Scofield Reference Bible Notes/Acts

by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield

Book Introduction - Acts

Read first chapter of Acts
WRITER: In the Acts of the Apostles Luke continues the account of Christianity begun in the Gospel which bears his name. In the "former treatise" he tells what Jesus "began both to do and teach"; in the Acts, what Jesus continued to do and teach through His Holy Spirit sent down.
DATE: The Acts concludes with the account of Paul's earliest ministry in Rome, A.D. 65, and appears to have been written at or near that time.
THEME: This book records the ascension and promised return of the Lord Jesus, the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter's use of the keys, opening the kingdom (considered as the sphere of profession, as in Mat. 13) to the Jews at Pentecost, and to the Gentiles in the house of Cornelius; the beginning of the Christian church and the conversion and ministry of Paul.
The Holy Spirit fills the scene. As the presence of the Son, exalting and revealing the Father, is the great fact of the Gospels, so the presence of the Spirit, exalting and revealing the Son, is the great fact of the Acts.
Acts is in two chief parts: In the first section (1- 9:43) Peter is the prominent personage, Jerusalem is the center, and the ministry is to Jews. Already in covenant relations with Jehovah, they had sinned in rejecting Jesus as the Christ. The preaching, therefore, was directed to that point, and repentance (i.e. "a changed mind") was demanded. The apparent failure of the Old Testament promises concerning the Davidic kingdom was explained by the promise that the kingdom would be set up at the return of Christ (Acts 2:25-31; Acts 15:14-16). This ministry to Israel fulfilled Luke 19:12-14. In the persecutions of the apostles and finally in the martyrdom of Stephen, the Jews sent after the king the message, "We will not have this man to reign over us." In the second division ( 10:1- 28:31) Paul is prominent, a new center is established at Antioch, and the ministry is chiefly to Gentiles who, as "strangers from the covenants of promise" (Eph 2:12), had but to "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ" to be saved. Chapters 11,12, and 15 of this section are transitional, establishing finally the distinction, doctrinally, between law and grace. Galatians should be read in this connection.
The events recorded in The Acts cover a period of 32 years.

CHAPTER 1

Verse 4

being assembled Or, eating with them.
ye have heard Or, heard from me.

Verse 6

again the kingdom to Israel
Forty days the risen Lord had been instructing the apostles "of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God," doubtless, according to His custom Luke 24:27,32,44,45 teaching them out of the Scriptures. One point was left untouched, viz., the time when He would restore the kingdom to Israel; hence the apostles' question. The answer was according to His repeated teaching; the time was God's secret. ; Matthew 24:36,42,44; 25:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:1.
restore (See Scofield "Matthew 3:2").

Verse 11

come
The two Advents--Summary:

• (1) The O.T. foreview of the coming Messiah is in two aspects--that of rejection and suffering (as e.g. in Is 53), and that of earthly glory and power (as e.g. In Is 11 Jer 23 Eze 37). Often these two aspects blend in one passage (e.g. Ps 2). The prophets themselves were perplexed by this seeming contradiction 1 Peter 1:10,11. It was solved by partial fulfilment. In due time the Messiah, born of a virgin according to Isaiah, appeared among men and began His ministry by announcing the predicted kingdom as "at hand."

(See Scofield "Matthew 4:17"). The rejection of King and kingdom followed.

• (2) Thereupon the rejected King announced His approaching crucifixion, resurrection, departure, and return (Mat. 24., 25). Matthew 12:38-40; 16:1-4,21,27; Luke 12:35-46; 17:20-36 ; 18:31-34; 19:12-27.
• (3) He uttered predictions concerning the course of events between His departure and return Matthew 13:1-50; 16:18; 24:4-26
• (4) This promised return of Christ becomes a prominent theme in the Acts, Epistles, and Revelation.

Taken together, the N.T. teachings concerning the return of Jesus Christ may be summarized as follows:

• (1) That return is an event, not a process, and is personal and corporeal Matthew 23:39; 24:30; 25:31; Mark 14:62; Luke 17:24; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; Philippians 3:20,21; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17.
• (2) His coming has a threefold relation: to the church, to Israel, to the nations.

\li2 (a) To the church the descent of the Lord into the air to raise the sleeping and change the living saints is set forth as a constant expectation and hope Matthew 24:36,44,48-51; 25:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51,52; Philippians 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:14-17; 1 Timothy 6:14; Titus 2:13; Revelation 22:20. \li2 (b) To Israel, the return of the Lord is predicted to accomplish the yet unfulfilled prophecies of her national regathering, conversion, and establishment in peace and power under the Davidic Covenant Acts 15:14-17 with Zechariah 14:1-9.
See "Kingdom (O.T.)" 2 Samuel 7:8-17.
(See Scofield "Zechariah 13:8")
Luke 1:31-33
(See Scofield "1 Corinthians 15:24") \li2 (c) To the Gentile nations the return of Christ is predicted to bring the destruction of the present political world-system Daniel 2:34,35. (See Scofield "Revelation 19:11") , the judgment of Matthew 25:31-46 followed by world-wide Gentile conversion and participation in the blessings of the kingdom ; Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:10; 60:3; Zechariah 8:3,20,23; 14:16-21.

Verse 12

journey
About 4854 feet.

Verse 13

Zelotes
The Zealot.

Verse 20

bishoprick
(Greek - ναός^[1], overseership). See "elders" (See Scofield "Titus 1:5")

Verse 25

transgression
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

CHAPTER 2

Verse 3

cloven tongues tongues, as of fire, parting and sitting upon each of them.

Verse 4

Holy Ghost
The Holy Spirit, N.T. Summary (see Malachi 2:15, note): (See Scofield "Malachi 2:15").

• (1) The Holy Spirit is revealed as a divine Person. This is expressly declared (e.g.) John 14:16,17,26; 15:26; 16:7-15; Matthew 28:19 and everywhere implied.
• (2) The revelation concerning Him is progressive

\li2 (a) In the O.T. (See Scofield "Malachi 2:15"). He comes upon whom He will, apparently without reference to conditions in them \li2 (b) During His earth-life, Christ taught His disciples Luke 11:13 that they might receive the Spirit through prayer to the Father. \li2 (c) At the close of His ministry He promised that He would Himself pray the Father, and that in answer to prayer the Comforter would come to abide John 14:16,17. \li2 (d) On the evening of His resurrection He came to the disciples in the upper room, and breathed on them saying, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost" John 20:22 but instructed them to wait before beginning their ministry till the Spirit should come upon them ; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8. \li2 (e) On the day of Pentecost the Spirit came upon the whole body of believers Acts 2:1-4 \li2 (f) After Pentecost, so long as the Gospel was preached to Jews only, the Spirit was imparted to such as believed by the laying on of hands Acts 8:17; 9:17. \li2 (g) When Peter opened the door of the kingdom to the Gentiles (Ac 10.), the Holy Spirit, without delay, or other condition than faith, was given to those who believed. Acts 10:44; 11:15-18. This is the permanent fact for the entire church age. Every believer is born of the Spirit ; John 3:3,6; 1 John 5:1 indwelt by the Spirit, whose presence makes the believer's body a temple ; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 8:9-15; 1 John 2:27; Galatians 4:6 and baptized by the Spirit ; 1 Corinthians 12:12,13; 1 John 2:20,27 thus sealing him for God ; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30.

• (3) The N.T. distinguishes between having the Spirit, which is true of all believers, and being filled with the Spirit, which is the believer's privilege and duty (cf) Acts 2:4 with ; Acts 4:29-31; Ephesians 1:13,14 with Ephesians 5:18. --"One baptism, many fillings."
• (4) The Holy Spirit is related to Christ in His Conception Matthew 1:18-20; Luke 1:35 baptism ; Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32,33 walk and service Luke 4:1,14 resurrection Romans 8:11, and as His witness throughout this age ; John 15:26; 16:8-11,13,14.
• (5) The Spirit forms the church Matthew 16:18 (See Scofield "Hebrews 12:23") by baptizing all believers into the body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:12,13, imparts gifts for service to every member of that body 1 Corinthians 12:7-11,27,30, guide the members in their service ; Luke 2:27; 4:1; Acts 16:6,7 and is Himself the power of that service ; Acts 1:8; 2:4; 1 Corinthians 2:4.
• (6) The Spirit abides in the company of believers who constitute a local church, making of them, corporately, a temple 1 Corinthians 3:16,17.
• (7) Christ indicates a threefold personal relationship of the Spirit to the believer: "With", "In", "upon" John 14:17; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8. "With" indicates the approach of God to the soul, convicting of sin John 16:9 presenting Christ as the object of faith John 16:14 imparting faith Ephesians 2:8 and regenerating John 3:3-16. "In" describes the abiding presence of the Spirit in the believer's body 1 Corinthians 6:19 to give victory over the flesh ; Romans 8:2-4; Galatians 5:16,17 to create the Christian character Galatians 5:22,23 to help infirmities Romans 8:26 to inspire prayer Ephesians 6:18 to give conscious access to God Ephesians 2:18 to actualize to the believer his sonship Galatians 4:6 to apply the Scripture in cleansing and sanctification ; Ephesians 5:26; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2 to comfort and intercede ; Acts 9:31; Romans 8:26 and to reveal Christ John 16:14.
• (8) Sins against the Spirit committed by unbelievers are: To blaspheme Matthew 12:31, resist Acts 7:51, insult Hebrews 10:29, "despite," lit. insult). Believers' sins against the Spirit are: To grieve Him by allowing evil in heart or life Ephesians 4:30,31 and to quench Him by disobedience 1 Thessalonians 5:19.

