Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 2

ANd when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

This feast was fifty days after the feast of unleavened bread or Passover, as Levit. 23.16. whence it had its name, and was called the feast of weeks, Exod. 34.22. because it was to be observed seven weeks after the feast of unleavened bread, Deut. 16.9. It was the feast of the first fruits of wheat Harvest, Exod. 34.22. and on this day (to answer the Type) the spirit was poured out in such a plentiful manner, as the first fruits of Christ's Ascending into Heaven; besides, the Law was given on this day, Exod. 19.1, 11. and 'twas expedient that the Gospel (Christs Law) should be published on the same day: and it being on the first day of the week, it did recommend and honour the Lords day, as our Saviour had before by his Resurrection on that day.

As if they had but one mind, as sent in so many bodies in one place; probably, that mentioned Chap. 1.13.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind , and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

The Apostles themselves not expecting it.

To prepare them to attend the more unto what they should hear and see afterwards: also to signifie the unexpected and powerful progress which the Gospel should have, it may be to cause the greater concourse to that place, it being an usual manner; and God would make this Miracle more publick

To shew that the Spirit should be bestowed on them that were met there, and on all the Church throughout the World.

Marginal references: Chap. 4.31.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues , like as of fire , and it sate upon each of them .

To signifie the variety of Languages which the Apostles should be enabled to speak; to qualifie them to Preach the Gospel unto all Nations, and to remove the obstacle which the confusion of Tongues caus'd:

which represented, 1. The light that the Apostles should impart. 2dly. The fervent heat and zeal which they should be endued with. 3dly. The Gospel's spreading in the World, and carrying all before it, prevailing over all errors. 4thly. The purity and holiness which they and all that Preach the Gospel ought to appear withal.

Remained, as far as was necessary for the founding of the Christian Religion: and was not as the gift of Prophecy▪ bestowed onely occasionally, as on Nathan, Samuel.

4 And they were all filled with the holy Ghost , and began to speak with other tongues , as the spirit gave them utterance .

Those gifts and Graces which proceeded from him. The Apostles having them all in a more excellent manner than formerly, and the gift of Tongues superadded.

Than what were vernacular or natural to them.

[non-Latin text not transcribed], signifies more than barely to speak; implying they speak each Language in its perfection, after an Excellent, Eloquent and powerful manner; as from the holy Ghost whose works are perfect, non vox hominem sonat.

Marginal references: Chap. 1.5.; Mark 16.17. Chap. 10.46. 1 Cor. 12.10, & 12, 30 & 13.1. and 14.2, &c.

5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven .

Not onely constant Inhabitants, but such as had on occasion their Lodgings there▪ partly, out of a constant respect, which both Iews and Proselytes had for that place, (for the Temple and their worship sake; it being also a place for Learning and Education, as appears by the Colledges and Synagogues mentioned, Chap. 6. ver. [illegible: 1 letter].) But especially now the concourse from all parts must needs have been very great; it being one of those times in which all the Males were to appear before God. To which might be added, the great expectation they had of the Messiah, made them to omit no occasion of inquiring concerning him; the Prophecies concerning the time of his coming being fulfilled, and they could not be ignorant of the many and great things concerning the true Messiah

Whether the Iews had been dispersed in the two or three greater, or other lesser dispersions: Thus in part was fulfilled what was Prophesied, Isa. 43.5.

6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language .

Either the miraculous winds was heard, or the report of what had hapned was spread abroad.

Probably, not that the same words spoken by the Apostles, were diversifyed according to every ones understanding: for then the miracle had been wrought in their Auditors, and not in the Apostles: but that the Apostles did speak to every one in their proper and most intelligible Language; and this was the gift of Tongues, which for some time after also was continued in the Church.

Either out of shame, that they had slain Christ, whom God thus extraordinarily glorified; or out of admiration of so extraordinary a matter.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 letter]r. When [illegible: 1 word] voice was [illegible: 1 word].; [illegible: 1 letter]r. Troubled [illegible: 1 word] mind.

7 And they were all amazed, and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans ?

Without Literature, or good Education, they being worse thought of on that account, than the ordinary sort of that Nation were; besides, they thought no Prophet was to be expected from Galilee, Iohn 1.46.

8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue r, wherein we were born?

[non-Latin text not transcribed], signifies commonly a different way of speaking, or pronouncing in the same Language; as our Southern and Northern men differ in some words and pronunciation, tho speaking both the English Tongue. Gods works being most perfect, the Apostles might speak, not onely the same Language, which all understood, but in the same idiom and propiety of speech, which agreed to every one best.

9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites , and the dwellers in Mesopotamia , and in Judea , and Cappadocia, in Pontus▪ and Asia .

Descended from Elam, Gen. 10.22. thought to be the Persians.

Between the two Rivers Tigris and Euphrates.

The Apostles being Galileans, spake a distinct [illegible: 1 span] from the rest of the Iews, till now enabled [illegible: 1 span] did.

Some particular district, at [illegible: 1 span] called, as 1 Pet. 1.1. otherwise [illegible: 1 span] in Asia in a larger sence.

10 Phrygia, and [illegible: 1 span] and in the parts of Lybia, about [illegible: 1 span] and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes ,

Who came either to Ierusalem to worship, or for any other business: It is evident, that many in or about the City of Rome, had imbraced the Iewish Religion: and of them it may be understood Iews. The other mentioned, ver. 9. were such as then dwelt in Iudea, these were such as lived elsewhere, onely now came to worship or sojourn there. These were of two sorts, The one,

such as came over from Paganism unto the Iewish Religion, and were bound onely to observe the Precepts of Noah, and enjoy'd a liberty to buy and sell, Live, and Converse amongst the Iews: hence they were called Proselytes of the gate; the ot[illegible: 1 letter]er were called Proselytes of Righteousness; for these were Circumcised, and took upon them the observation of the whole Law of Moses, and had all the priviledges belonging to the people of God.

11 Cretes , and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God .

Such as belonged to the Island of Creet, now called Candia.

The wonderful works of God; those things which God had wonderfully wrought, especially the Resurrection of our blessed Saviour from the dead, which was a most wonderful work; and the main argument whereby the World was Converted, and unto which the Apostles bare witness.

12 And they were all amazed , and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

So ver. 7. [non-Latin text not transcribed], they were as in an extasie, (the object was too strong for the faculty) they could not fathom the cause or reason of these wonderful things; and therefore they desire one of another to be resolved concerning them.

13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine .

Viz. The Scribes and Pharisees, and also the Inhabitants of Iury and Ierusalem; who not understanding the Languages of other Nations, might think the Apostles did but babble, and talk idlely or rudely, when they spake with other tongues.

Or sweet wine; which done, may inebriate, and might be had at that time, tho the full Vintage was not yet.

14 ¶ But Peter standing up with the eleven , lift up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judea , and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem , be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

It speaks his extraordinary courage; after his stumbling and fall, he runs the faster, being recovered; and begins to verifie his name which our Lord had given him, shewing himself as firm and stedfast as a Rock.

The other Apostles, probably, spake too in divers Languages; but by reason of the shortness of St Luke's intended Narrative, and it being to the same purpose, their Sermons are omitted.

Such as came from other parts of the Country;

such as were constant Inhabitants in that City.

15 For these are not drunken , as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day .

Or proves that the other Apostles spake as well as Peter, and were vindicated by him:

he mildly and solidly confutes their calumny. The

which answers to our nine a clock in the morning, and was the ordinary time for their morning Sacrifice and Prayer, before which time they did not eat or drink any thing; nay, 'tis thought on Festival days, it was usual with them not to eat or drink, until the sixth hour, that is, noon-time: that they might be more intent upon, and that fit for the service of the day. How little soever (to our shame) such an argument would be of proof now, it was in their soberer times very conclusive.

16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel .

God does ordinarily, before that he sends his judgments, and does his strange work, endeavour to reclaim them by mercies: Not onely Ioel, but Isaiah, Ieremiah, and Ezekiel, and others Prophesied before the destruction of that people and Countrey, by Nebuchadnezzar; but now before the final and total ruine, God sent greater, and more than these, and endued them with a greater measure of the Spirit; clearer and fuller light to forewarn them of, and deliver them from wrath to come.

