Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 14
Matthew Henry Commentary
Acts 14
Matthew Henry Commentary
Acts 14
"And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed. But the Jews that were disobedient stirred up the souls of the Gentiles, and made them evil affected against the brethren. Long time therefore they tarried [there] speaking boldly in the Lord, who bare witness unto the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. And when there was made an onset both of the Gentiles and of the Jews with their rulers, to treat them shamefully and to stone them, they became aware of it, and fled unto the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the region round about: and there they preached the gospel." — Acts 14:1-7 (ASV)
The apostles spoke so plainly, with such evidence and proof of the Spirit, and with such power; so warmly, and with such concern for the souls of men; that those who heard them could not help but say, God was with them in truth. Yet the success was not to be attributed to the manner of their preaching, but to the Spirit of God who used that means.
Perseverance in doing good, amid dangers and hardships, is a blessed evidence of grace. Wherever God's servants are driven, they should seek to declare the truth. When they went on in Christ's name and strength, He did not fail to give testimony to the word of His grace. He has assured us it is the word of God, and that we may venture our souls upon it.
The Gentiles and Jews were hostile towards one another, yet united against Christians. If the church's enemies join to destroy it, should not its friends unite for its preservation? God has a shelter for His people in a storm; He is, and will be their Hiding-place. In times of persecution, believers may see cause to leave a place, though they do not abandon their Master's work.
"And at Lystra there sat a certain man, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother`s womb, who never had walked. The same heard Paul speaking, who, fastening eyes upon him, and seeing that he had faith to be made whole, said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped up and walked. And when the multitude saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker. And the priest of Jupiter whose [temple] was before the city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the multitudes. But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they rent their garments, and sprang forth among the multitude, crying out and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good tidings, that ye should turn from these vain things unto a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is: who in the generations gone by suffered all the nations to walk in their own ways. And yet He left not himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you from heaven rains and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness. And with these sayings scarce restrained they the multitudes from doing sacrifice unto them." — Acts 14:8-18 (ASV)
All things are possible to those who believe. When we have faith, that most precious gift of God, we shall be delivered from the spiritual helplessness in which we were born, and from the dominion of sinful habits since formed; we shall be made able to stand upright and walk cheerfully in the ways of the Lord. When Christ, the Son of God, appeared in the likeness of men and performed many miracles, people were so far from offering sacrifice to him that they made him a sacrifice to their pride and malice; but Paul and Barnabas, after they performed one miracle, were treated as gods.
The same power of the god of this world, which closes the carnal mind against truth, also makes errors and mistakes readily find admission. We do not read that they tore their clothes when the people spoke of stoning them. But when the people spoke of worshipping them, they could not bear it, being more concerned for God's honour than their own. God's truth does not need the services of human falsehood. The servants of God could easily obtain undue honours if they were to wink at people's errors and vices; but they must dread and detest such respect more than any reproach.
When the apostles preached to the Jews, who hated idolatry, they had only to preach the grace of God in Christ. However, when they dealt with the Gentiles, they first had to correct their mistakes concerning natural religion. Compare their conduct and message with the false opinions of those who think that the worship of a God, under any name or in any manner, is equally acceptable to the Lord Almighty. The most powerful arguments, the most earnest and affectionate appeals, even accompanied by miracles, are scarcely enough to keep people from absurdities and abominations; much less can these methods, without special grace, turn the hearts of sinners to God and to holiness.
"But there came Jews thither from Antioch and Iconium: and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and entered into the city: and on the morrow he went forth with Barnabas to Derbe. And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed for them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed. And they passed through Pisidia, and came to Pamphylia. And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia; and thence they sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles. And they tarried no little time with the disciples." — Acts 14:19-28 (ASV)
See how restless the rage of the Jews was against the gospel of Christ. The people stoned Paul in a popular tumult. So strong is the inclination of the corrupt and carnal heart, that as it is with great difficulty that people are kept back from evil on one side, so it is with great ease they are persuaded to evil on the other side. If Paul had been Mercury, he might have been worshipped; but if he is to be a faithful minister of Christ, he will be stoned and thrown out of the city.
Thus, people who easily submit to strong delusions hate to receive the truth in the love of it. All who are converted need to be confirmed in the faith; all who are planted need to be rooted. Ministers' work is to establish saints as well as to awaken sinners. The grace of God, and nothing less, effectually establishes the souls of the disciples.
It is true, we must expect much tribulation, but it is an encouragement that we will not be lost and perish in it. The Person to whose power and grace the converts and the newly-established churches are commended, clearly was the Lord Jesus, on whom they had believed. It was an act of worship. The praise of all the little good we do at any time must be ascribed to God, for it is He who not only worketh in us both to will and to do, but also works with us to make what we do successful.
All who love the Lord Jesus will rejoice to hear that he has opened the door of faith wide to those who were strangers to him and to his salvation. And let us, like the apostles, abide with those who know and love the Lord.
Jump to: