The Book of Acts

by

J.W.Weeda

INTRODUCTION

The Book of Acts is a book between. It is more than a inspired book . This book presents a very clea

line of teaching and explains us why the fulfillment of prophecy was interrupted more than 19 centuries ago to make the

way free for the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. It is the book between the four records

of ur Lord's earthly ministry and the epistles of the apostle Paul. Therefore it is a very important book and for example 

if you take this book out of the Bible you will not understand as believer why Peter preached differently than Paul. The four Gospels are seperated from the epistles of the apostle Paul and that is why we need this book of Acts as a bridge from prophecy to

mystery. The Book of Acts presents a changing program: a book of transition. From the past Dispensation to the present namely the Dispensation of Grace. 

 

 

Acts

Chapter One

Acts 1 verse 1

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began to do and teach

Vers 1: The book of Acts was written by Luke and this is a sign in his first verse that he wrote this book to Theophilus as he wrote also the book of Luke to the same person because Luke refers to his earlier book and writes here to Theophilus: of all that Jesus began both to do and teach in His earthly ministry In other words the book of Acts which Luke wrote is a continuation of the first book Luke he wrote to Theophilus and this book introduces us immediately to the fact which is vital to a proper understanding and a correct interpretation of the book. The former book of Luke named Luke let us see what our Lord Jesus Christ ahd begun to do and to teach untirl His ascension. This book of Acts is a continuation of that book so we can read in this book what the Lord Jesus Christ did after His ascension. 

Acts 1 verse 2

Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost

had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen

Verse 2: Again the former book Luke describes all that our Lord Jesus Christ began both to do and teach until the day in which He was taken up. His ascension took place after that He through the Holy Spirit had given his 12 apostles the commandments. We read all these commandments in Matthew 28: 18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24: 44-50! The twelve apostles he had chosen as new leaders of the folk Israel to bring the Gospel of the Kingdom. The ascension of the Lord didn't bring an end of His mighty works, nor did His preachings end He had these commandments unto the 12 apostles. He continued to work and teach from heaven. We see this in the official acts what the twelve did at Pentecost and after this day, the mighty miracles, the proclamation of the Kingdom, the doings and teachings of the ascended Lord Jesus Christ Himself. 

Acts 1 verse 3

To whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Verse 3 He shewed Himself to His apostles. On that time there were only 11 apostles because Judas Iscariot had hanged himself after the betrayal of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord was preparing His apostles in forty days after His ressurrection to bear powerful testimony to the people of Israel and let Israel know that the One they had crucified was alive again and that it would be wise to turn to Him in repentance and faith than to continue against Him. They had also to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom if all the people of Israel would repent. Therefore our Lord Jesus Christ opened the understanding of the apostles that they might understood the Scriptures. Their eyes were opened after that. Luke 24 verse 45. 

Acts 1 verse 4

 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart

from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of me.

Verse 4: This was the Prophetic plan and our Lord had this in His mind. According to prophecy Jerusalem  was to be the glory of the whole earth. From Jerusalem this blessing was to flow to the nations. In Jerusalem our Lord Jesus Christ would reign in the Kingdom on earth. First whole Jerusalem had to repent to God and that's why they had to stay in Jerusalem. If whole Jerusalem would repent to God then the peace and prosperity would come.

The second here  is that they had to wait for the promise of the Father: the Comforter would come. They would be baptized with the Holy Spirit in fulfillment fo the promise of the Father. This took place 50 days after the ressurrection on the feast of Pentecost. 

Acts 1 verse 5

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Vers 5: Our Lord Jesus Christ told His 11 apostles what would happen in de near future. They all were baptized with the baptism of John the Baptist. He John baptized with water for the remission of sins. His 11 apostles had to wait for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and that was not many days after this saying. This baptism which they had to wait for was not the baptism how we know as members of the Body of Christ are baptized into Christ. No it was the baptism with the Holy Spirit for miraculous power. In Luke 24 verse 49 we read:And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. It was to empower these apostles to live as worthy representatives of the King because the Kingdom was near and Jesus Christ would soon return to earth to be King and the Kingdom would come on earth. They would be filled withe the Spirit in fulfillment of a promise from prophecy.

Acts 1 vers 6

When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord,

wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

Verse 6: This question of the 11 apostles to our Lord Jesus Christ was a very important question. It was their last question before the Lord went to heaven. The 11 apostles expected the kingdom of David  that this will be restored. We read in the prophecy a lot about it in for example Psalm 89 verses 35 and 36: Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David. His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me. Had not our Lord said this in Matthew 6 verse 10: Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in EARTH asi it is in heaven. Yes He had said that. And they expected this. But what is His answer to them? We see this in the next verse, verse 7. 

Acts 1 verse 7

And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power.

Verse 7: They expected that He, the Lord Jesus woudl restore the kingdom to Israel. His answer is not yes or no. He said to them that it is not for them to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in His own power. Our Lord knew the time being still had to be kept secret. He knew that Israel would reject Him, also after His resurrection and that the great commission He had given to them wouldn't work because of Israel's unbelief Romans 11: 11. Therefore our Lord didn't tell them about restoration of the kingdom to Israel. His answer makes clear here that God's purpose to form the Body of Christ from reconciled Jews and Gentiles as the masterpiece of His Grace was still a mystery at that time. 

Acts 1 verse 8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Verse 8: Instead to tell them what only the Lord knew He told His apostles that they would receive power after the Holy Spirit was upon them. Beside the miraculous powers which would caused this baptism with the Holy Ghost it was also to give them the power  to live as worthy representives before the King, the Lord Jesus Christ. They were at Pentecost when this happened all filled with the Holy Spirit in fulfillment  of a promise God made with them. It was not in response of prayer or faith. The Holy Spirit of God came and baptized them, His own on the right time determined by God, at the very place and for the very  purpose. They were already instructed to begin in Jerusalem because first Jerusalem had to repent with all his inhabitans. It is said that it was the most wicked city on earth. After they had to go to Judaea and in Samaria and later the rest of the world. 

Acts 1 verse 9

And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

Verse 9: After the Lord hath spoken to them and gave all the instructions and commandments He was taken up and a cloud received Him out of their sight. The cloud here Greek word nephos. It was not a rain cloud. It was the presence or dwelling where God the Father was, the presence of His majesty. They couldn't see Him anymore because if they had seen it they became blind as Paul later after seeing the Lord the first time was blind for 3 days. He ascended far above all our Lord. The eleven apostles had seen the Lord on earth and never in heaven while Paul later saw the Lord in heaven and have never seen the Lord on earth. His return to earth shall be like how He was taken up. In Luke 21 vers 27 we read: And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 

Acts 1 vers 10

 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

Verse 10: Our Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven. His apostles looked stedfastly, strictly it means toward heaven. It must have been for them very bizarre that the Lord suddenly was gone and they looked toward heaven but couldn't see Him anymore. While they looked toward heaven two men and that were angels stood with them in white apparel! In the former Dispensation whereunder they lived angels came as messengers to earth to tell people the Word of God. Under prophecy this happened a lot and here in this verse also. Nowadays angels are still present but they will not appear in a manner what we see here in this verse. They still exists but we cannot see them under this Dispensation of Grace. We have no miracles like this now under this Dispensation. 

Acts 1 verse 11

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.

Verse 11: While the apostles were staring toward heaven suddenly 2 men in white, angels,  appeared to them and asked them this: why stand ye gazing up into heaven? According to prophecy the rejected Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah was to return to earth to occupy the throne of David and reign in Jerusalem and over the world: the Kingdom for 1000 years. He shall also come in like manner they had seen Him go into heaven. In Luke 21 verse 27 again we read: And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. In Zechariah 14 verse 4 we read: And His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives. For these apostles is was natural to look to the sky after the Lord was received out of their sight. The two men, angels remind them all that this same Lord Jesus will come back, back to this earth just as they have seen Him go up from the earth. They, the apostles,  expected that soon He will return back to earth to reign. The Lord Jesus hath told already when He was with them on earth these following words in Luke 21:25-28: And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring.  Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Yes He hath said this. But wait a minute. Just after the ascension of our Lord the apostles hadn't received the Holy Ghost yet so how could they know His words? Clear that our Lord Jesus Christ couldn't return so soon after His departure. No man could and can  know when He would return to earth!!The specific signs must first appear, the signs of the Tribulation hath to take place first before the Lord Jesus, the Messiah would return back to earth. 

Acts 1 verse 12

 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

Verse 12: After that the 2 angels had told them that this same Lord Jesus Christ will return to earth one day and that they will see Him come in like manner as they have seen Him go into heaven, the 11 apostles returned to Jerusalem because they had to wait for the promise the Lord had told them: The Comforter will come and you have to wait for this in Jerusalem! Our Lord ascended to heaven from the mount of Olives and we just read in Zechariah when He comes back to earth  His feet shall stand upon the Mount of Olives. So from the Mount of Olives they went to Jerusalem and that was a sabbath day's journey. What is that? We read in Numbers 35 verse 5 we read: And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits; and the city shall be in the midst: this shall be to them the suburbs of the cities. About 1,2 kilometres. So to walk a distance as 1 kilometres is not so far. 

Acts 1 verse 13

 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

Vers 13: So these 11 apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives and went into Jerusalem. In Jerusalem they went to an upper room. Why back to Jerusalem? The answer for this is that these apostles an earthly ministry. They had companied our Lord Jesus Christ 3 years on earth and knew Him only after the flesh. In the future they will reign with Him over the 12 tribes of Israel Matthew 19:28. The purpose was now to bring the nation Israel back at Messiah's feet in repentance and obedience. In that upper room they had to wait for the Comforter, the Holy Ghost which one day would be upon them Matthew 29:19. In this upper room they had not to pray for the Spirit Which would come but to wait for the Spirit. This  is different of what a lot of pastors and preachers in the Charismatic movement nowadays say that we have to go back to Acts 2 and to pray for the Spirit! In the next verse we read that they pray but not for the Spirit because our Lord told them to wait for this! You read in this verse all the Names of the 11 apostles. 

Acts 1 verse 14

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with

the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren.

Verse 14: They all. Who are they? That are the 11 apostles. They prayed in a united way and pleading and now we read here that they were not alone with 11. Also the women were with them and we read here also about Mary the mother of Jesus. She took her place with the other women. Mary was not on a higher level then those apostles and for sure she is not prayed to. This is the last verse in the Bible where she is mentioned.  The half brethren of our Lord, her other sons were also in the upper room and prayed with supplication. They came after the resurrection of our Lord to believe in Him. Who were they? That was His brother James and Jude. Both wrote later the Books James and Jude. 

Acts 1 verse 15

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said,

(the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

Verse 15: The apostle Peter, in that time also disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ, was the leader of the apostles. And in those days when they were together there in Jerusalem in the upper room there were what we had read women with them inclusive Mary the mother of our Lord and His brethren according the flesh, according our Lord's earthly ministry. Notable in the meanwhile more persons joined them and it was now a group of hundred and twenty people. The upper room was of a large size because 120 people were together in this room. Such a room still exists nowadays in Jerusalem! It was a sort kind of dining room. Maybe it was the same room where our Lord just before He died for mankind on the cross of Calvary held the Supper with His disciples. And on a certain moment Peter stood up as leader and speaker of all the 120 persons who were together in this room and read further on what he is saying in the next verses

Acts 1 verse 16

Men and brethren, this Scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

Verse 16: Peter begins with men and brethren. From this verse till the end of this first chapter of Acts we read about the first official act of the eleven apostles namely the appointment of a successor to Judas Iscariot whom betrayed our Lord Jesus Christ and later hanged himself . A successor was very needful to bring their number of apostles to 12 again. Remarkable is that the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas. In Psalm 41 verse 9 we read this: Yea, Mine own familiar freind, in whom I trusted, which did eat of My bread, hath lifted up his heel against Me. In this Psalm we read already about the betrayal of the Son of man and our Lord Jesus foretold also this. We can read this in John  13 verses 18. There we read: I speak not of you all: i know whom I have chosen: but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against Me. 

Acts 1 verse 17

For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

Verse 17: It was clear at that moment that another man was to be chosen for Judas place. Our Lord had told them that they should in the Kingdom on earth occupy 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel. So Peter remembered all those persons there in the upper room that Judas Iscariot was one of the 12 disciples and that he had obtained or received  part of the earthly ministry of our Lord. He had been one of them all those 3 years in the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Acts 1 verse 18

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity;

and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all

his bowels gushed out

Verse 18: This is what happened to Judas Iscariot after he betrayed the Lord Jesus into the hands of guilty men. For this betrayal he got money. This money was a reward of iniquity they gave to him. In Matthew 27 verse 3-9  we read the following verses about this: Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value.  Judas hanged himself, he tied himself a noose and here in this verse his burst asunder in the midst and all his bowels gushed out. This must have been awful to watch.

Acts 1 verse 19

And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field

is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

Verse 19: With the money the chief priests and elders of the folk Israel bought this field to bury strangers in. It is the field of blood. Bought with the money of the reward of iniquity. They called it Aceldama in the Hebrew lanquage. Everyone in Jerusalem knew this. Maybe they buried Judas after his death in this field.  

Acts 1 verse 20

For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein:

and his bishoprick let another take.

Verse 20: It is written in the book of Psalms. This here was the fulfillment of what was written years and years ago in the Psalms. In Psalm 69 verse 25 we read the same verse there. Here we read that another man has to take over his bishoprick. To be a apostle. Because Judas was one of the 12 disciples and now they were 11 apostles but not complete Judas had to be replaced by another man. 

Acts 1 verse 21

Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

Verse 21: These 11 apostles had to choose one person in the place of Judas Iscariot who betrayed our Lord and later hanged himself.  This person must have companied them all the time when the lord Jesus was on earth in His earthly ministry. This person has to be also a disciple or a follower litteraly of our Lord jointly with the 11 apostles when He was on earth. There were not many men who had followed with the Lord and His apostles throughout His entire ministry here on earth. In Matthew 19 verse 28 we read what our Lord Jesus Christ already told them when He was on earth: And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Acts 1 verse 22

 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection.

Verse 22: The man who has to be chosen was from the beginning of the baptism of John in the wilderness unto the day the Lord was taken up into heaven and was also witness of the Lord's resurrection even as these 11 apostles. There were not much persons who could say this after He ascended to heaven. 

Acts 1 verse 23

And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

Verse 23: There were only 2 men who were appointed to be candidates who could meet these requirements, made to stand up.  The first person was Joseph who was called Barsabas and was surnamed Justus, that means the righteous man. The other man was Matthias. These men were the only men out of 120 persons who were qualified for this apostleship. 

Acts 1 verse 24

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

Vers 24: They prayed to God and we see very honest men here in this verse to pray to Him. They pray thou Lord which knowest the hearts of all men. Yes the Lord knows all the hearts of men. In I Samuel 16 verse 7 we read this: But theLordsaid unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for theLordseeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. Really man is looking on the outward appearance but God is looking what is inside, the heart of man. So these apostles prayed and give it over to the Lord that He showed them who was the successor of Judas Iscariot. They understood very well that the Lord knows/knew the heart of these two men among them which were appointed. 

Acts 1 verse 25

That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas

by transgression fell,  that he might go to his own place.

Verse 25: One of these 2 men may take part of this ministry and apostleship like they had. Judas by transgression fell. That one of these 2 men might go in the place of Judas because Judas murdered himself: he hanged himself when he realized that he was quilty. All this they prayed to God and they were very upright in this prayer to God. 

Acts 1 verse 26

 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Verse 26: What does it mean that they gave forth their lots. They selected. It could be that they gave their choices. And the lot we see here fell upon Matthias. The apostles agreed that he was numbered with the eleven apostles. These are the only places here  where Matthias his Name was written down. 

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Pentecost

The number of the apostles was again 12 and this was important for the coming of the Holy Spirit and the offer of the kingdom to Israel. A lot of people think and believe that with Pentecost in Acts 2 the heavenly Church wheretoo we belong began. There is however no proof in Scripture  that the Body of Christ, the heavenly Church began with the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost. This we will discover when we read and study this second chapter of Acts. 

Acts 2 verse 1

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Verse 1: The day of Pentecost had come. All the days after our Lord's all the 120 people inclusive the apostles were waiting for the Holy Spirit which our Lord had promissed them and that was the Comforter of Whom He hath spoken. They were all with one accord in one place. They were all with one accord! What does this mean? They were alltogether these 120 people in one place and that was the upper room. Pentecost means simply fiftieth and it refer to the completion of the fifty days from the Feast of Firstfruits

Acts 2 verse 2

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Verse 2: The Holy Spirit's advent on this day was marked first of a sound from heaven and this was a sound of a rushing mighty wind like a storm. And this sound as of a rushing mighty wind filled all the house (upper room) where these 120 people were sitting together. This must have been something amazing this sound!! The Lord baptized them with the Holy Spirit! 

Acts 2 verse 3

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

Verse 3: After this sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind which fill all the house where they were sitting there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire and it sat upon each of them. This passage must not be confused with Matthew 3 verse 11 where we rad that the Lord would baptize them with the Holy Ghost and with fire. The fire has to do with judgment and has not yet come. These were tongues like as fire. The sound as a rushing mighty wind is really symbolic of the Holy Spirit. These tongues were upon them all. 

 

Acts 2 verse 4

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Verse 4: They, all the 120 persons were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues. These tongues were existing languages. This is what we see in the verses after this verse. They spoke in other languages as the Spirit gave them utterance. They had never spoke in a foreign language. This was a miracle, really a miracle of God. They were under control of the Holy Spirit, that's what it means to be filled with the Holy Ghost. Normally they couldn't speak another language. Their language was Hebrew and maybe a little Aramaic. If we want to speak in a foreign language we have to go to school for years and also to speak this language with others for years if we are well speaking. They could speak the foreign languages in one moment!!

Acts 2 verse 5

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

Verse 5: Because of Pentecost only Jews were dwelling at Jerusalem because Pentecost was a Jewish feast! One of the 7 feasts of the Jewish religion! See Leviticus 23! In that chapter you can read of all these Jewish feasts. God gave Israel these feasts and they were a shadow of our Lord Jesus Christ Who is now the Image. What does it mean devout men? Dedicated men, faithful men. All Jews. Out of every nation under heaven. They lived in the nations what we read in the chapter. The known world then in that time under the Roman Empire. 

Acts 2 verse 6

 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together,

and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

Verse 6: If this noise of the sound like the hard wind was over the multitude of Jewish people came together. They were confounded. What does that mean confounded? They wondered , they were perplexed, confused,  about this strange thing what happened. This was really amazing because every man, every Jew (and Proselyte) heard them speak in their own language. What did they hear? They hear them speaking de great works of God. verse 11 of this same chapter. 

Acts 2 verse 7

And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

Verse 7: The people, Jewish men from Jerusalem, who heard those 120 people inclusive the 12 apostles speaking in tongues and were all amazed and marvelled. They were surprized, they wondered abot this all. They began to talk to each other and maybe what is this they said to each other. What amazed them so much was this: are not all these which speak Galilaeans.  How could Galilaeans speak with other tongues? They knew most of the people of Galilaea were not learned men. Some of the 12 apostles were fishermen. How could they speak now with other tongues? They recognized most of the people who spoke in these foreign languages. 

Acts 2 verse 8

And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

Verse 8: Now their question. They were so amazed that all of  those 120 people individual could speak in a tongue they never had spoken but that were the languages from the countries where those Jewish people who were there in Jerusalem because of Pentecost! How can they speak in our mothertongues? 

Acts 2 verse 9

Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

Verse 9: From all the countries here described , all the languages of those countries who were in the Roman Empire the 120 people could speak one of these languages. All these languages were spoken by these 120 people included the 12 apostles. 

Acts 2 verse 10

Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

Verse 10: The writer Luke goes on the mention here more countries with different languages spoken by these 120 people at Pentecost. They weren't just words what these 120 people spoke to the people there in Jerusalem. It were the words of God!! We will read this later in this chapter my dear brothers and sisters!

Acts 2 verse 11

Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

Verse 11: The people wondered about ths fact: they could hear those 120 people speaking in the mothertongues those Jews were born with. And they made known through these languages or tongues the wonderful works of God. God's Word in that time was not complete so speaking in a foreign language was not so strange. They spoke not about things of this life but about God what He has done. 

Acts 2 verse 12

 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

Verse 12: All of these Jewish men who were in Jerusalem because of the feast of Pentecost were amazed. They wondered and were also doubting because these tongues confused them. They say to each other what is the meaning of this? This is so strange, we have not heard this before! They were confounded! 

Acts 2 verse 13

 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

Verse 13: Others who were there at Pentecost and heard these people speaking in tongues were mocking and said. What is mocking? They were satirical or sneering and said these men are full of new wine. So they are drunken that's why they speak so strange because of the influence of wine and drunkeness of wine. But with drunkeness a person cannot speak very well anymore because the alcohol numb the person and he speaks unintelligible things. This was very clear what those men spoke on the day of Pentecost. 

Acts 2 verse 14

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

Verse 14: Peter, the leader of the 12 apostles was standing there with the eleven and stood up. What does that mean standing up? Rising to one's feet. Why he has to lift up his voice? Why? It was Peter had to speak to a multitude of Jews there so he had to say very loud what the meaning was of these speaking in tongues. And second he is speaking to men of Judaea. Not Gentiles! Men of Judaea and all that dwell at Jerusalem, all Jews. The Gentiles were not in the picture. They were outside God's plan with Israel. God had given up the Gentiles long before this. We can read this in the first chapter of the book of Romans. What did Peter say here: first ye men of Judaes and all that dwell at Jerusalem. Second: bet this known unto you, and hearken to my words. With other words listen carefully what I am now saying to you.

Acts 2 verse 15

For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 

Verse 15: We see here in this verse what Peter, the leader of the 11 apostles and spokesman is saying. He says here these, these 120 persons inclusive himself and the 11 apostles are not drunken as some of the multitude suppose because of what they heard: speaking in a foreign language and bringing Gods Word. This first and second he is saying here that it is the third hour of the day and that is 9 o clock in the morning. Peter knew precisely that this was the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. He knew what was happening. How? Through the Holy Spirit because Peter was under control of the Holy Spirit. 

Acts 2 verse 16

 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

Verse 16: Peter told the multitude very accurate what this sound and the speaking in tongues (foreign languages) meant. It was already spoken by the prophet Joel and what this prophet told in the book of Joel long before this came out now. In the next verses 17 -22 we read about this prophecy of the prophet Joel. 

Acts 2 verse 17
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

Verse 17: The prophet Joel spoke about the Word of God: in the last days saith God. Just before the Lord would come to earth to reign as King. I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh. This is what happened on the day of Pentecost. The Spirit of God had come and was upon these 120 people. People would also prophesy, young men shall see visions of God and ols men shall dream dreams. This all was spoken by the prophet Joel years and years before Peter explained the people in Jerusalem this. It was foretold! And now people could hear a part what was foretold on Pentecost. The apostle Peter told the people of Jerusalem this. How did he know this all. The Spirit of God gave Peter these words in his mouth to speak it very clear. Peter was under control of the Holy Spirit. 

Acts 2 verse 18

And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

Verse 18: Peter and the eleven stood there before the multitude of Jews on Pentecost en saying this from the prophet Joel. Joel had foretold this years and years before this Pentecost feast in Jerusalem. On God's servants and handmaidens God will pour out on the days of Pentecost of my Spirit. Which days? The last days just before the Lord would return to earth. First the Tribulation period would come before this all would happen. In Joel 2 verse 28-32 we read this: And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of theLordcome. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of theLordshall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as theLordhath said, and in the remnant whom theLordshall call. What we see here in Acts 2 is fulfilling of Prophecy in part! Peter through the Spirit was saying this to the multitude. 

Acts 2 verse 19

And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

Verse 19: Peter is speaking about the prophecy of Joel that this will happen in de last days just before the Lord Jesus would return to earth on the Day of the Lord. Blood, fire, vapour and smoke has to do with judgment and the wrath of God upon this earth. In the days of Pentecost some signs appear on Pentecost but not all and especially not these signs which are mentioned here. Thank God that these signs which would follow the earlier signs on Pentecost didn's appear. God will judge this world with these signs in the future because He later interrupted the Prophetic program and His plan with Israel through their fall. Romans 11:11 and held off the day of judgment and saved the chief of sinners the apostle Paul and ushered in the day of Grace. Peter didn't know this thus he mentioned or preached what Joel prophesied  before to the folk Israel through the Spirit of God. Later in his last epistle Peter explained that the Lord Who was to have come to judge and reign, had now delayed His coming. That was after he understood from Paul that God had began a new Dispensation, the Dispensation of the Grace of God Ephesians 3:1-3

Acts 2 verse 20
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:

Verse 20: Peter is speaking about the whole prophecy of Joel. More signs there will come and these are all signs of the wrath of God upon this world namely the sun shall  be turned into darkness, the moon into blood and after that the great and notable day of the Lord will come like you can read in Zechariah 14: 1-6:  Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.  For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.  Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.  And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.  And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. You see dear reader, brothers and sisters that the Day of the Lord will also come with signs and wonders. Again all this Peter mentioned by Gods Spirit and did not know when this would happen but some signs were thus done like the language of tongues. 

Acts 2 verse 21

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Verse 21: Everyone, every person  who shall call on the Name of the Lord in that time, just before the Lord would return to earth shall be saved. Peter here is still quoting the prophet Joel because in Joel 2 vers 32 we read the following verse:And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of theLordshall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom theLord shall call.

Acts 2 verse 22

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a Man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

Verse 22: Peter through the Spirit begins here to explain the multitude before him at Pentecost about the Lord Jesus Christ in His earthly ministry. He begins with Jesus of Nazareth. The Lord was grown up in the village of Nazareth in the north of Israel. A Man approved of God. What does that mean? Officially agreed or accepted as satisfactory from God the Father. This the Lord did: miracles, wonders and signs. The Jews expected always signs from God. God did it through His Son among them, in the midst of them and they knew it. They had seen Him and they had seen the miracles, wonders and signs what He did. He was God Himself so He could do all these things among them. 

