Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 22

MEn▪ brethren, and fathers, hear ye my de [illegible: 3 letters]ce, which I make now unto you.

Altho[illegible: 3 letters] were wicked men, and cruel persecutors, St. Paul giveth them their titles of respect, which by the places God had put them in, are due unto them; see on, Chap. 7.[illegible: 1 letter].

2 ([illegible: 1 letter]nd when they heard that he spake in the Hebr[illegible: 2 letters] tongue to them, they kept the more silence [illegible: 1 word] A[illegible: 1 letter]d he saith)

Th[illegible: 1 letter] ordinary Hebrew; that which was taken for Hebrew, and spoken by the Hebrews after their return from the Captivity, tho mixt with the Syriac; as Chap. 21.40.

It being more grateful unto them to hear Paul speak in their Mother Tongue; especially they having so great a prejudice against all other Nations and Languages.

3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city , at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the s perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous towards God, as ye all are this day.

The Apostle alludes unto the posture that the Disciples of any Rabbi, o[illegible: 1 letter] Teacher, in those times did use; the Master sitting in some high or elevated place, did teach his Scholars, who sate at his feet on the ground; and as they grew in knowledg, were advanced to sit nearer to their Master▪ Deut. 33.3. And Abraham is thus said to be called to God's foot, Isaiah 41.2. And Mary sate at [illegible: 1 letter]ur Saviour's [illegible: 1 word], Luke 10.39.

The same Gam[illegible: 1 letter]liel who made tha[illegible: 1 letter] moderating speech in the Apostle's [illegible: 1 word] Chap 5.34. This perfect manner of the Law is Ph[illegible: 3 letters]asaism, which the Ap[illegible: 2 letters]tle was brought up in, and before his conversion made a profession of, Phil. 3.5. Not that the Apostle reckoned upon any perfection in this profe[illegible: 1 letter]sion; but because, as Chap. 26.5 it was the most strait sect of their Religion, observing a great deal of punctuality and accurateness, making, what they called, a Hedg about the Law.

Not observing onely the Law, which was given by God to their Fathers by the hand of M[illegible: 1 letter]ses; but the Traditions of their Fathers he was exceeding zealous in; as Gal. 1.4.

Or as some Copies read, zealous towards the Law; both in the same sense. His zeal for the Law was sincere; not out of by-ends, but out of his love to God, tho it was not according to Knowledg, Rom. 10.2. It was truly according unto what he knew or believed; but it was not according to true Knowledg.

Marginal references: Chap. 21.39. 2 Cor. 11.22.

4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

The Doctrine and Practice of Christianity.

As much as in him lies, being one of the most furious persecutors that hunted for the precious life, breathing out threatnings and slaughters with every breath, Chap. 9.1.

Marginal references: Chap. 8.3.

5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there, bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

Their Sanhedrim, or great Council.

Commission or Orders.

The Iews of Damascus are called brethren, because descended from the Patriarchs as well as he. And still, as ver. 1. he would overcome that stubborn people with Civility, heaping up coals of fire on their heads, Rom. 12.20. that they might be melted, and then formed after a more excellent manner.

6 And it came to pass, that as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.

As Lightning it suddenly encompassed him. But see Chap. 9. from the 3d verse; where this History is set down by St. Luke. And here little more can be taken notice of, than some small variety in the expressions.

Marginal references: Chap 26.1[illegible: 1 letter].

7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me , S[illegible: 1 letter]ul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

As men that call another earnestly, repeat his Name; as when the Angel of the Lord called Abraham, Abraham, Gen. 22.11.

8 And I answered, Who art thou Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth whom thou persecutest.

That contemned (tho not contemptible) Name is owned by Christ from Heaven; that they might not be ashamed when they were reproached by it on Earth. Of the rest, see Chap. 9.5.

9 And they that were with me, saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

This may be added to what was formerly said, that the men who travelled with Paul, may be said not to have heard the voice of him that spake, because they did not understand it, or obey it: They were not converted, as Paul was, by it: the Hebrew Language putting hearing for obeying; as in many Scriptures: And both St. Paul, who here spake, and Luke, who penned this History, understood exactly the proprieties of that Tongue.

