τούτῳ) versus <strong>by the law of Moses</strong> (ἐν νόμῳ Μωϋσέως). <strong>All that believe are justified</strong> (πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων δικαιοῦται)...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(39) **And by him.**—Literally, *in Him, *as the sphere in which forgiveness was found, rather than as the instrument through whom it came. **All that believe are justified.**—Literally, with a more individualising touch, *every one that believeth is justified.* The latter verb is not found elsewhere in the Acts. It is interesting to note in this, the first recorded example of St. Paul’s teaching,...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**36-38. the word ... sent unto the children of Israel--**for to them (he would have them distinctly know) the Gospel was first preached, even as the facts of it took place on the special theater of the ancient economy. **preaching peace by Jesus Christ--**the glorious sum of all Gospel truth (1Co 1:20-22). **he is Lord of all--**exalted to embrace under the canopy of His peace, Jew and Gentil...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 38-41** Let all that hear the gospel of Christ, know these two things: 1. That through this Man, who died and rose again, is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins. Your sins, though many and great, may be forgiven, and they may be so without any injury to God's honour. 2. It is by Christ only that those who believe in him, and none else, are justified from all things; from all the...
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Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets</strong>—Paul pivots from gospel promise (v.39) to prophetic warning with <strong>beware</strong> (βλέπετε), an urgent imperative demanding vigilance. <strong>Lest that come upon you</strong> (μὴ ἐπέλθῃ ἐφ' ὑμᾶς) warns of divine judgment actively arriving, not passively happening. He introduces a quotation from H...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(40) **Which is spoken of in the prophets.**—This formula of citation seems to have been common, as in Acts 7:42, in the case of quotations from the Minor Prophets, which were regarded, as it were, as a single volume with this title.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**36-38. the word ... sent unto the children of Israel--**for to them (he would have them distinctly know) the Gospel was first preached, even as the facts of it took place on the special theater of the ancient economy. **preaching peace by Jesus Christ--**the glorious sum of all Gospel truth (1Co 1:20-22). **he is Lord of all--**exalted to embrace under the canopy of His peace, Jew and Gentil...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 38-41** Let all that hear the gospel of Christ, know these two things: 1. That through this Man, who died and rose again, is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins. Your sins, though many and great, may be forgiven, and they may be so without any injury to God's honour. 2. It is by Christ only that those who believe in him, and none else, are justified from all things; from all the...
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Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

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KJV Study Commentary

Paul's warning quotes Habakkuk 1:5 - 'Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish' - applying ancient prophecy to his hearers' situation. God's work in their day (Messiah's coming, death, resurrection) was so astounding that scoffers risked 'perishing' by refusing to believe. The warning 'though a man declare it unto you' indicates that even clear testimony can be rejected by hardened hearts.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(41) **Behold, ye despisers.**—The quotation is from the LXX. version, the Hebrew giving “Behold, ye among the heathen.” So, in the next clause, “wonder, and perish” takes the place of “wonder marvellously.” The fact that St. Paul quotes from the prophet (Habakkuk 1:5) whose teaching (Habakkuk 2:4) that “the just by faith shall live” becomes henceforth the axiom of his life, is not without a speci...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**36-38. the word ... sent unto the children of Israel--**for to them (he would have them distinctly know) the Gospel was first preached, even as the facts of it took place on the special theater of the ancient economy. **preaching peace by Jesus Christ--**the glorious sum of all Gospel truth (1Co 1:20-22). **he is Lord of all--**exalted to embrace under the canopy of His peace, Jew and Gentil...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 38-41** Let all that hear the gospel of Christ, know these two things: 1. That through this Man, who died and rose again, is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins. Your sins, though many and great, may be forgiven, and they may be so without any injury to God's honour. 2. It is by Christ only that those who believe in him, and none else, are justified from all things; from all the...
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And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. the next: Gr. in the week between, or, in the sabbath between

