The Jews persecute A. M. 4049. gion. 50 49 And the word of the Lord || Barnabas, and expelled them out of A. M. 4049. was published throughout all the re- their coasts. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and * raised persecution against Paul and X A. D: 45. × 2 Tim. iii. 11.-y Matt. x. 14; Mark vi. 11; Luke ix. 5;|| Chap. xviii. 6.— || z Matt. v. 12; John xvi. 22; Chap. ii. 46. religion, as the best means to prepare them for an with them. From this time forth it appears in all endless life of the greatest virtue and purity, as well || the Gentile countries. Paul, after preaching to the as of the greatest glory and most perfect happiness." || Jews, constantly offered salvation to the Gentiles, The Syriac, likewise, one of the most ancient ver- and by so doing fulfilled the commission which he sions of the New Testament, has rendered the|| had received from Christ, when he made him his passage in the same sense, which is of great mo- apostle to the Gentiles. But the Jews stirred up ment, as that translation was made before the mean- the devout, &c.—The unbelieving Jews in Antioch, ing of this place was disputed by the different sects greatly enraged at the success with which Paul and parties of Christians. The sum is: All those, and Barnabas preached to the Gentiles, stirred up and only those, now believed, who yielded to, instead some women of considerable rank, who, having been of resisting the convictions produced in their minds proselyted to their religion, were peculiarly zealous by the preaching of the truth, and the influence of || for it; and the chief men of the city-Also, who the grace of God, which truth was preached with || probably were the husbands of these proselyted equal clearness to others, and which grace, in a women; raised persecution against Paul and similar way, visited and strove with others: for God || Barnabas-Representing them, doubtless, as exhad not reprobated the rest. It was his will that || citers of sedition, and innovators in religion, who they also should have been saved, but by yielding || might occasion danger to the state; and expelled to inclinations, affections, and passions, which they them out of their coasts—Out of the territory bethemselves knew to be sinful, and to which they longing to Antioch. But they shook off the dust of were under no necessity of yielding, they rejected || their feet-For a testimony against them; as Christ the counsel of God against themselves, and thrust had commanded his apostles to do, in token of the salvation from them. For they who then repented certain ruin which should befall such despisers of and believed were not constrained so to do, but || his gospel. See on Matt. x. 14. And came unto grace and mercy were then freely and copiously || Iconium-Where they renewed the proclamation of offered to them, and pressed upon them, and they those glad tidings, which many of the inhabitants did not put it away, but yielded to its influence. So of Antioch had so ungratefully rejected. This that a great multitude, even of such as, it seems, had|| place lay on the western border of Lycaonia, and on been idolatrous Gentiles, were converted. Those the confines of Pisidia, Galatia, and Phrygia; to the who wish for further satisfaction on this verse, may || find it in Hammond, Whitby, and Dodd, upon it: in Sellon's Arguments against General Redemption considered. Works, vol. ii. p. 128: and in Fletcher's Checks to Antinomianism. Works, Am. ed., vol. ii.|| pp. 77, 78. Verses 49-52. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all that region-Paul and Barnabas, it seems, during their stay at Antioch, made excursions into the neighbouring country, for the sake of preaching to the idolatrous Gentiles; or the people who came from the country to Antioch, and believed the doctrine preached by Paul and Barnabas, carried the glad tidings of salvation home || latter of which it seems once to have belonged. See Raphelius. And the disciples-Who remained at Antioch; were filled with joy-That so blessed a message as that which Paul and Barnabas had brought them, had reached their ears, and been received by them; and with the Holy Ghost-With his enlightening, sanctifying, and comforting in fluences, and probably also with, at least, some of his extraordinary gifts; confirming them in the faith which they had newly embraced; and likewise qualifying them for carrying on the cause of Christ in that place, when the first planters of their church could no longer continue to cultivate and water it. CHAPTER XIV. In this chapter, (1,) After successfully preaching the gospel at Iconium, persecution causes Paul and Barnabas to flee to Lystra, Derbe, and the places adjacent, 1-7. (2,) At Lystra they heal a lame man; upon which the people could scarcely be restrained from worshipping them as gods, 8–18. (3,) Quickly after, instigated by the Jews, they stoned Paul till they thought he was dead, 19, 20. (4,) They visit the churches which they had lately planted, in order to appoint elders, or pastors, to feed and rule the flocks, 21-23. (5,) Returning to Antioch, they report what things the Lord had done by the gospel in their hands, 24-28. In Iconium a multitude A. M. 4049. AN A. D. 46. ND it came to pass in Iconium, || and wonders to be done by their A. M. 4050. that they went both together into hands. the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude, both of the Jews, and also of the Greeks, believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. a 4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the b apostles. 