The right attitude toward the Spirit is yieldedness to His sway in walk and service, and in constant willingness that He shall "put away" whatever grieves Him or hinders His power Ephesians 4:31.

• (9) The symbols of the Spirit are: (a) oil John 3:34; Hebrews 1:9 (b) water, John 7:38,39, (c) wind ; Acts 2:2; John 3:8, (d) fire Acts 2:3, (e) a dove Matthew 3:16, (f) a seal ; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30, (g) an earnest or pledge Ephesians 1:14.

Verse 8

tongue
language.

Verse 11

tongues
languages.

Verse 14

said unto them
The theme of Peter's sermon at Pentecost is stated in Acts 2:36. It is, that Jesus is the Messiah. No message could have been more unwelcome to the Jews who had rejected His Messianic claims, and crucified Him. Peter, therefore, does not announce his theme until he has covered every possible Jewish objection. The point of difficulty with the Jews was the apparent failure of the clear and repeated prophetic promise of a regathered Israel established in their own land under their covenanted King (e.g). ; Isaiah 11:10-12; Jeremiah 23:5-8; Ezekiel 37:21-18. Instead of explaining, as Rome first taught, followed by some Protestant commentators, that the covenant and promises were to be fulfilled in the church in a so-called "spiritual" sense, Peter shows Acts 2:25-32 from Ps 16. that David himself understood that the dead and risen Christ would fulfil the covenant and sit on his throne Luke 1:32,33. In precisely the same way James Acts 15:14-17 met the same difficulty. See "Kingdom (O.T.)," Zechariah 12:8 (N.T.), ; Luke 1:33; 1 Corinthians 15:24.

Verse 17

last days
A distinction must be observed between "the last days" when the prediction relates to Israel, and the "last days" when the prediction relates to the church 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-8; Hebrews 1:1,2; 1 Peter 1:4,5; 2 Peter 3:1-9; 1 John 2:18,19; Jude 1:17-19. Also distinguish the expression the "last days" (plural) from "the last day" (singular); the latter expression referring to the resurrections and last judgment ; John 6:39,40,44,54; 11:24; 12:48. The "last days" as related to the church began with the advent of Christ Hebrews 1:2 but have especial reference to the time of declension and apostasy at the end of this age ; 2 Timothy 3:1; 4:4. The "last days" as related to Israel are the days of Israel's exaltation and blessing, and are synonymous with the kingdom-age ; Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-7. They are "last" not with reference to this dispensation, but with reference to the whole of Israel's history.

Verse 21

saved
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

Verse 27

hell
Hades. (See Scofield "Luke 16:23").

Verse 31

hell
Hades. (See Scofield "Luke 16:23").

Verse 38

remission (See Scofield "Matthew 26:28").
sins Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 47

saved
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

CHAPTER 3

Verse 19

refreshing
"Namely, seasons in which, through the appearance of the Messiah in His kingdom, there shall occur blessed rest and refreshment for the people of God." --Heinrich A. W. Meyer.
sins Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 20

And he shall
The appeal here is national to the Jewish people as such, not individuals as in Peter's first sermon Acts 2:38,39. There those who were pricked in heart were exhorted to save themselves from (among) the untoward nation; here the whole people is addressed, and the promise to national repentance is national deliverance: "and he shall send Jesus Christ" to bring in the times which the prophets had foretold
(See Scofield "Acts 2:14"). The official answer was the imprisonment of the apostles, and the inhibition to preach, so fulfilling Luke 19:14.

