Acts 2

Acts 2:1-4

Here is, 1. The descent of the Spirit upon the apostles, and those that were with them, on the day of Pentecost, vers. 1-4. 2. The various symbolisms which this mentioned among the people that were now met in Jerusalem from all parts, vers. 5-13. 3. The sermon which Peter preached to them hereupon, vers. 14-36. 4. The good effect of this sermon in the conversion of many to the souls of Christ, and their addition to the church, vers. 37-41. 5. The eminent party and charity of these promotion Christians, and the manifest talents of God’s presence with them, and power in them, vers. 42-47.

1. AND when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2. And suddenly there came a found from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were fitting. 3. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The great promise here receives its accomplishment in the mission of the Holy Ghost upon the disciples. We have,

1. The time: When the day of Pentecost, the fiftieth from the passover, was fully come, in the morning, they were all with one accord in one place; it being the first day of the week, which they observed in memory of their Lord’s resurrection, and consecrated also now by the pouring out of the Spirit upon them. No longer firlies or descended divided them; united in fervent charity, they waited the fulfilment of their master’s promise. Note, (1.) They who want upon God in the assembly of his saints, shall find him by his Spirit still present in the midst of them. (2.) God will delight to dwell with those whose hearts, by fervent charity, are united in his service.

2. The manner in which the Holy Ghost descended. Suddenly there came a found from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, an emblem of the freedom of the Spirit’s operations, and of his irresistible energy on the minds of men; and it filled all the house where they were fitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire, signifying the illuminating, warming, and purifying influences of the Spirit upon their souls, and the amazing gift of tongues bestowed upon them with that freedom of utterance, whereby they were enabled to preach the gospel among all nations; and it, or he, let upon each of them; the Holy Ghost, in all the subjects of his miraculous operations, now taking up his constant relocance in them, is quality there for the arduous service to which they were ordained. And they were all filled both the Holy Ghost; not only the apostles, but all the disciples; and probably the women, as well as the men, v. 17, 18. experiencing such divine joys and contributions as they had never experienced before; and began to speak with other tongues, in all the variety of languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance, suggesting both the master and wards, and enabling them with the greatest copiousness and most forcible energy to declare the wonderful works of God, v. 11. in the gospel of his dear Son.

3. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 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. 7. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak, Galileans? 8. And how bear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9. Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10. Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11. Cretes and Arabians, we do bear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13. Others mocking, said, There men are full of new wine.

Acts 2:5-13

Such an extraordinary occurrence was soon spread abroad, and brought a vast concourse together. We have,

1. The persons. Devout men, who dwell at Jerusalem, out of every nation under heaven; both Jews and Proselytes, who were now assembled at the teeth of Pentecost, or as some suppote, had taken up their residence there, in expectation of the speedy appearing of the Messiah.

2. The

3. The amazement which filled them at hearing these men, that were poor illiterate Galileans, speak with such fluency and propriety, all the various languages and dialects of their respective countries, Parchians, Modes, &c. They could not, therefore, but with wonder and surprise, observe to each other, how astonishing was this miracle, and question what could be the meaning of it, and whether it ushered in the long-expected kingdom of the Messiah? for they heard them speak in their several native tongues the great things of God, respecting the redemption which was in Jesus Christ, and the glorious privileges obtained by his death, resurrection, and ascension for all believers.

4. Some mocking, said, These men are full of new wives; a cavil and wicked, absurd, and blasphemous. Probably these were inhabitants of Jerusalem, the scribes and Pharisees, who not understanding the languages which the inspired disciples spoke, thought it nonfense, and would fain have branded them as drunkards, that they might prejudice the people against them, by this most malicious falsehood. Now, There are still too many to whom the great things of God appear unintelligible; and because they are themselves desirous of spiritual understanding, they brand the preachers of them as enthusiasts, speaking out of the things they know not.

5. ¶ But Peter standing up with the eleven, lift up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15. For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel. 17. And it shall come to pass in the last days, (faith 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: 18. And on my servants, and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, and they shall prophesy: 19. And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke. 20. The son shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come. 21. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved. 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: 23. Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24. Whom God hath raised up, having looted the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 25. For David speaketh concerning him, I forefaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. 26. Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad: moreover also, my flesh shall rest in hope. 27. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer those holy One to see corruption. 28. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. 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: 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 fit on his throne: 31. He seeing this before, speak of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 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. 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, 35. Until I make thy toes thy footstool. 36. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

6. 14—16. In answer to the malicious cavil of these enemies to the truth, Peter, the zealous speaker, and now inspired by peculiar influences from on high, arche and boldly addressed to these mockers this awakening discourse.

