Bible Commentaries
Acts 9

Verse 1

CONTENTS

The wonderful History of Saul's Conversion. The Effect it had upon the Jews. Peter healeth Eneas, and raiseth Tabitha from the dead.

Verses 1-2

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, (2) And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

The Holy Ghost hath most graciously shown, in the history of Saul of Tarsus, to what a desperate height the human mind void of grace is capable of advancing, in malice and hatred, against the Lord, and that the church of Christ might learn, that there is no difference between one man and another, in the Adam-nature in which all are born; the Lord the Spirit hath here shewn in the example of one of the most eminent servants of Jesus, as he afterwards proved, what our state would do, while unawakened and unregenerated before the Lord: and what the Lord enables his people to do when called by sovereign grace from darkness to light, and from the power of sin and Satan to the living God, I pray the Reader to enter upon the wonderful history here before us with prayer to the Lord the Spirit, that all his gracious designs in giving this relation to the Church, and frequently repeated as it is, may be blessed both to the Writer and Reader of this Poor Man's Commentary; that in the perusal of it, w e may be made wise unto salvation through the faith that is in Christ Jesus. See Acts 22:0 ; Acts 25:0 ; Ga 1; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Timothy 1:16 .

It should seem, that Saul at this time, had fairly routed all the preachers of the Gospel, which were at Jerusalem, excepting the Apostles; and that he made no attack upon them, we can only refer into the Lord's sovereignty, such as Jesus exercised when on earth, in their personal protection. (See John 18:8 . and Commentary upon it.) And now the fury of his heart led him, as he said elsewhere, (Acts 22:4 ; Acts 26:9-11 ) to persecute them even unto strange cities; determining, if it were possible, to exterminate Christ and his Church from the earth. Reader! pause and contemplate the subject, for it is exceedingly momentous. Who should have thought, that in the very moment this man was thus aiming destruction at the Lord's people, that he was himself a chosen vessel of Christ, and had been so from all eternity? Who that heard the blasphemy of the-man, and beheld the bitter cruelties he exercised on the Lord's redeemed ones, compelling them to blaspheme; Acts 26:11 , could have conceived, that the very mouth which breathed out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, should soon preach Christ in all his fulness and glory; and to feel the salvation of souls so near his heart, as to wish himself accursed from Christ for his brethren, his kinsmen after the flesh, Romans 9:3 . But what cannot the grace of God accomplish? What will it not accomplish, rather than one, whom the Father hath given the Son in an everlasting covenant which cannot be broken, should perish? Reader! I pray you at every step you take in this wonderful history, figure to yourself that you hear the man, whose conversion the Holy Ghost hath here so sweetly recorded, proclaiming in his own words, For this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-sufferings for a pattern to them, which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting, 1 Timothy 1:16 .

I stop the Reader in the midst of the history, to beg him to remark with me, that it is evident, both from the stoning of Stephen, the binding unto prison, and death, men and women, and Saul's going to Damascus for the same purpose, the power of the Sanhedrim was not totally gone. But if he compares this part of Saul's history here, with that part of it we meet with when he stood before the council to answer for his life, as related, (Acts 22:0 ) and when the chief captain rescued him from them; he will perceive that a change had then taken place. And if he will prosecute the subject a little further, (and it is a subject of some moment to ascertain the point,) he will discover, that the Sanhedrim now no longer exercised their authority in cases of life and death. For when Festus declared Paul's cause to Agrippa, he made this remarkable observation: It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have license to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him, Acts 25:16 . And what a beautiful proof this is, in confirmation of Jacob's prophecy, of the departure of the sceptre from Judah now Christ the Shiloh was come, and the gathering of the people to Christ was taking place in the earth! Genesis 49:10 . See Commentary on Acts 25:16 .

