Acts 5:1
But a certain man named Ananias — It is certain, not a believer, for all that believed were of one heart and of one soul: probably not baptized; but intending now to offer himself for baptism.... [ Continue Reading ]
But a certain man named Ananias — It is certain, not a believer, for all that believed were of one heart and of one soul: probably not baptized; but intending now to offer himself for baptism.... [ Continue Reading ]
And bringing a certain part — As if it had been the whole: perhaps saying it was so.... [ Continue Reading ]
To lie to the Holy Ghost — Who is in us. And to keep back — Here was the first instance of it. This was the first attempt to bring propriety of goods into the Christian Church.... [ Continue Reading ]
While it remained, did it not remain thine? — It is true, whosoever among the Christians (not one excepted) had houses or lands, sold them, and laid the price at the feet of the apostles. But it was in his own choice to be a Christian or not: and consequently either to sell his land, or keep it. And... [ Continue Reading ]
And Ananias fell down and expired — And this severity was not only just, considering that complication of vain glory, covetousness, fraud, and impiety, which this action contained: but it was also wise and gracious, as it would effectually deter any others from following his example. It was likewise... [ Continue Reading ]
About the space of three hours — How precious a space! The woman had a longer time for repentance.... [ Continue Reading ]
If ye sold the land for so much — Naming the sum.... [ Continue Reading ]
The Church — This is the first time it is mentioned: and here is a native specimen of a New Testament Church; which is a company of men, called by the Gospel, grafted into Christ by baptism, animated by love, united by all kind of fellowship, and disciplined by the death of Ananias and Sapphira.... [ Continue Reading ]
And they were all — All the believers.... [ Continue Reading ]
None of the rest — No formalists or hypocrites, durst join themselves — In an outward show only, like Ananias and Sapphira.... [ Continue Reading ]
But so much the more were true believers added, because unbelievers kept at a distance.... [ Continue Reading ]
The high priest — and the sect of the Sadducees — A goodly company for the priest! He, and these deniers of any angel or resurrection, were filled with zeal — Angry, bitter, persecuting zeal.... [ Continue Reading ]
The words of this — That is, these words of life: words which show the way to life everlasting.... [ Continue Reading ]
We found the prison shut — The angel probably had shut the doors again.... [ Continue Reading ]
They doubted what this should be — They were even at their wits' end. The world, in persecuting the children of God, entangle themselves in numberless difficulties.... [ Continue Reading ]
Did not we strictly command you, not to teach? — See the poor cunning of the enemies of the Gospel. They make laws and interdicts at their pleasure, which those who obey God cannot but break; and then take occasion thereby to censure and punish the innocent, as guilty. Ye would bring the blood of th... [ Continue Reading ]
Then Peter — In the name of all the apostles, said — He does not now give them the titles of honour, which he did before, Acts 4:8; but enters directly upon the subject, and justifies what he had done. This is, as it were, a continuation of that discourse, but with an increase of severity.... [ Continue Reading ]
Hath raised up Jesus — Of the seed of David, according to the promises made to our fathers.... [ Continue Reading ]
Him hath God exalted — From the grave to heaven; to give repentance — Whereby Jesus is received as a Prince; and forgiveness of sins — Whereby he is received as a Saviour. Hence some infer, that repentance and faith are as mere gifts as remission of sins. Not so: for man co — operates in the former,... [ Continue Reading ]
And also the Holy Ghost — A much greater witness.... [ Continue Reading ]
But a certain Pharisee — And as such believing the resurrection of the dead; a doctor, or teacher of the law — That is, a scribe, and indeed one of the highest rank; had in honour by all the people — Except the Sadducees; rising up in the council — So God can raise defenders of his servants, whensoe... [ Continue Reading ]
Before these days — He prudently mentions the facts first, and then makes the inference.... [ Continue Reading ]
Let them alone — In a cause which is manifestly good, we should immediately join. In a cause, on the other hand, which is manifestly evil, we should immediately oppose. But in a sudden, new, doubtful occurrence, this advice is eminently useful. If this counsel or this work — He seems to correct hims... [ Continue Reading ]
Rejoicing — to suffer shame — This is a sure mark of the truth, joy in affliction, such is true, deep, pure.... [ Continue Reading ]