Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 21

ANd it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had lanched, we came with a straight course unto Choos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara.

Had parted with them, as dearest Friends and Relations do one from the other; with much difficulty and reluctance.

An Island in the Mediteranean Sea, nigh unto Crete; where Hippocrates and Apelles are said to have been born.

Another Island in the same Sea, of great fame for the Colosse, or vast Image of Brass which was there, accounted one of the wonders of the world.

An Haven Town of Lycia, and its Metropolis.

2 And finding a ship [illegible: 1 letter]a[illegible: 2 letters]ng over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

Whose Master and Mariners intended such a Voyage.

A Country in Syria, scituate nigh the Sea (and bordering upon Palestine) whose chief City was Tyre.

3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed unto Syria, and landed at Tyre[illegible: 1 letter]: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

Another Island in the Mediterranean.

For Goods and Merchandize which she had taken in at Ephesus.

4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

They tarried the rather so long, that they might worship and serve the Lord on his day together.

By the spirit of Prophecy they foretold his sufferings at Ierusalem, which afterward accordingly befel unto him; and they being ignorant of his undertaking that Journey at Gods command, out of commiseration and pity disswade St. Paul from going to such a place, where they foresaw that he should suffer so much: And this, 'tis said, they did through the spirit, because they had that foreknowledge of all his sufferings from the Spirit; and knowing but in part, being ignorant of that special command Paul had had to go to Ierusalem, they did, according to what they knew, disswade Paul from that Journey: But they knowing that their Prophecy about St. Paul's sufferings must be fulfilled, and the Spirit by which they spake could not err or be mistaken; How come they to disswade St. Paul from going to Ierusalem? It may be answered, That they might think this Prediction of his sufferings to be only conditional, in case he went to Ierusalem; as David was told, That the men of Keilah would deliver him to Saul, 1 Sam. 23.11.12. That is, in case he had trusted himself amongst them.

Marginal references: Chap. 20.23.

5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed, and went our way, and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

To shew their greater respect unto him, being loath to part with him so long as it was possible for them to enjoy him; so that they did not despise his temptation that was in the flesh, Gal. 4.14. But it is truly strange what follows, That he was received by them as an Angel of God, even as Christ Iesus.

This the Iews on extraordinary occasions were wont to do, whilst the Temple it self were standing, viz. make every place a place of Prayer in such a case, Chap. 20.36.

6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.

As Chap. 20.1. embracing one another at their parting.

7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

So far forth as to

Ptolemais, a City in Phaenicia, so called from one of the Ptolemies King of Egypt; and is thought to be the same with Accho, mentioned Iudges 1.31. which ancient name is yet retained in the Syriac Translation.

8 And the next day we that were of Pauls company departed, and came unto Cesarea; and we entred into the house of Philip the Evangelist, which was one [illegible: 1 letter]f the seven and abode with him.

That which was called Caesarea Stratonis, to distinguish it from Caesarea Philippi, at the foot of Mount Libanus, as also from another City of that name in Cappadocia; they having been all so called in honour of Caesar, to flatter and perpetuate that Family. The Caesarea here spoken of, was in Palestine, and is mentioned Chap. 10 1. and 18.22.

whose office and charge it was to publish the Gospel, which Timothy is exhorted to do, 2 Tim. 4.5. This Office is placed between that of an Apostle and of a Pastor and Teacher, Eph 4.11. and was not so confined to a certain place or people as the latter of these were.

Of the seven Deacons; of which, see Chap. 6.5. Which Office of a Deacon, Philip having well discharged, did purchase to himself this good Degree, as 1 Tim. 3.13.

Marginal references: Chap. 13.13.; Chap. 8.26.

9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins which did prophesie.

By their Fathers, and their own voluntary determination, as 1 Cor. 7.37. neither is it said whether they continued in that state; but they were so Prophesied;

not by expounding the Prophesies or Word of God, for 1 Cor. 14.34. 1 Tim. 2.12. no woman is suffered to Teach publickly, but rather foretelling things to come, which Gift God did not debar that Sex from; especially it having been promised, Ioel 2.28. and in part fulfilled before, Chap. 2.17. By which, God would shew the enlargement of his Mercies, and plenty of his Spirit, reserved for the times of the Gospel.

10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

Of whom mention is made, Chap. 11.28. of whose Prophecy they could not be ignorant by reason of the great collection which, on that account, was made for the Poor at Ierusalem.

