BARNABAS AND SAUL, DIVINELY CALLED TO LABOR AMONG THE GENTILES, ARE SET APART AND SENT FORTH BY THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH. (Act 13:1-3) there were . . . certain prophets--(See on Act 11:27). and teachers; as Barnabas, &c.…
1Había entonces en la iglesia que estaba en Antioquía, profetas y maestros: Bernabé, Simón el que se llamaba Niger, Lucio de Cirene, Manaén el que se había criado junto con Herodes el tetrarca, y Saulo.
2Ministrando estos al Señor, y ayunando, dijo el Espíritu Santo: Apartadme a Bernabé y a Saulo para la obra a que los he llamado.
3Entonces, habiendo ayunado y orado, les impusieron las manos y los despidieron.
4Ellos, entonces, enviados por el Espíritu Santo, descendieron a Seleucia, y de allí navegaron a Chipre.
5Y llegados a Salamina, anunciaban la palabra de Dios en las sinagogas de los judíos. Tenían también a Juan de ayudante.
6Y habiendo atravesado toda la isla hasta Pafos, hallaron a cierto mago, falso profeta, judío, llamado Barjesús,
7que estaba con el procónsul Sergio Paulo, varón prudente. Este, llamando a Bernabé y a Saulo, deseaba oír la palabra de Dios.
8Pero les resistía Elimas, el mago (pues así se traduce su nombre), procurando apartar de la fe al procónsul.
9Entonces Saulo, que también es Pablo, lleno del Espíritu Santo, fijando en él los ojos,
10dijo: ¡Oh, lleno de todo engaño y de toda maldad, hijo del diablo, enemigo de toda justicia! ¿No cesarás de trastornar los caminos rectos del Señor?
11Ahora, pues, he aquí la mano del Señor está contra ti, y serás ciego, y no verás el sol por algún tiempo. E inmediatamente cayeron sobre él oscuridad y tinieblas; y andando alrededor, buscaba quien le condujese de la mano.
12Entonces el procónsul, viendo lo que había sucedido, creyó, maravillado de la doctrina del Señor.
13Habiendo zarpado de Pafos, Pablo y sus compañeros arribaron a Perge de Panfilia; pero Juan, apartándose de ellos, volvió a Jerusalén.
14Ellos, pasando de Perge, llegaron a Antioquía de Pisidia; y entraron en la sinagoga un día de reposo y se sentaron.
15Y después de la lectura de la ley y de los profetas, los principales de la sinagoga mandaron a decirles: Varones hermanos, si tenéis alguna palabra de exhortación para el pueblo, hablad.
16Entonces Pablo, levantándose, hecha señal de silencio con la mano, dijo: Varones israelitas, y los que teméis a Dios, oíd:
17El Dios de este pueblo de Israel escogió a nuestros padres, y enalteció al pueblo, siendo ellos extranjeros en tierra de Egipto, y con brazo levantado los sacó de ella.
18Y por un tiempo como de cuarenta años los soportó en el desierto;
19y habiendo destruido siete naciones en la tierra de Canaán, les dio en herencia su territorio.
20Después, como por cuatrocientos cincuenta años, les dio jueces hasta el profeta Samuel.
21Luego pidieron rey, y Dios les dio a Saúl hijo de Cis, varón de la tribu de Benjamín, por cuarenta años.
22Quitado este, les levantó por rey a David, de quien dio también testimonio diciendo: He hallado a David hijo de Isaí, varón conforme a mi corazón, quien hará todo lo que yo quiero.
23De la descendencia de este, y conforme a la promesa, Dios levantó a Jesús por Salvador a Israel.
24Antes de su venida, predicó Juan el bautismo de arrepentimiento a todo el pueblo de Israel.
25Mas cuando Juan terminaba su carrera, dijo: ¿Quién pensáis que soy? No soy yo él; mas he aquí viene tras mí uno de quien no soy digno de desatar el calzado de los pies.
26Varones hermanos, hijos del linaje de Abraham, y los que entre vosotros teméis a Dios, a vosotros es enviada la palabra de esta salvación.
27Porque los habitantes de Jerusalén y sus gobernantes, no conociendo a Jesús, ni las palabras de los profetas que se leen todos los días de reposo, las cumplieron al condenarle.
28Y sin hallar en él causa digna de muerte, pidieron a Pilato que se le matase.
29Y habiendo cumplido todas las cosas que de él estaban escritas, quitándolo del madero, lo pusieron en el sepulcro.
30Mas Dios le levantó de los muertos.
31Y él se apareció durante muchos días a los que habían subido juntamente con él de Galilea a Jerusalén, los cuales ahora son sus testigos ante el pueblo.
32Y nosotros también os anunciamos el evangelio de aquella promesa hecha a nuestros padres,
33la cual Dios ha cumplido a los hijos de ellos, a nosotros, resucitando a Jesús; como está escrito también en el salmo segundo: Mi hijo eres tú, yo te he engendrado hoy.
34Y en cuanto a que le levantó de los muertos para nunca más volver a corrupción, lo dijo así: Os daré las misericordias fieles de David.