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought</strong> (παρεκάλουν τὰ ἔθνη)—The Greek <em>parekáloun</em> means 'earnestly pleaded' or 'urgently requested,' revealing the Gentiles' spiritual hunger. This pivotal moment marks the turning point in Paul's first missionary journey where Gentile interest surpasses Jewish reception.<br><br><strong>That these words might...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(42) **And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue.**—The better MSS. give simply, *as they were going out, *the Received text being apparently an explanatory interpretation. The reading, “the Gentiles besought,” is an addition of the same character, the better MSS. giving simply, *they besought, *or *were beseeching.* What follows shows, indeed, that some at least of the Jews were led to inq...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**39-43. we are witnesses of all ... he did--**not objects of superstitious reverence, but simply witnesses to the great historical facts on which the Gospel is founded. **slew and hanged--**that is, slew by hanging. **on a tree--**So Ac 5:30 (and see on Ga 3:13).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 42-52** The Jews opposed the doctrine the apostles preached; and when they could find no objection, they blasphemed Christ and his gospel. Commonly those who begin with contradicting, end with blaspheming. But when adversaries of Christ's cause are daring, its advocates should be the bolder. And while many judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, others, who appear less likely, desi...
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Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

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KJV Study Commentary

Many Jews and 'religious proselytes' followed Paul and Barnabas after the synagogue service, seeking further instruction. The apostles' exhortation to 'continue in the grace of God' emphasizes that Christian life begins and continues by grace. This phrase guards against both legalistic additions to grace and presumption that takes grace for granted, maintaining gospel balance.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(43) **When the congregation was broken up.**—Better, as keeping to the usual rendering, *the synagogue.* The two preachers withdrew to their inn or lodging, and were followed by many of both classes of their hearers—not, as the Received text of Acts 13:42 implies, by one only. It is probable, looking to St. Paul’s language in 1Corinthians 9:6—which can only refer to their joint life at the Syrian...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**39-43. we are witnesses of all ... he did--**not objects of superstitious reverence, but simply witnesses to the great historical facts on which the Gospel is founded. **slew and hanged--**that is, slew by hanging. **on a tree--**So Ac 5:30 (and see on Ga 3:13).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 42-52** The Jews opposed the doctrine the apostles preached; and when they could find no objection, they blasphemed Christ and his gospel. Commonly those who begin with contradicting, end with blaspheming. But when adversaries of Christ's cause are daring, its advocates should be the bolder. And while many judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, others, who appear less likely, desi...
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Paul Turns to the Gentiles

And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.</strong> The Greek phrase <em>schedon pasa hē polis</em> (σχεδὸν πᾶσα ἡ πόλις) emphasizes the remarkable scope—'almost the entire city'—gathering to hear the <em>logos tou Theou</em> (λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ), the word of God. This explosive growth in one week reveals the Spirit's sovereign work in Pisidian Antioc...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(44) **The next sabbath day came almost the whole city together.**—It is clear that the Jewish synagogue could not have held such a crowd, and we are led accordingly to the conclusion either that they thronged round portals and windows while the Apostles spoke within, or that the crowd gathered in some open space or piazza in which the synagogue was situated, and were addressed from its entrance. ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**39-43. we are witnesses of all ... he did--**not objects of superstitious reverence, but simply witnesses to the great historical facts on which the Gospel is founded. **slew and hanged--**that is, slew by hanging. **on a tree--**So Ac 5:30 (and see on Ga 3:13).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 42-52** The Jews opposed the doctrine the apostles preached; and when they could find no objection, they blasphemed Christ and his gospel. Commonly those who begin with contradicting, end with blaspheming. But when adversaries of Christ's cause are daring, its advocates should be the bolder. And while many judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, others, who appear less likely, desi...
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But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They were filled with envy</strong> (ἐπλήσθησαν ζήλου)—the Jews' opposition to Paul stemmed not from theological conviction but from jealousy at seeing Gentile crowds flock to hear the gospel. The verb <em>plēthoō</em> (filled) indicates being completely dominated by this emotion.<br><br><strong>Contradicting and blaspheming</strong> (ἀντιλέγοντες καὶ βλασφημοῦντες)—their response escalate...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(45) **They were filled with envy.**—They heard the Apostles speaking to the multitudes, not in the condescending, supercilious tone of those who could just tolerate a wealthy proselyte of the gate, that could purchase their favour, but as finding in every one of them a brother standing on the same level as themselves, as redeemed by Christ, and this practical repudiation of all the exclusive priv...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**39-43. we are witnesses of all ... he did--**not objects of superstitious reverence, but simply witnesses to the great historical facts on which the Gospel is founded. **slew and hanged--**that is, slew by hanging. **on a tree--**So Ac 5:30 (and see on Ga 3:13).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 42-52** The Jews opposed the doctrine the apostles preached; and when they could find no objection, they blasphemed Christ and his gospel. Commonly those who begin with contradicting, end with blaspheming. But when adversaries of Christ's cause are daring, its advocates should be the bolder. And while many judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, others, who appear less likely, desi...
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Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