Verse 21

restitution
(Greek - ναός^[2] = restoration, occurring here and Acts 1:6 only. The meaning is limited by the words: "Which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets." The prophets speak of the restoration of Israel to the land (see "Israel," ; Genesis 12:2,3; Romans 11:26 also "Palestinian Covenant," Deuteronomy 30:1-9. (See Scofield "Deuteronomy 30:3") and of the restoration the theocracy under David's Son. (See "Davidic Covenant," 2 Samuel 7:8-17).
(See Scofield "2 Samuel 7:16") , "Kingdom," Genesis 1:26-28. See Scofield "Zechariah 12:8". No prediction of the conversion and restoration of the wicked dead is found in the prophets, or elsewhere. CF Revelation 20:11-15.

Verse 25

children
(Greek - ναός^[3], sons).

CHAPTER 4

Verse 1

Sadducees
(See Scofield "Matthew 3:7").

Verse 12

salvation
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

Verse 16

miracle
(Greek - σημει̑ον^[4], sign).

Verse 25

said
(See Scofield "Psalms 2:6").

Verse 26

Lord Jehovah. Psalms 2:2.
Christ Anointed. Psalms 2:2.

Verse 27

Herod
See margin ref., (See Scofield "Matthew 14:1").

Verse 28

determined
Predestination, trans. predestinated. Romans 8:29; Acts 4:28; Ephesians 1:5,11.

CHAPTER 5

Verse 19

angel
(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

Verse 31

Saviour (See Scofield "Romans 1:16").
repentance Repentance. Acts 8:22; 17:30; Matthew 3:2.
forgiveness (See Scofield "Matthew 26:28").
sins Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 33

cut
Cf. Acts 2:37.
The Gospel when preached in the power of the Spirit convicts or enrages.

CHAPTER 6

Verse 1

Grecians
Hellenists, i.e. Grecian Jews.

Verse 5

chose
It is beautiful to see that these were all Hellenists, as the Grecian names show.

Verse 15

angel
(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

CHAPTER 7

Verse 9

God
Jehovah. Genesis 39:2.

Verse 14

kindred
Cf. (See Scofield "Genesis 46:26"). There is no real contradiction. The "house of Jacob" numbered seventy but the "kindred" would include the wives of Jacob's sons.

Verse 16

sepulchre
(See Scofield "Genesis 23:4").

Verse 30

angel
(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

Verse 35

angel
(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

Verse 37

Lord
Jehovah. Deuteronomy 18:15.

Verse 38

church
Israel in the land is never called a church. In the wilderness Israel was a true church (G. ecclesia = called-out assembly), but in striking contrast with the N.T. ecclesia
(See Scofield "Matthew 16:18").
angel (See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

Verse 45

Jesus
i.e. Joshua.

Verse 49

Lord
Jehovah. Isaiah 66:1,2.

Verse 53

angels
(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

Verse 54

When they heard
They had brought false witnesses against Stephen; he bears true witness against them, quoting the testimony of writers they owned to be inspired. He speaks of the persistent rejection of God and His servants by the nation til at last it is brought home to themselves, and arouses the maddened enmity of their hearts. It was the final trial of the nation.

Verse 59

God
Omit God. Lit. And were stoning Stephen as he was invoking and saying, Lord Jesus, give welcome unto my spirit.

Verse 60

sin
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

CHAPTER 8

Verse 5

city of
The Jews having rejected Stephen's witness to, and of, them, the Gospel now begins to go out to "all nations." Cf. Luke 24:47.

Verse 26

angel (See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").
desert Contra, Acts 8:6-8.

Verse 37

And
The best authorities omit v. 37.

CHAPTER 9

Verse 2

of this way
that were of The Way, i.e. Christ. John 14:6.

Verse 4

me?
The Lord identifies Himself with His people.

Verse 7

voice
Cf Acts 22:9; 26:14.
A contradiction has been imagined. The three statements should be taken together. The men heard the "voice" as a sound ( (Greek - ἀναφωνέω^[5]), but did not hear the "voice" as articulating the words, "Saul, Saul," etc).

