Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:19
And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
Had saluted them – With the usual tokens of respect and affection.
He declared particularly … – As an evidence that God had been with him. It is not improbable that there might have been some suspicion in regard to Paul among the disciples at Jerusalem, and he might have heard that they were prejudiced against him. This prejudice would be removed by his stating what had actually occurred under his ministry.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 19. Declared particularly, c.] He no doubt had heard that they were prejudiced against him and, by declaring what God had done by him among the Gentiles, showed how groundless this prejudice was: for, were he a bad man, or doing any thing that he should not do, God would not have made him such a singular instrument of so much good.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
God had so done those marvellous works, that they ought to be had in remembrance; and this was said by the apostle, that God might not lose the glory, nor the church the benefit, of any of those great things which God had wrought: otherwise, St. Paul acknowledges that he was the least of the apostles, and not meet to be called an apostle, 1Co 15:9; and all his power was ministerial, he was only an instrument in Gods hand, to be acted by him, as Act 20:24.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
19. he declared particularlyindetail.
what God had wrought amongthe Gentiles by his ministryas on previous occasions (Ac14:27; and see Ro 15:15);no doubt referring to the insidious and systematic efforts of theJudaizing party in a number of places to shrivel the Church of Christinto a Jewish sect, and his own counter-procedure.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And when he had saluted them,…. James and the elders with him; which was either done by a kiss, as the Arabic version adds; or by asking of their health, and wishing a continuance of it, and all prosperity to attend them: the Ethiopic version reads,
they saluted him; and no doubt the salutations were reciprocal:
he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry; it is very likely that this account begins where that ends, which he had delivered in the presence of James, and others, some years ago, Ac 15:12 and takes in all his travels and ministry, and the success of it; not only in Syria, Cilicia, and Lycaonia, after he had set out from Antioch again, but in Macedonia, Achaia, and Asia; as at Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, and elsewhere: he declared, what multitudes of souls were converted, and what numbers of churches were planted; and this he ascribes not to himself, but to the power and grace of God, which had attended his ministry; he was only an instrument, God was the efficient, and ought to have the glory.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
He rehearsed (). Imperfect middle of , old verb to lead out, to draw out in narrative, to recount. So Paul is pictured as taking his time for he had a great story to tell of what had happened since they saw him last.
One by one (‘ ). According to each one (item) and the adverbial phrase used as an accusative after the verb as Demosthenes does (1265), though it could be like ‘ in Eph 5:33.
Which (). Genitive attracted from (accusative) into the case of the unexpressed antecedent .
God had wrought ( ). Summary constative aorist active indicative that gathers up all that God did and he takes pains to give God the glory. It is possible that at this formal meeting Paul observed an absence of warmth and enthusiasm in contrast with the welcome accorded by his friends the day before (verse 17). Furneaux thinks that Paul was coldly received on this day in spite of the generous offering brought from the Gentile Christians. “It looks as though his misgiving as to its reception (Ro 15:31) was confirmed. Nor do we hear that the Christians of Jerusalem later put in so much as a word on his behalf with either the Jewish or the Roman authorities, or expressed any sympathy with him during his long imprisonment at Caesarea” (Furneaux). The most that can be said is that the Judaizers referred to by James do not appear actively against him. The collection and the plan proposed by James accomplished that much at any rate. It stopped the mouths of those lions.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “And when he had saluted them,” (kai aspasamenos autous) “And when he (Paul) had greeted them (personally and individually),” as a common social- and Christian courtesy, when they had embraced one another, as an oriental custom of salutation, Act 18:22, as with the kiss of peace, Rom 16:16; 1Co 16:20; 1Th 5:26; The contrast of a friend and enemy or indifferent person may be recognized, Luk 7:45; Luk 7:48.
2) “He declared particularly what things,” (eksegeito kath’ en hekaston hon) “He related singly (in detail) each of the things which,” one by one, he detailed things that had occurred in his missionary work among the Gentiles, since he had last seen these devout brethren, Act 15:36 to Act 21:17, where these two mission journeys are at an end.
3) “God had wrought among the Gentiles,” (epoiesen ho theos en tois ethnesin) “God did (had done) among the Gentiles, the nations,” in connection with his teaching, preaching, and defending the faith, the system of teachings of Jesus Christ, in contrast with that system of the Law of Moses, and the system of faith of worshippers of idol, heathen gods, from the time he had been with them in conference in Jerusalem at the end of his first journey, Act 15:15; Act 14:27.