Acts 2 verse 23

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Verse 23: Peter is telling them what they as folk did with this Jesus of Nazareth. God send His Son Jesus Christ by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge. How did Peter this? Through the Spirit of God he spoke all these things. He began to accuse them for what they did with the Lord Jesus Christ: ye have taken. Taken Him as a criminal, like a murderer and by wicked hands. They gave Him over to the Romans to crucify Him and slain. Peter didn't know the glory of the cross. He brought here the shame of the cross to the folk before him. With other words what did you done with the Lord Jesus Christ? It was a shame what they had done: to slain and crucify Him jointly with the Romans! Peter didn't know about the glory of the cross: Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners like you and me and died for you and me on the cross for all our sins, was buried and is resurrected for our righteousness Romans 4:25, I Corinthians 15|:3-4. This was later revealed to the apostle Paul. Paul was at the moment of Pentecost not in the picture because whole Israel had at that moment the chance to return to God, beginning here in Jerusalem at Pentecost. 

Acts 2 verse 24

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because

it was not possible that He should be holden of it. 

Verse 24: The Whom which God hath raised up is the Lord Jesus Christ, having loosed the pains of death because it was not possib le that He should be holden in death. Christ had died because fo their sin and He Himself was no sinner so death had no claim upon Him. That's why God had raised Him from the dead. Christ had come into the world to meet death, He gripped with it and overcome it. With other words He had pushed back through death itself and had overcome death by dying. It was impossible that our Lord should remain in the grave: morally and judicially because He was no sinner and He was complete righteous so death couldn't hold Him. 

Acts 2 verse 25

For David speaketh concerning Him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

Verse 25: The apostle Peter is quoting of the 16 th Psalm verse 8 and 9 here. Indeed the Lord is resurrected and on the right hand of the Father and still He is there. David spoke prophetically of our Lord Jesus Christ when he said all those things about our Lord Jesus Christ. I shall not be moved because He is always with me David said here 

Acts 2 verse 26

 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

Verse 26: Peter in thise verse is again quoting David who said this: my heart rejoiced, my tongue was glad because the Lord is resurrected and alive and He is on the right hand of the Father. He is alive and always with me so that's why I am not be moved because David is in the hands of the Lord and he rest in hope because the Lord is alive!! In Psalm 110 verse 1 we read this: The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. 

Acts 2 verse 27

Because Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.

Verse 27: The apostle Peter is still quoting Davids Psalm 110.  In John 10 verses 17 and 18 we read the following : Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. The Lord Jesus told already in these verses what would happen with Him. The people who heard Him didn't understand this and thought He was mad but that's how it went. In Ephesians 4 vers 9 and 10 we read: Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?  He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.

Acts 2 vers 28

Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

Verse 28: The Lord Jesus Christ is alive and before the cross He knew what would come after His dying on the cross for mankind and what a joy it would be when He should sit on the right hand of the Father., in the presence of the Father. David's prophecy tells us this in this verse. So Christ according to David's prophecy was to be raised from the dead and ascend to heaven. He is exalted! We read in Philippians 2 verse 9: Wherefore God als hath highly exalted Him, Christ, and given Him a Name which is above every name.  What a joy, what a wonderful verse this is and now as brothers and sisters we can enjoy these verses! 

Acts 2 verse 29

 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David,

that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

Verse 29: To whom Peter is talking? Who are these men and brethren? Israel, the Hebrews! He is speaking to them about the patriarch David. David the king of Israel. Peter was only speaking to Israel on the day of Pentecost. God was still dealing with Israel at that moment. The Gentiles were not in the picture. He is telling them that David their forefather is dead and buried and his grave is under them. Why? Because David was too a sinner like they all. Our Lord was not a sinner. He never sinned and that's why He could bear all the sins of this world in His body on the cross and died for our sins and for mankind. I Corinthians 15:3-4, II Corinthians 5: 19-21. He was buried but after 3 days He stood up from the grave. His sepulchre is empty!!. His grave is empty! He is not here He is risen and sits alive on the right hand of the Father!!

Acts 2 verse 30

Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

Verse 30: David was a prophet. God had sworn, had promissed David that from him, from his offspring should come the Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh and that God would raise up the Lord Jesus Christ to sit on the the throne of David. That will be in the Kingdom on earth. David through the Spirit of God prophesied this long before the Lord would come to earth first to die for mankind and later will come again to begin the 1000 years of reign and sit on the throne of David. In Luke 1: 31 and 32 we read the following verses: And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call his name Jesus.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of his father David:

Acts 2 verse 31

He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

Verse 31: David by the Spirit of God, God inspired spoke of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. That His soul was not left in hell and neither his flesh should see corruption. After He died on the cross, He was buried  and He went not to hell because He was and is without sin. Death could not hold Him. We read I Peter 3 verse 19: By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison. In Ephesians 4 verse 8, 9 and 10 we read: Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.) We know as believers this now but the apostle Peter at Pentecost cited only what the prophecies say about the Lord Jesus Christ. Not what we now know through the apostle Paul in the Mystery

Acts 2 verse 32

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

Verse 32: God hath raised up His Son Jesus Christ and the 12 and more people were all witnesses of this. They had seen Him, Christ, when He was resurrected in the 40 days after His resurrection! He had shown Himself to them a couple of times and specially the 12 apostles. The fact is that He is alive and is risen from the dead. At the moment Peter told this the Lord was ascended in heaven and was and still is on the right Hand of the Father. This we can also read in the next verse 33!

Acts 2 verse 33

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost,

He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Verse 33: The apostle Peter is talking here in this verse about the Lord Jesus Christ.  Not only the Lord Jesus Christ is raised up, He is at the moment the apostle Peter is talking and explaining the people of Israel in Jerusalem at Pentecost , on the right hand of God and exalted. The ascended Lord Jesus Christ demonstrating the fact of His resurrection by the wonders of Pentecost. In Luke 24 verse 49 we read: And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. This power, the promise of the Holy Ghost which they had received on Pentecost had a lot of impression on the multitude who was in Jerusalem. The wonders which Peter's hearers saw and heard at that day showed that Christ indeed was risen from the dead and ascended into heaven and had sent now the Holy Spirit which He had promised.

Acts 2 verse 34

For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Verse 34: Peter is still quoting about David and declared that David never ascended into the heavens. David saith this: God the Father, the Lord said unto his Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ , Adonai, this: Sit thou on my right hand. Again we read Psalm 110 verse 1: The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Acts 2 verse 35

Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

Verse 35: Until  I make thy foes. What does that mean this word foes? Thy enemies thy footstool. What is the meaning of footstool? He will make the enemies His footstool. It is a throne!  This will happen when the Lord will come for the second time on earth!

Acts 2 verse 36

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Verse 36: The apostle Peter said this very firmly to the house of Israel. All the ones who were listening to his preaching! Know assuredly is for sure knowing! They had no excuse anymore that they didn't know it! God the Father, God Himself made the Lord Jesus Christ Lord and Christ. He exalted Him and gave Him a Name above all Names we know now Philippians 2 verse 9! Again they had crucified Him. Peter didn't know the glory of the cross. Later when God revealed this to Paul it became known. The apostle Peter told the people the shame of the cross and that was known. This was with a reason that people would repent to God and be baptized. First the belief in God! That was the call here on Pentecost! 

Acts 2 verse 37

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Verse 37: Now when they heard this. Who are the people here? The Hebrew men who were listening to the preaching of the apostle Peter on Pentecost. What happened. The Word of God touched them deeply! Because what do we read here? They were pricked in their heart. Pricked means this: a nagging or sharp feeling of remorse, regret, or sorrow. They had so sorrow that they asked Peter and the rest of the apostles: Men and brethren: what shall we do? You see it is almost like this what they did: begging interrogatively! 

Acts 2 verse 38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 

Verse 38: What is the apostle Peter's answer to this question? Does he say believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved? The answer is no! He said repent and be baptized! Everyone of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. The conclusion is: repentance= return to God, believe in God first and then be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ and then they should be saved. Only believing was not enough, also the work be baptized! And what would follow if they had done this? They should receive the gift of the Holy Ghost so that they could speak in tongues (Mark 16:16) The requirements for salvation here are the same than those previously laid down by John the Baptist Mark 1:4. The only difference is that on Pentecost the Holy Spirit had come and Peter could add: and ye shall recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost

Acts 2 vers 39

 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Verse 39: What is the promise the apostle Peter is talking to the people here? And to all that are afar off. Does this refer to the Gentiles? First it was the promise of the Spirit and this was never made to the Gentiles but only for Israel. In Daniel 9 verse 7 we have a very beautiful answer for this: O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.

Acts 2 verse 40

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save

yourselves from this untoward generation

Verse 40: This is a real call from the apostle Peter to the Jews who were listening to his preaching: Save yourselves from this wrong generation who are living in Jerusalem and in whole Israel. With other words repent to the Lord and be baptized and you save yourselves from the great multitude who don't want to believe in God. 

Acts 2 verse 41

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day

there were added unto them about three thousand souls

Verse 41: We see here there were people from the Jewish multitude who listened to Peter's preaching at Pentecost  and believed the words he say to them. They believed the Word of God Peter told them and were baptized  and at this same day 3000 people were added to this people who believed.  That was a wonder from God because did this!! That was under the former Dispensation when God dealt with Israel there were always wonders and signs among God's folk . 

Acts 2 verse 42

 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Verse 42: From this verse till the end of this chapter in 47 we read about the characteristics  of the church of Jerusalem which started at Pentecost in Jerusalem.  All those people who believed and were baptized continued stedfastly with other words kept up  zealously (stayed in the doctrine and studied this doctrine) of the 12 apostles and had fellowship with each other. Not only that: they prayed together and were busy with the breaking  of bread. 

Acts 2 verse 43

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

Verse 43: The word fear we read here. What does this mean fear? profound reverence and awe especially toward God. This came upon every soul that believed and was baptized. In the same time many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. Why. Because we read in Mark 16 verse 17 this: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my Name shall they cast out devils, they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover

Acts 2 verse 44

 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

Verse 44: This is very special my dear brothers and sisters what we read in this verse:First all that believed were together!  No one of them was on his own! We don't see this anymore on this day of God's Grace. They were together were one of the characteristics of the church of Jerusalem. Second: they not only were together we read here: they had all things common. All goods they had were common, no person had things for him or herself. 

Acts 2 verse 45

And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

Verse 45: Every person who believed sold his possesions and goods. This was carrying out of the sermon on the Mount what the Lord told them: And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses Matthew 10: 7-10. And we read this also: Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. Luke 12:33. 

Acts 2 verse 46

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Verse 46: What a blessed fellowship these believers in the church of Jerusalem had together. They had peace and prosperity.  What a love and joy they had and what a enthousiasm. This was real spiritual power. It was a foretaste of the Kingdom which would come! Still not yet had come because of the fall of Israel Romans 11:11, 25. 

Acts 2 verse 47

 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Verse 47: They praised God every day. The believers on Pentecost were under the control of the Holy Spirit that's why they were glad and praised God and had favour with all the people. This is very interesting. The miracles worked and they were empowered by God through His Spirit. They didn't sin and honored God Ezekiel 36:27-28. Nowadays we live under a different Dispensation, the Dispensation of the Grace of God. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit Ephesians 1:13, 14. This will not say that we cannot sin, we are not under control of the Holy Spirit as the believers on Pentecost and the days after that.  Romans 6 verse 1 warns us as believers in Christ that we have not to continue in sin. That's why we read in Romans 6 verse 13 this: Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.  We are urged to rejoice in the Lord alway Philippians 4:4

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Acts 3 verse 1

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple

at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour

Verse 1: Peter and John: they were the pillars of the church of Jerusalem, the pillars of the 12 apostles. The most important.  Peter and John were the leaders of the 12 apostles. These two men went together into the temple. The hour of prayer was the ninth hour. Our Lord Jesus Christ told the people in Matthew 21 verse 13: And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. Why are Peter and John going to the temple at the hour of prayer? It was very importand because Israel was being offered another oppertunity to accept Messiah and become the channel of blessing to the world. Israel was not yet set aside and this was still God's appointed house of prayer. 

Acts 3 verse 2

And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

Verse 2: In the time of Peter and John it was important of the Jewish faith to give alms to the poor, to beggars. So you had a lot of beggars in Jerusalem in that time. This man here in Acts 3 was a lame man from his birth on. He was carried by men and they laid him daily at the gate of the temple. The gate was the entrance to the temple! The gate has also the name the Golden Gate. Originally there were 2 gates in this entrance but in the past people bricked up the gate so still today the entrance is not open. In the days of Peter and John the entrance was open and this lame man was sitting there and asking alms of them who entered the temple. This man is representative of an illustration  of what salvation is like. He was born  lame and all of us brothers and sisters, all men are born unable to walk to please God.

Acts 3 verse 3

Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms

Verse 3 This lame man sitting everyday at the gate of the temple and one day laying there he saw Peter and John going into the temple. Peter and John are frequently together in Scripture. Peter and John caught his attention. Perhaps it were the clothes or their appearance that attended the man to look to them. We don't know but he saw them and asked them an alms. 

Acts 3 verse 4

And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

Verse 4: Peter,fastening his eyes. What does that mean to fastening his eyes? He gazed his eyes upon this beggar with John. Peter and John noticed this lame man. They said to him: look on us! With other words to let them lame man think who they were! We have here also something to learn: The apostles Peter and John were looking at the lame man. They saw a man who had a little money but was nevertheless a helpless beggar. Lame from birth, sitting at the Beautiful gate and still outside. The man saw these apostles and maybe he saw something different

Acts 3 verse 5

And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

Verse 5: The lame man who begged from people gave heed unto Peter and John ? What does that mean? This beggar beared in his mind  to expect from these two men to receive something like money. A beggar always hold his hand expecting from other who will pass to receive money or something else. This was exactly what this lame man did also. 

Acts 3 verse 6

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Verse 6: What is Peter's answer to this lame man? Did he and John gave this lame man money. No instead of that Peter said: Silver and gold I don't have. But there is something much better i can give you. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. Peter and John had also the gift of healing at Pentecost. That were the signs that followed after believing and be baptized. It was the Spirit of God Who did it through Peter and John all those signs. That whole Israel would know this and had no excuse before God. Peter said: rise up and walk! Israel had to rise up and walk again with God. 

Acts 3 verse 7

 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

Verse 7: Peter took the lame man who was a beggar by the right hand. Not the left hand. Always the right hand because the “right hand” is seen asa place of honor and statusthroughout the biblical text. With the right hand of Peter he lifted up this lame man and the the miracle happened! What happened? Immediately, directly the man could stand because his feet and ankle bones received strength. The paralysis was over! Wha a wonder of God, He did this miracle! This man is symbol of Israel that first had to believe in God and repent and be baptized and then received again strength so that they could walk again with God. 

Acts 3 verse 8

 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

Verse 8: And this lame man, what happened to him? And he leaping up stood! With other words he jumped! What a miracle! He jumped, stood, walked and entered with Peter and John into the temple, walking, leaping and praising God! After all those years he was healed! This was a wonder of God and this happened under the previous dispensation when God was still dealing with Israel. This was a foreshadowing of millennial blessing to come when Peter lifts this beggar by the right hand and said to him In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk verse 6. The lame man who could walk now and jump and stand  became a worshipper of God and represents here the folk Israel when the folk will be in the Milennial Kingdom. For the present under this Dispensation of Grace Israel remains spiritually a poor, helpless beggar outside of the presence of God. The Blessed day for them waits a future day when Israel will be saved with the resurrected remnant and they will enter then for God with songs of rejoicing. Read Romans 11:25-27.

Acts 3 verse 9

And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

Verse 9: This was really something that this man was so glad that he was healed by God that he walked, jumped and he was praising God! The people saw him walking and praising God. The people of Jerusalem saw him doing this and they were sure suprised!  It was in the centre of Jerusalem. On the streets he was walking and praising God and in the temple. In the temple there were a lot of Jewish people together so they all could see him. 

Acts 3 verse 10

And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

Verse 10: The people who saw him walking and praising God knew that he sat everyday for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple. Maybe it was the most important gate to the temple! They never had seen him walking, jumping and praising God and that amazed them the most and they were filled with wonder too! What happened unto him that was such a very big miracle. Such they had never seen before that's why they were so filled with wonder and amazement. The day that the remnant of Israel, which is now a helpless beggar from outside,  will be saved and will enter the Millenial Kingdom on earth this will be a wonder and this is exactly what this man who was a beggar represent. 

Acts 3 verse 11

 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

Verse 11: The people had seen the healing by Peter and John and saw the lame man walking and praising God they ran together unto them in the porch which was called Solomon's. This was really something! Little wnder the crowd of people gathers! This was heart stirring to see the once lame man now walking and leaping and praising God. Oh that will be a day when Israel shall worship before God in such gratitude and praise like this man! Peter was quick to take advantage of the oppertunity to bring them the multitude face to face once more with the fact that God was holding them responsible for what had recently before took place on Calvary's hill. 

Acts 3 verse 12

And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

Verse 12: Peter saw the great multitude of people running unto him and John in the porch of Solomon and he takes the oppertunity to preach to them. Listen what he is saying here!  Ye men of Israel. Peter is not talking to Gentiles here. The Gentiles were not in the picture! God was not dealing with the Gentiles!  In Ephesians 2 verse 11-12 we read this: Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision  that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens fromt he commonwealth of Israel, and strangers fromt he covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. And he asked them this: why marvel ye at this, or why look ye so earnestly on us? They had never seen such a healing of a man like this lame man who was healed. Peter said to them more than this so listen: you looked on us that we did it from ourselves to let this man to walk. (but this wasn't the truth). 

Acts 3 verse 13

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 him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.

Verse 13: Peter goes further on the explain about God Who is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the God of all the fathers of them. Peter is talking to these Jews who were listening and explained to them that God glorified His Son Jesus and then he tells them the shame of the cross namely: they had delivered Jesus Christ the Son of God to Pilate the Roman governor and denied Him in the presence of Pilate. They had screamed crucify Him, crucify Him. Pilate found no fault in Him but they desired that our Lord would be crucified while He was innocent, withour debt. See John 19 verses 5-8 9 (read this)

Acts 3 verse 14

But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

Verse 14: Peter speaks here again of the shame of the cross. They denied the Holy One and the Just and that is Christ. He was and is without sin and Just and we unjust, unrighteous from nature. They said to Pilate and screamed to him: let Christ be crucified and release Barabbas. Barabbas was a murderer and they desired that he would be free! That was strange! Ah but Christ had to be crucified we know now. It was the plan of God through Christ to pay the penalty for sin on the cross, to die for mankind on Calvary on the cross. All men had to hung on the cross. We as men deserved the eternal death but God loved us so much that He Just for us unjust, unrighteous men died in our place on that cross. Only Peter didn't know about this on that moment. He didn't know about the glory of the cross as we now know. It was not revealed to him so that Peter accused the people of Israel what they had done with the Holy One and the Just. Later when he met Paul it became clear for him too. 

Acts 3 verse 15

 And killed the Prince of life, Whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

Verse 15: The Jews together with the Romans killed the Prince of Life. The Lord Jesus Christ. They had to shame for this! Be in shame for this drama. The Lord Jesus Christ undergo the highest punishment you can imagine: to be crucified on the cross!  But death couldn't held Him. God raised Him from the dead. Peter and John and the other 10 apostles were witnesses of this fact, of this resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. They had seen Him before His ascending to heaven. He is alive!  He is risen!! John 21; 12-19

Acts 3 verse 16

And His name through faith in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Verse 16: The Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in His power, through the  power of God this lame man was strong, could walk for the first time in his life and the people who were hearing Peter had seen this man walking after never walking and praising and dancing for the Lord Who had healed him. He believed this man and now he was perfect in this walking and never been anymore a lame beggar but he rejoiced in the Lord Jesus in the presence of all these people! This was a wonderful day for this man but also for all those people who heard the preaching of Peter and on that moment could repent to the Lord after this miracle happened and they saw it. 

Acts 3 verse 17

 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.

Verse 17: In this verse Peter knew and said to the people that they crucified the Lord Jesus Christ through ignorance jointly with the Romans. Not only them also their rulers did it. They didn't know what they did when they jointly crucified the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary. In Luke 23 verse 34 we read: Then said Jesus, Father forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted  His raiment, and cast lots. These people didn't know who was Christ, Who was their Messiah and didn't know the plan of God that our Lord Jesus Christ had to die for mankind before He would reign as King on earth. They didn't know why He came to earth and they didn't believe in Him and also their rulers that's why they crucified Him. 

Acts 3 verse 18

 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

Verse 18: God hath fulfilled  which He before had shewed by the mouth of all His prophets. What had God fulfilled? That Christ should suffer Isaiah 53 (read this chapter). Christ also explaining these verses to the 2 men who went to Emmaus in Luke 24: 26-27: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself. It was fulfilled. The finished Work by Christ was done!

Acts 3 verse 19

 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Verse 19: Very strong words of God through the apostle Peter to a multitude of Jewish people who were listening his preaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. What must they do? The same what other did before them in Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost. Repent. Go back to God and be changed he said to the people. When they should do this their sins may be blotted out. What does that mean?  It means completely absolved, wiped off the record. That shoulf follow and also something which was and is very special: when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. The blessed times or refreshing times is that Christ would return to earth to reign. It eas near in that time when Peter stood before this multitude of Jewish people. Whole Jerusalem had to believe in the Lord and had to repent. It was another chance for the folk to do this and the times of refreshing should follow very soon if this would happen. 

Acts 3 verse 20

And He shall send Jesus Christ, Which before was preached unto you:

Verse 20: When whole Israel inclusive their leaders would repent and be converted than the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord and He shall send Jesus Christ Who was ascended to heaven. He should come again to earth to reign as King of Kings on earth from Jerusalem. The Kingdom on earth. These were the refreshing times for the folk Israel and they had the chance at that time to believe on Him , repent and be baptized for the remission of sins and if they did this as folk this Kingdom was very near. 

Acts 3 verse 21

Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things,

which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Verse 21: The Lord Jesus Christ had to be received in heaven until the timese of restitution of all things. God had spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began: the timese of restitution of all things! This will be in the Kingdom on earth: What will change?  The Government will be purified, war and bloodshed will be abolished, The vegetable creatioon will be delivered from the curse, the animal creation will be subdued, physical infirmity will be removed, trouble and poverty will be done away, the masses will be eager for the Word of God, Christ will be honored and exalted, the prayers of God's people will be answered without delay, sorrow and sighing will flee away

Acts 3 verse 22
For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

Verse 22: Moses said unto the fathers. The fathers from whom? From Israel. Moses was the leader of the folk and he knew and said to them that there shall be a Prophet Whom God would raise up unto them. He was speaking about the Lord Jesus Christ but Moses didn't know that it was the Lord Jesus Christ. He only knew that God would send a Prophet Whom the folk shall hear in all things whatsoever He should say to them. This was a prophecy of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ on earth. 

Acts 3 verse 23

And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

Verse 23: Every soul who will not hear that Prophet. Will not believe the Word He will speak which is the Word of God shall be destroyed from among Israel. It is to repent or listen or perish. These words you can find in Deuteronomy 18:15-19. This is the prophecy of Moses: He that hath ears to hear let him hear! The Father's comment is Hear ye Him. Moses had declared here that the rebellion against Messiah, against the Lord Jesus Christ Who will come would not be tolerated by God. To refuse Him would mean utter destruction!

Acts 3 verse 24

Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

Verse 24: Samuel was the first prophet and after him there were more and followed him in prophecy and they had spoken about the Prophet, the Lord Jesus Christ and have foretold of the days when He came to earth. And Israel here stood at the very threshold of the long hoped for blessing. 

Acts 3 verse 25

Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

Verse 25: The people Peter preached to were the children of the prophets and the covenant which God had made with the fathers: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. To Abraham God had said: in thy Seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Peter proclaimed the good news which was based upon covenant promises and writings of the prophets. Now the question came how would Israel respond? To accept Christ or reject HIm? That's why Peter had again the call here to them that they had to repent to God through the Lord Jesus Christ

Acts 3 verse 26

 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you,

in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Verse 26: Israel would be delivered from Rome but not from sin. In Matthew 1:21 we read: Ans she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His Name Jesus: For He shall save His people from their sins.  Israel had to learn this first and then after that the promised blessing will come. But this didn't come because not whole Israel repented and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as Messiah . They were ignorant of God's righteousness and established their own righteousness so that they fall. So God cast the favored nation aside  along with the other nations only that he might mercy upon every man and offer to individuals everywhere here on earth reconcilliation by grace, through faith in the finished work of Christ

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Acts 4 verse 1

And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

Verse 1: Peter and John were speaking unto the people who were asthonished about the fact that the lame man was healed by Peter and John and couldn't believe their eyes and were confronted with the fact that they had rejected the Lord Jesus Christ, crucified Him and now they had to repent and be baptized . Now the "spiritual"leaders came to the temple: the priests, the captian of the temple and the Sadducees. Not the Pharisees but the Sadducees were here the leading party with the priests. Something is sifnificant: the Sadducees believe not in the resurrection. That's why they came with this group of people. They were grieved  at the apostles  because they preached through Christ: the ressurection of the dead and now this miracle with the lame man through the Lord Jesus Christ. working in Peter and John . 

Acts 4 verse 2

 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

Verse 2: The priests, the captain of the temple and the Sadducees were grieved. They were sad about the fact that Peter and John taught the people about God and preached to them Jesus and His resurrection from the dead. They must fight for their  very existence. Not only the system of the Sadducees was in danger also they were confronted and convicted of the murder of Messiah. They were sore troubled about this. The Sadducees were  the most powerful sect in the Sanhedrin. In Acts 5 verse 17 we learn  that the high priest and all with him were of the sect of the Sadducees. 

Acts 4 verse 3

And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

Verse 3: They laid hands on them: on Peter and John. They put them in prison until the next day and the next day there will be a trial in the Sanhedrin for Peter and John.  So they arrested them and put them in a room which looked like a prison. 