Verse 20

that he is the Son of God
Cf. Acts 2:36. Peter, while maintaining the deity of Jesus--"God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ"--gives especial prominence to His Messiahship. Paul, fresh from the vision of the glory, puts the emphasis on His Deity. Peter's charge was that the Jews had crucified the Son of David Acts 2:25-30 Paul's that they had crucified the Lord of glory 1 Corinthians 2:8. In the A.V. the sense is largely lost. The point was, not that the Christ was God, a truth plainly taught by Isaiah. ; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6,7 but that Jesus, the crucified Nazarene, was the Christ and therefore God the Son.

Verse 22

But Saul
It seems probable that Acts 9:22-25 refer to Paul's labours in Damascus after his return from Arabia Galatians 1:17.
The "many days" of verse Acts 9:23 may represent the "three years" of Galatians 1:18, which intervened between Paul's return to Damascus and his visit to Peter.

Verse 26

gone to Jerusalem
The Acts records four visits of Paul to Jerusalem after conversion:

• (1) Acts 9:23-30. This seems identical with the visit of Galatians 1:18,19. The "apostles" of verse Acts 9:27 were Peter, and James, the Lord's brother.
• (2) Acts 11:30. Paul may have been in Jerusalem during the events of Acts 12:1-25.
• (3) Acts 15:1-30; Galatians 2:2-10.
• (4) Acts 21:17-23:35.

Verse 29

Grecians
Hellenists, i.e. Grecian Jews.

Verse 36

Dorcas
i.e. gazelle.

Verse 39

widows
Contra, Acts 6:1.

CHAPTER 10

Verse 3

angel
(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

Verse 7

angel
(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

Verse 35

righteousness
(See Scofield "Romans 10:10").

Verse 43

sins
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 44

While Peter yet spake
Verse 44 is one of the pivotal points of Scripture. Heretofore the Gospel has been offered to Jews only, and the Holy Spirit bestowed upon believing Jews through apostolic mediation. But now the normal order for this age is reached: the Holy Spirit is given without delay, mediation, or other condition than simple faith in Jesus Christ. Cf.
(See Scofield "Acts 2:4") 1 Corinthians 6:19.

CHAPTER 11

Verse 13

angel
(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

Verse 14

saved
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

Verse 15

as on us
even as on us. Cf. Acts 2:1-4; 15:7-9.

Verse 19

Phenice
Phoenicia.

Verse 20

Grecians
Hellenists, i.e. Grecian Jews.

Verse 28

world
"oikoumene" = "inhabited earth." (See Scofield "Luke 2:1").

CHAPTER 12

Verse 1

Herod
Herod Agrippa I., grandson of Herod the Great, (See Scofield "Matthew 2:1") , a strict observer of the law, and popular with the Jews, see Acts 12:21.
Herod Agrippa II., Paul's Agrippa, was his son.

Verse 4

Easter
the passover.

Verse 5

prayer
Or, instant and earnest prayer was made. 2 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 6:18.

Verse 8

angel
(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

Verse 9

angel
See note, (See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

Verse 11

angel
(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

CHAPTER 13

Verse 1

Herod
See margin ref., (See Scofield "Matthew 14:1").

Verse 6

sorcerer
(Greek - μάγος^[6])." See Matthew 2:1, "wise men." The same word was used for a vulgar magician, and for a true wise man of the East.

Verse 7

deputy
proconsul (Roman).

Verse 22

said See, 1 Samuel 13:14; Psalms 89:20.
See Kingdom note, Zechariah 12:8; 1 Corinthians 15:28; 2 Samuel 7:8-17.
(See Scofield "2 Samuel 7:16").

Verse 23

Saviour
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

Verse 26

salvation
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

Verse 38

sins
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 39

all things
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

Verse 41

work
See, Habakkuk 1:5.

CHAPTER 14

Verse 12

Jupiter Latin for Gr. Zeus, the national god of the Greeks.
Mercurius Gr. Hermes.

Verse 23

ordained
(Greek - μάγος^[7], to designate by stretching out (or pointing with) the hand).

CHAPTER 15

Verse 3

Phenice
Phoenicia.

Verse 7

my mouth
See, Matthew 16:19. Peter used the keys first for the Jews on the day of Pentecost; secondly, in the house of Cornelius for the Gentiles, Acts 15:14, But Paul was distinctively the apostle to the Gentiles. Galatians 2:7,8.

