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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:21

Verse 21− 21.Ordinances which. They lean to a prejudice, lest the cause should come to be disputed; as the Papists deal with us at this day, this was decreed in a General Council; it is a more ancient and common opinion, than that is may be called in question; custom hath long time approved this; this hath been established by consent more than a thousand years ago. But to what end tend all these things, save only that they may rob the Word of God of all authority? They make boast of man’s... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:14-40

The day that looked like the day of small things. It may be said, indeed, that "the kingdom came not with observation" into Europe. To the silence, modesty, and unostentatiousness of its first steps, nothing seems wanting. The notoriety came, again, not from the studied purpose of its heralds, who did their bidding in so pacific a manner, but from the vain attempt to crush them. Let us notice in some detail what we know from the present passage of Christianity's very first rooting of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:16-25

Five truths from Philippi. We learn— I. THAT SACRED TRUTH IS SOMETIMES FOUND ON IRREVERENT LIPS . (Verse 17.) 1. Sometimes in mockery, as with this poor Philippian slave. She probably caught up the words she heard Paul use, and in the spirit of ribaldry uttered them again. So men have sometimes preached or sung in the spirit of mere raillery and indecent mirth. 2. Sometimes in insincerity; when those who have no care to secure a livelihood by honorable... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:16-39

An illustrious triple triumph of Christianity. Soft as the step with which Christianity entered the fair fields of Europe, and kindly as the welcome given to it then, its uniform lot was not long in making its appearance. It soon wakens close attention, it rouses strong opposition, it vindicates its genius and rights, and the luster of its moral victory must often have been felt by the faithful apostles enough of itself to compensate for the persecutions and sufferings they encountered.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:16-40

Truth and falsehood. The domains of truth and falsehood are in their own nature entirely distinct. This cannot be more emphatically expressed than in the inspired words which speak of God as the God of truth, and of Satan as the father of lies. The two realms are not only distinct, but contrary the one to the other. No greater injury has been done to the cause of truth than by the employment of weapons of falsehood in its defense. And, on the other hand, the most effective weapons used in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:19

But for and, A.V. ; gain for gains, A.V. ( ἐργασία , as Acts 16:16 ); bald hold on for caught, A.V.; dragged for drew, A.V. ; before for unto, A.V. The rulers ( οἱ ἄρχοντες ) ; the archons. Meyer thinks these were the city judges, or magistrates (who always had their court in the ἀγορά , or forum), by whom Paul and Silas were sent to the praetors ( στρατηγοί ) for judgment. So in Luke 12:58 , the litigants go to the ἀρχών , first, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:19-34

Joy in tribulation. "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution." "We must through much tribulation enter the kingdom." The truth of these Pauline sayings had often been tested by experiences, of which this at Philippi was one of the most significant. Here, too, was one of the places where he learned to say, "Thanks be to God, who always maketh us to triumph! I. SELF - INTEREST IN ARMS AGAINST THE TRUTH . So often—especially in our day—are men's... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:19-40

The first European persecution. I. It was in no way instigated by Jews, hut it proceeded from RULERS AND MAGISTRATES , under the instigation of HEATHENISH ERROR . An important distinction. Christianity, when it enlarged its sphere of operations, had to encounter the opposition of: 1. The state. 2. False philosophy regarding it as folly. 3. Heathen priestcraft, fearing the loss of their profitable superstitions. II. The method of persecution was generally... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:21

Set forth for teach, A.V.; it is for are, A.V.; or for neither, A.V. Romans ; in a special sense, as members of a colony. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 16:19

The hope of their gains was gone - It was this that troubled and enraged them. Instead of regarding the act as proof of divine power, they were intent only on their profits. Their indignation furnishes a remarkable illustration of the fixedness with which people will regard wealth; of the fact that the love of it will blind them to all the truths of religion, and all the proofs of the power and presence of God; and of the fact that any interposition of divine power that destroys their hopes of... read more

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