Acts 4 verse 4

 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

Verse 4: The leaders thought when they hath caught this two leaders of the 12 apostles they could stop the believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. The preaching of Peter to the folk caused that a lot of people believed the Word of God and the number of men was five thousand. They came to believe. The preaching of Peter was so powerful and intense. This group of 5000 people and the other people from Acts chapter 2 at Pentecost formed the church of Jerusalem. 

Acts 4 verse 5

And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

Verse 5: The rulers, elders and scribes of the Sanhedrin, the most highest ranking members of the Sanhedrin were present. They took their places and had a council. That was early in the morning. They opposed the apostles as they had opposed Christ from the beginning of His earthly ministry. They were jealous of the power the apostles had. That was true spiritual power and they didn't have this and because of this jealousy they had taken Peter and John and had put them in a sort kind of prison 

Acts 4 verse 6

And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as

many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

Verse 6: We see here in this verse Names: Annas and Caiaphas first. Annas was the high priest. Annas was the father in law of Caiaphas. Caiaphas was also high priest. We see here the Name John. Who was John? One of the 5 sons of Annas. We see here also the Name Alexander. Who was Alexander? Probably he had been a high priest. And many fo the kindred of the high priest: relatives of the high priest. They all were together gathered at Jerusalem to hear the apostles Peter and John who they had caught in their prison that they had to answer the question what we read in verse 7, the next verse. 

Acts 4 verse 7

And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

Verse 7: They put Peter and John in the midst of themselves and asked this question: By what power or by what name have ye done this? To heal this lame man? The apostles apart from their gift of healing had the spiritual authority of which the rulers of Irael who were gathered around them knew nothing about. This was their first question and their purpose was to silence the apostles by intimidation and this is exactly what the devil is behind. He hates the truth and he puts everything into work that the truth will not come to light. With other words they really meant to say: You are undermining our authority over the people. Stop this or we will kill you. So angry these "rulers" of Israel were! In the next verses we see the answer of Peter to them. 

Acts 4 verse 8

Then Peter filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people,

and elders of Israel

Verse 8: There stood Peter and John before the political leaders and elders of Israel. He stood before the Sanhedrin and what was so powerful at that moment? He Peter was filled with the Holy Ghost.  He was under control of the Holy Spirit and knew exactly what he should answer the question these rulers asked him. The question was by what power, or by what name have ye done this? Peter stood firm before these enemies of God. 

Acts 4 verse 9

 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

Verse 9: Peter said to them sharply this: we are examined of the good deed done to the impotent man. The man is healed and you want to judge us because of this good deed. So it was very special that Peter and John were judged for this by these rulers and this was in fact very weird. This is what Peter his hearers, these rulers and elders of Israel let know. 

Acts 4 verse 10

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

Verse 10: Peter said further this: be it known unto you all, you rulers and elders of the folk of Israel and all the people of Israel. So whole Israel had to know this: By the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth this man is healed and stood whole before them.  We didn't do it by our own name or own power Peter said.  It was His power and in His Name that this lame man was healed. He, Peter,  blames them for this fact that they with the Romans had crucified this Jesus Christ of Nazareth and God hath Him raised form the dead. Christ is alive! Peter and John were witnesses of His resurrection.  We don't see here the glory of the cross which we only see in the letters of Paul. At that moment Peter told these rulers and elders of the folk of Israel this the glory of the cross was not made known. 

Acts 4 verse 11

 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Verse 11: And the apostle Peter continued here that the Lord Jesus Christ the Stone Which they had despised and still reject on the moment Peter was talking here. He became the Head of the corner. Read also I Peter 2 verse 7 (a similar verse!) And in Romans 9 verse 33 we read this: As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed. These leaders and elders of the folk didn't believe in the Lord Jesus Christ but wanted only to know in which Name these 2 apostles had healed the lame man and they were very angry men. 

Acts 4 verse 12

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under

heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Verse 12: In no other person is there salvation except then in the Lord Jesus Christ. He  our Lord Jesus had saith when He was on earth this: I am the Way, the Truth and the Live, nobody comes to the Father than through Me. In His Name persons can be saved and must be saved. There is no other way and Peter knew through the Holy Spirit this very well so he tell's this to these leaders and elders of the folk that there is no other Name through Which a person hath to be saved. 

Acts 4 verse 13

 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Verse 13: These rulers and elders of the folk with the priests saw the boldness of Peter and John. On that moment they remembered that Peter and John were not learned and unschooled men. Not men like them who were educated in the Law of God and in their own laws. The moment after this they wondered, they were surprised and on the same moment they knew that that they were been with Jesus Christ when He ministered on earth. They recognized them as the disciples of Him. 

Acts 4 verse 14

 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

Verse 14: The man who was healed was standing with them. He stood there! He wasn't lame anymore! That was a wonder of God and these rulers and elders, priests couldn't say nothing. They marvelled! They couldn't deny it that this happened to this lame man. This healing must have made a great impression on the people because it happened in public! Not behind closed doors! Everyone saw it on the streets! 

Acts 4 verse 15
 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

Verse 15: The rulers, elders and priests commanded Peter, John and the healed man to go out of the council. They had to wait somewhere else in the building of the Sanhedrin. They had to wait what would come: what these rulers of the folk Israel would decide and what they would say to them. In the meanwhile when Peter and John and the healed man were waiting these rulers and elders and priests were discussing with each other about what the whole thing: that the man was healed, what Peter had told them about Christ and in the Name of Jesus Christ this man was healed. 

Acts 4 verse 16

Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

Verse 16: The rulers, elders and priests were discussing with each other what to do with Peter and John and the healed man. They had to admit that the healing of this man was a notable miracle.This was something supernatural! Everyone who dwell in Jerusalem had seen this miracle. We cannot deny it that this not happened because we have seen this man before us healed. 

Acts 4 verse 17

But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them,

that they speak henceforth to no man in this Name.

Verse 17: These rulers, elders and priests were very afraid that more people came to know this and would come to believe in Christ so they had this plan and this is exactly what satan does: to resist God's Word so that it would be not known to people. They say to each other: let us straitly threaten them that they speak henceforth to no man in this Name. So they forbid them to spread the Gospel of the Kingdom under the folk Israel. You see it now under this Dispensation more and more in a lot of countries in the world that the Word of God, the Bible is forbidden. Thank the Lord that we live here in a free Europe. That we can read  and study the Bible free here! 

Acts 4 verse 18

And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Verse 18: What the rulers, elders and priests of the folk Israel had discussed with each other they made plain to Peter and John. They called them again inside the council and said: we command you not to speak at all nor teach in the Name of Jesus. This sounds familiar! Nowadays we have countries in the world where the authorities do the same to forbid people to believe and preach about the Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God. The world in this hasn't changed! This is how satan works! 

Acts 4 verse 19

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the

sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

Verse 19: We read here very strong words as answer to this command brothers and sisters! Peter and John said to them: Judge ye men do we have to listen to you more then to listen to God? This is also for us  brothers and sisters: Do we have to listen more to people then to God? The answer is that we have to obey God more then people in this world. So if you come in a situation that people or authority forbid you to speak or preach about the Gospel of salvation, the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24 which is the truth you can say the same to people which Peter and John told these priests, leaders and elders of this folk Israel.

Acts 4 verse 20

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Verse 20: What a boldness the apostles Peter and John had before these rulers! They said further this: we cannot stop preaching and speaking in the Name of Jesus Christ! They had seen Him when He was risen from the dead. He had instructed them everything according the Gospel of the Kingdom and to offer Israel the Messiah. First whole Jerusalem had to repent inclusive these rulers of the folk and Israel. Then the world had to repent to God through Jesus Christ! How can you stop us to speak not about Jesus Christ with other words? Very strong words and the rulers couldn't bring nothing against it! With more words: no one, no human being can stop us. 

Acts 4 verse 21

So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them,

because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

Verse 21: After Peter and John told them not to stop preaching and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ these rulers, priests and elders threatened them. What is threaten? They tried to intimidate Peter and John. But to treathen and do that is something else. What did they do these leaders? They let them go! So Peter and John were again free and on the loose! They were not guilty because those leaders found nothing how to punish Peter and John.  But you see here in this verse that they were also afraid about the people in Jerusalem if they let those apostles not go what would happen? Maybe there came from the people a revolt against them and this they want this. 

All men who had seen the miracle that the man was healed glorified God. They believed that God was the Healer in this miracle. 

Acts 4 verse 22

For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

Verse 22: The man who was lame and healed was above forty years old. You know life begins at fourty. Think about this: fourty years you are lame and then this miracle happened! Fourty years is the number of years for a generation.  The number of fourty is the number also of testing. In Exodus 24 verse 18 we read the following words: Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights. Forty is a holy number by God brothers and sisters! During the time Moses was in the mount with God, God was testing Israel how they did without their leader. Israel failed that test because of the golden calf they made because they trusted not God and bowed down and worshipped  this golden calf before Moses came back to the folk. Later Israel in de desert failed again by not trusting God because of the giants who were living in the land of Canaan. Their punishment from God was this in Numbers was this: Numbers 14:33 and 34: And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. This lame man who was fourty years stands symbolic again for Israel being again tested. This lame man is a example of the spiritual condition of Israel which was very bad.  The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit Acts 2 verse 4. Israel as a whole could in that time of Pentecost believe on God through Jesus Christ but failed again what we see later in Acts 7 with the stoning of Stephen. 

Acts 4 verse 23

And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

Verse 23: And being let go. They were released, Peter and John, from prison. These leaders let them go because they found nothing to punish them and were afraid of the people of Jerusalem. So Peter and John went to the people of the church: that were the other 10 apostles and the more than 5000 people who believed in that time. They told them everything what the chief priests and elders had said unto them. What had they said? They had said not to preach or speak in the Name of the Lord Jesus. This leaded till a prayer from all who heard Peter and John in the next verses. 

Acts 4 verse 24

And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

Verse 24: Peter and John reported what the chief priests and elders had said to them, the whole church at Jerusalem, that they were forbidden to speak or preach in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and after that they began to pray, to talk to God with them all. They said in their prayer this: thou art Lord which hade made heaven and earth, the dry land and the sea. He , God is the Creator of all things. He created first the heaven and after that the earth. They all believed in Him. This was a very earnest prayer they prayed. 

Acts 4 verse 25

Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

Verse 25: In their prayer they continued with the words of David: why did the heathen rage and people do vain things? In Psalm 2 verse 1 we read the same: Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? Why they are angry and do iddle things people? Why, because of the sin nature Romans 5 verse 12. Everyone is born with this nature after Adam so this must be the answer to this question. 

Acts 4 verse 26

The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

Verse 26: This is also written in this same Psalm in verse 2. The whole earth is against God and against Christ His Son. They don't want Him. They had already crucified Him on the cross. The Jews and the Gentiles. The Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected and on that moment of prayer He was and is on the right hand of God. This what they say to God will be also in the time of the Tribulation. And the Tribulation period was very near when all these men prayed to God. 

Acts 4 verse 27

 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

Verse 27: For the truth these kings on earth like Herod and Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were against it. The truth is the Lord Jesus Christ and they prayed this prayer and this is the continuation of verse 26. The whole world is against the Lord and against Christ. Till this hour we see it happen in this world. They crucified Him. They didn't want Him and after His resurrection they were still against Him and did not want to believe on Him. They hate Him and that is exactly what the world does. But God raised Him up from the dead and enthroned Him in heaven. 

Acts 4 verse 28

For to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done.

Verse 28: This is a continuation of verse 27 and we see that all of this was a part of God's perfect plan so there was no need to fear. All of God's plan (s) and whatsoever is in His hand and in His counsel was before determined and be done. God is no Liar like men. What He promised to Himself He do. His plans are always coming out. 

Acts 4 verse 29

 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy Word,

Verse 29: The prayer was a cry to God to soften the hearts of the leaders and elders and priests threatened Peter and John so that these leaders, elders and priests no more would do this and that the apostles would continue with all boldness to speak the Word of God.  That the Word of God  unhindered would be known by these apostles and others who were with them to speak so that they could boldly continue to preach this. 

Acts 4 verse 30

 By stretching forth Thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

Verse 30: Not only the Word of God that this may continually be preached also that healings, signs, wonders would be done by the Name of Jesus Christ. This is what all those men there were preaching to God as answer what Peter and John had told them that they were intimidated not to speak and preach anymore in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Acts 4 verse 31

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Verse 31: When they had prayed. When they had stopped praying the place where they were together as church was shaken. A wonder of God came over them and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit of God. God was still dealing with Israel and as long He was dealing with them wonders and signs came like this. Under this Dispensation of Grace we have no signs anymore of God. God is not working like He was acting with Israel here. The people were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God with boldness! Just what they had asked from God and immediately God answered them and they received the boldness to speak His Word! What a wonder! We can God also ask for boldness under this Dispensation of Grace. It is not only His will that we do this. It depends also on us if we will this. 

Acts 4 verse 32

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

Verse 32: They were, these believers in the Jerusalem church of one heart and one soul. Everything they had in common. No one of them possessed what was from his own. A complete different way of living like we live under this Dispensation of Grace today. We have our own possessions, our own goods and other things like houses, cars  etc. Under that former Dispensation these were the signs for the coming Kingdom on earth. We cannot live like they lived under that former Dispensation and under the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom. We never can try to live like that. There are people who tried this and live in a sort kind of communion but still it is not the same like what is written here in this verse how the church at Jerusalem lived in the early period of Acts. 

Acts 4 verse 33

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus:

and great grace was upon them all.

Verse 33: With great power! This was and is the power of God! With that great power, the power of God's resurrection the apostles were witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. They told every day about it with a lot of boldness and in great power. They all were filled with the Holy Spirit. They were under control of the Holy Spirit. This had effet because we read in the second that great grace was upon them all. God's great grace was upon them!  Not the Grace of God we know through the apostle Paul in his letters to us. It was God's favour on them. 

Acts 4 verse 34

 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

Verse 34: No one of these believers of the Jerusalem church, the church which started at Pentecost had lack on things, goods, food etc. Many of them were possessors of lands or houses and sold these properties and brought the money (the sum of it) to the apostles feet which were sold. This is what every believer who wanted to be a disciple had to do under the Gospel of the Kingdom. Now we live under a different Dispensation as they did and it is now different. We are no disciples of God or from the Lord. We are His ambassadors 2 Corinthians 5:19-21

Acts 4 verse 35

And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

Verse 35: The posessors of lands or houses sold their lands and houses and brought the price of the things that were sold down at the apostles feet. No one had lack on things and everyone get what he or she needed. Everyone had all in common. No one had any properties anymore. This is how it worked under the days of Pentecost. 

Acts 4 verse 36

And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

Verse 36: Joses and he had a surname Barnabas son of consolation a Levite. The first time we read about Barnabas here in Acts 4. Later he became Paul's companion and was also named a apostle. He came from Cyprus now Greece but lived in Jerusalem. What was a Levite?A Levite was a member of the Hebrew tribe of Levi, especially of that part of it which provided assistants to the priests in the worship in the Jewish temple. And such was Barnabas son of consolation or comfort

Acts 4 verse 37

 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Verse 37: Barnabas or Joses did obey God as a disciple. He had land and sold it and brought the money from this land to the apostles feet. He knew very well how to behave and he did it what God asked him to do under the former Dispensation under the Gospel of the Kingdom. The Kingdom was near! 

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Acts 5 verse 1

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

Verse 1: Ananias and Sapphira his wife were two deceivers and they departed from God's given program of the Kingdom. They both came in contact with the believers in Jerusalem and must have observed that their way of living was blessed and wonderful.  They both saw that it was like heaven on earth to belong to such a group. Ananias and his wife Sapphira were like the young ruler only that the young ruler was honest and they not. Matthew 19:16-22

Acts 5 verse 2

And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Verse 2: Ananias and his wife Sapphira loved money so much. Love for money is a great sin. Were they tempted to keep back part of the price of their property after that they had sold it? It indicates here very clearly that their sin was deliberate and planned. 

Acts 5 verse 3

 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Verse 3: So Ananias came to the apostle's feet and laid down a part of the proceeds and then Peter said this to Ananias: why hath satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost to keep back part of the price of the land? How did Peter know or had knowledge that this man Ananias was lying to them? Peter and the twelve were filled with the Holy Spirit. They were under control of the Holy Spirit. They had the gift of the Holy Spirit. He Peter and the others who believed knew also that persons were upright or were lying so he knew that Ananias was lying to God. 

Acts 5 verse 4

Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

Verse 4: Ananias and Saphira did not obey God to give the entire proceeds at the apostle's feet like Barnabas did. They deceitfully holding on to private investments. Ananias loved the money and wanted to hold back from the proceeds for themselves, so he and his wife lied unto God and not unto men. This is the conclusion which Peter told Ananias. 

Acts 5 verse 5

And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear

came on all them that heard these things.

Verse 5: Ananias heard the words of the apostle Peter. Ananias couldn't respond with words to the apostle Peter because he fell down dead: he gave up the ghost. God immediately punished him for this sin and Ananias was dead. All that heard this. All the people who heard this and were living in Jerusalem  feared because this could happen to them too. They realized that this was very serious and and that you cannot lie to God. 

Acts 5 verse 6

And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

Verse 6: After Ananias death young men stood up probably from the congregation and packed up the body of Ananias and carried his death body out and buried him. Why carried these young men the body of Ananias away? Well young men have more strength than older people so it is more easier for them to carry dead bodies. We don't know if Ananias was great and have a lot of weight. 

Acts 5 verse 7

And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 

Verse 7: Three hours later his wife Sapphira came in where the apostles were gathered. She didn't know what happened to her husband, that he was already dead. We don't know what she did in this 3 hours after her husband fell down dead at the feet of Peter and the others. She could know what action they had did and had in that time to repent from this. 

Acts 5 verse 8

And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

Verse 8: Again Peter led the small conversation and asked Sapphira this: ye sold the land for so much? Peter knew the prize for the land. Peter had the supernatural gift of God to know whether a person was lying or not against God. He knew she would lie to God. Brazenly she lied and said yea for so much. Her attitude was contrary to that which was making the Messianic church such an overwhelming success. She knew she lied to Peter. 

Acts 5 verse 9

Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

Verse 9: Peter answered her why did you both tempt the Spirit of the Lord and were fully agree with each other to do this? They, Ananias and his wife Sapphira were actually defying God and daring Him to act. For this act Peter told her that the man stood for the door who had carried away her husband dead and they should carry her also out. That was her punishment. 

Acts 5 verse 10

Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in,

and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

Verse 10: Immediately she fell down straightway at the feet of Peter and gave up the ghost. She died at that moment and again the young men came in the room and found her dead and carried her away from this place and buried her by her husband Ananias. This let you know that God is not to be mocked.

Acts 5 verse 11

 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

Verse 11: After Ananias and Sapphira were punished to death by God there came great fear upon all the people in the church at Jerusalem. The sin they committed was not in robbing God of money but in lying to Him and robbing Him of glory. They were not required, not demanded to sell the property and to give any of the money to the church. The lust of recognition conceived sin in their hearts and that sin produced death. James 1 verse 15 tells us this: Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.. The result of this death of them was a wave of Godly fear that swept ove rthe church and all those in Jerusalem which heard these things. 

Acts 5 verse 12

 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people;

(and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

Verse 12: A lot of signs and wonders were wrought by the apostles hands among the people. God gave the apostles power to perform great miracles. The apostles did primarily the miracles. These signs and wonders were God's way of confirming their ministry. What is striking is this that they, the whole church were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. So they were in the temple in the outer porch of the temple because in the inner porch of the temple it was alone allowed for priests and levites, not for the common people. 

Acts 5 verse 13

 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

Verse 13: The rest of the people of Jerusalem no one dared to join himself to the apostles and the other believers in Solomon's porch. Instead of this they magnified them. They made them great, they maximize these believers in Christ from the church at Jerusalem. They were in awe of these believers of the church. 

Acts 5 verse 14

And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

Verse 14: There were more believers added to the Lord. More people came to believe because of all the wonders and miracles they had seen or heard through the hands of the apostles and through the Word of God. Both men and women! The purpose was that all the inhabitans of Jerusalem inclusive the leaders and elders of the folk Israel came to believe but this didn't happen. These days of early Acts here was a foretaste of the coming Kingdom on earth!  

Acts 5 verse 15

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

Verse 15: The people in Jerusalem begin to believe that the apostles like Peter and John could heal sick people in the Name of the Lord Jesus. They had the belief that there was healinin Peter's shadow! They had seen the lame man who was healed and that convinced them to bring more sick people to the streets so that's why they brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and couches. They hoped that Peter would pass by and that his shadow might overshadow some sick people that they may be healed! 

Acts 5 verse 16

There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Verse 16: A multitude outside of Jerusalem from the cities round Jerusalem brought sick people and also people who were vexed with unclean spirits. All of them were healed by the apostles through the Name of the Lord. What a wonder we see here. The Spirit of God gave the apostles power for wonders and pwer for witness. Miracles apart from God's Word cannot save the lost. The apostles had the gift, the power from God to heal and by their hands were many signs and wonders. Now under this Dispensation of Grace this will not happen anymore because God deals different with individuals and under this Dispensation we have no signs anymore. Signs and wonders were given to the folk Israel. 

Acts 5 verse 17

Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

Verse 17: After that a multitude out of the cities round Jerusalem brought their sick folks and that they were healed the high priest rose up. This was the moment to stop these believers in Jerusalem! Not only he rose up also all the ones who were with him. Specially the sect of the Sadducees. They believed not in Christ and in a resurrection. They were filled with indignation. They were filled with anger. They were so angry! They were not happy with the success of the church at Jerusalem and want to stop it. This was also that they were afraid that their leadership and the control  of the folk Israel would lose.   What you see here in Acts 5 and also in the former chapter is this: the age old conflict between living truth and dead tradition. 

Acts 5 verse 18

And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

Verse 18: These leaders were so angry that they laid their hands on the apostles. So the 12 apostles were captured by them and they put them in the common prison. They were altogether in one prison. The apostles were not locked up one by one. Why not? We don't know but we see in the next verse that God made a wonder, a big wonder! 

Acts 5 verse 19

 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

Verse 19: What a wonder! God freed the apostles out of prison because He send His angel by night and the angel opened the prison doors and brought them out of prison and said this. This was really a wonder of God! Normally it was and is not possible to escape a prison cell but they were freed from God by the angel of God!!!  Praise God! 

Acts 5 verse 20

Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

Verse 20: The angel said Go and stand and speak again in the temple to the people all the words of this life. What does that mean? The words of this life is speaking about eternal life in Christ. This is what they had to preach to the people in the temple. It must have been very strange for these 12 apostles to be freed from prison by a angel and be again a free man and to go back to the temple to preach to the people. 

Acts 5 verse 21

And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

Verse 21: Immediately after hearing those words: the words of eternal life the apostles entered into the temple early in the morning and taught these words of life to the people who came to listen. 

Acts 5 verse 22

But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told,

Verse 22: The officers came to the prison but they found not the 12 apostles. That must have been a shock for them because normally this could not happen. I think they were really astonished! How did this happen? So they returned back to the high priest and all the elders and rulers of the folk saying this. We read that in the next verse

Acts 5 verse 23

 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. 

Verse 23: Here in this verse we read what the officers say: the prison was shut with all safety. Was locked and the keepers were standing before the doors. When they opened the prison they found no man who was insite. How can that be they asked themselves. This was for them a riddle. God made a wonder to freed them by an angel of Him. 

Acts 5 verse 24

 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things,

they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

Verse 24: The captain and the chief priests heard all these things the officers told them and they doubted. It embarrassed them whereunto this would grow with other words what this would lead to. Doubt set in among these men. What a picture. How God is holding these men in derision. The rulers were dumbfounded at the officers information and thouroughly alarmed at its implications. The question who came in their minds could be this: have the apostles had inside help? Can it be that another miracle has taken place? 

Acts 5 verse 25

Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in

prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

Verse 25: One person saw the apostles standing in the temple and teaching the people and he told the chief priests and leaders of the folk Israel about it saying: the ones whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and preaching to the people there! You understand on that moment what was going on in their head. Now they knew again where the apostles were! 

Acts 5 verse 26

Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

Verse 26: The captain with the officers arrested the 12 apostles again and brought them without violence to the chief priests and the elders of the folk Israel. Why they did this in this way? Because they feared the people that they became angry and should stone them because of this. 

Acts 5 verse 27

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

Verse 27: The captain and the officers brought the 12 apostles and set them before the council. There the 12 apostles stood again before the high priest and the elders (political leaders) and Sadducees and Pharisees. It was the second time for them and for Peter and John it was the third time. The high priest began to ask them this and that we see in the next verse. 

Acts 5 verse 28

Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

Verse 28: The high priest asked those 12 apostles this saying: Did we not straitly command you that ye should not teach in this Name Jesus of Nazareth? Yes they commanded this in Acts 4 verse 18. The result of this that Peter and the 11 apostles didn't stop becaus it is Gods Word what they preached. And now the high priest ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine and bring the blood of thie Man upon us. It is here your doctrine and this man. This high priest does not even say what the doctrine si nor name the name of Christ. This is the example of that avoidance of the name of Christ by the Jews which later beame so general among them. The high priest and the elders for which he spoke to the 12 apostles and accused them the guilt from the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross that fluid from. But this was not what the 12 apostles did. The very opposite was true. 

Acts 5 verse 29

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Verse 29: What is the answer of Peter and the twelve to the high priest? They answered and said: we ought to obey God rather than men. In Acts 4 verse 19 Peter and John said already this: But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.  On ground of this verse every believer in Christ who preach the Word of God to people and authorities forbid this, the believer can say to obey more God than the authorities. 

Acts 5 verse 30

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Verse 30: Then the apostles  explain these rulers and high priest again about the Lord Jesus Christ what they did with Him: they slew Him and hanged Him on a tree, on a cross together with the Romans. They brought again the shame of the cross because the 12 apostles didn't know about the glory of the cross. But God of our fathers like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and other fathers raised up Jesus! He is alive! 

