Commentary on Acts of the Apostles.

CHAPTER 15

The First General assembly of the Church.

Vs.1-6. Defending the Gospel. 

Various representatives of the church now gathered at Jerusalem, to defend salvation by faith alone in Christ alone, in opposition to the legalists in the visible church(5) ; who had already caused trouble at Galatia. There are always those who want to live in the OT with all its ceremonies, and not in the NT church. The Judaizers wanted to add to the gospel. The Moderator of this Assembly was James, Pastor at Jerusalem and the Lord's half-brother ( Gal.1:19). None of us can achieve salvation by keeping laws, this is why it must be by the gracious gift of faith ( Ephes.2:8). This defence of the gospel is still necessary today.

Vs.7-18. The testimony of Peter and James.

Peter explained that God had called uncircumcised Gentiles to faith in Christ ((7-11). There is only one way of salvation, and therefore race and nationality do not matter. Paul and Barnabas agreed (12). Grace and faith exclude works and merit. James (13-19) confirmed from a verse in Amos (ch.9:11) that God' s purpose was to bring the Gentiles into His church. There was already a ' court of the Gentiles ' in the Temple, and the veil was now torn to give free access to all through Christ ( Ephes.2:13-18)   OT ceremonies were not necessary to salvation ; Christ had fulfilled all that was necessary.

Vs.19-35. The decision of the Council at Jerusalem. They confirmed that salvation was by faith and not works, but did advise that consideration be given to weak believers who still had difficulty giving up Jewish food regulations. The moral law, summarised in the Ten Commandments, remained unchanged. Letters were sent out to all the Christian congregations to inform them of this infallible decision by the apostles and those gathered with them. The unity of the church was based on the truth. trouble can only arise if the truth is opposed. We must not rest on any ceremony for salvation, including Sacraments. Salvation is by grace alone, and we are justified by faith in Christ alone. Good works will always follow, and not precede, true faith (9).

" Not the labours of my hands could fulfil Thy Law's demands, 

  Thou must save, and Thou alone. " ( A.M.Toplady).

CHAPTER 16. 

The Gospel arrives in Europe.

Vs.1-12. The Holy Spirit diverts Paul.

Paul took Timothy, the new convert, with him on the journey north ; Timothy was in the best company to learn about the ministry. It was not Paul's intention to cross over to Europe, but the Holy Spirit closed all other doors, and the Gospel went north to the coast. The Spirit also gave Paul a vision to take the Gospel to Macedonia in northern Greece, so he crossed over from Troas, on the coast of Turkey, to Europe. Luke, the writer of Acts, joined Paul at Troas and went with him. Previously it was " they .."(4-8), now it is " we... " (10).

Vs.13-15. Lydia's heart is opened by the Lord.

The Jews usually met by a river ( for ceremonial washing) for prayer meetings. Paul went along to this meeting at Philippi. Lydia believed the gospel when she heard it, only because the Lord opened her heart ; the heart is naturally locked, closed against Christ, and only He has the key to open ( Rev.3:7). Lydia, a changed woman in heart, was now baptized and so joined the visible church. The immediate effect of her conversion, which was done quietly in the heart, was to give hospitality. The Spirit accompanied the Word preached, and this is what made the difference between Lydia and the other women gathered at the prayer meeting.

Vs.16-24. Satan is cast out by a greater power.

The devil-possessed woman knew and spoke of the way of salvation (17), but Satan prevented her from following it herself. Paul, relying upon the power of Christ, commanded the evil spirit to come out of her. Only the Lord can bring us out of the captivity of the devil, from the bondage of unbelief ( Ps.68:18). Satan's rage was behind the rage of the woman's employer, who would now lose the woman and the profits they made out of her (19). Paul and Silas were arrested for their good deed, imprisoned without a trial - such were the illegal proceedings of those who hated Christianity.

Vs.25-40. The jailer is set free. ( Was this the man in the vision, vs.9 ? )

 They were still safe in Christ while in prison and sang the Psalms to the Lord. This amazed the other prisoners (25) - no-one usually sings in a dungeon. God sent an earthquake, the jailer was in terror, ran to Paul and, under conviction of sin, asked what he had to do to be saved ; sin has its own chains. Paul replied that it was not a matter of doing but of believing (30,31) - this is the free offer of the gospel. Again, the first effect of conversion was hospitality. The civil magistrates accepted that they had broken Roman law and set Paul and Silas free (39), but they were not convicted of breaking God's law ! Only Christ can set sinners free (John 8:36 ), from the guilt, power and punishment of sin.