35Por eso dice también en otro salmo: No permitirás que tu Santo vea corrupción.
36Porque a la verdad David, habiendo servido a su propia generación según la voluntad de Dios, durmió, y fue reunido con sus padres, y vio corrupción.
37Mas aquel a quien Dios levantó, no vio corrupción.
38Sabed, pues, esto, varones hermanos: que por medio de él se os anuncia perdón de pecados,
39y que de todo aquello de que por la ley de Moisés no pudisteis ser justificados, en él es justificado todo aquel que cree.
40Mirad, pues, que no venga sobre vosotros lo que está dicho en los profetas:
41Mirad, oh menospreciadores, y asombraos, y desapareced; Porque yo hago una obra en vuestros días, Obra que no creeréis, si alguien os la contare.
42Cuando salieron ellos de la sinagoga de los judíos, los gentiles les rogaron que el siguiente día de reposo les hablasen de estas cosas.
43Y despedida la congregación, muchos de los judíos y de los prosélitos piadosos siguieron a Pablo y a Bernabé, quienes hablándoles, les persuadían a que perseverasen en la gracia de Dios.
44El siguiente día de reposo se juntó casi toda la ciudad para oír la palabra de Dios.
45Pero viendo los judíos la muchedumbre, se llenaron de celos, y rebatían lo que Pablo decía, contradiciendo y blasfemando.
46Entonces Pablo y Bernabé, hablando con denuedo, dijeron: A vosotros a la verdad era necesario que se os hablase primero la palabra de Dios; mas puesto que la desecháis, y no os juzgáis dignos de la vida eterna, he aquí, nos volvemos a los gentiles.
47Porque así nos ha mandado el Señor, diciendo: Te he puesto para luz de los gentiles, A fin de que seas para salvación hasta lo último de la tierra.
48Los gentiles, oyendo esto, se regocijaban y glorificaban la palabra del Señor, y creyeron todos los que estaban ordenados para vida eterna.
49Y la palabra del Señor se difundía por toda aquella provincia.
50Pero los judíos instigaron a mujeres piadosas y distinguidas, y a los principales de la ciudad, y levantaron persecución contra Pablo y Bernabé, y los expulsaron de sus límites.
51Ellos entonces, sacudiendo contra ellos el polvo de sus pies, llegaron a Iconio.
52Y los discípulos estaban llenos de gozo y del Espíritu Santo.
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
I
Versículo 2
I. As they ministered to the Lord--The word denotes the performance of official duties of any kind, …
As they ministered to the Lord--The word denotes the performance of official duties of any kind, and was used to express the priestly functions under the Old Testament. Here it signifies the corresponding ministrations of the Christian Church.
and fasted--As this was done in other cases on special occasions (Act 13:3, Act 13:14, Act 13:23), it is not improbable that they had been led to expect some such prophetic announcement at this time.
the Holy Ghost said--through some of the prophets mentioned in Act 13:1.
Separate me--So Rom 1:1.
for the work whereunto I have called them--by some communication, perhaps, to themselves: in the case of Saul at least, such a designation was indicated from the first (Act 22:21). Note.--While the personality of the Holy Ghost is manifest from this language, His supreme divinity will appear equally so by comparing it with Heb 5:4.
II
Versículo 3
II. laid their hands on them--(See on Act 6:6) --"recommending them to the grace of God for the work …
laid their hands on them--(See on Act 6:6) --"recommending them to the grace of God for the work which they had to fulfil" (Act 14:26).
sent them away--with the double call--of the Spirit first, and next of the Church. So clothed, their mission is thus described: "They being sent forth by the Holy Ghost." Have we not here for all time the true principle of appointment to sacred offices?
III
Versículo 4
III. ARRIVING IN CYPRUS THEY PREACH IN THE SYNAGOGUES OF SALAMIS--AT PAPHOS, ELYMAS IS STRUCK BLIND, A…
ARRIVING IN CYPRUS THEY PREACH IN THE SYNAGOGUES OF SALAMIS--AT PAPHOS, ELYMAS IS STRUCK BLIND, AND THE GOVERNOR OF THE ISLAND IS CONVERTED. (Act 13:4-12)
departed unto Seleucia--the seaport of Antioch, from which it lay nearly due west fifteen miles, and five from the Mediterranean shore, on the river Orontes.
thence sailed to Cyprus--whose high mountain summits are easily seen in clear weather from the coast [COLONEL CHESNEY in HOWSON]. "Four reasons may have induced them to turn in first to this island: (1) Its nearness to the mainland; (2) It was the native place of Barnabas, and since the time when Andrew found his brother Simon, and brought him to Jesus, and "Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus," family ties had not been without effect on the progress of the Gospel. (3) It could not be unnatural to suppose that the truth would be welcomed in Cyprus when brought by Barnabas and his kinsman Mark, to their own connections or friends. The Jews were numerous in Salamis. By sailing to that city, they were following the track of the synagogues; and though their mission was chiefly to the Gentiles, their surest course for reaching them was through the proselytes and Hellenizing Jews. (4) Some of the Cypriotes were already Christians. Indeed, no one place out of Palestine, except Antioch, had been so honorably associated with the work of successful evangelization" [HOWSON].