17 And it shall [illegible: 1 letter]ome to pass in the last days saith God, I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh : and your sons and your daughters shall p[illegible: 1 letter]ophesie, and your young men shall see visions , and your old men shall dream dreams .

In the time of the Messiah, called the last days frequently, 2 Tim. 3.1. Hebr. 1.2▪ 2 Pet. 3.3. as also called the last time, 1 Pet. 1.5. 1 Iohn 2.18. Iude 18. because we are now under the last, and perfectest dispensation of the things of God; and no other is to be looked for until the consummation of all things.

Before the Spirit was given in lesser measures, and comparatively but by drops; here a little, and there a little; now more largely, even to overflow.

All sorts of men, as well Gentiles as Iews, contrary unto their proud conceit, that God dwelt in none out of the land of Israel.

Fulfilled in Anna the Prophetess, Luke 2.36. and in the four daughters of Philip, Chap. 21.9.

These were formerly, either representations more inward to their mind, as Esay's and Ieremiah's were: or more outward to their bodily eye, as Daniels was, Chap 5.5. and such as Peter had, Chap. 10.11.

By dreams God sometimes manifested his will, as to Ioseph; but this is by St. Peter accommodated to the Gospel times. The Prophets spake suitably to them, unto whom they preached; and the Apostle rightly understands by these expressions, the manifold and more clear Revelation of the will of God in Christ.

Marginal references: Isa. 44 3. Ezek. 11.19. Joel 2 28. Zech. 12 10. John 7.38.; Chap. 10.45.

18 And on my servants, and on my handmaidens , I will pour out in those days of my spirit, and they shall prophesie:

To shew what all ought to be, that hope for to receive any benefit or comfort from the promises of God, either in the Law or Gospel, the Old or New Testament; viz. such as seek and serve God; but to the disobedient and unbelieving, there is not a comfortable word in all the Book of God. Some read without the Pronoun on servants and handmaids; to shew that God doth not despise men of the lowest rank and condition in the World, but that the promises of the Spirit is made unto them also.

19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoak.

As St. Peter had declared the promises unto such as would be drawn by the cords of Love: so here, on the other side, he us[illegible: 1 letter]th threatnings, and declares the terrors of the Lord, if so that they will be perswaded. These wonders were such as did precede the Destruction of Ierusalem, or shall forerun the Destruction of the whole World.

20 The sun shall be turned into darkness , and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come▪

This agrees with the other words in the fore-cited Prophecy, Ioel 2.31. How these amazing signs shall be fulfilled, whether literally, and by what means; Or whether onely, that the consternation and dread upon men shall be so great, as expecting the change of the whole frame of nature; is not so material for us to know, as it is to be always prepared for it.

[non-Latin text not transcribed], Manifest and illustrious days; and it may be taken in a comfortable sense, and will be a comfortable day indeed, to all that prepared[illegible: 1 letter]y wait for it; for 'tis the day of the Lord, 'tis Christ's day, in which he will be magnified over his enemies, and in his friends, children, and servants.

21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord , shall be saved.

That he may prepare thus a people for the Lord; the Apostle shews by what means they and we may escape. Pray in faith unto him: The Name is that whereby any one is known; and the Lords Name is his Attributes, Goodness, Power, Wisdom, Faithfulness, &c. Prov. 18.10. The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth unto it, and is safe.

Marginal references: Rom. 10.13.

22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth a man approved of God among you, by miracles, wonders and signs , which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye your selves also know :

For so Pilate had called our Saviour through contempt, in his Superscriptions on the Cross, and that they might certainly know of whom he spake, and that he was not now (as formerly) ashamed to own him: he mentions our Saviour under that name here,

demonstrated, and beyond any contradiction, proved to be the Messiah: (for this was that great truth St. Peter Preached upon, that Christ whom Pilate had condemned, and called Iesus of Nazareth, was indeed the Son of God, and the true Messiah.)

