Acts 13

1 Barnabas and Saul of the Teachers of Antioch, are by the Holy Ghost sent to the Gentiles, 5 who travel through Seleucia unto Cyprus, preach at Salamis and Paphos, 7 where the Governour Sergius Paulus desireth to hear them, 8 which Barjesus the sorcerer seeking to hinder, is by Paul smitten with blindness, 12 and the Governour converted. 13 From thence they travel unto Perga, 14 and so forward to Antioch in Pisidia, 15 where Paul preaching in the Synagogue relates Gods, benefits shewed to the Israelites until David, 23 and proveth that the promise made of Davids seed, is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who was crucified at Jerusalem, and raised from the dead, 33 as was foretold by David, 38 and that by him are justified all that believe in him, 40 and that he punisheth those that are disobedient unto him. 42 Some of the Jews believe and others contradict, 46 wherefore they turn unto the Gentiles, of whom they that were ordained to eternal life believe. 50 The Jews raise persecution against Paul and Barnabas, who shake the dust from their feet, and depart unto Iconium.

1. And there were at Antioch in the Church which was there, certain Prophets and Teachers, [Some take these two words for one thing, others distinguish them thus, that Prophets were those, which by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost had extraordinary gifts to foretell things to come, and to expound the holy Scripture: but Teachers, who had an ordinary calling and gifts, to instruct and govern the whole Church in the worship of God. See 1 Cor. 14. 1. Ephes. 4. 11.] namely, Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucus of Cyrene, and Manahen, who was brought up with Herod the Tetrach, [namely, Herod Antipas, who put John Baptist to death, Matthew 14:1. Mark 6:14. Luke 3:19.and mocked Christ and sent him again to Pilate, Luke 23:11.whence it appears that this Manahen was a man of honour in civil respect] and Saul.

2. And as they ministred to the Lord, [The Greek word Leitourgein that is here used, signifieth to do almost all manner of publick service, and is ascribed to Magistrates Romans 13:6.and to the Angels, Hebrews 1:14. And here under it is understood the publick ministry of preaching or prophecying, with the publick prayers and administration of the Sacraments, with that which pertaines thereunto] and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, [namely, by the foresaid Prophets] separate unto me [namely, from the service of this Church where there are other Teachers enough, to send them to the Gentiles, whereunto I ordained them from the beginning, Acts 26:16.c.] both Barnabas and Saul, for the work whereunto I have called them

3. Then they fasted and prayed, and having laid hands on them, [Not thereby to chuse them to be Apostles whereunto they were before chosen by God, v.1.& Acts 9:15.but to strengthen them in this sending to the Gentiles by prayer and imposition of hands] they let them go

4. These therefore being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, came down to Seleucia, [This was a City of Syria, nigh unto Antioch, built by King Seleucus, from whence men could easily pass over nto Cyprus] and from thence they sailed away towards Cyprus.

5. And being come unto Salamis, [This was a City of Cyprus, on the East-side of the Island over against Syria, now called Famagosta] they published the word of God in the Synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John for a Minister.

6. And when they had gone through the Island unto Paphos, [This was also a City of Cyprus on the west(side) of that Island] they found a certain sorcerer, a false Prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus, [i.e. a son of Jesus.]

7. Who was with the Governour [Gr. Anthypatos, i.e. who was placed there with consul-like power, to govern the Island in the name of the Romane Empire] Sergius Paulus, an understanding man. He having called Barnabas and Saul unto him, sought greatly to hear the word of God.

8. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn away the Governour from the faith.

9. But Saul (who (is) also (called) Paul) [Hitherto he was called Saul, and henceforward aswel by Luke, as by himself in the superscription of his Epistles he is called Paul. Now he that by the Hebrews and Syrians was called Saul, he by the Romanes and Greeks was called Saul as long as he conversed amongst the Jews, Syrians and Arabians; but afterwards when by Gods special calling he was sent principally to the Gentiles.i.e. to the Romanes and Greeks: from that time forward he always retained the name of Paul, that he might be the more acceptable with them, which seems first to have been given him by the household of Sergius Paulus, as being usual with them] filled with the Holy Ghost, and holding his eyes upon him, said,

10. O thou child of the Devil [Gr. Son, i.e. that followeth and obeyeth the Devil as a son doth his Ftaher, John 8:44.] full of all deceit and all subtilty, enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert [or to turn and as it were to dig up, and to hinder that men cannot go thereon. Or to wrest, make crooked, the right ways of the Lord.]

11. And now behold the hand of the Lord [That is, the punishing hand, or power of the Lord] (is) against thee: and thou shalt be blind, and not see the Sun for a time. And immediately there fell on him dimnesee, [that is, blindness: for to those that are blind, all is dim and dark] and darkness, and going round about he sought those that might lead (him) by the hand.