IV
Versículo 5
IV. and when they were at Salamis--the Grecian capital of the island, on the eastern side, and not ma…
and when they were at Salamis--the Grecian capital of the island, on the eastern side, and not many hours' sail from Seleucia. At this busy mercantile port immense numbers of Jews were settled, which accounts for what is here said, that they had more than one synagogue, in which Barnabas and Saul preached, while other cities had one only.
they had . . . John--Mark.
to their minister--"for their officer". (See on Luk 4:20). With what fruit they preached here is not said. Probably their feeling was what Paul afterwards expressed at Antioch in Pisidia (Act 13:46).
V
Versículo 6
V. when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos--on the opposite or west side of the island, abou…
when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos--on the opposite or west side of the island, about one hundred miles by land, along the south coast; the Roman capital, where the governor resided.
they found a . . . sorcerer--one of a numerous class of impostors who, at this time of general unbelief, were encouraged even by cultivated Romans.
VI
Versículo 7
VI. Which was with the deputy--properly, "the proconsul." This name was reserved for the governors of…
Which was with the deputy--properly, "the proconsul." This name was reserved for the governors of settled provinces, which were placed under the Roman Senate, and is never given in the New Testament to Pilate, Felix, or Festus, who were but procurators, or subordinate administrators of unsettled, imperial, military provinces. Now as Augustus reserved Cyprus for himself, its governor would in that case have been not a proconsul, but simply a procurator, had not the emperor afterwards restored it to the Senate, as a Roman historian [DIO CASSIUS] expressly states. In most striking confirmation of this minute accuracy of the sacred historian, coins have actually been found in the island, stamped with the names of proconsuls, both in Greek and Latin [AKERMAN, Numismatic Illustrations of the New Testament]. (GROTIUS and BENGEL, not aware of this, have missed the mark here).
Sergius Paulus, a prudent man--an intelligent man, who thirsting for truth, sent for Barnabas and Saul, desiring ("earnestly desiring") to hear the Word of God.
VII
Versículo 8
VII. But Elymas--or "the wise."
But Elymas--or "the wise."
for so is his name by interpretation--the word is from the Arabic.
withstood them--perceiving, probably, how eagerly the proconsul was drinking in the word, and fearing a dismissal. (Compare Ti2 3:8).
VIII
Versículo 9
VIII. Then Saul . . . also . . . called Paul--and henceforward Paul only; a softening of his former nam…
Then Saul . . . also . . . called Paul--and henceforward Paul only; a softening of his former name, in accommodation to Roman ears, and (as the word signifies "little") probably with allusion as elsewhere to his insignificance of stature and appearance (Co2 10:1, Co2 10:10) [WEBSTER and WILKINSON].
filled with the Holy Ghost--the Spirit coming mightily upon him.
set his eyes on him and said--Henceforward Barnabas sinks into the background. The whole soul of his great colleague, now drawn out, as never before, shoots, by the lightning gaze of his eye, through the dark and tortuous spirit of the sorcerer. What a picture!
IX
Versículo 10
IX. full of all subtlety--referring to his magic arts.
full of all subtlety--referring to his magic arts.
and all malice--The word signifies "readiness for anything," knavish dexterity.
thou child of the devil . . . enemy of all righteousness--These were not words of passion, for immediately before uttering them, it is said he was "filled with the Holy Ghost" [CHRYSOSTOM].
wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord--referring to his having to that hour made a trade of leading his fellow creatures astray.
X
Versículo 11
X. the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind for a season--the judgment being merci…
the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind for a season--the judgment being mercifully designed to lead him to repentance. The tradition that it did is hardly to be depended on.
there fell on him a mist, &c.--This is in Luke's medical style.
XI
Versículo 12
XI. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lor…
Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord--so marvellously attested; compare Mar 1:27. What fruit, if any, followed this remarkable conversion, or how long after it the missionaries remained at Paphos, we know not.
XII
Versículo 13
XII. AT PERGA JOHN MARK FORSAKES THEM--AT ANTIOCH IN PISIDIA, PAUL PREACHES WITH GLORIOUS EFFECT--THE …
AT PERGA JOHN MARK FORSAKES THEM--AT ANTIOCH IN PISIDIA, PAUL PREACHES WITH GLORIOUS EFFECT--THE JEWS, ENRAGED, EXPEL THEM OUT OF THEM COASTS. (Acts 13:13-52)
they came to Perga in Pamphylia--The distance from Paphos to Attalia, on the Gulf of Pamphylia (see on Act 14:25), sailing in a northwest direction, is not much greater than from Seleucia to Salamis on the east. Perga was the metropolis of Pamphylia, on the river Cestrus, and about seven miles inland from Attalia.
and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem--As Paul afterwards peremptorily refused to take Mark with him on his second missionary journey, because he "had departed [or 'fallen off'] from them and had not gone with them to the work" (Act 15:38), there can be no doubt that he had either wearied of it or been deterred by the prospect of the dangers which lay before him. (But see on Act 15:37, &c.).
