The
Acts
(NIV)
By
Syd Cleveland
(©
1990, 1995, 2000, 2005 and Revised
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MY FORMER BOOK = The book of Luke (see Luke 1:3).
THEOPHILUS = This Greek name means "friend of God." It is possible that Theophilus was Luke's
patron and financed the writing of the Gospel of Luke and Acts.
ALL THAT JESUS BEGAN TO DO AND TO TEACH = The Gospel of Luke was
written about the life of Christ. The
"beginning" of Jesus' work occurred during His earthly ministry and
concluded with His ascension (verse 2). Now, in writing the Book of Acts, Luke
tells the story of Christ's continuing ministry through the early Christian
Church. By "do" and "teach" Luke informs us that in both
Christ's example and in His teaching are important lessons for Christians.
Acts 1:2
THE DAY HE WAS TAKEN UP TO HEAVEN = The "heaven"
mentioned here is "higher than all the heavens" (Ephesians
Christ's ascension
(see Luke 24:50-51) was at the end of "a period of forty days" (Acts
1:3). Sunday, April 9, 30 AD was the day
of Christ's resurrection, Thursday, May 18, 30 AD came forty days later (see
note on Acts 1:3).
Christ's ascension
provides a clear division in Christ's ministry, thus the Gospel of Luke closed
with Christ's ascension. Now in verse 6
Luke begins his book of Acts with Christ's ascension, indicating the two books
are sequential. Here Luke provides us with a record of Christ's personal
ministry in the early Christian church through the Holy Spirit. Thus the
Christian church is to carry on the life of Christ.
AFTER GIVING INSTRUCTIONS THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT = During His
earthly ministry Christ was aided by the Holy Spirit (Luke
Contrary to the
Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active
force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the
idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the
Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
TO THE APOSTLES HE HAD CHOSEN = The Apostles were the
divinely-commissioned witnesses to the work and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
They were the depositories of the truths Jesus had taught them. "So much
depended on the accuracy of their ministry that the risen Lord continued to instruct
them until His ascension" -- The International Bible Commentary, F. F.
Bruce, page 1271. These men, hand-picked and personally taught by Jesus Christ,
were the guardians of the Christian faith (see Galatians 1:6-9). It is in their
inspired writings that we modern Christians discover God's truths.
Acts 1:3
AFTER HIS SUFFERING = A reference to Christ's crucifixion.
THESE MEN = These "men" are the apostles referred to in
the previous verse.
GAVE MANY CONVINCING PROOFS THAT HE WAS ALIVE = The word
"proofs" comes from the Greek word
"tekmarion" (Strongs #G5039) meaning "a certain/reliable
sign, an infallible proof." Thus the Holy Spirit tells us the
"proofs" Christ provided to His disciples that He had risen from the
dead were incontrovertible. Scripture indicates Jesus proved His resurrection
was genuine through touching, seeing, hearing and feeling (see Luke 24:39-40; 1
John 1:1; and 1 Corinthians 15:6).
A PERIOD OF FORTY DAYS = Sunday, April 9, 30 AD was Christ's
resurrection, thus forty days later would be Friday, May 19, 30 AD. It is possible that the "period of forty
days" included resurrection
THE
Acts 1:4
ON ONE OCCASION = The specific occasion is not indicated. However
by combining Acts 1:4 with Luke 24:45-51 (both written by Luke), we may
logically conclude that directly after that meal Jesus led His disciples to the
vicinity of Bethany and ascended to heaven.
THE GIFT MY FATHER PROMISED = This is the gift of the Holy Spirit
promised by God through the Old Testament prophets (Joel
Acts 1:5
JOHN BAPTIZED WITH WATER = "The word 'baptized,' which
normally means 'dipped or immersed,' here has the idea of 'uniting with'
(compare with 1 Corinthians 10:1-2) -- The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Walvoord
& Zuck, page 353. Thus, just as water baptism united people with John in
his ministry of repentance, so Spirit baptism united the disciples with Christ
and empowered them to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8).
BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT = See notes on Matthew
Contrary to the
Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active
force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the
idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the
Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
Jesus declared
that God “is spirit” (John
Acts 1:6
SO = This word connects us to the thoughts of the previous verses.
In the minds of the disciples, Christ's teaching about the coming gift/baptism
of the Holy Spirit was connected to the restoration of the kingdom to
ARE YOU AT THIS TIME = The disciples hoped Christ would immediately
"restore the kingdom to
GOING TO RESTORE THE KINGDOM TO ISRAEL = The disciples were focused
on their own race and on their own nation for they had been taught that Israel
was God's favored nation and the Jews were God's chosen people. They had not yet understood the universal
nature of Christ's church (see Galatians
Acts 1:7
NOT FOR YOU TO KNOW THE TIMES OR DATES = This is a clear statement by
Jesus Christ telling his disciples that they were not to become curious about
the future. Even though Jesus had
personally taught them many things, there were still some things God did not
intend them to know. Instead of trying
to decipher the future, Christians are to concentrate on receiving the power of
the Holy Spirit and on becoming powerful witnesses for Christ (Acts 1:8). This
is in complete harmony with His words in Matthew 24:36; Matthew 24:43-44;
Matthew 25:13; Luke 21:8.
As time passed and
Christianity spread, Paul dampened the desire of Christians to know about the
end times, stressing instead the need for believers to live godly lives in the
present (compare 1 Thessalonians 5:1 with 5:6-8). "Discipleship is not
about knowing the times and dates, but it is about being ready. In Acts, this means receiving the Holy
Spirit's power and being witnesses" -- New Bible Commentary, G. J. Wenham,
J. A. Motyer, D. A. Carson, R. T. France, page 1070.
THE FATHER HAS SET BY HIS OWN AUTHORITY = The Greek word
"exousia" is translated "power, authority, right, license."
God has not only the past, but also the present and the future under His direct
control. Therefore each believer is to place all three in God's hands while
working diligently through the Spirit's power to bring about God's kingdom.
Acts 1:8
BUT = Instead of trying to figure out the timing, sequence, and
immediacy of future events (Acts 1:7-8), Jesus instructed His disciples to
receive the power of the Holy Spirit and become energetic witnesses for
Him. Their witnessing is to be about
Jesus Christ ("my witnesses"), not about end time events.
YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER = The power behind effective Christian
witnessing and living is not derived from a fear of end time events (Hebrews
2:14-15; 1 John 4:18). The power comes from the Holy Spirit (Luke 12:11-12;
John 14:26).
HOLY SPIRIT = Contrary to the Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the
Holy Spirit is just an "active force" like electricity, "the idea
of 'spirit' excludes not only the idea of material substance, but also that of
inanimate substance. It implies that God
(or in this case, the Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic
Theology, by Henry C. Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES = "You" specifically referred to
Jesus' 11 disciples, and to all who followed Him after the Holy Spirit came at
Pentecost. Thus Christ's witnesses are
"Christians" (Acts
Being
"my" witnesses involved testifying about Christ's death, resurrection, and exaltation in heaven (Acts
Acts 1:9
HE WAS TAKEN UP = The Greek "epairo" (Strongs #G1869)
means "raise up, lift up, taken up."
Christ ascended from the
BEFORE THEIR VERY EYES = Eyewitnesses to Christ's public, visible,
ascension included His disciples, and could have also included the citizens of
A CLOUD = Possibly the same "cloud" which enveloped Jesus
Christ and the Father during the Transfiguration (Luke
HID HIM FROM THEIR SIGHT = This was the last the disciples
literally saw of Christ.
Acts
TWO MEN DRESSED IN WHITE = Angels.
Acts
WHY DO YOU STAND HERE LOOKING = This was a gentle reminder that
they had been commissioned to work for Christ and needed to get to work (See
Matthew 28:19-20).
SKY ... HEAVEN = The same Greek word "ouranos" (Strongs
#G3772) appears each time here and is variously translated "sky,
heaven." Perhaps the disciples
expected to see heaven literally "open" as they thought Jesus had
promised in John 1:51.
WILL COME BACK IN THE SAME WAY YOU HAVE SEEN HIM GO INTO HEAVEN =
This statements stresses the certainty of Christ's physical, visible
return. It assures us of the
"way" Christ will return (Revelation 1:7), but it does not promise us
that He will return to the same earthly "place" (i.e. Mount of
Olives) from which He rose into heaven (see 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Thus
Zechariah 14:4 (which was written 520 years before Christ's first coming) does
not refer to Christ's second coming, but rather predicted what would have
occurred at His first coming had the Jews accepted Him as their Messiah. At
Christ's first coming wicked men judged Him, but at His second coming Christ
will judge wicked men.
Acts
THEY RETURNED TO
THE
A SABBATH DAY'S WALK FROM THE CITY = Slightly more than half a
mile. This does not mean Jesus ascended on a Sabbath. Instead, see note on Acts 1:3 for the day and
date of Christ's ascension.
Acts
UPSTAIRS = Due to the design of Palestinian houses, the first floor
consisted of smaller rooms whose many walls bore the weight of the large
room(s) upstairs. It is possible this room held more than 120 people (Acts
TO THE ROOM = Presumably this is the same upper room mentioned in
Mark
THOSE PRESENT = The list Luke gives us suggests that the eleven
disciples, Mary, and Jesus' four half brothers were present in the upper room.
JAMES SON OF ALPHAEUS = Also known as "James the younger"
(Mark
SIMON THE ZEALOT = Not Simon Peter (see Matthew 10:2-4). "At the time of Christ, the name
"Zealots" was applied to a party among the Jews, half religious and
half political, founded by Judas the Galilean (Acts
JUDAS SON OF JAMES = Also known as Thaddaeus (Matthew 10:3; Mark
Acts
CONSTANTLY IN PRAYER = We take note that the disciples prayed
during this time of danger. The Greek has "in the prayer" suggesting
the disciples prayed a specific prayer for the gift of the Holy Spirit as
instructed by Jesus in Luke 11:13. "However, since the day of Pentecost,
it is not necessary for Christians to pray for the Holy Spirit (see Romans
8:9-11)" -- The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament, by Walvoord
& Zuck, page 354. As Christians we
have both Christ and the Holy Spirit living in us (2 Corinthians 13:5; 1
Corinthians
ALONG WITH THE WOMEN = Women were not excluded from participating
in prayer with males at Christian gatherings.
Here the "women" may have been the wives of the Apostles (1
Corinthians 9:5) and/or may have included the women who ministered to Jesus
(Matthew 27:55; Luke 8:2-3; 24:22-23).
MARY THE MOTHER OF JESUS = Chronologically, this is the last
mention of this Mary in Scripture.
AND WITH HIS BROTHERS = Apparently Jesus' four (half) brothers
(Matthew
Acts
PETER STOOD UP = The Scriptures present Peter as a man of impulsive
action, so it was not unusual for him to jump up and suggest something be done
(Matthew
ABOUT A HUNDRED AND TWENTY = Apparently the upper room was large
enough to accommodate about 120 people, however Scripture does not state this
meeting occurred in that room. "The number 'a hundred and twenty' here is
more than just a round number. This is
the smallest number in Jewish tradition for a population that could have its
own 'council.' There was a tradition that each judge should rule or represent
at least ten members. It may be,
therefore, that Luke is suggesting the young church was already a community in
its own right and that a twelfth 'leader' was required (see Acts
Acts
THE SCRIPTURE = In Acts
THE HOLY SPIRIT = Contrary to the Jehovah Witnesses' belief that
the Holy Spirit is just an "active force" like electricity, "the
idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the idea of material substance, but also
that of inanimate substance. It implies
that God (or in this case, the Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in
Systematic Theology, by Henry C. Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
JUDAS, WHO SERVED AS GUIDE = Judas was a traitor (John 18:5), the
ringleader who led the crowd to arrest Jesus.
He betrayed Jesus with a kiss (Matthew 26:48-49). "Ringleaders in sin are the worst of
sinners." -- Matthew Henry, page 1639.
Acts
JUDAS BOUGHT A FIELD = Matthew 27:7 clearly states the chief
priests bought the field with the money Judas threw into the temple. Because the money belonged to Judas, Peter
states "Judas bought a field."
Thus Matthew is correct in defining the chief priests as Judas' agents,
and Peter is correct in stating Judas bought the field because the money
belonged to Judas. SDAs point to these
texts trying to justify Ellen White's statement that dogs devoured the body of
Judas (Desire of Ages, page 722). Nowhere in Scripture is there a statement
that dogs ate the body of Judas.
HIS BODY BURST OPEN AND ALL HIS INTESTINES SPILLED OUT = Disembowelment
was the ancient punishment for traitors (2 Samuel 20:8-10).
Acts
EVERYONE IN JERUSALEM HEARD ABOUT THIS = "It was, as it were,
put in the newspapers, and was all the talk of the town, a remarkable judgment
of God upon him that betrayed his Master." -- Matthew Henry, page 1639.
FIELD OF BLOOD = This field was purchased with Judas' blood money
earned by betraying Christ (Matthew 27:3-8).
Acts
MAY ANOTHER TAKE HIS PLACE = God's Church goes forward regardless
of apostasy or desertion. No vacancy
continues unfulfilled, for each vacancy provides another disciple with the
opportunity to work for God.
Acts
BEEN WITH US THE WHOLE TIME = In the next verse Peter qualifies
this as beginning with John's baptism of Jesus until His ascension. Jesus did
not begin choosing disciples until after John had baptized Him.
WENT IN AND OUT AMONG US = An idiom meaning Christ's public
ministry.
Acts
WITNESS ... OF HIS RESURRECTION = Peter understood Jesus' statement
in Acts 1:8, "you will be my witnesses," to mean "witnesses of
His resurrection."
Acts
JOSEPH ... BARSABBAS = The name "Barsabbas" means
"Son of the Sabbath." Two men
were named "Barsabbas": this Joseph, and also Judas, a prophet in
Acts
YOU KNOW EVERYONE'S HEART = See 1 Samuel 16:7.
SHOW US = It was the purpose of the disciples to make a decision in
harmony with God's will.
Acts
TO GO WHERE HE BELONGS = This is the place where traitors go (see
Matthew 26:24). Jesus called Judas a
"devil" (John 6:70-71). Judas
spurned each of Christ's offers of grace and resolutely sold himself to Satan,
and was in turn possessed by Satan (Luke 22:3; John 13:27). Thus Judas went to hell, the abode of Satan
-- the place "where he belongs."
Acts
THEY CAST LOTS = In the absence of Christ Himself, and lacking the
guidance of the Holy Spirit (which did not arrive until Pentecost), the
disciples acted in harmony with Proverbs
WHEN THE DAY OF PENTECOST CAME = The Greek literally says:
"And when the day of Pentecost was completed (Greek 'sumpleroo' [Strongs
#4845] meaning 'to fill to the brim, to be filled completely, to be fulfilled,
to fully come')." God commanded
Pentecost to be observed on the fiftieth
day after the weekly Sabbath of Passover week (Leviticus
"Shavuot
(Pentecost, Feast of Weeks) occurs on the sixth day of Sivan (and on the
seventh of Sivan for those observing two days in the Diaspora). It celebrates the giving of the Torah, God's
gift to the Jewish people, which is the guide for how we are to live in the
world. The Torah is the spelling out of
the details of the Covenant that, while initiated by the events of the Exodus,
is agreed upon and sealed at Sinai." -- The Jewish Holidays, by Michael
Strassfeld, page 69.
