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| 1 Now there were in Antioch, in the assembly which was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen, foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. |
Church that was at Antioch – The first Church of believers outside of Palestine. The first of the Gentiles. R3005:1; PD76/90
The occasion of this lesson was probably about a year after the famine in Jerusalem. They had grown prosperous under the teaching of Barnabas and Saul. R1461:1
Certain prophets – Probably also possessing the gift of prophecy. E275
The Greek word rendered "prophet" signifies a "forth-teller." Generally used in the sense of standing up before the people in declaration of the Lord's message. R3005:2
More public speakers than was needed at Antioch; besides Paul and Barnabas. R4360:2, 3005:4
And teachers – Those possessing talent as instructors, but not necessarily in a public or oratorical manner. R3005:3
Every ecclesia should be like the Church at Antioch, a theological seminary from which efficient teachers would constantly be going forth to wider fields of service. F281, F288
Manaen – Foster-brother to Herod Antipas. R3005:6
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| 2 And as they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me now Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. |
Ministered to the Lord – The Society gets its authority from the Lord. It is acting in the same way as did the Church at Antioch. R5808:2; Q515:6
Fasted – Disciplined the body by abstaining from delicacies and relishes. R3659:5
A very plain diet, or total abstinence from food, are occasionally desirable to many of the Lord's people who are impulsive and full-blooded. R2260:5
The fastings of the Jewish age typified the self-denials of the Gospel age. R2592:2
All the various desires of the flesh need restraining. Our thoughts, words and conduct. R3006:2
There is an efficacy in prayer as well as fasting. NS153:2
The Holy Spirit – God made known his will by the exercise of his power, probably through "certain prophets." E274
Separate me – Whenever the number of public speakers and teachers is greater than needed, all should recognize the facts and separate some to special missionary effort. R4360:2; PD76/90
It is probable that they were "called" and "set apart" in much the same manner that all the true ministers of God are now called. Special ability is recognized as a special call of the holy Spirit. R372:5,6, 3005:5
The holy Spirit indicated, either by miracle, or by consensus of opinion. By class vote. R1461:2, 3006:5
Barnabas and Saul – Barnabas is mentioned first; older than Paul in spiritual things, perhaps also older in years, and it had not yet been fully manifested that Paul was the Lord's choice. R2141:1
For the work – To do a special missionary work. Q515:6; R4360:2
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| 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and having laid their hands on them, they let them go. |
Fasted and prayed – Some may be inclined to pay too little heed to the incidentals of this kind. R3005:6
Their hands on them – As an endorsement of the projected missionary enterprise. F285; R5940:4, 1461:2
As the Priests laid their hands upon the animals which were to represent them (Lev. 8:14, 18), so did the Church, i R4360:4, 1957:4, 1461:4
They would represent the Antioch Church, and the Church would bear their expenses. Q317:2; R5808:2, 4360:4, 3006:1, 2141:1, 2022:5, 1461:2, 1720:2
There was no apostolic succession indicated in this simple ceremony; nor did it impart to them any spiritual power, or authority to preach, which they already had. R1461:4, 4360:3, 2141:1, 812:3*
Quite common in the early Church. At times special gifts were imparted in the early Church. This was not necessary for authority to preach the Gospel--all the Anointed had this privilege. R812:3, 1720:2
Sent them away – On what is termed the first missionary tour. R2140:3
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| 4 They therefore, having been sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia, and thence sailed away to Cyprus. |
Seleucia – Eighteen miles from Antioch. R3006:3
Cyprus – Home country of Barnabas. R3006:3, 4360:4
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| 5 And being in Salamis, they announced the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John also as their attendant. |
In the synagogues – The Lord and the Apostles began their teaching in the synagogues but soon found little opportunity to teach there. The nominal church offers no advantages for the Truth. R986:5, 3006:4, 2141:2, 1461:4
They had also John – John Mark. R3006:3, 2141:2
See also comments on Acts 12:12
To their minister – As their attendant servant. Brethren are not on an equality in every matter. R3006:3, 2141:2
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| 6 And having passed through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a certain man a magician, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus, |