Of this▪ see Chap. 9.7.

10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus, and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

Such things as Ananias told him from Christ, were as if Christ himself had told him them: And by Ananias our Saviour satisfied St. Paul's question, What shall I do, Lord?

See Chap. 9.6.

11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were w th me, I came into Damascus.

The Excellency of the Object over-powering hi[illegible: 1 letter] fight. It was a strange work of God that enabled St. Stephen to see Christ (who is now so glorious), Chap. 7.55. And it will be according to Gods wonderful power, when at the Resurrection we shall be enabled to look upon Christ in his greatest glory.

Behold the goodness and severity of G[illegible: 1 letter]d upon Paul: Severity upon him in striking of him with blindness in his body; but goodness indeed to him, in enlightning, converting, and saving of his soul.

12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to t[illegible: 1 letter]e law, having a good report of all the Jew which dwelt there.

This is added to distinguish him from a Proselyte, and to let them know that he had received the Gospel, not from a Convert out of Gentilism (who tho they admitted, yet they had a greater jealousie over, and less kindness for), but from one like unto themselves in all things.

Marginal references: Chap. 9.

13 Came unto me , and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I look[illegible: 1 letter]d up upon him.

That in this posture he might more conveniently put his hands upon Paul; which we read that he now did, Chap. 9.17. and was ordinarily done upon the miraculous curing of any.

Or, as Chap. 9.18. immediately. The suddenness of the Cures, spake the power from whence they came: None but God saves and delivers after this manner.

14 And he said , The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

Nothing could please the people better than to hear God so stiled: For this they gloried in, above all things, that they and theirs had God to their Father, Iohn 8.41. And nothing could better suit St. Paul s purpose, who would not lie under that scandal of endeavouring an Apostacy from the Iewish Religion (for the Gospel which he preached, was but the substance and perfection of the Law); or that he served or worshipped any other God than the God of Abraham ▪

He hath taken thee, as by the hand, and by his wonderful Providence brought thee into that condition in which thou art.

Christ is the Holy One, spotless and without blemish; God's righteous servant, Isa. 53.11. But this is here the rather spoken, that he might convince them of their sin, in putting our Lord to Death: For tho he sweetned his speech to them in what he might, he would not flatter them to their destruction; Like a skilful Chyrurgeon, he would not heal too fast. Now Paul saw Christ with the Eye of his mind, it being enlightned to believe in him: And he saw him in his Journey also with the Eyes of his body. Some read, [non-Latin text not transcribed], not [non-Latin text not transcribed]. And then Ananias tells St. Paul, that he was sent to shew him that which was just and right in Gods sight; which he being blinded by his zeal for the Law, could not perceive.

Marginal references: Chap. 26.16.; Chap 3.14. and 7.52.

15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men, of what thou hast seen and heard.

The Apostles were in a more special manner Christs Witnesses; as Luke 24.48. Iohn 1.7. Chap. 1.8. God giving them extraordinary gifts, not for their own sakes chiefly, but to profit others withal: As the tree bears not fruit, nor the field yield its encrease for its self.

Not that St. Paul's Commission extended only to the publi[illegible: 1 letter]hing this Wonder at his conversion: for he was entrusted with the Gospel, and had that Treasure in his Earthen Vessel: But this Miracle is expresly mentioned, because it was unto him and others a great confirmation of the Truths which he believed himself, and recommended to the Faith of others. And therefore in the course of his Ministry he mentions this frequently; as here in this place, and before King Agrippa, Chap. 26.12. and 1 Cor. 9.1. As also 1 Cor. 15.8.

16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sin[illegible: 1 letter], calling on the Name of the Lord.

