Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, A. D. 33. them. CHAPTER V. 4 prudently cautions the council. A. D. 33. A. M. 4037. to the heart, and took counsel to slay || themselves: who was slain; and all, A. M. 4037. as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to naught. m 34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; 35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men : 36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined m Chap. xxii. 3.— Or, believed. Prov. xxi. 30; Isa. viii. 10; Matthew xv. 13. the service of Christ, with a holy security and serenity of mind, perfectly composed, and in a sweet enjoyment of themselves, their persecutors went on in their opposition to Christ, with constant perplexity and perturbation! Luke xxi. 15; 1 Corinthians i. 25. be no reference to him here. But Theudas being a very common name among the Jews, the person here mentioned, most probably, was one among the many leaders, who, as Josephus informs us, took up arms in defence of the public liberties, when the Verses 34-37. Then stood up one in the council, grand enrolment was made by Cyrenius, in the days a Pharisee-And as such believing the immortality of Archelaus. See note on Luke ii. 17. This Theuof the soul and the resurrection; named Gamaliel— || das seems to have been supported by smaller numHe is said to have been the son of good old Simeon, bers than the second of the name; and (as the sementioned Luke ii. 25; and the person at whose cond afterward did) perished in the attempt; but as feet St. Paul was brought up. He was a man in so his followers were dispersed, and not slaughtered great esteem among the Jews, that Onkelos, the au- like those of the second Theudas, survivers might thor of the Targum, is said to have burned seventy talk much of him, and Gamaliel might have been pounds weight of perfumes at his funeral; and the particularly informed of his history, though JoseJews have this saying concerning him: "From the phus only mentions it in general. After this man time that Rabban Gamaliel, the old, died, the honour rose up Judas of Galilee-Of whom see note on of the law failed, and purity and Pharisaism died." A Luke xiii. 1, 2; in the days of the taxing-Or, as ev doctor-Or teacher; of the law-Who trained up a ταις ημέραις της απογραφης signifies, in the days of the great number of pupils in the knowledge of it; had taxation, or enrolment; meaning those same days, in reputation among all the people-Except the or at the same period of time, when the impostor Sadducees. Thus can God raise up defenders of his Theudas appeared; and drew away much people servants whensoever and wheresoever he pleases. after him-Endeavouring, on the principles of saThis man, rising up, commanded to put the apostles | cred liberty, to dissuade the Jews from owning the forth a little space-That he might speak the more authority of the Romans in that instance; he also freely, and be the more freely answered. And said,|| perished-Was quickly destroyed; and as many Ye men of Israel-To whom Divine Providence has committed the guardianship of this people, and the important care of their public affairs; take heed Verses 38, 39. And now I say unto you―I, thereto yourselves-Now you are angry at these men; fore, with regard to the present affair, give it as my what ye intend to do--Lest you meddle to your own most serious and deliberate advice; Refrain from hurt. He puts them in mind of the importance of these men, and let them alone-In a cause which is the matter in hand, which, in their heat, they were manifestly good, we should immediately join. In a not capable of considering as they ought. For be- cause, on the other hand, which is manifestly evil, fore these days rose up Theudas-He prudently we should immediately oppose. But in a sudden, mentions the facts first, and then draws the infer-new, doubtful occurrence, this advice of Gamaliel is ence. A person of the name of Theudas is men- proper and eminently useful. For if this counsel tioned by Josephus, (Antiq., xx. 5,) under the cha-or this work-He seems to correct himself, as if it racter of a false prophet, who drew a great number were some sudden work, rather than a counsel, or of people after him, with a promise of dividing Jor-design. And so it was. For the apostles had no dan before them, but was defeated and beheaded, most of his followers being also slain or imprisoned. See notes on Matt. xxiv. 5. But as this person appeared when Fadus was procurator of Judea, that is, according to Capellus, seven, or, according to Whitby, at least ten years after this was spoken, there can as obeyed him—As hearkened to, and followed him; were dispersed-And their cause came to nothing. counsel, plan, or design of their own; but were mere instruments in the hand of God, working just as he led them from day to day. If it be of men-If it be a merely human contrivance, and matter of deceit; it will come to naught—It will soon sink, and come to nothing of itself; some incident will arise to discredit it, and the whole interest of this Jesus will moulder and people who may, at any time, be in similar ciraway, as that of Theudas and of Judas