Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Acts
Book: Acts
Chapter: 18
Overview:
Paul at
Corinth, with
Aquila and
Priscilla.
(1-6) He continues
to preach at
Corinth.
(7-11) Paul before
Gallio.
(12-17) He
visits
Jerusalem.
(18-23) Apollos teaches at
Ephesus and in
Achaia.
(24-28)
1-6 Though
Paul was entitled to support from the churches he
planted, and from the people to whom he preached, yet he worked
at his
Calling. An honest trade,
By which a
Man may get his
Bread, is not to be looked upon with contempt
By any. It was the
Custom of the Jews to bring up their children to some trade,
though they gave them learning or estates.
Paul was careful to
prevent prejudices, even the most unreasonable. The
Love of
Christ is the best
Bond of the saints; and the communings of the
saints with each other, sweeten labour, contempt, and even
Persecution. Most of the Jews persisted in contradicting the
Gospel of
Christ, and blasphemed. They would not believe
themselves, and did all they could to keep others from
believing.
Paul hereupon left them. He did not give over his
work; for though
Israel be not gathered,
Christ and his
Gospel
shall be glorious. The Jews could not complain, for they had the
first offer. When some oppose the
Gospel, we must turn to
others. Grief that many persist in unbelief should not prevent
gratitude for the
Conversion of some to
Christ.
7-11 The
Lord knows those that are his, yea, and those that
shall be his; for it is
By his work upon them that they become
his. Let us not despair concerning any place, when even in
wicked
Corinth Christ had much people. He will gather in his
Chosen flock from the places where they are scattered. Thus
encouraged, the
Apostle continued at
Corinth, and a numerous and
flourishing
Church grew up.
12-17 Paul was about to show that he did not teach men to
Worship God contrary to
Law; but the
Judge would not allow the
Jews to complain to him of what was not within his office. It
was right in
Gallio that he left the Jews to themselves in
matters relating to their religion, but yet would not let them,
under pretence of that, persecute another. But it was wrong to
speak slightly of a
Law and religion which he might have known
to be of
God, and which he ought to have acquainted himself
with. In what way
God is to be worshipped, whether
Jesus be the
Messiah, and whether the
Gospel be a Divine
Revelation, are not
questions of words and names, they are questions of vast
importance.
Gallio spoke as if he boasted of his ignorance of
the Scriptures, as if the
Law of
God was beneath his notice.
Gallio cared for none of these things. If he cared not for the
affronts of bad men, it was commendable; but if he concerned not
himself for the abuses done to good men, his indifference was
carried too far. And those who see and hear of the sufferings of
God's people, and have
No feeling with them, or care for them,
who do not pity and pray for them, are of the same
Spirit as
Gallio, who cared for none of these things.
18-23 While
Paul found he laboured not in vain, he continued
labouring. Our times are in
God's
Hand; we purpose, but he
disposes; therefore we must make all promises with submission to
the will of
God; not only if
Providence permits, but if
God does
not otherwise direct our motions. A very good refreshment it is
to a
Faithful Minister, to have for awhile the society of his
brethren. Disciples are compassed about with infirmity;
ministers must do what they can to strengthen them,
By directing
them to
Christ, who is their Strength. Let us earnestly seek, in
our several places, to promote the cause of
Christ, forming
plans that appear to us most proper, but relying
On the
Lord to
bring them to pass if he sees good.
24-28 Apollos taught in the
Gospel of
Christ, as far as
John's
ministry would carry him, and
No further. We cannot but think he
had heard of
Christ's
Death and resurrection, but he was not
informed as to the
Mystery of them. Though he had not the
miraculous
Gifts of the
Spirit, as the apostles, he made use of
the
Gifts he had. The
Dispensation of the
Spirit, whatever the
Measure of it may be, is given to every
Man to profit withal. He
was a lively, affectionate preacher; fervent in
Spirit. He was
full of zeal for the
Glory of
God and the
Salvation of precious
souls. Here was a complete
Man of
God, thoroughly furnished for
his work.
Aquila and
Priscilla encouraged his ministry,
By
attendance upon it. They did not despise
Apollos themselves, or
undervalue him to others; but considered the disadvantages he
had laboured under. And having themselves got knowledge in the
truths of the
Gospel By their long intercourse with
Paul, they
told what they knew to him. Young scholars may gain a great
Deal
By conversing with old Christians. Those who do believe through
Grace, yet still need help. As long as they are in this world,
there are remainders of unbelief, and something lacking in their
Faith to be perfected, and the work of
Faith to be fulfilled. If
the Jews were convinced that
Jesus is
Christ, even their own
Law
would teach them to hear him. The business of ministers is to
preach
Christ. Not only to preach the
Truth, but to prove and
defend it, with
Meekness, yet with power.