Verse 13

Men and brethren
Dispensationally, this is the most important passage in the N.T. It gives the divine purpose for this age, and for the beginning of the next.

• (1) The taking out from among the Gentiles of a people for His name, the distinctive work of the present, or church-age. The church is the ecclesia--the "called-out assembly." Precisely this has been in progress since Pentecost. The Gospel has never anywhere converted all, but everywhere has called out some.
• (2) "After this viz. the out-calling I will return." James quotes from Amos 9:11,12. The verses which follow in Amos describe the final regathering of Israel, which the other prophets invariably connect with the fulfilment of the Davidic Covenant (e.g.) ; Isaiah 11:1,10-12; Jeremiah 23:5-8.
• (3) "And will build again the tabernacle of David," i.e. re-establish the Davidic rule over Israel 2 Samuel 7:8-17; Luke 1:31-33.
• (4) "That the residue of men Israelites may seek after the Lord" cf Zechariah 12:7,8; 13:1,2.
• (5) "And all the Gentiles," etc. cf Micah 4:2; Zechariah 8:21,22. This is also the order of Romans 11:24-27.

Verse 14

at the first
Lit. for the first time, i.e. in the house of Cornelius. Acts 15:8-11; 10:34-48 11:12-18.

Verse 16

tabernacle of David
Kingdom (N.T.) vs. Acts 15:14-17; Revelation 3:21; Luke 1:31-33; 1 Corinthians 15:34.

Verse 17

Lord
Jehovah. vs. Acts 15:16,17; Amos 9:11,12.

Verse 19

Wherefore
The scope of the decision goes far beyond the mere question of circumcision. The whole question of the relation of the law to Gentile believers had been put in issue (Acts 15:5), and their exemption is declared in the decision (Acts 15:19,24). The decision might be otherwise stated in the terms of Romans 6:14. "Ye are not under the law, but under grace." Gentile believers were to show grace by abstaining from the practices offensive to godly Jews.
Acts 15:20,21,28,29 cf ; Romans 14:12-17; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Verse 32

prophets
See, 1 Corinthians 14:3 defines the N.T. gift of prophecy.

Verse 39

Barnabas
And is heard of no more in the Bible story.

CHAPTER 16

Verse 7

suffered
R.V. adds "of Jesus", as in the best authorities.

Verse 9

prayed him
beseeching him. Here the Gospel turns toward Europe.

Verse 10

we
The change here from "they," as in the preceding verses, to "we" indicates that at Troas Luke, the narrator, joined Paul's company.

Verse 12

colony
i.e. a Roman colony.

Verse 13

was wont
might legally, i.e. a legal meeting-place for Jews where there was no synagogue.

Verse 16

spirit
(Greek - Α^[8]," "a Python)."

Verse 17

most high God (See Scofield "Matthew 7:22"). This marks the "spirit", Acts 16:18, as being a demon.
salvation See note, (See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

Verse 19

drew
(Greek - Α^[9]," probably by the feet). Cf. Acts 14:19.

Verse 20

magistrates
(Greek - Α^[10]," Roman magistrates).

Verse 25

prayed
Lit. were praying and singing hymns.

Verse 30

saved
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

Verse 35

serjeants
(Greek - Α^[11])."

CHAPTER 17

Verse 3

Christ
The Christ, i.e. that, according to the Scriptures, the Messiah must die and rise again. That Jesus was the Messiah was the second part of his argument.

Verse 6

drew
dragged. See margin ref., (See Scofield "Acts 16:19").

Verse 12

Therefore Illustrates John 5:46. Believing the O.T. they believed the Gospel.
honourable Greek women of honourable estate.

Verse 16

stirred
provoked within him as he beheld the city full of idols.

Verse 18

Epicureans Disciples of Epicurus, B.C. 342-271, who abandoned as hopeless the search by reason for pure truth, cf. John 18:38 seeking instead true pleasure through experience.
Stoicks Disciples of Zeno, B.C. 280, and Chrysippus, B.C. 240. This philosophy was founded on human self-sufficiency, inculcated stern self-repression, the solidarily of the race, and the unity of Deity. Epicureans and Stocis divided the apostolic world.

Verse 19

Areopagus
Mars' hill.

