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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 21:26

Verse 26− 26.Whereas some accuse Paul of subtilty, − (483) as if he did play the hypocrite, I have before refuted this. Yet I do not deny but that he granted to do thus much at the request of the brethren, being thereunto in a manner enforced. Therefore, it hath more color, and is (as they say) more disputable, that he was too easily entreated, and too ready to obey; and yet I do not admit that which some men say, that it went not well with Paul, because, taking upon him a new and unwonted... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 21:27

Verse 27− 27.The Jews which came from Asia. It is certain that these men were enemies to the name of Christ and of Christians, so that whilst Paul is bent to pacify the faithful, he incurreth the rage of the enemies. Those of Asia are, indeed, the raisers of the tumult; but the minds of all the people were so corrupt with the hatred of him that they all became partners in the fury. But this place teacheth, that we must not take it impatiently if at any time our hope be frustrate, and our... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 21:28

Verse 28− 28.Men of Israel, help. They cry out as if they were in extreme danger, and they call upon all men to help them, as if all religion were in hazard. Whereby we see with what furious hatred they were inflamed against Paul, only because in showing that the full and perfect truth is found in Christ, he taught that the figures of the law had an end. Now, whereas they conceive a false opinion, having seen Trophimus, they do more betray by this headlong lightness how venomous they be. They... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:15-26

Arrival and reception at Jerusalem. Notice— I. THE DECIDED ADVANCE IN THE MINDS OF THE LEADING DISCIPLES AMONG THE JEWS . 1. They gladly welcomed Paul, and heard his narrative of missionary work, which included labor among the Gentiles. They glorified God for it. 2. They made no demand upon Paul as to renouncing his advanced position, but acquiesced in it. 3. They must have resisted the extreme Judaistic party in order to do so. II. THE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:15-40

The compromise. The introduction of Christianity into the world while the temple was still standing, and the Law of Moses with all its Levitical and ceremonial ordinances was still in force, might have issued in three ways. 1. All converts to the faith of Jesus Christ from among the Gentiles might have been forced to become Jews, as far as submission to the whole Law was concerned. 2. Or the Old Testament might then and there have been superseded by the New, and the Jewish... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:17-26

Paul and the Levitical usages. Paul's gospel was that of salvation by Christ Jesus alone, as contrasted with the principle of salvation by legal obedience. But he did not contend against the Law and against Mosaism as such—only against the doctrine that the observance was indispensable to salvation. The spirit of evangelical freedom made him tolerant of the observance in the case of born Jews, while at the same time he contended for the emancipation of the Gentile Christians from the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:18-26

Relations between disciples. Our Lord has said, " By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" ( John 13:35 ). It was of the very last importance that, in the early days of Christianity, there should be inward harmony and outward concord among the disciples of Jesus. Division would have been grave disaster, if not irreparable defeat. But with the strongest reasons for desiring unanimity and a complete understanding, we have to face— I. GREAT... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:20-39

The pastor and elders of the Church not infallible. There may be considered to be some uncertainty as to the exact merits of the remarkable case which the history reproduces in this passage, but without rendering any verdict, pronouncing any opinion, or even offering any suggestion. In the room that is accordingly allowed for option, it is believed that the following positions, as they are certainly maintainable in themselves, are also to be impressed on us by the present history:— I. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:26

Went for entered, A.V.; declaring the fulfillment for to signify the accomplishment, A.V.; the offering was for that an offering should be, A.V. Paul took the men . St. Paul's acquiescence in James's advice is an instance of what he says of himself ( 1 Corinthians 9:20 ), and is in accordance with his conduct in circumcising Timothy ( Acts 16:3 ). But that he did not attach any intrinsic importance even to circumcision, and much less to the minor Jewish ceremonies, is clear... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:27

Completed for ended, A.V.; from for which were of, A.V.; multitude for people, A.V. The seven days ; showing clearly that some customary term of preparation for the offerings and shaving of the head is meant. This shows also that "the days" in the preceding verse meant the "seven days" of preparation rather than "the days" of the whole Nazaritic vow. The Jews from Asia ; come up for Pentecost. How hostile the Asiatic Jews were appears from Acts 19:9 . When they saw him in... read more

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