Chapter 19:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| McGarvey Pendleton
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 John Romans
Acts 19
Concise Complete
Paul instructs the disciples of John at Ephesus. (1-7) He
teaches there. (8-12) The Jewish exorcists disgraced. Some Ephesians burn their
evil books. (13-20) The tumult at Ephesus. (21-31) The tumult appeased. (32-41)
Verses 1-7 Paul, at
Ephesus, found some religious persons, who looked to Jesus as the Messiah. They
had not been led to expect the miraculous powers of the Holy Ghost, nor were
they informed that the gospel was especially the ministration of the Spirit. But
they spake as ready to welcome the notice of it. Paul shows them that John never
design that those he baptized should rest there, but told them that they should
believe on Him who should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. They
thankfully accepted the discovery, and were baptized in the name of the Lord
Jesus. The Holy Ghost came upon them in a surprising, overpowering manner; they
spake with tongues, and prophesied, as the apostles and the first Gentile
coverts did. Though we do not now expect miraculous powers, yet all who profess
to be disciples of Christ, should be called on to examine whether they have
received the seal of the Holy Ghost, in his sanctifying influences, to the
sincerity of their faith. Many seem not to have heard that there is a Holy
Ghost, and many deem all that is spoken concerning his graces and comforts, to
be delusion. Of such it may properly be inquired, "Unto what, then, were ye
baptized?" for they evidently know not the meaning of that outward sign on which
they place great dependence.
Verses 8-12 When
arguments and persuasions only harden men in unbelief and blasphemy, we must
separate ourselves and others from such unholy company. God was pleased to
confirm the teaching of these holy men of old, that if their hearers believed
them not, they might believe the works.
Verses 13-20 It
was common, especially among the Jews, for persons to profess or to try to cast
out evil spirits. If we resist the devil by faith in Christ, he will flee from
us; but if we think to resist him by the using of Christ's name, or his works,
as a spell or charm, Satan will prevail against us. Where there is true sorrow
for sin, there will be free confession of sin to God in every prayer and to man
whom we have offended, when the case requires it. Surely if the word of God
prevailed among us, many lewd, infidel, and wicked books would be burned by
their possessors. Will not these Ephesian converts rise up in judgement against
professors, who traffic in such works for the sake of gain, or allow themselves
to possess them? If we desire to be in earnest in the great work of salvation,
every pursuit and enjoyment must be given up which hinders the effect of the
gospel upon the mind, or loosens its hold upon the heart.
Verses 21-31
Persons who came from afar to pay their devotions at the temple of Ephesus,
bought little silver shrines, or models of the temple, to carry home with them.
See how craftsmen make advantage to themselves of people's superstition, and
serve their worldly ends by it. Men are jealous for that by which they get their
wealth; and many set themselves against the gospel of Christ, because it calls
men from all unlawful crafts, however much wealth is to be gotten by them. There
are persons who will stickle for what is most grossly absurd, unreasonable, and
false; as this, that those are gods which are made with hands, if it has but
worldly interest on its side. The whole city was full of confusion, the common
and natural effect of zeal for false religion. Zeal for the honour of Christ,
and love to the brethren, encourage zealous believers to venture into danger.
Friends will often be raised up among those who are strangers to true religion,
but have observed the honest and consistent behaviour of Christians.
Verses 32-41 The
Jews came forward in this tumult. Those who are thus careful to distinguish
themselves from the servants of Christ now, and are afraid of being taken for
them, shall have their doom accordingly in the great day. One, having authority,
at length stilled the noise. It is a very good rule at all times, both in
private and public affairs, not to be hasty and rash in our motions, but to take
time to consider; and always to keep our passions under check. We ought to be
quiet, and to do nothing rashly; to do nothing in haste, of which we may repent
at leisure. The regular methods of the law ought always to stop popular tumults,
and in well-governed nations will do so. Most people stand in awe of men's
judgments more than of the judgement of God. How well it were if we would thus
quiet our disorderly appetites and passions, by considering the account we must
shortly give to the Judge of heaven and earth! And see how the overruling
providence of God keeps the public peace, by an unaccountable power over the
spirits of men. Thus the world is kept in some order, and men are held back from
devouring each other. We can scarcely look around but we see men act like
Demetrius and the workmen. It is as safe to contend with wild beasts as with men
enraged by party zeal and disappointed covetousness, who think that all
arguments are answered, when they have shown that they grow rich by the
practices which are opposed. Whatever side in religious disputes, or whatever
name this spirit assumes, it is worldly, and should be discountenanced by all
who regard truth and piety. And let us not be dismayed; the Lord on high is
mightier than the noise of many waters; he can still the rage of the people.
Chapter 19:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| McGarvey Pendleton
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 John Romans
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
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Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
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Nahum
Habakkuk
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Malachi
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John
Acts
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1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
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1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