CHAPTER 17

Preaching the Word at Thessalonica and Athens.

Vs.1-14. Preaching Christ as King at Thessalonica.

As was his custom, Paul preached to the Jews first and demonstrated from Scripture (2) that the Messiah had now indeed come. After suffering, death, resurrection, He now reigns as King. Some Jews and some Gentiles present believed ( 1 Thess. 1:9,10), turning by faith from idols, and so were reconciled to this King before He returns in judgement ; entering the kingdom by repentance ( Mark 1:15). Some hearers believed this was the King's message, sent by Himself ( 1 Thess.1:5,6). Others accused Paul of treason because he spoke of ' another King ' (7), a rival to the existing human government. Having established a congregation at Thessalonica ( to whom he later wrote 2 Epistles), Paul and his companions moved on to Berea. The Bereans were sincere and unprejudiced listeners, but the Jews  from Thessalonica came and stirred up powerful people against the gospel message. Therefore Paul now went on ahead to Athens.

Vs.15-34. Declaring the living God at Athens.

The Athenians were famous for their history, philosophy and literature ; it was a university city. They were also well known for their ' devotion ' to their gods, but religion which is not based on true knowledge is but ' superstition.' They thought is ' wise ' to know everything except Christ, but this left them restlessly asking questions, " Is there anything new ? " (21) This showed that the knowledge they had did not satisfy them, did not quieten the mind with a definite knowledge. The gospel was new to them, so they were curious to hear it, but the novelty soon wore off, and they continued to 

' grope in the darkness of their mind ' like a blind man (27). The true God continued to be unknown to them, and their altar admitted this (23) ! The congregation Paul left in Athens was in single figures ; as is often the case in wealthy, ' educated ' towns.

What did Paul preach at Athens ?

1. God is the Maker of all things (24,25) - He therefore needs nothing from us.

2. God is the Controller of all things (26-29) - but we are not naturally grateful for all His  benefits to us.

3. God is the Judge of all people ( 30,31). - The Day for judgement by Christ is fixed, and time is running out for repentance. God's patience ( 30 ) ought not to be abused.

When Paul reached this point in his discourse the hearers stopped him, they found his words offensive to their existing beliefs (32) ; cf. 1 Corinth.3:6,7. The resurrection of Christ, in particular, attacked the foundation of all that they believed in. so they turned away from the gospel. Their basic fault was that they put other things or people before God - this is idolatry. Their curiosity seemed hopeful, but sadly that's all it was.

CHAPTER 18 

 Paul comes to Corinth and passes through Ephesus.

Vs.1-11. Surprising converts.

Paul arrived at Corinth, a notoriously immoral city, a modern Sodom, and began part-time work at his trade, tentmaking, to support himself. There he became friends with Aquila and his wife Priscilla who had the same trade. Paul's preaching in Corinth ( cf. Corinth. chs.1 and 2 ) was met with the usual prejudice of the Jews and the ridicule of the Gentiles, who called iit ' foolishness.' Their sinfully flawed understanding found the gospel unbelievable for differing easons. However, the Lord encouraged Paul to continue there (9,10) for He had an elect people in Corinth who would in time be awakened by the Spirit to believe the Word. This is the preacher's encouragement, that God Himself will overcome the opposition and resistance of the Will, and so to believe. God shall bring His children to Himself ( Ps.22:31. Matt.1:21) - this is Christ's purpose and promise. One of the surprising converts at Corinth was Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, who rejected the law for salvation and embraced the gospel. This was a demonstration of God's power ( Rom.1:16).

Vs.12-17 The judgement of Gallio.

The conversion of Crispus so enraged the Jews that they arrested Paul ( illegally), and brought him before the Roman governor, Gallio. But Gallio was not interested in a dispute about Jewish traditions, only in justice. He defended Paul's right to preach the gospel, he defended the right to freedom of speech. What a sad contrast to the government of today !