Verse 26

blood
"blood" is not in the best manuscripts. R.V. omits.

Verse 28

For we
Found in the sritings of Aratus and Cleanthes.

Verse 29

offspring of God
(Greek - γένος^[12] = "race)." The reference is to the creation-work of God in which He made man (i.e. mankind, the race in Adam) in his own likeness, Genesis 1:26,27, thus rebuking the thought that "the Godhead is like unto gold," etc. The word "Father" is not used, not does the passage affirm anything concerning fatherhood or sonship, which are relationships based on faith, and the new birth.
Cf John 1:12,13; Galatians 3:26; 4:1-7; John 5:1.

Verse 30

Repent
Repentance is the trans. of a (Greek - γένος^[13] ("metanoia-metanoeo") meaning "to have another mind," "to change the mind," and is used in the N).T. to indicate a change of mind in respect of sin, of God, and of self. This change of mind may, especially in the case of Christians who have fallen into sin, be preceded by sorrow 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 but sorrow for sin, though it may "work" repentance, is not repentance. The son in Matthew 21:28,29 illustrates true repentance.
Saving faith: (See Scofield "Hebrews 11:39") includes and implies that change of mind which is called repentance.

Verse 31

world
"oikoumene" = inhabited earth. (See Scofield "Luke 2:1").

CHAPTER 18

Verse 5

pressed
Or, constrained by the Word. Cf. 2 Corinthians 5:14.

Verse 7

Justus
Titus Justus.

Verse 17

cared for
Contra. John 19:13-16; Acts 24:26,27.

Verse 25

instructed
taught by word of mouth, or, hearsay, i.e. not by revelation. Cf. Galatians 1:11,12.
The N.T. Scriptures were not then written.

Verse 28

that Jesus
Apollos' ministry seems to have gone no further; Jesus was the long expected Messiah. Of Paul's doctrine of justification through the blood, and sanctification through the Spirit, he seems at that time to have known nothing. See Acts 19:3-6.

CHAPTER 19

Verse 2

Have
Not as in A.V., "since ye believed," but as in R.V. and marg.: "Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed?" Paul was evidently impressed by the absence of spirituality and power in these so-called disciples. Their answer brought out the fact that they were Jewish proselytes, disciples of John the Baptist, looking backward to an accomplished redemption. Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 1:13.

Verse 16

overcame The sons of Sceva sought to imitate a power to which they were strangers, only to their own confusion. This striking witness from another side caused fear to fall on all.
prevailed Luke 11:21,22; 1 John 4:4.

Verse 21

spirit
i.e. in his own mind. Cf. (See Scofield "Acts 20:22").

Verse 23

about the way
concerning the Way, i.e. Christ. John 14:6.

Verse 27

world
"oikoumene" = inhabited earth. (See Scofield "Luke 2:1").

Verse 28

Diana
Gr. Artemis. Not anciently of the Greek pantheon, but an Eastern goddess. Cf. Judges 2:13. (See Scofield "Judges 2:13").
But "Diana of the Ephesians" was rather a particular image of Artemis, reputed to have fallen from heaven; Acts 19:35.

CHAPTER 20

Verse 6

we
From the use of the pronoun, Luke here rejoins the apostle.

Verse 7

first day
It was the breaking of bread for which the disciples were assembled. The passage indicates the use by the apostolic churches of the first day, not the seventh. Cf. 1 Corinthians 16:2.

Verse 22

spirit
Cf. Acts 21:4. In Acts 20:22 Paul's own spirit (See Scofield "1 Thessalonians 5:23") is meant; in Acts 21:4 the Holy Spirit. Paul's motive in going to Jerusalem seems to have been his great affection for the Jews Romans 9:1-5 and his hope that gifts of the Gentile churches, sent by him to the poor saints at Jerusalem Romans 15:25-28 would open the hearts of the law-bound Jewish believers to the "gospel of the grace of God" Acts 20:24.

Verse 24

neither
Or, I hold not my life of any account, as unto myself, in comparison with accomplishing my course. See, 1 Corinthians 9:26; Philippians 3:13,14. 2 Timothy 4:7,8.

Verse 29

wolves
The two sources of the apostasy: false teachers from without, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Peter 2:1-3 ambitious leaders from within, ; 3 John 1:9,10; Revelation 2:6,15. Also, ; 1 Timothy 1:20; 1 John 2:19.