Vol. II.

1. He stood up with the eleven, to shew the falsehood of the charge, and vindicate themselves from so malicious an accusation: and aloud directing his discourse to the Jews, who were present, begs attention to the words of truth and tolerance, which he was about to utter. Note, We must not return a sharp answer to a reviling accusation, but with mockery answer these who oppose themselves against us.

2. He denies the calumny, and shews it to be as absurd as malicious. These men are not drunken, as ye suppose, and would infirmate, seeing it is but the third hour of the day, but nine o’clock in the morning; and till then, on the Sabbath and festivals, the Jews usually did neither eat nor drink; nor was it at all probable, that so many as they were, they should have been guilty of such a debauch, or dare appear intoxicated in the house of God.

3. He explains to them an affair which they counted so strange, which some admired and others ridiculed. This was the accomplishment of the prophecy of Joel, chap. ii. 28—32, which he cites at large; for though himself inspired, the Spirit was not given to superlode the scriptures, but to enable us to understand them. God had promised in the last day, the days of the Messiah, which ushered in the last disrepresentation of grace, I will pour out of my Spirit, in a more extraordinary measure than ever before, upon all flesh; on some of all ranks and conditions, or upon the Gentiles as well as Jews: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, forterthing future events, chap. xx. 9. 10. And you young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; God, in these ways, revealing to them his mind and will: and on my servants, and my handmaidens, on persons of all conditions, women as well as men, without distinction of rank or sex; I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, as from an inexhaustible fountain, and they shall prophesy: and I will shew wonders in homes above, dreadful prodigies in the air, which were the prelude to the approaching ruin of the Jewish nation, for their obstinate infidelity and rejection of the Messiah; and signs in the earth beneath, dire prodigies of impending woes: blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke, the blood of the people shed by the invading fire, whole dreadfulness should spread through the country, and the smoke of their cities consumed in flames, which should obscure the sky. The son shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, suffering unusual religion, or looking red, through the dusky clouds of smoke; or this may signify the approaching total dissolution of their government, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come, when he shall execute such condign vengeance on his murderers, as no nation, since the burning of Sodom, ever suffered, and when he shall be glorified in his judgments. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever, discerning the signs of these times, shall call on the name of the Lord, the almighty Jehovah, Jesus, spoken of in this prophecy, placing their dependence on him alone for salvation, and in fervent prayer making their application to him for help, they shall be saved by his power and grace from all the evils they fear, in time or eternity, and be made partakers of his eternal glory. Lord, pour out a spirit of prayer and supplication upon me, that I may be of this blissful number!

4. He improves this occasion, in order to preach to them Jesus, whose gift and purchase this Spirit was, which now was shed abroad so abundantly upon them, instructing their attention to the important truths he was about to deliver.

[1.] He reminds them of his well-known life and character. Jesus of Nazareth, a name they gave him by way of reproach, but a man appeared of God among you; evidently signalized with his peculiar favors, by miracles, and wonders, and signs, which he was enabled to work in proof of his divine mission, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know; bearing his attestation to the character he assumed, and they themselves had been eye-witnesses of these wonderful works.

[2.] They had, notwithstanding, rejected his credentials, and hung him on a tree. Him, this glorious Messiah, delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ordained as a sacrifice to divine justice, ye have taken and seized as a criminal, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain; engaging the Gentile governor to bring him to this ignominious death; and his innocent blood is now upon your heads.

[3.] God had raised him, notwithstanding all their enmity, rage, and malice; having looted the pains of death, judicially discharging him from the grave, and from all the sorrows of death; which, as the substitute of his people, he consented to endure, because it was not possible he should be holden of them. The dignity of his person, the perfection of his sacrifice, and the prophecies concerning him, rendered it impossible that he should remain longer the prisoner of death; whom by dying he had destroyed, and as a triumphant conqueror, rose to lead his captivity captive.

