Acts 2

1 The holy Ghost is powred out upon the Apostles with visible signs on the day of Pentecost, 4 who being filled with his gifts, speak the great deeds of Gods in all manner of tongues, 5 about which trouble ariseth in Jerusalem among all manner of Nations, so that some marvell, and others scoffe thereat. 14 Peter confutes the mockers, and sheweth that this came to pass according to the prediction of the Prophet Joel. 22 Proverb out of the Psalms of David that Jesus whom they had crucified, was risen from the dead, set at the right hand of God, and from thence had powred out these gifts; 36 and that for this cause he was the promised Messiah, 37 wherewith the hearers being stricken, are by Peter exhorted to repentance, and three thousand of them are baptized, 42 who persevere in the doctrine of the Apostles, and exercising of Gods worship and love having their goods in common, 47 and the Church increaseth daily.

1. And when the day ( of the feast) of Pentecost; [The word Pentecost is a Greek word signifying the fiftieth day, so was the second great yearly feast called on which the first fruits were offered up, Numbers 28:26.because it began on the fiftieth day after the second day after the Passeover, and the coming out of the children of Israel out of Egypt, the Law was also given by God on the mount Sinai, Exodus 19:1, 11. See also of this feast, Acts 20:16.and 1 Cor. 16. 8.] was fulfilled; [that is, was come] they were all [namely the twelve Apostles, to whom this promise was especially made. See after v. 4, 15, 16.] with one accord together: [that is, assembled in one place, namely, in an upper room within Jerusalem, Acts 1:13.]

2. And there hapned suddenly [That is, unawars] from heaven a sound, like as a violent driving [that is, blowing with strong noise] winde, [or blast. This wind signified the Holy Ghost, which was given to the Apostles should be given to the Apostles; and by the ministry of the Apostles should be given, and make its way through against all force] and filled the whole house where they sate.

3. And there were seen of them [Or on them s, namely the Apostles] divided Tongues [that is, shapes of Tongues, which were parted or cloven; whereby was signified the many kinds of Tongues with which the Apostles should speak, and publish the Gospel amoongst all Nations. See v. 4.] as of fire, [that is, fiery, whereby was signified, that the Holy Ghost should inflame the hearts of the Apostles, and their hearers, with a light knowlegde of God, with servent love of God and (their) neighbour, and zeal to Gods glory, and mens salvation] and it sate [namely, the fire of the divided Tongues] on every one of them. [namely, of the Apostles. See v. 11.]

4. And there were filled with the Holy Ghost, [That is, with the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost] and began to speak with other [that is, strange Tongues before unknown to the Apostles Mark saith new, Mark 16:17..] Languages, [Gr.Tongues, as v. 11.] even as the spirit [that is the Holy Ghost, 2 Pet. 1. 21.] gave them to utter. [the Greek word signifies to bring forth some excellent matters or sentences. See v. 11.]

5. And there were Jews dwelling in Jerusalem, [That is, abiding for a time, either to be instructed in the Jews Religion, Acts 6:9.and 9. 29.or to keep the feast of Pentecost, Exodus 23:17.] Religious men from every nation of those that are under heaven; [that is, who by the persecutions of the Assyrian, Babilonian, Egyptian and Syrian Kings, were scattered into all Lands, 1 Pet. 1. 1.and so was fulfilled that which was foretold, Esa. 43. 5, 6.]

6. And when this voice had happened, [That is, this sound of this wind, or when this rumour was spread abroad] the multitude came together and was disturbed: [or confused, namely, either in this coming together, or in their mind through admiration of this strange thing] for every one heard them speak in his own Tongue. [therefore the Apostles spake not in one Tongue as some think: for so should this miracle have been in the hearers, and not in the Apostles, but in divers, according to the diversity of the Tongues which the hearers spake and understood. See Acts 10:46.and 19. 6.and 1 Cor.chap. 12. 13, 14.]

7. And they were amazed all [Namely, as if they were put out of their wits] and marvelled, saying one to another, behold, are not all these that speak Galileans? [that is, who were born and have alwaies dwelt in Galilee, and are mean and unlearned persons, having learned no other then their Mothers tongue.]

