Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 6

ANd in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

These were not such, as are elsewhere called Greeks, either as being of that Nation, or more generally taken for all Gentiles at large; but they were (as to their Authority) Iews, and descended from such of them, who in several national calamities, were forced (or chose) to leave their Countrey, and fly to Alexandria, and divers other places; yet kept themselves unmixed with other Nations, retaining the knowledge of God▪ and coming to worship upon the solem Feasts; onely disusing the Hebrew Language, they were more acquainted with the Greek Tongue, (then, commonly) spoken every where) and used the holy Scripture Translated into that Language, which made them the rather called Hellenists or Grecians.

They were not taken, as others, into the Colledge, or number of widows, who in that time had some care of the poor; or rather, because they were not so largely allowed, or carefully looked after; for those that sold their goods, being Hebrews, they might not be so tender over the Hellenists, whose estates laying farther off, could not so readily be sold for the relief of themselves or others.

2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said , it is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

For such was their number now again, Matthias having supplied the place of Iudas; this is that blessed number, or the root of it, which God hath so much magnified.

Preaching of the word, and other duties belonging to it; either providing for the agapae and love-Feasts, or distributing to the necessities whereby they might be fed, and their tables provided.

Marginal references: Exod. 18.17.

3 Wherefore brethren , look ye out among you seven men of honest report , full of the holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

As carefully and circumspectly, as ye would in any cases of your own concerns.

A good direction, that obbliges to this day, in all elections of any for the service of God, and his Church.

Of the gifts and graces of the holy Ghost, which were not bestowed on the Apostles onely.

Or prudence, and skill in the word of God, which onely is able to make a man wise unto Salvation, 2 Tim. 3.15.

Marginal references: Deut. 1.13. Chap. 1.21, 22. and 16.2. 1 Tim. 3.7.

4 But we will give our selves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

We will stick close, and with perseverance, to this work.

The two great imploys of a Minister of Jesus Christ; to pray unto God for the people, and to speak unto the people from the Lord; these, tho great businesses, they durst not delegate from themselves unto others to perform for them.

5 ¶ And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen , a man full of faith, and of the holy Ghost, and Philip , and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselite of Antioch.

All these being Greek names, 'tis likely they were all Hellenists, and descended from Hebrew Parents, but born in forreign Countries; or amongst the Iews they might have other names, which St. Luke writing this History, translated into Greek.

See Chap. 2.10.

Marginal references: Chap. 11.24.; Chap. 8.5, 26. and 21.[illegible: 1 letter].

6 Whom they set before the apostles: And when they had prayed , they laid their hands on them.

Prayer is the salt, which seasoneth and sanctifieth all things.

A rite used in the Church of old, 1. In their Sacrifices, Exod 29.15. 2. In their blessings, Gen. 48.14. 3. In their designations unto a charge or office; thus Moses on Ioshua, Numb. 27.18. and from thence it was easilier derived unto the Gospel-Church. Our Saviour blessing thus the children which were brought unto him, Matth. 19.13. and thus also were Ministers ordained in the Primitive times, 1 Tim. 5.22.

Marginal references: Chap. 8.17. and 13.3. 1 Tim. 4.14. 2 Tim. 1.6.

7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient unto the faith.

None so violent opposers of the Gospel as these were, (their interest in all likelihood, heigthning their opposition) yet great is truth, especially the spirit of truth, and did prevail; and tho in its self, the number might not be so great, as to be called a great multitude; yet considering who they were that were converted, it was very wonderful, and the fewer might pass for a many.

Christianity is not a bare speculation, but a practical Religion; and we believe no more than we practice, fac quod dicis & fides est. Aug.

Marginal references: Chap. 12 and 19.20. Col. 1.6.

8 And Stephen full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Enabled to Preach, dispute, do, and suffer all things through Christ.

Of whom he cured many, or among the people, in that he did these wonders publickly.

9 ¶ Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia, and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

Synagogues were as Colledges in our Universities, being used for Instruction and Learning; and were distinguished according to the persons that frequented them.

Some think, these were natives of a certain Countrey in Africa, from whence they were so called; but more probably, they were such as were manumitted or made free, (as the word is commonly used for such) and in a middle condition between such as were free-born, and such as were bond-slaves; and might desire to frequent with those of their own rank.

The Iews spake of no less than 480. Synagogues at Ierusalem, a vast number, and probably increased by them, tho several places are called Cyrene; this (from whence they took their name) was in Africa in all likelihood, it being joyned with that of the Alexandrians: So God pleased to sever the Hellenists, (or Iews by traduction) for the Gentiles were not yet called; that they might all hear the Gospel in the Language they understood best.

10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom, and the spirit by which he spake.

They did oppose it, but ineffectually.

The foolishness of God is wiser than men, 1 Cor. 1.25. What then is his wisdom, through which this holy man spake?

The holy Ghost directing him, and putting a Divine Power upon what he spake, according to the promise, Matth. 10.20.

Marginal references: Exod. 4.12. Isa. 54.17. Luke 21.15.

11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous [illegible: 1 letter]ords against Moses, and against God.

What these blasphemous words were, we have verse 14. which shew, that the vail was yet over their hearts, and that they could not indure to hear, that the shadows must flee away, when the Sun is risen, and the Types be abolished, when the substance of the things Typified is exhibited; for this truth was all the blasphemy this holy Martyr was guilty of.

12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,

Being overcome by reason and arguments, they betake themselves to all the evil arts imaginable; they suborn witnesses against St. Stephen, (as was done against Naboth) and (that we read of) never before; they make the people, and the number, (which is usually the worst) on their side; then they complain of him to the Priests, &c. and lest any, or all these, should fail, they lay violent hands on him themselves. Sin goes on as a Current, and never stops, unless an Almighty word be spoken unto it to go no further.

13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law.

They mingled in their testimony, false things with truths, as they who witnessed against our Saviour had done. St. Stephen might possibly have inculcated what our Saviour had foretold, Luke 19.43. and both have been very innocent; for neither of them spake with any abhorrence of, much less blasphemy [illegible: 1 letter]gainst the Law or the Temple; but in that the witnesses perverted and added to their words, they are deservedly branded as false witnesses; falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus, is a granted maxime in the case of witness-bearing.

14 For we have heard him say, That this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

That is the Temple; Ieremy had foretold this long ago, and did escape, tho very narrowly, Ier. 26.12, 16. Daniel had Prophesied of the destruction both of the City and Sanctuary, Dan. 9.26. and yet these were in great respect amongst them; and none could speak more plainly of the calling of the Gentiles, than Malachi, Chap. 1.11. and yet when the Apostles came to apply these very things more home, and close, they could not indure them.

Marginal references: Or, Rites.

15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

With an extraordinary lustre and radiancy, above what appears in men, whereby they might be distinguished, as Matth. 28.2, 3. affecting the beholders with admiration; thus Moses his face did shine.