4) “By his ministry.”(dia tes diakonias autou) “Through his common ministry,” or through his diversified ministry of 1)Teaching or education, 2) His preaching, 3) His fund raising, 4) His tent making, working with his own hands, 5) His benevolent supervisory work, and 6) His writing of books of the New Testament during his multi-faceted activities, while on his second and third missionary journeys, and during imprisonments connected with his labors during those years, Act 15:4; Act 15:15; Rom 15:18-19; Act 19:10-11; 2Co 12:12-15.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
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19. And now Paul showeth his modesty when he doth not make himself the author of those things which he had done, but giving the praise to God, doth call himself only the minister whose industry [agency] God had used. As we must grant, that whatsoever thing is excellent and worthy of praise, it is not done by our own power, but forasmuch as God doth work in us; and especially touching the edifying of the Church. Again, it appeareth how far off the elders were from envy, when they glorify God for the joyful success. But because mention is made of no other apostle besides James, we may conjecture that they were gone into diverse places to spread abroad and preach the gospel as their calling did require; for the Lord had not appointed them to stay still at Jerusalem; but after they had made a beginning there, he commanded them to go into Judea and other parts of the world. Moreover, the error of those men, who think that James was one of the disciples whom Paul numbereth among the three pillars of the Church, is refuted before in the fifteenth chapter. And though the same commandment was given to him which was given to the rest of his fellows in office; yet I do not doubt but that they did so divide themselves, that James stood still at Jerusalem, whither many strangers were wont daily to resort. For that was all one as if he had preached the gospel far and wide in strange − (471) places. −
Thou seest, brother, how many thousands. This oration or speech hath two members. For, first, the elders say, that so many of the Jews as were converted, seeing they be earnest followers of the law, are evil affected towards Paul, because they think that he endeavoreth, with might and main, to abolish the law. Secondly, they exhort him that making a solemn vow he purge himself, that he may not be had in suspicion any longer. They object to Paul, the multitude of believers, that he may the more willingly yield to them. For if they had been a few stubborn fellows, he would not have been so much moved. But now he may not neglect both much people, and the whole body of the Church. −
Undoubtedly, that zeal of the law, which was in them, was corrupt, and assuredly even the very elders declare sufficiently that they like it not. For though they do not condemn it openly, neither sharply complain of the same, yet because they separate themselves from their affection, they secretly confess that they err. If it had been a zeal according to knowledge, it ought to have begun at them; [selves] but they contend not for the law itself, neither do they pretend the due reverence thereof, neither do they subscribe to those who are earnest followers of it. Therefore, they both signify that they are of another mind, and also that they do not allow [approve] the superstition of the people. −
Notwithstanding it is objected, that they say that Paul was burdened with a false report or slander; again, when they require at his hands satisfaction, they seem to nourish that zeal. I answer, that though that were a true report, in some respect, wherewith the Jews were offended, yet was it mixed with a slander. Paul did so teach the abrogating of the law, that notwithstanding by this means the authority thereof did not only continue sound and perfect, but it was more holy. For as we said, in the seventh chapter, the ceremonies should be vain, unless the effect thereof had been showed in Christ. Therefore, those who say that they were abolished by the coming of Christ, are so far from being blasphemous against the law, that they rather confirm the truth thereof. We must consider two things in ceremonies; the truth, whereto is annexed the efficacy; secondly, the external use. Furthermore, the abrogating of the external use, which Christ brought, dependeth hereupon, in that he is the sound body, − (472) and that nothing was shadowed in times past which is not fulfilled in him. This differeth much from the falling away from the law, to show the true − (473) end thereof, that the figures may have an end, and that the spiritual truth thereof may always be in force. Wherefore we see that they were malicious and unjust interpreters, who laid apostacy to Paul’s charge, though he did call away the faithful from the external worship of the law. And whereas they command Paul to make a vow to that end, that he may prove himself to be a keeper of the law, it tendeth to no other end, saving that he may testify that he doth not detest the law like a wicked apostate, who did himself shake off the Lord’s yoke, and move others unto the like rebellion. −
That they ought not to circumcise. It was so indeed; for Paul taught that both Jews and Gentiles were set at liberty. For these sentences are general with him. Circumcision is nothing ( 1Co 7:19). Again, We be circumcised by baptism in Christ, not with circumcision made with hands; again, Let no man judge you in meat or drink, or in the choice of feasts, which are shadows of things to come; but the body is in Christ ( Col 2:11). Again, Whatsoever cometh into the shambles, and whatsoever is set before you, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake ( 1Co 10:25). Again, Be not inwrapped again in the yoke of bondage ( Gal 5:1). Seeing that he spake thus everywhere without exception, he freed the Jews from the necessity of keeping the law. −
And lest I stand too long upon this, one place shall be sufficient, where he compareth the law to a tutor, under which the old Church was, as in the childhood thereof; but now knowing the grace of Christ, it is grown up, that it may be free from ceremonies. In that place he speaketh undoubtedly both of the Jews and Gentiles. Also, when he saith that the hand-writing of the law, which did consist in decrees, ( Col 2:14) is blotted out and nailed to the cross by Christ, he setteth free the Jews, as well as the Gentiles, from the ceremonies, which he calleth in that place decrees. But seeing that he did not precisely reject ceremonies, in teaching that the coming of Christ did make an end of the observing thereof, that was no revolting, as the envious Jews thought it to be. −
Neither were the elders ignorant of Paul’s liberty. Therefore, seeing they understand the matter very well, their meaning is, to have this alone made known to the rude and unskillful, that Paul meant nothing less than to persuade the Jews to contemn the law. Therefore, they behold not the bare matter, but knowing what the common sort thought of Paul, by reason of the reports − (474) which went about concerning him, they seek to cure the same. Though I wot not whether this were more importunate than equal, [just] which they required at Paul’s hands. And by this it appeareth how preposterous the cruelty [credulity] of men is in receiving false reports, and how fast a false opinion, once rashly received, doth stick. It is certain that James and his fellows in office did endeavor to maintain and defend Paul’s good report, and to put away those lies which did hurt his estimation; yet let them do what they can, they will speak evil of Paul. Unless, peradventure, they were too slack in the beginning, that they might gratify their countrymen, so that they were not their own men [free] afterward. −
(471) −
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Remotis,” remote.