Just as the giving
of the Law on Sinai was accompanied by fire and loud noise, so also was the
giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
THEY = In context, this specifically refers back to Acts
WERE ALL TOGETHER = This indicates harmony and unity.
IN
Acts 2:2
A SOUND = The Holy Spirit arrival was heralded by a sound
"like the blowing of a violent wind" and by the sight of
"tongues of fire" (Acts 2:3).
CAME FROM HEAVEN = The source of this sound was high above them, it
did not emanate from the house.
AND FILLED THE WHOLE HOUSE = The apex of this sound was focused on
the house, thus it was "filled with a sound like the blowing of a violent
wind."
Acts 2:3
WHAT SEEMED TO BE = The Greek has "hosei" (Strongs #5616),
meaning "as if, like." Not
that this was actual fire, but rather that individual indwelling of the Holy
Spirit appeared to split off from a central Presence and land upon each
disciple just as flames of fire leap out from a central burning core.
TONGUES OF FIRE = This was to fulfill John the Baptist's prophecy
that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Matthew
Acts 2:4
ALL OF THEM = The Greek word "autois" (Strongs #G846)
meaning "them" is in the masculine form here. It specifically refers to the 11 original
disciples plus Matthias (Acts
FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT = We are told that what seemed to be
"tongues of fire" in Acts 2:3 was actually the presence of the Holy
Spirit. This event fulfilled Luke 24:49.
"They were
filled with the graces of the Spirit, and were more than ever under His sanctifying influences. They were more filled with the comforts of
the Spirit, rejoiced more than ever in the love of Christ and the hope of
heaven. They were also filled with the
gifts of the Holy Spirit. They were endued with miraculous powers for the
furtherance of the Gospel." -- Matthew Henry, page 1640.
Jehovah's
Witnesses ask: "Were they 'filled' with a person? No, but they were filled with God's active
force" (see their publication: “You Can Live Forever in
Contrary to the
Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active
force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the
idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the
Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
BEGAN TO SPEAK IN OTHER TONGUES = The Greek is "heteros
glossa" (Strongs #G2087 + 1100) meaning "different
tongues." The Holy Spirit
temporarily enabled the recipient to speak a language that was different from
his native "tongue" and that he had not learned. This tongue was not unintelligible speech,
for Acts 2:6-11 states the various nationalities in the audience heard the
disciples' message in their own native language -- some thirteen of which are listed.
The grammar does not suggest that all the disciples spoke at the same time, but
rather many mini-conversations were going on in which the foreign listeners
heard the speaker speaking in his own native language. This event was the
opposite of what occurred at the
AS THE SPIRIT ENABLED THEM = The Holy Spirit provided them with the
language and dialect as well as the thoughts and words.
Acts 2:5
GOD-FEARING JEWS = This is a term meaning "devout" Jews.
FROM EVERY NATION UNDER HEAVEN = A loose, general statement which,
according to historical data, would not include people from
Acts 2:6
HEARD THIS SOUND = Most likely this was the sound of the Holy
Spirit descending: "the blowing of a mighty wind" (Acts 2:2).
IN BEWILDERMENT = The Greek word "sugcheo" literally
means "to pour together," thus the figurative meaning "to
confuse, to be confounded, bewildered, disoriented." After arriving, the crowd was
"bewildered" because each one heard his own language being spoken by
men who should have had no knowledge whatever of these foreign languages and
dialects.
Acts 2:7
UTTERLY AMAZED = The Greek has "existemi" (Strongs
#G1839) meaning "to be out of one's mind, to be besides oneself in
amazement, astonished, astounded."
This was not just idle curiosity, or simple interest. Instead, this phenomenon was so extremely out
of the ordinary that the listeners were almost "out of their minds"
with excitement.
ARE NOT THESE MEN ... GALILEANS? = The thought is that since these
men were Galilean fishermen they could not know the languages and dialects they
were speaking under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Thus the listeners knew at once something far
beyond the ordinary was occurring.
WHO ARE SPEAKING = The gift was in the speaking, not in the hearing
(see Acts 2:4).
Acts 2:8
THEN HOW IS IT = See note on Acts 2:7.
HEARS THEM IN HIS OWN NATIVE LANGUAGE = The Greek has "idios
dialektos" (Strongs #G2398 + 1258) meaning "his own dialect, his own
language." In this Pentecostal
experience there is no question but that actual human languages were spoken by
the disciples while under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The gift was not in
the hearing, but in the speaking (as Acts 2:7, 11 states). In the following verses some 15 languages
and/or dialects are listed as being spoken by the disciples.
Acts 2:9
PARTHIANS = They spoke an Aryan dialect that was very close to
Persian.
MEDES = One of the Aryan races from
ELAMITES = This was the ancient Persian
Acts
PHRYGIA AND PAMPHYLIA = Two Roman provinces southeast of the
Acts
CRETANS = These people lived on an island off
ARABS = The general language is Arabic, but it has many dialects.
WE HEAR THEM DECLARING = The Greek word is "laleo"
(Strongs #2980) meaning "to talk at random, emphasizing the fact that
speech occurred rather than the content of the speech." "When reference is made to those who
spoke in tongues, whether foreign languages or the Corinthian unknown tongue,
it is always referred to as 'laleo glossais.'
This emphasized not the content of the speech, but merely that they
uttered sounds as far as the hearers were concerned. ... 'Laleo' is ascribed to
God (Hebrews 1:1-2), indicating not that the content of His speech was
meaningless, but simply that He spoke." -- The Complete Word Study
Dictionary, by Zodhiates, #2980, page 904.
Thus the disciples
words were spoken in the listener's own native language, therefore the miracle
did not simply consist in the hearing.
Also see note on 2 Peter 2:16.
THE WONDERS OF GOD = In the context of Acts 1:8 and
IN OUR OWN TONGUES = The Greek has "hemeteros glossa"
(Strongs #G2251 + 1100) meaning "in our own tongue/language." The context indicates this phrase has the
same practical meaning as "idios dialektos" which means "in our
own native dialect/language."
The "speaking
in tongues" that occurred on the Day of Pentecost was definitely not the
"speaking in tongues" we hear in Pentecostal/charismatic
churches. Scripture explains that here,
in
Acts
AMAZED AND PERPLEXED = The Greek words are "existemi"
(Strongs #G1839) meaning "to be out of one's mind, to be besides oneself
in amazement, astonished, astounded" and "diaporeo" (Strongs
#G1280) meaning "to be perplexed, uncertain, doubtful, hesitate." In the context of Acts 2:6-7, it is evident
the listeners were extremely agitated and amazed upon hearing the disciples.
Acts
THEY HAVE HAD TOO MUCH WINE = This criticism was probably made by
the scribes and Pharisees who had continually opposed Christ's ministry. They had even claimed Jesus Himself was a
drunkard (Luke
Acts
ALL OF YOU WHO LIVE IN JERUSALEM = Peter meant "all of you in
the crowd listening to me: foreign visitors as well as you Jews who live in
LISTEN CAREFULLY TO WHAT I SAY = This caution was necessary due to
the intense agitation and perplexity of the crowd.
Acts
IT'S ONLY NINE IN THE MORNING! = "On a festival day such as
Pentecost, the Jew would not break his fast until at least
Acts
THIS IS WHAT = Here Peter clearly linked the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit on the day of Pentecost with Joel's prophecy in Joel
Acts
IN THE LAST DAYS = According to Peter's application of this
prophecy in Acts 2:15-16, Joel's "last days" began on this day of
Pentecost in 30 A.D. -- nearly forty years before Jerusalem was destroyed. Therefore there is no required "final
fulfillment" of this prophecy to look forward to in the future.
POUR OUT MY SPIRIT = Does the fact Christ pours out the Holy Spirit
mean the Holy Spirit is not a Person?
The Jehovah’s Witnesses use this argument, but orthodox
Christianity has no problem at all with a real person being capable of being
poured out. If the pouring out of the
Holy Spirit (also see Acts 10:45) were evidence against personality, then the
apostle Paul would not be a person either, because Paul wrote: “even if I
am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming
from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you” (Philippians
2:17). And: “I am already being
poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure”
(2 Timothy 4:6). But no one argues
against Paul being a real person. In the
same way, an OT prophecy about Jesus said Jesus has been "poured out"
(Psalm
ON ALL PEOPLE = This is qualified by "your" (God's
people) sons and daughters and "on my servants" (Acts
PROPHESY = The Greek word "propheteuo" (Strongs #4395)
means "to declare truths through the inspiration of God's Holy Spirit
whether by prediction or otherwise. ... To tell forth God's message. ... A prophet,
in both the OT and NT, is not primarily one who foretells things to come, but
who (having been taught of God) speaks out His will." -- The Complete Word
Study Dictionary, by Zodhiates, #4395, pages 1243, 1244.
DREAM DREAMS = The Greek word "horasis" (Strongs #3706)
means "to see, as in a vision."
The New Testament specifically records the following people as seeing
visions after Pentecost: Ananias (Acts
Acts
EVEN ON MY SERVANTS = In the context of Peter's applications of
Joel's prophecy, these are people who have converted to belief in Christ.
BOTH MEN AND WOMEN = The pouring out of the Holy Spirit is not
gender biased. It is very likely all 120
disciples, including the women, received the Holy Spirit in the upper room on
the day of Pentecost.
IN THOSE DAYS = These are the "last days" (Acts
THEY WILL PROPHESY = In Peter's application of this text to the
arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, "prophesying" does not mean
predicting the future. Rather, it is speaking forth God's message concerning
the resurrection of Jesus Christ (see Acts
Acts
I WILL SHOW WONDERS = The purpose of these wonders is to bring
people to repentance (Acts
IN THE HEAVEN ABOVE = Fulfilled by the "loud noise" that
emanated from heaven (Acts 2:2).
SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW ... FIRE = Fulfilled by the "tongues
of fire" that came to rest upon the disciples (Acts 2:3).
BLOOD ... BILLOWS OF SMOKE = In the context of Acts
Acts
SUN TURNED TO DARKNESS ... MOON TO BLOOD = See note on Acts
Isaiah
Isaiah 34:4
states: "All the stars of the heavens will be dissolved and the sky rolled
up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall." This text was written c.
740 B.C., and in context, compares the then future destruction of
Ezekiel 32:7-8
states: "I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon will not give its
light." This was written c. 593 B.C.,
and in context, predicts Babylon conquering Egypt on April 29, 587 B.C., thus
breaking the Egyptian siege of Jerusalem more than 500 years before Christ (see
Ezekiel 32:2, 11).
Joel
Joel
Given the Old
Testament context of these verses, and Peter's statement (Acts 2:16) that the New
Testament Day of Pentecost fulfilled Joel 2:31, it is clear that Joel was
speaking of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit and the coming destruction of
Jerusalem in 70 A.D., not a literal darkening of the sun and moon and falling
stars. History records that New
Testament Christians understood Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 24 to apply to the
coming destruction of
Acts
EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED = In Acts
2:38-39 Peter interprets this "calling" to mean more than just words;
it includes repentance, baptism, and the reception of the Holy Spirit into
one's life (see Matthew 7:21). Also, salvation was evidenced by converts
joining the local Christian church (Acts
Acts
JESUS OF NAZARETH WAS A MAN = Though born in Bethlehem, Jesus lived
most of His life in Nazareth. "By the term 'God,' Peter and his audience
meant the person whom we call 'the Father.'
Although the disciples knew Jesus was to be worshipped, and applied Old
Testament words for the deity to Jesus (as probably in Acts 2:21
["Lord"] and Acts 2:36 ["Lord"] Acts 2:38-39
["Lord" equals "God"]), the doctrine of the Trinity had not
yet been put into words. Thus when Peter
said 'Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God' he did not mean to deny
that He was more than a mere mortal.
Rather Peter was showing an understanding of his audience, intending to
show them that Jesus was rather more than an ordinary human being. He began,
however, with facts that his audience would have been unable to deny: the
miracles, wonders and signs which you yourselves know were credited not to
Jesus' own power, but to God through him." -- New Bible Commentary, 21st
Century Edition, edited by Wenham, Motyer, Carson, and France, page 1072
ACCREDITED BY GOD TO YOU = The Greek is "apodeiknumi"
(Strongs #584) meaning "to confirm, demonstrate, exhibit,
prove." Thus Jesus was God's
confirmed Messenger/Messiah to "you" (the Israelites).
BY MIRACLES, WONDERS AND SIGNS = These were the Divine proofs that
Jesus was the Messiah (see John 10:24-25).
WHICH GOD DID ... THROUGH HIM = The miracle-worker is not to take
credit, for the miracle is done by God through His chosen agent.
AS YOU YOURSELVES KNOW = Peter appealed to their personal knowledge
of Jesus and His miracles.
Acts
GOD'S SET PURPOSE = The Greek word is "boule" (Strongs
#1012) meaning "a plan arising from deliberation and
reflection." The modern Greek
parliament is called "boule."
This is in contrast to the Greek word "thelema" (Strongs
#2307) which refers to "a commanded will, what one wills/commands to be
done." Thus the crucifixion was not
an accident. It was God's plan to have
Jesus die (see Acts 4:27-28), for only by the shedding of blood could there be
forgiveness for sin (Hebrews 9:22). God
did not force Jesus to die, Jesus died through His own free will in harmony
with God's purpose (Luke 22:42).
Peter's argument
is that contrary to popular belief, Jesus did not fail in His ministry when He
was crucified. Instead, crucifixion was
part of the plan God had for Jesus' life (in harmony with the prophecy of
Daniel 9:26). Therefore Christ was
triumphant in His ministry because God raised Him back to life.
Peter set
"out to prove that the sufferings and death of Christ were the fulfillment
of prophecy. The earliest preachers had
to do that. To the Jews the idea of a
crucified Messiah was incredible. Their
law said, 'A hanged man is accursed by God' (Deuteronomy 21:23). To the orthodox Jew the Cross made it
completely impossible that Jesus could be the Messiah. The early preachers answered, 'If you would
only read your scriptures rightly you would see that all this was
foretold.'" -- The Daily Study Bible Series, Acts of the Apostles, by
William Barclay, page 27.
FOREKNOWLEDGE = From the Greek word "prognosis" (Strongs
#4268), this is a medical term (Luke was a medical doctor [Colossians 4:14])
which forecasts the likely outcome of a disease -- it does not force that
outcome to occur. This Greek word is
only used twice in the Bible: here and in 1 Peter 1:2. Translated here as "foreknowledge"
the dictionary definition is: "to have previous knowledge of something, to
know beforehand especially by paranormal means or by revelation." There is nothing here that supports
predestination ("predestination" meaning "to decree, to
determine, to appoint beforehand" and thus to force against one's will).