The critical difference is not so material; It was ordinary to add many words, to shew the greatness of the matter spoken of; indeed all sorts of wonderful works Christ did, and so many, and so great, as no variety of words can express.

Those that are not convinced, are self-condemned.

23 Him , being delivered by the determinate counsel and the foreknowledged of God , ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified g and slain:

That the Apostle might take away the offence of the Cross of Christ, he declares unto them, that he did not suffer by chance, but by the wise and holy Providence of God, who had ordered, and by his Prophets foretold, what he should suffer before he did enter into glory, Luke 24.26. Yet this did no way excuse those who were instrumental in his death; for notwithstanding Gods determinate Counsel concerning it, he tells the Iews. The determination of God, as it does not necessitate to, so it does not excuse any from sin▪

By the Romans who were truly [non-Latin text not transcribed], without any Law of God: What the Iews urged or occasioned the Romans to do, is charged justly upon them as their Act.

Marginal references: Chap 4.28.; Chap. 5 30.

24 Whom God hath raised up , having loosed the pains of death , because it was not possible that he should be holden of it .

Christ rose by his own Power as God; it being perhaps too strong meat to be given at first to such who were under so great prejudices against our Saviour: but by consequence in the following discourse, he sufficiently shews it.

The same word [non-Latin text not transcribed], variously pointed, signifying either a cord or pain, the metaphor of loosing agrees with it.

Tho our Lord endured now more pain, after he had said, It is fulfilled, and had yeilded up the Ghost: yet whilest he was in the grave, being under the power of death, the pains of death are said to be loosed at his Resurrection.

Long, much less for ever; being such an one as David spake of.

Marginal references: Ver. 32. Chap. 3.15. & 4.10 & 10.40. & 13.30, 34. & 17.31. Rom. 4.24. and 8.11. 1 Cor. 6.14. and 15.15. Gal. 1.1. 1 Thes. 1.10. Heb. 13.20.

25 For David speaketh concerning him, I soresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand , that I should not be moved.

Psal. 16.8. I foresaw the Lord always before my face. In the Psalm it is, I have set the Lord: the Apostle following the reading of the Seventy, then in use and known; and to the same sense; for by Faith we both see God, and place our confidence in him. David, and especially our Saviour, doing and enduring all things as in the sight of God, whom he knew to be both careful of him, and ready to help him. Thus in all troubles, there is no such approved comfort, as the seeing or acknowledging the Will of God conce[illegible: 1 letter]ning them, his Power to preserve us under them, and his promises to deliver us from them. Christ and all that are Christs, do conflict under the eye, and in the sight of God; as Souldiers whilest their General looks on.

The place of the Advocate, for one that is accused or endangered.

26 Therefore did my heart rejoyce , and my tongue was glad: moreover also, my flesh shall rest in hope .

Because of Gods nearness to, or presence with him.

Christs and his peoples joy is solid and true, real and inward, and may bear the rest, res severa est verum gaudium.

In the 16. Psalm, ver. 9. 'tis my glory, as the tongue is frequently called; communicating our thoughts or apprehensions by speech, being the excellency of a reasonable Creature.

Or my body:

Or be in the grave, as in a Tabernacle, (ordinarily a moveable, always no durable abiding place)

That is of the Resurrection, and going out of that Tabernacle of the grave.

27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine▪ holy One to see corruption.

That is me; the Soul is put for the person, as Rom. 13.1. Let every soul be subject: and sometimes for a dead Body, as Levit. 19.28. Numb. 5.2. and in divers other places, [non-Latin text not transcribed] that signifies a Soul, is so used.

The word [non-Latin text not transcribed], is put [illegible: 1 letter]ither for the grave, or for the place of the damned. Being these words are alledg'd as a proof of Christs Resurrection, and that our Saviours Soul was certainly in Paradice, where he promised to the penitent thief, that he should be with him: it seems rather to be mean'd of the grave, which according to this Prophecy, could not hold our blessed Saviours body so long, as that it should corrupt in it. If David by his Soul, here did mean our Saviour, because he was as it were the Soul of his Soul, and Life of his Life, it shews how he did, and how we ought to value him.