did, both which cumstances. Nay, they departed, rejoicing that they seem to have been much more strongly supported by were counted worthy to suffer shame-Being men in human power. But if it be of God-If it be really his reputation, who had never done any thing to make cause, which does not appear to me impossible, ye || themselves vile, they could not but have a sense of cannot overthrow it, whatever power or policy you the shame they suffered, which, it seems, was more use; for though even these particular instruments grievous to them than the smart caused by the should be taken off, he will, undoubtedly, raise up scourges, as uses to be the case with ingenuous others: lest haply ye be found even to fight against|| minds. But they considered that it was for the God-Against his almighty power, and infinitely name of Christ that they were thus abused, and that wise and ever watchful providence; an undertaking their sufferings would be made to contribute to the which must prove dreadfully fatal to all who are so further advancement of his cause and glory; and, rash and unhappy as to engage in it. therefore, 1st, They reckoned it an honour to be so Verse 40. And to him they agreed-Acknowledg- || treated, to be disgraced, or exposed to infamy for ing his advice to be safe and wise. They, therefore, || his name-His venerable and sacred name; rightly dropped the design of putting the apostles to death; || judging that a punishment of this kind, though geneyet they could not forbear giving vent to their rage, || rally shameful, became a glory to them when borne (so outrageous was it,) in a most unjust and cruel in so excellent a cause, and for the sake of him who, manner, and as evidently contrary to the conviction though so divinely great, and so perfectly happy, of their judgments and consciences, as it was to Ga- had submitted, not only to stripes, but to death for maliel's counsel, which was to let them alone. For them. 2d, They rejoiced in it, remembering what when they had called them in, they beat them—That || their Master had said to them at their first setting is, stripped and scourged them as malefactors. Thus out, Matt. v. 11, 13; When men shall revile and they thought to make them ashamed of preaching, || and the people of hearing them; as Pilate scourged our Saviour to expose him to shame, when he declared he found no fault in him. And, added to this, they renewed their prohibition of speaking any more in the name of Jesus. This they did in order that, if they could find no other fault with their preaching, they might, at least, have this reason for reproaching it, that it was against law; and not only without the permission, but against the express order of their superiors. Verse 41. And they departed from the presence of the council-As soon as they were dismissed, not in the least terrified by the cruel usage they had met with, nor by the threatenings of their adversaries. See the power of the grace of God! These are the men who forsook Christ when the soldiers came to apprehend him, not daring to be seen in his company: yet now they profess his name, and abide by their profession, though they are derided and beaten for it. And we do not find that they said one word by way of reflection upon the court, for the unjust || treatment given them: when reviled they reviled not again, and when they suffered they threatened not; but committed their cause to him, to whom Gamaliel had referred it, even to God, who judgeth || righteously. All their care was to preserve the possession of their own souls, and to make full proof of their ministry, both which they were enabled to do in a manner worthy of the imitation of all ministers persecute you, rejoice and be exceeding glad. They rejoiced not only though they suffered shame, their troubles not diminishing their joy, but that they suffered shame, for their troubles increased their joy, and added to it. Reader, if we suffer ill for doing well, provided we suffer in a right spirit, and as we should, we ought to rejoice in that grace which enables us so to do. Verse 42. And daily in the temple, &c.-The apostles were punished for preaching, and commanded strictly not to preach: yet they went on with their work with unabated zeal, and indefatigable diligence, omitting no opportunity of doing it. Observe, 1st, They preached daily, not only on sabbath days, or on Lord's days, but every day, as duly as the day came; not fearing lest they should either injure their health, or cloy their hearers. 2d, They preached both publicly in the temple, and privately in every house: in promiscuous assemblies, to which all resorted: and in the select assemblies of Christians, appointed for special ordinances. They did not think that either of these would excuse them from the other, knowing they were to preach the word in season and out of season. Though in the temple they were more exposed, and were under the eye of their enemies, yet they did not confine themselves to their little oratories in their own houses, but ventured into the post of danger and though they had the liberty of the temple, a consecrated place, yet they made no difficulty of preaching in houses; in every house-Even Discontents arise concerning CHAPTER VI. the distribution of the charity. the poorest. 