Acts 3:21-25

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 3:25

Ye are the children of the prophets - This is the argumentum ad hominem : as ye are the children or disciples of the prophets, ye are bound to believe their predictions, and obey their precepts; and not only so, but ye are entitled to their promises. Your duty and your interest go hand in hand; and there is not a blessing contained in the covenant which was made with your fathers but belongs to you. Now, as this covenant respected the blessings of the Gospel, you must believe in Jesus... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 3:21

Verse 21 21.Whom the heaven must contain. Because men’s senses are always bent and inclined towards the gross and earthly beholding of God and Christ, the Jews might think with themselves that Christ was preached, indeed, to be raised up from the dead, yet could they not tell where he was; for no man did show them where he was. Therefore Peter preventeth them, when he saith that he is in heaven. Whereupon it followeth that they must lift up their minds on high, to the end they may seek Christ... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 3:22

Verse 22 22.By this argument he proveth that he goeth not about to cause them to revolt from Moses, because it is a part of the law to take heed to and obey this chief teacher. Here might a doubt arise, why Peter thought it more convenient to cite this testimony of Moses than others, seeing there were many others in readiness far more plain; but he did this for this cause, because he intreateth in this place of the authority of doctrine; and this was the best way to bring the Jews to be... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 3:23

Verse 23 23.Every soul. Here, by a most grievous punishment against the rebellious, the authority of all the prophets, but most of all of Christ, is established; and that for good causes. For seeing there is nothing that God doth account more precious than his word, it cannot be that he should suffer the same to be freely contemned. Therefore, if any man despised the law of Moses, he was adjudged to die the death. And hereunto Moses had respect when he said, “He shall be put away from among the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 3:24

Verse 24 24.And all When as he saith that all the prophets do with one consent send their scholars unto Christ, that appeareth more plainly hereby, which I said, that the commendation of the gospel is contained under that testimony of Moses, and so, consequently, that the conclusion of prophecies is principally noted. Again, this maketh much for the certainty of the gospel, that all the prophets, for a long time, [series of ages,] do yet, notwithstanding, so temper their form of teaching with... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 3:25

Verse 25 25.You are the children. He signifieth that the grace of the covenant was appointed principally for them, which covenant God made with their fathers. And so as he pricked them forward to obey the gospel, by terrifying them with the terror of punishment, so he allureth them now again to receive the grace which is offered them in Christ; so that we see how that God omitteth nothing whereby he may bring us unto himself. And it is the duty of a wise minister so to prick forward the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 3:11-21

The human and the Divine. Human and Divine elements are here crowded together, as indeed they are in most if not all of the events of our life. We look at— I. THE HUMAN ELEMENT , 1. Excitement. The man who had been lame, in the excitement of joy and gratitude, "held Peter and John" (verse 11), and "all the people ran together … greatly wondering" (verse 11). In the region of the Divine is calmness, serenity, peace; in that of the human is agitation, disturbance, excitement.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 3:11-26

Witness of Peter to Jesus. A great congregation, in the mood of wonder and prepared to listen, is before him. He who had once denied his Master in a moment of weakness, is now enabled with great power to give testimony of him. I. A DISCLAIMER OF INDEPENDENT POWER OR MERIT IN THE APOSTLES . The note of a genuine mission. The false prophet and the magician neglect nothing that will enhance their supposed supernatural character. The apostles insist that they are but... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 3:11-26

A great sermon to a wondering multitude. I. The AUDIENCE . 1. Different from that previously gathered, which was made up of devout men chiefly, who were interested in the strange phenomenon of the tongues. This was a mingled multitude, partly of temple worshippers, partly of passers-by, including, therefore, many who were present, at the Crucifixion, who had shouted "Crucify him!" 2. Their state of mind. Greatly wondering, ready to be taught, gazing inquiringly at the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 3:12-26

The two judgments. "The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart ( 1 Samuel 16:7 )." That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God" ( Luke 16:15 ). "The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner ( Luke 20:17 ). The above passages, with many others, call our particular attention to the frequent contrariety between the judgment of men and the judgment of God.... read more

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