Bible Commentary

As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed [them] to prison. 3. As for [But] Saul, he made havock of the church ] His own words will best describe his action (Act 22:4), “I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 8:3”

And devout men carried Stephen [to his burial,] and made great lamentation over him. 2. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial ] On devout, see Act 2:5 note. The verb often means “to prepare a dead body for burial,” but in Thuc. vi. 72 it is found exactly as used here. The Jews … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 8:2”

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Act 8:1. And Saul was consenting unto his death ] i.e. approving of all that was … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 8:1”

And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. 60. And he kneeled down ] in prayer, probably before the stoning had commenced. Lord, lay not this sin to their charge ] i.e. Reckon it not against … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 7:60”

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon [God,] and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 59. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God ] The last word is supplied to make the sense clear in English, but from the words which follow it is better to read “the Lord” instead of “God,” for it is the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 7:59”

And cast [him] out of the city, and stoned [him]: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. 58. and cast him out of the city, and stoned him ] In accordance with the Law (Lev 24:14) the person to be stoned must be carried without the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 7:58”

Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 57. Then they cried out ] Better, But, &c. and stopped their ears ] Thus shewing that they merited the description given in Act 7:51. The verb signifies, to compress, to hold tight together. On the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 7:57”

And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 56. the Son of man ] This title, which in the Gospels is only used by Christ when speaking of Himself, is here first employed by another, and can fitly be so employed now, for … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 7:56”

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 55. saw the glory of God ] Some visible sign of God’s presence such as the Shechinah had been to the Jews of old. See Exo 16:10; … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 7:55”

When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with [their] teeth. Act 7:54 to Act 8:1. Effect of the Speech. Death of Stephen 54. When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart ] There is a conjunction in the original which is not expressed … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 7:54”