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KJV Study Commentary

Paul and Barnabas's bold declaration - 'It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you... lo, we turn to the Gentiles' - marks a theological turning point. God's historical priority for Israel (Romans 1:16) didn't exclude Gentiles but established the pattern. Jewish rejection opened the door for Gentile inclusion, demonstrating how God's p...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(46) **It** **was necessary.**—The preachers recognised the necessity of following what they looked on as the divine plan in the education of mankind, and so they preached “to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile” (Romans 2:9-10). The former were offered, as the fulfilment of the promise made to Abraham, the high privilege of being the channel through which “all families of the earth should be b...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**39-43. we are witnesses of all ... he did--**not objects of superstitious reverence, but simply witnesses to the great historical facts on which the Gospel is founded. **slew and hanged--**that is, slew by hanging. **on a tree--**So Ac 5:30 (and see on Ga 3:13).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 42-52** The Jews opposed the doctrine the apostles preached; and when they could find no objection, they blasphemed Christ and his gospel. Commonly those who begin with contradicting, end with blaspheming. But when adversaries of Christ's cause are daring, its advocates should be the bolder. And while many judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, others, who appear less likely, desi...
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For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

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KJV Study Commentary

Paul's quotation of Isaiah 49:6 applies the Servant's mission to Christian witnesses, showing Gentile inclusion fulfilled Old Testament prophecy. The phrase 'a light to the Gentiles' and 'salvation unto the ends of the earth' establishes the universal scope of gospel mission. This biblical foundation justified Paul's strategic turn from resistant Jews to receptive Gentiles.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(47) **I have set thee to be a light to the Gentiles.**—The context of the quotation has to be remembered as showing that St. Paul identified the “Servant of the Lord” in Isaiah 49:6 with the person of the Christ. (See Note on Acts 4:27.) The citation. is interesting as the first example of the train of thought which led the Apostle to see in the language of the prophets, where others had found on...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**44-45. While Peter yet spake ... the Holy Ghost fell--**by visible and audible manifestation (Ac 10:46).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 42-52** The Jews opposed the doctrine the apostles preached; and when they could find no objection, they blasphemed Christ and his gospel. Commonly those who begin with contradicting, end with blaspheming. But when adversaries of Christ's cause are daring, its advocates should be the bolder. And while many judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, others, who appear less likely, desi...
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And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