3d, We are also told what was the || and interest, and not their own. This was the subject of their preaching; they preached Jesus preaching that gave most offence to the priests and Christ; they not only preached concerning him, rulers: they were willing they should preach any but they preached him, exhibiting him to those that thing but Christ; but the apostles would not alter heard them, as their Prophet, Priest, and King; their subject to please them. Observe, reader, it their Teacher, Mediator, Governor, and Judge; their ought to be the constant business of gospel ministers Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemp-to preach Christ; Christ, and him crucified; Christ, tion: they preached, not themselves, but Christ Je- and him glorified; Christ dying for us; Christ living sus the Lord, as the one Saviour of lost sinners, in us; nothing besides this, or what is reducible making it their chief business to advance his honour to it. CHAPTER VI. In this chapter we have, (1,) An account of some discontents that arose among the disciples, about the distributing of their charity, 1. (2,) The election and ordination of seven men to superintend that matter, and case the apostles of the burden of it, 2-6. (3,) The increase of the church, by the addition of many members to it, 7. (4,) A particular account of Stephen, his great activity for Christ and his cause, 8; the opposition he met with from the enemics of Christianity, and his disputes with them, 9, 10: (5,) He is accused to the sanhedrim, and appears before them with an angelic lustre upon his countenance, 11-15. A. M. 4037. AND a с A. D. 33. ND in those days, when the || cians against the Hebrews, because A. M. 4037 number of the disciples was mul- their widows were neglected in the tiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Gre- daily ministration. NOTES ON CHAPTER VI. b Chap. ix. 29; xi. 20. Chap. iv. 35. had been forced to flee to Alexandria, and other Gentile countries, or, on account of trade and com themselves unmixed with the Gentiles; and, retaining the knowledge of the true God, were wont to come occasionally, especially on the solemn feasts, to worship at Jerusalem. Against the Hebrews-Who of the Hebrew, or Syro-Chaldaic tongue; because their widows were neglected-In some degree, as they supposed; in the daily ministration—Of the charities that were distributed to the poor members of the church. It is justly observed here by Mr. Scott, that "as the greatest part of the public stock must have been contributed by the Hebrews, perhaps they, who acted under the apostles in this business, thought it right to show more favour to the poor widows of that description than the others" It is very probable, however, that the Hellenists suspected more partiality than there really was. Be as their native language. These were descendVerse 1. In those days-Some time after the factants of such Jews as, in several national calamities, last recorded had taken place; when the number of the disciples was multiplied-For it appears their number increased continually and rapidly, notwith-merce, had chosen to settle there, and yet kept standing the opposition made by the priests and rulers to the preaching of the gospel: indeed that opposition, instead of checking the progress of Christianity, contributed to it: there arose a murmuring -The historian's manner of speaking, Tλndvvovτwv|were natives of Judea, and therefore used a dialect Twv μadnтwv eyeveтo yoyyvoμos, the disciples multiplying, there arose a murmuring, seems to imply, that the murmuring was partly, at least, the consequence of the great increase of the disciples. And certainly, 1st, In proportion as the number of Christians increased, the scandal of the cross would be diminished, and many would be inclined to unite themselves to them, who were influenced by motives not perfectly pure, and were not truly converted to God, and made new creatures in Christ. 2d, The accession of a great number of converts to the church, perhaps chiefly from the poor, would render it more difficult than it was before, to afford all the necessi-this as it may, by this real or supposed partiality of tous a proper supply. But, whatever was the cause of the murmuring here spoken of, it was the first breach made on those who were before of one heart and of one soul. Partiality crept in unawares on some, and murmuring on others. Ah, Lord! how short a time did pure, genuine, undefiled Christianity remain in the world! How soon was its glory, at least in some measure, eclipsed! Of the Grecians -Greek, of the Hellenists, that is, the Jews born out of Judea, so called, because they used the Greek the Hebrews, and the murmuring of the Hellenists, there is reason to think the Spirit of God was grieved, and the seeds of a general persecution were sown. For, did God ever, in any age or country, withdraw his restraining providence, and let loose the world upon the Christians, till there was a cause for it among themselves? Is not an open, general persecution, always both penal and medicinal? a punishment of those