5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews, with their rulers, © to use them despitefully, and to stone them, 6 They were ware of it, and a fled unto Lys с d 3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto || tra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the word of his grace, and granted signs a Mark xvi. 20; Heb. ii. 4. b Chap. xiii. 3. the region that lieth round about: c 2 Tim. iii. 11. d Matt. x. 23. NOTES ON CHAPTER XIV. || were so filled with prejudice and malignity against. Verse 1. And it came to pass in Iconium- || them, one would have thought, that therefore they Whither Paul and Barnabas were forced to retire should have withdrawn and hastened out of the from Antioch; that they went both together into the way; or, if they had preached, should have preached synagogue of the Jews-To whom they were still cautiously, for fear of giving further provocation to disposed to make the first offer of the gospel: for those who were already sufficiently enraged: no, though the Jews at Antioch had used them cruelly, but the contrary; therefore they abode there a long yet they would not therefore decline preaching to || time, speaking boldly in the Lord: the more they the Jews at Iconium, who, perhaps, might be better || perceived the spirit and rancour of the town against disposed. Let not those of any denomination be the new converts, the more they were animated to condemned in the gross; nor any individuals of go on in their work, and the more needful they saw mankind, of whatever sect or party, suffer for the it to continue among them, to confirm them in the faults of others; rather let us do good to those faith, and to comfort them. Who gave testimony whose friends and associates, or who themselves, || unto the word of his grace-Which they delivered, have done evil to us; and they so spake-On the working with them according to his promise, Lo, I great subject of the gospel salvation; spake so plain- || am with you always: and granted signs and wonly, so convincingly, so warmly, so affectionately,|| ders to be done by their hands-Which were of great and with such manifest concern for the souls of use to confirm the faith of the new converts, and to men, and especially with such evident demonstra- prevail with many others to receive the gospel, and tion of the Spirit and power; that a great multitude, || which might have convinced all the inhabitants, if both of the Jews and Greeks, believed-By the they had exercised a becoming candour. But the Greeks here, we are to understand, not the Hellen- || multitude of the city was divided—Into two parties, ists, or persons of Jewish extraction, who spoke the and both very active and vigorous: among the Greek language, but the Gentile Greeks, descended || rulers and persons of rank, and among the common from heathen ancestors. Most of these, being now || people, there were some that held with the unbelievfound in the synagogue of the Jews, were, without ing Jews, and others that held with the apostles. It doubt, religious proselytes, though probably not cir- seems this business of the preaching of the gospel cumcised; for few of the idolaters frequented the was so universally taken notice of with concern, Jewish synagogues. It is not improbable, however, that almost every adult person, even of the multithat the fame of such extraordinary teachers as Paul tude of the city, was either for it or against it; none and Barnabas might, on this occasion, draw together stood neuter: all were either for them or their enemany people who did not usually worship in the mies; for God or Baal; for Christ or Beelzebub. synagogues. From the Jews and proselytes being so numerous in Iconium, we may infer that it was a very great and populous city. Verses 5-7. And when there was an assault made -Or was about to be made; both of the Gentiles, and the Jews-Who, though generally at enmity Verses 2-4. But the unbelieving Jews-Who with one another, yet were united against the were greatly provoked at the growing success of the Christians, as Herod and Pontius Pilate, the Pharigospel, and studied all they could to put a stop to its sees and Sadducees, against Christ. If the church's progress; stirred up the Gentiles-The idolatrous enemies can unite for its destruction, shall not its Gentiles, the heathen inhabitants of the place; and || friends, laying aside all personal feuds, unite for its made their minds evil affected-Greek, ɛkakwoav raç || preservation? To use them despitefully-To expvxas, irritated; or, exasperated their souls || pose them to disgrace; and then to stone, and put against the brethren-Against the disciples of them to death: and thus they hoped to ruin their Christ, and especially against those celebrated teach- cause. They were aware of it-When the project ers of a religion against which they had imbibed || was just ripe for execution, Paul and Barnabas restrong prejudices. Long time, therefore, abode || ceived intelligence of it, and prevented the bloody they-Namely, Faul and Barnabas; speaking boldly attempt by withdrawing from thence; they fled unto in the Lord-Because the minds of the Gentiles | Lystra first, and then to Derbe; and after that to Paul heals a cripple at Lystra. A. M. 4050. е CHAPTER XIV. The idolaters prepare to worship hım. 7 And there they preached the gospel. 