Acts 5 verse 31

 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Verse 31: And the apostles add to this what we read here in this verse: God exalted Christ with His right hand to be a Prince and Saviour. The purpose is to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins because of the blood on Calvary where Jesus Christ died also their death. Instead that God continued to stretch forth His hands to a disobedient and gainsaying people, He gave them every oppertunity to repent and turn to Christ see also Romans 10:21. Christ here in this verse is presented to Israel's rulers as a Prince and Savior. What will the end  be if they reject Him now? The apostles are still hoping to win the nation to Christ when they stood again before the leaders and high priest of the folk Israel. It was one of the last chances for these leaders to believe in Christ and repent. This was a exciting moment!

Acts 5 verse 32

And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Verse 32: They continued here with and we, we apostles are His witnesses of these things that God hath raised up His Son Jesus Christ from the death and that He is exalted in heaven. Not only them but also the Holy Ghost which God hath given to them and not only the 12 apostles but all that obey Him. They, the apostles were still under control of the Holy Ghost and all the men and women who trusted and obeyed Him Christ. 

Acts 5 verse 33

When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

Verse 33: When the High priest and leaders and elders of the folk Israel heard this all of the apostles they were cut to the heart. What does that mean cut to the heart? To be overcome with emotional anguish! They took consel to slay the 12 apostles. They were so angry they wanted to kill them all. 

Acts 5 verse 34

Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

Verse 34: Then one man stood up in the council. This was a Pharisee named Gamaliel. He was a doctor. Not a doctor of medicines but of the Law. He was a well learned man. Under him everyone who wanted to know and learn the Law was on the best place. He could explain the law very well and had a great reputation among the people of Israel. In Acts 22 verse 3 we read about the apostle Paul who said this: I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. This man Gamaliel had a good reputation among the people of Israel and Paul was taught by this man the Law. He Gamaliel commanded to put the apostles forth a little space. He commanded the chief captain and the officers to put the apostles outside the council for a while. 

Acts 5 verse 35

And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

Verse 35: This man Gamaliel took the floor and said: ye men of Israel. He speaks to the people of the council inclusive the high priest. Gamaliel is a Pharisee and have a very good reputation among the people. He said further: see for yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men, these 12 apostles. If you kill these men what will happen then? He, Gamaliel let them think about the fact that they wanted to kill these apostles. It could be that the whole folk would be against them .

Acts 5 verse 36

 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

Verse 36: Gamaliel goes further on in his speech to the people in the council. He mentioned a man like Theudas. Who was Theudas? Theudas was boasting and saying of himself that he was the Messiah and a number of men like 400 joined themselves to him. But Theudas was slain by authority and the men who were with im were scatttered and the whole group disappeared. 

Acts 5 verse 37

After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

Verse 37: Gamaliel continues to speak here and he tell's them about Judas of Galilee. This was in the days of the taxing. When was this? In Luke 2 verse 1 we read: And it came to pass in those days, taht there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, taht all the world should be taxed. In that days there was a certain man Judas and came from Galilee and drew away much people after him. Also this man disappeared and all people who obeyed him and followed him blindly were spread.
Acts 5 verse 38

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

Verse 38: Gamaliel said unto them and gives them instructions: refrain from these men and let them go, let them alone. Don't catch them again. He said further if this work they do is of men it will come to nought because of the examples of men who found themselves a god or Messiah,  he mentioned before. 

Acts 5 verse 39

But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

Verse 39: He, Gamaliel said further on that if it be of God you cannot brake it. And you cannot fight against God. So if it be of God than you fight against God and you cannot win that. This is what happened later with Saul of Tarsen that he fought against God and Gamaliel warned the leaders about this. 

Acts 5 verse 40

 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

Verse 40: What a influence this man Gamaliel had on people because you see here that they all agreed to him. After that they called the apostles back and immediately they beat them. What a agressive reaction of these rulers of Israel! After that they give this command that the apostles had not to speak in the Name of Jesus. After this these leaders and the high priest let them go. This was really persecution what the apostles undergo. After beaten and told that they were not allowed to speak in the name of Jesus did these 12 apostles listen to this? 

Acts 5 verse 41

And they departed from the presence of the council,

rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Verse 41: The 12 apostles departed from the presence of the council with pain because of the fact that they were beaten. Despite this they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name. They suffered but were glad and counted worthy to suffer shame or dishonor for the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of grieving they were rejoicing. This is also the Spirit of God working in them and that they were under control of the Holy Spirit. 

Acts 5 verse 42

 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Verse 42: The 12 apostles didn't stop to preach about Jesus Christ after beaten by the authorities of Israel. They continued preached every day in the temple and in every house! More people came to know the Gospel of the Kingdom in Jerusalem through this preaching.  So this chapter ended here with positive news the 12 apostles brought about the Lord Jesus Christ. 

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Acts chapter 6

Acts 6 verse 1

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

Verse 1: In those days when the apostles didn't stop to preach in the Name of Jesus Christ which was forbidden by the political leaders and the high priest of Israel the number of believers who became disciples multiplied. But in that time a murmuring arose of the Grecians against the Hebrews. Grecians were proselytes and were also added because the church at Jerusalem. Their point was that their widows were ignored in the daily service and that didn't sit well with them so a lot of irritation arose and they became to murmur about it. They longed that this would change. 

Acts 6 verse 2

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

Verse 2: The twelve apostles saw the problem and heard of the murmur of the Grecian disciples. They invited the whole multitude of disciples. They invited the whole church of Jerusalem and said: it is not reasonable that we as 12 apostles should now leave the Word of God and not preach and instead of thsi to serve tables. To look after persons about food and other things daily. We have to preach the Word of God and and that is our job. 

Acts 6 verse 3

Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report,

full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

Verse 3: These 12 apostles continued to say this: brethren you have to look among you seven men of honest report. Seven men who are honest or upright and have a good reportation. Not only that but full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom of God. These seven men must rule this or may appoint over this business. Seven deacons they must find who had these qualifications to do this. 

Acts 6 verse 4

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Verse 4: Further on the 12 apostles said this that they give themselves continually to prayer, to God and that they stay in the ministry of the Word of God. That this was their business, ministry: to preach the Word of God. That the other brethren had to keep themselves busy with the daily things like food and other priorities and over them the seven men or deacons. 

Acts 6 verse 5

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

Verse 5: The congregation of brethren were glad that the apostles had told them this and they chose Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon , Parmenas and Nicolas. These were no Jewish originally persons but Greacian persons because the murmur was to arise with the Greacian believers in Christ. Stephen was the first: a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost. We shall read more about this man in this chapter and chapter 7. The multitude was quick to find these men among them. This is striking! 

Acts 6 verse 6

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Verse 6: These seven men, deacons were set before the 12 apostles to be ordained as the really right men for this ministry. Seven Grecian believing men. First they prayed for these men and after that they, the 12 apostles laid their hands on these seven men. Now they were fully ordained for this ministry. It was Biblical to lay the hands on persons who begin a ministry. It was a aknowledgment that the person was chosen and was suitable for the ministry. 

Acts 6 verse 7

And the Word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly;

and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Verse 7: We see here three things: The Word of God increased, the number of disciples multiplied in Jerusalem, a great company of priests were obedient to the faith. First the Word of God increased or get bigger. Second the number of disciples multiplied. More people came to believe and sell all things and became disciples in Jerusalem. This was great!  And third very striking the company of the priests were obedient to the faith. They came to believe in God  and became obedient. This what happened there in Jerusalem. Now under this Dispensation of Grace in the practice daily it works not anymore like we see here in Acts 6. But God offers His Grace to everyone who wants to believe in His salvation in Jesus Christ 2 Corinthians 5:19-21. 

Acts 6 verse 8

 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Verse 8: Stephen, the first deacon was full of faith and power. That was one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2 verse 4 we read: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues like as of fire and it sat upon each of them. Power and full of faith in the Spirit. The faith here means faithfulness. In 1 Corinthians 12 verses 8-10 we read: For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues. We read here that people had different gifts of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2 the apostles on Pentecost had all the gifts of the Holy Spirit. What Stephen had was the wisdom. We read in Acts 6 verse 3 this: Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom (honest-honourable good) whom we may apooint over this business. The Spirit had control over him. Through the Spirit of God as believer you couldn't sin I John 3 verse 9: Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. Although everyone of these believers here had their own personality and we too as members of the Body of Christ. Stephen and the others were who were honest, impartial fair. Their reputation was honesty adn God delights in it. As in I Corinthians honesty was and is not mentioned.  Stephen did great wonders and miracles among the people in Jerusalem. In I Corinthians 1 verse 22 we read this:  For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom. As long as God was dealing with Israel and here in this chapter He was dealing with them great wonders and miracles and signs came among the people. Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit and had those gifts of the Holy Spirit and you read them here in this verse. 

Acts 6 verse 9

Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

Verse 9: Here we read that men stood up or rose up of the synagogue. These men were not the rulers of Israel. These men came outside Jerusalem and lived in several parts of the Roman Empire. These were Jewish people, not believers in God and Christ. It was again Pentecost a year later than Acts 2. In Luke 13 verses 6-9 we read the following verses: He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. The certain man who had a fig tree planted is God the Father. The vineyard is Israel. The three years are the 3 years of the ministry of Christ on earth, His earthly ministry. The dresser is our Lord Jesus Christ. In Isaiah 5 verse 7 we read: For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah His pleasant plant, and He looked for judgment, but behold oppresion for righteousness, but behold a cry. In Matthew 10 verse 17 the Lord Jesus Christ  warned His disciples this: But beware of men: for hey will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge (whip) you in their synagogues. And Acts 5:40-41 we read about this. This is exactly what happened here with Stephen. We read here about Jews from the synagogue of the Libertines: We have seen that those Jewish came outside of Jerusalem. They lived under captivity and had to suffer because  they, these Jews were in the minority and strangers, different from the people there and were in a way persecuted. The Libertines were busy with the Law like the other people here mentioned and they thought the Law of Moses could save them and seek their own righteousness. And that God would save them from their enemies. Now the enemies were the Romans. The Cyrenians, Alexandrians, also Jews with the ones of Cilicia and Asia. Paul, originally Saul of Tarsus was from Cilicia. In Acts 22 verse 3 we read that Paul said this:  I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according to the strict tradition of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, even as you all are this day. We see on the end of chapter 7 that Pauls then Saul named was witness of the stoning of Stephen. Probably he was already among the Jews who were from the synagogue of Cilicia who argued with Stephen. All those Jews (unbelievers) began to argue with Stephen. . They were very angry people and wanted Stephen to put to death. 

Acts 6 verse 10

And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

Verse 10: But these Jewish men couldn't resist Stephen with the wisdom he had and the spirit. Why not? Stephen was not a apostle. No he was a wailer. He spoke the truth and the truth on that moment from God. was on his side so nobody could resist him.  Which was in him and by which he spoke. The spirit of his words were gracious. And he used this in his own words.  It let us see that Stephen spoke the truth and in the next verse we read what false plan they made to resist Stephen. This is how the devil works: he is the one who blame persons and if he has the chance also blame us or try to blame us through false things. Now under the Dispensation of Grace whereunder we live now today we have the mind of Christ. In I Corinthians 2 verse 16 we read: For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he ma instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. We too can have that same as Stephen had if we know the truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God and can with the help of God tell others about it with the same conviction! And nobody can resist us too. Think about this!  Paul said to the Roman believers this in Romans 15 verse 14: And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

Acts 6 verse 11

Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

Verse 11: They couldn't resist Stephen and the wisdom and Spirit by which he spoke. So they created a diversion. They commit a wrongful act. They asked men, suborned men to say this: we have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God. This they say to the authorities of Israel, the political leaders of the folk. Stephen never said this but it was to accuse him falsely before the leaders like the high priest and elders of the folk. Also our Lord was falsely accused. We read in Matthew 26: 59-61: Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. These men would kill Stephen like they killed the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Acts 6 verse 12

And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,

Verse 12: They not only did this: they became very angry and poison their minds and rose up the people of Jerusalem, elders, scribes and not only this. They came upon him, Stephen and caught him and brought him to the council. So angry they were, these religious people. They became full of anger!

Long ago I was in Jerusalem and something like these anger, hate  I saw on the street and was witness of this. These were fanatic religious "Jewish people" and hated to hear about the Lord Jesus Christ and became very aggresive against persons who preached about Christ in the street and sing gospels. The believers had to be protected I saw by strong men and other strong men stopped these fanatic "Jewish"religious people. So I can imagine a little bit what happened here in this verse. They, these fanatic Jewish people here gnased their teeth, so full of anger they were Acts 7: 54 and Psalm 35:11 and 16. Here in this verse these fanatic religious people wanted to stop Stephen with his miracles and wonders! 

Acts 6 verse 13

And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak

blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

Verse 13: They, these fanatic religious people set up false witnesses who said this: This man (Stephen) ceaseth or stops not to speak blashemous words against this holy place the temple and the law. Never Stephen had spoken blasphemous words either against Moses or against God. But at this general accusation the people and elders and scribes take a grip him and bring him before the council. Stephen was preaching the resurrection of Christ. 

Acts 6 verse 14

For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place,

and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

Verse 14: The charge that Jesus of Nazareth was to destroy the temple, was practically the same as that which ad previously been brought against our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. We find this in Matthew 26:61: And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. Neither the Lord nor Stephen had made any such statement. Stephen again was preaching the resurrection of Christ and preached if any man would believe in Christ he or she will also be filled with the Holy Ghost and can do the law of Moses because the Spirit of God let him of her be fully obedience to God through the Law. These were false accusations from them against Stephen. The Lord had spoken of His body as this temple but so far from saying that He would break it down. If they would kill Him than after 3 days He would be resurrected.  He had said that if they broke it down He would raise it up again in three days John 2:19  Never Stephen spoke about a change of the customs . Luke 2:41,42. The seven feasts for Israel were still a custom to hold and they did inclusive all the believers and also Stephen. 

Acts 6 verse 15

And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

Verse 15: Alll that sat in the council. Who were they? First the high priest, the scribes like the Pharisees and the Saducees, elders of the folk Israel. They all looking firm on Stephen.  In general they all were angry persons who were enemies of God. They look at him and saw his face. It was like the face of an angel. The face of Stephen was like the face of Moses. In Exodus 34: 30 and 35 we read: And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. This was the beginning of the Dispensation of the Law!  And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. This same face shone Stephen had and this marks the end of the Dispensation of the law!   Maybe this frightened them all! It was a special appearance what they saw but they didn't know what this was! 

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Acts 7 verse 1

Then said the high priest, Are these things so?

Verse 1: Stephen stood before the high priest in the council. Stephen stood trial there. So the high priest began to ask him if the things what the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, all religious men and false witnesses had said were true. Did Stephen say that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place (temple) and shall change the customs which Moses delivered them. 

Acts 7 verse 2

And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared

unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

Verse 2: And Stephen began to explain them all in the council this. You see that he is very polite to these rulers (political) rulers of Israel. He said men, brethren and fathers. Very friendly. Stephen was full of the Holy Ghost and so he could tell them the whole story of the folk Israel. He said hearken. listen, hear!  The God of glory, the God Who made everything, who had made you and me. God of glory appeared unto father Abraham. Where? In Mesopotamia in Ur now Iraq. Before he dwelt in Charran. God said in Genesis 11: 31:  And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.

Acts 7 verse 3

And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred,

and come into the land which I shall shew thee.

Verse 3: God said unto Abraham when He appeared in glory to him when Abraham was in Mesopotamia in the place Ur: Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred and come into the land which I shall shew thee. So Stephen began to explain these leaders and high priest the whole history of the folk Israel and how God called Abraham the first father of the folk to let them understand it. 

Acts 7 verse 4

Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from

thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

Verse 4: Abraham went out of the land of the Chaldaeans and first dwelt in Charran and there his father Terah died. Abraham was 75 years old when he left Charran and moved into the land of Canaan, the land of Israel and this is the same country wherein the leaders now dwell. That they, these leaders will not forget this. Very observant of Stephen : wherein ye now dwell. When God hadn't promised Abraham this land then these leaders wouldn't dwell there in this land and may not even exist. But this was the plan of God, His earthly plan with Israel. 

Acts 7 verse 5

 And He gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.

Verse 5: God gave Abraham non inheritance in the land Canaan. Not that Abraham set his foot on. God promised that He would give it to him for a possession. That the land of Canaan would go to Abraham's  seed. This God promised to Abraham at the moment that Abraham had no child. Abraham was nearly 100 years old and Sarah 90 years old when they were still expected to believe that God would give them the promised seed. This opening words of Stephen had the purpose to let those leaders and the high priest of Israel stop and think because at the first it looked impossible  that Abraham should ever be the father of any great nation. 

Acts 7 verse 6

And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.

Verse 6: God spoke also this and wise words: that the seed of Abraham would dwell in a strange land which they did in Egypt. That they would live there under bondage and this happened there. The Egyptians oppressed them and they were slaves of Pharao and his government and Pharao entreat them evil 400 years. We read this in Genesis 15 verse 13: And He said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years. God spoke to Abraham these words and it  became reality later for his seed. 

Acts 7 verse 7

And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.

Verse 7: Israel is in a strange land and slaves of the nation . This is Egypt under their king Pharao. God said to Abraham I will judge this nation (Egypt). We know later in Exodus that God judged them with 10 plagues. After that God delivered His people Israel out of bondage and they should come forth and would serve God in this place (the temple) in the land Canaan. 

Acts 7 verse 8

 And He gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and

circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

Verse 8: And Stephen continued to say this:  God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. We read this in Genesis 17: 9 and 10:And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.  Abraham  begat Isaac his son and circumcised Isaac the eighth day. The circumcision was a token  of the covenant between God and Abraham. Abraham's son Isaac begat Jacob and Jacob begat 12 sons named the patriarchs. Later they became 12 tribes of Israel. 

Acts 7 verse 9

 And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

Verse 9: The patriarchs. The 10 older sons of Jacob,Israel, were so angry and full of envy. Why? In Genesis 37 verse 3 and 4 we read the reason why they moved with envy: Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. Later in this chapter we read in verse 23 and 24: And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. And in verse 26-28 we read:And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt. So they sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with Joseph. He didn't leave him. 

Acts 7 verse 10

And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight

of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

Verse 10: This verse correponds with Genesis 41 verse 37:  And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. God delivered Joseph out of jail and of all his afflictions. Pharao made Joseph governor over Egypt and all his house. Joseph became viceroy of Egypt because Joseph explained the dreams of Pharao with the help of God and through God's help Joseph gave Pharao advice what to do during the famine which would come also over Egypt see Genesis 41 verse 36. 

Acts 7 verse 11

Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

Verse 11: Stephen continues here about the famine that cmae over all the land of Egypt and also Canaan. A big distress there came. The 11 brothers of Joseph found no nutrition. We read here our fathers. It were not only the forefathers or patriarchs of Stephen, also from these leaders, elders and the high priest!  We read in Genesis 41 verses 54-57 this:  And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do. And the famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt. And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.

Acts 7 verse 12

But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.

Verse 12: Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt. How did he know this? Someone must have him told about it. In Genesis 42 verses 1-3 we read: Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another? And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die. And Joseph's ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt. 10 of them went, only Benjamin Jacobs youngest son he didn't send because of this: But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.

Acts 7 verse 13

And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren;

and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.

Verse 13: We read this in Genesis 45 verse 3: And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.  Pharaoh knew on that moment that Joseph's family came from Canaan, from Jacob who is also named Israel

Acts 7 verse 14

Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.

Verse 14: In Genesis 45 verses 9-28 we read that Joseph called his father Jacob to come to Egypt. In verse 28 we read: And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die. Jacob was willingly with all his kindred (children en grandchildren) to come to Egypt because the situation was untenable because of the famine. In Egypt was Joseph the governor of the whole land and had saved them from starvation, from death. This was the only posibility to go and also that Joseph was his loving son. He, Jacob was so glad that Joseph was alive so with gladness after so many years he went with his whole family to Egypt not knowing that whole Israel would stay there for many years. 

Acts 7 verse 15

So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,

Verse 15: In Egypt Jacob arrived and he died there and also all the 12 children of him. God told him, Jacob before he was in Egypt  this in Genesis 46 verse 3 and 4: And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes. All the family and the herds, flocks and all what they had they lived in the land of Goshen. See and read  Genesis 47! 

Acts 7 verse 16

And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.

Verse 16: This corresponds with this verses in Genesis 49 verse 29 and 30:And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, In the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a buryingplace. Abraham bougth this place of the sons of the men of Sychem. Not only Joseph was buried there later, all his brothers too were buried there in the cave of Machpelah after their death. 

Acts 7 verse 17

But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,

Verse 17: We read in Genesis 15 in verse 13 this: And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And we read in Exodus 1 verses 7-9 this: And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them. Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:

Acts 7 verse 18

Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph

Verse 18: The Bible doesn't mention when this king arose. The fact is fact is that he arose and knew not Joseph. It was to long ago to know about Joseph. Joseph and the other 11 brothers were for years not anymore in life so how could this Pharao know about it? The children of Israel, Jacob, lived in Egypt more than 400 years. 

Acts 7 verse 19

The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers,

so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

Verse 19: This Pharao who didn't know Joseph said this in Exodus 1:9 Behold the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we. And in verse 10 we read this: Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. This Pharao was subtle and dealt subtilly with our forefathers there in Egypt. He entreated the fathers of Israel evil and the folk had to stop growing. So babies etc under 2 years old had to be cast away, to be killed that they might not live. Precisely what the devil did through this Pharao. He was jealous and hated the people of Israel and was afraid that the children of Israel would be fighting against them. 

Acts 7 verse 20

In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:

Verse 20: In that time Moses was born. He was a beautiful baby. His father and mother nourished him up in their house. In Exodus 2: 2 and 3 we read: And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink.

Acts 7 verse 21

And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.

Verse 21: This verse corresponds with Exodus 2 verses 5-10. We read the whole story how Moses became the child of Pharao's daughter :And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it.  And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children. Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?  And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child's mother.  And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the women took the child, and nursed it.  And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.

Acts 7 verse 22

And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

Verse 22: So Moses grew up with the Egyptians and was with Pharaoh's daughter. He was like a prince and was mighty in words and in deeds. He had learned a lot what humans can learn. 

Acts 7 verse 23

 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.

Verse 23: Moses became 40 years old and in that year it came into his heart to see his bretrhen namely the children of Israel. He saw they were slaves of Pharao, that they suffered a lot under this slavery and wanted to do something about it. He knew he was originally also a Jew and was saved of his life because Pharao's daughter (his stepmother) had taken him out of the water and he was his son but not originally. 

Acts 7 verse 24

And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him,

and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:

Verse 24: Then Moses saw a Jewish person who suffered wrong. He came in action and defended this man and Moses avenged this wrong doing what happened to the Jewish man and murdered the Egyptian man. In Exodus 2 verse 11 and 12 we read: And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. So Moses became a murderer just as Paul was a murderer. 

Acts 7 verse 25

For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.

Verse 25: Moses thought that he his brethren, the children of Israel, by the hand of God could deliver. So he smote the Egyptian man and saved the Israelian man from the oppressor.  But these brethren  didn't understand Moses. In Exodus 2 verses 13 and 14 we read this: And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.

Acts 7 verse 26

And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?

Verse 26: This is exactly what happened  the day after Moses killed the Egyptian man. Now these brethren from Moses had a fight together and Moses asked them why they did this: that the one the other smote.

Acts 7 verse 27

But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?

Verse 27: And then from the wrongdoer Moses got this question: Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? Are you a prince and can judge over us? They saw that Moses was the prince of Egypt. They recognized him as a rich man of Egypt. 

Acts 7 verse 28

Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?

Verse 28: This question is directly from this man to Moses. You did kill the Egyptian man yesterday. It's my turn now that you kill me because of beating the other Jew? It was known that Moses had killed the Egyptian man. A lot of the children of Israel knew what had happened the day before. That's why this man asked Moses this. 

Acts 7 verse 29

Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.

Verse 29: In Exodus 2 verse 14 again we read this verse: And Moses feared and said, Surely this thing is known. After this Moses fled. In verse 15 we read of the same chapter this: Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. In Exodus 2 verse 21 we read: And Moses was content to dwell with the man in Midian and heJethro gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. And in verse 22 we read about Moses oldest son: And she, Zipporah,  bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

Acts 7 verse 30

And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.

Verse 30: We know Moses was 40 when he fled to Madian, near the mount Sinai. He got married with Zipporah, daughter of Jethro and got 2 sons and he continued to live there in the desert. When he became 80 years old, after 40 years, there appeard to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. In Exodus 3 we read in verse 2 we read:  And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. That was really something!. The bush burned with fire and the bush was not destroyed, not consumed. 

Acts 7 verse 31

When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,

Verse 31: When Moses saw this he was surprized to see this. He drew near. In verse 3 of Exodus 3 we continue to read: And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. Then the voice of the Lord came unto him. In verse 4 we read: And when theLordsaw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. God called him, Moses out of the midst of the bush. He said Moses, Moses. The same He said to Paul in Acts 9 when He called Saul of Tarsus hundred of years after He called Moses! In Acts 9 verse 4 we read: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Moses heard the voice and said immediately here am I when God called him. And Paul, then Saul said in Acts 9: And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Both men Moses and Paul were murderers. They were called by the Lord. 

Acts 7 verse 32

Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.

Verse 32: Moses stood before God. The God Who hath made him and told Moses that He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob the fathers of Moses. To hear the voice of God directly wat to be afraid of. So Moses trembled or shaked when he heard de voice of God speaking to him. Durst not behold: Moses was afraid to see it so he had not the courage for this. In Exodus 3 verse 6 we read this: Moreover He said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

Acts 7 verse 33

 Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.

Verse 33: The place where the Lord appeared to Moses was holy ground so it was not appropriate to wear shoes. So the Lord asked Moses to put off his shous from his feet. Moses obeyed and did this. In Exodus 3 verse 5 we read this: And He said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

Acts 7 verse 34

 I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.

Verse 34: This is what God said to Moses. We read this in Exodus 3 verses 7-10: And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.  God send Moses to Egypt to be the leader of the folk of Israel and to go to Pharaoh and saying Let my people go

Acts 7 verse 35

This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send

to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.