11 And when he was come unto us, he took Pauls girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that oweth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

It wes ordinary amongst the Prophets to confirm, or at least to exemplify their Prophesies by outward signs and symboles, as Isa. 20.2. Ier. 13.1. Ezek. 12.5. But that of Ier. 27.2. is a parallel unto this; where the Prophet is commanded to make Bonds and Yokes, and to put them upon his neck, to foreshew the subjection of all those Nations unto Nebuchadnezzar.

None of all the sufferings foreshewn concerning St. Paul, or others of Gods Children and Servants, but are ordered by God, who knows them altogether; and they came not out of the dust, or by casualty, or chance, so as not to have been the matter of Gods foreknowledge and Counsel, Eph. 1.11.

The Roman Powers at Ierusalem, and afterwards at Rome.

Marginal references: Chap. 20.23. Verse 13.

12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

The Converts or Believers that were in Cesarea, pitying him, and having a tender affection for him, see Verse 4.

with tears, so earnest were they, as 'ith' following verse.

13 Then Paul answered, What mean you to weep, and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

A strange strife, who should overcome by loving most, as in that betwixt David and Ionatham, 1 Sam. 20.40, &c. This undaunted Champion, who did not seem to feel any of his own afflictions and miseries, yet grieves for the grief and sympathy of others, and bears a double weight in his burdens; one directly and immediately from them, as lying upon himself; the other mediately, as recoiling from others (who suffered with him) unto him again.

As Christs love for us was stronger than death, Cant. 8.6. so must our love be to him again, or it is not of the same nature with his, nor begotten by it.

His Truth, and Glory.

Marginal references: Chap. 20.24.

14 And when he would not be perswaded, we ceased, saying▪ The will of the Lord be done.

As having done their utmost, and what became them.

They commit the event unto God; thus we pray dayly, That Gods Will may be done, Matth. 6.10. Luke 11.2. and thus our Saviour, not only by his Precept, but by his Example, hath taught us, Matth. 26.42. Luke 22.42. and when Gods will is done, our will is done also, Phil. 2.5. if the Mind and Spirit be in us that was in Christ, and otherwise we are none of his, Rom. 8.9.

15 And after those days we took up o[illegible: 1 letter]r carriages, and vvent up to J[illegible: 1 letter]rus[illegible: 1 letter]l[illegible: 1 letter]m.

As they do pack up, that are to remove to another house or place, not intending to come thither any more again; this also did shew their readiness of mind to endure and suffer all things, as loss of Relations and Friends, and all accommodations for Christ.

16 There went with us also certain of th[illegible: 1 letter] disciples of Cesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

Either this Mnason was in their company, or rather they were brought by the Disciples of Cesarea to the House of this Mnason, who was

one of them that was converted when Paul and Barnabas was at Cyprus, Chap. 13.4.

and Lodgings being scarce at Ierusalem (when all the Males were to appear there in those three annual Solemnities) it was no small kindness to be provided for by him.

17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

It is thought that by Brethren in this place, and verse the seventh, they are meant, who being Believers, were formed into a Church with its several Officers, and that they are called Disciples only, verse 4. who living dispersed, and in smaller numbers, could not constitute such a Church; but surely whatsoever there is of priviledge and happiness in this spiritual fraternity, That truly Catholick Charity that was in the Apostles and other holy men, would not so confine it, as to exclude any from enjoying of it, who did not exclude themselves by greater crimes than their paucity in number, or the consequences of that could amount unto.

18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James, and all the elders were present.

One of the Apostles, tho some think that he was a Kinsman of our Saviours, and at this time Bishop of Ierusalem,

as Chap. 15.6, 13. not so called for their age, but dignity or place in the Church.

Marginal references: Gal. 1.19.

19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles q by his ministry.

God had so done those marvellous works, that they ought to be had in remembrance; and this was said by the Apostle, that God might not lose the Glory, nor the Church the benefit of any of those great things which God had wrought: Otherwise, St. Paul acknowledges that he was the least of the Apostles, and not meet to be called an Apostle, 1 Cor. 15.9. and all his power was ministerial, he was only an Instrument in Gods hand, to be acted by him, as Chap. 20.24.

20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe, and they are all ze[illegible: 1 letter]lous of the law.

Acknowledging all in that great work of the conversion of the Gentiles, to have been from God; and that Paul that had planted, and Apollos that had watered, were nothing, 1 Cor. 3.6, 7.

Tens of thousands, as the word does usually signify; a definite, for an indefinite number, signifying very many: And considering out of what small beginnings, and by what despicable means, and all within the space of about five and twenty years that this grain of Mustardseed had spared its self; and add to this, that they were Iews, that obstinate and prejudiced generation who are here spoken of, and they were then so many, so wonderfully many, who believed.