AND YOU, WITH THE HELP OF WICKED MEN = The Greek has
"anomos" (Strongs #459) meaning "without law, wicked." This word was used by Jews to refer to
Gentiles in general because Gentiles
were "without" the Jewish Laws.
Both Jews and Gentiles were instrumental in crucifying Christ. However "you" refers to these
"men of Israel" (Acts 2:22) who had the most knowledge of Christ's
ministry and miracles and thus were personally responsible for rejecting their
God-given Messiah and crucifying Him (see Peter's further statement concerning
these "Men of Israel" in Acts 2:23, 36; 3:13-15; 4:10-11; 5:30 and
compare with Matthew 27:25).
DEATH = Greek "anaireeo" (Strongs #337) meaning "to
take away violently, abolish, murder."
It is used when speaking of public executions/crucifixion.
Acts
GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD = The Jewish Sanhedrin sentenced Jesus
to death, however God reversed their death sentence and raised Jesus to
life. In this statement Peter accused
the Sanhedrin of working against God. Peter could say this because he was a
witness of Christ's resurrection (Acts 1:8; 2:32). This is the fulfillment of the Messianic
prophecy found in Isaiah 53:10.
THE AGONY OF DEATH = Not that Jesus did not suffer extreme pain
during the crucifixion, but that in popular Jewish belief death was a
separation of body and spirit, which was in itself extreme agony.
IMPOSSIBLE FOR DEATH TO KEEP ITS HOLD ON HIM = Jesus is the Author
of Life (Acts 3:15), and the Word of Life (1 John 1:1). Therefore as the source of life,
"death" could not "keep its hold on Him."
Acts
DAVID SAID = Peter quoted Psalm 16:8-10 here.
HIM = Jesus Christ (Acts 2:23).
Acts
MY BODY ALSO WILL LIVE IN HOPE = This is the "hope" of
body resurrection, not a transmigration of the soul (see Acts 2:27).
Acts
YOUR HOLY ONE = A reference to Christ. This is a quotation from Psalm 16:10.
ABANDON ME TO THE GRAVE ... NOR ... SEE DECAY = The Greek
"psuche," (Strongs #G5590) is translated "me" in this text,
but means "life or soul." Some
see a strong link between Acts 2:26-27 and 1 Peter 3:18-19.
As our substitute
(2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:21, 24), Jesus died the second death for every
repentant sinner. Consider the following
ramifications of Christ's death which bear on the teaching of "soul
sleep" and annihilationism:
"We must
pause at this point and emphasize that nonexistence was not the punishment
inflicted on the body and soul of Christ.
If the annihilationists were right, then Christ should have
disintegrated on the cross and would have ceased to exist in body and soul. However, Christ's body was not annihilated
but intact in the tomb while His soul was conscious in Hades. Since the annihilationists believe that the
body and soul of sinners pass into nonexistence either at death or the
resurrection and that this is the nature of divine judgment, how do they
explain the existence of Christ's body in the tomb? The Jehovah's Witnesses state that Christ's
body probably dissolved into gases and ceased to exist. In order for Christ's punishment to parallel
the total destruction of body and soul which will happen to sinners, they feel
that Christ must be totally destroyed in body and soul. They state that Jesus was raised as a spirit
creature (Studies in Scripture, vol. 2, p. 124). The Witnesses fail to realize that the
Apostle Peter interpreted Psalm 16:10-11 as a divine guarantee that the body of
Christ would never suffer harm in any way while His soul was in Hades (Acts
2:25-28). The biblical evidence for
Christ's bodily resurrection is so overwhelming that only a totally biased mind
could possibly deny it." -- Death and the Afterlife, Dr. Robert A. Morey,
Bethany House, p. 102.
Acts
THE PATHS OF LIFE = This "path" is Jesus Christ (John
14:6).
YOU WILL FILL ME WITH JOY IN YOUR PRESENCE = After the
resurrection.
Acts
HIS TOMB IS HERE TO THIS DAY = David's tomb is in Jerusalem, and
his remains are within that tomb.
Acts
PLACE ONE OF HIS DESCENDANTS ON THE THRONE = Jesus Christ was a
descendant of David (Matthew 1:1).
Acts
GOD RAISED THIS JESUS TO LIFE = Something that did not happen to David
(Acts 2:34).
WE ARE ALL WITNESSES OF THE FACT = Five times in the book of Acts
the disciples witness to Christ's resurrection in harmony with Christ's command
(Acts 1:8): Acts 2:32; 3:15; 5:30-32; 10:39-41; 13:30-31.
Acts
EXALTED TO THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD = Peter spoke these words in 30
A.D. just seven weeks after Christ's resurrection, and said Jesus was already
seated at God's "right hand."
Seventh-day Adventists are incorrect in their teaching that Jesus did
not enter the Most Holy Place and sit at God's right hand until October 22,
1844. (Also see Ephesians 1:20;
Colossians 3:1; 1 Peter 3:22 and Hebrews 1:3; 8:1; 9:12; 10:12; 12:2).
THE PROMISED HOLY SPIRIT = The proof Jesus was installed at the
"right hand of God" shortly after His resurrection is seen in the
fact that Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit upon His disciples in Jerusalem on
the day of Pentecost in 30 A.D. This is
another validation that the Seventh-day Adventist teaching that Jesus did not
enter the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary until October 22, 1844 is
completely wrong. "The Spirit is called 'the promised' Holy Spirit because
of (Old Testament) texts like Ezekiel 36:26-27 and Joel 2:28, which speak of an
end-time outpouring of God's Spirit. The
coming of the Spirit, along with Jesus' resurrection, convinced the early
church that the end times had begun" -- The NIV Application Commentary, by
Klyne Snodgrass, p. 54.
Contrary to the
Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active
force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the
idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the
Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
HOLY SPIRIT ... POURED OUT = The Greek "ekcheo" (Strongs
#G1632) means "poured out, spilled."
Does the fact
Christ "pours" out the Holy Spirit mean the Holy Spirit is not a
person? The Jehovah's Witnesses use that
argument, but orthodox Christianity has no problem at all with a real person
being capable of being "poured" out.
If the pouring out of
the Holy Spirit (also see Acts 10:45) was evidence against personality, then
the apostle Paul would not be a person either, because Paul wrote: “even if I am being poured out (the
Greek "spendo" [Strongs #G4689] means "poured out") like a
drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad
and rejoice with all of you” (Philippians 2:17). And:
“I am already being poured out (the Greek "spendo"
[Strongs #G4689] means "poured out") like a drink offering, and the
time has come for my departure” (2 Timothy 4:6).
The Old Testament
prophecy about Christ's death states: "I am poured out (the Hebrew
"shaphakh" [Strongs #H8210] means "poured out") like
water." Even though Jesus Christ
was "poured out" on the cross, there is no question that He was and
is a Person. Obviously these Old and New
Testament statements are to be understood metaphorically.
Contrary to the
Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active
force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the
idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the
Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
Acts
DAVID DID NOT ASCEND TO HEAVEN = The context (Acts 2:32-35)
indicates Peter is comparing David's death with the death of Jesus Christ. The fact David did not ascend to heaven after
death means the Psalmist (Psalm 110:1) was speaking about Christ and His
resurrection. It is also a strong
teaching that the dead are sleeping in their graves and do not enjoy life in
heaven until the resurrection at Christ's second coming.
Acts
UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES = This suggests that there will be an
indeterminate period of time between Christ's exaltation in heaven (30 A.D.)
and the final subjugation of His enemies.
A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET = The ancient custom was for a conqueror
to place his foot on the neck of a conquered enemy. This signified that his victory and control
over the enemy was complete.
Acts
ALL ISRAEL = Peter was speaking to Jews who had gathered in
Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost. More than any other people, they were most
knowledgeable about the Bible prophecies predicting Christ's ministry, and the
miracles which attested to His Messianic ministry. This is why Peter's appeal
had such a powerful effect on them as they listened to his words (Acts 2:37,
41).
WHOM YOU CRUCIFIED = Some of those listening to Peter had literally
taken part in Christ's crucifixion, either by casting their vote in the
Sanhedrin, by shouting for Him to be crucified at His trial before Pilate, or
by mocking Him on the cross. There is no
doubt that Peter charged the Jews with crucifying Jesus Christ (also see notes
on Acts 2:23, 36; 3:13-15; 4:10-11; 5:30 and compare with Matthew 27:25).
BOTH LORD AND CHRIST = In other words, both Lord and Savior. To the Jews who crucified Him, Jesus was just
another criminal. But to God and
Christians, Jesus is both Lord and Christ.
Acts
CUT TO THE HEART = The Greek word "katanusso" (Strongs
#G2660) is often used to indicate extreme sorrow. It literally means "to strike or cut
violently, to stun, to pierce thoroughly."
This indicates the listeners now thoroughly believed in Jesus Christ and
deeply regretted they had put Him to death.
Peter's sermon was all the more convicting because the listeners were
well aware of Daniel's prophecy concerning the Messiah (Daniel 9:24-27).
WHAT SHALL WE DO = Genuine conversion is always evidenced by a
complete willingness to do what God asks (see James 2:18, 24).
Acts
REPENT = The Greek "metanoeo" (Strongs #G3340) means
"to change one's mind, to think differently." Theologically, repentance involves genuine
regret or sorrow, accompanied by a true change of heart toward God.
"Repentance
is necessary for salvation, but merely as a preparation of the heart and not as
a price paid for the gift of life." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology,
Henry C. Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 202
AND BE BAPTIZED ... IN THE NAME OF JESUS = John the Baptist
stressed baptism as evidence of repentance.
Here Peter differentiates Christian baptism from John's baptism in that
Christian baptism includes belief in Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior (Acts
2:36) and enables reception of the Holy Spirit. Peter is not contradicting the
wider baptismal formula Jesus gave in Matthew 28:19, but rather emphasizing the
need of the Jews to indicate their acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Lord and
Savior. The Jews had no problem
accepting God the Father and the Holy Spirit, but they had rejected Jesus and
crucified Him. Therefore Peter was
teaching the Jewish crowd that forgiveness of sins does not come from keeping
the Torah but from accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS = "Not that baptism effects
forgiveness. Rather, forgiveness comes
through that which is symbolized by baptism (see note on Romans 6:3-4)."
-- The NIV Bible Study Notes.
"Baptism
'for' the forgiveness of sins may be translated 'on the basis of.' Many New Testament passages stress that
forgiveness is based on repentance and trust in what Jesus had done, not on a
rite--baptism or otherwise (John 3:16; Acts 16:31)." -- Holman Bible
Dictionary
YOU WILL RECEIVE = Jesus received the Holy Spirit at his baptism
(Matthew 3:16). But no one else received the Holy Spirit in similar measure until
the Day of Pentecost (Acts 8:16). After
Pentecost individuals generally received the Holy Spirit at the time of their
baptism (Acts 10:44-48; 19:1-6).
HOLY SPIRIT = In this and the following verse all the members of
the Trinity are mentioned and associated with baptism: Jesus Christ, the Holy
Spirit, and the Lord our God (also see Matthew 28:19 for Christ's association
of the Trinity with baptism).
Contrary to the
Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active
force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the
idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the
Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
Acts
YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN AND FOR ALL WHO ARE FAR OFF = The promise of
the Holy Spirit was not for only one generation of Jews living in Palestine,
nor only for the wider circle of the Diaspora (Jews who were dispersed to other
nations), but for all people, including Gentiles, "whom the Lord our God will call"
(see Ephesians 2:13, 17, 19).
Acts
WITH MANY OTHER WORDS = Peter's primary speech recorded in Acts
chapter 2 is a summary of what was said which does not include his "many
other words."
HE WARNED ... HE PLEADED = By "warning" Peter made his
listeners aware of the danger that comes to those who do not accept
Christ. By "pleading" Peter
earnestly appealed to them to change their ways and accept Christ so they could
avoid that danger.
THIS CORRUPT GENERATION = The nation of Israel was guilty of the
unthinkable sin of putting God's Son, their Messiah, to death. For this sin God's judgments would be poured
out on the nation in 70 A.D. (see Matthew 23:37-39 and 24:21-22, et
cetera). However, individual Jews could
be forgiven and spared if they would repent, be united with Christ and His
church, and disassociate themselves from Israel (see Revelation 18:4).
Acts
THREE THOUSAND WERE ADDED = This comprised the core foundation of
the Christian Church. The Greek
literally reads: "about three thousand souls." The Greek "psuche" (Strongs #G5590)
has several meanings, the primary one being "life or soul."
Acts chapter 15
records that the purity of the Christian church in Jerusalem was compromised by
the introduction of thousands of Jews who were "zealous for the law"
(Acts 21:20). These converts brought
their Jewish culture into the Christians church and required circumcision and
adherence to the annual feasts, thus coming into head-to-head conflict with the
Apostle Paul. As time passed the
Jerusalem church became increasingly entrenched in Judaism. Their influence was finally broken during the
insurrection of 66 AD when the Jerusalem Christians fled to Pella. Four years later the destruction of the
Temple by the Romans broke up even the center of Judaism. The last Jewish revolt occurred in 132 AD,
and when it was put down, Hadrian established the city of Aelia Capitolina on
the Jerusalem site. All circumcised Jews
were prevented from entering the city, however Christians were admitted if they
gave up Judaism.
Acts
THEY DEVOTED THEMSELVES = The Greek word "proskartereo"
(Strongs #4342) means "to continue steadfastly, faithfully, to persevere
earnestly, to be constantly diligent."
Personal devotion to Christ, to His Word/teaching, to His Church, and to
His people is essential for continued growth as a Christian. The early
Christians met together "every day" (Acts 2:46) at the Temple.
The central facts
of Christian discipleship are included in the rites of the Church:
1. Teaching and
preaching the Word
2. Fellowship
(both spiritual and social) which included sharing with those in need
3. Breaking bread
(in context this can be both the Lord's Supper and social meals)
4. Prayer
(thanksgiving and praise to God as well as intercession for others)
TO THE APOSTLES' TEACHING = This included everything that Jesus
taught (Matthew 28:20), especially the Gospel (Acts 1:8 and as demonstrated
throughout the book of Acts), as well as the apostles' personal witness to
Christ's death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. It also included preaching
the Word of God.
AND TO THE FELLOWSHIP = This would be the corporate fellowship the
members had as believers in Christ -- it is the equivalent of belonging to a
local church and being actively engaged in its fellowship. It includes
openhearted sharing with others what God has given to you (both spiritual and
material blessings).
THE BREAKING OF BREAD = It is possible both the Lord's Supper as well
as Church fellowship dinners are meant here.
It would be strange to exclude the Lord's Supper when the phrase
"breaking of bread" is listed along side "fellowship" and
"prayer." However the
technical term for the Lord's Supper is actually "Kuriakos diepnon"
(Strongs #G2960 + 1173), (see note on 1 Corinthians 11:20).
AND TO PRAYER = Both public and private prayer is important to the
well-being of a Christian life.
Acts
WONDERS AND MIRACULOUS SIGNS = These were done through the name/power
of Jesus (Acts 4:30) and demonstrated the veracity of the apostle's teachings
(see Acts 5:12-13; 6:8; 8:6, 13; 14:3; 15:12).
