− 2.We have declared to what end Paul was brought before that assembly, to wit, that Festus might write unto Caesar as he should be counseled by Agrippa and the rest. Therefore, he doth not use any plain or usual form of defense, but doth rather apply his speech unto doctrine. Luke useth indeed a wo... [ Continue Reading ]
− 4._My life which I have led. _He doth not as yet enter into the state of the cause; but because he was wrongfully accused and burdened with many crimes, lest king Agrippa should envy the cause − (610) through hatred of the person, he doth first avouch his innocency. For we know that when a siniste... [ Continue Reading ]
− 6._For the hope of the promise. _He doth now descend into the cause, to wit, that he laboreth for the principal point of faith. And though he seem to have spoken generally of the resurrection, yet we may gather out of the text, that he beginneth with a farther point, and that he did comprehend tho... [ Continue Reading ]
− 7._Whereunto our twelve tribes. _Paul complaineth before Agrippa, that the state of the Church is come to that pass, that the priests set themselves against the common hope of all the faithful; as if he should say, To what end do those of our nation, who worship God carefully, and spend both days... [ Continue Reading ]
− 8._Why should _I do not doubt but that he proved that both by reason, and also by testimonies of Scripture, which he taught concerning the resurrection and the heavenly life. But for good causes doth he call back those unto whom he speaketh unto the power of God, lest they judge thereof according... [ Continue Reading ]
− 9._And I truly. _If Paul had not spoken more things than those which Luke hath hitherto recited, his speech had not hanged well together. − (614) Whence we prove that which was said before, that after that he had spoken of the covenant of God, he intreated of the grace and office of Christ, as th... [ Continue Reading ]
− 10._Which thing I did. _He proveth by his very facts with what force of zeal he was carried away to strive against Christ, until greater force did pull him back, and made him go the quite contrary way. Furthermore, his adversaries were witnesses of this his vehemency, so that it was most certain t... [ Continue Reading ]
− 13._At midday, O king. _The narration tendeth to this end, that king Agrippa may understand that it was no vain visure or ghost, neither was it any such trance as brought him into some madness, so that he was destitute of judgment. − (620) For though he fell to the earth for fear, yet he heareth... [ Continue Reading ]
− 16._But rise. _Christ did throw down Paul that he might humble him; now he lifteth him up, and biddeth him be of good courage. And even we are daily thrown down by his voice to this end, that we may be taught to be modest; but look whom he throweth down, he doth raise the same again gently. And th... [ Continue Reading ]
− 17._Delivering thee. _He is armed in this place against all fear, which was prepared for him; and also he is prepared to bear the cross; notwithstanding, seeing he addeth immediately that Paul should come to lighten the blind, to reconcile those to God which were estranged from him, and to restore... [ Continue Reading ]
− 18._That thou mayest open their eyes. _Paul, in taking to himself that which is proper to God, doth seem to exalt himself too high. For we know that it is the Holy Ghost alone which doth lighten the eyes. We know that Christ is the only Redeemer which doth deliver us from the tyranny of Satan. We... [ Continue Reading ]
− 19.He declareth now briefly to what end he rehearsed the history of his conversion; to wit, that Agrippa and the rest might understand that he had God for his author of all those things which the Jews condemned of sacrilege and apostacy. He speaketh to Agrippa by name, because he knew that Festus... [ Continue Reading ]
− 21._They went about to kill me. _He complaineth in this place of the iniquity of his adversaries, that it may thereby appear that their cause and conscience were both evil. − (623) For if Paul had offended they might have gone to law with him; and even there should they have stand [stood] in bette... [ Continue Reading ]
− 24._Festus said with a loud voice. _This outcry which Festus doth make doth show how much the truth of God prevaileth with the reprobate; to wit, though it be never so plain and evident, yet is it trodden under foot by their pride. For though those things which Paul had alleged out of the law and... [ Continue Reading ]
− 25._I am not mad. _Paul is not angry, neither doth he sharply reprehend Festus for his blasphemous speech; yea, he speaketh unto him with great submission. − (626) For it was no place for reprehension, and it became him to pardon the ignorance of the man, seeing he did not set himself face to fac... [ Continue Reading ]
− 26._For the king hnoweth of these things. _He turneth himself unto Agrippa, in whom there was more hope. And, first, he saith that he knew the history of the things; but he calleth him straightway back to the law and the prophets. For it was to small end for him to know the thing which was done, u... [ Continue Reading ]
− 28._And Agrippa said unto Paul. _The apostle prevailed thus far at least, that he wrung out of king Agrippa a confession, though it were not voluntary, as those use to yield who can no longer resist the truth, or, at least, to show some token of assent. Agrippa’s meaning is, that he will not will... [ Continue Reading ]
− 31._They spake together. _In that Paul is acquitted by the judgment of them all, it turned to the great renown of the gospel. And when Festus agreeth to the rest he condemneth himself, seeing he had brought Paul into such straits through his unjust dealing, by bringing him in danger of his life u... [ Continue Reading ]