Paphos – Mark as the companion and servant of the two missionaries discontinued his service at Paphos and returned to Jerusalem. R3009:2
A certain sorcerer – Under the control of the fallen angels. R2173:2, 4360:6
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| 7 who was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. *He*, having called Barnabas and Saul to him, desired to hear the word of God. |
Deputy of the country – Proconsul of Rome. R3007:4, 4360:6
Sergius Paulus – A man of good judgment, the governor of the Island, and representative of the Roman Senate. He had a hearing ear before the apostles got there. R3006:6
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| 8 But Elymas the magician (for so his name is by interpretation) opposed them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith. |
Elymas – A Jew. R4360:4
Sorcerer – A magician. R4360:4, 3006:6
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| 9 But Saul, who also is Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixing his eyes upon him, |
Filled with the Holy Spirit – Already a recipient of "gifts" of the holy Spirit, Paul was now specially imbued with divine power. R2141:5
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| 10 said, O full of all deceit and all craft: son of the devil, enemy of all righteousness; wilt thou not cease perverting the right paths of the Lord? |
And said – The power to cast out devils was conferred upon the apostles. R2173:2, 2141:4
True love was the cause of the anger; love for the truth, for God, for the people who were being deceived. R439:2, 3007:4
Child of the devil – Satan-like, seeking their own exaltation, A willful evildoer. R1175:6, 266:1
Enemies serve a purpose in testing and sifting the true children of God. R1461:6
We read in the New Testament a great deal about persons possessed by devils (obsession). R2173:2
The Apostle was a firm believer in a personal devil. R3165:6
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| 11 And now behold, the Lord's hand is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell upon him a mist and darkness; and going about he sought persons who should lead him by the hand. |
Hand of the Lord – The judgment of the Lord. R3007:1
It was necessary to restrain the Adversary while the Church was developing. R1461:5
Thou shalt be blind – It is our duty to act for the good of the truth; that impressions inimical to the truth may be stopped. R5260:1
It is not for us to emulate Paul's course. He was specially empowered. R4360:5
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| 12 Then the proconsul, seeing what had happened, believed, being amazed at the teaching of the Lord. |
Astonished at the doctrine – We should leave astonishment in every heart, not in our ability or oratory, but at the teaching of the Lord's Word. R4360:6
Not that it converted the proconsul. R3007:4
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| 13 And having sailed from Paphos, Paul and his company came to Perga of Pamphylia; and John separated from them and returned to Jerusalem. |
Paul and his company – Previously the narrative was respecting Barnabas and Paul. Barnabas was still loved and approved of the Lord, but Paul was his "chosen vessel" ( Acts 9:15) to help, encourage, and c R4364:1
Perga – Means "very earthy." R359:1
John departing – Possibly because of faintness of heart, lack of faith and courage; Paul did not accept his company on a future missionary tour. ( Acts 15:37, 38) Let us not look back. R4364:2, 3009:2
He learned a valuable lesson, and eventually was restored to the Apostle's favor. (Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11) R4364:2, 2141:3
No one knows how much he may have lost of spiritual blessings by his failure. R2141:3
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| 14 But they, passing through from Perga, came to Antioch of Pisidia; and entering into the synagogue on the sabbath day they sat down. |
Antioch in Pisidia – A great city, but not the same as Antioch in 13:1; there were 16 Antiochs. R4364:3, 3009:1
One hundred miles inland from Perga. R2149:2
Into the synagogue – The usual custom was followed, of going first to the Jews. R3009:3, 4364:3, 1465:2
They sought the prepared soil to sow the Gospel seed. R2149:2
Because the Jews who had been waiting for the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies were the best prepared soil for the Gospel message; at least so far as their heads were concerned. R4364:3, 2149:2
And sat down – They did not force themselves forward or in any way seek to violate the customs of the synagogue. R1465:2
Saying, as our attitude should be, "Lord, here am I, use me." (Isa. 6:8) R1465:3
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| 15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, Brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation to the people, speak. |