Of Ceremonies, and concerning forbidden Meats, &c. For the Decree of the Apostles, Chap. 15.29. concerning these things, did only respect such as were converted from Paganisme to the Faith of Christ. And the Iews that were converted before the dispersion by Adrian (the Roman Emperor) many years after this time, did not throughly understand their freedom from that Law, but were under the burden of it, as appears by several Ecclesiastical Writers.

Marginal references: Rom. 10.2. Gal. 1.14.

21 And they are informed of thee that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying, that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

Instructed or Catechised concerning thee; the Zealots had made it their business to instil such aspersions and odious reflections against Paul, as if their Accusations had been the fundamental truths of their Religion.

The Ceremonial Law, given by his Ministry.

To live, to act in their course of life after

the customs of their Fathers, or the rituals of Moses.

22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

It can't be otherwise; or what else remains to be done?

All the faithful must meet; for the Magistrate then being Pagan, and enemies both to the Church and the Gospel; in matters of great moment, especially when there was any fear of a Schism, the whole multitude of Believers were gathered together to consult about it.

23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

Vows were either such as men did make in gratitude for any deliverance they had received, as from Sickness, Storms, or any imminent dangers: Or Secondly, to enable them the better to serve God on any occasion; and then they were bound to keep themselves from all those things which were forbidden to the Nazarite, as Wine and strong drink, and to nourish their Hair as the Nazarites were bound to do. This Vow they made for a certain time, and not perpetual: The Law concerning it, you may see, Numb. 6.2, 3, 4, 5.

24 Them take and purifie thy self with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing, but that thou thy self also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

They advise Paul to perform all those Rites required of a Nazarite, the observation of which did legally purify him.

These charges were about the threefold Sacrifice which were to be offered, Numb. 6.10. two Turtles or young Pigeons, a Lamb, unleavened Bread, and Cakes of fine Flower, as Numb. 6.11, 12. and the other four spoken of, verse 23. being poor, they require Paul here to bear their charges also, that so he might appear to be the chief amongst them, and the more zealous in their Law, to take away the scandal that was taken up by the Iews against him (these Ceremonies being as yet not deadly, or evil; tho they were dead and indifferent.)

Livest according to the Law of Moses, contrary unto what they reported of thee.

Which was done at the end of their separation, and was the accomplishment of all; and they burned the Hair which they shaved off, under their Sacrifices, to shew, that all their legal performances were only acceptable unto God through Jesus Christ, who was sacrificed for us, 1 Cor. 5.7. and Heb. 10.12.

Marginal references: Numb. 6.2, 13, 18. Chap. 18.18.

25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded, that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood and from strangled▪ and from fornication.

These Ceremonies (after their accomplishment in Christ) not being at all necessary, they were not imposed upon any that received the Faith of Christ from amongst the Gentiles, or other Nations; only suffered for a while unto the Iews that turned to Christ for the hardness of their hearts, and inveterate zeal for them.

Of these things; see Chap. 15.29.

Marginal references: Chap. 15.20.

26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them, entred into the temple, to signifie the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

Paul agrees to their advice, and follows it; and having set such a time for his Vow as might end with the other four mens, he, with the four mentioned,

signify to the Priest (that was concerned to know it, because of the Sacrifices that were to be offered for them) that the time of their separation was fulfilled, which is here called the days of Purification, for the reason intimated, verse 24.

Intending to abide in the Temple until all those Rites were performed which were required of them.

Marginal references: Chap. 24.18.; Numb. 6.13.

27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

Either, 1. after his coming, to Ierusalem, or rather 2. of his Vow; for 'tis thought that his Vow of Separation was but for Seven days: Or, 3. The Seven days of that Feast of Pentecost which he came unto.

Who were implacably set against him wheresoever he went, as Ch. 14.19. and 17.5. These Iews dwelt at Ephesus, and elsewhere, but were come to observe the Feast at Ierusalem.

By violence, and against Law.

28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and farther, hath brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

Minding them by this Compellation, of their being a peculiar people unto God, and that none might be admitted with them in his worship.

A Charge is laid against St. Paul consisting of divers Articles, but all false; for he was a most zealous lover of that people, and taught them nothing but the true use and meaning of the Law: But thus they had done to our Saviour, Matth. 26.61. and to St. Stephen, Chap 6.13.

That is, into the Court of the Iews, which was so far unlawful, that they might have killed a Roman if he had come in there; and every one was warned by an Inscription upon the Pillars. [non-Latin text not transcribed]. That no Stranger or Foreigner might come into that holy place.

Marginal references: Chap. [illegible: 1 letter]4.6.