[4.] He shews that this was foretold by the Royal Psalmist, who, performing Jesus, the true Messiah, thus speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face; he walked under the confines fence of his father’s presence, and with an eye to his glory; for he is on my right hand, to support and carry me through my arduous undertaking, that I should not be moved with any of the sufferings of life, or the

7 L terrors

terrors of death. Therefore did my heart rejoice in his power, faithfulness, and love, and my tongue was glad; praising him for the experience of his almighty grace, and the assured salvation of his people, which he had promised him as the travail of his soul: my flesh also shall rest in hope, entirely satisfied of a glorious issue, and entering the grave in the fullest assurance of a speedy resurrection; because, or that thou will not leave my soul in hell, to abide, like other departed spirits, in the invisible world, one his body in the dull, neither will thou suffer thy holy One to see corruption, and justify in the tomb, being the holy One of God, and having by a perfect obedience to death, even the death of the cross, compleated the redemption of his people, he had a right to a speedy discharge from that lowest step of his humiliation. Thus hath made known to me the ways of life, which lie through the gates of death; and Christ, the first-fruits of those that đẹp, is gone before; having raided himself to an endless life, and leading his people after him to a glorious immortality: thou fault with me full of joy with thy countenance, in that state of bliss and blessedness to which, as Mediator, he should be exalted: and what is here primarily spoken concerning the great head of the church, is true of every member of his body mystical. (1.) They live for God, designing his glory as their end, and resting upon his promise, his power, and grace, as their abiding support, comfort, and joy. (2.) They die in hope, committing their souls into the hands of a faithful Creator, and rejecting in the prospect of eternal life and glory which the gospel rests before them, and of which faith assures them.

(5.) He comments on the text he had quoted. Great and respectable as the patriarch David was, the head of the royal race of Judah, yet he saw corruption; and they, as reasonable men, and his countrymen, if they dispassionately considered these words, must needs be convinced that the Platonist spoke not this of himself; he dying, and being buried as other men, and his tomb being extant to that day; but being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, Pl. CXXII. 11. that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit upon his throne, as Israel’s king, in the most exalted fields, reigning in the hearts of his redeemed people: he seeing this before, by the spirit of prophecy, spoke of the resurrection of Christ, whom he personates when he finds, that his soul turn on his in hell, neither did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus, who lately lay in the grave, the Son of David after the flesh, the person of whom he, as a prophet, speaks, God hath raised up, whereof we all are witnesses; having been his constant followers before his death, and having often seen, converted, and eat and drank with him since his resurrection, till the day that we beheld him ascend up to heaven.

(6.) The gifts of the Spirit were the fruit of his exaltation. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted to the mediatorial throne, and possessed of the most transcendent dignity and glory, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, the purchase of his obedience to death in the behalf of his people, he hath shed forth this, which ye were for and over; the flames of fire, and gift of tongues, which appeared to them so strange. And his ascension also David had foresaid, Psal. cx. 1. For David is not ascended into the heavens, as the person, in whose name he speaks, evidently was; but the Lord Jesus is gone thither, as he saith himself. The Lord, Jehovah, said unto my Lord, the Messiah, Sit thou on my right hand, in the highest dignity, and possessed of universal dominion and authority, until I make thy feet thy faustified; until sin, Satan, death, and every enemy of the Redeemer and his people, shall be finally and for ever destroyed.

(7.) He warmly applies the matter to their consciences. Therefore let all the heals of Israel know assuredly, as a truth most infallible and certain, that God hath made that some Jesus whom ye have crucified, hath Lord and Christ; and there could not be a greater aggravation of their wickedness than this, that whom the Lord had glorified, they had crucified; nor a more tremendous consideration than that he was now exalted to a throne of glory to execute vengeance on all his murderers, who obstinately perished in their impenitence.

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? 38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and he baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 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. 40. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41. ¶ Then they that gladly received his word, were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 2:8-18

8. ¶ And ’there fat a certain man at Lydra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked. 9. The fame heard that speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that ‘he had faith to be healed, 10. Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet, ‘And he leaped and walked. 11. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, laying in the speech of Lycania, ‘The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter, and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and ‘would have done sacrifice with the people. 14. Which when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of, ’they rose their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15. And saying, Sirs, ‘why do ye these things?’ We also are men of like paffians with you, and preach unto you, that ye should turn from ’these vanities unto the living God, ‘which made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16. Who in times paid suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18. And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