Verse 35: Moses whom they refused and said to him who made thee a ruler and a judge!  Why was this. He was the prince of Egypt and looked as a prince of the kingdom of Egypt. Probably he had the clothes on from a prince. So maybe that was also a reason to say to him who made thee a ruler and a judge. But the main reason was that everyone knew that he killed the Egyptian man who beated the Israelian slave/ man. Now God send Moses after 40 years back to Egypt to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel of God which appeared to him in the bush. Moses was then at the age of 80 years. Not a young man anymore but God used him for this. For God nothing is impossible! 

Acts 7 verse 36

 He brought them out, after that He had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt,

and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

Verse 36: One of the wonders God showed in the land of Egypt was this in Exodus 7 verse 20:And Moses and Aaron did so, as theLordcommanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood And delivering from the Egyptians forever was at the Red sea we read in Exodus 14 verses 9-13: But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon. And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. Then in verses 23 till 30 we read:And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch theLordlooked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for theLordfighteth for them against the Egyptians. And theLordsaid unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and theLordoverthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. So the folk Israel was free from slavery and they were after this 40 years in the wilderness. 

Acts 7 verse 37

This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise

up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.

Verse 37: Moses spoke to the children of Israel that in the future there will be a Prophet whom the Lord God will raise up unto them  and also to Moses and that they shall hear.  A Prophet bigger than Moses himself. In Deuteronomy 18 verse 15 we can read this again: The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken. They should listen to this Prophet. Now afterwards we know that this is the Lord Jesus Christ to Whom they would listen. Like unto me: the meaning is as myself. But bigger then Moses is. 

Acts 7 verse 38

 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina,

and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

Verse 38: First we see and read here in this verse this is he. Who is the he? That is Moses. The church in the wilderness. What kind of church God is speaking of? The children of Israel because Israel was in the wilderness. Moses spoke with the angel on the mount Sinai. Also with the ones who were with Moses. Moses received the lively oracles of God and gave it to the children of Israel. He received the Law of God and the 10 commandments on tables. A part of prophecy. 

Acts 7 verse 39

To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,

Verse 39: The Israelites, children of Israel in the wilderness wouldn't obey Moses as their leader. They didn't want his authority above them. They rejected Moses and their hearts turned back again into Egypt. The children of Israel murmured a lot against Moses and God when they were in the wilderness. Sometimes it was because of thirst. In Numbers 11 verse 4 and 5 we read:And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.  They forgot that Moses under leading of God had delivered them out of Egypt and their hearts turned back again into Egypt! They were never satisfied with the situation they were now in de wilderness.  Always murmuring against Moses and God and they didn't see at a moment Moses not anymore as their leader. Specially when he was on the mount Sinai to receive the Law of God for the folk. 

Acts 7 verse 40

Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses,

which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

Verse 40: This we read in Exodus 32 verses 1-8 the following verses because this is the whole story what the children of Israel did: making gods they could see and not the living God Who had made them whom they couldn't see. They made a big sin against God. This was total disobedience to God:  And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to theLord. And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. And theLordsaid unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. The meaning of we wot not what is become of him means we don't know what happened to him, Moses. They thought maybe he would not return anymore to them. They became impatient and would not deal with God but they wanted to have gods like the nations had and what they had seen also in Egypt. 

Acts 7 verse 41

And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

Verse 41: They made a golden calf in those days and what we already read in the last commentary on verse 40. They offered unto a idol! They, the children of Israel became idol worshippers and offered to this idol, this golden calf and rejoiced in their own works what they had made with their hands. They forgot God in totality. This was the first time the children of Israel bowed down and made feast of it to this idol they had made with their own hands. Later they bowed down for Baal and Astarte who were the gods of ancient Canaan. 

Acts 7 verse 42

Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?

Verse 42: God turned. Then God rotated so that they would worship the host of heaven, the heir of heaven.  This is written in the book of the prophets. Now house of Israel. The question is asked from God to Israel have you offered me beasts and sacrifices 40 years long in the wilderness. 

Acts 7 verse 43

Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures

which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

Verse 43: The children of Israel, the forefathers of the people who were listening to Stephen when he said this, took up the tabernacle that is the tent, the dwelling place of God. Beside this they took also the star of their god Remphan to whom they worshipped in the form of figures. God said to them I will carry you away beyond Babylon. The ten tribes were carried away earlier to Assyria and later the inhabitans of the 2 tribes Judah were carried away to Babylon. This was because that they didn't obey God and worshipped Him. They worshipped idols and ancient gods like Baal, Remphan and other gods. In Jeremiah 32 verse 29-30 we read: And the Chaldeans, that fight against this city, shall come and set fire on this city, and burn it with the houses, upon whose roofs they have offered incense unto Baal, and poured out drink offerings unto other gods, to provoke me to anger.  For the children of Israel and the children of Judah have only done evil before me from their youth: for the children of Israel have only provoked me to anger with the work of their hands, saith the Lord.

Acts 7 verse 44

Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.

Verse 44: In the wilderness, the Sinai desert, the fathers of Israel had the tabernacle and God had this appointed and had spoken to Moses that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen. God showed Moses the whole tabernacle. How we don't know but Moses knew after that exactly how this tabernacle had to be build. Probably God showed Moses in a vision this heavenly tabernacle and it was engraved in the head afterwards of Moses so that he could very well remember this. Because Moses had a small part of the Bible, not the whole Bible at that time but he knew exactly the will of God. 

Acts 7 verse 45

Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Joshua into the possession of the Gentiles,

whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;

Verse 45: Stephen continued here in this verse about the tabernacle of God. With Joshua their forefathers brought the tabernacle in the land of Canaan and they conquered the country with God's power because God drove all the Gentiles who lived there in Canaan out before the eyes of their forefathers till the days of David. In Psalm 78 verse 55 we read the following verse: He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents. He that is God because He cast out the heathen out of the land of Canaan and made the 12 tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents, houses. It was by the operation of God. Under this Dispensation of Grace God is not working or dealing with the folk Israel Romans 11: 25. He deals now with individual man like you and me. 

Acts 7 verse 46

Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

Verse 46: Who is? That is David. He found favour before God. In Psalm 78 verses 70 and 71 we read:He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. David desired to find the tabernacle for God and wanted to make a house for God. We read in 2 Samuel 7 verses 1-6 the following verses about this: And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and theLordhad given him rest round about from all his enemies; That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for theLordis with thee. And it came to pass that night, that the word of theLordcame unto Nathan, saying Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith theLord, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in? And in verses 12 and 13 we read: And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.  He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

Acts 7 verse 47

But Solomon built Him an house.

Verse 47: To built the temple it was the task for Solomon to built this. We read in 2 Samuel 7 verse 13 already that Solomon had to built the temple, the temple for the Lord. In the book of I Kings you can read about it in chapter 6, 7. 

Acts 7 verse 48

Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

Verse 48: God, the most High lives not in temples made with hands. In Acts 17 verse 24-25 we read the following verses: God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed any thing, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; In I Kings 8 verse 27 we read Salomon speaking here these words:But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

Acts 7 verse 49

 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

Verse 49: This is what God said and Stephen is quoting these words from God to let them see that God is not dwelling in the temple which is build with hands. The earth is the footstool of God. The question is of the Lord this: what is the place of my rest? In Psalm 115 verse 16 we read this: The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's, but the earth hath He given to the children of men. 

Acts 7 verse 50

 Hath not my hand made all these things?

Verse 50: Yes God had made everything with His hand. In Psalm 33 verse 6 we read: By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. In Colossians 1 verse 16 we read the following verse: For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him.

Acts 7 verse 51

 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist

the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Verse 51: Strong words of Stephen on the address of the political leaders of Israel, high priest, Sadducees and Pharisees, elders of the folk! After Stephen had told them the whole story of Israel now he speaks to them  these hard words: Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears. The tone of Stephen's message changes because the rulers would reject any supplication of Stephen. He sensed that they wouldn't listen much longer. He said no longer here our fathers but your fathers and charged them with resisting the Holy Spirit of God because of murdering Christ and despising Moses and the Law he gave to Israel. The resisting of the Holy Ghost is the unpardonable sin of which the Lord when He was on earth had warned them. We can read this in Matthew 12: 31 and 32: Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Those leaders were not aware about this because they were unbelievers so they didn't understand what Stephen told them. 

Acts 7 verse 52

Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before

of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

Verse 52: Again Stephen is saying here your fathers and not our fathers. All the propheths were persecuted by their fathers and also they have slain them which shewed the coming of the Just One our Lord Jesus Christ. They hated all those prophets of God and all the men who prophesied of the coming of the Just One. And the Just One Jesus Christ they became now betrayers and murderers. In Chapter 3 verse 14 we saw already this: But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you. 

Acts 7 verse 53

Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

Verse 53: From the sin against the Holy Ghost now Stephen goes to the fact that they are against Christ and here in this verse we read and heard Stephen say to them that they are against the Law of Moses. They had received the Law the disposition of angels, the constitution of the law and had not kept the law he said. The most important fact here is that their sin against the Holy Ghost or Spirit of God that which sealed their doom. Stephen stood before them and was filled with the Holy Spirit and he was supernaturally transformed. His face was he face of an angel. It was the end of the Dispensation of the Law which begun with Moses and ended with Stephen's dead. 

Acts 7 verse 54

When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

Verse 54: What happened to these leaders and high priest of the folk of Israel when they heard Stephen speaking to them? He said that their fathers had persecuted all the prophets of God, hath slain them which shewed the coming of Christ and that they were betrayers and murderers with the nations of Christ. And that they resisted always the Holy Ghost. They these leaders denied by this saying God in totality! They didn't want to believe in Him. And now they were cut to the heart. What does that mean? To be overcome with emotional anguish distress, fear!  And just after this they gnased with their teeth on Stephen. What does that mean? His words were more than their guilty consciences could bear and they had murder in their hearts. They were so angry and the next step was to kill Stephen for these words. They couldn't bear it because it was so deep, so deep words! 

Acts 7 verse 55

 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

Verse 55: Stephen was standing there just before his passing away and was full of the Holy Spirit. He looked up and stedfastly into heaven. He saw heaven and he sawa the glory of God! And the Lord Jesus Christ was standing on the right hand of God. What does that mean that He was standing on the right hand of God? In Mark 16 verse 19 we read this:So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And Hebrews 10 teaches also that the Lord  sat down at the Father's right hand because the work of salvation is done, is finished. But here we read He is standing. Why? There is a deeper significance here in this verse. In Psalm 110 verse 1 we read: The Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool . Christ was on the point to outpour God's wrath, to judge the whole world on that moment. The whole world was on that moment ripe for the wrath of God. That's why Christ was standing. 

Acts 7 verse 56

And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

Verse 56: Stephen told the men, the rulers, the Sadducees and the Pharisees, the elders, the high priest what he saw on that moment and that was clear: He, Stephen saw it, he said this: I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man is standing on the right hand of God. Standing because He would come to earth to judge the whole world because the sin against the Holy Spirit which they commit would not be forgiven. The world inclusive Israel as folk who joined the world , the nations, was ripe for the judgment and wrath of God through Jesus Christ. 

Acts 7 verse 57

 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

Verse 57: These rulers and others cried out with a loud voice. That was their reaction upon Stephen told them before. They didn't wait for the decision what the high priest would say. No they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears with fingers in their ears and ran upon Stephen unitedly. So they catched him and in the next verse we read what they did with him. 

Acts 7 verse 58

 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

Verse 58: These mad, angry men cast Stephen out of the city. They were not aware what they were doing. They were unbelievers and haters of God! These rulers committed the unpardonable sin, the sin against the Holy Ghost. They were murderers and they committed three brutal murders. These three muders represent Israel's response to God's three-fold call to repentance. It was John the Baptist, the last prophet of the Old Testament who was sent as the forerunner of Christ to call Israel to repentance. He was beheaded by the wicked Herod. After that Jesus Christ they crucified Him Who had cried to them: Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Then at Pentecost Israel was given a third oppertunity to repent until they shed blood again through stoning Stephen to death. With John the Baptist they permitted it, with the crucifixion of Christ they demanded it and here with the stoning of Stephen  they committed it. So they began to stone Stephen after that they cast him out of the city. And the witnesses who had testified valsely against Stephen laid down their clothes at a young man's feet whose name was Saul. Why they laid down their upperclothes at the feet of Saul? Maybe with less clothes they could better throw stones to Stephen.  Saul of Tarsus was this man and he didn't know Christ on earth. He was not among these leaders who knew Jesus was the Christ and knew their sin was unpardonable. At the stoning of Stephen Saul of Tarsus was for the first time in the picture. He was a blashemer and we know from I Timothy 1: 12-13 this: And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;  Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

Acts 7 verse 59

 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Verse 59: They stoned Stephen, inclusive these false witnesses who falsely accused him to death. He, Stephen called upon God and said Lord Jesus receive my spirit. He knew the end of his life was very near, his passing away was near. This stoning he couldn't survive. A lot of people stoned him to death. In  Acts 22: 18 we read this when Paul was in Jerusalem: And saw Him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. The apostle Paul said this in Acts 22: 19-20 this: And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. Yes Saul of Tarsus, later Paul named because of his apostleship was in shame what happened unto Stephen that he was stoned to death and he was standing there and consented unto the death of Stephen. Saul of Tarsus was on that moment a unbeliever, the biggest enemy of God and this everything in unbelief and ignorancy

Acts 7 verse 60

 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Verse 60: Stephen kneeled down just before he passed away to be with the Lord and cried with a loud voice and said this: Lord , lay not this sin to their charge. He knew exactly what he was asking the Lord Jesus Christ at that moment. The sin against the Holy Ghost and that this will not be forgiven. This the Lord Jesus Christ had told the people when He was on earth: Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Matthew 12:31-32.  After saying this with this loud voice to God, a cry Stephen fell asleep. With this God's dealing with Israel stopped. The Dispensation of the Law stopped here. This is the sin Israel committed and this is their fall!  They didn't want God the Father I Samuel 8:7, They rejected the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son and with the Romans they crucifief Him and herein Acts 7 they rejected the Holy Ghost. So they rejected God in totality and thats why God stopped His earthly plan for a time with the nation Israel and began a new Dispensation namely the Dispensation of the Grace of God Ephesians 3:1-3. Therefore God saved later in Chapter 9 of Acts Saul of Tarsus who was witness of the death of Stephen and the most biggest enemy of God by His Grace through faith in Christ alone and send him with the Gospel of the Grace of God and Paul brought to all nations, Gentiles or made known the Dispensation of the Grace of God whereunder we still live my brother and sister! 

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Acts 8 verse 1

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Verse 1: And Saul. Here this chapter begins with Saul. Who was Saul? He was Saul of Tarsus and here we see him as a blashemer and a persecutor. This persecution which came after the stoning of Stephen. And Saul of Tarsus was the leader of this. In I Timothy 1 verses 12-13 we read:And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. In verse 1 here we read that Saul was consenting unto Stephen's death. The persecution began and this was great. This was the persecution to the Jerusalem church. All the believers were scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. This whole area. They all, these believers of this church,  fled because of the persecution under leading of Saul of Tarsus. Only the 12 apostles stayed in Jerusalem. Why they stayed at Jerusalem? The Word of God had to be preached and the 12 apostles were busy to bring God's Word to the Jews. That was their task. They had to begin in Jerusalem with the Word of God to preach. 

Acts 8 verse 2

And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

Verse 2:  And devout men or faithful men carried the corpse of Stephen to his burial. They buried him. Most of the times persons were buried in the Bible. These same men and others who were on this burial made great lamentation over him. He Stephen was a man of God and told always the truth and it was to seen that God was working in him through His Spirit. Now he was stoned by the ones who accused him, the false witnesses to death. These men and maybe the ones who were left in Jerusalem because of the great persecution,  were very sad: great lamentation about Stephen's death! They missed him very much!  His reasonings according the Word of God were very strong because he Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit. He spoke only the truth! 

Acts 8 verse 3

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house,

and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Verse 3: Saul of Tarsus was the leader of the rebellion against God! He was the blashemer, the persecutor of the church of Jerusalem. He made havock of the church with other words he destroyed and damaged the whole church of Jerusalem He entered into every house and halig men and women and committed them to prison. Later in Acts 26 before king Agrippa the apostle Paul said this: I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.  And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

Acts 8 verse 4

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Verse 4: Here you see that the believers of the Jerusalem church fled for their lives and were scattered abroad. In spite of the sufferings and persecutions they went every where and preached the Word of God. The Gospel of the Kingdom and what they knew about Gods Word. The Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24 was not yet revealed at that moment. They had started in Jerusalem and after one year at the time of Pentecost the Dispensation of the Law ended there with the stoning of Stephen and we have seen in verse 3 that Saul was the biggest persecutor of the church of Jerusalem. On the other hand the believers who were scattered abroad didn't give up the mood and courage like Stephen and the 12 apostles did to tell people about the Lord Jesus Christ and that He is the Savior and King of Israel and that He would reign one day as King over Israel. In this they followed the 12 apostles and brought the Gospel of the Kingdom further over de wide area. 

Acts 8 verse 5

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

Verse 5: Now we see Philip for the second time in Acts. In Acts 6 verse 5 we read again: And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch. We see here in this verse that Philip was the second whom the church of Jerusalem choose after Stephen. Now Stephen was not anymore Philip began to preach Christ in the city of Samaria unto the ones who wanted to listen. He was one of the deacons they had chosen because of murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews because of thir widows who were neglected in the daily ministration. He preached Christ that He was alive from the death and that He would come very soon to the earth to reign as King. The Gospel of the Kingdom he preached to them. Philip was the evangelist!  We read in Acts 21 verse 8 the following verse: And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven (deacons) ; and abode with him.

Acts 8 verse 6

And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake,

hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

Verse 6: The people of the city of Samaria gave with one accord heed unto those things, the Word of God which Philip spook to them. The Word of God came directly to them. We know from Hebrews 4 verse 12 this: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The Word of God Philip spoke to them was convincing them. They listened to the Word of God, they payed attention to it and they took it to their hearts. Not only they heard the Word of God also they saw the miracles which Philip did. Philip was filled with the Holy Spirit and had the gifts of the Holy Spirit and could do miracles like healings and other miracles like casting out unclean spirits. We read this in the next verse. 

Acts 8 verse 7

For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were

possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

Verse 7: Unclean spirits who were in persons there who were possessed of these came out of them and this miracle Philip through the Spirit of God did this. And many people were taken with palsies and the ones who were lame were healed. As long as God was dealing with Israel there was healing and miracles like this. God didn't yet here bring in the new Dispensation of Grace. This the people here didn't know, it was hid for them. So many were healed and nowadays under this Dispensation of Grace we don't see this happen. 

Acts 8 verse 8

 And there was great joy in that city.

Verse 8: There was great joy in the city of Samaria. Because God did a lot of miracles through Philip in this city and this was exactly in the line of the Dispensation of the Law and under the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom. People there were very glad. There was gladness, triumph, rejoicing because of all those healing of lame, palsies, unclean spirits out of persons! 

Acts 8 verse 9

 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

Verse 9: We see here a certain man called Simon who was before Philip in the city of Samaria and this man used witchcraft and bewitched the people of Samaria. He facinated the people with his witchcraft. People liked it and you read here and that you still see in this world still: he gave himself and say of himself that he was someone, that he was a great man, a great one. This shows us that Simon was a braggert, an egoistic man. The things he did was to get better of it. 

Acts 8 verse 10

To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

Verse 10: The people of the city of Samaria gave heed to Simon. They hung on him. Remarkable here in this verse is that the least to the greatest said this: This man is the great power of God. They were bewithched by his sorcery, by his witchcraft and believed this came from God and that God had send this man Simon to them. Jewish people would like wonders and signs and now they had it. People from nature in general like to hear false things and believe lies. This man Simon was a lyer, a magician. Nowadays a lot people in this world still believes in witchcraft and like the lie instead of searching for the truth namely the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24, Romans 16:25-26

Acts 8 verse 11

And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

Verse 11: To him, that is Simon, they had respect because a long time he had bewitched, fascinated them with witchcraft or deviltry. For sure the natural, unbelieving man likes to be fascinated with deviltry because he don't believe in God and His truth and he don't know what is truth like Pontius Pilate who said to our Lord Jesus Christ what is truth? They believed the lies Simon told them and let it see for their eyes. 

Acts 8 verse 12

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God,

and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Verse 12: Then Philip, one of the 7 deacons of the church of Jerusalem began to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom and that people had to believe in the name of Jesus Christ and began to baptize people men and women there in the city of Samaria. Now they trusted Philip and his preaching concerning the Gospel of the Kingdom. So they turned from witchcraft to the Word of God. What a turnaround these people there made! 

Acts 8 verse 13

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Verse 13: Then Simon , who bewitched before Philip preached about the Gospel of the Kingdom, the people with sorceries, was convinced through what Philip preached believed it and was baptized. He stayed the whole time in the neighbourhood of Philip. He saw the signs and the miracles who were done through Philip and wondered about it. He realized that he couldn't do such big miracles and signs before the people so that's why he wondered about it. 

Acts 8 verse 14
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria

had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

Vers 14: The apostles because of the persecution of the church of Jerusalem after Stephen's death under leading of Saul of Tarsus stayed at Jerusalem and heard now that in Samaria also the people received the Word of God. So they send Peter and John who were the pillars of the church at Jerusalem. These were the ones who were in Acts 3 and 4 were the speakers to the folk of Israel. The most important apostles of the 12 apostles and it was now important because of the Word of God that was preached and believed but one important thing did not happend there and that we read in the next verses. 

Acts 8 verse 15

Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

Verse 15: The apostles Peter and John came there in Samaria. What was missing from the people was this: they had not received after believing the Holy Ghost. They believed what Philip preached to them: the Gospel of the Kingdom and believed the miracles and signs because they had seen it and were baptized with water but the Holy Spirit: they were not filled with the Holy Spirit like in Acts 2 with Pentecost. So Peter and John prayed that they (the people) might receive the Holy Ghost. 

Acts 8 verse 16

 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Verse 16: Again none of them was filled with the Holy Spirit there in the city of Samaria. The Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost was yet fallen upon none of them. They only were baptize in the Name of the Lord Jesus. So it was not complete for them. If the Holy Spirit was fallen upon them then it was complete under that Dispensation, under the Gospel of the Kingdom! 

Acts 8 verse 17

 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Verse 17: Then Peter and John laid their hands on the people in Samaria and they received the Holy Ghost at that moment. They were on that moment also filled with the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost was upon them. And the signs followed! 

Acts 8 verse 18

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

Verse 18: Simon who was always in the neighbourhood, who stood litterally with Philip and wondered what he saw what kind of miracles Philip did by the Holy Spirit of God saw also what Peter and John did when they arrived there in the city of Samaria. They layed on their hands on the people who believed and they received from them the Holy Ghost. He wanted also that Holy Ghost and thought this was to pay with money so he offered Peter and John money

Acts 8 verse 19

Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

Verse 19: Simon, the wizard not only tried to offer Peter and John money but asked or beggged them this: Give me also this power, this power of the Holy Spirit so that I can also lay my hands on whomsoever so that they receive the Holy Ghost but his heart was not right and that we see in the next verses. 

Acts 8 verse 20

But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought

that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Verse 20: Peter saw this and heard this from Simon. He saw the man Simon his heart was not right. Peter told Simon this: thy money perish or pass away with thee. Why? We read the answer directly because Simon hast thought that the gift of God, the Holy Ghost may be obtained with money. This gift was and is from God and cannot be paid with money because God gave His Spirit to everyone who really believed in Him through the Lord Jesus Christ and in His Name. 

Acts 8 verse 21

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

Verse 21: Peter continued here in this verse and these were very hard words towards Simon but it was right what Peter said through the Holy Spirit. He said Simon thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter. To receive the Holy Spirit. Why not? Simon believed as well? No he didn't believe because his heart was not right in the sight of God. That's why Peter and John couldn't gave him this gift of God: receiving the Holy Ghost. 

Acts 8 verse 22

 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the

thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Verse 22: In this verse Peter continued to talk to Simon and said repent. That was the most important thing Simon had to do: to repent from his wickedness and pray to God upright so that God could forgive him, his heart. Repentance has to do with Jewish persons who returned to God again after their walking away from God. For us we have to say under this Dispensation of Grace this in II Corinthians 5: 20: Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.With other words God hath made peace with all men, with the world.  What men must do is to be reconciled to Him. So it is to say yes to the peace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Because we read in verse 19 this: To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Acts 8 verse 23

For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

Verse 23: How did Peter know what was going on in Simon's heart? Through the Holy Ghost because Peter was filled of the Holy Spirit and had the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The discerning of spirits he had this gift. So that's why he said to Simon I perceive with other words observe, grasped that Simon art in the gall of bitterness. Simon's heart was bitter. It implies that the iniquity of Simon bound him as with the iron chains of a habit from which he could not free himself. He was bound to it. This is what Peter saw, discerned in Simon

Acts 8 verse 24

Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me,

that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

Verse 24: Simon gave a answer to Peter saying: Pray in my stead to the Lord that none of these things you have told me come upon me. He didn't want that he met with misfortune. He was more concerned about avoiding judgment than getting right with God. There is no indication or word in the Word of God that Simon repented and sougth forgiveness. Simon was never born again. He came not to believe in Christ. 

Acts 8 verse 25

And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem,

and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

Verse 25: Peter and John preached and testified the Word of the Lord: the Gospel of the Kingdom in many villages of the Samaritans. Many of the inhabitans of Samaria heard the Word of God.  After this Peter and John returned to Jerusalem. The doors were open in Samaria for the Word of God namely the Gospel of the Kingdom. It was in the power of the Holy Ghost they did this so the Word of God came very clear to the people's ears. 

Acts 8 verse 26

And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the

south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

Verse 26: In this verse see we again Philip. We know Philip was in Samaria. There he preached . A lot of people believed there in the city of Samaria, were baptized but not after this imediately received the Holy Ghost so the apostles Peter and John came from Jerusalem who laid hands on the believers there and they received the Holy Ghost. After Peter had spoken to Simon that he had to repent to the Lord Peter and John returned to Jerusalem. Philip still was there in Samaria and now the Lord spoke unto Philip. The Lord gave Philip the mission to go to the south to the way from down from Jerusalem unto Gaza which is the desert. God said to Philip arise and go toward the south. The call was clear. And what Philip do? We read this in the next verse!