8. An how hear we them every one in our own language in which we were born?

9. Parthians and Medes, and Elamites; [Elam was part of Persia so called from Elam, a son of Sem, Genesis 10:22. 1 Chron 1. 17.] and they that are Inhabitants of Mesopotamia and Judea, [that is, aswell they that dwell and are born in Mesopotamia as they in Judea. Mesopotamia is a part of Syria so called in Greek because lieth in the midst betwixt the two Rivers Tigris and Euphrates, Genesis 24:10.and chapter 35. 9.] and Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia. [Asia in general is called the third part of the world then known , and in speciall that part which in former times was called Asia the less and now Natolia, whereof Cappadocia, Pontus, Phrygia and Pamphylia, were also parts: but here it seems to be taken yet more specially, for that part of Asia the less which lieth about the Aegean Sea, over against Macedonia and Thracia.]

10. And Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya, which (lyeth) neer Cyrene, [This was a City in Libya or Africa, from which the Countrey lying about was called Libya Cyrenaica. In all these Countreys the Jews were scattered long before, and spake the Languages of those Lands, 1 Pet. 1. 1.] and the outlandish Romanes, [that is, which were born or inhabited at Rome or thereabouts, and were come to Jerusalem about their business, or because of Gods worship] both Jews [namely, not only by Religion, but also by off-spring and descent] and Jewish converts. [Gr.Proselytor, that is, comers unto. Jews not by descent but by Religion. See Matthew 23:15.]

11. Cretes [That is, born or dwelling in the Island Crete, now called Candia. See Acts 27:7, 12.and Titus 1:5.] and Arabians; we hear them in our (own) Languages [Gr. Tongues v. 4.] speak the great works of God. [or the glorious deeds of God , namely, which he hath done by Jesus Christ for the salvation of men, Luke 1:49.]

12. And they were all amazed, and of doubtfull mind [That is, they doubted what this might be, and what they should believe of it] saying one to another what now will this be?

13. And others [Some it may be of the Scribes, Pharisees, Sadduces, and the like to them] mocking, said, they are full of sweet wine. [that is, they are drunk: Some translate this, they are full of must, but it was not then the time of must as yet, i.e. of new pressed wine.]

14. But Peter standing with the eleven lift up his voice, and spake to them, ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell in Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and let my words enter into your ears.

15. For these are not drunken as ye suppose; for it is (but) the third hour of the day; [Namely, after Sunrising, like as the Jews reckoned their hours of the day. See Matthew 20:3. John 11:9.and agrees with our nine a clock. The Jews as some day, used on the feast days, to continue fasting without cating or drinking untill the sixt hour, that is, till noon.]

16. But this is it, that is spoken by the Prophet Joel.

17. And it shall be in the last daies {So the times of Christs Kingdome are called since his coming, 1 Cor. 10. 11. Hebrews 1:1.which are so called, because in the same there shall happen no alteration more in the worship of God, and after them shall follow the end of the world] (saith God) I will power out of my spirit upon all flesh: [that is, all sorts of men, of what state, age or generation soever they be, Luke 11, 42. 1 Tim. 2. 1, 4.] and you sons and your daughters shall prophecy, [that is, clearly know God, and Inform others of him. Under the manner of instruction, which was usual to a few in the Old Testament, Numbers 12:6.is described the abundant instruction and knowledge , which should be in the New Testament unto the worlds end] and your young men shall see visions, and your old (men) shall dream dreams.

18. And also on my servants, and on my hand-maidens, I will in those daies power out my spirit, and they shall prophesie.

19. And I will give wonders [That is, wonderfull signs of God wrath against the enemies and Persecutors of Gods Church. See Mat..24. 29. Luke 21:25.] in the heaven above, and signs on the Earth beneath, blood and fire, and smoak-vapour.

20. The Sun shall be changed into darkness, and the Moon into blood, before that the great and illustrious day of the Lord come. [That is, the day in which the Lord Jesus Christ shall come to judge the quick and the dead.]

21. And it shall be that everyone that shall call on the name of the Lord [That is, acknowledge him for the Saviour with a true faith, seek salvation in him alone, call upon him for the same, as also in all troubles , and serve him aright] shall be saved.

22. Ye Israelitish men hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man shewn of God , [That is, clearly proved he was sent from God , and was the true Messias] among you, [Gr.in or unto, or to you] by mighty (works) and wonders, and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.

23. This (man) by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God being delivered over, [That is, not by chance, or by the obstinacy of his Enemies only, but according to the decree, disposing, and permission of God] yet have taken, and by the hands of the unrighteous [or by unrighteous hands, namely, of the heathenish and ungodly Souldiers of Pilate, Matthew 20:19.] fastned to the (cross) and slain.