During their stay at Lydra we are told,

1. Of a notable cure performed by Paul on a man lame from his birth. In the assembly where Paul was preaching, he sat attentive to his discourse, when the apostles stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving, by the spirit of discernment, that he had faith to be healed, and was persuaded of the power with which the apostles were endued to cure his lameness, incurable as it was by any human means; he said with a loud voice, that all present might bear and take notice of the miracle, Stand upright on thy feet; and instantly he leaped and walked, restored to perfect strength. Note, (1.) They who love the word of God, though they are lame, and cannot walk, will be carried to bear it. (2.) The pains which some take to attend God’s worship, though lame and infirm, will rise up to condemn their faith and negligence, who, though so much better able to go, indulge themselves at home. (3.) When Jesus speaks to the impotent that in his word, then, tho’ helpless to all good before, our hearts exult with holy joy, and rise to run the way of his commandments. 2. Affirmated at what they had seen, the idolatrous Gentiles who were present, concluded, according to the notions of their

pagan theology, that the gods were come down to them in the likeness of men, and in an efficacy of joy at this supposed honour done them, in their own language expressed about the sentiments of their hearts; and, agreeable to the absurd ideas which they had received of their gods, they called Barnabas, Jupiter, being probably the elder man, and his stature more majestic; and Paul Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker, Mercury being the god of eloquence, and reputed the messenger who went on the errands of Jove and the superior deities. Then the priest of Jupiter which was before their city, reputed their patron God, to whose temple stood in the suburbs, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, the place of concourse, where Paul and Barnabas were speaking to the people, or to the door of the house where they lodged, and would have done sacrifice with the people, crowning them with their garlands, and offering their sacrifices before them.

3. With horror and indignation, when the apostles perceived their design, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? Far from suffering the people to continue to do dangerous a mistake, though it brought them such honour, they desired to renounce all such vain glory, and with earnestness remonstrated against a design so impious and idolatrous. Far from assuming divinity, we also are men of the godless wish you, subject to all the insomniums of humanity, and corrupt and sinful worms of the earth, as the rest of mankind, and preach unto you, as ministers and ambassadors of Christ, which is the highest honour we claim, that ye should turn from their vanities, these absurd, useless, unprofitable deities, which are more unthings, creatures of the unity which never existed, and whose worship is the height of folly, as well as impiety; and that ye should be brought unto the worship and service of the living God, who alone is worthy to be feared and adored, as the fountain of life, and the great Creator of all; which made heaven and earth, and the sea, and things that are therein, visible or invisible; who in times past, in his mysterious ways of providence, which are all righteous and just, suffered all nations to walk in their own ways, with much long-suffering bearing with their provocations. Nevertheless, he left not himself without witness, but gave them sufficient evidences of his wisdom and goodness, of his eternal power and Godhead, (Rom. 1. 20.) in that he did good, and and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness, which gifts of his beneficence should have led up our hearts unto him, and left us without excuse in our ignorance of him, neglect, and unthankfulness: to persist therefore in these abominations of idolatry, now the gospel light was come unto them, would be peculiarly criminal. Note, (1.) All our temporal mercies should lead up our hearts to God, and looking above all second causes, the great Author of all should be constantly seen in all the bounties of his providence, in every drop of dew that waters the earth, and every blade that breaks the clod. (2.) The goodness of God to us should engage our hearts towards him, and if we have lived in ignorance before, we are called to improve what better light he now graciously communicates. (3.) Our gratitude is due to God, not only for the food he believes, but for the gladness of heart which he gives to make use of his bedding.

4. With these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them; all their expeditations and entreaties with difficulty prevailed upon them to desist, so foolishly obstinate were they in their mistaken persuasion.

5. ¶ And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and ‘having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, ’together, ’to bring he had been dead. 20. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 21. And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lydra, and to Iconium, and Antioch. 22. Confirming the souls of the disciples, and ’exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that ‘we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. 24. And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25. And when they had preached the word in Verga, they went down into Attalia: 26. And thence failed to Antioch, ‘from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God, for the work which they fulfilled. 27. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, ’they rehearsed all that God, had done with them, and how he had ‘opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 28. And there they abode long time with the disciples.

C. Male disciples of many. See Mat. 2201.

Acts 2:19-28

9. 19—28. How fickle is the mind of vain men! how soon are they, who have no foundation, carried about with every wind. They who are desited to day, are thus often detested tomorrow. It becomes us, if we would have abiding honour, to fock that which cometh from God only.

