Bible Commentary

As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written [and] concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from [things] offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. 25. As touching the Gentiles which believe ] The clause should commence with But, which is expressed in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:25”

Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave [their] heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but [that] thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. 24. them take, and purify thyself with them ] i.e. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:24”

Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; 23. Do therefore vow on them ] They advise St Paul to take a part in the ceremonies of a Nazarite vow. He could not go through the whole course of the observance, for these men had … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:23”

What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. 22. What is it therefore?] i.e. How stands the matter? An expression used as introductory to the consideration of what is best to be done. the multitude must needs come together ] The oldest texts omit all … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:22”

And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise [their] children, neither to walk after the customs. 21. and they are informed of thee ] More clearly and in accordance with modern English, the Rev. Ver. “ … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:21”

And when they heard [it,] they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: 20. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord ] The oldest MSS. read God. They took up the strain of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:20”

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 … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:19”

And the [day] following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. 18. And the day following James ] This was the Church’s reception of the returned missionaries. Notice of their arrival would soon be given, and the authorities who were at the time resident in Jerusalem were gathered together. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:18”

And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 17 36. Arrival at Jerusalem. Paul’s Reception by the Church and by the People 17. And gladly ] The brethren, whose joy is here spoken of, would be those Christians who first learnt of the arrival of Paul at Mnason’s house. It is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:17”

There went with us also [certain] of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge. 16. There went with us also of Cesarea ] The Greek text has a conjunction to introduce the sentence, “ And there went, &c. from Csarea. ” The … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:16”