Reading of the law – By the elder of the congregation, styled the "angel of the synagogue". R4364:3
It has been presumed by some that, as Paul's discourse seems to make reference to Deut. 1:31 and Isa. 55:3, these scripand the Apostle R2149:2
Sent unto them – Recognizing them as intelligent and cultured men, and pleased to have them use the liberty of the synagogue. R4364:3, 3009:3, 2149:2, 2085:4
Say on – A liberality existing in the Jewish synagogue that does not exist in the nominal church. R1465:3
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| 16 And Paul, rising up and making a sign with the hand, said, Israelites, and ye that fear God, hearken. |
Paul stood up – In his place, not going to the public stand, or rostrum. R4364:3, 2149:2
Beckoning – Saluting. R4364:3
Men of Israel – Representatives of the whole twelve tribes. C252, C293; R2085:4, 1341:1
Ye – Gentiles. R2149:3, 2085:4
That fear God – Who reverence God. R4364:3
Give audience – A discourse similar to Stephen's which Paul had heard and rejected. R4364:3
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| 17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people in their sojourn in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm brought them out of it, |
Chose our fathers – God chose the nation of Israel as a channel for the blessing of mankind. R4364:3
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| 18 and for a time of about forty years he nursed them in the desert. |
The time of forty years – Typifying the period of Jewish disfavor. R3079:3
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| 19 And having destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. |
He – God. R1980:3
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| 20 And after these things he gave them judges till Samuel the prophet, to the end of about four hundred and fifty years. |
Unto them judges – Not elected to the position, but raised to it providentially; divinely appointed. R5645:2
Of whom Joshua was first. PD38/48; R5645:2
About the space of – Greek, hos; during the space of. B49; R1980:3
Four hundred and fifty years – They had judges off and on during that space of time. R1980:4; HG105:1; 46:1; 44:6; PD38/48
Link No. 23 in the true Bible chronology. B49
Paul's inspired testimony thus corrects a transcriber's error made in 1 Kings 6:1, which should read 580 year B53; R1980:3
Samuel – The last of the Judges. R1980:4
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| 21 And then they asked for a king, and God gave to them Saul, son of Kis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, during forty years. |
Space of forty years – Link No. 24 in the true Bible chronology. B50
Saul's 40 year reign ended 3049 Anno Mundi, year of the world, from Adam's creation. R1980:4, 1
Possibly typifying the harvest of the Jewish age. R4018:1*
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| 22 And having removed him he raised up to them David for king, of whom also bearing witness he said, I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who shall do all my will. |
David – Gods' choice of a special family through whom Messiah would come. R4364:4
After mine own heart – In spite of all his weaknesses, David's heart was loyal to God, and his desire was at all times to do God's service. Q199:6; PD40/50
Repentant when wrong; his heart was right. PD40/50
The definition of an ideal life. R2694:6*
True greatness does not consist in what we possess, but in what we are. R1709:1*
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| 23 Of this man's seed according to promise has God brought to Israel a Saviour, Jesus; |
This man's seed – David's seed. R1465:5
A Saviour, Jesus – The Messiahship of Jesus had already been recognized to a considerable extent. R4364:4
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| 24 John having proclaimed before the face of his entry among the people the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. |
John – The Baptist. R2085:4
Before his coming – The manifestation to Israel. R2085:4
"That he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water." (John 1:31) R60:4*
"There cometh one after me." (Mark 1:7) R1465:6, 114:4*, 60:4*
Baptism of repentance – This relates to Jews, either natural born or proselyted. If they would acknowledge Christ, their sins would be forgiven. R1421:1, 2149:3
The Harvest begins with Christ's personal presence. HG71:1
People of Israel – The whole twelve tribes. C293; R1341:1
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| 25 And as John was fulfilling his course he said, Whom do ye suppose that I am? *I* am not he. But behold, there comes one after me, the sandal of whose feet I am not worthy to loose. |
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| 26 Brethren, sons of Abraham's race, and those who among you fear God, to you has the word of this salvation been sent: |
Feareth – Reverences. R1465:6
The word as used here, signifies to be in apprehension of evil, to be afraid. Those conscious of their inability to keep the whole Law. R352:1*
