Disputed against him. St. Epiphanius makes Cerintbus, who was the next heresiarch to Simon Magus, the author of this dispute. He likewise says it was he, who excited the Jews against St. Paul, (Acts xxi.) and that the first Council of Jerusalem was convened to condemn him. (St. Epiphanius, hæres. 28... [ Continue Reading ]
_And didst eat with them. The Jews looked upon it as a thing altogether abominable, for them to eat with uncircumcised Gentiles; but St. Peter satisfied them, or silenced them by a plain and sincere recital of his vision, and of what happened at the house of Cornelius. (Witham)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_They held their peace, and glorified God, that the gate of salvation was also opened to the Gentiles. (Witham)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Some of them, at Antioch, spoke also to the Grecians: [1] by which many understand, to the Gentiles, though in most Greek copies we read, to the Hellenists. (Witham)_ [BIBLIOGRAPHY] Ad Græcos, _Greek: pros tous ellenistas, and in some manuscripts Greek: ellenas._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Multitude was added, as before, (chap. x.) a few were added to the visible Church. Ever since Christ's ascension, this Church has been notoriously seen. Of her ministers, their preaching has been open, their sacraments visible, their discipline visible, their persecutions visible, their wonderful i... [ Continue Reading ]
_To seek Saul, who had retired for a while, to his native city, Tarsus. These two remained in Antioch about a year, during which time they reaped a plentiful harvest._... [ Continue Reading ]
At Antioch the disciples were first named Christians, when St. Paul and St. Barnabas were preaching there. Before that, they were called the disciples of Jesus, and sometimes Nazarenes, (see Acts xxiv. 5.) or perhaps Galileans. This honourable name of Christians, distinguished them from Gentiles and... [ Continue Reading ]
_Who dwell in Judea. Most of the faithful in Jerusalem, who wished to live perfect lives, had sold their possessions, and placed the price in the hands of the apostles; and many others, who had not voluntarily relinquished their property, had probably lost most of it in the persecutions. Hence arose... [ Continue Reading ]
Sending it to the ancients; [2] elders, &c. In this and diverse other places, are not to be understood such as were elder in age, but such as had offices and dignities, and by divine authority, and who with a due subordination were to govern the Church: so that by this word, were signified apostles,... [ Continue Reading ]