XIII
Versículo 14
XIII. departed from Perga--apparently without making any stay or doing any work: compare the different …
departed from Perga--apparently without making any stay or doing any work: compare the different language of Act 14:25, and see immediately below.
came to Antioch in Pisidia--usually so called, to distinguish it from Antioch in Syria, from which they had started, though it actually lies in Phrygia, and almost due north from Perga. It was a long journey, and as it lay almost entirely through rugged mountain passes, while "rivers burst out at the base of huge cliffs, or dash down wildly through narrow ravines," it must have been a perilous one. The whole region was, and to this day is, infested by robbers, as ancient history and modern travels abundantly attest; and there can be but little doubt that to this very journey Paul many years after alludes, when he speaks amidst his "journeyings often," of his "perils of rivers" (as the word is), and his "perils of robbers" (Co2 11:26). If this journey were taken in May--and earlier than that the passes would have been blocked up with snow--it would account for their not staying at Perga, whose hot streets are then deserted; "men, women, and children, flocks, herds, camels, and asses, all ascending at the beginning of the hot season from the plains to the cool basin-like hollows on the mountains, moving in the same direction with our missionaries" [HOWSON].
XIV
Versículo 15
XIV. Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand--as was his manner on such occasions (Act 21:40; …
Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand--as was his manner on such occasions (Act 21:40; and see Act 26:1).
Men of Israel, and ye that fear God--by the latter expression meaning religious proselytes, who united with the Jews in all acts of ordinary worship.
and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in Egypt--by marvellous interpositions for them in their deepest depression.
XV
Versículo 18
XV. forty years suffered he their manners--rather, according to what appears the true reading, "cheri…
forty years suffered he their manners--rather, according to what appears the true reading, "cherished he them" (as a nurse the infant in her bosom).
16
Versículo 20
16. after that he gave . . . judges . . . about the space of four hundred and fifty years--As this ap…
after that he gave . . . judges . . . about the space of four hundred and fifty years--As this appears to contradict Kg1 6:1, various solutions have been proposed. Taking the words as they stand in the Greek, thus, "after that, by the space of four hundred fifty years, He gave judges," the meaning may be, that about four hundred fifty years elapsed from the time of the covenant with Abraham until the period of the judges; which is historically correct, the word "about" showing that chronological exactness was not aimed at. But taking the sense to be as in our version, that it was the period of the judges itself which lasted about four hundred fifty years, this statement also will appear historically correct, if we include in it the interval of subjection to foreign powers which occurred during the period of the judges, and understand it to describe the whole period from the settlement of the tribes in Canaan to the establishment of royalty. Thus, from the Exodus to the building of the temple were five hundred ninety-two years [JOSEPHUS, Antiquities, 8.3.1]; deduct forty years in the wilderness; twenty-five years of Joshua's rule [JOSEPHUS, Antiquities, 5.1.29]; forty years of Saul's reign (Act 13:2); forty of David's and the first four years of Solomon's reign (Kg1 6:1), and there remain, just four hundred forty-three years; or, in round numbers, "about four hundred fifty years."
17
Versículo 21
17. God gave . . . them Saul . . . of the tribe of Benjamin--That the speaker was himself of the same…
God gave . . . them Saul . . . of the tribe of Benjamin--That the speaker was himself of the same name and of the same tribe, has often been noticed as in all likelihood present to the apostle's mind while speaking.
forty years--With this length of Saul's reign (not mentioned in the Old Testament), JOSEPHUS coincides [Antiquities, 6.14.9].
18
Versículo 22
18. I have found David, &c.--This quotation is the substance of Psa 89:20; Sa1 13:14; and perhaps als…
I have found David, &c.--This quotation is the substance of Psa 89:20; Sa1 13:14; and perhaps also of Psa 78:70-72.
19
Versículo 23
19. Of this man's seed hath God, according to . . . promise, raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus--The…
Of this man's seed hath God, according to . . . promise, raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus--The emphasis on this statement lies: (1) in the seed from which Christ sprang--David's--and the promise to that effect, which was thus fulfilled; (2) on the character in which this promised Christ was given of God--"a SAVIOUR." His personal name "JESUS" is emphatically added, as designed to express that very character. (See on Mat 1:21).
20
Versículo 26
20. children . . . of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God--Gentile proselytes.
children . . . of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God--Gentile proselytes.
to you is the word of this salvation sent--both being regarded as one class, as "the Jew first," to whom the Gospel was to be addressed in the first instance.
21
Versículo 27
21. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, &c.--The apostle h…
For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, &c.--The apostle here speaks as if the more immediate guilt of Christ's death lay with the rulers and people of the metropolis, to which he fondly hoped that those residing at such a distance as Antioch would not set their seal.
22
Versículo 28
22. found no cause of death--though they sought it (Mat 26:59-60).
found no cause of death--though they sought it (Mat 26:59-60).