As being Anointed, Sanctified, and sent by God.

28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance .

God is frequently said to make these mercies known to us, which he bestows upon us: (The ways of Life) of of a true Life; which is Life indeed. David in these words celebrates Gods delivering of him from his grievous afflictions and exile: (in which he was looked upon by others, and by himself, as a dead man) yet was brought again to see the Temple, and enjoy the Ordinances of God; without which, his life was as no life unto him. So our Saviour, after his Death and Passion, arose, and Ascended into Heaven, and lives for ever to make Intercession for us.

That is, with thy presence▪ or manifestation of thy love and favour.

29 Men and brethren , let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David , that he is both dead and buried , and his sepulchre is with us unto this day:

St. Peter bespeaks this attention and favour; intimating, he was one of the same Nation with themselves, than which nothing could more recommend him.

David was had in great veneration, and his memory very precious amongst this people, as was Abrahams, Isaacs, and Iacobs; who were the chief of their Fathers:

as in the 1 Kings 2.10. and else where is recorded of him, which they firmly believed.

Or Monument is with us; either not wholly spoiled by the Barbarous enemies, who had destroyed Ierusalem; or rather repaired after the Captivity, to keep up the memory of so great and good a man. But by this it appeared, that David did not speak these things concerning himself, who must needs have seen corruption; (themselves being witnesses) for on that account they respected his Tomb, as being the Repository of his ashes.

Marginal references: Or, I may.; 1 Kin. 2.10. Chap. 13.36.

30 Therefore being a prophet , and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loyns , according to the flesh , he would raise up Christ, to sit on his thro[illegible: 1 letter]e :

Not barely had sworn, which had been sufficient; but to shew the excellency of the matter, and the necessity of our believing of it, as also the solemnity of the words, Psal. 132.11.

Such as should descend from him, as the Virgin Mary did.

As to his human Nature, which our Saviour did truly partake of, being in the form of a servant.

By the Power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of his Virgin-mother as to his Incarnation; and by the same Power out of the grave, in his Resurrection.

As Luke 1.32, 33. Not as a Temporal King, for his Kingdom is not of this world ▪ but as David ruled over all the people of God, so does Christ, and shall do for ever.

Marginal references: Rom. 1.3. 2 Tim. 2.8.

31 He seeing this before , spake [illegible: 1 letter]f the resurrection of Christ , that his soul was not left in hell, neither did his flesh see corruption.

By a Prophetical eye; unto which any thing that was reveal'd, was as certain and manifest, as ought could be to the eye of the body.

By the same Prophetical Spirit, and with the same certainty, which he spake of the Incarnation, he spake also of the Resurrection. Of the rest see ver. 27.

Marginal references: Psal. 16.10.

32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

Whom ye Crucified, and we Preach; (whereof we are all witnesses) they had now received the power spoken of, and promised, Chap. 1. and testifie what they had heard, and seen, and felt, and all agree in; tho they could get nothing by it, but hatred, and persecution, nay, death.

Marginal references: Ver. 24.; Chap. 1.8.

33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the holy Ghost , he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear .

That is, by the Power of God, spoken after the manner of men; the right hand being that we commonly do any thing with: Some read at the right hand of God; and then the Apostle Preaches Christs Ascension too, and his being justified by God, tho he had been condemned by men.

Psal. 68.18.

In the fiery cloven tongues:

In the divers Languages which are spoken.

Marginal references: Chap. 5.31. Phil. 2.9.; John 14.26. and 15.26. Chap. 1.4.; Chap. 10.45.

34 For David is not ascended into the heavens : but he saith himself , The Lord said unto my Lord , Sit thou on my right hand.

Hence St. Peter here proves▪ that these words spoken by David, were not principally to be understood concerning himself, but concerning Christ the Messiah; for David ▪ as to his body, was in the Sepulchre, which on that account was kept amongst them.

The Eternal Father unto his Eternal Son, who was now made flesh: hence our Saviour proves his Divinity, Matth. 22.45. The words here refer'd to, are Psal. 110.1.

Marginal references: 1 Cor. 15.25▪ Eph. 1.20. Heb. 1.13.

