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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 21:4

Verse 4− 4.And when they had found disciples. Though the number of the faithful was but small, yet there came some seed of the gospel thither, according to the prophecies Of the prophets, ( Isaiah 23:18) lest Tyrus should be altogether void of the blessing of God. And here, as in other places going before, Luke calleth Christians disciples, that we may know that those alone are numbered in the flock of Christ who have embraced his doctrine by faith. For that is a vain − (455) and false... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 21:5

Verse 5− 5.With their wives and children. This was no small testimony of love, in that they accompanied Paul out of the city with their wives and children, which thing Luke doth report, partly that he might commend their godliness according as it deserved; partly that he might declare that Paul had that honor given him which was due to him. Whence we do also gather, that he meant nothing less than to provide for his own commodity, seeing that he was not kept back with so great good will, which... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 21:7

Verse 7− 7.Luke doth briefly declare that Paul was also received at Ptolemais by the brethren. This is a city of Phenicia, standing upon the sea-coast, not far from the borders of Judea, from which Paul and his companions had no long journey to Cesarea. But if the readers be disposed to know farther touching the situation of regions, let them resort unto the describers of places and countries [geographers]. Furthermore, he saith, that when he came to Cesarea, they lodged with Philip, whom he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:1-6

Miletus to Tyre: the steadfastness of a holy mind. I. THE TRIAL OF PAUL 'S FAITH . In the separation from dear brethren and the prospects of suffering. The long days of quiet thought, sailing through the Greek Archipelago to Cos, Rhodes, Patara, and round the south-west of Cyprus to Tyre, deepened the resolution of his heart and prepared him to encounter the temptations from weaker brethren. At Tyro the great crisis of his faith came much nearer. Disciples said, "Set no foot in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:1-14

The steadfast purpose. One of the most difficult problems of practical life is to know what are the fixed points on which we must not give way, and to which all other considerations must yield, and what are the points which may be yielded under the pressure of conflicting circumstances. A man may be very conscientious, and yet most grievously mistaken, if by his obstinacy on indifferent matters he imperils or defeats great and important results which are incompatible with those smaller... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:1-16

Incidents by the way. I. THE POWER OF CHRISTIAN LOVE TO BRING THE UNKNOWN NEAR . At Tyre Christian disciples, loving Christian hearts, are found. They warn Paul against possible coming dangers, they entertain the little band, and dismiss them with commendatory prayer. " The finding of disciples must have been a main feature in the diaries of the apostle." To meet with welcome, with hospitality, with congenial discourse upon journeys,—how refreshing! Well may it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:1-17

Human affection and sacred service. God has so made us and so related us that we find ourselves closely and tenderly attached, one to another, in various bonds. It is impossible that these should not have great influence on our minds as the children and servants of God, great effect on our lives as co-workers with Christ. What is that effect? I. HUMAN AFFECTION WAS A LARGE CONTRIBUTION TO OFFER TO SACRED SERVICE . We find it inciting all the disciples, including... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:4

Having found the disciples for finding disciples, A.V. and T.R.; and these for who, A.V.; set foot in for go up to, A.V. and T.R. Having found the disciples , If the R.T. is right, the meaning is that they had sought out the Christians, apparently not a large body, scattered in the city, and perhaps with some difficulty found them and their place of meeting. This would look as if they were not Jews, as the synagogue was always known. He should not set foot in Jerusalem . The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:4-11

The Spirit in Paul, and the Spirit in others. The narrative given of the apostle's progress toward Jerusalem suggests some serious and difficult questions. We now consider one of them. Once and again it appears as if the Divine Spirit sent messages which should have stopped the apostle, and prevented his going on to the holy city; and St. Paul evidently resisted these attempted hindrances. Then was he right in so doing? If he was right, how can we explain his conduct? The circumstances may... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:5

It came to pass that we had accomplished for we had accomplished, A.V.; the days for those days, A.V.; on our journey for our way, A.V.; they all, with wives and children, brought us on our way for they all brought us on our way, with wires and children, A.V.; kneeling down on the beach we prayed for we kneeled down on the shore and prayed., A.V. and T.R. Accomplished the days . There is no other example of this use of the word ἐξαρτίζειν , which always means "to fit... read more

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