Bible Commentary

And there were seven sons of [one] Sceva, a Jew, [and] chief of the priests, which did so. 14. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests ] The Greek says simply a chief priest, and so Rev. Ver. We cannot tell why the title is given to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:14”

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 13. Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists ] The best MSS. have “ And certain also, &c.” In addition to the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:13”

So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. 12. so that from his body were brought unto the sick ] In the oldest MSS. the verb signifies “to be carried away from.” The Rev. Version brings … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:12”

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: 11. And God wrought special miracles [Gr. powers] by the hands of Paul ] The language of the historian is noteworthy. God works, Paul is the instrument. (Cp. The mighty hand of Moses, Deu 34:12.) The imperfect tense of the verb in the Greek implies … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:11”

And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. 10. And this continued by the space of two years ] The Rev. Ver. changes “by” into “for.” As Englishmen still take a house at so much … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:10”

But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. 9. But when divers were hardened, and believed not ] Perhaps there may be a little gain to those unfamiliar with older … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:9”

And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. 8 20. Paul preaches to the Jews first and afterwards to the Gentiles. The Word of God prevails mightily 8. And he entered into the synagogue ] As the incident … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:8”

And all the men were about twelve. 7. And all the men were about twelve ] The Revised Version “And they were in all about twelve men,” is a more strict rendering of the Greek, but it does not give a different sense, and “men” in that position receives an undue accent. The verse has … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:7”

And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 6. And when Paul, &c.] The gift of the Holy Ghost to these disciples appears to have been a special provision of the Spirit for the great work which was to change Ephesus, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:6”

When they heard [this,] they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 5. And when they heard this ] The A. V. omits the conjunction which stands in the Textus Receptus. What they heard was not the mere statement that Jesus was the Messiah; but all the arguments with which St Paul demonstrated … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 19:5”