23
Versículo 29
23. they took him down . . . and laid him in a sepulchre--Though the burial of Christ was an act of h…
they took him down . . . and laid him in a sepulchre--Though the burial of Christ was an act of honor and love to Him by the disciples to whom the body was committed, yet since His enemies looked after it and obtained a guard of soldiers to keep watch over it as the remains of their own victim, the apostle regards this as the last manifestation on their part of enmity to the Saviour, that they might see how God laughed all their precautions to scorn by "raising Him from the dead."
24
Versículo 31
24. he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, &c.--that is, by …
he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, &c.--that is, by those who, having gone out and in with Him in closest intimacy during all His public ministry, which lay chiefly in Galilee, and having accompanied Him on His last journey to Jerusalem, could not possibly be mistaken as to the identity of the risen One, and were therefore unexceptionable and sufficient witnesses.
25
Versículo 33
25. God hath fulfilled the same--"hath completely fulfilled."
God hath fulfilled the same--"hath completely fulfilled."
in that he hath raised up Jesus again--literally, "raised up"; but the meaning is (notwithstanding the contrary opinion of many excellent interpreters) "from the dead"; as the context plainly shows.
as it is written in the second psalm--in many manuscripts "the first Psalm"; what we call the first being regarded by the ancient Jews as only an introduction to the Psalter, which was considered to begin with the second.
this day have I begotten thee--As the apostle in Rom 1:4 regards the resurrection of Christ merely as the manifestation of a prior Sonship, which he afterwards (Act 8:32) represents as essential, it is plain that this is his meaning here. (Such declarative meaning of the verb "to be" is familiar to every reader of the Bible). See Joh 15:8, "So shall ye be," that is, be seen to be "My disciples." It is against the whole sense of the New Testament to ascribe the origin of Christ's Sonship to His resurrection.
26
Versículo 34
26. now no more to return to corruption--that is, to the grave where death reigns; and compare Rom 6:…
now no more to return to corruption--that is, to the grave where death reigns; and compare Rom 6:9, "Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more, death hath no more dominion over him."
I will give you the sure mercies of David-- (Isa 55:3). The word rendered "mercies" is peculiar, denoting the sanctity of them, as comprehending the whole riches of the new covenant; while the other word, "sure," points to the certainty with which they would, through David's Seed, be at length all substantiated. See on Joh 1:14. But how do these words prove the resurrection of Christ? "They presuppose it; for since an eternal kingdom was promised to David, the Ruler of this kingdom could not remain under the power of death. But to strengthen the indefinite prediction by one more definite, the apostle adduces Psa 16:10, of which Peter had given the same explanation (see on Act 2:27; Act 2:30-31), both apostles denying the possibility of its proper reference to David" [OLSHAUSEN].
27
Versículo 36
27. For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God--rather, "served," in his ow…
For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God--rather, "served," in his own generation, the will (or "counsel") of God; yielding himself an instrument for the accomplishment of God's high designs, and in this respect being emphatically "the man after God's own heart." This done, he "fell asleep, and was gathered to his fathers, and saw corruption." David, therefore (argues the apostle), could not be the subject of his own prediction, which had its proper fulfilment only in the resurrection of the uncorrupted body of the Son of God, emphatically God's "Holy One."
28
Versículo 38
28. the forgiveness of sins--the first necessity of the sinner, and so the first experienced blessing…
the forgiveness of sins--the first necessity of the sinner, and so the first experienced blessing of the Gospel.
29
Versículo 39
29. by him all that believe are justified from all things--The sense requires that a pause in the sen…
by him all that believe are justified from all things--The sense requires that a pause in the sentence be made here: "By him the believer is absolved from all charges of the law." What follows,
from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses--is not an exceptional but an explanatory clause. The meaning is not, "Though the law justifies from many things, it cannot justify from all things, but Christ makes up all deficiencies"; but the meaning is, "By Christ the believer is justified from all things, whereas the law justifies from nothing." (Note.--The deeper sense of justification, the positive side of it, is reserved for the Epistles, addressed to the justified themselves: and whereas it is the resurrection of Christ here, and throughout the Acts chiefly, which is dwelt on, because the first thing in order to bring peace to the guilty through Christ was to establish His Messiahship by His resurrection, in the Epistles to believers His death as the way of reconciliation is fully unfolded).
30
Versículo 40
30. Beware, therefore, &c.--By this awful warning of the Old Testament the apostle would fain "shut t…
Beware, therefore, &c.--By this awful warning of the Old Testament the apostle would fain "shut them up unto the faith."
31
Versículo 41
31. ye will not believe though a man declare it unto you--that is, even on unexceptionable testimony.…
ye will not believe though a man declare it unto you--that is, even on unexceptionable testimony. The words, from Hab 1:5, were originally a merciful but fruitless warning against the approaching destruction of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans and the Babylonish captivity. As such nothing could more fitly describe the more awful calamity impending over the generation which the apostle addressed.