To you – Paul intimated that the message which he bore to them was one of special favor. R2149:3, 327:5
To "Israelites indeed" which includes also the worthy of the Gentiles. R1465:6
Word of this salvation – Peculiar words, spoken at a peculiar time, and under peculiar circumstances. R352:1*
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| 27 for those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, not having known him, have fulfilled also the voices of the prophets which are read on every sabbath, by judging him. |
Rulers – The chief priests. R2149:5
Knew him not – Did not recognize or honor him. R1466:1
Of the prophets – Heedless of the testimony of the prophets. R4364:4, 2149:5, 1466:1
Read every sabbath day – The Lord endorsed the teachings of Moses. R1793:6
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| 28 And having found no cause of death in him, they begged of Pilate that he might be slain. |
No cause of death – Ignoring Jesus' manifest purity. R4364:4
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| 29 And when they had fulfilled all things written concerning him, they took him down from the cross and put him in a sepulchre; |
That was written – The sinful act of crucifying Jesus. R1466:1, 2149:3
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| 30 but God raised him from among the dead, |
But God raised him – Christ could never have raised himself. R2795:2
Proving his Messiahship in accordance with prophecies and attested by witnesses. R4364:4, 2149:5
The promise made to the fathers beginning to be fulfilled. R352:2*
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| 31 who appeared for many days to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. |
His witnesses – The apostles were special witnesses, although seen by others. E213; F214; R1522:5, 1466:2
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| 32 And *we* declare unto you the glad tidings of the promise made to the fathers, |
Glad tidings – Of the fulfillment of prophecy in the resurrection of Jesus. R1466:2, 2149:5
Only to the meek, who reverence God and who have respect unto his promises. R1465:6
Not bad tidings of damnation and eternal misery of any. R2593:6, 2596:1, 2557:1, 670:3
How that the promise – Of a Messiah. R4364:4, 2149:5, 1466:2
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| 33 that God has fulfilled this to us their children, having raised up Jesus; as it is also written in the second psalm, *Thou* art my Son: this day have *I* begotten thee. |
Begotten thee – Borne thee; delivered thee from death by a resurrection. R2149:6, 1466:2, 1385:4
The Common Version has beclouded the thought by using the word begotten, instead of born, here and in Heb. 1:5; 5:5. NS101:3
Greek, gennao. When associated with God this word should always be rendered beget or begotten. R837:1
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| 34 But that he raised him from among the dead, no more to return to corruption, he spoke thus: I will give to you the faithful mercies of David. |
He raised him up – Jesus did not raise himself. R2795:2
Give you the sure – I will make them sure to thee forever. R2149:6
Or holy things promised to. R1466:2
Mercies of David – David signifies "beloved." R1364:2
The dominion, power and glory of the Kingdom of God on earth promised to David's heir, "the Messiah" and those of the Gospel age who are invited to share. (Psa. 80:20-37) R1466:2, 4364:1, 1364:1
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| 35 Wherefore also he says in another, Thou wilt not suffer thy gracious one to see corruption. |
To see corruption – God specially promised the resurrection of Messiah, indicating his death and temporary subjection almost to corruption. R2149:6
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| 36 For David indeed, having in his own generation ministered to the will of God, fell asleep, and was added to his fathers and saw corruption. |
His own generation – Greek, genea; people living contemporaneously, as in "This generation shall not pass." (Matt. 24:34) D603
Fell on sleep – In death, awaiting the resurrection morning. The apostles frequently used this expression. E345; R3027:6, 2197:6, 1881:1; HG194:3
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| 37 But he whom God raised up did not see corruption. |
Saw no corruption – Paul argues that the prophecy has not reference to David but to Christ, whom David typified. R1466:2
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| 38 Be it known unto you, therefore, brethren, that through this man remission of sins is preached to you, |
Through this man – "The man Christ Jesus." (1 Tim. 2:5) R2150:1, 3009:1, 2220:5
"For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead." (1 Cor. 15:21) R2150:1
Because he paid the penalty. E461; R387:3
Unto you – Even you, who in your ignorance and folly despised and slew him. R1466:4
