THE ACTS. and tell what happened at the council.

23 ¶ And being let go, they went to|| rulers were gathered together against A. M. 4033.
the Lord and against his Christ.
27 Ford 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 to-
gether,)

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

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

29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings; and grant unto thy servants," that with all bold

26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the ness they may speak thy word,

They join together in prayer, and

A. M. 4033.

A. D. 29.

30 By stretching forth thine hand to|| 32 And the multitude of them that

An. Olymp. heal; and that signs and wonders may

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.

h

33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

k

& 2. 2. 1 Pet. 3. 8.5 ch. 2. 44. ch. 1. 8. ch. 1. 22.* ch. 2. 47.

Jesus, whom they have despised and crucified, by causing aurois oudeμia, and there was no kind of difference or dissensigns and wonders to be wrought in his name.

Thy holy child Jesus.] Tov aysou maidos σou should be translated thy holy SERVANT, as in ver. 25. Aabid raidos ow thy servant David, not thy CHILD David; the word is the same in both places.

Verse 31. The place was shaken] This earthquake was an evidence of the presence of God, and a most direct answer to their prayer, as far as that prayer concerned themselves. The earthquake proclaimed the stretched out arm of God, and shewed them that resistance against his counsels and determinations must come to nought.

tion among them. This remarkable reading is found in the Codex Beza, another of great authority, E. two others, Ambrose, Bede, Cyprian, and Zeno. Diogenes Laertius relates of Aristotle, efwtybeis, ti eσti piños; being asked, what is a FRIEND? εφη, μια ψυχή δυο σωμασιν ενοικουσα· answered, ONE soul dwelling in Two bodies. This saying has been justly celebrated: but what would this wonderful philosopher have thought and said, had he seen these disciples of Jesus, and friends of mankind: one soul dwelling in 5000 bodies!

They had all things common.] See the notes on chap. ii. 44. where this subject is examined. See below, ver. 34.

Verse 33. With great power gave the apostles witness] This power they received from the Holy Spirit, who enabled them μεγάλη δυνάμει, with striking miracles, to give proof of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. For this is the point that was particularly to be proved: that he was slain and buried, all knew; that he rose again from the dead, many knew; but it was necessary to give such proofs as should convince and confound all. This preaching and these miracles demonstrated this divine truth: Jesus died for your sins; he rose again for your justification; behold what God works in confirmation of these glorious truths; believe therefore in the Lord Jesus, and ye shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost] And in consequence of this, they spake the word of God with boldness ; a pointed answer to a second part of their request, verse 29. A right prayer will always have a right and ready answer. Though these disciples had received the Holy Spirit on the day of pentecost, yet they were capable of larger communications: and what they had then received did not preclude the necessity of frequent supplies, on emergent occasions. Indeed, one communication of this Spirit always makes way and disposes for another. Neither apostle nor private Christian can subsist in the divine life, without frequent influences from on high. Had these disciples depended on their pentecostal grace, they might have sunk now under the terror and menaces of their combined and powerful foes. God gives grace for the time being; but no stock for futurity, because he will keep all his followers continually dependant on himself. With boldness.] ПavтI TW DEλoytai miotuely, to all who were willing to believe, is added by DE. two others, Augus-derstood; for xapis means favour, whether that be evidenced tin, Ireneus, and Bede.

Verse 32. The multitude of them that believed] The whole 5000, mentioned verse 4. and probably many others, who had been converted by the ministry of the other apostles since that time.

Were of one heart and of one soul] Were in a state of the most perfect friendship and affection. In all the 5000 there appeared to be but one heart and one soul; so perfectly did they agree in all their views, religious opinions, and holy affections. Some MSS. add nai oun qy dianpiois

Great grace was upon them all.] They all received much of the favour or grace of God; and they had much favour with all who feared God. In both these ways this clause may be un

by benevolence or beneficence, or by both. The favour of God is the benevolence of God; but his benevolence is never exerted without the exertions of his beneficence. Hence the grace or favour of God, always implies a blessing or gift from the hand of his mercy and power. The favour or benevo lence of men may exist without beneficence, because it may not be in their power to communicate any gift or benefit, though they are disposed to do it; or 2dly. the persons who enjoy their favour may not stand in need of any of their || kind acts: but it is not so with God; his good will is ever

accompanied by his good work; and every soul that is an rous in that island. See Dion. Cas. lib. 68, 69. Though he object of his benevolence, stands in the utmost need of the was a Levite, he might have had land of his own by private acts of his beneficence. Hence as he loved the world, he purchase. The Levites, as a tribe, had no land in Israel; gave his Son a ransom for all. All needed his help; and but the individuals certainly might make purchases any because they all needed it, therefore all had it. And truly where in the country: but as Barnabas was of Cyprus, his we may say of the whole human race, for whom the Son of land probably lay there; and as it is likely that he was one God tasted death, that great grace was upon all; for ALL of those strangers that came up to Jerusalem to the late feast, have been purchased by his sacrificial death. This by the way. and was there converted, he might have sold his land in the Verse 34. Neither was there any among them that lacked] | island to some of his own countrymen, who were at JeruIt was customary with the Jews to call the poor together, to || salem at this time; and so, being called to the work of the eat of the sacrifices; but as the priests, &c. were incensed against Christ and Christianity, consequently the Christian poor could have no advantage of this kind; therefore, by making a common stock for the present necessity, the poor were supplied, so there was none among them that lacked. This provision therefore of the community of goods, which could be but temporary, was made both suitably and seasonably. See Bp. Pearce, and see the note on chap. ii. 44.

