This is a night of high drama indeed. Whereas Peter and John were released with a warning in 4:1718, it is only Gamaliels advice that prevents them from being killed here (5:33), and they are eventually released, this time with a flogging (5:40). Second, the councils decrees are mentioned again in 16:4 as they are distributed to the Gentile believers in the surrounding towns (cf. The divine initiative in the spread of the gospel is first noted through the directions given to Philip by an angel of the Lord (8:26), then the instructions by the Spirit (8:29), the providential timing of the reading from Isaiah 53 (8:32), and the Spirits continued direction of Philip afterwards to Azotus (8:3940). The subsequent proposal to participate in the purification rites of four men in the temple shows that Paul was not opposed to Jewish customs and that he himself observed the Law when entering the temple area (21:2324, 26). Paul did not teach Jews that they should not circumcise their children. 16:910, 12), indicate that Luke groups these cities accordingly. At that time foreigners will be included among Gods people, as will the eunuchs who hold fast my covenant. These eunuchs are promised a name better than sons and daughters; I [the Lord] will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off. The Lord continues, these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples (56:7). . . Indeed, his continuing reign is noted in the final verse of this chapterhe continually (day by day, 2:47) saves people and adds them to this new community. The dispute between Herod and the people of Tyre and Sidon, those dependent on him for food, further highlights the negative portrait of what it means to be under his rule. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Festus introduces the proceedings with a summary of his dilemma: the Jewish leaders want Paul dead, but he has done nothing deserving death (25:25; cf. Despite this lengthy description, every time Luke refers to him in the following account, he only calls him the eunuch (8:27, 34, 36, 38, 39). This is then emphasized with reference to your sons and your daughters, your young men . Their prayer immediately places the preceding opposition in the context of Gods sovereignty. Israel, however, refused to obey Moses (anticipating Stephens conclusion in 7:53), thrust him aside (cf. 10:2526). He strengthened the church family itself, with the result that a great many people were added to the Lord. 7:53; 23:3). Thus, Luke is careful to note that male and female, Jew and Gentile, as well as a range of social classes characterized the new people of God. Now he came from the east, arriving in Ephesus from the region of Phrygia. The summary that over the next two years all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks emphasizes extensive ministry centered in Ephesus (some, such as Epaphras, may have been sent out to nearby areas such as Colossae; cf. 6:1314; 7:7). 7:1736 Stephens summary of Israels history focuses on key individuals. Furthermore, the reference to God taking from them a people for his name (15:14) recalls the language of Deuteronomy 7:6 (cf. The shift from the reference to the Holy Spirit (16:6) to the Spirit of Jesus (16:7) as the one who prevents them reminds readers that this is the Holy Spirit that Jesus sent (2:33) and, therefore, of Jesuss continuing role in enabling the spread of the Word (11:21). Thus, the early believers proclaimed the fulfilment of Israels hopes and institutions in the risen Lord Jesus in the temple complex itself. Green, The Word of His Grace, 96-98. Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit. If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God? When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.. Luke 24:21; Acts 7:27, 3941). The designation tanner merely identifies the Simon whose house Simon Peter was staying with, and probably explains why it was located by the sea (due to the smell, and the use of water for washing). These two prayers, the final words of Stephen, are the conclusion to this whole chapter, and indeed this whole section from 3:1. 15:23, 41). "into John's baptism" (Acts Thus, they continued their practice of going first to a synagogue, and Luke notes the mixed response. Not surprisingly, when he attempted to join the disciples there, they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple (9:26). The risen Lord Jesus is proclaimed before Israels rulers. With Jerusalem as the center, Luke describes the people as coming from the east, west, north, and south, as well as from distant islands and lands. The name of Jesus refers to the totality of Jesuss character; it is Jesushis power and authoritynot Peter and John, who has accomplished this healing. 4:2331 There is a shift in focus here as Peter and John are released by the rulers and go to their friends (their own people, CSB). The change said, to the Gentiles, You dont have to become Jews first, and put yourself under the Law of Moses first. 