12. When the Governour saw what was done, then he believed, being stricken at the doctrine of the Lord.

13. And Paul and they that were with him, [Gr.they that were about Paul; by which phrase is understood either the person himself, John 11:19.or those of his company, Luke 22:49.or both, Acts 21:8.as it is here also taken, as appears from verse 16.] being sailed off from Paphos, came unto Perga (a City) in Pamphylia. [this was a Countrey in the firm land of Asia the less, bordering on Cilicia] But John [sirnamed Mark, Acts 11:12. 25.] parting from them, returned to Jerusalem. [this seems to be done by him out of humane infirmity, and over-much travelling, or desire to visit his mother and friends, Acts 12:12.at Jerusalem: which nevertheless was ill taken by Paul, Acts 15.ver. 38.]

14. And from Perga they going through the land, came unto Antioch, (a City) in Pisidia: [This was a part of Pamphylia, wherein this Antioch lay; so sirnamed to distinguish the same from the other Antioch in Syria, from whence they came forth, verse 1.4.] and being gone into the Synagogue of the Sabbath day, they sate down.

15. And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, [Namely, according to the laudable custome of the Jews, usual in all Synagogues, on all Sabbaths. See verse 27.and Acts 15.verse 21.] the rulers of the Synagogue [these were certain Priests and elders of the people which made the Consistiry in every Synagogue. See Mark 5.verse 22.] sent unto them, saying, Men, brethren, If there be (any) word of consolation [or exhortation] to the people in you, speak.

16. And Paul stood up and beckoned with the hand, and said, Ye men of Israel, and ye that fear God, hearken.

17. The God of this people Israel, chose out our Ftahers, and exalted the people [Namely, especially when he did all the wonders in Egypt, and sent all the plagues upon Pharoah and his people to deliver them] when they were strangers in the land of Egypt, and brought them out of it with and high arm. [that is, with exceeding power, Exodus 13:16. Isaiah 63:12.]

18. And about the time of forty years bare with their manners [That is, their rebellion, tempting, and murmurings, Pslam 95. 8, 9. Hebrews 3:8, 9.] in the wilderness.

19. And having rooted out seven Nations in the land of Canaan, he divided unto them by lot [Or, gave them for an inheritance] the land of the same.

20. And afterward, about four hundred and fifty years, [These four hundred and fifty years some number from the birth of Isaac unto the Judges, betwixt which time there passed away four hundred and forty seven years, and join the word afterward to the beginning of the 17 ver.as if he should say from the chusing of our Fathers, &c. Others judge that the word afterward must be join’d to the end of the 17.ver. i.e. beginning from the going out of the children of Israel out of Egypt unto the death of Samuel, which time contains almost four hundred and forty years, as may be seen, 1 Kin. 6.v.1.and that Paul to name a round number, therefore said about four hundred and fifty years, as that is usual in all Languages, when it is but a little less or more] he gave (them) judges until Samuel the Prophet.

21. And from thenceforward they desired a King, and God gave them Saul the son of Kis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, fourty years. [Namely, the years being comprehended therein which Samuel had ruled before and with Saul.]

22. And having removed him, he raised David unto them for a King: to whom also he gave testimony and said, I have found David the (son) of Jesse, a man after mine (own) heart, who shall do all my will.

23. Of this (mans) seed, hath God according to the promise, [Namely, made to David, 2 Sam. 7.verse 12. 13. Psal. 89.v.21.and 132. 11. Isaiah 11:1 Acts 2:30. Romans 1:3. 2 Tim. 2. 8.] raised unto Israel the Saviour Jesus.

24. When John had first preached to all the people of Israel before his coming, [Gr.before the face of hi entrance, i.e.before the face the face of Jesus who was now come] the Baptisme of repentance.

25. But as John fulfilled the course [That is, was yet busie to fulfil his course, Joh. 1.verse 19.] he said, whom think ye that I am? I am not (the Christ) but behold he cometh after me, to whom I am not worthie to unloose the shooes of his feet.

26. Men, brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, [Gr.sons] and those among you that fear God, unto you, [namely, first and before all, v. 46.] is the word of this salvation sent.

27. For they that dwell at Jerusalem and their Rulers, not knowing him, have also fulfilled the voices of the Prophets [That is, the predictions of the Prophets [That is, the predictions of the Prophets, that he must suffer, and so enter into his glory; Luke 24.verse 25. 26.] which are read on every Sabath (day,) condemning (him;)

28. And finding no cause of death [r guilt of death] thy desired of Pilate that he should be put to death.

29. And when they had accomplished all that was written of him, they tooke (him) down from the wood [Namely, of the Cross, Acts 5:30.and 10.39. 1 Pet. 2. 24.] and laid (him) in the grave.

30. But God raised him up from the dead.

31. Who was seen for many days [Namely, fourtie days after his resurrection untill his ascension] of those who were come up with him [namely, of his Apostles and other disciples to the number of five hundred. See 1 Cor. 15. 5. 6.] from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

32. And we publish unto you [Gr. Evangelize] the promise which was made unto the Fathers, that (namely) God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, having raised up Jesus: [That is, hath sent him into the world to accomplish the work of redemption, Acts 3:22.