24. Whom God hath raised up; having loosed the pains of death, [Namely, of the death, which, with and after many pains, was inflicted on him. Peter seems here to allude to the words which are used, Psa. 18.v. 6.where it is the snares, bands, or cords of death, which fitly agrees with the word loosed] seeing it was not possible that he should be held by the same (death.)

25. For David saith of him; I saw the Lord always before mee [See the exposition of these words, Psalms 16:8.] for he is at my right (hand) that I may not be moved.

26. Therefore is my heart glad and my tongue rejoyceth: yea also my flesh shall rest [Or dwell, namely, in the grave, as in a Tabernacle as the Greek word imports] in hope. [namely, speedily to rise again out of the grave.]

27. For thou wilt not leave my soul [That is, me, a part being taken o the whole, Genesis 46:26. Psalms 3:2. Acts 27:37.and again the whole being understood for a part, my body. So the word soul is oftentimes taken, Leviticus 19:28.and 21. 1, 11. Numbers 5:2.and 9. 10. Haggai 2:14. Some by these words my soul understand Christ the Messias, as if David should say, thou wilt not leave my soul, i.e. Christ who liveth in me, Galatians 2:20.and who is the life and resurrection, John 11:25.in Hell. But the first opinion is indeed the most common] in hell, [the Hebrew word Scheol and the Greek Hades which is here used, signifieth sometimes the place of the damned, Deuteronomy 32:22. Job 11:8. Matthew 11:23. Luke 16:23.in which signification it cannot be taken here; seeing Christs soul being separated from the body by death, was not in that palce but in Paradice, Luke 23:43. Sometimes it signifies hellish pains and distresses, 1 Samuel 2:6. Psalms 18:6.and 116. 3.in which signification some think that this word might be taken here, seeing Christ before his death suffered such pains in his soul. But seeing the same word is also aftentimes taken for the grave, Genesis 37:35. Job 17:13. Psalms 6:6.and 30.4 Prov, 1. 12.and 27. 20. Isa.5. 14.and 38. 18. Revelation 20:13.and here is spoken of the state of Christ after his death, and of his resurrection from the same, therefore it is here indeed most fitly understood of the grave, in which Christs soul, i.e. Christ, yet according to his body, lay until the third day] neither wilt thou give (over) thy holy one [that is, the Messiah who was to be holy, innocent, underfiled, and separated from sinners, and whom the Father sanctified to that office. So he is every where called, Daniel 9:24. Mark 1:24. 1 John 2:20.Revelation 3:7.] to see Corruption. [That is, to be sensible of, or subject unto.]

28. Thou hast made me known to me [That is, imparted, given] the ways of life: Thou shalt fill me with rejoicing by thy face.

29. Ye men brethren, it is lawfull (for me) to speak freely unto you of the Patriark David: [That is, one of the principall fore-fathers of the old Testament, such as were also Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve heads of the Tribes of Israel] that he is both dead and buried, and his grave is amongst us [from whence it appears, that he spake not of his own flesh, which saw corruption in the grave, and is not raised up] unto this day.

30. Seeing therefore that he was a Prophet, and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath, that out of the fruit of his loynes, [i.e.out of one of his prosterity. See 2 Sam. 7. 12.and Psalms 132:11.which was fulfilled in the Virgin Mary] for as much as concerns the flesh [that is the humane mature, Romans 1:3.] he would raise up the Christ, for to set (him) upon his Throne. [namely, his Kingly Throne. Yet this is understood not of a worldly Kingdome such as Davids was; but of a spiritual and eternal Kingdome, whereof Davids Kingdome was a type, Luke 1:32, 33. John 18:36.]

31. He foreseeing this, spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in Hell, {See the exposition of these words, ver. 27.] neither did hi flesh see Corruption.

32. This Jesus, God hath raised up, [Namely, from the dead] whereof we all are witnesses.

33. He therefore being exalted by the right (hand) of God, [That is, by Gods Almighty power, Psalms 44:4. Otherw.being exalted unto the right (hand) of God, namely, when he being risen and ascended into heaven, sate at the right hand of God, Mark 16 19.] and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, [that is, the promised Holy Ghost] hath powred out this [that is, those extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost] that ye now see and hear.