16:19). In this cosmopolitan setting, Paul once again faces opposition from the Jews and accusations that he is acting illegally. (Acts 11:25-26) Barnabas and Saul work together in Antioch. Thus, Paul is to Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome (23:11; cf. 11:1920; 15:39), and the believers generally (the brothers received us gladly), and then to a meeting with James (the brother of the Lord; cf. cf. Apollos and More Accurate Instruction about Baptism (18:2428), iii. i. What does Acts chapter 19 mean? | BibleRef.com . In contrast to the believers who are filled with the Spirit, speak Gods Word, and are of one heart (4:3132), however, Ananiass heart is filled with Satan and he contrived this deed in his heart (5:3, 4). Paul turns from defense to bold appeal to all those listening, such is the significance of the risen Lord Jesus. Third paragraph 4. In 7:4243 Stephen describes Gods judgment of Israels idolatry, quoting Amos 5:2527. Just as he had amazed the people of Samaria who attributed divine power to him (8:9, 10), so too was he amazed at the signs and powerful works in Philips ministry (8:13). 15:1318 James (not James the apostle who died in Acts 12, but James the brother of the Lord Jesus who had become a leader in the Jerusalem church by this time; cf. On the other hand, those who respond in this way and get baptized are those who received his (Peters) word (2:42). 7:53; Gal 3:19; Heb 2:2). . Like those outside the kingdom (cf. 8:3; 9:12). The Bibles Tab is found in the Tools feature on Bible pages: Note: MLA no longer requires the URL as part of their citation standard. denied in 3:13, 14) by the people of Israel, even though God had sent him to be their ruler and redeemer (7:35; cf. Following the council in Jerusalem that confirmed the unity of Jew and Gentile as one people with the same required response of faith to the gospel, this section continues by showing the fruit of that in the range of people who believe (cf. In place of Pauls activity and escape from Damascus, additional information about instructions given to Paul in Jerusalem, even in the temple itself, are added (22:1721; cf. If forgiveness of sins is available, then so is justification, a justification that was not attainable through the Law (CSB; cf. 1:14, 24; 2:21). As the account unfolds, it becomes clear that Peters deliverance is due to Gods grace and not human ingenuity or even the godliness or great faith of the believers. Indeed, Caesar is referred to five times in 25:812. These emphases on the same gospel message being given to both Jews and Gentiles and the same required response of belief will be the focus in Acts 15. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. 4. . Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. After saying that they rushed together down the road into the (approximately 24,000-person capacity) theatre, Luke states for the second time that they were in confusion (19:32; cf. 25:1322 At this point Luke introduces Agrippa the king and Bernice, who arrive in Caesarea and who will be the focus of Pauls speech in Acts 26. As Jesuss representatives, they are a light for the Gentiles as they proclaim Jesus who is ultimately the light for the Gentiles. In this way, as they bring Jesus to the Gentiles, they bring salvation to the ends of the earth (Jesus alluded to this Isaiah passage in Acts 1:8). Exod 16:10; 34:5; Dan 7:1314). Since (therefore) God raised Jesus from the dead, and since the risen Jesus has been seen alive, this established historical fact as well as his visible ascension show that he is the promised ruling Lord. In this short trial, the innocence of Paul is especially emphasized: Festus has already alluded to this possibility in 25:5, and now Luke adds that the charges could not be proved (25:7). Luke is also careful to note that when Paul commanded the spirit to come out of her, the spirit went out of her, and likewise her owners hope of gain went out (the same word is used in 16:18 and 19, cf. 10And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11and said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? Their overarching concern, however, is that the Lord would grant boldness to the apostles to enable them to continue to proclaim his word in the face of opposition and that the Lord would continue to authenticate them as Jesuss messengers with signs such as the healing in the temple that would point to Jesuss sufficiency. Is the high priest the ruler of Gods people? Peter stresses that God is the one who has been involved (God has shown me, 10:28). 3:1126 As a sign (4:16, 22), this healing is designed to point away from itself. The parallels between Lydia and the jailer suggest that Luke intends them to be a frame for the chapter and that the middle incident with the servant girl should also be read in their light. As indicated above, Luke shows here that the spread of the Word not only takes place despite attempts to stop it (4:34; 5:1820), but now persecution is the very means by which the Word is spread. The significance of Pauls address to both fellow Israelites and those who fear God (i.e., Gentiles who attended synagogue services; cf. But the Christians took the word seriously, and generously prepared to meet the coming need. Ultimately, due to Pauls insistence, the believers stop trying to dissuade Paul and entrust him to the will of the Lord (21:14; cf. Thus, in one sense his prayers are answered in the following events (10:4, 31). The early chapters of Acts established the replacement of the rulers of Israel with Jesus and his apostles as the leaders of Gods true people (cf. The believers cite Psalm 2 in 4:2526 and then make the connections to those who opposed Jesus in 4:27 (with Herod and Pilate