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KJV Study Commentary

Gentile rejoicing and glorifying 'the word of the Lord' demonstrates recognition that gospel message brings liberation and hope. The phrase 'as many as were ordained to eternal life believed' affirms divine election while describing actual response—God's sovereignty and human responsibility coexist in salvation. Faith follows divine appointment in Luke's narrative.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(48) **They were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord.**—Both verbs are in the tense of continued action. The joy was not an evanescent burst of emotion. The “word of the Lord” here is the teaching which had the Lord Jesus as its subject. **As many as were ordained to eternal life believed.**—Better, *as many as were disposed for.* The words seem to the English reader to support the Calvinisti...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**44-45. While Peter yet spake ... the Holy Ghost fell--**by visible and audible manifestation (Ac 10:46).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 42-52** The Jews opposed the doctrine the apostles preached; and when they could find no objection, they blasphemed Christ and his gospel. Commonly those who begin with contradicting, end with blaspheming. But when adversaries of Christ's cause are daring, its advocates should be the bolder. And while many judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, others, who appear less likely, desi...
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And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region</strong> (διεφέρετο ὁ λόγος τοῦ κυρίου, <em>diephereto ho logos tou kyriou</em>)—the imperfect tense indicates continuous, ongoing spread. The verb <em>diapherō</em> means 'to carry through, spread abroad,' emphasizing active dissemination, not passive diffusion. <strong>The word of the Lord</strong> (ὁ λόγος τοῦ κυρίου) refe...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(49) **Throughout all the region.**—This clearly involves a considerable period of active working. It was not in Antioch only, but in the “region” round about, the border district of the three provinces of Phrygia, Lycaonia, and Galatia, that the new faith was planted. Each town and village in that region presented the spectacle of at least some few men and women who no longer sacrificed to their ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**46. heard them speak with tongues and magnify God--**As on the day of Pentecost it was no empty miracle, no mere speaking of foreign languages, but utterance of "the wonderful works of God" in tongues to them unknown (Ac 2:11), so here; but more remarkable in this case, as the speakers were perhaps less familiar with the Old Testament songs of praise. **46-48. Then answered Peter, Can any man...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 42-52** The Jews opposed the doctrine the apostles preached; and when they could find no objection, they blasphemed Christ and his gospel. Commonly those who begin with contradicting, end with blaspheming. But when adversaries of Christ's cause are daring, its advocates should be the bolder. And while many judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, others, who appear less likely, desi...
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But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city</strong>—This reveals the synagogue's strategic use of social influence. The "devout" (σεβομένας, <em>sebomenas</em>) women were likely <em>God-fearers</em>, Gentile adherents to Judaism who had social standing. Jewish leaders weaponized these influential converts to mobilize civic opposition.<br><br><st...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(50) **The Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women.**—The fact stated brings before us another feature of the relations between Jews and Gentiles at this period. They “compassed sea and land to make one proselyte” (Matthew 23:15). They found it easier to make proselytes of women. Such conversions had their good and their bad sides. In many cases there was a real longing for a higher and pu...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**46. heard them speak with tongues and magnify God--**As on the day of Pentecost it was no empty miracle, no mere speaking of foreign languages, but utterance of "the wonderful works of God" in tongues to them unknown (Ac 2:11), so here; but more remarkable in this case, as the speakers were perhaps less familiar with the Old Testament songs of praise. **46-48. Then answered Peter, Can any man...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 42-52** The Jews opposed the doctrine the apostles preached; and when they could find no objection, they blasphemed Christ and his gospel. Commonly those who begin with contradicting, end with blaspheming. But when adversaries of Christ's cause are daring, its advocates should be the bolder. And while many judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, others, who appear less likely, desi...
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But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But they shook off the dust of their feet against them</strong> (ἐκτιναξάμενοι τὸν κονιορτὸν τῶν ποδῶν)—Paul and Barnabas enacted Jesus's instruction from the sending of the Twelve (Luke 9:5) and the Seventy (Luke 10:11). The symbolic act of <em>ektinassō</em> (to shake off thoroughly) declared a solemn witness: the messengers had fulfilled their obligation, and the rejectors now bore full...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(51) **They shook off the dust of their feet against them.**—The act was one of literal obedience to our Lord’s commands (see Note on Matthew 10:14), and may fairly be regarded as evidence that that command had come to the knowledge of Paul and Barnabas as well as of the Twelve. It was in itself, however, the language of a natural symbolism which every Jew would understand, a declaration that not ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**46. heard them speak with tongues and magnify God--**As on the day of Pentecost it was no empty miracle, no mere speaking of foreign languages, but utterance of "the wonderful works of God" in tongues to them unknown (Ac 2:11), so here; but more remarkable in this case, as the speakers were perhaps less familiar with the Old Testament songs of praise. **46-48. Then answered Peter, Can any man...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 42-52** The Jews opposed the doctrine the apostles preached; and when they could find no objection, they blasphemed Christ and his gospel. Commonly those who begin with contradicting, end with blaspheming. But when adversaries of Christ's cause are daring, its advocates should be the bolder. And while many judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, others, who appear less likely, desi...
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And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

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KJV Study Commentary

Despite persecution and expulsion, 'the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.' This paradoxical joy amid suffering demonstrates the Spirit's work that transcends circumstances. Their joy wasn't based on comfort or success but on the Spirit's presence and the gospel's truth. This pattern of persecution producing joy echoes Jesus's beatitudes (Matthew 5:11-12).

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(52) **And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost.**—The tense is again that which expresses the continuance of the state. The “joy” expresses what is almost the normal sequence of conversion in the history of the Acts. (See Notes on Acts 8:8; Acts 8:39.) The addition of “the Holy Ghost” may imply special gifts like those of tongues and prophecy, but certainly involves a new in...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 42-52** The Jews opposed the doctrine the apostles preached; and when they could find no objection, they blasphemed Christ and his gospel. Commonly those who begin with contradicting, end with blaspheming. But when adversaries of Christ's cause are daring, its advocates should be the bolder. And while many judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, others, who appear less likely, desi...
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