34. For David is not ascended into the heavens; [Namely, according to his body, which is long ago rotten in the grave and yet rests] but he saith; The Lord spake unto my Lord, sit at my right (hand) [by sitting, at the right hand of God is understood the highest honour, glory and power; as it is usual among men, when they will honour any man in thehighest degree, that they set him at their right hand, 1 Kings 2:19. Psalms 45:10. The further exposition of these words, see Psalms 110:1. &c.]

35. Until I shall have set thine Enemies for a footstool of thy feet.

36. Therefore let the whole house of Israel, [That is, generation or people] know for certain, that God hath made him [that is, appointed and exalted, Philippians 2:9, 10.] for a Lord, [namely, of his Church, or of the people of God] and Christ, [that is, Messias, anointed] (namely) this Jesus whom ye have crucified.

37. And when they heard this, they were smitten in the heart, Gr.were pierced, or pricked through; namely, through grief for their sins committees against him] and said unto Peter and the other Apostles what shall we do [namely, to escape the deserved punishment, to obtain remission of sins, and to be saved] Men, brethren.

38. And Peter said unto them, repent ye, [Namely,of your unbelief and other sins] and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, [See Matthew 28:19. Although the sons name only be named here; forasinmuch as he is the Mediatour of the Covenant, whereof baptism is a seal, yet thereby are not excluded the Father who sent him, and the Holy Ghost who anointed him. See also the annotations on Acts 8:16.] for remission of sins, [that is, for assurance that your sins are forgiven you for Christs sake, Acts 22:16. For not the water of baptism, but the blood of Christ properly cleanseth us from all our sins, 1 John 1:7.] and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, [namely not only the gifts of the Holy Ghost, which are common to all believers, and necessary to salvation; but also this extraordinary gift which we have now received; for this was then also imparted to other believers, for the propagating and confirming of the Gospel, Acts 8:17.and 19. 6.]

39. For the promise, [Namely, which was related before out of Joel 2:28.and that also according to the covenant of God, which he made with Abraham and hi seed, Genesis 17:7.] belongeth unto you, and to your children, [that is, your sons and daughters, as it is, Joel 2:28.] and to all that are afar (off,) [that is, which shall yet be born hereafter from generation to generation: or to the Gentiles: for they are also said to have been farre off, Esa. 57. 19. Ephes. 2. 13.] as many as the Lord our God shall call unto (them.) [namely, unto the elect Jews, by the preaching of the Gospel.]

40. And with many more other words, he testified, and exhorted (them) saying, be ye saved, [That is, withdraw your selves, or separate your selves, that ye may be saved] from this preserve generation [Gr.crooked, cross generation of the Scribes and Pharisees, and the other unbelieving Jews.]

41. They therefore that gladly [Or with pleasure, willingly, being made willing thereunto by the grace of God] received his word, were baptized; and there were that day added (unto them) about three thousand souls. [that is, persons, Genesis 46:27.]

42. And they were persevering [See Acts 1:14.] in the doctrine of the Apostles, and in the communion; [namely, of Saints in general, or in special of their goods, as is expounded, v. 44, 45.] and in the breaking of bread, whereby is understood, either that they did eat and drink together, or that the received the Holy supper with one another, Acts 20:7.which sometimes they did both together, as may be seen, 1 Cor. 11. 21, 22.] and in prayers. [namely, which were made openly in the Assemblies of the whole Church.]

43. And a fear came upon every soul, {See v. 41.] and many wonders and signs were done by the Apostles.

44. And all that believed were together, [That is, assembled oftentimes with one another in one place] and had all things common. [namely, as concerning the use of goods in time of necessity, but not as concerning the property of the same, before they were delivered over to the Apostles, as is to be seen, Acts 5:4.]

45. And they sold (their) goods, [Gr.possessions] and substance, and divided the same unto all, according as every one had need.

46. And daily continuing with one accord in the Temple, and breaking bread, [See v. 42.] from house to house [that is, in houses, now in one, then in another] they did eat together, [namely, each one bringing his portion, so to rejoice themselves moderately with one another, and mutually to edifie (one another) Gr.they took food together] with rejpycing and simplicity of heart:

47. And praised God, and had grace [That is, favour, acceptation] with all the people. And the Lord added daily to the Church [that is, wrought powerfully by his holy Spirit in the hearts of men, that they joined themselves unto the Church of the faithfull] those that should be saved. [namely, by faith in Christ.]