David foretold the death,

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your 18 old men shall dream dreams: And on my menservants and on my maid-servants I will pour out in those days my Spirit; and they shall 19 prophesy: And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs on the earth beneath; blood, 20 and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and signal day of the 21 Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord 22 shall be saved.' Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man from God, manifested among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst 23 of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered up to you by the determinate counsel and preordination of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the bands of death: because it was not possible that 25 he should be holden by it. For David speaketh

.

1

concerning him, 'I saw the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall 28 not be moved: Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; moreover my flesh also 27 shall rest in hope; For thou wilt not leave my soul in hades, nor wilt thou suffer thy Holy 28 One to see corruption. Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; thou wilt fill me with

CHAP. II. 30. according to the flesh he would raise up Christ. Griesb.

resurrection, and ascension of Christ.

joy by thy countenance.' joy by thy countenance.' Brethren, let me 29 speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his sepulchre is among us unto this day. Wherefore being a 30 prophet, and knowing that God had sworn to him with an oath, that of the fruit of his loins, should one sit on his throne; He foreseeing this 31 spoke of the resurrection of Christ, that he was not left in hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.' This Jesus God raised up, of which 32 all we are witnesses. Having therefore been 33 exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended 34 into the heavens: but he himself saith, 'Jehovah said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy foot- 35 stool.' Wherefore let all the house of Israel 36 know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."

Now when they heard this, they were pierced 37 to the heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every 38 one of you be baptized into the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the 39 promise is unto you, and to your children; and to all that are afar off, as many as the Lord our

31. his soul. Griesb.

ing prayer fasting; so that Peter might justly say, these men are not drunken, &c. See notes, Joel, ii. 28-32. This prophecy was this day wonderfully accomplished.

22. A man from God, &c. Jesus was as truly a man, as he was a divine person, and came from God the Father. The latter was manifested or attested by the miracles and mighty works which God did by him amongst them. See John x. 37, &c.

23. Being delivered up, &c. Or, given up to you, conformably to God's counsel and decree, that he should be left in your power, by wicked hands, &c. They are said to have done what the Romans did at their request.

24. Bands of death. It is well known that the Heb. ban denotes band and pain;' and I admit the former as most agreeable to what follows. Ps. xviii. 5.- Was not possible. As it had been promised that he should not see corruption, and as he himself had declared that he could lay down his life and take it again.

25-28. For David speaketh, &c. See Ps. xvi. 7-10, and notes there. 29-32. Both died and was, &c. Peter appeals to the fact of David's death; and consequently he could not have spoken these things concerning

himself; but concerning Messiah, who was to spring from his loins. Hence he foretold the resurrection of the Saviour. Ps. cxxxii. 11, and 1 Kings viii. 25. 33-35. Having therefore been, &c. Peter shows whence those gifts, which had excited their wonder came; and assures them, that David had not ascended in his whole person above, but had spoken of Christ as his Lord who should ascend and reign there. Ps. cx. 1, &c.

36. Lord and Christ. Made him Lord, by exalting him as man to his own right hand, and giving him dominion; and proved him to be the Messiah, who was to sit and rule God's people for ever.

38. Repent, and let, &c. This discourse produced powerful effects, and led to the anxious inquiry, what they must do? Peter preaches repentance to them, and assures them of the remission of sin, and the communication of the Spirit.

39. The promise is unto you, &c. If we refer the promise to the passage from Joel, then it will include the miraculous agency of the Spirit, as what was to attend the new dispensation; but I would include it in the forgiveness of sins,' and regard it as affording encouragement to all converts to expect the blessings of the gospel. And to your children, Comp. Gen. xvii. 7.— -To

40 God shall call." And with many other words he testified and exhorted, saying, "Save yourselves from this perverse generation."

41

Then those who gladly received his word were baptized and on that day about three 42 thousand persons were added to them. And they stedfastly continued in the doctrine of the apostles, and in fellowship, and in breaking of 43 bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every one: and many wonders and signs were 44 done by the apostles. And all who believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and substance, and parted them among all as every one had need. 46 And, continuing daily with one consent in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they eat their food with gladness and 47 singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added daily to the church such as were saved.

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAPTER II. 1. With what delight should we read the history of this glorious event, so frequently predicted and promised by our Lord; the miraculous descent of the Holy Spirit! He came as a mighty rushing wind,' to intimate the power. ful energy of his operations, whereby the whole world was to be shaken. He fell on them in 'tongues of fire,' divided into several parts, to denote that they should speak with the utmost readiness and propriety, languages which they had never learnt. This astonishing miracle was designed to enable them to preach the gospel, to the most distant nations to which the grace of God had determined to send it.

2. This heavenly gift was bestowed, when they were assembled together, with one consent,' for devotional exercises; and this may intimate to us, that the influences of the Spirit may most rationally be expected, when union, love and devotion prevail. Christ now fulfilled the assertion of John, and 'baptized his followers with the Holy Spirit and with fire.' And surely the sacred fire did not only illuminate their minds, but also caused their hearts to glow with love to God and

A lame man cured.