10. The apofites are brought into the most imminent danger, and Paul fished and left for dead. The Jews, their implacable enemies, followed them from Iconium and Antioch on purpose to counteract their labours; and with dishelical malice to prevent, to their utmost, the progress of the gospel. And soon they found means to persuade the wavering multitude that their men were deceivers, turbulent and seditious; and exasperated them so highly that fearing Paul, against whom they bore the bitterest grudge as the chief preacher, they fished him in a popular tumult, and drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Heurth, as the disciples fished round about him, lamenting over him, praying he might be restored to life, or with an intent to bury him, he rose up, quickened by miraculous power; and, notwithstanding the late wounds and bruises he had received, he came into the city, strengthened in his body, and not daunted in his mind by all that he had endured. Nate, (1.) True disciples will not forlorn their persecuted ministers, but earn them in the face of every reproach and danger. (2.) God’s faithful servants, though brought to the gates of the grave, shall not die till their work is done.

11. The next day Paul departed with Barnabas for Derba; and when, as usual, they had preached the gospel, and taught, their ministry being blessed to the conversion of many, they returned back again to the cities of Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, confirming the fault of the disciples, settling them on Christ the great foundation, that no troubles felt or feared, no careless or temptations, might move them away from the hope of the gospel; and coverting them to continue in the faith of Jesus, in the belief of his office, glory, and gospel, and in the bold and open profession of his name; and saying, that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God, for which therefore they must prepare, not count as if some strange thing happened unto them, since all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, must share this common lot. Nate, (1.) They who have received the gospel-word, have still need of farther confirmation, that they may be built up on their most holy faith; and ministers must labour to establish the prophecies, as well as to awaken the careless. (2.) Nothing but faith can enable us to overcome the fear, the allurements, and discouragements of this present evil world; they who would stand in the evil day, must continue to hold fast on Christ. (3.) The way to heaven lies through much tribulation; but let us look to the end, and keep the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory in view, and then we shall count all the sufferings of the present time as light afflictions that are but for a moment.

12. They ordained elders, or presbyters, in every church, to lead their devotions, minister the sacraments, preach the word, and watch over the flock of God committed to their charge; men of gravity and piety, selected from the other disciples, and judged well qualified for the arduous work of the ministry; and having prayed with fasting, for the supplies of grace and the divine benediction upon them, they commended them to the Lord, as whom they believed, both the elders and their congregations; begging that the Lord, who had begun the good work, would perfect the same; nourishing them up in the words of found doctrine, and preserving them unto his everlasting kingdom. Nate, (1.) The work of the ministry cannot be undertaken with too great solemnity; and they who feel the weight of it, will not fail importunately to fock, by prayer, for more than human power, to carry them through. (2.) We may comfortably and confidently commit to the divine keeping, those who have faithfully obeyed the calls of divine grace, for more shall pluck them out of the Saviour’s hand. (3.) The best parting of friends is in prayer to the Lord, mutually commending ourselves to his care and love.

13. The apofites continued their journey to Antioch in Syria, passing through Pisidia, till they came to Pamphylia, where they preached the word at Pogia, a city of that province, and Attadia another town on the far-coast, and from thence they failed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God, for the work which they fulfilled; and now were returned from their successful expedition, bringing back a full answer to the prayers that had been put up at their departure. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, afterliving nothing to themselves, but giving him the glory to whom alone the praise of all was due; and how he had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles, great multitudes of whom had been converted unto the faith of Jesus. And there, at Antioch, they abode long time with the disciples; comforting, establishing, strengthening them. Nate, (1.) Whatever good is done by our preaching, we must remember that all the efficacy proceeds not from us, but from the grace of God. (2.) The way into the kingdom of grace and glory lies through the door of faith, which God alone can open.

Acts 2:37-41

The power of the Spirit upon the apostles themselves appeared gloriously evident in the boldness wherewith he

inspired them, as well as in the miraculous gifts with which he endured them: here we have also a proof of his energetic influence on the consciences of the hearers, accompanying his own word in the mouths of his servants.

1. Many of the hearers, struck with conscious guilt at what they heard, were pricked in their heart with sharp and deep convictions of their sin and danger, and in great distress of conscience, said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, whom just before they had mocked at, Men and brethren, what shall we do, to avert the dire vengeance we have provoked, and to obtain pardon for a deed so atrocious? Note, (1.) When the Spirit of God opens the sinner’s conscience to discern his hell-deserving guilt, his hard heart then is broken with the most fearful apprehensions of his danger. (2.) Ministers are the physicians to whom convinced sinners should apply, and they have been to cure the mortal wound which sin hath made in their souls. (3.) They who truly feel their hell estate, cannot but desire, above all things, to know if yet there may be hope.