Vs.18-28. A short visit to Ephesus. 

Paul came there, expounded the Word in the synagogue and made plans to move on to Jerusalem, to attend the Feast there, probably Pentecost. It was the custom of Jews who took a vow to be present at the Temple to show that the vow was accomplished ( Ps.66:13,14. 86:11). A vow, a solemn promise, " is not to be made to any creature, but to God alone." ( Westminster Confession of Faith ch.22. 6 ). Paul went to Antioch after this, from where his second missionary journey began. There he reported what God had done in Europe, then set out to revisit the congregations in Asia Minor ( modern Turkey), encouraging them in the Lord (22,23). Meanwhile, a man named Apollos had come to Ephesus. He spoke well but lacked understanding, so Priscilla and Aquila taught him what Paul had taught them (26), namely that ' we believe through grace ' (27). Apollos went out to encourage others with this message.

CHAPTER 19

Paul at Ephesus, the capital city of the province of Asia.

Vs.1-7. Twelve disciples who were badly taught.

Some things had been omitted from their instruction. In particular, they knew nothing about the Holy Spirit ; He had not been mentioned - this is still common today. And yet we cannot be saved without His work in us, applying Christ's work for us. It seems that these disciples believed, but did not know how ! Paul taught them properly ; his teaching was taught by Christ Himself. We have the duty to obey what Christ says, in doctrine, worship and practice - we need therefore to know it.

Vs.8-20. The word of God prevails.

Paul again preached in the synagogue and was again opposed by unbelief (9) and superstition (13-16). He therefore preached in a local school, emphasizing that Christ was the ' Way ' to God (9,23). The new disciples confessed their sins (18) and gave up any obstacles to their following Christ, including bad books (19).

Vs.21-41. The Gospel threatens business profits.

Paul wanted to go to Rome, but it would not be the way he expected to go ; God answers our prayers His way, not ours. The preaching of Christ as the Way (23) now threatened the profits made from statues of false gods,( as in RC religion). The spiritual religion of Christianity meant belief in a God you cannot see but who has revealed Himself by His words. There was an outcry and a riot by this ' attack ' on false gods. They intended to lynch Paul as the ' ringleader.' However, the town clerk  warned them in turn about the penalty for riotous behaviour, and they dispersed. Sadly, the courts nowadays are being used more and more to prosecute Christians for their beliefs, beliefs taken from the Bible. However, the lack of social justice is a threat to everyone, not just Christians. We must never forget  that God is the supreme Judge in the final court.

CHAPTER 20

 From Greece to Troas, to Miletus.

Vs.1-12.  Paul at Troas ( the ancient city of Troy ).

Paul revisited several congregations in Greece (1-3) and then sailed across the Aegean sea to Troas, which is on the NW coast of modern Turkey. The first day of the week (7, the day of the resurrection, was already established by the Lord's authority as the day for Christian public worship ; the fourth Commandment was not abolished. Paul preached at the communion service that day. It was a long service and a young man called Eutychus fell asleep and fell down from the balcony (9). It looked like he was dead, but Paul prayed for him ( in the same manner as Eijah and Elisha, 1 Kings 17:21 & 2 Kings 4;33-35), and the Lord raised him from the dead. The Sabbath day on earth still remains as the preparation for the heavenly one ( Heb.4:9)

Vs.13-24. Paul's readiness to suffer for being faithful to God.

 Paul told the elders ( who ruled over the congregations ) that he had not kept back any of God's truth when he preached ( unlike many today )- and he had suffered for doing this (19-21). Paul was ' bound' by devotion to the Lord to fulfill his duty, and no pressure would deflect him from this (22,24). He began by asking what the Lord would have him to do ( Acts 9:6) and now he wanted to finish his course with joy (24) ; he would finish the race and join his Master. Faithfulness means suffering. Alas, how few have counted the cost...and turn aside !

Vs.25-38. Warnings and exhortations.