CHAPTER III.

-A. D. 33. Peter and John restore a lame man; Peter ascribes the cure to the name of Jesus, and exhorts the people to repentance.

Now Peter and John went up together into I the temple at the hour of prayer, which was the ninth hour. And a certain man, lame from 2 his mother's womb, was carried; who was laid daily at the gate of the temple, which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of those that entered into the temple; Who, seeing Peter and John about 3 to go into the temple, asked for alms. And 4 Peter with John earnestly beholding him, said, "Look on us." And he gave heed to them, 5 expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have I give unto thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand, and raised 7 him up and immediately his feet and ancle

his cause. May the same Spirit be poured out on us, and produce the same affection, unanimity and zeal.

3. While we behold the scriptures fulfilled in the person, work, and resurrection of Christ, we learn from the discourse of Peter, the nature and happy effects of repentance. The truth was powerfully applied to the conscience, and constrained them to cry out, "What shall we do?" Happy they who feel the same holy compunction, and make the same inquiry! Salvation hath come to them, and if they sow in tears, they shall reap with joy. How thankful should we be, that the gospel answers the inquiry of the awakened sinner, and directs him by faith and repentance to apply to this Saviour for the remission of sins. This promise is to us and to our seed; and the blessings of it will run down from one generation to another. What a glorious harvest of souls were gathered to Christ, on this wonderful day! O that the same work may be again repeated, until all the elect be saved, from their guilt, and depravity; and, by growing faith, love, purity, and holiness, be made meet for glory.

all afar off. It is most probable that Peter meant only such Jews as were afar off, or dwelt in distant countries; for as yet neither he nor any of the other apostles knew the scriptures which respected the calling of the Gentiles. —As many as, &c. To repentance and faith in Christ. The promise is to these and to their children. The form of the sentence implies this; and had not this passage been introduced into the controversy about the subjects of baptism, I conceive this would not have been denied by any sober critic.

t

42. In fellowship, &c. In close connexion with the apostles and each other, as being of the household of faith, and in joint partaking of food and religious exercises.

44. Were together, &c. They frequented the same place,' as the words may be rendered. All things common, &c. What follows explains this to mean, that they divided or enjoyed their substance in common. This showed

their mutual confidence and affection; but was never designed to be a precedent for other times and circumstances.

47. Were saved. From their sins, by having obtained forgiveness, and were now living in the hope of eternal life. It is allowed that owuros signifies, were saved,' and not 'should be saved.' Comp. 1 Cor. i. 18, and 2 Cor. ii. 15.

CHAP. III. 1. Together, &c. Grotius would render, 'about that time,' and Doddridge adopts this sense.———— The ninth. Three in the afternoon. 2. Called Beautiful. This gate was added by Herod to the court of the Gentiles, and was thirty cubits high, and fifteen broad, and made of Corinthian brass. It was considered as more splendid than any other. See Jos. Bell. L. 5. c. 5.

3-8. Asked for alms, &c. This miracle was wrought in public, and intended to excite attention. The manner of performing it, shows to whose 201

Peter preaches Jesus,

12

.

And when Peter saw this, he said to the people, "Ye men of Israel, why wonder ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had 13 made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our Fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to release him. 14 But ye denied the Holy and the just One, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15 And killed the Author of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; of which we are witnesses. 16 And through faith in his name hath he made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, his name and the faith which is in him, hath

CHAP. III.

4

and calls them to repentance.

given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. And now, brethren, I know that 17 through ignorance ye did it, as did your rulers also. But those things, which God foreshowed 18 by the mouth of all his prophets, that the Christ would suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent, 19 therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshment may come from the presence of the Lord; And 20 that he may send Jesus Christ, who was before appointed" for you: Whom heaven must re- 21 ceive until the times of the consummation of all the things, concerning which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said to the 22 fathers, A prophet will Jehovah your God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me; to him shall ye hearken in all things whatsoever he shall say to you. And it 23 shall come to pass, that every one who will not hearken to that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.' from among the people.' Yea, and all the 24 prophets, from Samuel and those who follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise told of these days. Ye are the sons of the pro- 25 phets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be

20. before preached. Griesbach.

6

honour it was done. Peter says, 'In the name of Jesus Christ, &c.' thus acknowledging him the source of all honour, and the efficient cause by his spirit of the cure.- Leaping, &c. Is. xxxv. 6.

11. Greatly astonished. Considering how Jesus had been treated, it required fortitude to speak, and even to work miracles in his name.

12. By our own power, &c. Peter perceived by their looks, that they were regarding them, instead of him whom they served in the gospel.

13. The God of Abraham, &c. This introduction shows the prudence of Peter, and intimated that they worshipped the God of Israel, as having fulfilled his promise in sending his son Jesus among them.-Denied. Refused to acknowledge as the Christ.

