Bible Commentary

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 26. and hath made of one blood ] All the best MSS. omit the word “blood.” And this seems to bring out … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 17:26”

Neither is worshiped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 25. neither is worshipped with ( served by) men’s hands ] The verb implies the sort of service yielded by a steward to his master, or a minister to his King, a … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 17:25”

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 24. God that made the world, &c.] Better, The God, &c., which is specially needed when the neuter pronouns are read in the previous verse. This was no Epicurean god, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 17:24”

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 23. For as I passed by ( along)] The word refers to the whole of the Apostle’s walk about the city. and beheld your devotions … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 17:23”

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, [Ye] men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. 22. in the midst of Mars’ hill ] Better, in the midst of the Areopagus. See on Act 17:19. There is no need for translating the name in one way … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 17:22”

(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) 21. This verse is a parenthesis explanatory of what has gone before. The audience had been struck with the strange teaching, and that it was strange was enough. Novelty was … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 17:21”

For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. 20. strange things ] The original is not an adjective, but a participle, and signifies “something which strikes a person as strange.” So that the effect is indicated which had been produced on the minds of the hearers. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 17:20”

And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, [is]? 19. And they took him ] Better, took hold of him. (As R. V.) But there is no need to suppose that any violence was used or intended. The same verb is used often … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 17:19”

Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. 18. philosophers of the Epicureans and of the Stoicks ] In St Paul’s day … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 17:18”

Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. 17. Therefore disputed ( reasoned) he in the synagogue ] Going first to the Jews, and naturally expecting sympathy from them in his excitement against idolatry. the devout persons ] … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 17:17”