Bible Commentary

Having land, sold [it,] and brought the money, and laid [it] at the apostles’ feet. 37. having land ] Lit. a field. It seems likely that Joses is chosen as an example of the primitive liberality of the Christian body, because there was something remarkable in the kind of gift or the nature of the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 4:37”

And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, [and] of the country of Cyprus, 36. And Joses ] The same name as Joseph, which form the oldest MSS. give. who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas ] He was the companion of St Paul … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 4:36”

And laid [them] down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 35. and laid them down at the apostles’ feet ] A significant act, whereby it was shewn that they gave the Apostles entire control over the bestowal of these sums. For the figure, cp. Psa … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 4:35”

Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 34. Neither was there any among them that lacked ] The A. V. omits the word for, which is represented in the Greek and is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 4:34”

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 33. And with great power gave the apostles witness ] [Better, their witness.] The Greek verb implies a great deal more than our English gave. It is the word so constantly used for … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 4:33”

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 32 37. Unanimity and Love among the first Christians 32. of one heart and of one soul ] … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 4:32”

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 31. the place was shaken ] That they might feel at once that the God of all nature, to whom they had appealed … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 4:31”

By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 30. by stretching forth, &c.] Lit. while thou stretchest forth. Thus the mighty works were to be a sign and testimony to the words which the Apostles spake. For as had been … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 4:30”

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 29. behold their threatenings ] The Apostles are not disheartened, they are only drawing near to God for aid lest they should be in danger of becoming so. with all boldness ] The same freedom … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 4:29”

For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 28. for to do, &c.] God made the passions, which the enemies of Jesus indulged, to be the instruments for working out His will. So men when they suppose they are choosing their own way, have the ends thereof shapen by … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 4:28”