8 ¶ And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked. 9 The same heard Paul speak: who steadfastly 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, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. h e Chap. iii. 2.—f Matt. viii. 10 ; ix. 28, 29.———————g Isa. xxxv. 6. h Chap. viii. 10; xxviii. 6.—i Dan. ii. 46.———————k Matt. xxvi. 65. 1 Chap. x. 26. k 14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? m We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you, that ye should turn from "these vanities ° unto the living God, m James v. 17; Rev. xix. 10.1 1 Sam. xii. 21 n 1 Sam. xii. 21; 1 Kings xvi. 13; Jeremiah xiv. 22; Amos ii. 4; 1 Corinthians viii. 4. • 1 Thess. i. 9. the region that lay round Lycaonia, namely, the re- Verses 11, 12. And when the people-Who were gion of Phrygia and Galatia. In thus fleeing from present when this wonderful cure was wrought; their persecutors they followed their Master's ad- || saw what Paul had done-By merely speaking a vice, who directed them, when persecuted in one || word, being all in raptures of astonishment; they city, to flee unto another: for though he enabled || them to work miracles for the confirmation of the gospel, he gave them no power of working any to save themselves from persecution. And there they || preached—Kakɛi noav evayyehiŠoμevoi, and there they || were preaching; the gospel-And that, it appears, in a very successful manner, so that the church was still increased by the very methods taken to de- || stroy it. lifted up their voices-In loud acclamations; saying, The gods are come down-Which the heathen supposed they frequently did, Jupiter especially. But how amazingly does the prince of darkness blind the minds of them that believe not! The Jews would not own Christ's Godhead, though they saw him work numberless miracles: but these heathen, seeing mere men work one miracle, were for deifying them immediately! And they called Barnabas, Jupiter, &c.-Chrysostom observes, that the heathen represented Jupiter as an old, but vigorous man, of a noble and majestic aspect, and large robust make; which, therefore, he supposes might be the form of Barnabas: whereas Mercury appeared young, little, and nimble, as Paul might probably do, for he was yet but a young man. The reason, how ever, given by Luke is different, namely; because he was, o nuevos T8 hoys, the chief speaker, or, the leader of the discourse; on which account, they thought it more probable that he was Mercury, their || god of eloquence. Verses 8-10. And there sat, &c.-To the general account of the apostle's labours given above, the historian here subjoins a particular relation of some memorable events which happened at Lystra. There sat a man impotent in his feet-Disabled, as the word is, to that degree, that it was impossible he should set his feet to the ground, or lay any stress upon them; being-As was well known, a cripple|| from his mother's womb. This same man heard Paul speak-Having, it seems, been laid in some place of public resort, to beg alms of such as passed by, near where Paul was discoursing; who stead. fastly beholding him, and perceiving-By the ar- Verses 13-17. Then the priest of Jupiter-Who dour and humility expressed in his countenance, or was esteemed the tutelar deity of that place, and by the gift of discerning spirits which he possessed; whose statue stood just without the gate; brought that he had faith to be healed-Had a degree of || oxen, or bulls rather, and garlands--To put on the confidence in his soul, that the Jesus whom Paul || victims; the usual offerings to Jupiter; to the gates preached could and would heal him: Paul probably || ---Of the place where Paul and Barnabas were; and finding at the same time in himself that the power would have done sacrifice to them-To acknowof Christ was to be displayed on this occasion; said || ledge the obligation they were under to them for with a loud voice-In the hearing of all that were this condescending and beneficent visit, and to take assembled there, as one that was conscious of the this opportunity of imploring their continued prodivine authority by which he then acted; Stand, tection in their public and private affairs. Which &c.—Or, as is certainly implied, and as some copies when the apostles heard-As they were leading on read, I say unto thee, in the name of the Lord the sacrificial procession toward them; they rent Jesus, stand upright on thy feet-And power went || their clothes--In token of that mixture of indignaalong with this word; for the lame man immediate- || tion and sorrow with which they beheld this strange ly leaped and walked-Thus showing that he was || abuse of a miracle, wrought to destroy that idolatry, perfectly cured. which from thence they took occasion to practise ; The Jews excite the people A. D. 46. A. D. 46. A. M. 4050. P which made heaven, and earth, and 18 And with these sayings scarce A. M. 4050. the sea, and all things that are therein: || restrained they the people, that they 16 Who in times past suffered all nations had not done sacrifice unto them. to walk in their own ways. Rev. xiv. 7.————1 Psa. s Lev. xxvi. 4; Deut. xi. 14; xxviii. 