Bible Commentary

And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten [them,] they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 40. and when they had called the apostles ] i.e. back again to the judgment-hall. and beaten them ] As the guilty parties in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 5:40”

But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. 39. but if it be of God ] The verb is not in the same mood as in the previous clause, and had the construction been in classical Greek, it might have indicated some opinion … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 5:39”

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 38. it will come to nought ] As the verb is the same as that in the following verse it is better to render, it will … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 5:38”

After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, [even] as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. 37. Judas of Galilee ] With this account agrees the history of Josephus ( Antiq. xviii. 1. 1), except that, as … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 5:37”

For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to naught. 36. For before these days rose up Theudas ] Gamaliel proceeds to give illustrations that mere … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 5:36”

And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. 35. Ye men of Israel ] It has been remarked upon the frequent occurrence of this and similar formul in the introduction of speeches in the Acts, that they are evidence that the speeches … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 5:35”

Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; 34. Then stood there up one in the council ] Better, But there stood up, &c. See note on Act 5:25. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 5:34”

When they heard [that,] they were cut [to the heart,] and took counsel to slay them. 33 42. Effect of the Apostles’ defence. Counsel of Gamaliel. Release and subsequent conduct of the Twelve 33. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart ] There is no Greek here for to the hearty, but … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 5:33”

And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. 32. And we are his witnesses of these things ] The best texts omit his, while some ancient authorities add in him in place of his. these things ] i.e. the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 5:32”

Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 31. Him hath God exalted with his right hand ] The right hand is the symbol of might. Cf. Exo 15:6, and “His right hand, and his holy arm, hath … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 5:31”