32
Versículo 42
32. And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be…
And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath--rather (according to what is beyond doubt the true reading), "Now, as they were going out [of the synagogue], they besought"--that is, not the Gentiles, whose case comes in afterwards, but the mixed congregation of Jews and proselytes, to whom the discourse had been addressed, entreated to have another hearing of such truths; those of them, that is, who had been impressed. "And after the breaking up of the synagogue, many of" both classes, Jews and religious; proselytes, followed Paul and Barnabas (observe, from this time forward, the inverted order of these names; except Act 14:14; Act 13:7; Act 12:25; see on Act 14:14; Act 13:7; Act 12:25). These names evidently been won to the Gospel by what they had heard, and felt a clinging to their spiritual benefactors.
33
Versículo 43
33. who, speaking to them--following up the discourse in the synagogue by some further words of encou…
who, speaking to them--following up the discourse in the synagogue by some further words of encouragement.
persuaded them to continue in the grace of God--which they had experienced through the Gospel. (Compare Act 11:23).
34
Versículo 44
34. the next sabbath came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God--the intervening day…
the next sabbath came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God--the intervening days having been spent in further inquiry and instruction, and the excitement reaching the Gentiles, who now for the first time crowded, along with the usual worshippers, into the synagogue.
35
Versículo 45
35. But when the Jews--those zealots of exclusive Judaism.
But when the Jews--those zealots of exclusive Judaism.
saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy--rather, "indignation," and broke out in their usual manner.
contradicting and blaspheming--There is nothing more awful than Jewish fury and execration of the name of Jesus of Nazareth, when thoroughly roused.
36
Versículo 46
36. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, &c.--This is in the highest style of a last and sole…
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, &c.--This is in the highest style of a last and solemn protestation.
It was necessary that the word should first have been spoken to you--See the direction of Christ in Luk 24:47; also Rom 1:16.
since ye judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life--pass sentence upon yourselves.
37
Versículo 47
37. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, &c.--These and other predictions must have been long b…
For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, &c.--These and other predictions must have been long before this brought vividly home to Paul's mind in connection with his special vocation to the Gentiles.
I have set thee--that is, Messiah; from which Paul inferred that he was but following out this destination of his Lord, in transferring to the Gentiles those "unsearchable riches" which were now by the Jews rejected and despised.
38
Versículo 48
38. when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad--to perceive that their accession to Christ was a ma…
when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad--to perceive that their accession to Christ was a matter of divine arrangement as well as apostolic effort.
and glorified the word of the Lord--by a cordial reception of it.
and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed--a very remarkable statement, which cannot, without force, be interpreted of anything lower than this, that a divine ordination to eternal life is the cause, not the effect, of any man's believing.
39
Versículo 49
39. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region--implying some stay in Antioch a…
And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region--implying some stay in Antioch and missionary activity in its vicinity.
40
Versículo 50
40. the devout and honourable women--female proselytes of distinction, jaundiced against the new prea…
the devout and honourable women--female proselytes of distinction, jaundiced against the new preachers by those Jewish ecclesiastics to whom they had learned to look up. The potent influence of the female character both for and against the truth is seen in every age of the Church's history.
expelled them--an easier thing than to refute them.
41
Versículo 51
41. shook off the dust of their feet against them--as directed (Mat 10:14).
shook off the dust of their feet against them--as directed (Mat 10:14).
came unto Iconium--a populous city about forty-five miles southeast from Pisidian Antioch: at the foot of Mount Taurus; on the borders of Lycaonia, Phrygia, and Pisidia; and in later times largely contributing to the consolidation of the Turkish empire.
42
Versículo 52
42. the disciples--who, though not themselves expelled, had to endure sufferings for the Gospel, as w…
the disciples--who, though not themselves expelled, had to endure sufferings for the Gospel, as we learn from Act 14:22.
were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost--who not only raised them above shame and fear, as professed disciples of the Lord Jesus, but filled them with holy and elevated emotions.
Next: Acts Chapter 14
Nuevo Testamento
Acts — Capítulo 13
BARNABAS AND SAUL, DIVINELY CALLED TO LABOR AMONG THE GENTILES, ARE SET APART AND SENT FORTH BY THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH. (Act 13:1-3) there were . . . certain prophets--(See on Act 11:27). and teachers; as Barnabas, &c.…
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Había entonces en la iglesia que estaba en Antioquía, profetas y maestros: Bernabé, Simón el que se llamaba Niger, Lucio de Cirene, Manaén el que se había criado junto con Herodes el tetrarca, y Saulo.
2Ministrando estos al Señor, y ayunando, dijo el Espíritu Santo: Apartadme a Bernabé y a Saulo para la obra a que los he llamado.
3Entonces, habiendo ayunado y orado, les impusieron las manos y los despidieron.
4Ellos, entonces, enviados por el Espíritu Santo, descendieron a Seleucia, y de allí navegaron a Chipre.
5Y llegados a Salamina, anunciaban la palabra de Dios en las sinagogas de los judíos. Tenían también a Juan de ayudante.
6Y habiendo atravesado toda la isla hasta Pafos, hallaron a cierto mago, falso profeta, judío, llamado Barjesús,
7que estaba con el procónsul Sergio Paulo, varón prudente. Este, llamando a Bernabé y a Saulo, deseaba oír la palabra de Dios.
