Bible Commentary

And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 2. And he killed James the brother of John ] One of the two sons of Zebedee, who had been among the three specially favoured disciples of Jesus. It is therefore likely that he would take a leading part in the labours of the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 12:2”

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth [his] hands to vex certain of the church. Act 12:1-12. Herod’s persecution of the Church. Peter’s miraculous deliverance from prison 1. Now about that time ] The events here narrated must have shortly preceded Herod’s death, and so the chronological note here given must refer to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 12:1”

Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. 30. to the elders ] The Greek word = presbyters. This is the first time we come upon the term in the Christian history. In Act 20:17 they are again mentioned and there called “presbyters,” though in the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 11:30”

Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea: 29. Then the disciples ] i.e. of the Church of Antioch. relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea ] No doubt the Christian Church in Juda would be much impoverished. At first the poorer … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 11:29”

And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 28. one of them named Agabus ] He is mentioned again Act 21:10, where by a significant action, as well as … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 11:28”

And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 27 30. Agabus at Antioch foretells a famine, and in consequence the Church at Antioch sends relief to Jerusalem 27. And in these days ] i.e. while the Church at Antioch was being increased with a great multitude of Gentile converts, during the year’s residence … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 11:27”

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. 26. a whole year ] This long period, spent with success in the first field where … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 11:26”

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 25. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus ] The oldest MSS. omit “Barnabas.” Read, “And he went forth to Tarsus.” for to seek Saul ] that he, to whom the Lord had appeared, and who had been marked as a “chosen vessel” (Act 9:15) to bear the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 11:25”

For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. 24. full of the Holy Ghost and of faith ] The same character is given to Stephen (Act 6:5), and a man of like character with that most eminent among the Greek-Jews … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 11:24”

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 23. and had seen the grace of God ] exhibited in the faith, and consequent turning to Christ, of these Gentiles. was glad ] He saw nothing … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 11:23”