Verse 35. Laid-down at the apostles' feet] To shew how cordially and entirely they parted with them. And they entrusted the management of the whole to those men, to whom they found God had entrusted the gifts of his Holy Spirit, and the doctrine of the kingdom of heaven.

Verse 36. Joses] Or Joseph, as many excellent MSS. read; but who he was, farther than what is here said, we know not.

ministry, continued to associate with the apostles, travelling every where, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. He was the constant companion of St. Paul, till the separation took place on account of John Mark, mentioned Acts xv. 36-39.

It is worthy of remark, that the two apostles of the Gentiles, though of Jewish extraction, were both born in Gentile countries; Paul in Cilicia, Barnabas in Cyprus: this gave them many advantages; served to remove prejudices from the heathens; and gave them no doubt much facility in the Greek tongue, without which they could have done but little in Asia Minor, nor in most parts of the Roman empire where they travelled. How admirably does God determine even the place of our birth, and the bounds of our habitation! When under the influence of the grace of Christ,

he calls to his work, he will take care to endue with every

Surnamed Barnabas] Or Barsabbas, according to the every thing is turned to a man's advantage. The man whom Coptic. The son of consolation] Tios mapanλyσews; as яapa-necessary qualification. And is it too much to say, that nanos signifies exhortation, as well as consolation, and is indeed distinguished from the latter, 1 Cor. xiv. 3. The

God never did call a man to preach the Gospel, whom he did not qualify, in such a manner, that both the workman and the work should appear to be of God?

Some have said that ignorance is the mother of devotion. Devotion and religion are both scandalized by the saying. Enlightened piety has ever been the most sincere, steady, and active. God makes those wise who turn unto him; and by experimental religion, all the powers of the mind are greatly improved. Every genuine minister of Christ has an enlightened heart; and to this, it is his duty to add a well cultivated mind. Ex quovis ligno Mercurius non fit: A block. head never did, and never can make a minister.

The hypocrisy of Ananias

CHAP. V.

CHAPTER V.

and his wife Sapphira.

The hypocrisy of Ananias and his wife Sapphira; and their awful death, 1-11. The apostles work many miracles, and the church of God is increased, 12-16. The high-priest and the sadducees being incensed The angel of God delivers them, and comagainst the apostles, seize and put them in prison, 17, 18. mands them to go to the temple, and proclaim the gospel, 19, 20. The high-priest having gathered the council together in the morning, sends to the prison to have the apostles brought before him, 21. The officers return, and report that they found the prison shut, and the watch set, but that the men had got out, 22, 23. A The messenger arrives in the meanwhile, and says, that the apostles are preaching in the temple, 24, 25. captain and officers go and bring them before the council, who expostulate with them, 26-28. The apostles defend themselves, and charge the council with the murder of Christ; and assert his resurrection from the dead and ascension to the right hand of God, 29-32. The council is confounded, and purpose to slay the apostles, 33. Gamaliel gives them seasonable and prudent advice, 34-39. The council agree to it, but, before they discharge the apostles, beat them, and command them not to teach in the name of Jesus, 40. They depart rejoicing in their persecution, and continue to preach Jesus Christ, 41, 42.

M. cir. 4034. An. Olymp. cir.CCII. 2.

A. D. cir. 30.

Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Ch. 4. 37.- Numb. 30. 2. Deut. 29. 21. Eccles. 5. 4.

NOTES ON CHAP. V. Verse 1. But a certain man named Ananias] Of these unhappy people we have no farther account than what is recorded here. In reference to birth, connexions, &c. their names are written in the dust. The import of his name, chananiyah, the grace or mercy of the Lord, agrees very ill with his conduct.

Luke 22. 3.

d Or, to deceive, ver. 9.

wλnpoe, which we translate to fill, Kypke has shewed by many examples, to signify, to instigate, excite, impel, &c. and it was a common belief, as well among the heathens as among the Jews and Christians, that when a man did evil, he was excited to it by the influence and malice of an evil spirit. It is strange that, by the general consent of mankind, sin against God has been ever considered so perfectly unna

unless impelled to it by the agency of the Devil. The words of St. Peter here, prove that such an agency is not fictitious: if there had been no Devil, as some wish, and perhaps feel it their interest to believe; or if this Devil had no influence on the souls of men, Peter, under the agency of the Holy Spirit, would not have expressed himself in this way; for if the thing were not so, it would have been the most direct means to lead the disciples to form false opinions, or to confirm them in old and absurd prejudices.