Acts
THE BELIEVERS WERE TOGETHER = Together both physically and
spiritually as they worshipped and fellowshipped together (see Acts 4:32).
HAD EVERYTHING IN COMMON = In the context of Acts 2:45 this
indicates the believers unselfishly shared their possessions with fellow needy
Christians. This was not communism. Communism is a political system which
forcefully says: "What is yours is ours." Christianity is a religious system which
lovingly says: "What is mine I willingly share with you."
Acts
THEY GAVE = Their giving was motivated by love, not by force (see
Acts 4:32, 34-35; 5:4).
Acts
EVERY DAY = Consistent regularity is the hallmark of effective
Christianity. There is no Biblical
prohibition of "going to church" on any or every day of the
week. In the OT God specifically
required His people to worship twice a year on Sunday, the first day of the week:
Pentecost (see note on Acts 2:1) and Passover (Exodus 12:16). Under the Old Testament with the Israelites,
God set Saturday, the seventh day of the week, as the Sabbath day of rest from
work: Exodus 20:11. However, observing
Saturday as God's specified day for rest from work did not in any way prohibit
the Israelites from attending church services on any or all of the other days
of the week. The Israelites and
Christians routinely worshipped at the temple every day of the week (see
commentary on Acts 3:1; Acts 5:42).
A number of
Sabbath-observing churches, including the Seventh-day Adventists, teach the
non-Biblical doctrine that worshiping on Sunday causes the worshiper to receive
the Mark of the Beast (see notes on Revelation 13:16-18; 14:9-12; 16:2; 19:20;
20:4).
MEET TOGETHER IN THE TEMPLE COURTS = The first regular meeting
place of Christians was at the Temple in Jerusalem. Subsequent to this, Christians met together
in their homes and in the Jewish synagogues.
Jewish synagogues were open on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Finally expelled from the synagogues by the
Jews, Christians established churches of their own in member's homes.
BROKE BREAD IN THE HOMES AND ATE TOGETHER = This was not always the
Lord's Supper, but rather regular occasions when believers gathered together in
one another's homes for fellowship and to eat their meals. See note on Acts
20:7, 11.
GLAD = A victorious church lovingly united in Christ produces joy
and gladness.
SINCERE HEARTS = Hypocrisy reduces a victorious church to ashes.
Acts
THE LORD ADDED TO THEIR NUMBER DAILY = Because the early Christians
had their priorities straight (see Acts 2:42), it was safe for the Lord to
bring others into their fellowship. Numerical growth occurs in a church that
has solid spiritual growth.
THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED = The Greek “sozo” (Strongs
#G4982) means “to save, rescue, deliver from judgment, heal, make
whole.” Grammatically it is
written here as a present passive participle meaning that as people were saved
they were added to the membership of the church.
UP TO THE TEMPLE = We know this did not occur on the weekly Sabbath
day because a cripple was being carried to the temple gates (Acts 3:2), something
that could not be done on the Sabbath day.
Also notice in verse 2 that people were going into the temple every
day. The Bible facts is: Christians
continued to meet and worship at the Temple in Jerusalem every day (including
Saturday) for many years after Christ's resurrection (Acts 2:46; Acts 3:1; Acts
5:42). It was not until the Jewish persecution drove Christianity underground
that they ceased worshiping at the Temple.
AT THE TIME OF PRAYER = The Greek text goes on to state this was
the "ninth hour" (which translates into 3 o'clock in the afternoon
[nine hours after the normal 6 am sunrise]).
Judaism had three stated times of prayer: (1) at midmorning, the
"third hour," or 9 am; (2) the time of evening sacrifice, "the
ninth hour," or 3 pm; and (3) at sunset, the "twelfth hour," or
about 6 pm (see John 11:9).
AT THREE IN THE AFTERNOON = This is a good example of the
difficulty in translating the Bible from the original language into our modern
English. The Greek literally reads:
"epi ten hooran tes proseuchees ten enateen." If we translated this literally into English
we would have: "at the hour of prayer, the ninth." This literal translation would cause English
readers to mistakenly think Peter and John went up to the temple at 9 am because
we count our time from midnight.
Therefore the NIV translates this text dynamically ("at three in
the afternoon") so the modern reader will know the correct hour when this
event occurred.
Acts 3:2
CRIPPLED FROM BIRTH = At this time the man had been a cripple for
more than forty years (see Acts 4:22).
THE TEMPLE GATE CALLED BEAUTIFUL = Christian tradition states this
was a bronze gate on the east side of the temple. It was the strategic place for a beggar to
request alms of worshipers entering the temple.
THE TEMPLE COURTS = From the outer Court of the Gentiles nine gates
led to the inner courts of the temple (the Court of Women, and the Court of
Men).
Acts 3:3
HE ASKED THEM FOR MONEY = Many times we ask for less than God would
like to give us because we do not have the faith to ask for more.
Acts 3:5
EXPECTING TO GET SOMETHING FROM THEM = He expected to receive money
(Acts 3:3).
Acts 3:6
SILVER OR GOLD = The beggar was hoping to receive gold or silver
coins (Acts 3:3).
IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST = Jesus had commissioned His disciples
as His ambassadors and had empowered them to do miracles (see Mark 3:14-15;
). By using the phrase "in the name
of Jesus Christ," the disciples made it clear that they were acting in the
power and authority of their risen Lord.
Modern Christians also reference Christ's powerful authority when they
conclude their prayers with "in Jesus' name, Amen."
"In Bible
times a person's name represented him and his characteristics." -- The
Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament edition, by Walvoord & Zook, on
Acts 3:16.
Acts 3:7
HE HELPED HIM UP = Peter's assistance did not add anything to the
cripple's faith, rather it helped the man to accomplish what he had already
determined to do through faith in Jesus Christ (see Acts 3:16).
INSTANTLY THE MAN'S FEET AND ANKLES BECAME STRONG = The
overwhelming majority of miracles in the
Bible produced instantaneous results.
The very few exceptions could include
Naaman's healing from leprosy after dipping in the river seven times (2 Kings
5:14); and a blind beggar having his
sight restored after washing in the Pool of Siloam (John 9:7).
Acts 3:8
WENT ... INTO THE TEMPLE COURTS = See note on Acts 3:2.
PRAISING GOD = Humans tend to focus on asking for miracles and
neglect to praise God for His on-going goodness.
Acts
THEY RECOGNIZED HIM = According to Acts 4:22 this man had been
crippled for more than 40 years, thus he was well-known to worshippers
attending services at the temple.
Acts
HELD ON TO PETER AND JOHN = The Greek "krateo" (Strongs
G2902) means "to take hold of, take the hand of, to seize."
SOLOMON'S COLONNADE = Also known as "Solomon's Porch," it
ran along the inner side of the east wall enclosing the Temple complex. This colonnade consisted of two rows of stone
columns (each about 27 feet high) covered over with a cedar roof. In winter this was an especially popular
place for people to gather, and was the location of the first Christian
"church" (see note on Acts 5:12).
Acts
MEN OF ISRAEL = A common term found 53 times in the NIV and used to
respectfully address a crowd of Jews.
Acts
THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC and JACOB = Common Jewish term for the
God of heaven.
HAS GLORIFIED HIS SERVANT JESUS = The Greek word is
"doxazo" (Strongs G1392) meaning "to put into an honorable
position, to exalt, to dignify, to make glorious." The Jews claimed Jesus could not possibly be
the Messiah since God had proclaimed a curse upon anyone who died on a
"tree"/cross (Acts 5:30; Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 21:23). But Peter pointed to the miraculous healing
of this cripple as proof Jesus had been
glorified by God. It was because God had
glorified Jesus that people could now be healed by faith in His name.
SERVANT = This term reminded the Jews that Isaiah had prophesied
that the Messiah would suffer and die (see Psalm 22:7-8; Psalm 35:19; Isaiah
50:6; Isaiah 52:13-53:12 and compare with Matthew 12:18; Acts 4:27).
YOU DISOWNED HIM BEFORE PILATE = See Matthew 27:20-25 and Acts
3:14. Peter's speech made three powerful contrasts: (1) "you disowned Him
before Pilate, though he had decided to let Him go;" (2) "You
disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released"
(Acts 3:14); (3) "You killed the author of life, but God raised Him from
the dead" (Acts 2:23, 36; 3:13-15; 4:10-11; 5:30 and compare with Matthew
27:25).
THOUGH HE HAD DECIDED TO LET HIM GO = Under the inspiration of the Holy
Spirit, Peter indicated Pilate had decided to set Jesus free, but the
fanaticism of the Jews forced Pilate to reverse his decision (see John 19:12).
Acts
THE HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS ONE = These are terms which have Messianic
significance. They indicate that Jesus
certainly was "without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Even the demons knew Jesus Christ as
"the Holy One" (Mark 1:24).
Ananias referred to Christ as "the Righteous One" when he
urged Saul to repent and be baptized (Acts 22:14).
A MURDERER BE RELEASED = Through the instigation of the priests,
the crowd asked for Barabbas to be released instead of Jesus Christ (see
Matthew 27:20-22). Peter contrasts this
"murderer" (one who takes life) with Jesus Christ, the "author
of life" (Acts 3:15).
Acts
YOU KILLED THE AUTHOR OF LIFE = In context, when Peter said
"you" he was referring to the "men of
BUT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD = God overruled the death penalty
imposed by the Jewish Sanhedrin and the Romans.
WE ARE WITNESSES = Five times in the book of Acts the disciples
witnessed to Christ's resurrection in harmony with Christ's command (Acts 1:8):
Acts 2:32; 3:15; 5:30-32; 10:39-41; 13:30-31.
Acts
BY FAITH IN THE NAME OF JESUS = See the context of Acts 3:6-8 and also
the note on Acts 3:6.
THIS MAN WHOM YOU SEE AND KNOW = The cripple had lived among them
for some forty years (compare Acts 3:2 with Acts 4:22).
THE FAITH THAT COMES THROUGH HIM = The faith which works both
physical and spiritual miracles is not self-generated, it is the gift of God
(Ephesians 2:8).
Acts
YOU ACTED IN IGNORANCE = Once we become aware that we have sinned,
even though we sinned "in ignorance," we must repent and turn to God
so that our sins can be wiped out (see Acts 3:19). The general Jewish population was
"ignorant" in the sense that they did not understand that Jesus was
their Messiah and that their decision to crucify Him helped to fulfill God's
plan for His sacrificial death (see Acts 4:26-28).
Acts
FORETOLD THROUGH ALL THE PROPHETS = The Old Testament prophets
foretold that Christ would be rejected and suffer (see the notes on Acts 3:13).
THAT HIS CHRIST WOULD SUFFER = Jesus came to forgive our sins. His
suffering came about because "without the shedding of blood there is no
forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22).
Acts
REPENT = The Greek "metanoeo" (Strongs #G3340) means
"to change one's mind, to think differently." Theologically, repentance involves genuine regret
or sorrow, accompanied by a true change of heart toward God.
"Repentance
is necessary for salvation, but merely as a preparation of the heart and not as
a price paid for the gift of life." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology,
Henry C. Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 202
AND TURN TO GOD = We must repent of our sins, even those committed
"in ignorance" (see note on Acts 3:17).
"Repentance
is a change of mind and will arising from sorrow for sin and leading to
transformation of life (see note on Acts 2:38). 'Turn(ing) to God' is
subsequent to repentance and not completely identical with it. See Acts 11:21
("believe and turn") and Acts 26:20 ("repent and turn"; see
also Acts 9:35; 14:15; 15:19; 26:18; 28:27). In the strictest sense, repentance
is turning from sin, and faith is turning to God. However, the word
"turn" is not always used with such precision." -- NIV Study
Bible note on Acts 3:19.
SINS MAY BE WIPED OUT = The Greek "exaleipho" (Strongs
#G1813) means "to expunge, blot out, wipe off." For an understanding of how permanent God's
"wiping out" of sins is, see Psalm 103:11-12; Psalm 130:3-4; Isaiah
43:25; Jeremiah 31:34; Micah 7:19; Romans 8:1; Colossians 2:13-14; Hebrews
8:12; 1 John 1:7.
THAT TIMES OF REFRESHING MAY COME = The Greek "anapsuxis"
(Strongs #G403) meaning "to refresh."
This "refreshing" was initiated in the blessings which
attended Christ's first coming and His institution of the Kingdom of Grace.
Only by being "refreshed" by Christ wiping out our sins, will we be
ready to stand before Jesus at His second coming (see note on Acts 3:20).
FROM THE LORD = In context "the Lord" refers to
"God." The "wiping
out" of sins and the "times of refreshing" are both gifts from
God.
Acts
THAT HE MAY SEND THE CHRIST = This does not refer to Christ's first
coming, which was past in Peter's day, but rather to Christ future second
coming. "The Christ" is a
technical term for the Messiah.
WHO HAS BEEN APPOINTED FOR YOU = God has appointed all the
conditions of salvation: only those who come to Him through Christ may be saved
(John 14:6).
Acts
HE MUST REMAIN IN HEAVEN = This is the place to which Jesus
ascended shortly before the Day of Pentecost (see Acts 1:11; John 14:1-3). Jesus will remain in heaven "until the
time comes for God to restore everything."
TO RESTORE EVERYTHING = "The verbal form [GK G635] of the noun
"restoration" [used here; GK G640] is often used in the LXX [Greek
version of the OT] for the eschatological restoration of Israel (see Jeremiah
15:19; 16:15; Ezekiel 16:55; Hosea 11:11)" -- NIV Bible Commentary.
AS HE PROMISED LONG AGO THROUGH ... PROPHETS = Peter goes on to
specifically quote Moses (Acts 3:22); and mention Samuel (Acts 3:24).
Acts
FOR MOSES SAID = This Messianic prophecy, fulfilled by Christ, is
found in Deuteronomy 18:15-16.
A PROPHET LIKE ME = God blessed Israel with many prophets. But according to Jesus, God's special people
continually murdered the human messengers God had sent to them: Matthew
23:37. Jesus was claimed to be a
"prophet" in Matthew 13:57; and was called a prophet in Matthew 21:11
and Luke 24:19.
YOU MUST LISTEN = In this prophecy Moses clearly warned the Jews
that if they did not listen to and accept Jesus Christ they would be
"completely cut off from among His people" (Acts 3:23). This warning ought to be considered by all
who believe that Israel holds some special place in prophecy today. See note on Matthew 21:43.
Acts
COMPLETELY CUT OFF = Israel was once God's chosen nation (2
Chronicles 7:11-22; Jeremiah 2:3). But
when the Jews, as a nation, rejected and crucified Jesus Christ, God turned
away from them and replaced them with the Christian Church. Thus the Jews, as a nation, have been totally
cut off and are no longer God's chosen race (Jeremiah 17:4). God has turned to the Christian church as His
instrument for the salvation of mankind (Matthew 8:10-12; Matthew 23:13-15,
37-38; Luke 13:28; Luke 14:16-24; Acts 3:22-23; Acts 13:46; Ephesians 3:10; 1
Peter 2:7-10). However, after the cross, both Jews and Gentiles enter into
God's kingdom as individuals, saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus
Christ.
