Scofield Reference Bible Notes/Acts

=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:  (See Scofield "Matthew 4:17"). The rejection of King and kingdom followed. Taken together, the N.T. teachings concerning the return of Jesus Christ may be summarized as follows: \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.
 * (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."
 * (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.
 * (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.

Verse 12
journey About 4854 feet.

Verse 13
Zelotes The Zealot.

Verse 20
bishoprick (Greek - ναός, 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"). \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. 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.
 * (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
 * (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.
 * (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 = 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, sons). =CHAPTER 4=

Verse 1
Sadducees  (See Scofield "Matthew 3:7").

Verse 12
salvation  (See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

Verse 16
miracle (Greek - σημει̑ον, 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 ), 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 )." 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, 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 ," "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 ," probably by the feet). Cf. Acts 14:19.

Verse 20
magistrates (Greek - Α ," Roman magistrates).

Verse 25
prayed Lit. were praying and singing hymns.

Verse 30
saved  (See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

Verse 35
serjeants (Greek - Α )." =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 = "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 ("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, 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 ," 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.