Paul came to Miletus, a seaport about 30 miles from Ephesus.He called for the officers of the churches to meet him there, especially the Pastors. He was concerned about 3 matters.

a) Doctrine. The elders were to heed to God's Word and watch for deviations, in themselves and others. There are always those who want to change things.

b) Divisions. These are usually caused by arrogant people who want a place or who want to change things away from God's word

c) After Paul's departure. Paul predicted that after he left, false teachers would come into the churches, and bring the world with them (29,30). Other warnings of this are given in 2 Timothy, 2 Peter, Jude.  But God would protect the true flock (32) and bring them through faithfully. Paul departed from these faithful people (38), but now they are together again in heaven. We must follow the Lord's Word and not man's if we want to be with them.

CHAPTER 21 

Friends and Foes.

Vs.1-14.  At Philip's house. 

 Paul, Luke and other friends now sailed back to Syria, intending to visit Jerusalem. From the port of Tyre they headed to Caesarea and stayed at Philip's house (Acts 8:40). The prophet Agabus foretold them that Paul would be arrested at Jerusalem, and some advised him not to go up. But Paul replied that he would follow the Lord Jesus, even if it meant death. The Lord did never hide the cost of following Him ( Acts 9:16 ). Many, when the excitement fades, fade away themselves.

Vs.15-40. " In peril from my own countrymen." ( 2 Corinth.11:26).

Paul's greatest enemies, lifelong, were his Jewish countrymen. They were blind to the Messiah, Jesus, and regarded Paul as a traitor. In an attempt to appease them Paul went up to the Temple with four Jewish men who were under a vow. (They were going to the Temple to show that the vow had been discharged). But his enemies shouted out that he had brought non-Jews into the Temple. Falsehood is no obstacle to Christ's enemies ! The people around Paul, when they heard this, dragged him out of the Temple (30,31) with the intention of beating him to death. The Roman captain of the garrison heard the tumult and came down with soldiers to rescue Paul, and gave him the opportunity to defend himself from this false charge. The world is sometimes more kind and just to the Christiian than the religious (11). We need to pray that we will have the same courage as Paul - we serve the same Master.

CHAPTER 22.

Paul's witness to Christ is rejected.

Vs.1-10. How Christ met Paul.

Paul began by telling the crowd of Jews that he was brought up as they were, to know the Law and worship God. Like them he thought that this was enough for salvation. Because of this he had persecuted Christians because they taught that this was not enough, the sinner had to know Christ. Christ, unsought by Paul, met him on the road to Damascus, to arrest more Christians. Paul,although he knew the Scriptures, he did not know  Christ, the author of them (8), but now he did ( Galat.1:15,16). None of the men travelling with Paul saw what he saw or heard what he heard. Paul was now changed by this meeting, and the direction of his life was changed too ; the first always leads to the second.

Vs.11-21. How Paul served Christ.

Having been brought into communion with Christ, Paul was now brought into communion with Christ's people, eg. Ananias at first. He received Baptism as a sign that he was now a member of the visible church. Like Paul, those who serve the Lord must know Him and His Word, they must follow Him by it, and be able to teach it by personal experience and prayer ( 14-16). Christ told Paul that those in Jerusalem would not accept Him and that he was to take the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Vs.22-30. Paul is protected by the Romans. They listened to Paul until he mentioned the Gentiles, then they shouted out in angry protests. The Roman captain took him inside the castle for his safety and told his accusers to appear against Paul in a proper court. Paul prayed for the Jews that they also would become Christians like himself and the Gentiles.

CHAPTER 23  

Preaching, plots and Protection.

Vs.1-11. The living Christ.

The Jewish leaders arrived to put their case against Paul. Paul is first of all allowed to speak for himself in his own defence. He begins by saying that his conscience agrees with faith in Christ ( and not in works). At this point the high priest, angry at this attack on law-salvation,orders that Paul be struck in the face ! This was against the law, and Paul saw that he would not get a fair trial from the Jews. He therefore asked them if they did not agree with the OT doctrine about the resurrection, as he was indeed preaching that Jesus was resurrected. The Pharisees actually did believe in resurrection, while the Sadducees in the crowd did not - this now led to an open and violent conflict between the two groups at this meeting. The captain now removed Paul for his own safety. During the night Paul was told by Christ that he would speak for Him at Rome also. Paul was encouraged (11). How sad that many there agreed with the doctrine but did so without faith in Christ.

Vs.12--24. The plot to kill Paul.