15. Killed the Author, &c. The term agynyos the Vulg, renders author.' It denotes, in profane authors, a military leader, a sign-bearer;' one who is first in any thing. I prefer author' here, and Heb. ii. 10.; xii. 2.; and 'leader,' Acts v. 31. Comp. Sept. Micah. i. 13. Jesus had life in himself, and power to give it to others, as mediator. John v. 26. The contrast between killing such a person, and desiring a murderer, the destroyer of life, to be spared, is peculiarly striking.

16. Yea, his name, &c. I have followed the construction and punctuation of Heinsius and others. Erasmus conjectured that to ovoμa avtov should be omitted, as they add nothing to the sense. But Peter has spoken in his

name, verse 6.; and he now assures them that faith in his name had been the means of working this miracle.

19. So that times of, &c. Compare for this rendering, Matt. vi. 5. Luke ii. 35. Acts xv. 17, &c. Doddridge supposes that Peter apprehended that the general conversion of the Jews would be attended with great prosperity and joy, and open a speedy way to Christ's descent from heaven, in order to the consummation of all things.

21. Consummation of all things, &c. When the moral disorders shall be removed, and when peace and righteousness shall prevail. The prophets had foretold that such a period would come, under the reign of Messiah. See Is. xi. 1-9. In this verse it regards the accomplishment of all things foretold by the prophets; and when these have been accomplished, then cometh the end. Sonie render, Renovation of all things.'

22. A prophet will, &c. See Deuter. xviii. 15, and note.

24. Told of these days. Samuel has recorded many things respecting Messiah, and so have other prophets.

25. Ye are the sons of, &c. Those whom the prophets have taught, and to whom their prophecies do more immediately belong; and are especially included and regarded in that covenant which God made with Abraham, to give him a seed, in whom all the families of the earth should be blessed.

26. On your turning, &c. The text will admit this version, and it is more agreeable to fact to make this the ground of his blessing them. In the

18 speak to no man in this name." And they called the apostles, and commanded them not to speak at all, nor teach, in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John auswered and said to them, "Whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge 20 ye. For we cannot but speak the things which 21 we have seen and heard." So when they had further threatened them, they released them, not finding how they might punish them, because of the people for all men glorified God, 22 because of that which had been done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of curing had been wrought.

23

And they being released, went to their own company, and reported all that the chief 24 priests and elders had said unto them. And when the company heard this they raised their voice to God with one consent, and said, "O sovereign Lord, thou art God, who madest heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that is 25 in them: Who saidst also by the mouth of thy servant David, 'Why did the heathen rage, 26 and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against 27 his Anointed?' For in truth against thy holy son Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both He

CHAP. IV.

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAPTER iv. 1. It is delightful to see the zeal and courage with which Peter and John defended the cause of their crucified Redeemer, even in the presence of those by whom he had so lately been condemned. Thus did God, and thus God yet can, give power to the feeble, and increase the strength of them that have no might, to support his own cause, and to confound his enemies. The testimony of the apostles deserves our most serious regard. "Nor is there salvation by any other: for there is none other name under heaven among men whereby we must be saved." May we be deeply convinced of this truth, and make known the name of the Lord Jesus

which they displayed, they perceived that they had been taught by Jesus. Peter's reply confounded them, and the approbation of the multitude prevented any violent measures being adopted for the present.

27. The Gentiles, &c. The Roman soldiers, and other Gentiles, who might be there, are intended. See Ps. ii. 1, &c.

28. Had before determined, &c. The many singular and circumstantial predictions respecting the person, sufferings, and death of our Lord, clearly show the truth of Peter's assertion; and from this we may infer that the purposes of God are perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, however impossible it may be for us to conceive of, or explain it. This must be admitted, if we regard the Holy Scriptures as a system of truth.

Remarkably answered.

rod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together in this city," For to do whatsoever thy 28 hand and thy counsel had before determined to be done. And now, Lord, behold their 29 threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thy hand to heal; and that 30 signs and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy son Jesus."

And when they had thus prayed, the place 31 was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of those who 32 believed were of one heart and of one soul: nor did any of them say that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave 33 the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them

our only trust; and by our zeal for his honour, and our love to him and his cause, lead all to take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus.

2. From the prayer of the apostles and the answer returned, we learn that all the efforts of the enemies of the church will be vain. “Kings may set themselves, and rulers take counsel" against it; but God knows how to turn their counsel into foolishness, and their rage into shame. He hath anointed Jesus his only Son with the oil of gladness, and placed him on his throne in heaven; and all the malice and contrivances of his foes can only effect what he wisely permits or overrules; so that contrary to their intentions and designs, they are

31. The place was shaken, &c. Perhaps the Spirit again came as a mighty rushing wind, and produced this effect. Acts ii. 2, 44. Great grace,

33. Great power. Both of argument and of miracles.&c. I think these words refer to the divine influence upon the minds of the apostles, and of the people who heard them. The phrase is different from that used, Ch. ii. 47.

34-35. Who wanted. The rich, by the distribution of what they possessed, supplied the necessities of the poor.

37. Having land, &c. Barnabas, the son of consolation, some suppose was so called from the circumstance of his selling his land, and devoting the price of it to charity; but with others I think he was so named from his