33. As it is also written in the second Psalm, Thou art my Son, to day I have begotten thee. [This is understood of the erternall generation of the Son by the Father: and of the manifestation of the same in the fulness of time. Whereof see the further Exposition in the annot. Hebrews 1:5.and chapter 5. 5.]

34. And that he hath raised him from the dead, so that he shall no more turn unto corruption [Or to rottenness, i.e. to the grave, where the bodies use to corrupt and rot] he said thus, I will give you the bounties of David, [that is which were promised to David, of the everlasting Kingdom that by this his Son God would set up; whereunto his resurrection from the dead was necessary, Luke 1. Verse 31, 32.] which are faithfull. [that is, firm and and unmoveable.]

35. Wherefore also in another Psalm, he saith: Thou wilt not give over thy Holy one [That is, the body of thy holy one, whom thou hast sanctified to be a Redeemer of thy people. See Acts 2:27.] to see corruption.

36. For David when in his time he had served the Counsell of God [That is, the providence of God, in the government of his people as a Prophet and King] fell asleep, and was laid with his Ftahers, and indeed saw corruption.

37. But he, [Namely, the holy one, or sanctified one whom he prophesied] whom God raised up, saw no corruption.

38. Be it therefore known unto you men, brethren, that by this (man) [Namely, Jesus whom he hath raised up for a Saviour, and raised him up from the dead] remission of sins is declared unto you.

39. And (that) from all, from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses, [Gr.in, as also in the sequel, i.e. neither by the moral Law, which indeed shews sin and the curse, but now how they are taken away, Romans 8:3. Nor through the ceremonial Law, which indeed held forth a shadow of the cleansing away of sins, but had not power it self therein, but only directed us unto him who was the body of all these shadows, namely, to Jesus Christ. See Heb. 10.v. 1, &c.] by him, every one that beleiveth is justified.

40. Look to it therefore lest that come upon you which is said in the Prophets; [That is, in the book of the small Prophets, namely, Habbak. 1. 5. See Acts 7:42.although some also think that not only this place, but also Isaiah 22:14.should here be alledged together, where the word despisers is expressed.]

41. Behold ye despisers, and wonder, and vanish: for I work a work in your daies; a work which ye will not believe, if one relate it to you.

42. And when the Jews were gone forth out of the Synagogue, [Or, and when they (namely, Paul and Barnabas) were gone forth out of the Synagogue of the Jews] the Gentiles besought [namely, Proselytes or other Religious Gentiles, which were there in the Synagogue to hear the Law. See v.43.] that against the next Sabbath [or on the inter-sabbath, i.e. on the daies betwixt the Sabbath: because it seems that Paul and Barnabas in the interim, treated also with many Gentiles, from whence this concourse of people arose against the next Sabbath.v. 44.] the same words might be spoken unto them.

43. And when the Synagogue was parted, many of the Jews and of the Religious Proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who spake unto them, and exhorted them to abide by the grace of God. [That is, by the doctrine of the grace procured by Jesus Christ, whereof he had spoken v. 38. 39.and that contrary to the doctrine of the Pharisaical Jews, who urged righteousness by the Law.]

44. And on the following Sabbath, came almost the whole City together, to hear the word of God.

45. But the Jews seeing the multitudes, were filled with envy, and spake against that which was said by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

46. But Paul and Barnabas using boldness, said, it was need full that unto you first the word of God should be spoken: but seeing that ye thrust away the same, and judge your selves not worthy [That is to be declared and shewed unworthy and stiffnecked] of everlasting life, behold, we turn us to the Gentiles.

47. For so hath the Lord commanded us, (saying) I have set thee for a light of the Gentiles, [These words are Isaiah 49:6.spoken of Christ, and are also by the Apostles very well applied to their Ministry; for forasmuch as the Jews rejected Christ, who was preached unto them by the Apostles, it followed therefore that from thenceforth they must offer Christ to the Gentiles, to whom he was also set for a light by the Father] that thou shouldst be for salvation, even unto the uttermost of the Earth.

48. Now when the Gentiles heard (this) they were glad, and praised the word of the Lord, and there believed as many as were ordained [That is, chosen by God, and were by him disposed and fitted unto eternal life, as this word signifieth every where in the holy Scripture. And this is spoken here not only of this one Sermon of Paul, but also of the continual progress, and stedfast fruit of the Gospel, as appears v. 49. See Romans 8:29, 30.and 9. 23.and chapter 11.v. 5, 6, 7.and elsewhere] unto eternal life.

49. And the word of the Lord was spread abroad throughout the whole land.

50. But the Jews stirred up the Religious and honourable women, [That is, that were of esteem, and addicted to the Jews and their Religion: by whom they stirred up the Principal Governours of the City, through a perverse zeal against the Apostles] and the principal of the City, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and cast them out of their borders.

51. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, [Namely, according to the command of Christ, Matthew 10:14. Mark 6:11. Luke 6:5. Acts 18.v. 6.] and came to Iconium [this was a city of Licaonia, by the mount Taurus, whereof see Acts 14, v. 6. 11.]

52. And the Disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost.