Bible Commentary

Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. 5. I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest ] Several explanations have been given of this statement of St Paul. Some think that it … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 23:5”

And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest? 4. God’s high priest ] So styled because he sat on the judgment-seat as God’s representative, cp. Deu 17:8-13. In the Old Test. the priestly, and even other, judges are sometimes called by God’s own name “Elohim.” (See Exo 21:6; Exo 22:8-9 and cp. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 23:4”

Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, [thou] whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? 3. God shall smite thee, thou whited wall ] Here we may see how very far even the excellence of St Paul comes short … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 23:3”

And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. 2. And the high priest Ananias ] This was Ananias the son of Nebedus. (Joseph. Ant. xx. 5, 2.) In the time of the Emperor Claudius he had been suspended from his office for some offence and sent … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 23:2”

And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men [and] brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God unto this day. Act 23:1-10. St Paul before the Sanhedrin. Disagreement between the Pharisees and Sadducees 1. And Paul, earnestly beholding the council ] The verb is one which St Luke very frequently employs to note … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 23:1”

On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from [his] bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them. 30. The Chief Captain brings Paul before the Sanhedrin 30. because he … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 22:30”

Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him. 29. which should have examined him ] This is old English for “which were about to examine him” which the Rev. Ver. gives. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 22:29”

And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was [free] born. 28. obtained I this freedom ] Better “ this citizenship ” ( Rev. Ver.). Probably at the time when the A. V. was made “freedom” conveyed somewhat of this sense as we speak still … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 22:28”

Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea. It is very reasonable that a good man should make use of such lawful privileges as the place in which he lives doth afford, and in his condition may be allowed. And it is part of that … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 22:27”

When the centurion heard [that,] he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. 26. Take heed what thou doest ] The oldest texts omit the word for “take heed” and so make the remainder to be a blunt question “What art thou about to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 22:26”