Bible Commentary

Or else let these same [here] say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, 20. Or else let these same here ( R. V. these men themselves) say ] i.e. the Sadducees with Ananias. The assailants of St Paul were of two classes, first the Asiatic Jews, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:20”

Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had aught against me. 19. and object ] Better (with Rev. Ver.), “and to make accusation.” They had set the cry against him, and now did not come to say what he had done wrong. They were probably on their way home, now … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:19”

Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. 18. Whereupon ] According to the best MSS. the relative here, by its gender, must be referred to the “offerings” which have just been named. Read (with Rev. Ver.) Amidst which, i.e. engaged in offering which oblations. certain … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:18”

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. 17. Now after many years ] He had come to Jerusalem on the return from his second missionary journey in a.d. 53. It was now a.d. 58, so that his absence had lasted four or five years (see note on Act … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:17”

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and [toward] men. 16. And herein do I exercise myself ] “Herein” i.e. in the worship, faith and hope spoken of in the two last verses. While holding this belief, and because I hold it, I try to keep … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:16”

And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 15. and have ( R. V. having) hope which they themselves also allow ] ( R. V. look for). Here the Apostle is of course alluding only to the Pharisees … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:15”

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: 14. after the way which they call heresy ] Better (with Rev. Ver.) “after the Way which they call a … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:14”

Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. 13. neither can they prove ( Rev. Ver., with MS. authority, adds to thee) the things, &c.] The proof must be such as the law required, not the mere multiplied assertions of the accusers. The verb implies a formal setting-forth of evidence, and is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:13”

And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: 12. And they neither found me, &c.] The Apostle gives a flat denial to the charge of insurrection, and challenges them to prove any single point of it. He had … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:12”

Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. 11. because that thou mayest understand ] Rev. Ver. taking a slightly different reading, “Seeing that thou canst take knowledge.” The Apostle means that it was easy to find evidence about all that had … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 24:11”