8Pero les resistía Elimas, el mago (pues así se traduce su nombre), procurando apartar de la fe al procónsul.
9Entonces Saulo, que también es Pablo, lleno del Espíritu Santo, fijando en él los ojos,
10dijo: ¡Oh, lleno de todo engaño y de toda maldad, hijo del diablo, enemigo de toda justicia! ¿No cesarás de trastornar los caminos rectos del Señor?
11Ahora, pues, he aquí la mano del Señor está contra ti, y serás ciego, y no verás el sol por algún tiempo. E inmediatamente cayeron sobre él oscuridad y tinieblas; y andando alrededor, buscaba quien le condujese de la mano.
12Entonces el procónsul, viendo lo que había sucedido, creyó, maravillado de la doctrina del Señor.
13Habiendo zarpado de Pafos, Pablo y sus compañeros arribaron a Perge de Panfilia; pero Juan, apartándose de ellos, volvió a Jerusalén.
14Ellos, pasando de Perge, llegaron a Antioquía de Pisidia; y entraron en la sinagoga un día de reposo y se sentaron.
15Y después de la lectura de la ley y de los profetas, los principales de la sinagoga mandaron a decirles: Varones hermanos, si tenéis alguna palabra de exhortación para el pueblo, hablad.
16Entonces Pablo, levantándose, hecha señal de silencio con la mano, dijo: Varones israelitas, y los que teméis a Dios, oíd:
17El Dios de este pueblo de Israel escogió a nuestros padres, y enalteció al pueblo, siendo ellos extranjeros en tierra de Egipto, y con brazo levantado los sacó de ella.
18Y por un tiempo como de cuarenta años los soportó en el desierto;
19y habiendo destruido siete naciones en la tierra de Canaán, les dio en herencia su territorio.
20Después, como por cuatrocientos cincuenta años, les dio jueces hasta el profeta Samuel.
21Luego pidieron rey, y Dios les dio a Saúl hijo de Cis, varón de la tribu de Benjamín, por cuarenta años.
22Quitado este, les levantó por rey a David, de quien dio también testimonio diciendo: He hallado a David hijo de Isaí, varón conforme a mi corazón, quien hará todo lo que yo quiero.
23De la descendencia de este, y conforme a la promesa, Dios levantó a Jesús por Salvador a Israel.
24Antes de su venida, predicó Juan el bautismo de arrepentimiento a todo el pueblo de Israel.
25Mas cuando Juan terminaba su carrera, dijo: ¿Quién pensáis que soy? No soy yo él; mas he aquí viene tras mí uno de quien no soy digno de desatar el calzado de los pies.
26Varones hermanos, hijos del linaje de Abraham, y los que entre vosotros teméis a Dios, a vosotros es enviada la palabra de esta salvación.
27Porque los habitantes de Jerusalén y sus gobernantes, no conociendo a Jesús, ni las palabras de los profetas que se leen todos los días de reposo, las cumplieron al condenarle.
28Y sin hallar en él causa digna de muerte, pidieron a Pilato que se le matase.
29Y habiendo cumplido todas las cosas que de él estaban escritas, quitándolo del madero, lo pusieron en el sepulcro.
30Mas Dios le levantó de los muertos.
31Y él se apareció durante muchos días a los que habían subido juntamente con él de Galilea a Jerusalén, los cuales ahora son sus testigos ante el pueblo.
32Y nosotros también os anunciamos el evangelio de aquella promesa hecha a nuestros padres,
33la cual Dios ha cumplido a los hijos de ellos, a nosotros, resucitando a Jesús; como está escrito también en el salmo segundo: Mi hijo eres tú, yo te he engendrado hoy.
34Y en cuanto a que le levantó de los muertos para nunca más volver a corrupción, lo dijo así: Os daré las misericordias fieles de David.
35Por eso dice también en otro salmo: No permitirás que tu Santo vea corrupción.
36Porque a la verdad David, habiendo servido a su propia generación según la voluntad de Dios, durmió, y fue reunido con sus padres, y vio corrupción.
37Mas aquel a quien Dios levantó, no vio corrupción.
38Sabed, pues, esto, varones hermanos: que por medio de él se os anuncia perdón de pecados,
39y que de todo aquello de que por la ley de Moisés no pudisteis ser justificados, en él es justificado todo aquel que cree.
40Mirad, pues, que no venga sobre vosotros lo que está dicho en los profetas:
41Mirad, oh menospreciadores, y asombraos, y desapareced; Porque yo hago una obra en vuestros días, Obra que no creeréis, si alguien os la contare.
42Cuando salieron ellos de la sinagoga de los judíos, los gentiles les rogaron que el siguiente día de reposo les hablasen de estas cosas.
43Y despedida la congregación, muchos de los judíos y de los prosélitos piadosos siguieron a Pablo y a Bernabé, quienes hablándoles, les persuadían a que perseverasen en la gracia de Dios.
44El siguiente día de reposo se juntó casi toda la ciudad para oír la palabra de Dios.