Acts
YOU ARE HEIRS OF THE PROPHETS AND ... COVENANT = Peter assured the
Jews that they were the "heirs" of all God had done for the
Jews. However, their salvation and
reception of God's blessings depended upon their response to Jesus Christ (see
Acts 3:23). In order to be in a right
relationship with God, they needed to turn from their "wicked ways" and
accept Jesus Christ as their personal Messiah (Acts 3:26).
Acts
RAISED UP HIS SERVANT = Not a reference to Christ's resurrection
from the dead, but to God's establishment of Christ as Messiah at His first
coming (see Acts 3:22).
SENT HIM FIRST TO YOU TO BLESS YOU = Throughout the Old Testament
God worked first for and with the Jews as a people. Jesus said He came to minister to the Jews
almost to the exclusion of all other nationalities: Matthew 15:24. The disciples were also commissioned to
evangelize the Jews first, and after being rejected by the Jews, went to the
Gentiles (Acts 13:46). After the Jewish nation committed their final apostasy
by rejecting and crucifying Christ, God discarded the nation of Israel as His
special people. For further study see notes on Matthew 21:43.
BY TURNING EACH OF YOU FROM YOUR WICKED WAYS = The Jewish nation
had turned away from Christ, thus God turned away from the nation and it's fate
was sealed in 70 A.D. Now Peter addressed the Jews as individuals, eligible for
every divine blessing, if they repented and accepted Jesus Christ as their
Messiah.
THE PRIESTS = These were the priests who were ministering at the
temple that day. Because of the large
numbers of priests in the time of Christ, each priest served at the temple for
one week every six months.
CAPTAIN OF THE TEMPLE GUARD = The Greek is "strategos"
(Strongs G4755) meaning "the commander or general." This leader was second in authority to the
high priest.
THE SADDUCEES = This was the dominant party which controlled the
temple; the high priest was a Sadducee.
One of their beliefs was that there is no resurrection from the dead
(see Acts 4:2).
Acts 4:2
THEY WERE GREATLY DISTURBED = "They" refers to the
Sadducees in the previous verse (Acts 4:1).
The Greek "diaponayomai" (Strongs G1278) means "to grieve
oneself, to become wearied or grieved at the endless continuance of
something." This suggests that the
spiritual leaders of Israel truly believed Christ's murder would bring a speedy
end Christianity. Instead Christ had
risen from the dead, Christianity was growing rapidly, and Christ's disciples
were even performing miracles and evangelizing within the sacred temple courts.
PROCLAIMING IN JESUS THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD = The
resurrection from the dead is for those who are "in" Jesus. The Sadducees did not believe in the
resurrection of the dead (Matthew 22:23).
Thus when the disciples continued to proclaim Jesus as the "the
resurrection and the life" (John 11:25-26), the Sadducees became
"greatly disturbed."
Acts 4:3
THEY SEIZED = The Greek "epiballo ho cheir" (Strongs
#G1911 + 5495) means "to throw hands upon, to seize."
BECAUSE IT WAS EVENING = Jewish law required that any legal
deliberation potentially involving the death penalty had to commence and end
during daylight hours. Thus it was
illegal for the Sanhedrin to have tried Jesus at night and sentenced Him to
death early in the morning (Matthew 27:1).
Perhaps the Sanhedrin followed the law this time because there were so
many witnesses to the miracle in the temple that day. Many of these converted to Christianity (see
Acts 4:4, 16).
Acts 4:4
ABOUT FIVE THOUSAND = Previously, on the Day of Pentecost, 3,000
had been added to the church (Acts 2:41).
Thus, in a very short time, another 2,000 had converted to Christianity.
Acts 4:5
THE NEXT DAY = See note on Acts 4:3.
THE RULERS, ELDERS AND TEACHERS = The Sanhedrin (Israel's supreme
court which had sentenced Jesus to death), was composed of these three
groups. The Sadducees were titular
rulers who only governed through the Sanhedrin.
Elders were tribal leaders. The
Pharisees were generally the teachers of the law.
TEACHERS OF THE LAW = These were generally Pharisees (see note on
Matthew 23:2-3).
Acts 4:6
ANNAS THE HIGH PRIEST = See Luke 3:2. Annas was the official high priest from A.D.
6 to A.D. 15 when he was deposed by the Romans.
He was first succeeded by his son, Eleazar (A.D. 15-A.D. 18), then by
his son-in-law, Caiaphas (A.D. 18-A.D. 36). Through Roman authority Caiaphas
was officially the current high priest.
However, many Jews did not respect Rome's political interference in
their religious life and still considered Annas as their high priest since
scripture indicated the office was to be held for life.
CAIAPHAS = The high priest who had sentenced Jesus Christ to death
(John 11:49-51). He was Annas' son in law.
Caiaphas became high priest around A.D. 18 and continued in that office
until A.D. 36.
JOHN = Jonathan, the son of Annas, succeeded Caiaphas as high
priest in A.D. 36.
ALEXANDER = Possibly another influential relative of Annas or
Caiaphas.
Acts 4:7
BY WHAT POWER OR WHAT NAME = The high priest, Annas, was present as
the head of the Sanhedrin and as the highest authority in Israel (Acts
4:6). They already knew the answer to
their question, because Peter had plainly commanded the cripple "in the
name of Jesus Christ ... walk" (Acts 3:6).
Furthermore, when Peter explained the miracle to the crowd he said:
"it is Jesus' name ... that has given this complete healing" (Acts
3:16). The Sanhedrin had crucified Jesus
on a charge of blasphemy. They now hoped
to trap Peter and John into stating this miracle was done in the powerful name
of Jesus, for then they could sentence Peter and John to death on the basis of
promoting belief in a false prophet (see Deuteronomy 13:1-5).
POWER = Greek has two words which can be translated
"power" or "authority": (1) "dunamis" (Strongs
G1411) meaning "to be able, or capable;" and (2) "exousia"
(Strongs G1849) meaning "permission, authority." When the Sanhedrin asked "By what power
("dunamis") did you do this," they were asking "what or who
made you able to do this miracle?"
Peter's answer was "Jesus Christ gave us this power" (see Acts
4:10).
Acts 4:8
FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT = The Holy Spirit inspired Peter to
respond powerfully to the question asked by the temple authorities, thus his
words were the Holy Spirit's words. This
was a fulfillment of Jesus' promise in Acts 1:8.
Contrary to the
Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active
force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the
idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the Holy
Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
Acts 4:9
FOR AN ACT OF KINDNESS = The temple authorities were so enraged
against Jesus that they were willing to persecute His followers for doing an
act of kindness.
ARE ASKED HOW HE WAS HEALED = (See note on Acts 4:7).
Acts
NAME OF JESUS CHRIST = Acts 4:12 makes clear this is the name which
saves us, not "Jehovah" as the JWs proclaim. This was exactly what the temple authorities
had hoped Peter and John would say (see Acts 4:7), for then they could persecute
the disciples just as they had persecuted Jesus Christ.
WHOM YOU CRUCIFIED BUT WHOM GOD RAISED FROM THE DEAD = See notes on
Acts 2:23, 36; 3:13-15; 4:10-11; 5:30 and compare with Matthew 27:25).
Acts
HE IS = Refers back to "Jesus Christ of Nazareth" (Acts
4:10).
THE STONE ... THE CAPSTONE = This quotation is from Psalm 118:22
and was applied by Jesus to Himself in Matthew 21:42. A "capstone" is the top stone of a
structure. It is the crowning
achievement, the culmination of all the work which created the building. Thus God has elevated the "man" the
Sanhedrin rejected to the highest position in heaven and earth (Philippians
2:9-11).
Acts
SALVATION IS FOUND IN NO ONE ELSE = The Greek literally reads:
"neither is there salvation in any other." The message the Holy Spirit gave to the
Sanhedrin through Peter (Acts 4:8) was clear: accept Jesus Christ as your
Savior and Lord or be lost." Peter
presented Jesus Christ as Israel's highest authority rather than the high
priest, Annas (see Acts 4:6).
NO OTHER NAME GIVEN = The emphasis here is on the fact that God had
specifically sent Jesus Christ to the Jewish nation and they had rejected Him.
God had given them no other option to be saved unless they accepted Jesus as
their Savior and Lord (see Acts 10:43).
This does not mean that only those who hear the name of Jesus can be
saved (see Romans 2:12-15). The name
"Jesus Christ" first appears in the Bible in Matthew 1:1 (which was
written around 50 AD.). Biblical
evidence indicates great men and women of faith who lived during the first
4,000 years of earth's history, and never heard the name "Jesus
Christ," were saved. Thus we
conclude Peter's statement must be taken in the context of who it was spoken to
and what their previous response to Jesus Christ had been.
BY WHICH WE MUST BE SAVED -- However, it is crucial for everyone to
understand that death seals our eternal destiny, there is no second chance
after death to be saved, and that salvation is only for believers in the Lord
Jesus Christ: John 3:16; John 3:36;
Hebrews 9:27; 1 Timothy 5:24; 2 Peter 3:7.
Acts
WHEN THEY SAW THE COURAGE = This "courage" came from
being inspired by the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:8).
Just a month earlier Peter had cowered in the courtyard and denied any
association with Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:69-74). But now Peter had the courage to boldly
credit Jesus Christ for healing the cripple.
UNSCHOOLED = "First-century Judaism made an important
distinction between those who were trained in Old Testament law and those who
were unschooled. The trained were held
responsible for their first violation of the law. But the unschooled were not held responsible
for a first offense. Instead they were
instructed and warned not to commit the offense again. It has been suggested that the phrase 'They
were unschooled, ordinary men,' represented a legal determination, meaning all
that the Sanhedrin could do was warn the disciples 'not to speak or teach at
all in the name of Jesus' (Acts 4:18).
Because the Sanhedrin was the official interpreter of divine law, their
command would be binding in Judaism, and the disciples could be punished for
any future offense." -- 735 Baffling Bible Questions Answered, by Larry
Richards, page 318.
In addition, when
comparing John's Gospel and his three pastoral letters with the book of
Revelation, one is struck with the stumbling grammar of Revelation. This has given rise to the theory that John
may not have personally written his Gospel and three pastoral letters. Rather the possibility is that John used an
amanuensis (a professional secretary) to record his words, as did Paul (1
Corinthians 16:21) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 36:4) and other writers of Scripture.
ORDINARY MEN = None of the apostles held any official position
which would be recognized by the spiritual leaders of Israel.
THEY WERE ASTONISHED = The Greek is "thaumazo" (Strongs
G2296) meaning "to wonder, to marvel, to be filled with astonishment or
admiration."
Acts
THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD SAY = The Sanhedrin could not
prosecute Peter and John for working a false miracle, for they could see with
their own eyes that the miracle was genuine.
Acts
THE SANHEDRIN = As the highest Jewish court, the Sanhedrin
consisted of the elders (Acts 5:21) and chief priests of the nation, presided
over by the high priest. It was composed
of about 71 men who sat in a semicircle flanked by their clerks. Behind them were three rows of
disciples. The two opposition parties of
the Sanhedrin were the Pharisees and Sadducees (Acts 23:6).
Acts
WE CANNOT DENY IT = These same men were able to deny Christ's
resurrection and fabricate a false story simply because there were few
witnesses (see Matthew 28:11-15).
However this time "everybody living in Jerusalem" knew the
truth.
Acts
BUT TO STOP THIS THING FROM SPREADING = These religious leaders
chose to suppress the truth rather than to proclaim the truth. "This thing" refers to knowledge of
the "outstanding miracle" that had been done (see Acts 4:16) and the
disciples' teaching about the "resurrection of the dead" (Acts
4:2). The desire was to prevent any more
miracles being done in Jesus' name (see Acts 4:18), and thus prevent any more
conversions to Christianity (Acts 4:4).
TO SPEAK NO LONGER TO ANYONE IN THIS NAME = I.e. the name of Jesus
(see Acts 5:40).
Acts
NOT TO SPEAK OR TEACH AT ALL IN THE NAME OF JESUS = The Sanhedrin
was so opposed to Jesus Christ that they tried to prevent any more healings in
His name.
Acts
JUDGE FOR YOURSELVES = Not only was it self-evident that the
miracle done in Jesus' name was genuine, but it was also self-evident that the
Sanhedrin's edict was contrary to God's will and God's workings. "The rabbis themselves justified civil
disobedience in certain circumstances if a superior divine command could be
proved." -- The International Bible Commentary, F. F. Bruce, editor,
Zondervan, page 1276.
WHETHER IT IS RIGHT IN GOD'S SIGHT = Peter and John reminded the
Sanhedrin that God is the highest authority, and that obedience to His word is
of supreme importance. By this the
Sanhedrin would have understood that Peter and John claimed to know God's will
better than did the high priest and all the spiritual leaders of Israel.
OBEY YOU RATHER THAN GOD = A similar statement was made in Acts
5:29.
Acts
WE CANNOT HELP SPEAKING = Through the indwelling power of the Holy
Spirit, Christ had made these men His "witness" (Acts 1:8). Only traitors to Christ would keep silent in
obedience to the Sanhedrin's edict (Acts 4:21; Acts 5:29).
Acts
AFTER FURTHER THREATS = The view of the Sanhedrin was: "might
makes right." Even after the
apostles reminded the Sanhedrin that they could not "obey you rather than
God" (Acts 4:19), the Sanhedrin continued their threats in order to
silence their testimony (Acts 4:17).
THEY COULD NOT DECIDE HOW TO PUNISH THEM = The Greek
"kolazo" (Strongs #G2849) means "to mutilate (prune),
discipline, punish." This same word
is used in Matthew 25:46. Politically
the Sanhedrin could not afford to eliminate
the Apostles at this time.
However, their hatred of the followers of Christ was intense and they
waited until the time was ripe when they could carry out their threats with the
help of Saul (see Acts 9:1-2; 22:4-5).
PRAISING GOD FOR WHAT HAD HAPPENED = The people realized this
miracle had come from God.
Acts
WAS OVER FORTY YEARS OLD = This man had been crippled from birth
(Acts 3:2) and was now "over forty years old." The implication is that this cripple was very
widely known in Jerusalem, so the miracle could neither be denied nor hidden.
Acts
WENT BACK TO THEIR OWN PEOPLE = This probably means the apostles
returned to the upper room where they had experienced Pentecost (Acts 1:13-14;
Acts 12:12).
Acts
YOU HAVE MADE ... EVERYTHING = Because God is the Creator, He is
able to work miracles.
Acts
YOU SPOKE = The quotation that follows came from Psalms 2:1-2.
THE HOLY SPIRIT = Contrary to the Jehovah Witnesses' belief that
the Holy Spirit is just an "active force" like electricity, "the
idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the idea of material substance, but also
that of inanimate substance. It implies
that God (or in this case, the Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in
Systematic Theology, by Henry C. Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
Acts
HEROD = This was Herod Antipas who was Tetrarch of Galilee and
Perea from 4 B.C. to A.D. 39. He
executed John the Baptist and sent Jesus to Pilate for execution.