12; Job v. 10; Psa. lxv. P Gen. i. 1; Psa. xxxiii. 6; cxlvi. 6; Rev. xiv. 7. lxxxi. 12; Chap. xvii. 30; 1 Pet. iv. 3.Rom. i. 20. and ran in among the people, crying--With the us rain, but God that gives us rain from heaven. greatest vehemence, as in a fire, or other sudden || 2d, The benefits which we have, by these powers of and great danger; Sirs, why do ye these things- nature, witness to us that we ought to make our With regard to us? We are not what you imagine acknowledgments, not to the creatures that are us to be; but men of like passions with you--Ob- || made serviceable to us, but to the Creator, who noxious to the same common infirmities of human makes them so. God seems to reckon the instances || life with yourselves; and preach that ye should|| of his goodness to be more cogent proofs of his title turn from these vanities-From worshipping any to our homage and adoration, than the evidences of but the true God. He does not deign to call them his greatness; for his goodness is his glory. "As gods; unto the living God-Not like these dead a friend, in sending us frequent presents, expresses idols; who made the heaven, and the earth, and the|| his remembrance of us and affection to us, though sea-Each of which they supposed to have its own he neither speak nor write to us; so all the gifts of gods. Who in time past—He prevents their object- the divine bounty, which are scattered abroad on ing, "But if these things were so, we should have every side, are so many witnesses sent to attest the heard them from our fathers;" suffered all nations divine care and goodness, and they speak it in very to walk in their own ways—In the idolatries which sensible language to the heart, though not to the they had chosen, without instructing them by di- ear." And with these sayings--Plain and reasona|| vinely-inspired teachers; which was an awful, but ||ble as they were; scarce restrained they the people just judgment upon them. Observe, the multitude --From their purpose of sacrificing to them. So of them that err, does not turn error into truth. strongly were idolaters in love with their idolatrous Though all nations practised idolatry, yet every practices! kind and species of it is founded on a lie. Never- Verse 19. There came, &c.-The sacred histotheless--Though even then; he left not himself || rian now proceeds to give us a remarkable instance without witness--Of his being, perfections, and pro- of the fickleness of the multitude. Soon after Paul vidence, in any country. Besides the witness for and Barnabas had put a stop to that undue respect God within them, the dictates of conscience, they which the people at Lystra would have shown them, had witnesses for God around them, in the bounties on account of the above-mentioned miraculous cure of his providence. Their not having inspired teach- ||which they had wrought, and had instructed them ers among them, nor the Holy Scriptures, did in part to worship none but the true God; certain Jews excuse them; and therefore God did not destroy || from Antioch and Iconium-Came thither, having them for their idolatry, as he did the Jewish nation. heard, it is likely, of the respect that was shown But that did not wholly excuse them; notwithstand- there to Paul and Barnabas, and incensed the people ing it they were deeply criminal before God: for against them, persuading them to disbelieve their there were other witnesses for God, sufficient to in- || doctrine, and representing them as impostors; perform them that he, and he only, was to be wor-haps as two wicked magicians, who were endeavourshipped; and that to him they owed all their ser- ing to overturn every thing sacred, both among the vices, from whom they received all their comforts, Jews and the Gentiles; or, at least, as seditious and and therefore were guilty of the highest injustice dangerous persons, who ought not to be harboured. and ingratitude imaginable, in alienating their ser- In this way they soon prejudiced the minds of the vices from him. In that he did good--To all his populace to such a degree against them, that the very creatures, with a bountiful hand, and especially to people who but just before would have adored them mankind. Even by punishments God testifies of as deities, now rose in a tumultuous manner to put himself: but more peculiarly by benefits. And gave them to death as malefactors; being moved with us—All, whether Jews or Gentiles; rain from heaven equal ease either to adore or murder them. So shortand fruitful seasons--Which could not come by lived are human passions not governed by reason and chance, nor were caused by the vain idols of the principle! Thus, Israel fell into idolatry within forty heathen. Observe, reader, 1st, All the powers of days from God's giving them the law from mount nature witness to us a sovereign power in the God || Sinai. Nor could Paul expect any better treatment, of nature, from whom they are derived, and on when he considered that the same multitude who whom they depend. It is not the heaven that gives || applauded Christ as king of the Jews, and followed || Paul and Barnabas A. M. 4050. CHAPTER XIV. revisit the churches. A. D. 46. 20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood || that we must through much tribu- A. M. 4050. round about him, he rose up, and lation enter into the kingdom of came into the city: and the next day he depart- God. ed with Barnabas to Derbe. 