35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool .

Christ is Commissionated and impowred to reign over, and govern all Creatures, and all their actions, till the consummation of all things, so long as the World lasts; in which he, his people, and truths, will have enemies, Eph. 1.20, 21, 22. 1 Cor. 15.27, 28.

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

This is the conclusion which the Apostle infers from the premises, applying what he had said very close and home; or it would not in all likelyhood have had so good an effect. Ye have Crucified, ye are the Men

over all the Creatures, beyond what the first Adam was; and Christ King over all the people of God, to rule in them, and reign for them; for to this purpose he was the Christ, or the anointed of God, declared by God to be so, and owned for such by all that believed in him.

37 ¶ Now when they heard this , they were pricked in their heart , and said unto Peter, and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren , What shall we do ?

So great and true their grief, they were concerned as if they had been run thorow; (the pains the mind suffer are most acute) this was foretold, Zech 12.10.

An ordinary compellation which the Apostle had given them, ver. 29.

Not what we shall say or believe; Conversion, if real, goes further than Profession, and is in heart and deed, not in speech and word onely: they desire to know if that there be any hope, that such sinners as they, might obtain forgiveness of their sins.

Marginal references: Luke 3.10. Chap 9 6. and 16.30.

38 Then Peter said unto them Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins , and ye shall receive the gift of the holy Ghost .

Not excluding the Name of the Father and the Holy Ghost; in whose name, as well as in the name of the Son, they were to Baptize, Matth. 28.19. but the name of Jesus is here mentioned, because they had not yet known, (but persecuted and slain him) whom henceforward they must profess, and that they look for pardon and Salvation onely through him.

Thus Saul or Paul is said to wash away his sins by Baptism, Chap. 22.16. and this Apostle elsewhere says, that Baptism saves us, 1 Pet. 3.21. which he explains to be, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good Conscience, &c.

1. His internal gifts, confirmation, and strengthning in the faith. 2. External gifts, as that of speaking with tongues, which they heard; both, or either of these, according to their conditions or stations, God would bestow upon them.

Which includes amendment of life, Matth. 3.7. Luke 3.8.

Marginal references: Chap. 3.19.

39 For the promise is unto you , and to your children, and to all that are afar off , even as many as the Lord our God shall call .

Lest they should doubt of pardon and grace, their sin having been so great; St. Peter here gives them a ground of hope, they being the descendents from Abraham, unto whom especially this was promised, Ier. 31.34.

That is, to the Gentiles as well as to the Iews ▪ who were said to be a people near unto God, as the Gentules were said to be afar off, Isaiah 57.19. Eph. 2.13.

Vocation, whethe[illegible: 1 letter] external by the word onely, or intern[illegible: 1 letter]l by the Spirit also, depends on the pleasure of God; but the same promises of pardon and acceptance upon Repentance, made unto the Iews, are as effectually to be trusted unto by any of the Gentiles, as by any formerly amongst the Iews.

Marginal references: Joel 2.2[illegible: 1 letter].

40 And with many other words did he testifie, and exhort, Saying, save your selves from this untoward generation .

The Sermons of the Apostles, or of our Saviour, are not all set down by the holy Writers; but onely so mu[illegible: 1 letter]h as God saw necessary for his Church to know and believe.

Using Gods Name and Authority, and calling him as it were to witness.

No less than the Salvation of our Souls, depends upon our forsaking wicked and prophane persons in their ungodly courses.

The whole World lyes in wickedness; but especially the Scribes and Pharisees, and other such declared enemies of Christ Jesus.

41 ¶ Then they that gladly received his word , were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls

Some still remained in their unbelief and hardness of heart; tho never men spake as the Apostles now spake, with divers tongues, &c.

To the Church, or the 120. formerly mentioned, Phil. 1.15. This was the effect of Christs prayer, Luke 23.34. for his persecutors; and of the promise of the Spirit now fulfilled, whereby in the day of his Power they were made willing.

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers .

Speak the reality of their Conversion, and that they were not onely for the present affected with what they had heard and seen.

