Acts 23:6-24

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 23:12

Verse 12− 12.And when it was day. By this circumstance, Luke showeth how necessary it was for Paul to gather new and fresh strength of faith, that he might not quake in most great and sudden danger. For being told of this so desperate madness of his enemies, he could not otherwise think but that he should lose his life. This vow whereof Luke speaketh was a kind of curse. The cause of the vow was, that it might not be lawful for them to change their purpose, nor to call back that which they had... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 23:14

Verse 14− 14.They came to the chief priests. Seeing that the priests agree to such a wicked and ungodly conspiracy, by this they prove that there was in them neither any fear of God, neither yet any humanity. They do not only allow [approve] that which is brought before them concerning the murdering of the man by laying wait, but also they are ready to be partners in the murder, that they may deliver him into the hands of the murderers, whom they would have made away some way, they pass not... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 23:16

Verse 16− 16.Paul’s sister’s son. We see in this place how the Lord doth cross the purposes of the ungodly. He permitteth them to attempt many things, and he suffereth their wicked endeavors, but at length he showeth even in the twinkling of an eye − (549) that he doth from heaven deride whatsoever men go about upon earth. − “There is no wisdom,” saith Solomon, “there is no counsel against the Lord,” ( Proverbs 21:30). Whereto that of Isaiah doth answer, − “Take counsel together, and it... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 23:17

Verse 17− 17.Calling unto him. Paul was not so desirous of life, but he would have made haste to die, if the Lord had thought it good so to be; but because he knoweth that he serveth Christ upon that condition, that he may no less live than die to him, he doth not neglect to avoid the danger which was revealed to him. And though he be fully persuaded that God is the keeper of his life, yet he doth not wait until God put forth his hand out of heaven to work a miracle, but doth rather use the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 23:19

Verse 19− 19.Taking him by the hand. In that the chief captain did show himself so courteous to the young man, in that he led him by the hand into a secret place, in that he vouchsafeth to hear him so gently, all this must be attributed to the grace of God, who promised to give his people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, ( Exodus 3:21) who useth to mollify hard hearts, to tame fierce spirits, and to fashion those unto all humanity, whom he hath determined to use as means to help those that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 23:1-10

Paul before the Sanhedrim. I. A SUGGESTIVE CONTRAST between corrupt ecclesiasticism and secular power. The bigotry, intolerance, personal animosity, unfairness, fanatical cruelty, all finding abundant confirmation in the history of the persecutions emanating from the papacy. Lysias was cruel because he was reckless and followed bad customs, but Ananias was cruel because he was spiteful and tyrannical. II. THE MASTER 'S PREDICTION FULFILLLED . Such a scene was what the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 23:1-11

Policy. The characteristic quality of an Israelite indeed, as our Lord has taught us, is to be without guile. All kinds of trickery, deceit, false pretences, disguises, dissimulation, as well as downright falsehood, are entirely alien from the true Christian spirit. The man of God walks habitually in an atmosphere of transparent truth. He has nothing to conceal, nothing to simulate. He has to do with the God of truth, who searches all hearts, and from whom no secrets are hid. His one great... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 23:3-10

Things dubious and things certain. There are few passages of Scripture in which there are so many doubtful points in a small space. I. THREE DOUBTFUL POINTS . It is uncertain: 1. What Paul meant by his apologetic remark ( Acts 23:5 ; see Exposition). 2. Whether he was justified in administering such a scathing rebuke, "God shall smite thee," etc. It certainly looks much like the utterance of a man who for the moment has lost his self-control, and there seems to be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 23:6

Brethren for men and brethren, A.V. (as in Acts 23:1 ); a son of Pharisees for the son of a Pharisee, A.V. and T.R.; touching for of, A.V. When Paul perceived , etc. Possibly the Pharisees in the Sanhedrim were disgusted at the brutal act of Ananias, and were not sorry to hear him called "a whited wall;" and St. Paul's quick intelligence saw at a glance that the whole council did not sympathize with their president, and divined the cause. With a ready wit, therefore, he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 23:6

The hope of the living and the resurrection of the dead. "The hope and resurrection of the dead." The chapter in which these words are found offers a striking illustration of the irresistible force of providence, or of providence and the direct acts of the Spirit in co-operation. The day was dark for Paul, nor did there seem a glimmer of hope of any justice for him at the hands of the council before whom he stood. But words and wisdom were found either by him or for him. Those words of... read more

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