that will not accept of milder reproofs, as well as a medicine to heal their sickness? and at the same time a means of purifying and strengthening those whose hearts are still right with God? Verses 2-4. Then the twelve-For such was now again their number, Matthias having supplied the place of Judas; called the multitude of the disciples unto them-Not the rest of the one hundred and twenty merely, but the whole body of Christian converts, they being the persons to whom satisfaction was then due. See Whitby. It was of great|| importance that the apostles should immediately take measures to suppress these rising murmurs and discontents; for had they been suffered to remain and take root, they might have produced dangerous disputes and divisions, and have involved the apostles themselves in suspicion and censure. It is not rea- || son—Ovк ape5ov esi, it is not right, proper, or, pleasing; namely, to God; that we-Who have an office to discharge of so much greater weight and consequence; should leave the word of God-Should be less frequently employed in dispensing it; and serve tables -Attend to the distribution of money to relieve the wants of the poor; and yet this we must do, in order to prevent these complaints, unless some further measures be taken by common consent. Wherefore, brethren-As you see how inconvenient it would be to suffer this care to lie upon us, and how inevitably || it would render us incapable of attending to the proper duties of our office; look ye out among you seven men-A number sufficient for the present; of honest report-That there may be no room to suspect them of partiality and injustice; full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom-For it is not a light matter to dispense even the temporal goods of the church. To do even this well, a large measure both of the gifts and grace of God is requisite. Whom we may appoint over this business-It would have been happy for the church, had its ordinary ministers, in every age, taken the same care to act in concert with the people committed to their charge, which the apostles themselves, extraordinary as their office was, did on this and other occasions. It may be proper to observe here, that in the first church, the primary business of apostles, evangelists, and elders, was to preach the word of God; the secondary, to take a kind of paternal care (the church being then like a family) for the support especially of the poor, the strangers, and the widows. Afterward, as here, the deacons were constituted for this latter business. And whatever time they had to spare from this, they the temporal affairs of the church. A. D. 33. 4 But we will give ourselves con- A. M. 4037. tinually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and 1 Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch: Chap. ii. 42.- - Chap. xi. 24.— Chap. viii. 5, 26; xxi. 8. i Rev. ii. 6, 15. employed in works of spiritual mercy. But their proper office was to take care of the poor. And when some of them afterward preached the gospel, they did this, not by virtue of their deaconship, but of another commission, that of evangelists, which they probably received, not before, but after they were appointed deacons. And it is not unlikely that others were chosen deacons, or stewards, in their room, when any of these commenced evangelists. But we-Being thus freed from this great encumbrance ; will give ourselves continually-Will dedicate our whole time; to prayer, and to the ministry of the word-Which is our grand business, and which we would be glad to prosecute without interruption. It is, doubtless, still the proper business of a Christian minister, whether termed a pastor, elder, or bishop, to speak to God in prayer; and to men in preaching his word, as an ambassador for Christ. Verses 5, 6. And the saying pleased the multitude-Who had been called together upon this occasion; and-After some little deliberation upon the choice that was to be made; they chose seven-It seems all Hellenists, as their names show; a measure which accorded very well with the occasion of their election; Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost-That is, not only endowed with the ordinary graces of the Holy Spirit, in a high degree, but even with his extraordinay gifts, as appears from the subsequent verses; and Philip-Who long continued an ornament and blessing to the church, being afterward raised to a yet higher character, that of an evangelist; and Nicolas-Who was not a Jew born, but a proselyte of Antioch-That is, one who by circumcision had been incorporated with the Jewish people; for if he had only been what was called a proselyte of the gate, he could not at this time have been a member of the Christian Church, no uncircumcised person being yet admitted into it. As he was a proselyte, others that were proselytes would the more readily apply to him for redress in any matter of grievance; and perhaps his peculiar relation to the Grecians might be a special reason why he was chosen to this office, the disciples being willing to cut off from them all cause of complaint. Whom they set before the apostles— That is, presented to them, as persons in whom they could put confidence, and whom they wished the apostles to accept, as proper for the intended work. And when they had prayed-Supplicated the divine blessing to attend all their ministrations: 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. n 8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. 