Chapter 8:
| 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 8
Concise Complete
Saul persecutes the church. (1-4) Philip's success at
Samaria. Simon the sorcerer baptized. (5-13) The hypocrisy of Simon detected.
(14-25) Philip and the Ethiopian. (26-40)
Verses 1-4 Though
persecution must not drive us from our work, yet it may send us to work
elsewhere. Wherever the established believer is driven, he carries the knowledge
of the gospel, and makes known the preciousness of Christ in every place. Where
a simple desire of doing good influences the heart, it will be found impossible
to shut a man out from all opportunities of usefulness.
Verses 5-13 As far
as the gospel prevails, evil spirits are dislodged, particularly unclean
spirits. All inclinations to the lusts of the flesh which war against the soul
are such. Distempers are here named, the most difficult to be cured by the
course of nature, and most expressive of the disease of sin. Pride, ambition,
and desire after grandeur have always caused abundance of mischief, both to the
world and to the church. The people said of Simon, This man is the great power
of God. See how ignorant and thoughtless people mistake. But how strong is the
power of Divine grace, by which they were brought to Christ, who is Truth
itself! The people not only gave heed to what Philip said, but were fully
convinced that it was of God, and not of men, and gave up themselves to be
directed thereby. Even bad men, and those whose hearts still go after
covetousness, may come before God as his people come, and for a time continue
with them. And many wonder at the proofs of Divine truths, who never experience
their power. The gospel preached may have a common operation upon a soul, where
it never produced inward holiness. All are not savingly converted who profess to
believe the gospel.
Verses 14-25 The
Holy Ghost was as yet fallen upon none of these coverts, in the extraordinary
powers conveyed by the descent of the Spirit upon the day of Pentecost. We may
take encouragement from this example, in praying to God to give the renewing
graces of the Holy Ghost to all for whose spiritual welfare we are concerned;
for that includes all blessings. No man can give the Holy Spirit by the laying
on of his hands; but we should use our best endeavours to instruct those for
whom we pray. Simon Magus was ambitious to have the honour of an apostle, but
cared not at all to have the spirit and disposition of a Christian. He was more
desirous to gain honour to himself, than to do good to others. Peter shows him
his crime. He esteemed the wealth of this world, as if it would answer for
things relating to the other life, and would purchase the pardon of sin, the
gift of the Holy Ghost, and eternal life. This was such a condemning error as
could by no means consist with a state of grace. Our hearts are what they are in
the sight of God, who cannot be deceived. And if they are not right in his
sight, our religion is vain, and will stand us in no stead. A proud and covetous
heart cannot be right with God. It is possible for a man to continue under the
power of sin, yet to put on a form of godliness. When tempted with money to do
evil, see what a perishing thing money is, and scorn it. Think not that
Christianity is a trade to live by in this world. There is much wickedness in
the thought of the heart, its false notions, and corrupt affections, and wicked
projects, which must be repented of, or we are undone. But it shall be forgiven,
upon our repentance. The doubt here is of the sincerity of Simon's repentance,
not of his pardon, if his repentance was sincere. Grant us, Lord, another sort
of faith than that which made Simon wonder only, and did not sanctify his heart.
May we abhor all thoughts of making religion serve the purposes of pride or
ambition. And keep us from that subtle poison of spiritual pride, which seeks
glory to itself even from humility. May we seek only the honour which cometh
from God.
Verses 26-40 Philip
was directed to go to a desert. Sometimes God opens a door of opportunity to his
ministers in very unlikely places. We should study to do good to those we come
into company with by travelling. We should not be so shy of all strangers as
some affect to be. As to those of whom we know nothing else, we know this, that
they have souls. It is wisdom for men of business to redeem time for holy
duties; to fill up every minute with something which will turn to a good
account. In reading the word of God, we should often pause, to inquire of whom
and of what the sacred writers spake; but especially our thoughts should be
employed about the Redeemer. The Ethiopian was convinced by the teaching of the
Holy Spirit, of the exact fulfilment of the Scripture, was made to understand
the nature of the Messiah's kingdom and salvation, and desired to be numbered
among the disciples of Christ. Those who seek the truth, and employ their time
in searching the Scriptures, will be sure to reap advantages. The avowal of the
Ethiopian must be understood as expressing simple reliance on Christ for
salvation, and unreserved devotion to Him. Let us not be satisfied till we get
faith, as the Ethiopian did, by diligent study of the Holy Scriptures, and the
teaching of the Spirit of God; let us not be satisfied till we get it fixed as a
principle in our hearts. As soon as he was baptized, the Spirit of God took
Philip from him, so that he saw him no more; but this tended to confirm his
faith. When the inquirer after salvation becomes acquainted with Jesus and his
gospel, he will go on his way rejoicing, and will fill up his station in
society, and discharge his duties, from other motives, and in another manner
than heretofore. Though baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
with water, it is not enough without the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Lord, grant
this to every one of us; then shall we go on our way rejoicing.
Chapter 8:
| 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
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Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
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Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
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Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
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John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