As washing causeth the spots to disappear, and to be as if they had not been, Isaiah 1.18. so does pardoning mercy, or remission of sins, which accompanieth Baptism, as in the due receiver, Mat. 3.11. 1 Pet. 3.21, 22. Where true Faith is, together with the profession of it by Baptism, there is salvation promised, Mark 16.16. In the mean while it is not the Water (for that only signifies), but it is the Blood of Christ which is thereby signified, that cleanseth us from our sins; as 1 Iohn 1.7. Yet Sacraments are not empty and deceitful signs; but God accompanieth his own Ordinances with his power from on high, and makes them effectual for those great things for which he instituted and appointed them.

Christ, to whom by Baptism he was to be dedicated.

17 And it cam[illegible: 1 letter] to pass, that when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

This was probably about three years after his conversion; as Gal. 1.18 and was one of the Visions and Revelations he makes mention of, 2 Cor. 12.1.

A Rapture and Extasie; as Chap. 10.10.

Marginal references: Chap. 9.28.

18 And saw him saying unto me , Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem; for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

This St. Paul takes notice of, that it might appear unto the Iews that he did not out of choice, or because he bare a grudg against them, decline them, and preach to the Gentiles.

As if Christ had said, They who were appointed unto Life, and were curable, are already cured; but the rest who are hardned, nothing remains for them but utter destruction.

Marginal references: Mat. 10.14.

19 And I said, Lord , they know that I imprisoned, and beat in ev[illegible: 1 letter]ry synagogue th[illegible: 1 letter]m th[illegible: 1 letter]t b[illegible: 1 letter] lieved on thee.

This was Paul's Objection which he made against the Will of God concerning his leaving Ierusalem, and the Iews in it; and shews how apt carnal Reason is in the ver[illegible: 1 letter] best men to set up its self against the Wisdom of God▪ and to argue for what we fancy best to be done, or left undone.

The sum of his reasoning is this, That he was most likely to do more good amongst the Iews than amongst the Gentiles, whither God was sending of him; because the Iews knew how zealous he had been not only to observe the Law himself, but to procure its observation by all others: And that it was no less than a Miracle which changed his mind about it. He shews also by this, his great love unto the Iews, whom he would have staid withal, had it been at his choice; and did only remove from by Gods command.

Marginal references: Ver. 4.

20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that sl[illegible: 1 letter]w him.

Martyr is a Greek word that signifies a Witness; and is here, and since by the Ecclesiastical Writers, appropriated unto such as suffer Death for the Testimony they give to the Truths of God, or Doctrine of the Gospel.

As Chap. 8.1.

That is, of the Witnesses against Stephen; as Chap. 7.58. For the Witnesses did slay him not onely by the Testimony which they gave against him, but they were to be the first who stoned him,

or murthered him.

Marginal references: Chap. 7.58.

21 And he said unto me , Depart : for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

God repeats his Command, and by that answers all Paul's Reasonings, whatsoever the event be, whether the Gentiles will hear, or whether they will forbear, he must go unto them. When the Will of God is manifest, we must do it, whatsoever success we are like to have.

This was verified. God sent Paul, and he went very far; as appears, Chap. 9.15. Rom. 15.19. Gal. 1.17. and 2.8.

Marginal references: Chap. 13.2. Gal. 1.15. Eph. 3.8. 1 Tim. 2.7. 2 Tim. 1.11.

22 And they g[illegible: 1 letter]ve him audience unto this word, and then lift up their voices, and said , Away with such a f[illegible: 1 letter]llow from the earth: [illegible: 1 letter]or it is not fit that he shou[illegible: 1 letter]d live.

They had heard all the rest of St. Paul's Discourse without any gain-saying; either thinking it did not much concern them whether it were true or false; or else being convinced of the truth of it▪ they were silent. But when the mercy of God unto any but themselves is mentioned, they are not able to bear with it. Tho they themselves refused the Offers of Gods Mercy, yet they could not endure that it should be tendred unto others; especia[illegible: 1 letter]ly that others should be preferred before them in the tendring of it.

That is, kill him; encouraging one another to so barbarous a Murther, or exciting their Rulers unto it.