Forgiveness of sins – Christ abolished the enmity or opposition of the Jewish Law Covenant that they might receive forgiveness of sins through faith in his blood. R1231:2
Cancellation of the legal condemnation, and recovery of the sinner from his imperfection. CR413:6
The essence of the Gospel. R3009:4, 2150:1
The test of the right preaching of the Gospel. R4364:5
The first step. R2150:4
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| 39 and from all things from which ye could not be justified in the law of Moses, in him every one that believes is justified. |
All that believe – Such, and such only. R2150:4, 199:3
Faith and repentance are the prerequisites to salvation. R1437:2
Are justified – May enter the School of Christ. R4364:5
Reckoned right, just, pure and perfect. That we may have communion with God and do works acceptable. R2150:4, 391:1, 216:1, 199:3
There are three steps to reach the prize, justification is the first. R199:2
The sufferings of Christ are not part of the price of our ransom. R17:5
From all things – All inherited blemishes and uncontrollable weaknesses, traceable directly or indirectly, to the original sin of Adam. R2150:4, 4364:5
Because of Jesus' death, we can come to God as sinless, and recognize him as Father. R364:1, 216:1
The sins of the "Church of the first-born" (Heb. 12:23) are passed over, not impu R253:5, 17:4
By the law of Moses – The Jews were justified only for a year; and "The law made nothing perfect." (Heb. 7:19) R4364:5, 4388:6
"By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Gal. 2:16) E444; R5774:3
The Ancient Worthies were not justified by a covenant nor by a mediator; neither were we. R4388:5
The Jewish Law really justified none. HG307:3
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| 40 See therefore that that which is spoken in the prophets do not come upon you, |
Beware therefore, lest that – Spiritual blindness. The spirit which despises the instruction of the Lord, when God raises up some human instrumentality. R1488:6, 1466:4
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| 41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder and perish; for *I* work a work in your days, a work which ye will in no wise believe if one declare it to you. |
Ye despisers – Of God's plan. Despisers of the truth must fail to enter into the reward of the faithful overcomers of this age. R1488:6; NS632:3
Who say "All things continue as they were from the beginning." (2 Pet. 3:4) R1488:5
Wonder, and perish – They indeed wondered at the progress and power of the truth, but they were left in their unjustified condition. R1466:4
Not eternal torment. God knows, not we, how many will perish, having sinned against a sufficiency of light. R4364:5
I work a work – "The day of his preparation." (Nahum 2:3) R1487:6
Applicable to both harvests and all the attendant features of a change of dispensation. "His work, his strange work." (Isa. 28:21) R1487:3
Children of God are permitted to view "the strange work" from a superior vantage ground. R1488:1, 1997:3
The selection of the Church. R1466:5
If you do not take "the Vow" at least do not set your heart or tongue against it. R4238:5
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| 42 And as they went out they begged that these words might be spoken to them the ensuing sabbath. |
Jews were gone out – This reads differently in the older manuscripts and indicates that the apostles did not stop to answer questions. R4364:6
The next sabbath – Or, during the week. R4364:6
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| 43 And the congregation of the synagogue having broken up, many of the Jews and of the worshipping proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. |
Many – The devout ones, as usual, were interested in the truth. R4365:1
Jews – The common name of all Israelites today. R2085:4
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| 44 And on the coming sabbath almost all the city was gathered together to hear the word of God. |
The whole city – May be understood hyperbolically as signifying a large concourse, or that all classes and conditions of citizens were well represented. R3010:1, 4365:1, 2150:3, 1466:3
Probably the majority coming merely out of curiosity, to see the difference between the doctrines of these and of the regular Jewish teachers. R3010:1
Word of God – The Scriptures do claim to be the Word of God. Not the product of the church. R1584:3
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| 45 But the Jews, seeing the crowds, were filled with envy, and contradicted the things said by Paul, contradicting and speaking injuriously. |
Filled with envy – The spirit of pride. Then as now the great mass prove themselves unworthy. R1466:3
How the truth is a searcher of the heart! It draws some and repels others. It leads the natural man to anger, malice, hatred and strife. R4365:1
Because their own preaching had never drawn such crowds, and this message claimed to offer something better than Judaism could. R4365:1
And blaspheming – Misrepresenting the characters and motives of Paul and Barnabas. R3010:1