replacing the references to kings and rulers in the Psalm). Acts 19:11 - Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary - StudyLight.org Gentiles. Despite the message being the word of [Gods] grace, and despite God graciously bearing witness to that Word through signs and wonders, the city was divided. In the final verse of this section, after the Roman commander intervenes for Pauls safety again, it is the risen Lord Jesus who once again assures Paul of the outworking of his purposes in his life and outlines what this will look like in the weeks and months (and chapters in Acts) to follow. Since the introduction to Acts picks up on the introduction to Lukes Gospel, we may take the longer preface of Lukes Gospel as an introduction to both volumes so that Acts is best understood as a continuation of Lukes aim to provide certainty for his Christian readers concerning the things they had been taught (Luke 1:4).2 In Acts, Luke provides assurance for believers, probably because they face persecution, concerning Gods saving rule, in fulfilment of the Scriptures, through the continuing reign of the Lord Jesus the Messiah, as he empowers his people by the Spirit to proclaim the good news of his saving death and resurrection, that Jew and Gentile alike may receive forgiveness of sins through faith in him alone (see comments on 1:1, 68; 28:3031). In keeping with the charges against him, Paul highlights again his Jewish heritage (as in Acts 22), especially his prior zeal as a Pharisee (cf. 24:17) via Macedonia and Achaia and then ultimately to Rome, and they serve as an outline for the rest of the Book of Acts. And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.. 2:3236 So far Peter has argued that Jesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection were the outworking of Gods saving plan, as especially seen in Jesuss resurrection in accordance with Davids hope. Luke notes that she paid attention to Pauls message and became a believer. These titles, while showing that Paul both appeals to the emperor and respects the king before him, remind readers of the words of the Lord Jesus that Paul is his chosen instrument to carry his name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel (9:15). Sauls conversion is complete with the reception of the Spirit symbolized in his baptism and the return of his sight. . He is the one spoken of by all the prophets (3:18), God spoke about him by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago (3:21), indeed, all the prophets . Artemis was worshipped for her help in health and childbirth; thus local pride and reputation, as well as financial profit, and devotion to Artemis herself were intertwined. The confusion escalates in each episode.15. Tertullus charges that (1) Paul is a troublemaker (24:5; i.e., causing disturbances and upsetting the peace of the empire), (2) he is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes (24:5; i.e., the leader of a separatist faction and despised group who follow the one crucified by the Romans), and (3) he tried to profane the temple (24:6). "The Book of the Acts" (The New International Commentary on the New Testament) (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 1988), Gaebelein, Arno C. "The Acts of the Apostles" (Neptune, New Jersey: Loizeaux Brothers, 1983), Hughes, R. Kent "Acts: The Church Afire" (Preaching the Word) (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 1996), MacArthur, John "Acts 1-12: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary" Volume 13 (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1994). Peabody, Mass. In contrast to the unity of Jew, Gentile, male, female, slave, free, as one people under one Lord (Gal 3:28), the cities of Iconium (14:4), Thessalonica (17:8), and Ephesus (19:29, 32, 40) are characterized by discord and disunity. The earliest manuscript of Lukes Gospel attributes the authorship of that Gospel to Luke.1 Since the prologue of Acts looks back to an earlier work also addressed to a certain Theophilus, the two works have been understood to be by the same author. Although there is no distinct narrative break at 17:16, the broad groupings in 19:2022 according to the provinces of Macedonia, Achaia, and Asia, as well as the references to Macedonia and Achaia in 18:5 and 18:12 (cf. Repent and believe, and you can come to Jesus. But it also said to the Jewish followers of Jesus, Receive your Gentile brothers and sisters as full members of the family of God. 19:2122 These verses note Pauls travel plans, under the guidance of the Spirit, to go to Jerusalem (cf. (Acts 18:19) on his previous visit to Ephesus nor met Aquila and Priscilla. Although Theophilus is named in Luke 1:3 and Acts 1:1 as the individual to whom Luke is writing, he is likely representative of a wider audience (perhaps as a financial supporter of Lukes work). 16:15, 3132; 17:4, 12). When Philip preached the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ they believed and were baptized, indicating both the comprehensive proclamation of the saving rule of Jesus the Messiah as well as the genuine response from the people of Samaria, both men and women (8:9, 12). i. you . 13:33) and Gentiles who are far off (see 1:8; 22:21). 7:18 After the brief opening question from the High Priest, Stephen enters into an overview of the history of Israel to show that he is not against the Law or the temple. 