29 ( For they had seen before with him in the city, Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple▪)

The Iews of Asia, who could not but know Trophimus; and he following of Paul in this Journey, either ignorantly, or maliciously they accuse the Apostle for taking him into the Temple with him; which was only their surmise, and the issue of their enraged Jealousy.

Marginal references: Chap. 20.4.

30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: And forthwith the doors were shut.

There was a general concourse from all parts, Tantum Religio poterat, no such heats as such are which are moved about Religion; whilst the Wisdom that is from above, is first pure, then peaceable, Iames 3.17.

Lest by their uproar they should occasion any of the Gentiles to come in there to quell them; or intending to kill Paul, that they drew him thence, that he might not pollute that holy place with his Blood: Thus they strain at a Gnat, being unwilling to pollute the Temple; but they would swallow a Camel, not sticking to shed the blood of the Innocent.

Either by the Keeper of the doors, or by the Soldiers of the Temple.

Marginal references: Chap. 26.21.

31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uprore.

The Commander in chief over all the Soldiers there; or one that had the command over a Thousand. At the three great Feasts there was usually a considerable number of Soldiers at Ierusalem, the confluence from all parts being then so great, and the Iews so impatient of any Yoke or Government, the Romans durst not trust such multitudes without some check upon them. Thus at the Passover, when they took and crucified our Saviour, these Soldiers were made use of, Iohn 18.12.

32 Who immediately took soldiers, and centurions, and ran down unto them: And when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.

A wonderful Providence of God for Paul's preservation, that the chief Captain should be so near, as to be able to hinder the Massacring of Paul; and especially that he should be defended and preserved by one that was a stranger to him, and an enemy to his Religion;

lest they should have been set upon by the Soldiers, for breaking the Peace, &c. The fear of man caused them to forbear what the fear of God could not.

33 Then the chief captain cam[illegible: 1 letter] near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

Whether as Peter was, see Chap. 12.6. Or that he was bound with one upon his feet, and with the other upon his hands, it was exactly fulfilled what Agabus had prophesied concerning him, verse 11. So does God provide, that not one word of his Servants which they speak from him, shall fail; and that St. Paul should be heard before he was condemned.

Marginal references: Verse 11▪

34 And [illegible: 1 letter]ome cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

As is usual in popular commotions, they agreed in doing mischief, but not in the reason of it.

Called Antonia, because it was built in honour of Mark Antony, on the North side of the Temple.

35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was that he was born of the souldiers, for the violence of the people.

In the ascent to the Castle;

he was born of the Soldiers, either because the preass was so great, he being in the midst of them; or being taken up by them, to secure him from the fury of the enraged multitude.

36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

That is, kill him; for that was indeed [illegible: 1 letter]o take him out of their way. The same speech they used against our Saviour, Luke 23.18. Iohn 19.15. when they desired his death.

Marginal references: Chap. 22.22.

37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said un[illegible: 1 letter]o the chief captain ▪ May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

A common expression in that Language, whereby he craves leave, and bespeaks attention.

After the Grecian Empire, their Langugage became and continued to be very common in Asia and Egypt, and very well known amongst all the Romans of any Education or Quality.

38 Art not thou that Egyptian which before these days madest an uprore, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

A famous Ring-leader of a Rebellious Crew, as some think, in the Reign of Tiberius; but as others, in the Thirteenth Year of the Emperor Claudius, and continued till under Nero's Reign, and came from these Four Thousand mentioned here at his first setting up, to have Thirty Thousand Followers, pretending himself to be a Prophet; of whom Iosephus, Antiq. lib. 20. cap. 11.

Or Assassinates, that did wear Daggs or Stellatoes.

Marginal references: Chap. 5.36.

39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

It being the Metropolis, or chief City in Cilicia, built by Perseus, as some think; howsoever having the priviledg of the Roman Freedom; as Chap. 22.28.

St. Paul begs leave to speak unto the people, that he might not seem to affect popularity, or to be guilty of any Insurrection or Tumult. Thus he had leave also of Agrippa, before that he made that famous Apology, Chap. 26.1.

Marginal references: Chap. 9.11. and 22.3.

40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckned with the hand unto the people: And when there was m[illegible: 1 letter]de a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

As he was now about to be carried into the Castle, Antonia before mentioned;

signifying, that he craved their audience; as Chap. 12.17. and 13.16.

The Hebrew Tongue being understood by all of them, and most grateful unto them. Yet this was not the pure and ancient Hebrew, which had been corrupted ever since their Captivity; but the Syriack Tongue, which they there learned, was called Hebrew, it having at first been derived from the Hebrew, and being then in use by those who were Hebrews.