2. Peter, in the name of his brethren, said unto them, your case, however dangerous, is not desperate; Repent, under a sense of redeeming love he deeply humbled for your guilt and ingratitude; and with deep self-adherence, and a thorough change of temper and comfy, turn upon the Lord, and he baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ; proceeding your faith to him as the true Messiah, and sincerely yielding up yourselves to him as his willing subjects; for the remission of sin, purchased by him, and freely bestowed on the chief of sinners; and herewith also ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, of his comforting and sanctifying influences; as also (it is probable) of his miraculous powers. For the promise, v. 38. of pardon and the Holy Ghost, or the great promise made to Abraham and his seed, is to you and to your children, his descendants, and to all that are afar of, departed Jesus or Gentiles, yet more distant from the covenant of promise, even as many as the Lord our God shall call to the knowledge of his Son, and to faith to him, who shall be blessed with faithful Abraham. Note, (1.) No sinner need despair; the gospel holds forth, through the blood of Jesus, a free pardon to the most guilty of the sons of Adam, and he that believes shall be saved. (2.) Where the Lord gives remission of sin, he tends his Holy Ghost effectually to produce that repentance which he enjoins. (3.) None can come to God but those whom he calls; not merely by the outward voice of his word, but by the internal power of his Spirit.

3. The apostles enlarged on this subject. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation; come out from among them, and be ye separate; renounce the false tenets and corrupt practices of the Scribes and Pharisees, that ye may escape the plagues ready to descend upon this sinful people, abandoned to their infidelity and destruction. Note, They who would be saved among Christ’s people, must be separated from the ways of this wicked world, and from the familiar society of careless sinners, flunning their assemblies, as a man dreads the house unfeited by the plague.

4. Great was the effect produced by this discourse, through the Spirit’s mighty energy. No less than three thousand souls immediately embraced, and gladly received, the word of gospel-grace; and believing in a crucified Redeemer now risen from the dead, made open profession of their faith, and were baptized in his name. Note, (1.) The salvation which is by Jesus Christ, is glad news to the sinner who is pricked to the heart with a sense of his guilt and danger. (2.) They who are truly turned to the Lord, will boldly make profession of his name, and join themselves to the society of the faithful, whatever danger or reproach they may be exposed to thereby.

5. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44. And all that believed were together, and had all things common, 45. And fold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 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 fingerness of heart, 47. Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 2:42-47

We have here the practice of the primitive church.

1. They were united in holy ordinances. They continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, professing their faith in Christ and his gospel, and attending on the apostles’ ministry and fellowship, maintaining the closest communion with them; and on breaking of bread, celebrating the Lord’s Supper, and in prayers, social and public, continuing daily with one accord in the temple at the stated hours of service, and praying God for all the inestimable blessings bestowed, through Jesus Christ, upon them. Note, They

They who have tailed of the bleffing of communion with God, will delight to maintain it in the diligent ufe of all holy ordinances.

2. A solemn awe refrained their enemies from molesting them. Fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles, so that it evidently appeared that God was with them. Nate, God can get his bride in the jaws of perfectures, and say, Touch not my prophets, and do my anointed me harm.

3. A spirit of most noble and disinterested charity appeared among them. All that believed were together; they were of one heart and mind, and assembled in several companies, as many as conveniently could meet in one place, and had all things common, each calling his all into the common flock; and as the necessity of the times was urgent, and they knew the sure and neat approach of Jerusalem’s overthrow, they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man, of their society, had used; and as they assembled daily with one accord in the temple, so did they break bread from body to body, provided out of the common flock, eating their meat together with gizzard and fingertips of heart; forrest in love to each other, thankful to God, and conscious of their own undifferentiated simplicity and sincerity before him. Nate, Who should rejoice, if the children of God do not?

4. They were highly esteemed, and their numbers daily increased. They had favour with the people; their undifferentiated piety commanded respect; and the miraculous powers with which they were invested, excited reverence. And the Lord so eminently blessed their ministrations, that there were added unto the church daily such as should be saved. Nate, (1.) Those whom the Lord will save, he will take care so effectually to call, as that they shall come to him. (2.) It is the Lord’s work to add converts to his church: in dependence on his power and promise, we labour with comfort and confidence.