23 And when they had a ordained them elders 21 ¶ And when they had preached the gos-in every church, and had prayed with fasting, pel to that city, and 1had taught many, they || they commended them to the Lord, on whom returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch, they believed. 24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had preached the word in z Matt. x. 38; xvi. 24; Luke xxii. 28, 29; Rom. viii. 17; 2 Tim. ii. 11, 12; iii. 12.a Tit. i. 5. him with their acclamations, about six days after, || nature, he would then have felt his bruises much petitioned Pilate that he might be crucified! And having stoned Paul-Not in consequence of a judicial sentence, passed by any magistrates, but in a popular tumult in the streets, they drew-Ordragged, him out of the city, supposing he had been dead-It || seems, they left his body exposed to the open air, intending that he, to whom a few days before they would have sacrificed oxen, should be himself a prey Verses 21, 22. And when they had preached, and to wild beasts or birds! Probably, says Dr. Dodd- || taught many--Namely, at Derbe; and, it seems also, ridge, there might be something extraordinary in the in Galatia and Phrygia: see Col. iv. 13. Greek, appearance of his body in this circumstance, which || μavnrevoavtes ikaves, having made many disciples; led them to conclude he was dead while he was yet they returned again to Lystra, &c.-Being doubtalive; for one can hardly imagine that they would less directed so to do by the Spirit; confirming the have been contented with any very slight and tran- souls of the disciples-Whom they had converted sient inquiry whether he were dead or not. It is ob- in their former journey; exhorting them to continue servable we read of no such injury offered to Barna- || in the faith-With a steadfastness becoming the evibas, who seems to have had no share in the effects || dence and importance of it; and testifying that we of this popular fury; probably Paul's distinguished || must through much tribulation-Which will unazeal marked him out as the object of their distin- || voidably lie in our way; enter into the kingdom of guished cruelty. Thus, in his turn, did Paul suffer the very punishment which he had been so active in bringing upon the blessed martyr, Stephen! || And, doubtless, the recollection of that affair helped very much to reconcile him to what had now be- || fallen him. more than at first; and probably, after the best care that could have been taken of him, would hardly have been able to move. Probably by going into the city, and showing himself to the new converts, at least, if not to others, he hoped, as he reasonably might, to confirm their faith in, and their courageous || attachment to, the gospel. || God-A kingdom which, however, will amply recompense us for all the sufferings that we shall meet with in our way to it. "The cross was eminently the way to the crown in those days: the Head, says Zanchy, having been crowned with thorns, it is not fit the feet should tread on roses: an easy way to Verse 20. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round-heaven is a false one." For there were some here at Lystra that became Verse 23. And when they had ordained eldersdisciples, having found the mean between deifying || Or, presbyters, termed εñισkoñeç, bishops, or overthe apostles and rejecting them. And though Paul's seers, chap. xx. 28; in every church-Out of those enemies left him for dead, yet these would not leave who were themselves but lately converted. So soon him, but stood round about his body, having courage can God enable even a babe in Christ to build up to own him when he was thus cruelly treated, though || others in the common faith; and prayed with fastsons that stoned him might stone them for mani- || ing-That a blessing might attend their inspection they had reason enough to fear, that the same per- || and labours; they commended them to the Lord—To festing such regard for him. Probably they stood || the direction, guardianship, and care of the Lord Jeconsidering how they should perform the last office of affection to him, in bearing him to his funeral with proper respect. Unexpectedly, however, while they || were considering of this, to their unspeakable surprise, he rose up—As in perfect health; and went into the city-That just after he had been stoned, dragged about the streets and left for dead, he should be able to rise and walk back into the city, must certainly || be the effect of a miraculous cure, approaching as near as one can conceive to a resurrection from the Verses 24-26. After they had passed through Pidead. This was the more illustrated by his going|| sidia, &c.-Paul and Barnabas having, on their rethe next day to Derbe; whereas, in the course of turn from Phrygia and Galatia, visited all the cities sus; on whom they believed-As able to guide and assist them in, and bless their endeavours for, the edification of his people. This custom of ordaining elders in the churches which he planted, Paul invariably observed, in order that the brethren, being united together, under the direction of stated teachers and leaders, might increase the more in grace, especially in mutual love, and be the better enabled to sustain persecution for the gospel. |