Acts 8 verse 27

 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

Verse 27: Philip what did he do? He arose and went to the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza. There on that way a man of Ethiopia who was an eunuch. What is an eunuch? Eunuchs weremen who were castrated in order to be trusted in overseeing the king's domestic interests, especially in protecting king's harems. This eunuch had a great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians. Candace is a royal title from the Bible. A “Candace, queen of the Ethiopians” is mentioned in the Bible when the apostle Philip meets “a eunuch of great authority” under her reign and converts him to Christianity. This eunuch had the charge of all the treasure of the queen and had to come to Jerusalem to worship. To worship God and to pray to God. 

Acts 8 verse 28

Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

Verse 28: This Eunuch was on the way back to Ethiopia now on the way to Gaza and sitting in his chariot,  he read the prophet Esaias. This was the book of Esaias. In the next verses we see that the Eunuch didn't had knowledge what he was reading. That's why Philip was in the neighbourhood of this man and we see in the next verses that Philip explained the Eunuch what he was reading. 

Acts 8 verse 29

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

Verse 29: The Holy Ghost, the Spirit of God said unto Philip: Go near, and join thyself to this Eunich of Ethiopia in his chariot. Philip had to explain things of the Word of God of the prophet Esaias and we read later what it was. 

Acts 8 verse 30

And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias,

and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

Verse 30: Philip ran to these Eunich from the way and then Philip heard the Eunich reading from the prophet Esaias. Philip heard this Eunich. Apparently this Eunich read out loud the words of the Prophet Esaias. Now Philip asked the Eunich this: understandest thou what thou readest? The Eunich didn't know what he read in the book of Esaias the prophet. That's why Philip asked him this. 

Acts 8 verse 31

And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me?

And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

Verse 31: The Eunich said to Philip: How can I, except that somebody should guide me, should explain to me? So the Eunich didn't know what he read from the scroll of the prophet Esaias. We know the natural man cannot understand the Word of God and this is exactly what we see here. The Eunich desired Philip that he would come up the chariot and sit next to him and that Philip should explain to him. 

Acts 8 verse 32

The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;

and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

Verse 32: The Eunich read the scroll of Esaias and the place of scripture he read was this in Isaiah 53 verses 7 and 8: He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. The Eunich didn't know that here in this Scripture God spoke about His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. The Eunich didn't know that this had happened. 

Acts 8 verse 33

 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation?

for His life is taken from the earth.

Verse 33: The Eunich read probably the Septuagint, the Greek translation of this passage. This was for Philip who was himself a Grecian, easy to explain this passage of Isaiah to this Eunich. What means in His humiliation: in his degradation His judgment was taken away. His judgment to jugde the whole world, in stead of this it was God's love through Christ to save the world and pay for the sins of the world, for everyone! Who shall declare His generation? What does that mean?   “Who will give His genesis? Who will reveal his genealogy? Who will give the source from whence He sprang? For His life is taken form the earth? 'His generation' can also refer to His descent, where we may think of His pre-existence as the eternal Son and His lowly descent as a Man from the carpenter's family of Joseph. None of His contemporaries are concerned with that. For them He was taken from the earth, His life is over and He no longer exists.

Acts 8 verse 34

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this?

of himself, or of some other man?

Verse 34: The Eunuch asked Philip this question and he begged earnestly Philip saying: of Whom speaketh the prophet Esaias this? Is he speaking about himself or is he speaking about another Man? This let you see that what the Eunuch read was not clear to him. He didn't understand it. We as believers in Christ because we have the whole Bible, the whole Word of God we can understand that this is about the Lord Jesus Christ. This Eunuch didn't know about the Lord Jesus Christ. He had never heard about the Lord Jesus Christ and what He had done! The Eunuch was very curious to know it and was earnest about it. He wanted to know the truth and if a person wants to know the truth God will explain to him or her the truth. For this I am very convinced because this happened to me also more than 40 years ago. 

Acts 8 verse 35

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

Verse 35: Philip sat next to the Eunuch of Ethiopia and he opened his mouth and began from that scripture of Esaias 53 to explain to this Eunuch what it meant and he preached the Eunuch Jesus Christ. What exactly did Philip say to this Eunuch? Philip explained these 2 verses of Esaias 53 (7 and 8) and the Ethiopian Eunuch began to understand the Gospel of the Kingdom because the Spirit of God opened his mind to God's truth! In general it is not enough for a lost sinner to desire salvation: he or she has also to understand God's plan of salvation. In the time of Philip with the Eunuch to be saved was different than now under the Dispensation of God's Grace. We are now saved by Grace alone, by Faith alone and in Christ alone and not by works. In that time under the former Dispensation under which the Eunuch lived it was believing in Christ and work (to be baptized) and keep all the commandments of God (the Law). What important is is this that a person may understand what the scriptures of God teach or what God said in His Word so faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God Romans 10:17. God could have revealed His good news of Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, to this Eunuch directly without human instrumentality but God does this seldom. He uses men to communicate the Good News to each other. In Philip's day God was still dealing with Israel as a nation and the kingdom rights of Christ were proclaimed. That is what Philip told also the Eunuch according the Gospel of Gods Kingdom. 

Acts 8 verse 36

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said,

See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

Verse 36: They that are the Eunuch and Philip who were on the chariot next of each other. They went their way and then they came near a water. The eunuch said to Philip here is water and to be saved was not only believing in Christ, also to be baptized with water. So that's why he asked this: what doth hinder me to be baptized. He wanted to be baptized by Philip in the water. On that moment the Eunuch believed in Christ  and was convinced by the Scriptures of God's Word. The only step for him was now to be baptized and then he was saved. 

Acts 8 verse 37

And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.

And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Verse 37: A good answer Philip gave the eunuch on that moment: if thou believes with all thine heart thou mayest. The eunuch answered and said: I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. To believe in His Name he had to believe this eunuch and he believed this. The glory of the cross, the finished work of Christ was not made known at that moment because God was still dealing with Israel and it was believing and be baptism with water. It was known with God but hidden for men at that moment. This came later with the conversion of Saul of Tarsus and the calling of Saul by God. 

 

 

Acts 8 verse 38

 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water,

both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Verse 38: The eunuch commanded his servants to stand still the chariot. After that Philip and the eunuch went down into the water. There is no proof how far the went down into the water. It is not mentioned in this verse that the eunuch was submerged by Philip what a lot of believers in Christ believe that this is the only water baptism for today and also practice that. Nowhere in the Scripture, in the Word of God,  we can find this waterbaptism: that a person was submerged by someone who baptized him or her. So immersion can be concluded as a unscriptural act what people use in baptizing people with water. So they went both into the water and Philip baptized the eunuch. Baptism with water was always sprinkling in Bible times. 

Acts 8 verse 39

And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip,

that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Verse 39: The eunuch and Philip came out of the water and then something happened suddenly namely the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip. This was something special! The Spirit of God caught his servant Philip away. Philip was taken away from the eunuch and the eunuch saw Philip no more. However the eunuch was not sad at that moment no not at all he went on his way home in Ethiopia rejoicing. He was so glad that he was now a believer and he praised God and rejoiced in Him. 

Acts 8 verse 40

But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Verse 40: Philip was taken away by the Spirit of God and was found at Azotus. This was not far away from Gaza the earlier country of the Philistines. He preached there the Gospel of the Kingdom and from the Lord Jesus Christ and after that he went through all the cities till he came to Caesarea. There Philip stayed. We read in Acts 21 verse 8 and 9 the following : And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. Philip married there in Caesarea and he and his wife got 4 daughters which prophecied. The moment Paul and Luke visit him his daughters were virgins. With this verse chapter 8 of Acts ended. 

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Acts 9 

Introduction:

In this chapter we read about the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. From the biggest enemy on earth to 

a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the Mystery revealed first to Saul  namely the

Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24, Romans 16:25-26

Acts 9 verse 1

 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

Verse 1: We read for the first time of Saul in Acts 7 with the stoning of Stephen in verse 58. We read there in verse 58 this:And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. We see in Chapter 8 of Acts in verse 1: And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And in verse 3 of this same chapter this: As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. And now in chapter 9 Saul of Tarsus continued here that he destroyed the church at Jerusalem. He was breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord. Saul of Tarsus was a murderer like Moses also was. Saul went to the high priest. What was his purpose after he had persecuted so many men and women who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and had many killed? We read the answer in the next verse. In Acts 22 verse 3 and 4 we read: I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.  And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

Acts 9 verse 2

And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found

any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Verse 2: Saul's hated the Lord Jesus Christ so much that he wanted to destroy all the disciples, the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ also outside Israel like Damascus!  He desired of the high priest letters to Damascus to the synagogues. Later in Acts 22 verse 5 we read what the apostle Paul said about this:As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. To be punished to death. The high priest gave him these letters of plenary powers. In his thoughts it was forbidden to believe in Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul later describes this in I Timothy 1 verse 12 -14: And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;  Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.  And the Grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Acts 9 verse 3

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

Verse 3: Saul journeyed the way to Damascus. Not alone, there were people with him. Saul of Tarsus was the persecutor, the blashemer, injurious, a murderer just as Moses. Saul let a lot of people of the churh of Jerusalem and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ be executed. There was a lot of hate in him. He hated the Lord Jesus Christ and all the followers or believers in Christ. It was his aim , purpose to bring a lot of people in Damascus who believed in Christ also bound to Jerusalem. He had the papers for it from the high priest. He came near Damascus. Probably he could see the city of Damascus and then abruptly ther shined round about him a light from heaven. How strong that light must have been! This was not the sun who shined. This was the light from God what was shining! You cannot endure the light of God!  In Acts 22 verse 6 the apostle Paul later described this: And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. The light that shone was immensely great!  In Acts 26 verse 15 we read again about this:  At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. In the next verse we read what happened just after this!

Acts 9 verse 4

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Verse 4: In Acts 26 verse 14 we read the following verse: And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. It was the Lord Jesus Himself who said this: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? Why do you fight against me? Saul of Tarsus was God's bitterest enemy on earth and here near Damascus God stopped Saul. God intervened here. What does this mean it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks? For Saul of Tarsus, later Paul this was the answer: Paul had to learn the hard way that resistance to the Lord Jesus Christ  was a losing battle. It was and is hopeless. 

Acts 9 verse 5

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus

Whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks

Verse 5: Saul when he heard the voice Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? After that Saul replied with these words: Who art thou Lord? In these words we read that Saul respected the voice Who spoke to him but didn't know Who spoke to him. He had never heard such a voice! Immediately he received the answer. The voice Who spoke with him was Jesus Christ, the resurrected and exalted Jesus Christ! The Lord said to him I am Jesus Whom thou persecutest. Saul learned here that the hard way to resist the Lord Jesus Christ is a losing battle. This is hopeless. The way Saul went till this moment the Lord called him was a dead way. He was a unbeliever, a blashemer, a murderer, a persecutor and he was hopeless and this is exactly the way of the unbeliever: his or her way in life without God is a dead way like Saul went until this moment he got saved by Grace, by Faith, in Christ alone Ephesians 2:8,9. God forgave all Saul's  trespasses and sins on basis of the cross that Jesus Christ paid the price for mankind. I Corinthians 15:3, 4. Like Saul, Paul we as believers in Christ have forgiveness of sins by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ shed for us on the cross on Calvary Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14. 

Acts 9 verse 6

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the

Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Verse 6: And he, Saul was shaking/shuddering on that moment he met the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven. Saul had never seen the Lord on earth, the Lord revealed Himself to Saul in heaven. Not only Saul was shaking he was also astonished or shocked and he said: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Saul admitted that the Lord Jesus Christ was now his Lord and immediately he asked what wilt thou have me to do? Do you have a task for me that I can do? What is the answer of the Lord? He said unto Saul, Arise and go into the city and it shall be told thee what thou must do. This is what Saul, Paul had to do: to go into the city Damascus. The purpose to Damascus originally was to caught men and women and bound them and take them to Jerusalem. Now everything was different, everything was changed now! What a big change took place near Damascus! From the bitterest enemy of God Saul, Paul, became now a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and a apostle of the Gentiles see Romans 11:13! We see this in the next verses of this chapter. 3 Times in the Bible we can read about the conversion of Saul of Tarsus! This is very special! In Acts 26 verse 16-18 we read this: But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

 

Acts 9 verse 7

And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

Verse 7: The men who journeyed with Saul stood there probably around him speechless. They couldn't say something. They were also astonished. The voice they had heard but saw no man. That was very strange. This they had never experienced this! They were also afraid because of the light which shined at that moment this is what is later told in Acts 22 verse 9. They were hearing a voice but didn't know what the voice said. On that moment they were deaf and saw no man. 

Acts 9 verse 8

 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

Verse 8: Because of the light from heaven, the light of the Lord Jesus Christ Saul, Paul, saw nothing, he saw no man, he was blind! That light from God is so inmense great. He opened his eyes when he arose from the earth but couldn't see anymore. That's intense that he immediately after that moment became blind. We know that Paul had bad eyes because of more revelations from the Lord to him. The men who were with him led him by the hand and brought Saul into Damascus. All had changed now. Saul came as a blind man, a handicapped person into Damascus and we see in the next verse how long he has been blind! In Acts 22 verse 11 we read what the apostle Paul said: And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

Acts 9 verse 9

And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

Verse 9: Saul, Paul, was 3 days without sight! He was sitting in a house and didn't eat and drink for 3 days! Personally this seems very difficult to me. I feel hungry when I eat not between 7 and 12 o'clock! But Paul did it! The scripture doesn't here tell us what the apostle Paul experienced in these 3 days in that house in Damascus! Probably there must be a lot on his mind what he had heard and seen from the risen and exalted Lord Jesus Christ! 

 

Acts 9 verse 10

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

Verse 10: There was a certain disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ at Damascus named Ananias. He and many others had to be found in Damascus according to the plan of Saul of Tarsus and be bound as prisoners to Jerusalem and there to be killed because of their believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Now the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Ananias in a vision. What is a vision? Answer: It is an encounter with God where he imparts special revelation, often intuitively, in dreams, or "in dark sayings." (Num. 12:6). So the Lord said to Ananias in that vision: He called Ananias. The Lord called him by name. And Ananias said behold I am here Lord. He immediately replied to God with I am here Lord. In the next verse we read what the Lord asked from Ananias. 

 

Acts 9 verse 11

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

Verse 11: The Lord said unto Ananias: Arise and go into the street which is called Straight. This is what Ananias had to do first: arise and go into this street called Straight. Second he had to enter in the house of Judas there because there Saul of Tarsus was in the house and behold he prayeth. Ananias had to go to the persecutor, the man who destroyed the church at Jerusalem and had papers of the high priest in Jerusalem to find people who believe in the Lord Jesus to catch them and bring them bound to Jerusalem and now Ananias had to go to this man? In the next verse we read why Ananias had to go to Saul of Tarsus. 

Acts 9 verse 12

And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

Verse 12: The Lord continued here saying  that he might receive his sight. That the blindness disappeared for Saul. That was something special! In the dream or vision Saul had seen him Ananias and that's why Ananias gets the assignment to go to Saul to do this. 

Acts 9 verse 13

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

Verse 13: Was Ananias his answer to the Lord I go immediately? No he answered the Lord with this: He had heard by many persons about this man Saul and how much evil he hath done to the saints at Jerusalem. A lot of saints were killed under Saul's leading because of believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. And he Ananias had to go to this man? Naturally he wouldn't go because Saul was the enemy, the biggest persecutor, the murderer. So Ananias was afraid of Saul and what would happen if he would go. 

Acts 9 verse 14

And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

Verse 14: And Ananias continued his answer to the Lord with this: And here in Damascus this man Saul of Tarsus hath authority from the chief priests of Jerusalem to bind all that call on Thy Name, who believe in You Lord. Why should I go to such a man. That must be very dangerous!

Acts 9 verse 15

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Verse 15: But. The word but what does it mean? The word “but” in Scripture often introduces the message of the gracious and compassionate intervention of God. This simple term captures the nature of our God. But the Lord said unto him. Go thy way. This means that Ananias hath to go. This was God's command to him. He couldn't get away from this command! Go thy way: for Saul of Tarsus is a chosen vessel unto me. God hath chosen Saul, Paul to bear His Name before the Gentiles, kings and the children of Israel. The Gentiles first! Romand 11:13. To bring the Mystery, the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24, Romans 16:25-26. Saul, Paul became the apostle of the Gentiles and he is our apostle too, nowadays under this Dispensation of the Grace of God Ephesians 3:1-3. He would preach the Good News of the cross and not the shame what was on that moment only known under the people. He would  bring the Good News of salvation which is in the Lord Jesus Christ! Through the apostle Paul we come to know this in all his epistles which is for the Body of Christ, the Church and we are the member of that Body my brother/sister and Christ is the Head of that Body. 

Acts 9 verse 16

For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my Name's sake.

Verse 16: The Lord said to Ananias that Saul, Paul had to suffer great things for God's Name sake! And this the apostle Paul did. He suffered a lot for the Gospel of the Grace of God. First Paul persecuted the church of God in Jerusalem and now he had to suffer for God. He heretofore persecuted and now was he the person who was persecuted. He was the first man who heard the Gospel of the Grace of God, the Mystery, the first man in the Body of Christ, the Church.  About the persecutions etc the apostle Paul said this in II Corinthians 12 verses 7-10: And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.  For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.  And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

 

Acts 9 verse 17

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Verse 17: Ananias went to the house where Saul was. He obeyed God and entered the house and put his hands on Saul and said: Brother Saul. He called him his brother! Then he continued saying the Lord Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou came hath send me to you that thou mightest receive thy sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost and signs and wonders will follow. Saul, Paul, was saved in the Acts period and still God worked with signs and wonders in that period. People were in that time filled with the Holy Spirit, under control of it. After Acts 28:28 these signs and wonders stopped and the filling with the Spirit didn't work anymore. 

Acts 9 verse 18

And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Verse 18: After Ananias had putting his hands on Saul there fell directly from his eyes as it had been scales. Saul, Paul received his sight back. He could stand again by seeing thinngs and after that he was baptized. In Acts 22 verse 16 we read the following verse: And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. This is what Ananias said to Paul after he received sight. It must have been very nice for Paul after 3 days of darkness to see again. 

Acts 9 verse 19

And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain

days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

 

Verse 19: After three days of not eating and drinking Saul was weak and now receiving meat he was strengthened. After this we read not anymore about Ananias but Saul was certain days with the disciples who were at Damascus. Originally Saul had letters to find those disciples, arrest them  and bind them as prisoners to Jerusalem to put them first in jail and later they were killed. Now Saul was saved by Gods Grace, from the biggest enemy from God,  the blashemer, the murderer on earth to a servant of the Lord and he was for some days  with his brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ in Damascus. 

Acts 9 verse 20

 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Verse 20: Saul of Tarsus began immediately to preach Christ first in the synagogues that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. That he is the Savior and that people who believe in the saving cross of our Lord that He died for us Jews and Gentiles in our stead and is buried and stood up from the grave for our righteousness. I Corinthians 15:3-4. With a lot of boldness he began to preach this. Why he went first to the Jews? Because the Word of God was at first trusted to them by God.  But were the Jews who came there in the synagogues of Damascus amused about this? No not at all because we read in the next verse this:

Acts 9 verse 21

 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

Verse 21: All that heard him wondered and asked themselve this that this Saul of Tarsus was the one who destroyed the church of Jerusalem who called on Jesus Christ Name and came here and intent he might bring all that believed bound unto the chief priests? They were so amazed they doubted and couldn't believe that the one who preached now was this same man! 

Acts 9 verse 22

 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

Verse 22: Saul increased the more in strength. He became stronger in the Lord Jesus Christ. He bewildered, he let the Jews be ashamed which dwelt at Damascus and proved that it was the Lord Jesus Christ, the very Christ. That He is the One Who came to earth to save sinners like Saul and others. That's exactly what Saul did. Proving from the Scriptures of God that the One who saved him on the way to Damascus by Grace alone, by Faith alone and in Christ alone was indeed Christ and no one else. 

Acts 9 verse 23

And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

Verse 23: The Jews became angry, very angry! They took counsel, they had a plan to kill Saul after many days hearing him to bring the Gospel of Gods Grace. Away with such a person was in their thinking. As soon as possible it was their thought to kill him to get rid of him. 

Acts 9 verse 24

But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

Verse 24: But the Jewish counsel to kill him, Saul was known of Saul.  In 2 Corinthians 11 verse 32 we read what the apostle Paul is saying about this:In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me. They watched the gates day and night to kill him for they hate him. For Paul then Saul,  it was not easy to get away from these people who wanted to kill him. But we see in the next verse how Saul escaped from this danger! 

Acts 9 verse 25

 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

Verse 25: The disciples in Damascus took Saul by night and let him down by the wall in a basket. He, Saul had to get in the basket and on that basket a rope tied to it. They let him go slowly without noise to go downstairs the wall to the ground outside the city of Damascus. These were exciting moments for Saul, Paul but it worked! In 2 Corinthians 11 verse 33 we read: And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

 

Acts 9 verse 26

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

Verse 26: When Saul was come to Jerusalem. This was the first time after Saul's conversion that he was in Jerusalem. In the book of Galatians we read in chapter 1 verse 17-18 this: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. This first time they, the disciples who came together were all afraid of Saul and believed not that he was a disciple, a believer in Christ. They thought that this could be a trick of Saul to catch them and deliver them over to the high priests and put them to death. 

 

Acts 9 verse 27

 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

Verse 27: Barnabas who came originally from Cyprus took Saul and brought him to the apostles and explained to the apostles that Saul had seen the Lord in the way near Damascus and had spoken to him and after that Saul had preached boldly about the Lord Jesus Christ in Damascus that He is the Savior. He had to explained it to them otherwise they too would not believe it like the other disciples in Jerusalem. For them this was very strange that Saul was now a believer and preach them the Lord Jesus Christ and why He came to earth to save sinners like them and Saul, yes you and me. 

Acts 9 verse 28

And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

Verse 28: What does this verse mean? It can mean this: So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.

 

Acts 9 verse 29

 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians:

but they went about to slay him.

Verse 29: Saul as in Damascus spake boldly in the Name of the Lord Jesus. He spoke about the finished work on the cross and the glory of the cross and what the Lord had done for mankind. I Corinthians 15:3-4. And he disputed against the Grecians. What does that mean? He debated against them because they didn't believe what he was telling them. The Grecians were the Greek speaking Jews. Paul, or Saul could speak also the Greek language. So probably he debated against them in the Greek language so that they could understand it. They didn't listen to him and were planning to kill Saul and tried it also. They became so angry and mad! 

Acts 9 verse 30

Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Verse 30: The brethren knew about the Greek or Grecians who went about to slay Saul. So Saul was again in danger in Jerusalem. He couldn't stay longer there. They would kill him if they found him. They hated him so much.  So the brethren brought Saul down to Caesarea and from there they send him to Tarsus. This must have happened in secret! The city where Saul was born originally. In Tarsus his birth city Saul stayed a long time. So Saul escaped the second time! His life and ministry for the Lord was always with  danger. In 2 Corinthians 11 verse 23 we read this: Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

Acts 9 verse 31

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Verse 31: After Saul was back in his hometown Tarsus for a while the churches in Judaea, Galilee and Samaria had rest. When you read this verse there was no continue of persecution for the Jewish believers in Christ in Israel and Samaria. There become peace, the people were edified, they walked in the fear of the Lord and they were comforted by the Holy Ghost and the people were multiplied who believed. 

Acts 9 verse 32

And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

Verse 32: Now we read about the apostle Peter on the front again. Peter is the central figure of the first eight chapters of Acts. Then in chapter nine we have the conversion of Paul and his earliest experiences. And this is followed again by the story of Peter. Peter passed throughout all places after Philip the evangelist had preached in all the cities from Azotus to Caesarea just before Peter came. Peter went also to the saints, believers in Christ which dwelt at Lydda!  Lod also known as Lydda (Ancient Greek: Λύδδα), is a city 15 km (9+1⁄2 mi) southeast of Tel Aviv and 40 km (25 mi) northwest of Jerusalem in the Central.

Acts 9 verse 33

And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 

Verse 33: Peter came into the place Lydda and there he found a certain man named Aeneas which name means praise, praiseworthy. This man Aeneas was laying down on his bed for eight years! This remembers me about my earthly father who laid down like this 7 years and had the same symptoms like this man namely Aeneas was sick of the palsy that means he was paralyzed. For Aeneas there was hope when Peter came into his house and we see this in the next verse. For my father there was no healing anymore because today under this Dispensation of Grace God is not working with miracles and wonders and healings in general with people like He worked under the former Dispensation. As long as God dealt with Israel He gave them signs, wonders, miracles and healings because the Jews require signs! Nowadays under this Dispensation of Grace it is signless. If some person now is paralyzed by strokes (in the brain) most of the times it will not heal anymore. In the case of my father, he knew his life was in the hand of the Heavenly Father and believed in Him and went after 7 years of sickness to be with the Lord!  

 

Acts 9 verse 34

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

Verse 34: Peter said to Aeneas: the Lord Jesus Christ maketh thee whole. This must have sounded in the ears of Aeneas as how is that possible? Arise said Peter to him and make thy bed. Aeneas arose immediately, directly he stood up. His paralyzes was away. God hath made him whole! What a miracle! What a wonder! Under that Dispensation of the Law it worked like this. God healed people immediately. When the Kingdom on earth should start then the people had to enter this Kingdom healthy without sickness. Nowadays God can heal, He can heal people but this is not conditional. We live now under a different Dispensation namely the Dispensation of the Grace of God Ephesians 3:1-3 and we have a better hope, a hope in heaven. Our citizenship is in heaven as it is written in Philippians 3 verse 20 and 21: For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. We shall receive a new body, a spiritual body when we are in heaven on that day with the Rapture of the Church. See also I Corinthians 15: 51-53

Acts 9 verse 35

And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

Verse 35: This verse is very special!  All that dwelt at Lydda and Saron: this is the land near the sea above Joppa. All of them, not a few, saw him Aeneas who was for 8 years paralyzed, lame and now the Lord had healed him. This was a wonder and the people became to believe in the Lord and turned to Him: all those Jews.

