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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 21:8-14

We have here Paul and his company arrived at length at Caesarea, where he designed to make some stay, it being the place where the gospel was first preached to the Gentiles, and the Holy Ghost fell upon them, Acts 10:1, 44. Now here we are told, I. Who it was that entertained Paul and his company at Caesarea. He seldom had occasion to go to a public house, but, wherever he came, some friend or other took him in, and bade him welcome. Observe, those that had sailed together parted when the... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 21:1-16

21:1-16 When we had torn ourselves away from them and had set sail, we sailed a straight course and came to Cos; on the next day we reached Rhodes; and from there we came to Patara. There we found a ship which was sailing across to Phoenicia and we embarked on her and set sail. After we had sighted Cyprus and had left it behind on the left hand side we sailed on to Syria and came down to Tyre, for there the ship was to discharge her cargo. We sought out the disciples and we stayed there for... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 21:9

And the same man had four daughters ,.... So that he was a married man, which may be observed against the Papists, who forbid marriage to ecclesiastics: and they were, virgins : not under any vow of virginity, but they had not as yet changed their state of life, and were pure and incorrupt: which did prophesy ; not explain and interpret Scripture, or preach in public assemblies; for these were not allowed women, neither in the Jewish synagogues, nor in Christian assemblies; but they... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 21:9

Four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy - Probably these were no more than teachers in the Church: for we have already seen that this is a frequent meaning of the word prophesy; and this is undoubtedly one thing intended by the prophecy of Joel, quoted Acts 2:17 , Acts 2:18 , of this book. If Philip's daughters might be prophetesses, why not teachers? read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 21:9

Verse 9− 9.Four daughters. This is added for the commendation of Philip, not only that we might know that his house was well ordered, but also that it was famous and excellent through the blessing of God. For, assuredly, it was no small gift to have four daughters all endowed with the spirit of prophecy. − By this means the Lord meant to beautify the first beginnings of the gospel, when he raised up men and women to foretell things to come. Prophecies had now almost ceased many years among... 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 21:4-11

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 21:7-14

Tyro to Caesarea: the will of God it, the heart of his servant. As the days went on, the pressure upon the heart of Paul increased. The house of Philip the evangelist the scene of the last great test of his preparation for the future. The four virgin daughters, and Agabus from Jerusalem, repeated the prophetic warnings; but no one said by the voice of the Spirit, "Go not." Human voices must sometimes be resisted. Weeping may break a heart, but it ought not to break a resolution formed in... read more

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