 The Jews could not stop Paul preaching about Christ, nor could they disprove that Christ was alive. They therefore decided to silence Paul by killing him. This was again contrary to the law, but the Jewish leaders agreed that it should be done (14). However, Paul's nephew heard about it and warned the Roman captain, who arranged to get Paul out of Jerusalem. How dangerous the gospel is to legalists !

Vs.25-35. What was Paul's crime ?

Paul was taken to Caesarea by an armed guard, to where the Roman Governor resided. The captain's accompanying letter shows that the Romans did not understand why the Jews wanted to kill Paul. The governor, Felix, now took steps to arrange an official trial for Paul, to ascertain what ' crime ' he had committed ! Paul's crime was the same as his Master's - he preached the truth, and for this reason the Jews crucified Him. Paul summarises what he preached in 1 Corinthians 15;1-4. Witnesses for Christ cannot expect to be treated well by this world - but there is another world !

CHAPTER 24

Paul before Felix, and Felix before God.

Vs.1-9. The Jews accuse Paul.

The Jews, with their advocate Tertullus, appear before Felix to lay formal charges against Paul. There were 3 charges :

1. Paul was rebellious, stirring up trouble by his teaching (5).

2. His teaching did not agree with the Pharisees, the Christians were a dangerous minority group (5).

3. Paul broke the rules of the temple, bringing Gentiles inside the prohibited area (6).

NB.There was also a subtle complaint that the Jews were not allowed to punish him (by death) (6-8).

Vs.10-20. Paul's defence.

Paul simply stated the facts. The Jews had no evidence that he stirred up anyone against the Word of God or against the Roman government (11-13). His teaching was that of the Old Testament concerning Christ, especially His resurrection and coming to judgement (14,15). Moreover, he had a tender conscience about wrongdoing or false teaching ; he was sincere towards God and towards others (16). He had come to Judea to help the poor and had been falsely accused and condemned for preaching the resurrection in particular (17-21).

Vs.22-27. The hardness of Felix's heart.

Felix knew that Paul was innocent of these charges, but he did not want to offend the Jews (27) and he was greedy (26), looking for a bribe from Paul to release him. He therefore arranged to give Paul another public hearing. At this meeting Paul spoke of our need of Christ's righteousness, as we don't have any of our own, and also of coming judgement before Christ the Judge ( John 5:22). Felix trembled at this, his conscience accused him, but he simply commanded Paul to stop speaking (25) and next time he heard him it was clear that his conviction had faded away (26). A few years later Felix returned to Rome in disgrace and died in despair. He was ' gospel- hardened ' and died without hope - there is only one Hope ( 1 Tim. 1:1).

CHAPTER 25  

Paul, Festus and Agrippa.

Vs.1-12. Paul is obliged to appeal to Caesar.

As soon as the new Roman governor Festus arrived,the Jewish leaders again complained to him about Paul. They hope that Festus would convene a court in Jerusalem so that they might assassinate Paul there. However, the court met in Caesarea, and again they could not substantiate their charges against Paul. The devil never gives up ! The Jews now pressurized Agrippa and he asked Paul if he would appear at Jerusalem. Paul now had no option but to appeal to the emperor in Rome, in order  to escape the Jewish plots against him. Agrippa was now bound by law to send Paul, a prisoner, to Rome.

Vs.13-27. Festus needs evidence for the trial at Rome.

At this point Festus knew he had nothing against Paul in a court of law, only Jewish prejudices. Therefore he invited ( the Jewish) king Agrippa and his sister Berenice to hear Paul when he examined him and give him advice. Paul began to speak, and Festus was amazed to hear Paul say that Jesus was alive (19), and that this was the main reason for Jewish persecution (24) - as it meant they had killed the Messiah ! Festus concluded that Paul had ' done nothing worthy of death '(25), so why did he not release him ? This was hypocrisy indeed ! Paul was in a way appealing against Festus' decision to keep him a prisoner. How sad that Christians are indicted for telling the truth. But we must expect this now.

CHAPTER 26  

Chains, Madness and Injustice.

Vs.1-18.  Paul's conversion had set him free.