45Pero viendo los judíos la muchedumbre, se llenaron de celos, y rebatían lo que Pablo decía, contradiciendo y blasfemando.
46Entonces Pablo y Bernabé, hablando con denuedo, dijeron: A vosotros a la verdad era necesario que se os hablase primero la palabra de Dios; mas puesto que la desecháis, y no os juzgáis dignos de la vida eterna, he aquí, nos volvemos a los gentiles.
47Porque así nos ha mandado el Señor, diciendo: Te he puesto para luz de los gentiles, A fin de que seas para salvación hasta lo último de la tierra.
48Los gentiles, oyendo esto, se regocijaban y glorificaban la palabra del Señor, y creyeron todos los que estaban ordenados para vida eterna.
49Y la palabra del Señor se difundía por toda aquella provincia.
50Pero los judíos instigaron a mujeres piadosas y distinguidas, y a los principales de la ciudad, y levantaron persecución contra Pablo y Bernabé, y los expulsaron de sus límites.
51Ellos entonces, sacudiendo contra ellos el polvo de sus pies, llegaron a Iconio.
52Y los discípulos estaban llenos de gozo y del Espíritu Santo.
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
Versículo 2
I. As they ministered to the Lord--The word denotes the performance of official duties of any kind, …
Versículo 3
II. laid their hands on them--(See on Act 6:6) --"recommending them to the grace of God for the work …
Versículo 4
III. ARRIVING IN CYPRUS THEY PREACH IN THE SYNAGOGUES OF SALAMIS--AT PAPHOS, ELYMAS IS STRUCK BLIND, A…
Versículo 5
IV. and when they were at Salamis--the Grecian capital of the island, on the eastern side, and not ma…
Versículo 6
V. when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos--on the opposite or west side of the island, abou…
Versículo 7
VI. Which was with the deputy--properly, "the proconsul." This name was reserved for the governors of…
Versículo 8
VII. But Elymas--or "the wise."
Versículo 9
VIII. Then Saul . . . also . . . called Paul--and henceforward Paul only; a softening of his former nam…
Versículo 10
IX. full of all subtlety--referring to his magic arts.
Versículo 11
X. the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind for a season--the judgment being merci…
Versículo 12
XI. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lor…
Versículo 13
XII. AT PERGA JOHN MARK FORSAKES THEM--AT ANTIOCH IN PISIDIA, PAUL PREACHES WITH GLORIOUS EFFECT--THE …
Versículo 14
XIII. departed from Perga--apparently without making any stay or doing any work: compare the different …
Versículo 15
XIV. Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand--as was his manner on such occasions (Act 21:40; …
Versículo 18
XV. forty years suffered he their manners--rather, according to what appears the true reading, "cheri…
Versículo 20
16. after that he gave . . . judges . . . about the space of four hundred and fifty years--As this ap…
Versículo 21
17. God gave . . . them Saul . . . of the tribe of Benjamin--That the speaker was himself of the same…
Versículo 22
18. I have found David, &c.--This quotation is the substance of Psa 89:20; Sa1 13:14; and perhaps als…
Versículo 23
19. Of this man's seed hath God, according to . . . promise, raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus--The…
Versículo 26
20. children . . . of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God--Gentile proselytes.
Versículo 27
21. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, &c.--The apostle h…
Versículo 28
22. found no cause of death--though they sought it (Mat 26:59-60).
Versículo 29
23. they took him down . . . and laid him in a sepulchre--Though the burial of Christ was an act of h…
Versículo 31
24. he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, &c.--that is, by …
Versículo 33
25. God hath fulfilled the same--"hath completely fulfilled."
Versículo 34
26. now no more to return to corruption--that is, to the grave where death reigns; and compare Rom 6:…
Versículo 36
27. For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God--rather, "served," in his ow…
Versículo 38
28. the forgiveness of sins--the first necessity of the sinner, and so the first experienced blessing…
Versículo 39
29. by him all that believe are justified from all things--The sense requires that a pause in the sen…
Versículo 40
30. Beware, therefore, &c.--By this awful warning of the Old Testament the apostle would fain "shut t…
Versículo 41
31. ye will not believe though a man declare it unto you--that is, even on unexceptionable testimony.…
Versículo 42
32. And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be…
Versículo 43
33. who, speaking to them--following up the discourse in the synagogue by some further words of encou…
Versículo 44
34. the next sabbath came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God--the intervening day…
Versículo 45
35. But when the Jews--those zealots of exclusive Judaism.
Versículo 46
36. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, &c.--This is in the highest style of a last and sole…
Versículo 47
37. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, &c.--These and other predictions must have been long b…
Versículo 48
38. when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad--to perceive that their accession to Christ was a ma…
Versículo 49
39. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region--implying some stay in Antioch a…
Versículo 50
40. the devout and honourable women--female proselytes of distinction, jaundiced against the new prea…
Versículo 51
41. shook off the dust of their feet against them--as directed (Mat 10:14).
Versículo 52
42. the disciples--who, though not themselves expelled, had to endure sufferings for the Gospel, as w…