9:1). It becomes apparent that these disciples were still only disciples of John the Baptist (as the word is used in Luke 5:33; 7:18; 11:1). What God has cleansed you must not call common: At first, Peter thought God spoke this about food. Gal 2:110). Likewise, Paul did not tell the Jews to forsake Moses. . Luke identifies the ports and places they stop at along the way, but lingers on two coastal stops in particular: Tyre in Phoenicia (21:36) and Caesarea (21:814). Not Yet a Member? 20:1316 These brief travel notes provide the details surrounding Pauls travels from Troas as he rejoins Luke and the others down the coast at Assos before sailing further down the coast to Miletus. Antioch in Syria, Paul had traveled west, across what is Turkey today, Thus, reference is made to the resurrection at two stages in Pauls response (24:15, 21). The blind rage and violence of the Jerusalem crowd is again highlighted (cf. And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, saying, "You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!" a. 11), but after the day of Pentecost the language of the Christian preacher . Who is "Apollos" (Acts 19:1) and where is "Corinth" (Acts 19:1)? Throughout this mission in Acts 13 and 14, Jews and Gentiles are both exhorted to believe, and both are equally promised forgiveness of sins with the only requirement for both being belief in the Lord Jesus. (Acts 19:5), they expressed their belief in Jesus as the prophesied Savior The reader is supposed to marvel at the power and grace of the Lord Jesus! In the end their demand that Peter and John should no longer speak or teach in the name of Jesus is rejected by the apostles as disobedience to God (4:1920). from Samuel . The Book of Acts provides a crucial window into the life of the early church. Jesus is that Servant who both represents Israel and also restores Israel. The time for the coming of the Holy Spirit has arrived just as Jesus promised. Immediate confirmation of Gods presence was given, and, like Peter, they were all enabled by the Spirit to proclaim the word of God with boldness and point to the sufficiency of Jesus. The context for his arrest of Peter was the violent death (with the sword, 12:2) of James, the apostle and brother of John, and the positive response this brought from the Jews. you . 9:12; 1Tim 1:13). Each account highlights slightly different aspects of his encounter with the risen Lord Jesus. Again, like Lydia, the jailer expresses his new faith in hospitality to Paul and Silas. Trial before the crowd in Jerusalem (Acts 21:3722:29), Trial before the council (Sanhedrin) in Jerusalem (Acts 22:3023:11), Journey from Jerusalem to Caesarea (23:1235), Trial before Felix in Caesarea (Acts 24:127), Trial before Festus in Caesarea (Acts 25:127), Trial before Festus and Herod Agrippa II in Caesarea (Acts 26:132), Journey from Caesarea to Rome (Acts 27:128:16), Proclamation to the Jewish leaders in Rome (Acts 28:1731). From whom had they learned? The heart of this section is Pauls faithful proclamation of the word concerning the Lord Jesus and the honor that belongs to the name of the Lord Jesus (19:10, 17, 20), in contrast to the various distortions and confusions of that message and the futility of idolatry (19:2627). Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 8:3). The Reign of Christ the Lord over All Nations (Acts 9:3212:25), A. Peter, an Authentic Messenger of Christ (9:3243), B. iii. The New Testament This location (next door to the synagogue), however, together with the fact that even the synagogue ruler Crispus and his entire household (probably including servants) believed in the Lord (18:8), as did many other Corinthians, no doubt only added to the outrage the Jews had exhibited in 18:6. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. Acts 2:43; 5:12). Cookie Notice: Most explicitly, Pauls arrest fulfils the prophecy given by the Holy Spirit in the preceding travel section in 21:11. Perhaps even more specifically, however, this account is not just showing readers that the Lord kept his promise to get Paul to Rome but also how he kept his promise.28 This is the real world of storms and untamable weather, of unplanned changes and stopovers and redirections, of desperate measures and occasional despair (27:20; note the first-person plural there), of unexpected kindness from ordinary people (Festus allowed Paul to sail with companions, 27:12; from the centurion, 27:3, 43; from the people of Malta, 28:2, 7, 10), and of welcome encouragement from fellow believers (Pauls friends at Sidon, 27:3; believers at Puteoli, 28:14; believers from Rome, 28:15). How can Jesuss word be fulfilled now that there are only eleven? The term used to describe the temple as that which is made by hands is a common way of referring to idols (cf. In doing so, Paul essentially says he has proclaimed everything (anything that was profitable, repentance and faith, the gospel of the grace of God, the kingdom, the whole council of God), to everyone (Jews and Greeks, and to you), everywhere he could (in public and from house to house). 24And they prayed and said, You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place. 26And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. 13:33). Schnabel, E. Acts. . (Acts 11:22-24) The ministry of Barnabas in Antioch. 2. 10:45). 