Marginal references: Chap. 21.36.

23 And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,

They that stoned the Blasphemer, cast off their upper garments, that they might be the readier to do that Execution, and carry the heavier stones; as Chap. 7.58. They might also cast, or rend them off in sign of grief and detestation of Paul's (supposed) Blasphemy.

Out of raging madness, having no stones at present in that place to throw at him; or stamping on the ground first with their feet, and taking thence the loosn[illegible: 1 letter]d Earth, threw it up, to shew that Paul had sinned against Heaven, and provoked the God who dwells there: And that he was not worthy to tread on the Earth; which as well as they could, they took from him.

24 The chi[illegible: 1 letter]f captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bad that he should be examined by scourging: that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.

Of whom, Chap. 21.31.

Or Fort called Antonia; as Chap 21.34.

Or torturing (being put to the Question; as the French Expression is agreeable to the Greek word here used); which went no further than by scourging; which was for this purpose used upon the blessed bo[illegible: 1 letter]y of our Saviour, Matth. 27.26.

The chief Captain took it for granted that he was some notorious Malefactor whom all c[illegible: 1 letter]ied out against injuriously, accounting Vox Populi to be Vox Dei: And because in that confusion he could not know the certainty from his Accusers, he would wrest a confession out of St. Paul, whom they accused.

25 And as they bound h[illegible: 1 letter]m with thongs, Paul said unto the cen[illegible: 1 letter]urion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to courge a man that is a Roman, and uncond[illegible: 1 letter]m[illegible: 3 letters]?

They who were to be scourged, were bound to a Post or Column (amongst the Iews) of a Cubit and an half high, inclining downwards upon it: And these Thongs were such wherewith they bound Paul to this Column or Pillar; and with such also they intended to scourge him.

That is, it is not lawful to scourge a Roman; much less uncondemned: See on, Chap. 16.37. This latter, the Laws of no Nation that was civilized did ever allow.

26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief capta[illegible: 1 letter]n, saying, Take heed what thou doest; for this man is a Roman.

There were several Centurions under one chief Captain or Chiliarch; as there are several Captains under one Collonel: and this Centurion might be deputed to examine Paul. The Reason why they presently desisted from binding Paul, and informed the Commander in chief of what he had alledged, might be, because as it was very poenal to challenge this priviledg falsly, so it was Treason for any to deny it to such to whom it was due.

27 Th[illegible: 1 letter]n the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, ar[illegible: 1 letter] thou a Roman? He said , Y[illegible: 1 letter]a.

It is very reasonable that a good man should make use of such lawful priviledges as the place in which he lives doth afford, and his condition may be allowed. And it is part of that Wisdom our Saviour does recommend, if it does not destroy the Innocence of the Dove, Matth. 10.16.

28 And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free-born.

The Historian relates, that the Emperor Claudius sold this priviledg to such Foreigners as had not by any notable service merited to have it conferr'd upon them. At first it cost them very much to obtain it, as it did this chief Captain; but afterwards it was more cheap and contemptible.

Tho Paul was born of Hebrew Parents, yet he was born at Tarsas, to the Natives of which Town Augustus had given this priviledg, for the assistance that the Citizens afforded him in his Wars with Brutus and Cassius; or as some will have it, for favouring of Iulius Caesar, this priviledg was granted unto that place by him: And they on the other side, to continue the sense of his favour, caused their Town to be called Iuliopolis, or the City of Iulius

29 Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

Who had bound him, and would have scourged him.

The Crime of breaking the Priviledges of the Roman Citizens, being accounted no less than Treason, and a Sin, as they called it, against the Majesty of that People; as afterwards it was as great an Offence against their Emperors.

Marginal references: Or, tortured him.

30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their counsel to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.

That he might not continue, after knowledg, in that (accounted) Crime of binding a Roman Citizen; as also that Paul might speak with the greater liberty and freedom in his own defence.

The chief of the four and twenty courses amongst the Priests, according to their Families, or such as in place and dignity did excel in the Sanhedrim.