Blaspheming the Messiah whom he preached. R2150:5
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| 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly and said, It was necessary that the word of God should be first spoken to you; but, since ye thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, lo, we turn to the nations; |
Then Paul – Preached first to the Jews. R5445:4
Waxed bold – Had avoided arousing prejudice, but now they spoke plainly, showing them where they stood. R4365:2
It was necessary – Because they were the natural heirs of the Abrahamic Covenant. Also, to fulfill the promises of God to their fathers. R1466:6, 4357:1, 1846:2
A part of God's arrangement. R935:4*
The word of God – The Gospel. R5396:3, 5445:4
First have been spoken to you – The first opportunity to hear of this grace of God. R5455:4, 5048:6, 4365:2, 3010:2, 1846:1
The first opportunity for membership in the Kingdom class was granted to the Jewish people. R5396:2
For a number of years following the crucifixion, the Gospel went again to Israel, "beginning at Jerusalem." (Luke 24:47) R2301:1
"To the Jew first, and afterward to the Gentiles." (Rom. 2:10) R1846:2, 3010:2
The test upon all Israelites was the same. R5445:4
Ye put it from you – They rejected God's favor, to their own injury, because at heart unworthy. R3010:2, 5396:3, 4365:2, 2702:4
Judge yourselves – Greek, krino; trial, testing, criticism. R2430:2
"If we would [krino] judge ourselves, we should not be judged." (1 Cor. 11:31) R2430:5
Unworthy – Now, as then, the few are gathered out and the great mass prove themselves unworthy. R1466:6
We turn – Does Paul speak of himself as an Israelite, or of Christ as prophesied of as the light of the Gentiles? Perhaps both are included. R751:3*
To the Gentiles – "To take out of them a people for his name." ( Acts 15:14) R2702:3
Accounted the seed of Abraham according to the Spirit, having the faith of Abraham. R1795:1
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| 47 for thus has the Lord enjoined us: I have set thee for a light of the nations, that thou shouldest be for salvation to the end of the earth. |
Thee – Christ. R1466:6, 2150:5
Light of the Gentiles – To partake of the great feast with the remnant of Israel. R2702:3
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| 48 And those of the nations, hearing it, rejoiced, and glorified the word of the Lord, and believed, as many as were ordained to eternal life. |
They were glad – That they had been accounted worthy to hear. R5594:3
The rightly disposed among the Gentiles. R2150:5
Glorified the word – What an honor it is that God has asked us to hear his message. R5594:3
As were ordained – Disposed. R3010:5, 2150:6, 607:1, 4365:5
To ordain means "to set in order" to arrange according to rule." R606:6
To eternal life – So many of them as were of the class and character which God proposed should have eternal life. R4365:5
Those with a disposition of meekness, and desire to be in harmony with God and do his will, shall receive eternal life. R1467:1, 4365:5, 2150:6
Partly our work and partly God's. R607:1
"He that hath the Son hath life." R142:3
Believed – Became obedient to the faith. R3010:5
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| 49 And the word of the Lord was carried through the whole country. |
Was published – Making the opponents more angry. R3010:4
Not only by the preaching of Paul and Barnabas, but by all who then received the truth. R1467:2
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| 50 But the Jews excited the women of the upper classes who were worshippers, and the first people of the city, and raised a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and cast them out of their coasts. |
The Jews stirred up – What they could not oppose with argument or logic they did oppose with prejudice and superstition, arousing these sentiments by misrepresentation. R3010:4, 4368:3
Wherever our Lord and the apostles went and their message there was a division. R1633:3
Honourable women – Greek proselytes to the Jewish religion. R4368:3
Chief men of the city – Influenced by the women. R4368:3
Persecution – The immediate reward of the Lord's faithful witnesses, to strengthen and develop them until Christ's reign brings in everlasting righteousness. R1467:4
Out of their coasts – Wherever the true Gospel goes its effect is to cause uproar and confusion in the Kingdom of the prince of darkness. R1633:3
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| 51 But they, having shaken off the dust of their feet against them, came to Iconium. |
Shook off the dust – Figurative; meaning, we took our departure. R3010:6
"When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another." (Matt. 10:23) R2150:6, 4368:6, 3011:2, 1467:4
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| 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. |
Filled with joy – Those that obey the gospel. R199:1*
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