Acts 9 verse 36

 

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

 

Verse 36: In Joppa there was a woman named Tabitha and her Greek name was Dorcas. Tabitha means gracious. She was gracious this woman and was full of good works and gave alms to the poor, to the needy. She had a good reputation in Joppa. Joppa is near the sea and it was a harbor city in the time of the apostle Peter. I was there almost 40 years ago when I visit the first time the land of Israel. In that place I was invited for a wedding so I went to see this.

 

 

Acts 9 verse 37

And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

Verse 37: In those days Tabitha or Dorcas became sick and died. They washed the corpse of Tabitha or Dorcas and laid her in an upper chamber. Probably it was in the same house where she died. I think most of the inhabitans of Joppa missed her a lot because she did a lot of good work in the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Acts 9 verse 38

 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

 

Verse 38: In Lydda the apostle Peter was there and this was nigh Joppa or Jafo. The disciples, brothers and sisters heard that Peter was in Lydda they send unto him 2 men to beg Peter and desired that he would not stay in Lydda but that he should went with them directly to Joppa.

 

Acts 9 verse 39

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

 

Verse 39: They, these disciples knew exactly that Peter through the Holy Spirit had the power to raise the dead so there was a chance that he could do it also with Dorcas. So when they begged him to come with them Peter arose and went with them. When he was at the house where Dorcas corpse was laid down in the upper room they brought Peter inside and they went with him to the upper chamber. The custom at that time that when a person died a lot of women and in this case widows stood by Peter and weeped. They showed him the coats and garments which Tabithat or Dorcas had made when she was with them. Now she was dead and they were weeping.

 

Acts 9 verse 40

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

Verse 40: Peter send all those persons who were in the house and special in the upper room away. He wanted to be alone. He was now alone in the upper room where the corpse of Tabitha was laying. He was kneeling and prayed to God. He asked probably God that Tabitha would be raised from the dead. He turned to the body and said at that moment: Tabitha, arise! Then the wonder came directly after this saying: Tabitha opened her eyes and she saw Peter and she sat up. What a wonder, what a miracle which happened here in this upper room! Tabitha was risen from the dead! God had done this through Peter! That moment she opened her eyes and sat up was a joyous moment!!

 

Acts 9 verse 41

And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

Verse 41: What a joyous moment again. He gave her his hand and he lifted her up so that she could stand again and could walk. After that he called the saints and the widows and they came to the house again and he presented Tabitha alive. For these people this was really a miracle. How could this be they had asked themselves and saw that this was not naturally but that this came from God.

Acts 9 verse 42

And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

Verse 42: This healing of Dorcas or Tabitha was a miracle of God and this was known thoughout all Joppa. All the inhabitans of this place near the sea knew about this and many became to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. This raising from the dead was for the people in Joppa a very big thing. It gave a lot of impression. I think a lot them who became to believe praised God for this miracle and raising from the dead.  Again God can heal  nowadays also under His Dispensation of Grace whereunder we live but it is not conditional He do it. 

Acts 9 verse 43

And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Verse 43: The apostle Peter stayed many days in Joppa after the raising up of Tabitha. Maybe he preached also to the people who became believers in Christ after the raising of the dead of Tabitha. Peter stayed in the house of Simon a tanner. So and with this verse chapter 9 ended here. 

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Acts 10 verse 1

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

Verse 1: In Caesarea was a man called Cornelius. Acts 10 is about the story of Cornelius. This wman was a Roman man and he was a centurion of the Italian Band. Probably was this man Cornelius a member of the great Cornelia Gens (House of Cornelia) one of the most fame houses of Rome. A Roman Centurion was the commanding officer for a century of Roman Soldiers. The Centurion was responsible for his troops well being and their work. The Italian Band consists of volunteers from Italy. 

Acts 10 verse 2

A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave

much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

Verse 2: The first thing we read here about this man Cornelius is this that he was a devout man and that he feared God. What does it mean a devout man? A devout person has deep religious beliefs. Cornelius feared also God with all his house. In the house he was not alone. There were servants in that house and they all feared God. What does that mean? It does say that he and his house deeply has respect for God. Cornelius gave also alms like Tabitha in Joppa to people who need this. Poor people. And he prayed to God always. He continued in this all. This Cornelius was a special man despite he was a gentile, a Roman officer. For his soldiers and his house he was a example. Was this man Cornelius really saved and had eternal life? Probably not because in response of his prayers he was instructed by God to send for Peter that Peter show him the way of salvation verses 4-6 Also in Chapter 11 verse 14. 

Acts 10 verse 3

He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel

of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

Verse 3: Cornelius saw in a vision which means this: In the Bible, the word vision is more often used asan encounter with God where he imparts special revelation, often intuitively, in dreams, or "in dark sayings."  He saw in this vision of God about the ninth hour of the day. What does that mean the ninth hour? The Hebrew method of telling the time is quite simple. The day would start at 6 a.m. (hour zero) and they would count from there. So noon would be at the sixth hour and the day would end at 6 p.m. (the twelfth hour). So the ninth hour corresponds to our 3 p.m. So on that time he saw in a vision an angel of God and this angel came to him and said to him Cornelius. This vision with the angel coming to him frightened Cornelius! 

Acts 10 verse 4

 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

Verse 4: In the vision the angel looked on him. Cornelius became afraid and asked God what is it Lord? The Lord said unto him directly this: Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. As far as the Scriptures tell us was Cornelius not a proselyte. The apostle Peter later called Cornelius one of another nation. Acts 10:28. Cornelius was a uncircumcised man, a gentile. God remembered the alms and the prayers to Him of Cornelius. 

Acts 10 verse 5

 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

Verse 5: The angel of the Lord said to Cornelius, it was a command to him, this: send men to Joppa and find there Simon whose surname is Peter and call him to come with them to Cornelius. That was the assignment he has to do. 

Acts 10 verse 6

 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

Verse 6: The angel of the Lord continues here and said that Simon or the apostle Peter is with one Simon a tanner in Joppa. Peter  occupied a place temporarily in the house of Simon the tanner whose house is by the sea side. I told you personally I was there in Joppa, now Jafo,  almost 40 years ago in the same place and near the sea it is a very nice surrounding. There the men had to go who Cornelius would send to and Peter should tell Cornelius what he has to do. Peter knew this exactly. Why God choose Peter and not Philip? Well Peter had been given the keys and not Philip. God works on the right time but He also works through the right servant. Both are essential. 

Acts 10 verse 7

And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

Verse 7: The angel of the Lord who spoke with Cornelius departed from him. After that Cornelius immediately took action! He called 2 of this household servants and also a devout soldier who was always on his side. Cornelius had to send them to Peter in Joppa but first Cornelius had to tell them why they had to go so in the next verse he explained everything to these men, the vision of the angel of the Lord and what the Lord through the angel said to him. 

Acts 10 verse 8

 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

Verse 8: So Cornelius explained them all the things which was told to him by the angel of the Lord unto these servants and the soldier. After that he send them to Joppa. How did they go to Joppa? Maybe by feet. It was a distance of almost 54 kilometers. If they went on foot maybe they did 2 days about it. 

Acts 10 verse 9

On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city,

Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

Verse 9: The next day when they (the servants and the soldier of Cornelius) journeyed and drew nigh the city of Joppa Peter went up upon the housetop to pray to the Lord and this was the sixth hour. This was the Hebrew hour and we know that this was round 12 o clock. Why Peter went to the housetop of the house he was to pray? Maybe it was more quiet to pray on the housetop and he could concentrate himself better there than inside the house. Most Jewish houses had flat roofs. 12 o clock was the common hour of praying for Jewish people. 

Acts 10 verse 10

And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance

Verse 10: Peter became very hungry on that hour 12 o clock. I can imagine that because most of the times I am also hungry round 12 o clock. Peter wanted to eat at that moment. They made it ready for him. Probably the people in the house prepared a meal for him too. But something happened then. Peter feel into a trance. In a ecstasis. This is a state of mind in which consciousness is fragile and voluntary action is poor or missing; a state resembling deep sleep. It is to compare with someone now who faints or becomes unconscious. That happened to Peter and it was the Lord Who came to him and wanted to make something clear to him.

Acts 10 verse 11

 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him,

as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

Verse 11: Peter saw when he was in trance this: heaven was opened and a certain vessel or pot came down before him like a great sheet knit at the four corners. It was likable.  And let down to the earth. Something special came down to the earth just before Peter. 

Acts 10 verse 12

Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

Verse 12: In that certain vessel which came to earth and laid down to the earth therein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth like wild beasts, creeping things and fowls of the air. This must have been very strange to Peter's eyes!  He saw all of them in one view! 

Acts 10 verse 13

And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

Verse 13: There came a voice to Peter. This voice came from the Lord from heaven to him. And the voice said or gave a command to Peter: Rise and that is to stand up Peter: kill and eat those animals and fowls. Peter had to obey this voice. Did he immediately obeyed and rose up and kill and eat? What did Peter answer? We see it in the next verse. 

Acts 10 verse 14

 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

Verse 14: This was the answer of Peter: No Lord because I have never eaten something which is vile or nasty or something which is unclean like a pig. Because of the Law of God given to His folk Israel no Jew eat something which was vile or nasty or unclean. Peter was a Jew and he was not excepted in this. It was forbidden by the Law to eat such things. Why the Lord now asked him to eat such common or unclean beasts? We see it in the next verse. 

Acts 10 verse 15

And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

Verse 15: The voice spoke to Peter again the secon time because Peter had answered not so Lord I will not eat what is common or unclean but God said to Him the second time this: What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. With other words everything you may eat. Nothing is unclean or vile or nasty anymore. There is a change going Peter. This is what the Lord wanted to make it clear to Peter: that there was a change in program of Him. That the former dispensation of the law was stopped, His dealings with Israel postponed and that He now the Dispensation of Grace inserted. Peter didn't know this on that moment the Lord showed him this. 

Acts 10 verse 16

This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

Verse 16: The voice spoke to Peter 3 times and after that the vessel or pot was received up again into heaven. Such as it came down from heaven before Peter that he saw it so it was received up again into heaven. 3 Times the voice spoke to Peter about this. 3 is a holy number with God. 

Acts 10 verse 17

Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

Verse 17: The 2 servants of Cornelius and one soldier of him stood before the gate where Peter had his lodging in Joppa. They arrived at the house where he was. Peter had just seen the vision of God and doubted in himself what this vision should mean. |He was perplexed about it. He had been told from his youth on  to observe the prohibition against unclean meat. In Leviticus 20 verse 25 we read this:Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean. God had shown him this vision and said that all things were clean but Peter didn't understand it. How could this be? Peter could not take such a command lightly. It was the law of God by Moses and to disregard it was a serious matter. What was the meaning of this? And now these 3 men send by Cornelius stood before the house Peter was. 

Acts 10 verse 18

And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

Verse 18: These 3 men stood on the door of the house or the gate of the house and called the person who was there and asked him whether Simon or Peter were lodged there. How did they know that this was the right house where Peter was? They were told by God that this was the house where Peter was lodged. 

Acts 10 verse 19

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

Verse 19: While Peter was thinking about the vision, in that same time the Spirit of God told him this: behold, 3 men seek thee. 3 men were seeking him. Peter must have think about it. But the Spirit of God continued saying this and that we read in the next verse.

Acts 10 verse 20

Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

Verse 20: The Spirit of God told Peter arise therefore. Go on your feet and get thee down and you will met them. And this command the Spirit of God told Peter also: go with these 3 men and do not doubt for I have send them to you. 

Acts 10 verse 21

 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius;

and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

Verse 21: Peter told by the Spirit of God and immediately after that he went down the stairs to the men, the 3 men who were sent to him from Cornelius and said to them. I am Peter, Simon, whom ye seek. What is the reason that you come to me? What is the purpose? He, Peter wanted to know that and was very curious to know. 

Acts 10 verse 22

^{And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.}

^{Verse 22: And they explained to Peter this: Cornelius the centurion, their master is a just man and that is a man who feared God. He has a good report among all the nation of the Jews. Cornelius they continue to say was warned by God through a holy angel and God asked him to send us to you to Joppa that you may go with us to his house and that Cornelius would hear the Words of God from you Peter.}  

^{Acts 10 verse 23}

^{Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.}

^{Verse 23: Peter asked them to stay in the house a night and they did. The morning after Peter went away with them and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him because he didn't know where he was going to and then they were witnesses of the fact what he had to do there with Cornelius. Peter had instructed these brethren from Joppa to have a part in the event which would come.} 

^{Acts 10 verse 24}

^{And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.}

^{Verse 24: You see dear reader it was after a day that Peter and the 3 men and his brethren from Joppa entered into Caesarea. Cornelius the centurion was waiting from them and had called his kinsmen and near friends. So there were more people in the house then normally he had in his house. His kinsmen were also Roman men.} 

^{Acts 10 verse 25}

^{And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.}

^{Verse 25: The apostle Peter came into the house and Cornelius met him and fell down at Peter's feet and worshipped him. He knew Peter was the apostle and the leader of the 12 apostles. This Peter was someone special for Cornelius and to respect him he fell down at his feet and worshipped him. Cornelius humbled himself at that moment because he knew that Peter was a man of God , a apostle with more authority than Cornelius had.} 

^{Acts 10 verse 26}

^{But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.}

^{Verse 26: Peter took Cornelius by the hand and said to him: Stand up because I am also a man and not a god to be worshipped. I am a human being as you are and not more than you. This is also for us a lessen my brothers and sisters to think like Peter here because we are not better than the people round us who don't know God in their lives, but we are better off.} 

^{Acts 10 verse 27}

^{And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.}

^{Verse 27: And as he that is Peter talked with Cornelius he went in the house and in the house were many persons who were come together to see him and to hear the words he would speak to them and to Cornelius in the first time. Cornelius had invited them all and they were curious to hear and to see Peter the apostle.}

^{Acts 10 verse 28}

^{And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.}

^{Verse 28: To this Gentile man Cornelius Peter directs his speech and said: ye know for the law it is forbidden for a Jew to keep company with a person from a another nation, a Gentile. He continues there and said that God hath just shewed Peter, him that I should not call any man common or unclean. The Gentiles under the Law of Moses were common or unclean and now God hath in the vision said to Peter that nothing is common or unclean anymore. He showed Peter that a lot had changed.} 

^{Acts 10 verse 29}

^{Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?}

^{Verse 29: Peter went to Cornelius without rejecting as soon as possible with the 3 men and he took some brethren with him. Now he asked Cornelius why he asked for him to come to him. What was the reason Peter didn't know and that's why he asked Cornelius when Peter is in the house of Cornelius what the reason is.} 

^{Acts 10 verse 30}

^{And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,}

^{Verse 30: So Cornelius began to explain to the apostle Peter why he had to come to him. He told him this that 4 days before they met Cornelius was fasting and on the ninth hour, probably 3 o clock in the afternoon he prayed in his house. He prayed to God and then suddenly there stood a man before him in bright clothing, an angel of the Lord. This must have been scaring for Cornelius. Cornelius told Peter exact the whole story.} 

^{Acts 10 verse 31}

^{And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.}

^{Verse 31: This angel of the Lord said Cornelius: thy prayer is heard of God and his alms for other people (poor) are remembered in the sight of God. In verse 4 we read already what Cornelius said to God:  What is it, Lord? God was well pleased with Cornelius but gave him a command to do and that we read in the next verse. Nowadays under this Dispensation of Grace God is not sending a angel to us with a message anymore. We live under a Dispensation which is signless. We have the complete Bible, God's Word. We have to know that God's Word was not complete at that time and God was still dealing with Israel with signs and wonders athough Israel was yet fallen Romans 11:11, 25. The Acts period was a transition period and in that period signs and wonders happened often.} 

^{Acts 10 verse 32}

^{Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.}

^{Verse 32: Cornelius continues here to tell Simon or Peter why he had let him come to his home. The angel of the Lord had said to Cornelius that as Peter would come he should speak to Cornelius the Word of God. This is why Cornelius invited Peter to come to him and send 3 men to him to let Peter come to him. It was a special vision Cornelius had and so he explained exactly what the angel of the Lord had said to him and how he had handled after this.} 

^{Acts 10 verse 33}

^{Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.}

^{Verse 33: Cornelius is very thankful that Peter had come to his home. We all, all the people Cornelius had invited to come to his house to hear Peter speaking to them and all his servants etc. He said to Peter we are all here present before thee and before God to hear all things which God commanded thee to say to us. They all were ready to listen!} 

^{Acts 10 verse 34}

^{Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:}

^{Verse 34: Peter opened his mouth and began to speak: I comprehend from God's truth that God is no respecter of persons. God makes no distinction. Every person is equal in His eyes. God sees the heart of men.} 

^{Acts 10 verse 35}

^{But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.}

^{Verse 35: What was Peter's message here to Cornelius and everyone who was there in the house? Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved? No he didn't know the glory of the cross so he said this that everyone who feared God, believe on Him and do the works of righteousness is accepted by God. Salvation in that time was faith and works to be accepted by God. Nowadays under the Dispensation of Grace of God it is only simply believe on Him Christ that He died for you on that cross of Calvary, He died your and mine death there, was buried and resurrected for our righteousness and thou shalt be saved. I Corinthians 15:3-4}

^{Acts 10 verse 36}

^{The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)}

^{Verse 36: The apostle Peter continued to preach to the people there at Cornelius house. He said the Word of God which He send unto the children of Israel and preached the peace by Jesus Christ namely that the Lord is the Lord of all, for all people.} 

^{Acts 10 verse 37}

^{That Word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;}

^{Verse 37: To these Gentiles Peter is speaking here about that Word of God namely the peace by Jesus Christ. The Gospel of the Kingdom Peter is talking about this which began in Judaea and began from Galilee after John had preached the waterbaptism to the people of Israel and practized it in the river Jordan: Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand Matthew 3: 2. This Peter preached to these people and this was all history. He Peter had understood that God is no Respector of men and that something had changed in the way God dealt with people but what this exactly meant on that moment he didn't know.} 

^{Acts 10 verse 38}

^{How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.}

^{Verse 38: God the Father anointed His Son Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. In John 3 verse 34 and 35 we read this: For He Whom God  hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand.  The Lord did things only good because He was God Himself and He healed all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him.}  

^{Acts 10 verse 39}

^{And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:}

^{Verse 39: The apostle Peter explained to Cornelius and the others who were in the house about the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter and also the 11 other disciples and later apostles were witnesses of all things what the Lord Jesus Christ did. He went into the land of the Jews, in Jerusalem and there the Jews slew Him and hanged Him on a tree, on the cross. They didn't want Him so away with Him and that's why they crucified Him.} 

^{Acts 10 verse 40}

^{Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;}

^{Verse 40: But God raised Him up the third day and in the 40 days after His resurrection He was seen by the 12 and a lot of people. Peter tell's this because he too was witness of His resurrection. And that the Lord commanded them to proclaim Christ as God's ordained Judge of quick and dead which Peter and the 11 did from the day of Pentecost on till the stoning of Stephen.} 

^{Acts 10 verse 41}

^{Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us,}

^{who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.}

^{Verse 41: Christ was not seen to all the people there in Jerusalem and Israel. Only to His witnesses, the 11 apostles, others who believed on Him. So Peter said to us who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead. The Lord Jesus Christ is resurrected with a gloryfied body and could eat and drink with His disciples! They were witnesses of this said Peter to Cornelius and to all who were in the house and listened to his preaching. In 1 Corinthians 15 we read this in verse 4-7:  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.}

^{Acts 10 verse 42}

^{And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.}

^{Verse 42: What did He commanded them to preach to the people of Israel? We read in Luke 24 verse 45-48 this: Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise form the dead the third day. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. In Matthew 28 verse 19 and 20 we read this: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. In Mark 16 verse 16 we read: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. This the Lord commanded them. And to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of the living and the dead. He is the Son of men.}

^{Acts 10 verse 43}

^{To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.}

^{Verse 43: Who believeth in Him, in Christ, in His Name the one shall receive remission of sins. Peter didn't know about salvation by Grace alone, by Faith alone and in Christ alone. He knew nothing about the blood of Christ which saves people nowadays. It was in that time when Peter was with Cornelius believe on Him , in His Name.}

^{Acts 10 verse 44}

^{While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word.}

^{Verse 44: It has been taught that Peter used the keys of the kingdom first with Israel, at Pentecost, and then wit the Gentiles at the home of Cornelius. This is never proved by the Scriptures and nor can it be. Peter did not open the door to these Gentiles. God took the matter out of Peter's hands by interrupting his sermon and opened the door Himself and they of the circumcision who were with Peter were asthonished about this. God did the work because His Spirit fell on all of them which heard the Word of the Lord through Peter.} 

^{Acts 10 verse 45}

^{And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.}

^{Verse 45: The ones who were with Peter of the circumcision who believed in Christ were amazed because the Holy Ghost fell also on these Gentiles in the house of Cornelius. The Holy Spirit was also poured out from God upon them. They saw it with their own eyes and this was hardly comprehensible for them!} 

^{Acts 10 verse 46}

 ^{For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,}

^{Verse 46: They heard them speaking in tongues, the tongues like in Acts 2 with the pouring out of the Spirit. With these same tongues these Gentiles in the house of Cornelius were speaking, the tongues of men and magnify God. After that Peter answered something. This we can read in the next verse.}  

^{Acts 10 verse 47}

^{Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?}

^{Verse 47: Peter answered this: Can any man forbid water that these Gentiles should not be babtized? They have received the Holy Spirit as well as we of the circumcision. The Spirit of God is also upon them!}

^{Acts 10 verse 48}

^{And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.}

^{Verse 48: So Peter commanded the persons who were with him from the circumsion that they should baptize these Gentiles in the Name of the Lord. This happened immediately after it and Cornelius and his houselhold and others asked Peter to tarry certain days with them. We don't know if Peter baptized also one of them, the Scriptures don't say it here in Acts 10.} 

^{----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------}

^{Acts 11 verse 1}

^{And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.}

^{Verse 1: Peter and 6 men of the circumcision were in the house of Cornelius, a Gentile and all of them were Gentiles. They had received the Word of God and were afterwards baptized with water after they received the Holy Spirit upon them and spoke in tongues etc.  The other 11 apostles were not with Peter when he was at Cornelius house. They heard and the brethren also that were in Judaea that the Gentiles had also received the Word of God and became believers in Christ.}

^{Acts 11 verse 2}

^{And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,}

^{Verse 2: Peter came back after visited Cornelius in Caesarea in Jerusalem and then they that were of the circumcision contended with Peter. They contended about this matter even that Peter was the chief of the apostles. The 6 men who were with Peter at Cornelius house were amazed what took place there at Cornelius home and Peter probably also. These men, circumcised men, went into a battle or discussion with Peter about what happened there in Ceasarea and what Peter had done. It was unlawful for Jewish believers to enjoy full fellowship with Gentiles but they didn't know, couldn't understand at that moment that Peter's mission to Cornelius was a unique case designed by God for a purpose then still unrevealed but later} 

^{Acts 11 verse 3}

Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

Verse 3: They said to him with a tone of indignation: Peter you went in to men who are uncircumcised and did eat with them. Why you did this because it is forbidden that a Jew to eat with a Gentile according the former Dispensation.  What was Peter's answer to them. We read it in the next verses. 

Acts 11 verse 4

 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

Verse 4: Peter repeated his visit to Cornelus from the beginning. That he eat with Gentiles, with uncircumcised men. So Peter expounded or clarified unto them saying. This we read in the next verses. 

Acts 11 verse 5

I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

Verse 5: Peter told them that he was in Joppa and got a vision of God. In that vision Peter saw a certain vessel coming down. As it had been a great blanket coming down from heaven by four corners and it came even to him. 

Acts 11 verse 6

Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

Verse 6: Peter was focused on the great sheet he considered and saw fourfooted beast of the earth, wild beasts and creeping things and fowls of the air. Nothing was strange of it but it was strange that it was on that sheet together because normally you don't see this together. 

Acts 11 verse 7

 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

Verse 7: In this vision there came a voice and said to him Peter: Arise, slay and eat. This was the voice of God who said this to Peter. Slay all the animals of the earth and fowls of the air and eat them up. This was something!   

Acts 11 verse 8

But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

Verse 8: Peter in this verse repeated what he said to the Lord: not so Lord. For him nothing common or unclean any time entered into his mouth because it was forbidden by the law of God that he as Jew should eat that. He didn't know that the Lord had stopped the former Dispensation and had begun a new Dispensation. A change had taken place but Peter didn't know that's why he reacted like this. 

Acts 11 verse 9

But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

Verse 9: The voice from heaven answered Peter and Peter repeated this. What did the voice say to him? What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. Nothing was common or unclean anymore. For Peter on that moment this was very strange. In general people always have trouble with changes.

Acts 11 verse 10

 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

Verse 10: Peter is continually explaining what happened to him: the voice said 3 times what God hath cleansed thou shall not call it common or unclean. After that all were drawn up again into heaven. So Peter heard the voice 3 times. 

Acts 11 verse 11

And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

Verse 11: After the vision directly 3 men were already in the house Peter was and were send to him from Caesarea from their master Cornelius he told these Jews this. 

Acts 11 verse 12

And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

Verse 12: Peter is continue here to speak to the Jews about his experience. The Spirit of the Lord said to him to go with that 3 men and he has not to doubt about it. Peter took 6 brethren with him as witnesses if he was there with these 3 men in the house of Cornelius. So after a while Peter and the 6 brethren and 3 servants of Cornelius entered Cornelius house in Caesarea. 

Acts 11 verse 13

And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

Verse 13: Cornelius shewed Peter and his 6 Jewish brethren from the circumcision that he had seen an angel in his house and this angel stood with him and said to him this: Send men to Joppa and call Simon or Peter who is lodged there in Joppa. This was an angel of the Lord from heaven. 

Acts 11 verse 14

Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

Verse 14: Peter continued here with the literal words of Cornelius to whom the angel said: Peter shall tell thee words whereby thou and al of them who are in your house shall be saved for all eternity. It is clear that Cornelius was a  God fearing man but not saved otherwise the angel of the Lord didn't tell Cornelius that Peter would speak words to him and his house that he should be saved. 