Verse 35

It is more
See, Luke 14:12.

CHAPTER 21

Verse 4

go up to
Lit. set foot in. Not, as in Acts 20:23 a warning of danger, but now an imperative command. See Acts 22:17,18.

Verse 23

vow
Probably according to Numbers 6:1-7. Cf. Colossians 2:14-17.

Verse 24

charges with them Lit. spend something on them.
walkest orderly Lit. art keeping in the ranks, guarding the law. Cf. Romans 10:1-12.

Verse 26

Paul took
Contra. Acts 21:4; Galatians 2:2-6. See, ; Romans 3:9,10,19,20,28; 4:3-5 ; 5:1,2; 6:14; 7:1-4,6; 8:3,4; Galatians 2:15,16,18,19; 3:10,24,25 ; 4:9-11,21-31; Philippians 3:7-9; Hebrews 9:14,15,28; 10:1-4,17,18 13:11-14

Verse 30

drew
See, Acts 14:19; 16:19.

Verse 37

chief
(Greek - χιλίαρχος^[14], the Roman tribune). There were six such "chief captains" in each legion of 6000 men.

CHAPTER 22

Verse 9

voice
Cf. (See Scofield "Acts 9:7").

Verse 16

sins
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 17

when I was
i.e. probably on his first visit to Jerusalem after his conversion.

Verse 28

freedom citizenship.
was free born am a Roman born, i.e. of a father who had obtained citizenship.

Verse 29

examined him
Or, tortured him.

CHAPTER 23

Verse 6

Sadducees
(See Scofield "Matthew 3:7").

Verse 9

scribes
(See Scofield "Matthew 2:4").

CHAPTER 24

Verse 5

world
"oikoumene" = inhabited earth. (See Scofield "Luke 2:1").

Verse 10

the governor
Felix made procurator over Judaea, A.D. 53.

Verse 22

of that way
concerning the Way. See, John 14:6.

Verse 25

righteousness (See Scofield "Romans 10:10").
trembled becoming afraid; (Greek - ἔμφοβος^[15]," afraid).

Verse 27

But after But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to gain favour with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.

CHAPTER 25

Verse 6

more than ten
Or, as some copies read, no more than eight or ten days.

Verse 13

Agrippa
This (Acts 5:13) was Herod Agrippa II., son of the Herod Agrippa I. of Acts 12:1, and great-grandson of Herod the Great. (See Scofield "Matthew 2:1").
Bernice, or Berenice, was the sister of Herod Agrippa II. Acts 5:13.

CHAPTER 26

Verse 14

heard
Cf. (See Scofield "Acts 9:7").

Verse 18

sins
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 23

Christ
the Christ must suffer. See, Acts 3:18; Acts 17:3. (See Scofield "Acts 17:3").

Verse 28

Almost
R.V. With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian. The answer might be paraphrased: "It will require more than this," etc., or, "A little more and you will make," etc.

Verse 29

both
Lit. both in a little and in much.

CHAPTER 27

Verse 1

centurion
Commander of 100 soldiers.

Verse 9

fast
The fast was on the tenth day of the seventh month. Leviticus 23:27,29.

Verse 17

fall
be cast upon the Syrtis.

Verse 23

the angel
an angel of the God whose I am, whom also I serve. (See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

Verse 28

fathoms
One fathom = between 6 and 7 feet.

Verse 37

two hundred
Some ancient authorities read, about threescore and sixteen souls.

Verse 40

taken up
Or, cut the anchors, they left them in the sea, etc.

CHAPTER 28

Verse 15

Appii
the market of Appius.

Verse 16

a soldier
the soldier that guarded him. Acts 24:23; 27:3.

Verse 28

salvation
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

Verse 30

his own hired house
It has been much disputed whether Paul endured two Roman imprisonments, from A.D. 62 to 68 or one. The tradition from Clement to Eusebius favours two imprisonments with a year of liberty between. Erdman (W.J.) has pointed out the leaving of Trophimus sick at Miletus, mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:20 could not have been an occurrence of Paul's last journey to Jerusalem, for then Trophimus was not left ; Acts 20:4; 21:29 nor of the journey to Rome to appear before Caesar, for then he did not touch at Miletus. To make this incident possible there must have been a release from the first imprisonment, and an interval of ministry and travel.

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