Bible Commentary

That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. 25. that he may take part ] The best MSS. read that he may take the place, &c. The Rec. Text has the same words here and in Act 1:17, as … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 1:25”

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all [men,] show whether of these two thou hast chosen, 24. And they prayed, and said ] Here we are not to conclude that St Luke has recorded any more than the purport of the prayer of the disciples, in the same way … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 1:24”

And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 23. they appointed two ] Thus exercising their own judgment to a certain degree in the appointment, as they could rightly do from their three years intimacy with those who had been disciples from the beginning. Joseph called Barsabas [Barsabbas in the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 1:23”

Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. 22. to be a witness with us of his resurrection ] The Resurrection was the central truth, but to bear testimony that it was truly … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 1:22”

Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 21. As the new Apostle is to be, like the rest, an eyewitness to the life of Jesus, he must have been a disciple from the beginning of Christ’s ministry. Such a necessity … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 1:21”

For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take. 20. The passages quoted by St Peter are from Psa 69:25, where it is written “Let their habitation be desolate, and let none dwell in their tents;” and Psa … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 1:20”

And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. 19. And it was known ] Rather, became known. The fate of Judas, if he died there, and the way in which the purchase money was … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 1:19”

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. 18. It seems best to treat this verse and the following, which break the connexion of St Peter’s remarks on David’s prophecies, as no part of the Apostle’s speech … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 1:18”

For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. 17. For he was numbered with [ among ] us, and had obtained part of this ministry ] Literally, had received the lot of, &c. Judas fulfils the conditions of the prophecy (Psa 109:2-5). His was the mouth of the deceitful, the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 1:17”

Men [and] brethren, this Scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. 16. Men and brethren ] The original is meant for one epithet, and would be fully enough rendered by brethren alone, here and in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 1:16”