Acts 11 verse 15

And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

Verse 15: And as I began to speak said Peter to the people the Holy Spirit fell on them as on Peter and the people who were on the day of Pentecost because that was the beginning in Acts 2 The Holy Spirit fell also on these Gentiles like on the Jewish people who believed in the Lord at the day of Pentecost and began to speak in tongues etc. 

Acts 11 verse 16

Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Verse 16: Peter remembered the Word of the Lord and the Lord said to His disciples this: John indeed baptized with water but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit. The Lord told His disciples like Peter just He ascended into heaven. These were His last words to them and Peter remembered this very well and he told this to his brethren this. 

Acts 11 verse 17

 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

Verse 17: God gave the gifts of the Holy Spirit as He did unto us Peter told them this. He said the believed also on the Lord Jesus Christ and whom I was that I could withstand God to defend this all what he had done that he visit Cornelius and all this happened there in the house of this man. God was working there through His Holy Spirit to these Gentiles too. 

Acts 11 verse 18

When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Verse 18: After that Peter explained to them what happened and defend the whole matter these brethren held their peace. They agreed with it and said to Peter and the others who were there: Then hath God also to the Gentiles the possibility given to repentance of life, eternal life. They were glad and glorified God that He gave the Gentiles too the possibility to repent and believe in Him and have eternal life.

Acts 11 verse 19

 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

Verse 19: After the stoning of Stephen the church at Jerusalem was persecuted by the religious Jews like Saul of Tarsus. He was the leader of the rebellion and because of this persecution the believers who were in our Lord Jesus Christ were scattered abroad except the 12 apostles. They stayed at Jerusalem after this. But those who were scattered abroad they travelled to Phenice, Cyprus, Antioch (Syria) and preached the Word of God about the Gospel of the Kingdom only to the Jews and not to Gentiles. First the Jewish people had to believe in the Lord because that was their mission. They didn't know at that moment that a change had taken place, that God had stopped His plan with Israel and that He had saved Paul and had send him with the Gospel of the Grace of God to the Gentiles. 

Acts 11 verse 20

And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

Verse 20: Some of the Jewish believers or Proselytes in the Lord came from Cyprus and Cyrene (nowadays Libya) and the came in Antioch Syria and spoke unto the Grecians. Grecians were maybe Jewish who had the Greek language see Acts 9 verse 29 and spoke the Greek language in their synagoges. So these believers in the Lord (Jewish and proselytes) spoke to them about the Lord Jesus. They preached them about the fact that He was resurrected and what He had command them preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom. 

Acts 11 verse 21

And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

Verse 21: What does it mean the hand of the Lord was with them? It means this:  that God showed them favor, and evinced his power in the conversion of their hearers. A great number believed, a lot of people believed and turned unto the Lord. What a blessing this was! The Word of God which these believers preached there in Antioch Syria was accompanied with miracles and signs so that a lot of people were convinced and believed and turned unto the Lord. Nowadays we live under the Dispensation of Grace which is signless and we live in the last days of this Dispensation. Most people depart from the truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24. What we see now anno 2024 a lot is: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good. 2 Timothy 3: 1-3. This we see happen around us. And this is the encouragement for us believers who know the Gospel of the Grace of God which the apostle Paul told Timothy on the end of his life to him: Preach the Word, be instand in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Timothy 4: 2 Nowadays there a a few people who believe the Gospel of the Grace of God and rightly divide the Word of Truth. 2 Timothy 2:15, Acts 20:25, Romans 16:25,26. We live now in the time of the itching ears brothers and sisters. In 2 Timothy 4 verse 3 and 4 we read: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. Conclusion in that time the Lord was with them and a lot of people came to believe and turned to the Lord and nowadays it is the opposite!

Acts 11 verse 22

Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

Verse 22: In the church of Jerusalem they came to hear with their ears what happened in Antioch Syria that a lot of Jewish  people came to believe and turned to the Lord through the Word namely the Gospel of the Kingdom. Israel must first be brought to Messiah's feet before salvation and blessing could flow to the Gentiles. This passed from word of mouth in that time because there was no Television, Media, Smartphones and yet the people heard the good news of the Jewish people of Antioch so they send Barnabas. Who was Barnabas? Barnabas was a hellenized Jew who joined the Jerusalem church soon after Christ's crucifixion, sold his property, and gave the proceeds to the community Read Acts 4:36–37. He was called son of comfort. So they send him to Antioch and he went to Antioch. 

Acts 11 verse 23

Who, when he came, and had seen the Grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all,

that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

Verse 23: Barnabas was send to Antioch because Barnabas was the one who was befriended with Paul when others didn't believe Paul he was a believer in Christ Acts 9:26-27. Barnabas knew of Paul's commission to go to the Gentiles. He knew also that the Lord had appeared again to Paul in the temple and had said to him to leave Jerusalem directly and God's purpose was then to send him Paul far hance unto the Gentiles and it must be that Barnabas was among the men who send Paul forth to Tarsus. Now Barnabas was in Antioch and saw the Grace of God and was glad and comforted all the people who believed and with the purpose of heart that they should cling or cleave or to stay with the Lord. That they should not to leave the Lord. That was the admonishing of Barnabas to these believers at Antioch. 

Acts 11 verse 24

For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

Verse 24: For he, Barnabas was a good man of God and he was full of the Holy Spirit like Stephanus and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Much people were added unto the Lord there at Antioch. They came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. So Barnabas was a great help there at Antioch. In the next verse we see and read that he left Antioch for a purpose! 

Acts 11 verse 25

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

Verse 25: It was the right time for Barnabas to leave Antioch where he was for a while to travel to Tarsus because Saul was there in Tarsus, his birthplace. We have read in verse 23 that Barnabas was probably one of the men who send Paul forth to Tarsus. Barnabas saw the Grace of God in Antioch where he was send to and was glad and wanted to have Saul there because he knew that Saul was the new apostle to the Gentiles with the Gospel of the Grace of God. So if Saul could speak about the Lord Jesus Christ and the finished work of Christ and handle there with people in Antioch maybe more people came to know the truth of God. 

Acts 11 verse 26

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Verse 26: Barnabas found Saul (Paul) in Tarsus. It is said and when he had found him. It looks that this wasn't easy that he found Saul. Barnabas brought Saul unto Antioch Syria. After that a whole year they gather together with the local church in Antioch and taught many people the Word of God. They teached them from the Word of God although Saul or Paul and Barnabas had not the whole Bible but they teached what they knew on that moment. And this is very important so brother and sister you have to tell others only what you know. You have not to tell them what you don't know. It is better to say if you don't know something I do not know then try to explain to someone what you don't know. The disciples were called Christians in Antioch. There you have it: Christians: believers in Christ! People called them Christians and so came the word Christian or Christians in the world. 

Acts 11 verse 27

 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

Verse 27: You see my brothers and sisters that there were prophets in the Acts period, the transition period. Why there were prophets. Why is the apostle Paul in the epistle to the Corinthians speaking about prophecy? What does it mean prophecy? A prediction of what will happen in the future. So prophets were busy with this and there came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. Why were these prophets needful, necessary? The answers is that in the Acts period God's Word wasn't complete. A prophet came with the Word of God which God hath spoken to him or her. 

Acts 11 verse 28

And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

Verse 28: One of them stood up named Agabus. Later we see in the Book of Acts another time his name. This man Agabus the prophet signified by the Spirit. Read well by the Spirit of God and not by his own spirit that there should be a great famine throughout all the world. This came in the days of Claudius Caesar. It is interesting to read and study the below quote from the Gospel Guardian. 

We read from the Gospel Guardian this: "Claudius Caesar was the fifth Roman emperor, and ascended to the throne in the year 41 A.D. His reign covered a period of thirteen years (41-54 A.D.) and was brought to a rather spectacular conclusion when one of his wives, Agrippina, poisoned him in order that her son could take the throne.

During the reign of Claudius, several different famines are known to have occurred. The first famine during this period was centered around the city of Rome in the years 41 and 42 A.D. The second famine known to have occurred during the reign of Claudius was in the fourth year of his office (45 A.D.), and was particularly centered in Judea. It is this famine to which Luke makes reference in Acts 11:28, and to which we hope to give further attention in this discussion. The third famine during the time of Claudius was centered in Greece in about A.D. 50. The fourth famine took place in 52 A.D. and once again, plagued the city of Rome.

Josephus, the Jewish historian, supplies further information concerning the intensity of this famine, with its great distress and many deaths. In a footnote, it is indicated that it may have lasted for a three year period.)

Acts 11 verse 29

Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

Verse 29: This is very interesting. The disciples, every man of them according what he or she could miss determined to send something (goods, money or food maybe) to the brethren who were in Judaea. The brethren,  because of the new Dispensation of Grace, God changed His dealings with men and they, the brothers and sisters in Judaea became poor because they all had in common and it worked but now it didn't work anymore as before Acts 7. So other brothers and sisters began to give to them who became poor now! It now under this Dispensation of Grace Biblical to give what you can miss like these disciples did. 2 Corinthians 9 verse 7: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. It is also to obey God if you do this! 

Acts 11 verse 30

 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Verse 30: It was not only to think or only a plan from them but they did it. They were cheerful givers and send all the goods or other thing to the elders of the congregation by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. They recognized the need of the poor in Jerusalem. It was told to these disciples that the bretrhen in Jerusalem and Judaea became poor. I think they were the first who did this: to collect goods or money for the poor and later Paul and Barnabas made this agreement with the 12 apostles to remember the poor in Judaea Galatians 2 verse 10: Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

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Acts 12 verse 1

 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

Verse 1: In Matthew 2 we find Herod the king stretching forth his hands against Christ and Christ is the rightful King of Israel and here in this verse we read about another Herod the king stretching forth his hands to vex certain of the Church, the followers of Christ. These both kings were Idumean of from the folk Edomites, descendants of Esau. Both king were not full Israelites. Deuteronomy 17 verse 15. We read that the persecution to the church at Jerusalem continued here by Herod the king. 

Acts 12 verse 2

And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

Verse 2: King Herod killed James the brother of John. James was one of the 12 apostles and we read this in this chapter 12 and this is the greatest indication that the earthly establishment of the kingdom is to be held in abeyance. So the apostle James was killed with the sword. After this the number of 12 wasn't complete. Nor can any attempt be made to replace James by another. So the conclusion is that the kingdom is not yet to be established on earth, it is postponed by God. 

Acts 12 verse 3

 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

Verse 3: We can read here in general and understand brothers and sisters that this has to do with Israel's fall and that God's Grace came into the world and that God's dealings with Israel, His plan with this nation has been temporarily set aside. Read Romans 11 verse 11 and 25. So Herod the king saw that this killing of James pleased the Jews, the unbelieving Jews and the next person was the apostle Peter, to take him and put him in prison. On that time the days ot the unleavened bread were there. 

Acts 12 verse 4

And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

Verse 4: King Herod catched Peter and put him in prison. He delivered Peter to four quaternison of soldiers to keep him. Why was that? For one man so much soldiers to keep him? Well King Herod knew that Peter was previously in prison and escaped from it, so that's why he took these measures and was intending after Easter to bring Peter forth to the people that they with the king Herod should put Peter to death

Acts 12 verse 5

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

Verse 5: Peter was kept in prison but the church in Judaea was in prayer for him to God and didn't stop to pray for him. Read James 5 verse 15. We don't know exactly how long Peter was in prison.  We see in this verse that the other believers were intensively occupied with his captivity. They suffered too with Peter! They loved him in the Lord and didn't want to lose him! 

Acts 12 verse 6

 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

Verse 6: In the night before king Herod would have brought Peter forth before the people Peter was sleeping between two soldiers and bound with 2 chains. Was Peter not afraid on that moment? No he wasn't. He kept calm and trusted in the Lord whatever would happen the Lord should deliver him. The keepers were before the door of the prison who kept the prison closed. 

Acts 12 verse 7

 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

Verse 7: And then a miracle happened.  Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood there in prison and a light shined in the prison. He smote Peter on the side and raised him up and said. Arise up very quick. Peter did what the angel said and his chais fell off from his hands. God liberated through His angel Peter from prison, from the death which king Herod's plan was! 

Acts 12 verse 8

And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

Verse 8: The angel of the Lord who came to Peter in prison said to him. With other words do your clothes on and bind your sandels under your feet. In that time of Peter people wore sandals. The exact origins of biblical sandals are unclear, but it is known that they were made from a variety of materials, including leather, straw, and papyrus. Peter obeyed the angel and the angel said further: cast thy garment or robe abouth thee, Do it ons and follow me. So Peter had to follow the angel otherwise he would not go out of prison. 

Acts 12 verse 9

And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

Verse 9: Peter went out and followed the angel but didn't know this was true which was done by the angel to take him out of prison. Was it a dream he was dreaming. He thought he saw a face (Dutch Bible) or vision,  a supernatural revelation. Anyway it was something special what happened to the apostle Peter. This was a miracle by God! 

Acts 12 verse 10

When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

Verse 10: They , the angel and Peter,  passed the first and second ward. These wards were not aware what happened. They didn't see the angel and Peter.  After that the angel and Peter came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city. That was the entrace of the prison. This door opened to them of his own accord. They didn't use a key for it. Normally you have to use a key but the door opened by itself! Very special. So the angels and Peter passed this door and came through the street and there the angel departed from Peter. What a miracle! 

Acts 12 verse 11

 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

Verse 11: Peter was come to himself. What does that mean? To regain one's self-possession. Just after that he said: now I know that the Lord hath send His angel who had delivered me out of hand of king Herod and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews because they wanted to kill him, his death Peter knew. So he escaped their wrath and the wrath of king Herod. 

Acts 12 verse 12

And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying

Verse 12: When peter had reflect on it, the liberation out of prison he came to the house of Mary the mother of John who's name was also Mark. This was the man who went with Paul and Barnabas later. And in that house there were a lot of people gathered together and praying for Peter, for his life and probably that he should survive this. 

Acts 12 verse 13

And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.

Verse 13: Peter knocked at the door of the gate. There was in that time no doorbell so that's why he knocked at the door. The damsel Rhoda came to listen what and who was knocking at the door.  Nowadays you have doorbells with camera but in that time it was very important to listen who was on the other side of the door. 

Acts 12 verse 14

And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

Verse 14: She recognized Peter's voice but she didn't open the gate for him because she was overwhelmed with gladness and ran in the group who was praying and told them how Peter stood before the gate. She forgot to open the gate for him. This was not unbelief but pure joy that caused her to leave Peter standing outside the gate. When she told them all about Peter their prayers were answered. What was the reaction ot the others there in the house? We read that in the next verses. 

Acts 12 verse 15

And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

Verse 15: The damsel Rhoda forgot Peter and he stood still before the gate because she was so overwhelmed with gladness that she heard Peter but the others in the house of Mary the mother of John Mark couldn't believe her and said thou art mad. But she constantly claimed that it was even so. She had heard Peter but they said to her that is was his angel. They couldn't believe her at her word. She told them the truth but they couldn't believe it, that was impossible that Peter stood before the gate and was knocking. What had Rhoda at that moment must think about it. She told them the truth and they didn't believe her. Normally a person can become sad about that nobody believes him or her when he or she is telling the truth. But what do we read in the next verse? 

Acts 12 verse 16

But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

Verse 16: But Peter persisted and continued knocking at the door and when they had opened the door the saw him. They were so astonished, amazed. Was it Peter who stood there? How could it be? They must you can believe at the moment be shaken when they saw him. This was so a great miracle and their prayer was answered by God. 

Acts 12 verse 17

But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

Verse 17: Peter beckoned unto them with the hand to hold their peace. Everyone in the house was busy talking to each other what had happened to Peter and now he asked them to hold their peace. To be silent and listen. They obeyed and Peter made known how the Lord had brought him out of the prison through an angel. Then after that he said explain this to James and to the brethren who are with him. Who was this James? It was not the James who was killed by king Herod. No this was the (half) brother of the Lord according the flesh. This was the James who later wrote the Biblebook called James to the Jewish believers who were in Christ. After that Peter departed and went into another place to hid himself for king Herod that Herod could not find him. This was outside Jerusalem because Peter was not save in Jerusalem, they could find him again and for sure they would kill him. I personally have not experienced that someone would kill me but if you life is in danger it makes you afraid and that's normal. 

Acts 12 verse 18

Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

Verse 18: When the day began to dawn there was no small tumult or disturbance among the soldiers. Who could it happen that Peter was away. They hadn't seen it and was was become of him? How could he Peter escape from them? That was impossible so you can imagine that they were discussing about this and were full of this. 

Acts 12 verse 19

 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

Verse 19: The day after Peter was liberated by the Lord through an angel from prison King Herod sought for Peter but didn't found him. After that he examined the keepers of Peter and then he commanded that they, the keepers should be put to death because they were responsible for this and had neglected their responsibility. And King Herod departed from Jerusalem and went down to Caesarea and there he stayed for a time. 

Acts 12 verse 20

And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.

Verse 20: King Herod was very disappointed  in the ones of Tyre and Sidon. But they came from Tyre en Sidon with one accord to the king. They became befriended with the king's chamberlain called Blastus and desired peace with king Herod because their country received food from the land of the king Israel. So they didn't want war with King Herod. Maybe through Blastus king Herod would not begin a war against them! 

Acts 12 verse 21

 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.

Verse 21: On a certain day king Herod he took on royal clothes and set upon his throne and made an oration unto the folk who was gathered there. This man Herod was a very proud man and thought maybe that he was God himself or a god who could reign over a lot of people. 

Acts 12 verse 22

 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.

Verse 22: During King's Herod speech or oration to the people the people made him very great and shout saying: this is the voice of a god and not the voice of a man. They believed in him and saw in him a god. This sounds familiair. How many men in this world think they are a god or represent God here on earth? Nothing is new under the sun my brothers and sisters!

Acts 12 verse 23

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Verse 23: Immediately after that oration and that the people made him a god the angel of the Lord smote king Herod because of his proudness that he gave God not the glory, he never repented to the Lord. So Gods punishment on him was to smote him by an angel of Him that he died.  He was eaten of worms and he gave up the ghost.

Acts 12 verse 24

 But the Word of God grew and multiplied.

Verse 24: The Word of God became more and more known to people. Twice at much. What a glory!

Acts 12 verse 25

 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Verse 25: Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem. In Acts 11 verse 29-30 we read again this: Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Barnabas and Saul were send with the goods and other things the brothers in Antioch could miss for the poor saints in Judaea. So Barnabas and Saul did this and brought it to the elders there and we read here that they returned for Jerusalem after fulfilling this ministry. And they brought John whose name was also Mark with them. He was a relative of Barnabas precisely a cousin. 

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Acts chapter 13

Acts 13 verse 1

Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Verse 1: In the church of Antioch there were prophets and teachers. In the time of Acts there were prophets and also teachers what we read here in this verse. Prophets they exists under the Acts period because God's Word wasn't complete. In Colossians 1 verse 25 we read this: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the Dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil  the Word of God.  Paul was a minister and from God given to fulfil to complete the Word of God which he did. But in Mid Acts here in verse 13 still prophets existed. Barnabas, Simeon who was also called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen who were brought up with Herod the tetrarch. And also Saul . Teachers of the Word of God and they were also prophets. 

Acts 13 verse 2

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

Verse 2: The believers of the church of Antioch served the Lord and also fasted. On a certain moment the Holy Spirit said separate me Barnabas and Saul for the Lord's work namely to tell people everywhere the Gospel of the Grace of God. Acts 20:24, Romans 16:25-26. Here you read the calling by the Holy Spirit. On that moment the Word of God was not complete. The ministry so serve the Lord and to bring, preach the Gospel of God's Grace began here. Paul's serving the Lord in the Gospel of the Grace of God starts here in Acts 13 verse 2. The Holy Ghost said that is , He revealed His will to the leaders at Antioch by direct communication. All the people who were there on  that moment heard the Holy Ghost speaking to them. This was in perfect harmony with the gift of prophecy. These supernatural gifts of prophecy and of knowledge have long since passed away I Corinthians 13 verse 8

Acts 13 verse 3

And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Verse 3: When the people, the believers in Antioch fasted and prayed and laid their hands on Barnabas and Saul they send them away. So from here the real ministry of the apostle Paul began, his apostolic journeys.  They laid their hands on them. What does that mean? What the leaders at Antioch did here was simply to identify themselves publicly with Barnabas and Saul in the ministry which these two were now to undertake. Signifying in this wasy that they recognized their call into this ministry and that they would stand behind them in it. 

Acts 13 verse 4

So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

Verse 4: So Barnabas and Saul were send by the Holy Ghost and they departed from Antioch and went to Seleucia. This was a city in Syria, not far away from Antioch, builded from king Seleucus and from this city it was easier to sail to Cyprus because there was a harbor. That's why Barnabas and Saul sailed from there to Cyprus. 

Acts 13 verse 5

 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

Verse 5: Barnabas and Saul arrived on the island Cyprus in the place Salamis and preached there the Word of God, the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24. This first in the synagogues because the Jews had first heard the Word of God and individually Jews could be saved by Grace alone, by faith alone and in Christ alone and that they were not without excuse. But we see in the Acts period that the Jews refused the Word of God , His Word of Grace many times. The synagogue was a very good place to preach the Word of God. The preaching part is in the middle of the congregation. The one that preach speak there in the middle of the building. The ones who listened were sitting around this preaching part. John (Mark) was joining them in their ministry

Acts 13 verse 6

 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:

Verse 6: Paul and Barnabas and John (Mark) went through the island of Cyprus from Salamis until Paphos. There they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jews whose name was Barjesus. We saw in Acts 8 also a certain sorcerer whose name was Simon who did this in Acts 8 verse 9:But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one. That was in Samaria. Here we read about the place Paphos and this man was also a Jew. What does if mean Barjesus? It means son of Joshua. This man was also called Elymas. 

Acts 13 verse 7

Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man;

who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

Verse 7: He , this Barjesus or Elymas was a intelligent man and adviser of Sergius Paulus who was a representative of the Roman Empire . This man Sergius Paulus, the governer of Cyprus, called Barnabas and Saul and he desired to hear the Word of God. The Word of Gods Grace has power my dear brothers and sisters. It is the truth Colossians 1:5. I Thessalonians 1 verse 5 tells us this: For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

Acts 13 verse 8

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them,

seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

Verse 8: Where the truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God is preached,  there comes the devil  also with his false things. This is also my experience in my life as believer. The devil still nowadays resist the truth in several ways. and he has also his ministers! Don't forget that brothers and sisters. We have not only to know this but also to read about it!  Here we read about Elymas the sorcerer used by the devil withstood Paul and Barnabas and sought to turn away Sergius Paulus from the faith in God and in His Word of Grace which is the truth. Elymas  realized immediately that his own influence over Sergius Paul was imperilled so that's why he withstood Barnabas and Saul. 

Acts 13 verse 9

Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.

Verse 9: Saul also called Paul who was filled with the Holy Spirit watched on Elymas. Paul observed or noticed Elymas. 

Acts 13 verse 10

And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

Verse 10: And now Paul talked to Elymas and said through Gods Spirit this: full of all finesse and all misbehaviour and he called Elymas child of the devil. And the devil is the enemy of all righteousness and used Elymas for this purpose. That's why Paul took the authority in God's Name that he said here to Elymas wilt thou no stop to pervert the right ways of the Lord?  In the next verse we read what happened to Elymas. 

Acts 13 verse 11

And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

Verse 11: From now on said Paul to Elymas the hand of the Lord is upon thee and thou shalt be blind and see nothing for a time. This man Elymas represent Israel that for a time under this Dispensation of Grace is blind and see nothing because of refusing God in totality. Romans 11: 11 and 25.  It let you see that God is not dealing or handling with the folk Israel under this administration of Grace. So directly there fell on Elymas a mist and a darkness. That was the punishment of God to him and he was seeking someone who could lead him by the hand.

Acts 13 verse 12

Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

Verse 12: Then the deputy Sergius Paulus saw what happened to Elymas and what was done he believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and was amazed at the doctrine of the Lord, the doctrine of the Grace of God. Acts 20:24,32.  Romans 16:25, 26. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. and you see here. In I Corinthians 15 verse 1 and 2a: Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved.

And now to you dear reader, maybe you don't believe in God. From nature you are dead, eternal dead and you can never  save yourself from this. There is good news for you, very good news!  The Gospel of the Grace of God is the only Gospel for today by which you can be saved!  Admit that you are a sinner and that God in Christ died for your sins  on Calvary,  in your place. He gave Himself for you Romans 5 verse 8!  Believe this: For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures: and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. I Corinthians 15:3,4.

Believe as this man Sergius Paulus! and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior! Do it now on this moment because we don't know there comes another day after this day!

Acts 13 verse 13

Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

Verse 13: Now Paul and Barnabas and John (Mark) sailed away from Paphos to Perga in Pamphylia (now Turkey) to bring there also the Gospel of the Grace of God. But what happened? John who was with them departed from them and returned to Jerusalem. We don't know the exact reason why John suddenly departed from them. There may be suggestions for his departing. We know that he lived before with his mother Mary. Maybe he was homesick for home. Maybe he became afraid on the trip into the strange and heathen territory. We know from 2 Timothy 4 verse 11 this: Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. Maybe Mark/John was on that time when they arrived at Perga not standing for the truth namely the Gospel of the Grace of God Colossians 1:5

Acts 13 verse 14

 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

Verse 14: Luke describes here that Paul and Barnabas departed from Perga in Pamphylia and came in Antioch in Pisidia. They went into the synagogue ont he Sabbath day and they sat down. Why they went to the synagogue? Well the Word of God was first proclaimed to the Jews and it was also to win individual Jews lead to the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.  And that the Jews couldn't have a excuse later that they had not known it the Gospel of the Grace of God. They sat down Paul and Barnabas and were listening what the leader said to the people, the rabbi. 

Acts 13 verse 15

And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

Verse 15: The rabbi, ruler(s) read the law and the prophets to the people in the synagogue. The rulers noticed that Paul and Barnabas