Acts
DECIDED BEFOREHAND SHOULD HAPPEN = Not that those specific men were
forced to crucify Christ against their will, but that in God's plan Christ
would die so that forgiveness for sins would be possible (see note on Acts
2:23). These evil men were ignorant they
were fulfilling God's plan through their wickedness (see Acts 3:17).
Acts
ENABLE YOUR SERVANTS TO SPEAK ... WITH GREAT BOLDNESS = The
disciples did not pray for their own safety, but rather for courage to be
effective witnesses for Christ.
Acts
PERFORM MIRACULOUS SIGNS AND WONDERS = Through miracles God would
thwart the Sanhedrin's threats. Since
the priests forbade Peter and John from speaking about the crippled man's
healing, new miracles would give them fresh opportunities to witness.
Acts
THE PLACE ... WAS SHAKEN = The Greek "saleuo" (Strongs
#G4531) means "to move back and forth, to vibrate, rock, shake." This shaking indicated God had heard their
prayer.
THEY WERE ALL FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT = This was the second
time the Holy Spirit filled the disciples in the Upper Room (see Acts 2:1-4).
Contrary to the
Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active
force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the
idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the
Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
SPOKE THE WORD OF GOD BOLDLY = This was God's answer to the
disciples' prayer to "speak your word with great boldness" (Acts
4:29). Notice when the disciples were
"all filled with the Holy Spirit" they did not speak in "tongues,"
rather they "spoke the word of God boldly."
WORD OF GOD = This phrase
("word of God") is used
throughout Scripture to mean:
(1) a prophecy or
directive from God to a prophet (1 Chronicles 17:3-4; Luke 3:2);
(2) the entire
cannon of Scripture (Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 15:6);
(3) the spoken
word/preaching (Acts 4:31; 6:2-4);
(4) the
"sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17);
(5) "Christ
in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:25-27);
(6) literally the
word from God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
(7) In John 10:35,
"the word of God" is synonymous with "the Scripture."
(8) In Acts 6:7;
8:14, "the word of God" is synonymous with Christianity.
(9) In Revelation
19:13 "the Word of God" is a title for Jesus Christ.
Acts
ALL THE BELIEVERS WERE ONE = This unity came about because of
prayer (John 17:20-23), being filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31; Ephesians
4:3); and love (Colossians 3:14). Not
only were the disciples firmly committed to Jesus Christ, but they "shared
everything they had" (see Acts 2:44-45).
MIND = The Greek "psuche" (Strongs #G5590) has several
meanings, the most prominent being "life or soul."
THEY SHARED = The selling of personal property was not a condition
of membership, but rather an example of their attitude toward members in need
(see Acts 4:34-35). The spirit of
selfishness was beaten back by the spirit of loving generosity.
Acts
WITH GREAT POWER THE APOSTLES ... TESTIFY = Their powerful
testimony was the result of initially receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
(Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4) and then receiving the Holy Spirit again after the
cripple had been healed (Acts 4:31).
MUCH GRACE = Here the Greek "charis" (Strongs #G5485)
means "joy, pleasure, gratitude."
This "grace" resulted from being "one in heart and
mind," and "shar(ing) everything they had" (Acts 4:32).
Acts
THERE WERE NO NEEDY PERSONS AMONG THEM = See notes on Acts 2:44-45,
1 Timothy 5:3-4, 9-13, 16, and 2 Thessalonians 3:10.
Acts
IT WAS DISTRIBUTED = Originally the apostles distributed these
gifts to believers in need. However, as
the church grew, deacons were chosen to care for the needy in the church (Acts
6:1-3).
AS HE HAD NEED = The on-going problem with charity is determining
who is truly in need. The New Testament
outlines several criteria for determining believers who are eligible for the
church's charity, for example: 1 Timothy 5:3-4; 5:9-13, 16. Never did the New
Testament church try to support nonmembers.
Acts
LEVITE = Levites given towns and pasturelands when the promised
land was distributed among the tribes (Numbers 35:2-8).
CYPRUS = An island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
BARNABAS = Originally named Joseph, but later called
"Barnabas" by the apostles because of his ability to encourage. Barnabas introduce Saul to the Christian church
after Saul met Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:26-27), and later
accompanied Paul on one of his missionary journeys (Acts 13:2-4). Righteous Barnabas stands in contrast to
wicked Ananias and Sapphira (compare Acts 4:36-37 with Acts 5:1-5).
Acts
BROUGHT THE MONEY = Barnabas exemplified the unselfish spirit that
permeated the Christians in Jerusalem at this time (Acts 4:34-35).
ANANIAS ... SAPPHIRA = The story of Ananias and Sapphira is
included to show that not all Christians had the unselfish spirit of Barnabas
(Acts 4:36-37).
SOLD A PIECE OF PROPERTY = This was not unusual at this time in the
Christian church (see Acts 4:34-37).
Acts 5:2
KEPT BACK PART OF THE MONEY = The first sin in the Christian Church
at Jerusalem consisted of the love of men's praise combined with the love of
money (see 1 Timothy 6:10). This couple
was free to give all or none of their money, and to keep back as much as they
chose (Acts 5:4). Their sin was in
wanting people to praise them for giving all when in fact they had not.
Acts 5:3
SATAN HAS SO FILLED YOUR HEART = This is in contrast with the
disciples being filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31). Both the Holy Spirit and Satan were active in
the early Christian Church.
LIED TO THE HOLY SPIRIT = Lying is the result of being filled with
Satan (Acts 5:3). As a Person, the Holy
Spirit can be lied to. As a member of
the Trinity, the Holy Spirit is called "God" in Acts 5:4. Ask a JW "to whom did Ananias
lie?" They will say "to
God." Point out that Peter said
here that Ananias lied "to the Holy Spirit" and "to
God." How could someone lie to a
"force?" Note: the Holy Spirit
is also called LORD/"Jehovah" in 2 Corinthians 3:17. Also see Matthew 3:11; Acts 2:4.
Contrary to the
Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active
force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the
idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the
Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
Acts 5:4
WASN'T THE MONEY AT YOUR DISPOSAL = This statement makes it clear
that there was no pressure on believers to sell their assets or to contribute
to the general fund. This is in harmony
with 2 Corinthians 9:7.
LIED ... TO GOD = Ananias' sin was not in the fact he kept some of
the money for himself. Ananias and
Sapphira's sin resulted because they both lied when they claimed to have given
all the proceeds of the sale to the church (Acts 5:3, 8). In the context of Acts 5:3, Peter said
Ananias had lied to the Holy Spirit.
Lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God -- thus, because of His Divine
nature the Holy Spirit is rightly called "God," just as Jesus is
called "God" (for detailed information on the deity of Christ see
notes on Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1; John 5:23; John 8:57-58; John 20:28; Hebrews
1:6; and Revelation 1:7-8). The early
Christian church believed that the activity of the Holy Spirit indicated that
God Himself was present.
Acts 5:5
FELL DOWN AND DIED = Here in the New Testament God's swift judgment
is equal to those examples recorded in the Old Testament (see God's judgment on
Nadab and Abihu [Leviticus 10:2]; Achan [Joshua 7:25]; and Uzzah [2 Samuel
6:7]).
GREAT FEAR SEIZED ALL = The
Greek "phobos" (Strongs #G5401) means "fear, terror,
fright." Modern Christians are
beguiled by the "feel good, get rich" teachings of modern television
evangelists and cults. But Christians of
the New Testament were brought face to face with the seriousness of their God
and their faith.
Acts 5:8
IS THIS THE PRICE = Peter gave Sapphira an opportunity to tell the
truth and avoid the same fate as her husband, but they had both agreed to lie
to the church. It is always wiser to ask
questions rather than to accuse. Even
God gets the facts first (Genesis 18:21).
Acts 5:9
TEST THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD = Three critical ethics were at stake
here: (1) that dishonesty must not result in praise; (2) that the Holy Spirit
cannot be deceived; (3) that God does not tolerate hypocrisy.
THEY WILL CARRY YOU OUT ALSO = The judgment came from God, not from
Peter or the church.
Acts
AT THAT MOMENT = God's judgment on Sapphira was as swift as His
judgment upon her husband (Acts 5:5).
Acts
GREAT FEAR = The Greek "phobos" (Strongs #G5401) means
"fear, terror, fright."
CHURCH = This is the first time the New Testament mentions the word
"church." The Greek
"ekklesia" (Strongs #G1577) literally means "to call
out." It is applied early on to
Christian churches as well as Jewish synagogues. Later, the term "sunagoge" is
reserved for Jewish synagogues, and "ekklesia" indicates Christian
congregations. However, in Acts 15:21
the term "sunagogue" is applied to Christian gatherings composed of
both Jews and new Gentile converts.
Acts
APOSTLES PERFORMED MANY MIRACULOUS SIGNS AND WONDERS = This
deliberate understatement is similar to the one John made about Jesus Christ in
John 20:30.
IN SOLOMON'S COLONNADE = This was the raised outermost part of
Herod's Temple with columns that went all the way around the outer court (John
10:23; Acts 3:11). It is called "the portico of Solomon" (NASB, NRSV,
NEB) and "Solomon's Colonnade" (NIV), since Solomon's workers constructed
at least the oldest portico on the east side. In Jesus' day this part of the
Temple had been built by Herod's laborers.
This is where the first Christians met.
Also see note on Acts 3:11.
Acts
NO ONE ELSE DARED JOIN THEM = This does not mean that Christianity
ceased to grow, for Acts 5:14 states "more and more men and women believed
in the Lord and were added to their number," and Acts 6:1 states the
“number of disciples was increasing.
Therefore, in context, the phrase "no one else" means "no
one else like Ananias and Sapphira" dared join the Christian church. God's swift punishment of this husband and
wife terrified pseudo converts and prevented them from uniting with the church
– thus the church was cleansed of those who sought to use Christianity
for their own gain.
THEY WERE HIGHLY REGARDED BY THE PEOPLE = The "miraculous
signs and wonders" performed by God through the apostles, and the spirit
of unselfish sharing of material goods gave the Christian Church a good name
throughout Jerusalem and the surrounding areas (Acts 5:16).
Acts
NEVERTHELESS = Refers back to the statement "no one else dared
join them" (Acts 5:13). This
seeming contradiction is explained in the note on Acts 5:13.
MEN AND WOMEN BELIEVED = This is the first time that women are specifically
mentioned as new converts to Christianity.
However, women were included in the Christian church even prior to
Pentecost (Acts 1:14).
Acts
AS A RESULT = In context, because of God's judgment on Ananias and
Sapphira (Acts 5:5, 10), and the miraculous signs and wonders (Acts 5:12),
people took Christianity seriously enough to bring the sick to be healed by
Peter's shadow.
PETER'S SHADOW = There is no suggestion here that Peter's
"shadow" had any miraculous power in itself any more than did his
"handkerchiefs" or "aprons" (Acts 19:12) or Jesus'
"cloak" (Matthew 9:20). Rather
these items represented a means of connection with Jesus and/or His disciples
when the crowds or distances were too great for direct personal contact.
Acts
THE TOWNS AROUND JERUSALEM = The good reputation of the Christian
Church spread rapidly.
ALL ... WERE HEALED = The miracles of spiritual and physical
healings continued throughout the early days of the Christian Church. The ministry of the apostles was similar to
Christ's ministry (Matthew 8:16; Mark 6:56).
Acts
HIGH PRIEST ... HIS ASSOCIATES ... SADDUCEES = These were the same
men who had arrested the apostles previously (Acts 4:1-3).
WERE FILLED WITH JEALOUSY = The Greek "zelos" (Strongs
G2205) takes its meaning from the context.
In a good sense it means "zealous, fervent;" in an evil sense
it means "envious, jealous, angry."
The high priest and his associates were jealous of the apostles
spirit-filled success in healing the sick.
They did not persecute the apostles because they were Christians, but
because they were successful healers.
Acts
PUT THEM IN THE PUBLIC JAIL = This was the second time the apostles
had been arrested by the Sanhedrin (see Acts 4:3). Once again the officials intended to try the
apostles the next day.
Acts
AN ANGEL OF THE LORD = The New Testament makes a distinction
between "the Angel of the Lord," (Matthew 1:24) which could mean a
specific angel, or even God Himself; and "an Angel of the Lord" (see
Matthew 1:20; 2:13, 19; 28:2; Luke 1:11; 2:9; 5:19; Acts 8:26; 12:7; 12:23)
which simply means an angel sent from the Lord -- the Lord's angel.
"Those books
which narrate the great acts of God (Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Judges, 1
Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings and 2 Kings) contain numerous references to angels.
In these books, especially at key points, God reveals Himself and acts on
behalf of His people. Sometimes He does
this directly, sometimes in the person of an angel. Often the distinction between God's action
and the angel's is blurred to the point that they seem synonymous (Genesis
19:13, 24; Exodus 3:2, 4)." -- Holman Bible Dictionary.
This does not lend
support to the idea that the Archangel Michael is Jesus Christ, as Seventh-day
Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses teach (see note on Jude 1:9).
OPENED THE DOORS OF THE JAIL = This act was not seen by the guards
posted at the doors (Acts 5:23).
Acts
THE TEMPLE COURTS = These were porticos and paved areas that
surrounded the temple building.
Acts
THE SANHEDRIN = See note on Acts 4:15.
Acts
WE FOUND = The like the soldiers at Christ's resurrection, these
officers accurately reported the apostles' miraculous escape (Matthew
28:11-13).
THE GUARDS = The Greek "phulax" (Strongs #G5441) designated
soldiers who served as guards or sentinels.
Also see Matthew 27:66; Mark 6:27.
Acts
WONDERING WHAT WOULD COME OF THIS = The Sanhedrin was attempting to
shut Christianity down by imprisoning the apostles. However, once again, God had used a
miraculous event to thwart their purpose.
Rather than admit they were opposing God, the Sanhedrin continued to
persecute Christians (for example see Acts 5:33).
Acts
STANDING IN THE TEMPLE COURTS TEACHING THE PEOPLE = The apostles
were obeying the directive of God's angel (Acts 5:20) rather than the directive
of the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:18-20).
Acts
THE CAPTAIN WENT WITH HIS OFFICERS = This was the second time the
captain oversaw the arrest of these apostles.
THEY DID NOT USE FORCE ... THEY FEARED ... THE PEOPLE = Previously
they had angrily arrested the apostles (Acts 4:1-3). But now, as knowledge of the miracles
increased and conversions to Christianity grew, the officials became fearful of
the people. As long as they were in full view of the public they did not use
force. But once they arrived at the
Sanhedrin they used force ("they made them appear before the
Sanhedrin" [Acts 5:27]).
Acts
THE SANHEDRIN = See note on Acts 4:15.
TO BE QUESTIONED BY THE HIGH PRIEST = The high priest at this time
was Caiaphas, the same man who had condemned Jesus to death just two months
previously.