9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and * Chap. i. 24.- Chap. viii. 17; ix. 17; xiii. 3; 1 Tim. iv. 14; v. 22; 2 Tim. i. 6.- m Chap. xii. 24; xix. 20; Col. i. 6. they laid their hands on them-Both that they might express their solemn appointment of them to the office, and confer upon them such extraordinary gifts as would qualify them yet more abundantly for the full discharge of it. A. D. 33. of them of Cilicia, and of Asia, disput- A. M. 4037. ing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. 11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. 12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, 13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: Luke xxi. 15; Chapter v. 39; Exodus iv. -P 1 Kings xxi. 10, 13; Matt. xxvi. 59, 60. n John xii. 42. 12; Isa. liv. 17.with him concerning his doctrine, with a view to prevent the success of his preaching. But such was the force of his reasoning, that they were not able to resist the wisdom, &c.—They could neither support their own arguments nor answer his. He proved Verse 7. And the word of God increased-The Jesus to be the Christ by such irresistible argumatter of the complaint, and other hinderances being ments, and delivered himself with so much clearthus removed, and the apostles more entirely at ness and evidence, that they had nothing of any leisure to attend to the great and peculiar duties of weight to object against what he advanced: though their office, the success of the word increased, and they were not convinced, yet they were confounded. the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was, opodpa, It is not said, they were not able to resist him, but very much augmented; and a great company-to resist the wisdom and the Spirit-That is, the Greek, woλus oxhos, a great crowd, or multitude, of the priests were obedient to the faith-That is, they embraced the doctrine of the gospel, and evinced the sincerity of their faith in it, by a cheerful compliance with all its rules and precepts. Spirit of wisdom which spake by him. They thought they only disputed with Stephen, and could make their cause good against him; but they were disputing with the Spirit of God in him, for whom they were an unequal match. Now was fulfilled that promise, I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay or resist, Luke xxi. 15. Verses 8-10. And Stephen, full of faith and power-That is, of a strong faith, by which he was enabled to do extraordinary things. They that are full of faith are full of power, because, by faith the pow- Verses 11-14. Then they suborned men-As they er of God is engaged for us. Some valuable copies, found they were incapable of defending themselves however, read xapiros, grace, instead of i5ews, faith. || by fair argument, they had recourse to a most mean Did great wonders and miracles among the people- and dishonest fraud; they suborned men to bear Did them openly, and in the sight of all: for Christ's false witness against him, and depose that they had miracles feared not the strictest scrutiny. We need heard him speak blasphemous words against Monot wonder that Stephen, though not a preacher by ses-Their great and divinely-commissioned lawoffice, should do these great wonders; for the gifts giver; and against God-The great author of that of the Spirit were divided among the disciples as law which Moses delivered by command from him. God pleased: and the power of working miracles They were right in supposing that they who blaswas a gift distinct from that of prophesying or phemed Moses, if they meant the writings of Moses, preaching, and bestowed on some to whom the lat-which were given by inspiration of God, blasphemed ter was not given, 1 Cor. xii. 10, 11. And our Lord God himself. They that speak reproachfully of the promised that the signs of miracles should not only Scriptures, and ridicule them, reflect upon God himfollow them that preached, but them that believed, self, and do despite to him. But did Stephen blasMark xvi. 17. Then there arose certain of the syna-pheme Moses? By no means; he was far from it. gogue of the Libertines-So they were styled, whose fathers were once slaves, and afterward made free. || This was the case of many Jews, who had been taken captive by the Romans, under Pompey, and carried into Italy; and Cyrenians, &c.-It was one and the same synagogue, which consisted of these several nations. Saul of Cilicia was, doubtless, a member of it. Disputing with Stephen-Arguing Christ and the preachers of his gospel never said any thing that looked like blaspheming Moses; they always quoted his writings with respect; appealed to them, and said no other things but what Moses foretold should come. Very unjustly, therefore, is Stephen indicted for blaspheming Moses. "On such terms," says Baxter, "we dispute with malignant men: when they cannot resist the truth, they suborn |