These three parts of worship were frequently, if not always in those purer times used together: tho some understand by breaking of bread, their civil fellowship and community; yet breaking being a holy rite used by our Saviour, at the institution of his Supper, Matth. 26 26. and breaking of bread being here put in conjunction with Preaching and Praying, the celebration of the Eucharist, if not onely mean d, is chiefly to be understood in this place. (Prayers) all those kind of Prayers mentioned by St. Paul. 1 Tim. 2.1. as also their frequent praying, is implyed; thus by an united force, they laboured to pull down mercies upon themselves and others, and to do violence unto the Kingdom of Heaven.

Marginal references: Ver. 46.

43 And fear came upon every soul : and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

That is upon every man; not onely on them that were present, and perswaded to believe on Christ, whom the Apostles Preached; but on such also as were inform'd of those miraculous things which now hapned; so that by this means, the Apostles were had in great esteem and respect by the people.

Marginal references: Mark 16.17. Chap. 5.12.

44 And all that believed were together , and had all things common .

Not that they lived together in one house or street, but that they met (and that frequently) together in the holy exercises of their Religion: and that manner of some which St. Paul speaks of, Heb. 10.25. to forsake the Assembling of themselves together, was a sin not yet known in the Church.

This was onely at that place Ierusalem, and at that time, when the wants of some, and the charity of others, may well be presumed to be extraordinary: and there is no such thing as community of goods here required or practised. Christs Gospel does not destroy the Law; and the eighth Commandment is still in force, which it could not be, if there were no propriety, or meum and tuum now: nay, after this, the possession which Ananias sold, is adjudg'd by this Apostle to have been Ananias his own, and so was the money too which he had received for it, Chap. 5.4. And these, all things which they had in common, must either be restrained to such things as every one freely laid aside for the poor; or that it speaks the extraordinary charitable disposition of those new Converts, that they would rather have parted with any thing, nay, with their all, than that any of their poor brethren should have wanted.

Marginal references: Cha. 4.32, 34.

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men , as every man had need.

Those proportions of their estate they set apart to this charitable work; whether they did arise out of the sale of House and Land, called possessions, or of any Chattels or moveable estate▪ called here goods; but that they did not divest themselves of all propriety, appears in that we find soon after this, Chap. 12.12. Mary the mother of St. Mark to have a house, and Lydia after she was baptized, did not renounce any propriety in her house, Chap. 16.15. but intreated St. Paul, and those who were with him, to come into her House▪ &c.

Marginal references: Isa. 58.7.

46 And they continuing daily with one accord in the temple , and breaking bread from house to house , did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.

In the Court and porches of the Temple, whether the people did use to resort, at the time of the Morning and Evening Sacrifice, and Prayers; that by means of the great concourse at such times, they might have the better opportunity to Preach the Gospel amongst [illegible: 1 letter]hem; casting that net where they found most fish.

Not onely Celebrating the Eucharist, but their Love-feasts which they usually had at that time, as 1 Cor. 11.21, 22.

now here, now there▪ as they could convenienely; the Richer also entertaining their Poorer brethren at their Tables.

If the former words be understood of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, then these words speak the great Spiritual strength, cheer and comfort they got by it: if we understand them of the ordinary meats which they willingly bestowed one upon another, the Rich were more than recompenced with inward peace and satisfaction, for what they gave unto their poor brethren.

Marginal references: Or, At home.

47 Praising God , and having favour with all the people . And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved.

Acknowledging him who teacheth one to want, and another to abound:

that is, generally to be understood, amongst them that continued yet without the pale of the Church; the goodness, meekness, and patience of the Apostles, and the rest of the believers, did wonderfully prevail to beget a good opinion of them.

Salvation is (to be sure) onely from the Lord: Not Peters Sermons, no, nor the Miracles of fiery cloven tongues, and the rushing mighty winds, could have converted any, but [non-Latin text not transcribed] that which was signified there, viz. the powerful operation of the Spirit of God in their hearts.

Marginal references: Luke 2.5[illegible: 1 letter]. Chap. 4.33.[illegible: 1 letter] Rom. 14.18.; Chap▪ 5.14.