Acts
TO MAKE US GUILTY OF THIS MAN'S BLOOD = This objection is still
raised by modern Jews who say they are
tired of being wrongly blamed for Jesus' death -- it was the Romans who
crucified Christ. However, Peter clearly
stated the Jewish leaders were directly responsible for killing Christ (see
Acts 2:23; 3:13-15; 4:10-11; 5:30 and compare with Matthew 27:25).
Acts
WE MUST OBEY GOD = This is the second time the apostles made this
statement to the Sanhedrin (see notes on Acts 4:19).
Acts
WHOM YOU HAD KILLED = Scripture repeatedly holds the Jews
responsible for murdering Christ (see Acts 2:23, 36; 3:13-15; 4:10-11; 5:30 and
compare with Matthew 27:25).
Acts
GOD EXALTED HIM TO HIS OWN RIGHT HAND = This inspired statement was
made the same year Jesus died, rose from the dead, and ascended up to heaven
(A.D. 30). Thus Scripture is very
certain that Jesus had entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary,
was seated at the right hand of God, and began His High Priestly ministry in
A.D. 30, and not in 1844 as Seventh-day Adventists wrongly teach. This fact is attested to in five books of the
New Testament (see notes on Hebrews 9:12 for a more complete discussion of
these facts).
SAVIOR ... GIVE REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS = Christ's High Priestly
ministry is briefly outlined in these few words. Not only did Christ pay the penalty for our
sins on the cross, but He also gives us repentance. In addition, his ministry
in the Most Holy place of the heavenly sanctuary provides forgiveness for our
sins
REPENTANCE = The Greek
"metanoeo" (Strongs #G3341) means "to change one's mind, to
think differently, repent."
Theologically, repentance involves genuine regret or sorrow, accompanied
by a true change of heart toward God.
"Repentance
is necessary for salvation, but merely as a preparation of the heart and not as
a price paid for the gift of life." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology,
Henry C. Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 202
Acts
WE ARE WITNESSES = Five times in the book of Acts the disciples
witness to Christ's resurrection, ascension, and High Priestly ministry in the
most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary in harmony with Christ's command
(Acts 1:8 and Acts 2:32; 3:15; 5:30-32; 10:39-41; 13:30-31).
HOLY SPIRIT, WHO GOD HAS GIVEN TO THOSE WHO OBEY HIM = In context,
Peter is not saying that God rewards legalism by pouring out the Holy Spirit on
legalists. The conflict between the
Apostles and the Sanhedrin revolved around whether they would obey the edicts
of God or bow to the edicts of man (see
Acts 5:29 and Acts 4:19). The
apostles had been empowered to be Christ's witnesses and they could not keep
quiet. Christ had blessed their
faithfulness by twice pouring out the Holy Spirit upon them (Acts 2:4;
4:31). The members of the Sanhedrin
could receive the same Holy Spirit by ceasing their opposition to God's work
and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (see Acts 2:38-39).
Contrary to the
Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active
force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the
idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the
Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
Acts
THEY WERE FURIOUS = The Greek "diaprio" (Strongs G1282)
literally means "to saw through, to cut apart with a saw." Thus metaphorically it means "to be
enraged, to be ripped apart emotionally, to be furiously angry."
WANTED TO PUT THEM TO DEATH = The Greek "anaireo"
(Strongs G337) means "to violently put to death, to slay, to murder."
Acts
A PHARISEE = See note on Matthew 23:2.
GAMALIEL = "Gamaliel was a student of one of the greatest
rabbis of all times, Hillel, and he was Paul's tutor (Acts 22:3)." -- New
Bible Commentary, 21st Century Edition, by Wenham, Motyer, Carson, France, page
1076.
A TEACHER OF THE LAW = See note on Matthew 23:2.
THE SANHEDRIN = See note on Acts 4:15.
Acts
THEUDAS = No other historical sources mention this man. The name "Theudas" means "gift
of God."
"Many have
seen a problem in Gamaliel's reference to the Jewish revolutionaries Theudas
and Judas the Galilean in this speech. According to Josephus, the Jewish
historian of the first century, Judas' rebellion occurred about A.D. 6 and
Theudas' about A.D. 44, thus making Luke's chronology wrong (cf. "after
him" in v. 37). Furthermore, this scene before the Sanhedrin occurred
about A.D. 34, well before the rebellion of Theudas. In answer to these
problems, it seemly most likely that the Theudas that Gamaliel referred to was
one of the many insurgent leaders who arose in Palestine at the time of Herod
the Great's death in 4 B.C., not the Theudas who led the Jewish uprising of
A.D. 44." -- Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary, vol. 2, on Acts 5:36-37.
AND IT ALL CAME TO NOTHING = The point was even though this
movement at first appeared to be destined for great things, it all "came
to nothing."
Acts
JUDAS THE GALILEAN = Historian Josephus mentions this Judas as
being from Gamala in Gaulanitis. Judas
refused to pay his taxes and was killed.
IN THE DAYS OF THE CENSUS = This particular census occurred in A.D.
6.
ALL HIS FOLLOWERS WERE SCATTERED = This second illustration drove
home the point that just because a movement begins does not mean it will be
successful.
Acts
IN THE PRESENT CASE = The previous two examples cited by Gamaliel
ended up solving themselves without the Sanhedrin's intervention. Thus the same would be true again if God was
not with the teaching of the Christians.
Acts
FIGHTING AGAINST GOD = Peter's argument that they should obey God
rather than men (Acts 4:19; 5:29) took root in Gamaliel's heart. Here he warned the Sanhedrin that there was a
strong possibility they were fighting against God in trying to suppress Christianity.
Acts
HAD THEM FLOGGED = This lesser punishment was in lieu of execution
(see Acts 5:33).
NOT TO SPEAK IN THE NAME OF JESUS = This was a repetition of their
previous edict (see Acts 4:17; 5:28).
Acts
THE SANHEDRIN = See note on Acts 4:15.
COUNTED WORTHY OF SUFFERING DISGRACE = Their faithfulness to God's
calling was ratified by their suffering.
FOR THE NAME = The "disgrace" the apostles suffered was
not for doing wrong, but for doing what was right (see 1 Peter 2:20).
Acts
DAY AFTER DAY, IN THE TEMPLE COURTS = Christians continued to meet
and worship at the Temple in Jerusalem every day of the week for many years
after Christ's resurrection (Acts 2:46; Acts 3:1; Acts 5:42). It was not until
Jewish persecution drove Christianity underground that Christians ceased
worshiping at the Temple shortly before it was destroyed in 70 A.D. History records both Israelites and
Christians worshipping God on any and every day of the week.
THEY NEVER STOPPED TEACHING AND PROCLAIMING = The apostles
disobeyed the Sanhedrin's order because they had been called by God to be His
witnesses (Acts 1:8).
THE GOOD NEWS = The central fact and focus of Christianity is that
"Jesus is the Christ."
AND FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE = The first Christians met with the Jews in
Jewish synagogues (see note on Acts 15:21).
After the Jews started persecuting the Christians, they left the
synagogues and began meeting in their homes.
These home churches provided the base for Christians to evangelize the
then known world in just a few decades (see John 12:19).
THE DAILY DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD = Judaism had a standardized
practice of caring for the poor. Every
Friday two members from the local synagogue canvassed the businesses and homes
of members to collect donations of money or produce. Later that day what had been contributed was
distributed according to need: those who were permanently destitute received
enough for fourteen meals (two meals a day for seven days), while those who
were suffering temporary setbacks received just enough to tide them over. This large weekly collection was called the
"Kuppah" (meaning "Basket"). In addition, a smaller daily collection was
taken for those in emergency situations.
This daily distribution was called the "Tamhui" (meaning
"Tray"). Early Christians
adopted the Jewish method of caring for those in need.
Acts 6:2
THE TWELVE = In these early days of the Christian Church the twelve
disciples were responsible for all the activities and ministries of the
church. This was similar to the same
exhausting situation Moses found himself to be in after the Exodus (see Exodus
18:13-24). It is not God’s will
that pastors do all the work for their congregations. Instead each person should have a meaningful
ministry that enables him to contribute to the well-being of the local church.
THE MINISTRY = This phrase, "the ministry" is supplied by
the translators although it is implied in the Greek here and specifically
stated in Acts 6:4.
WORD OF GOD = This phrase
("word of God") is used
throughout Scripture to mean:
(1) a prophecy or
directive from God to a prophet (1 Chronicles 17:3-4; Luke 3:2);
(2) the entire
cannon of Scripture (Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 15:6);
(3) the spoken
word/preaching (Acts 4:31; 6:2-4);
(4) the
"sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17);
(5) "Christ
in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:25-27);
(6) literally the
word from God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
(7) In John 10:35,
"the word of God" is synonymous with "the Scripture."
(8) In Acts 6:7;
8:14, "the word of God" is synonymous with Christianity.
(9) In Revelation
19:13 "the Word of God" is a title for Jesus Christ.
TO WAIT ON TABLES = See note on Acts 6:4.
Acts 6:4
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD = The Greek word "diakonia"
(Strongs #G1248) literally means "deacon, one who serves, a
waiter." It carries the connotation
of one who "gets his hands dirty."
Here it suggests the Apostles were not just preaching from "ivory
towers," but they were actually applying the principles of God's Word to
common people in their every day life situations. There is no more important, or rewarding,
work than this.
Acts 6:5
THE HOLY SPIRIT = Contrary to the Jehovah Witnesses' belief that
the Holy Spirit is just an "active force" like electricity, "the
idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the idea of material substance, but also
that of inanimate substance. It implies
that God (or in this case, the Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in
Systematic Theology, by Henry C. Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
NICOLAS = Possibly another Nicolas is mentioned in Revelation 2:6;
2:15.
FROM ANTIOCH = Antioch was a Gentile city with a heavy
concentration of expatriate Jews who maintained their faith and customs. The fact that Nicolas was from Antioch, and a
convert to Judaism, made him a good choice as one who would look out for the
needs of the Grecian Jews (Acts 6:1).
Acts 6:7
WORD OF GOD = This phrase
("word of God") is used
throughout Scripture to mean:
(1) a prophecy or directive
from God to a prophet (1 Chronicles 17:3-4; Luke 3:2);
(2) the entire
cannon of Scripture (Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 15:6);
(3) the spoken
word/preaching (Acts 4:31; 6:2-4);
(4) the
"sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17);
(5) "Christ
in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:25-27);
(6) literally the
word from God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
(7) In John 10:35,
"the word of God" is synonymous with "the Scripture."
(8) In Acts 6:7;
8:14, "the word of God" is synonymous with Christianity.
(9) In Revelation
19:13 "the Word of God" is a title for Jesus Christ.
Acts 6:8
MIRACULOUS SIGNS = Up until this point in time, only the Apostles
worked miracles. But now, Stephen is
working "miraculous signs" and later Philip will do so as well (Acts 8:6).
Acts 6:9
SYNAGOGUE = "Jewish people met in the synagogue to pray, sing,
and study the Torah. The chief function
of the synagogue was to foster understanding and proper observance of the
Jewish law. In effect, it became the
seat of a spiritual government which ordered and disciplined the lives of the
people." -- The Bible Almanac, p. 401
BEGAN TO ARGUE WITH STEPHEN = The message that Stephen presented
opposed some of the crucial doctrines Jews commonly believed.
"To the Jews
two things were specially precious (1) the
Acts
THE SECRETLY PERSUADED = Under the cloak of dark secrecy these evil
members of the synagogue (Acts 6:9)
persuaded "some men" to give false testimony enabling them to
murder Stephen.
Acts
TEACHERS OF THE LAW = See note on Matthew 23:2.
THE SANHEDRIN = See note on Acts 4:15.
Acts
WE HAVE HEARD HIM SAY = This was stated by "false
witnesses" (Acts 6:13). However, their
words were probably technically true for Jesus had said much the same thing in
Matthew 24:1-2.
Acts
THE SANHEDRIN = See note on Acts 4:15.
ARE THESE CHARGES TRUE? = See Proverbs 18:17.
Acts
THOUGHT THAT HIS OWN PEOPLE WOULD REALIZE = God's people have
always been hard-hearted and unable to see the plain working of God in their
midst.
Acts
THE TABERNACLE OF THE TESTIMONY = This phrase appears seven times
in Scripture: Exodus 38:21; Numbers 1:50, 53; Numbers 10:11; Acts 7:44;
Revelation 15:5.
Acts
YOU STIFF-NECKED PEOPLE = "The phrase 'stiff-necked' was fixed
in Israel's memory as God's own characterization of the nation when it rebelled
against Moses and worshiped the golden calf (cf. Exodus 33:5; Deuteronomy 9:13)."
-- NIV Bible Commentary, Zondervan, on Acts 7:51.
WITH UNCIRCUMCISED HEARS AND EARS = In the Old Testament the
Israelite practice of circumcision originated with the circumcision of Abraham
as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham (Genesis 17:10-11).
Circumcision was the covenant sign which marked one's entry into the
Israelite's community of faith.
"The
expression 'with uncircumcised hearts and ears' recalls God's judgment on the
apostates among His people as being "uncircumcised in heart" (cf.
Leviticus 26:41; Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 4:4; 9:26). And now, says Stephen,
speaking like a prophet of old, God's indictment rests upon you just as it did
on your idolatrous and apostate ancestors." -- NIV Bible Commentary,
Zondervan, on Acts 7:51.
YOU ALWAYS RESIST THE HOLY SPIRIT = Contrary to the Jehovah
Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active force" like
electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the idea of material
substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the
Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
Acts
WAS THERE EVER A PROPHET YOUR FATHERS DID NOT PERSECUTE? = The
answer to this rhetorical question is: No!
"Israel's
persecution and killing of her prophets is a recurrent theme in Jewish
literature. The OT not only speaks of the sufferings of individual prophets but
also has a number of general statements about how the nation had persecuted and
killed the prophets of God (cf. 2 Chronicles 36:15-16; Nehemiah 9:26; Jeremiah
2:30). Various writings from this period of Judaism elaborated on this theme,
particularly as a result of the idealization of martyrdom that arose in the
Maccabean time (160 B.C.). Even the Talmud speaks frequently about Israel's
persecuting and killing her prophets. All such statements, though, were for the
council well-learned lessons from the past. Stephen's accusation, however, was
that they had learned nothing from the past since an even more horrendous crime
had been committed in the present -- the betrayal and murder of 'the Righteous
One' (Jesus Christ) -- by the very ones who were so smug about Israel's past
failures." - NIV Bible Commentary, Zondervan, on Acts 7:52.
Acts
THROUGH ANGELS = A similar statement was made by Paul in Galatians
3:19.
Acts
THEY WERE FURIOUS = "Stephen's message was, for his hearers,
flagrant apostasy--in both its content and its tone. While his purpose was to denounce
the status quo mentality that had grown up around the land, the law, and the
temple, thereby clearing a path for a positive response to Jesus as Israel's
Messiah, this was undoubtedly taken as a frontal attack against the Jewish
religion in its official and popular forms. And in the council's eyes, its
assumed prophetic stance together with its obnoxious liberal spirit must have
represented the worst of both Jewish Hellenism and the beginning Christian
movement. So, Luke tells us, 'they were furious and gnashed their teeth at
him.'" -- NIV Bible Commentary, Zondervan, on Acts 7:54
Acts
HOLY SPIRIT ... GOD ... JESUS = These are the three members of the
Trinity. The three members of the
Trinity are mentioned in Isaiah 42:1; Matthew 3:16; Matthew 28:19; Luke 1:35;
Luke 10:21; John 3:5; Acts 7:55; Acts 10:38; Romans 1:4; Romans 15:16, 30; 1
Corinthians 6:11; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:6;
Ephesians 1:17; Philippians 3:3; Hebrews 10:29; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 4:2.