(472) −
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Ipse est solidum corpus,” he himself is the entire body.
(473) −
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Legitimum.” legitimate.
(474) −
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Mallgnis rumoribus,” malignant reports.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(19) He declared particularly . . .Better, one by one, or, in detail, the adverb of the Authorised version having acquired in modern English a slightly different meaning. This must, it is obvious, have implied a narrative of considerable length, including an outline of all that had passed since the visit of Act. 18:22, and ending with an account of the contribution which he and his companions had brought with them from well-nigh all the churches of the Gentiles.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
19. He saluted declared It was seven years before this that young Paul, as second to Barnabas, yet fresh in his unproved apostolate, had appeared at the Jerusalem Council to discuss the same question. He had now grown in years, in labours, and achievements, and in a widespread and singular renown. Where were the twelve? Save Peter, little is heard of their labours or names. But this Christian hero, now grown a veteran, comes, relating his own wonderful history, pointing to the monuments of his success, yet meekly bearing a peace-offering in his hand.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And when he had saluted them, he rehearsed one by one the things which God had wrought among the Gentiles through his ministry.’
Then Paul greeted them and gave them a full account, item by item, of all that God had wrought among the Gentiles through his ministry (and that of his companions). This was what Luke wanted to get over rather than discussions about the Collection, that the word had been continually effective and had spread and prospered.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
Ver. 19. He declared partlcularly ] Gr. , “one by one.” So Moses tells Jethro all things one by one what God had done for Israel,Exo 18:8Exo 18:8 . We must not relate God’s lovingkindness in the lump or by wholesale, but be punctual and particular.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
19. ] On the particular kind of attraction (reff.), in a gen. plur. after a partitive adjective, see Winer, edn. 6, 24. 2. b.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Act 21:19 . .: used of farewell greetings, Act 20:1 , Act 21:6 , and of greetings on arrival, Act 18:22 , Act 21:7 , for its use here cf. 1Ma 11:6 . ., see on Act 10:8 , etc. : “one by one,” R.V., cf. Eph 5:33 . , see note on Act 6:1-2 .
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
declared = related. See note on Act 10:8.
particularly. Literally one by one, each one of the things which.
God. App-98. See note on 1Co 3:9.
had wrought = did.
among. Greek. en. App-104.
by = through. Greek. dia. App-104. Act 21:1.
ministry. Greek. diakonia. App-190.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
19.] On the particular kind of attraction (reff.), in a gen. plur. after a partitive adjective, see Winer, edn. 6, 24. 2. b.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
he declared: Act 11:4-18, Act 14:27, Act 15:4, Act 15:12, Rom 15:18, Rom 15:19, 1Co 3:5-9, 1Co 15:10, 2Co 6:1, Col 1:29
by: Act 1:17, Act 20:24, 2Co 12:12
Reciprocal: Exo 18:1 – God 1Sa 14:45 – he hath Act 7:25 – God Act 9:15 – to bear Act 15:3 – declaring Act 21:7 – and saluted Act 21:37 – General Act 26:16 – a minister Rom 1:13 – even 1Co 3:6 – God 2Co 9:13 – they Gal 1:24 – General Gal 2:8 – the same
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
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Act 21:19. One of the main subjects of interest in those days was the admittance of the Gentiles to the benefits of the Gospel.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Act 21:19. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. Both from the private (Act 21:17) and public reception of Paul and his companions by the presiding elders and bishop of the Jerusalem Church, it is quite clear that the governing body among the resident Jerusalem Christians sympathized with Pauls work, and thoroughly endorsed his teaching and practice. The bitter opposition proceeded from a small though influential faction, which was represented to some extent in all those many populous centres where Jews congregated. Before this venerable assembly of the elders of the mother church of Christianity, presided over by one who had been with the Lord from the days of the sacred childhood, Paul rehearsed the story of the past three years, including what is generally called the Third Missionary Journeyall, in fact, that had taken place of importance since his last visit to the city, briefly recorded in chap, Act 18:22, dwelling on the vast numbers of Gentiles who had joined the Church of God in such centres as Ephesus, Corinth, Thessalonica, Philippi, Coloss. On this occasion he, no doubt, presented the costly presents and alms contributed as a token of love and sympathy by these foreign Gentile congregations to their poor Jewish brethren in Palestine.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
See notes on verse 18
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
21:19 {3} And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
(3) God is to be praised, who is the author of all good sayings and deeds.