Paul began to speak in his defence before this royal audience. He explained that he had been brought up very religious (4,5) but did not know the Saviour. Now, having met Christ, he was condemned by his own people, and yet they professed the same hope in the Messiah [God's Anointed ] (6-8). He had empathy for his enemies as he had been just like them, persecuting Christians (9-11). However, on the way to Damascus (12-15) he had met " I am " ( the Name of Jehovah ), Jesus. The Lord had sent him out as His ambassador, especially to the Gentiles, not only giving him His Word to spread but accompanying the Word with His power - to open the eyes of the spiritually blind and snatch them from the devil's grip on their lives (16-18). Paul was speaking in chains, but it was his accusers who were still in bondage, and only Christ could set them free from the chains of sin,as He did for Paul.

Vs.19-32. Paul is accused of being mad.

Paul had only been given one gospel for small and great (22), young and old. Christ had fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies, including resurrection (23). Festus thought such beliefs were madness (24), but Agrippa, a Jew, did profess to believe the Old Testament Scriptures, and Paul appealed to him. Agrippa  said nothing publicly, but Festus resented Paul's gospel because it dogmatically contradicted all other religious beliefs (26-28), and called Paul ' mad,' Only believers are in their right mind ( Mark 5:15). Agrippa (32) said that Paul should have been released, and only his appeal to Caesar had prevented it - this was hypocrisy, just like Festus when he said that he had no evidence to forward to Rome. The only barrier to Paul' s release was UNBELIEF.

CHAPTER 27

The Voyage to Rome.

The Lord fulfilled His promise to Paul ( 23:11), but not in the way Paul expected ; he was coming to Rome as a prisoner. God keeps His promises to His people in His way and not ours. We always need a childlike patience. At first the voyage went smoothly and they sailed past Cyprus (1-8). But winter storms were now beginning and Paul advised the captain not to sail beyond Crete. However, the captain and the centurion in charge of Paul thought they knew better and they sailed on...into a raging storm (9-14). Now they could no longer control the ship and the wind blew them along. Days later they began to lose hope of surviving (15-20). At this point Paul revealed to the ship's company that God had sent an Angel to tell him that ( although it didn't look like it ) they would all get safely ashore, on an island called Malta (21-26). God's promise to bring them to safety was again fulfilled in an unexpected way, by shipwreck ! Some sailors thought that they could find safety in their own way (30), but Paul told them that it was God's way or no way (31). The Roman soldiers believed Paul and kept the crew in order. Paul meanwhile gave thanks to God for their food and waited for the day, the time of God's deliverance (34-39). They guided the ship to run aground on the rocks near the shore, and all jumped into the sea. By one means or another, by swimming or holding on to something, they all made it safely to the shore (40-44).

God is always found a present Help in times of trouble to those who trust in Him ( Ps. 46:1), but He does deliver us in unexpected ways. We must go on patiently trusting Him until He does.

CHAPTER 28

From Malta to Rome.

Vs.1-10. On Malta.

It was cold and Paul gathered sticks for a fire, but a deadly viper jumped out from the firewood and bit Paul. The islanders expected him to die immediately but God protected him (Mark 16:17,18). The father of a local nobleman was seriously ill ; Paul came and prayed for him, and God healed him. The islanders now came to Paul for God's healing, and gave him gifts in gratitude. These gifts would help him during his poverty at Rome.

Vs.11-16. Onward to Rome.

They stayed on Malta for 3 months and then sailed to Puteoli, the port of Rome, on a grain ship which called into Malta on its voyage from Alexandria. After 7 days at Puteoli they set out for Rome, meeting some Christians en route, who had come out to welcome Paul. At Rome the centurion handed over his prisoner to the palace guard.

Vs.17-31. Christ's ambassador in Rome.

Three days after his arrival Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. Paul explained to them the ' hope of Israel ' ( 1 Tim.1:1) and the ' kingdom of God.' The Jews were unwilling to believe that the Christian church was the fulfilment of the OT, and Paul, quoting Isaiah 6 vs.9 and 10, warned them what would happen to them ! However, the Gentiles were accepting the truth which they were rejecting (28). Paul spent 2 years in Rome before his trial ( and we believe he was released this time, unlike at his 2nd trial, 2 Timothy). Paul welcomed all inquirers and explained to them ' the whole counsel of God.' ( Acts 20).