Contrary to the
Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active
force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the
idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the
Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
Acts
I SEE ... THE SON OF MAN = The book of Acts was written around 63
A.D., just 33 years after Christ's crucifixion.
Here Stephen confirmed that Jesus Christ had already ascended to
"the right hand of God" before 63 A.D. -- a fact Seventh-day
Adventists contradict with their non-Biblical teaching that Jesus did not
arrive in the Most Holy place of the heavenly sanctuary until October 22, 1844. When people follow false prophets in
preference to the Word of God, numerous contradictions of Scripture are the
sure result.
Acts
THEY ALL RUSHED AT HIM = "It is to be noted that this was no
judicial trial. It was a lynching,
because the Sanhedrin had no right to put anyone to death." -- DSB,
William Barclay, vol. 7. p. 61
Acts
YOUNG MAN = The Greek "neanias" (Strongs #G3494) means
"young man, a youth." This
term was used to describe people up to forty years of age, including
soldiers. Paul was probably between
thirty and forty years old at this time, and died in his middle fifties.
Acts
LORD JESUS = Jehovah's Witnesses never address Jesus in
prayer. They are taught they must pray
only to the Father and call Him "Jehovah." But here Stephen clearly prays to Jesus
Christ, the risen Lord. The JW may try
to claim Stephen was not praying to Jesus, but speaking to him face to face in
vision. Ask the JW to read the context. The vision in Acts 7:56 took place when
Stephen was in Jerusalem, on trial before the Sanhedrin. When he told the Jews he saw a vision of
Christ in heaven at the right hand of the Father, they dragged Stephen out of
court and took him all the way out of the city (Acts 7:57) and then stoned
him. While "they were stoning him,
Stephen prayed" to Jesus, not back when he was in vision in the Sanhedrin.
RECEIVE MY SPIRIT = The Greek "pneuma" (Strongs #G4151)
means "ghost, life, spirit, mind."
This is similar to Christ's dying words in Luke 23:46. There would have been no need for Stephen to
ask Jesus to "receive my spirit" if our spirit dies when our body
dies. If, as Jehovah's Witnesses teach, our spirit ceases to exist when our
body dies, then how could Jesus "receive" it? The Bible is very clear that our
"spirit" or "soul" does not die and does transcend the
death of the body. Our
"spirit" is what makes us the "image" of God (Genesis
2:26-27).
"The spirit
is that part that can live independently of the body." -- The Complete
WordStudy Dictionary, New Testament, Zodhiates, AMG Publishers, pages
1180-1181.
"When used of
humans, spirit is associated with a wide range of functions including thinking
and understanding, emotions, attitudes, and intentions. Elihu told Job it was
spirit in a person ("ruach" [Strongs #H7307]), the breath of God,
which gave understanding (Job 32:8). When Jesus healed the paralytic, He
perceived in His "spirit" ("pneuma" [Strongs #G4151) that
the religious leaders present were questioning His forgiving the man's sins
(Mark 2:8)." -- Holman Bible Dictionary on "spirit"
"Stephen did
not ask the grave to receive him, but Christ, whom he saw in heaven, to receive
or take unto himself his spirit or soul. ... Stephen did not look down at death
to an unconscious existence in the grave.
Instead, he looked up into heaven itself and asked Christ to take him up
to be with Him." -- Death and the Afterlife, Dr. Robert A. Morey, Bethany
House, p. 208
"That prayer
was heard. Stephen's spirit, the
immaterial part of his being, left his body and was received by Jesus into the
glory and bliss of heaven, there to await the last day when his body would be
raised up to be again united with his soul and to participate in its heavenly
joys." -- The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles, R. Lenski,
Minnesota: Augsburg Publishing House, p. 309
"Most
commentators have interpreted the 'standing' to suggest Jesus' welcome of his
martyred follower, who, like the repentant criminal of Luke 23:43, was received
into heaven the moment he died." -- NIV Bible Commentary, Zondervan, on
Acts 7:55
Acts 7:60
DO NOT HOLD THIS SIN AGAINST THEM = Here Stephen sets an example in
forgiveness that every Christian should follow.
See Matthew 6:14-15; Luke 23:33-34.
FELL ASLEEP = The Bible repeatedly depicts the death of the body as
a "sleep" awaiting the resurrection at Christ's second coming (1
Corinthians 15:52-53). The word
"sleep" is a metaphor which describes the appearance of a dead body--
it appears to be "asleep." The
metaphor of "sleep" was also used by the Greeks and Egyptians, even
though they vigorously proclaimed that the spirits of the dead continued to
live in the afterlife. Thus the Biblical
usage of "sleep" as a metaphor for physical death does not mean that
the Bible promotes the theory of "soul sleep" and/or annihilation of
the spirit at death.
"The notion
of soul-sleep is just as foreign to the New Testament as to Judaism; the image
of sleep is introduced ... simply as an euphemistic description of death."
-- Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Kittel, vol. 1, p. 147
The Bible makes a
clear distinction between the physical and spiritual aspects of death. At death the human body physically dies,
something the Word of God refers to as “sleep” – an obvious
reference to the appearance of a dead body.
However, the human soul/spirit does not “sleep,” rather it
experiences a conscious existence in either Sheol (Genesis 49:33; Isaiah 14:9;
Job 26:5; ) or heaven (Acts 7:59; Luke 9:31; 2 Peter 1:13-15; 2 Timothy 4:6;
Philippians 1:22-24).
HIS DEATH = The Greek ""Anairesis" (Strongs #G336)
means "death, a taking up or away, departure" (which is consistent
with the context of Stephen's comments in Acts 7:56, 59 and New Testament
teaching in 2 Peter 1:13-15; 2 Timothy 4:6; Philippians 1:22-24).
SAUL = "Paul's Jewish name was Saul, given at birth after his
father or some near kin, or even after the famous Old Testament King Saul, who
like Paul was from the tribe of Benjamin. Being born in a Roman city and
claiming Roman citizenship, Paul (Paulos) was his official Roman name.
Normally, a citizen would have three names similar to our first, middle, and
last names. The New Testament records only the name Paul which would have been
the middle or last name, since the first name was usually indicated only by the
initial." -- Holman Bible Dictionary on "Paul"
Acts 8:3
DESTROY THE CHURCH = The Greek word translated "destroy"
is "lumainomai" (Strongs #G3075) meaning "creating havoc through
brutal cruelty." It's used to
describe a wild animal tearing a person to pieces. Read Paul's confession of his vicious attacks
in Acts 22:4-5; Acts 26:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:9; Galatians 1:13.
Acts 8:6
MIRACULOUS SIGNS = See note on Acts 6:8.
Acts 8:9
SIMON = Simon Magus, the sorcerer, is the New Testament counterpart
of the Old Testament Balaam (Numbers 22:21-35).
Simon is described in extra-Biblical writings as the arch-heretic of the
Christian church and the father of Gnosticism.
By claiming to be "the Great Power," Simon claimed to be God
or God's earthly representative.
SORCERY = Literally, "to practice magic." Hence the early Christians named him Simon
Magus.
Acts
IS THE DIVINE POWER ... GREAT POWER = There is some question whether Simon claimed to be God himself, or
God's divine representative on
earth. In either case Simon claimed a
title that humans cannot claim without blaspheming God.
Acts
MEN AND WOMEN = These were adults who were able to understand the
facts about sin and salvation (the "good news"/"Gospel")
and respond in a mature, thoughtful way.
PHILIP = A deacon and evangelist (Acts 6:5).
Acts
SAMARIA = These converts were the result of Philip's evangelistic
endeavors: Acts 8:5.
WORD OF GOD = This phrase
("word of God") is used
throughout Scripture to mean:
(1) a prophecy or directive
from God to a prophet (1 Chronicles 17:3-4; Luke 3:2);
(2) the entire
cannon of Scripture (Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 15:6);
(3) the spoken
word/preaching (Acts 4:31; 6:2-4);
(4) the
"sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17);
(5) "Christ
in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:25-27);
(6) literally the
word from God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
(7) In John 10:35,
"the word of God" is synonymous with "the Scripture."
(8) In Acts 6:7;
8:14, "the word of God" is synonymous with Christianity.
(9) In Revelation
19:13 "the Word of God" is a title for Jesus Christ.
Acts
THE HOLY SPIRIT = Contrary to the Jehovah Witnesses' belief that
the Holy Spirit is just an "active force" like electricity, "the
idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the idea of material substance, but also
that of inanimate substance. It implies
that God (or in this case, the Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in
Systematic Theology, by Henry C. Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
Acts
THE HOLY SPIRIT = Jesus received the Holy Spirit at his baptism
(Matthew 3:16). But no one else received the Holy Spirit in same measure until
the Day of Pentecost (Acts 8:16). After
Pentecost individuals generally received the Holy Spirit at the time of their
baptism (Acts 2:38; 10:44-48; 19:1-6).
Contrary to the
Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active
force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the
idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the
Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
HAD NOT YET COME UPON ANY OF THEM = "The normative experience
was clearly the reception of the Holy Spirit when men and women believed (Acts
10:44; Ephesians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 12:13) and nothing is elsewhere known of
any apostolic 'gift' by which the Spirit was bestowed." -- The
International Bible Commentary, F. F. Bruce, p. 1282
"Normally the
Holy Spirit baptizes, indwells, and seals at the moment of faith, but in this
instance the delay served several purposes: (1) Peter and John's prayer (for
bestowing of the Holy Spirit) and their laying on of hands (resulting in the
coming of the Spirit) confirmed Philip's ministry among the Samaritans. This authenticated this new work to the
Jerusalem apostles. (2) Also this
confirmed Philip's ministry to the Samaritans.
The message Philip had preached was validated by the coming of the
Spirit. (3) Perhaps the most important
aspect of God's withholding the Spirit till apostolic representatives came from
the Jerusalem church was to prevent schism.
Because of the natural propensity of division between Jews and
Samaritans it was essential for Peter and John to welcome the Samaritan
believers officially into the church." -- The Bible Knowledge Commentary,
New Testament Edition, Walvoord & Zook, p. 373
INTO THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS = "In the light of Acts 2:38,
Acts 10:48, and Acts 19:5, it is highly unlikely that baptism in the name of
Jesus was regarded as inferior to baptism in the full three names of the
Trinity (Matthew 28:19). Nor is it
likely that the laying on of hands by the apostles was a necessity for the
reception of the Holy Spirit." -- New Bible Commentary, Wenham, Motyer,
Carson, France, p. 1078
Acts
RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT = The Holy Spirit did not only come through
the placing of hands (see note on Acts 8:16).
Contrary to the
Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active
force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the
idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the
Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
Acts
SIMON SAW = The Greek word "eido" (Strongs #G1492) is a
2nd aorist, active, participle in the nominative singular masculine case,
meaning "I saw by not merely by literally seeing, but actually
perceiving/understanding something."
It differs from the Greek "blepo" (Strongs #G991) which means
to "literally see with one's eyes."
THE SPIRIT WAS GIVEN AT THE LAYING ON OF THE APOSTLES HANDS = See
note on Acts 8:16.
Contrary to the
Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active
force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the
idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the
Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
Acts
LAY MY HANDS = See note on Acts 8:16.
HOLY SPIRIT = Contrary to the Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the
Holy Spirit is just an "active force" like electricity, "the
idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the idea of material substance, but also
that of inanimate substance. It implies
that God (or in this case, the Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in
Systematic Theology, by Henry C. Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
Acts
REPENT = The Greek "metanoeo" (Strongs #G3340) means
"to change one's mind, to think differently." Theologically, repentance involves genuine
regret or sorrow, accompanied by a true change of heart toward God.
"Repentance
is necessary for salvation, but merely as a preparation of the heart and not as
a price paid for the gift of life." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology,
Henry C. Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 202
PERHAPS = Not that God is reluctant to forgive sin, but rather the
question was whether or not Simon would truly repent of his sins.
Acts
AN ANGEL OF THE LORD = This phrase is used four times in Acts: (1)
Acts 5:19 (opened the doors of the jail and freed the apostles); (2) Acts 8:26
(directed Philip to meet the Ethiopian); (3) Acts 12:7 (released Peter from
jail); (4) Acts 12:23 (struck down king Herod).
The New Testament
makes a distinction between "the Angel of the Lord," (Matthew 1:24)
which could mean a specific angel, or even God Himself; and "an Angel of
the Lord" (see Matthew 1:20; 2:13, 19; 28:2; Luke 1:11; 2:9; 5:19; Acts
8:26; 12:7; 12:23) which simply means an angel sent from the Lord -- the Lord's
angel.
"Those books
which narrate the great acts of God (Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Judges, 1
Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings and 2 Kings) contain numerous references to angels.
In these books, especially at key points, God reveals Himself and acts on
behalf of His people. Sometimes He does
this directly, sometimes in the person of an angel. Often the distinction between God's action
and the angel's is blurred to the point that they seem synonymous (Genesis
19:13, 24; Exodus 3:2, 4)." -- Holman Bible Dictionary.
This does not lend
support to the idea that the Archangel Michael is Jesus Christ, as Seventh-day
Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses teach (see note on Jude 1:9).
MURDEROUS THREATS = Greek is "phonos" meaning to
murder. Paul's intent was to kill
"the Lord's disciples" (Acts 22:4 and note on 1 Timothy 1:13 under
"violent man"). Paul also
approved the stoning of Stephen (Acts 22:20).
After his conversion Paul confessed how terrible his sins were: Acts
26:11; 1 Timothy 1:13-16.
HIGH PRIEST = Caiaphas.
Acts 9:2
ASKED HIM FOR LETTERS = Paul was carrying out the wishes of the
Sanhedrin to destroy Christianity (see notes on Acts 4:21 and Acts 22:4-5).
THE WAY = A common name for Christianity: Acts 9:2; 16:17; 18:25,
26; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22; 2 Peter 2:2.
Jesus referred to Himself as "the way" (John 14:6). It may have originated in the name "The
Way of Holiness" found in Isaiah 35:8.
JERUSALEM = Damascus was in Syria.
By taking the prisoners back to Jerusalem in Israel they would be under
the full authority of the Sanhedrin.
Acts 9:3
DAMASCUS = The Damascus road experience is also found in Acts
22:3-21; Acts 26:10-18. Damascus is
about 150 miles from Jerusalem. It would
have taken Paul nearly a week to travel that distance.
LIGHT ... FLASHED AROUND HIM = The men with Paul saw the light and
heard the voice, but they did not see Christ: Acts 22:9.
Acts 9:4
PERSECUTING ME = The church is the body of Christ (1 Co