23:611 Pauls exclamation that, in keeping with his training as a Pharisee, he is on trial because of his hope in the resurrection of the dead (23:6) highlights the division among the people accusing him (23:7) and focuses on what the real issue is. 13:38). How many "disciples" (Acts 19:1) did Paul find? 25:13, 23). This means that they gave according to the ability of their resources; those who had more gave more, probably referencing a proportional giving. After the persecution following Stephens death, Philip went to Caesarea (8:40), and other believers went to Phoenicia (11:19). . (11:18, emphasis mine). The reference to the power or name in their question (4:7) not only focuses the issue as one of authority, but it also recalls earlier references to the significance of the name of Jesus in 3:6, 16 and will become the defining issue in Peters reply in 4:10, and especially 4:12. This charge, however, is a foretaste of what is to come. Abraham himself did not get to own even a foots length of the promised land, relativizing the significance of this location to experience Gods presence. Within Acts itself, the we passages (where the author uses the first-person plural; 16:1017; 20:521:18; 27:128:16) imply that the author of these two works joins the journeys of Paul at these points. However, there were many more requirements than these in Leviticus 17 for the strangers living in the land (e.g., Lev 17:89, 1516; 20:2; 22:18), and the terms used here are not found in Leviticus 17 (e.g., things strangled), aside from the fact that, as the following letter will show, these are Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia (obviously not in the land of Israel), and the restrictions are limited to just these four (15:28). But even more than that, in Lukes account it is the idolatrous worshippers in the empire who are characterized by confusion and disturbances. Simon had been held in high regard as one with divine power for an extended period of time (i.e., this was no passing fad in Samariathis was entrenched), and Luke emphasizes that his power and his sorcery had captivated the entire population (all . Bernice was his sister (and the sister of Drusilla, cf. The significance of the judgment and the salvation-historical shift that has come are not spelled out here, but the use of words such as good news and turn and a shift in time from the past indicates that the elements of what Paul will say in Acts 17 are summarized briefly here. Peters point to these Christian Jews (those of the circumcision, Acts 11:2) was clear: they could not withhold their acceptance when God had given His. 9:3243 This section orients readers to Peter, who will become the focus in chapter 10, and highlights two miracles, one in Lydda (9:3235), and the other in Joppa (9:3643), indicating movement from Jerusalem toward the coast which will continue up to Caesarea in Acts 10. Nevertheless, Festus insists that a trial be held in Caesarea, that there should be legitimate charges, and that there is a possibility that Paul may not have done any wrong (25:5). Then God would do wonderful things (Romans 8:19-21; Isaiah 11:6-9). While John The details of Peters imprisonment highlight his certain death even more, since there is no likelihood of escape. However, just as Luke follows his description of the priestly leaderships attempt to stop the spread of the word in 4:3 with the word but (4:4), so also does he follow their attempt to stop the apostles from their ministry in 5:1718 with the word but (5:19). Throughout this account Paul speaks four times, and these words from Paul also provide an interpretive clue as to the message of this chapter concerning the way that God carries out his promises. Encouragement to the Ephesian Elders (20:1338). The immediate response of the believers is to raise their voices together to God. So when Peter came up to Jerusalem those of the circumcision criticized him because, they said, "You went in to men who had never been circumcised and you ate with them." So Peter began at the beginning and told them the . John 3:16, Jesus faith love), Select a Beginning Point His prayer and his generosity identify him as one of those who, like the Jewish remnant at the beginning of Lukes Gospel, were waiting for the fulfilment of Gods promises (cf. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. 24 Josephus, Antiquities, 19.354; 20.14144. Furthermore, Israels history has been characterized by the rejection of Gods messengers (Joseph), including the one through whom the Law came (Moses), and turning to idols, worshipping the works of their hands. Such subtlety, however, gives way at this point to a much more direct judgment upon his audience. On the other hand, these verses show the continuing role of the ascended Lord Jesus, ruling over his people, choosing his replacement apostle, and answering their prayers. The spirit goes to be with Christ, and the body will be raised at the last day (Luke 23:43; Phil 1:23; 2Cor 5:8). Embedded in the early stages of this section are the assuring words of the Lord Jesus that Paul should Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome (23:11; cf. 20:16 In this brief travel narrative, Luke focuses on the many words of encouragement that Paul gives to believers. Paul and Barnabas are participants with him in his ministry for the people of Israel and the Gentiles.