Verse 2. Kept back part of the price] Ananias and Sap-tural, and so evil in itself, that no man would commit it, phira were evidently persons who professed faith in Christ, with the rest of the disciples. While all were making sacrifices for the present necessity, they came forward among the rest, pretending to bring all the money they had got for a possession, xμa (of what kind we know not) which they had sold. A part of this price, however, they kept back, not being willing to trust entirely to the bounty of Providence, as the others did; thinking, probably, that as the whole was their own, they had a right to do with it as they pleased; and so they had; they were under no necessity to sell their possession: but the act of selling it for the ostensible purpose of bringing it into the common stock, left them no farther control over it, nor property in it: and their pretence, that the money which they brought, was the whole produce of the sale, was a direct lie in itself, and an attempt to deceive the Holy Spirit, under whose influence they pretended to act. This constituted the iniquity of their sin.

Verse 3. Why hath Satan filled thine heart] The verb

Το lie to the Holy Ghost] Πσεύσασθαι το Πνεύμα το Aysor to deceive the Holy Spirit. Every lie is told with the intention to deceive, and they wished to deceive the apostles, and in effect, that Holy Spirit under whose influence they professed to act. Lying against the Holy Ghost is in the next verse said to be lying against God: therefore, the Holy Ghost is GOD.

Το keep back part of the price] Νοσφίσασθαι από της τιμής. The verb νοσφιζειν, νοσφίζεσθαι, is used by the Greek writers

Ananias and Sapphira,

A. M.cir.4034.
A. D. cir. 30.

cir. CCII. 2.

L

THE ACTS.

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.

5 And Ananias hearing these words "fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. 7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

his wife, struck dead.

A. D. cir. 30.
An. Olymp.

cir. CCIL. 2.

8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell A. M.cir.4031. me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 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.

d

с

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.

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

Ver. 10, 11.- John 19. 40. ver. 3. Matt. 4.7.

a Ver. 5. ver. 5. ch. 2. 43. & 19. 17.

to signify purloining part of the public money, peculation. The word is used here with great propriety, as the money for which the estate was sold, was public property; as it was for this purpose alone, that the sale was made.

Verse 4. Whiles it remained, was it not thine own?] See the note on ver. 2. and see that also on chap. ii. 44.

of the salvation of Ananias and Sapphira has not been a little agitated; and most seem inclined to hope that though their sin was punished by this awful display of the divine judg ment, that mercy was extended to their souls. For my own part I think their sin was what the apostle, 1 John v. 16. calls a sin unto death: a sin which must be punished with

Verse 5. Fell down, and gave up the ghost] Isowy, E-temporal death, or the death of the body, while mercy was εve falling down, he expired, breathed his last; “ Gave up || extended to the soul. It was right in this infant state of the the ghost" is a very improper translation here. See the notes on Gen. xxv. 8. and on Matt. xxvii. 50. Two things may be remarked here: 1. That the sin of this person was of no ordinary magnitude, else God would not have visited it with so signal a punishment. 2. That Peter must have had the power to discern the state of the heart, else he had not known || the perfidy of Ananias. This power commonly called the discernment of spirits, the apostles had as a particular gift, not probably, always, but at select times; when God saw it necessary for the good of his church.

Verse 6. The young men arose] Some of the stout young men, belonging to the disciples, then present; who were the fittest to undertake a work of this kind, which required considerable bodily exertion.

Buried him.] This was on the same day in which he died. It was a clear case, that he was dead: and dead by a judgment of God, that would not be revoked. As therefore it was no case of suspended animation, there was no reason to delay the burial.

Verse 9. To tempt the Spirit of the Lord?] So, the Holy Ghost, God, and the Spirit of the Lord, are the same person. Verse 10. Yielded up the ghost] See ver. 5. It was not by Peter's words, nor through Peter's prayers, nor through shame, nor through remorse, that this guilty pair died, but by an immediate judgment of God. The question

church to shew God's displeasure against deceit, fraud, and hypocrisy: had this guilty pair been permitted to live after they had done this evil, this long-suffering would have been infallibly abused by others; and instead of leading them who had sinned, to repentance, might have led them to hardness of heart, by causing them to presume on the mercy of God. That hypocrisy may be afraid to shew her face, God makes these two an example of his justice; but because they had not the ordinary respite, we may presume that God extended mercy to them, though cut off almost in the act of sin. Their case however, cannot become a precedent, allowing them to have received mercy: because those who have seen in this case the severity of God, must expect much sorer punishment, if with such an example before their eyes, they should presume on the mercy of their Maker: this would be doing evil that good might come; and the perdition of such would be just.

Verse 11. Great fear came upon all the church] This judgment answered the end for which it was inflicted; a deeply religious fear occupied every mind; and hypocrisy and deception were banished from this holy assembly. On the word Church, see the observations at the end of Matt. xvi. it has been properly observed that we have in this place, a native specimen of a New Testament church: 1. Called by the gospel; 2. grafted into Christ by baptism; 3. animated