Verses 3-4

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: (4) And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Saul had made a vigorous pursuit in his journey, for he drew near to Damascus we are told, which was a distance little short of an hundred and fifty miles from Jerusalem, when stopped in his mad career. Thus far the Lord permitted him to go , and no further; and here was the proud waves of his boiling anger restrained. I have often thought, when pondering over this history, what a trembling state the poor timid disciples of Jesus must have been in, at Damascus, when they knew that this dreadful persecutor was hastening towards them, and that he was just at hand! And I have as often thought how sweetly Jesus hath taught his people from it, upon all occasions of exercise,

to bring all their anxieties to him, and in such a view as this, (and many more there are in scripture to the same amount,) leave every event with the Lord. See Isaiah 57:0 ; Daniel 3:17-18 . And I believe, if the Lord's people would learn to make just calculations of the Lord's dealings with them, they would find that the seasons of more than ordinary distresses, have proved in the end, some more than ordinary seasons of special mercies. Jesus hath taken occasion from them, to make them more sensible of his presence and love. There is a time to favor Zion, Psalms 102:13 . And what time so blessed, as when the enemy threatens? What hours more precious to hear the love-calls of Jesus, as when the world storms, or our own hearts are misgiving? See that sweet scripture, Mark 4:37-40 .

But to proceed. The first act of sovereign grace here said to have been manifested to Saul, was a light from heaven. He afterward, when speaking of it, described it as above the brightness of the sun, though it was now mid-day, Acts 26:13 . And the next thing we hear was, that he fell to the earth. He was unhorsed at once, and the Lord struck him to the ground. And what a mercy that he had not struck him to hell. No doubt that in the after stages of life, when he looked back upon this transaction, he often thought so. Reader! so may every man; so may you, so may I, when we tremblingly look back, and ponder the days and years of our unregeneracy! Oh! the melting subject! To think of being preserved in Jesus Christ, while fighting against Jesus Christ, Jude 1:1 .

But what must have been the feelings of Saul when Jesus called him by name, yea twice, Saul! Saul! why persecutest thou me! That this was Christ , speaking in his human nature from heaven to Saul, is most evident by what followed, and which will presently be proved. But in the mean time, I pray the Reader not to overlook, nor hastily pass away from the very blessed manifestation, the Lord Jesus here made of himself. There is a great sweetness of expression, both in the Lord's calling Saul by name, and doing it twice, to express his earnestness and love. And there is a most blessed manner in our dear Lord's expostulation with Saul, in telling him, that his cruelties to his people were cruelties to himself. Saul! Saul! why persecutest thou me? Reader! never forget this. Jesus is himself persecuted whensoever one of his little ones is offended. Whoso toucheth you, toucheth the apple of his eye, Zechariah 2:8 . If this was properly considered by the world, how would they tremble to afflict the Lord's people? The foot cannot be crushed, and the head not feel. And what a scripture of alarm is that, For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord! Psalms 12:5

Verses 5-6

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (6) And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Nothing surely can be more simply and yet more beautifully related, than this wonderful action. Though it is a work wholly supernatural, in the Lord himself speaking from heaven to a poor sinner fallen to the earth, with the splendor of the glory which shone upon him; yet, through grace, we are enabled to enter into a proper apprehension of the whole scene. The Lord though overwhelming both the body and mind of Saul with shame and fear, yet gave him strength to put forth the earnest question of enquiry, and to ask who it was that thus condescended to speak to him. No doubt, the same Almighty power which shone without, shone no less within the mind of Saul, that when he said, w ho art thou Lord? his heart told him that it must be Jesus. He humbly and tremblingly put the question, but dreaded the answer. And when the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest! what must have been the terrors of his soul? For although the Lord spake no doubt with tenderness, (for Jesus cannot speak to his own, but with tenderness as Jesus,) yet the self-reproaches, and self-condemnation, rushing like a torrent through every chamber of Saul's mind, could not but carry all before it, and must have left him a wreck of distress before the Lord. The only astonishment is, (and indeed can be ascribed to no other cause, but grace supporting him,) that he had not given up the ghost through anguish of spirit.

I admire the very blessed manner, and I think that the Reader will admire it also,) in which the Lord Jesus spake to Saul, in calling himself Jesus. Had he said, as he might have said, I am the God of thy Fathers, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob; Saul might have pleaded, that his persecution of the Church of Christ was out of zeal for the Lord's glory. But when from this Shechinah, Jesus himself spake to him as Abraham's God, and called himself Jesus, the weapons of all warfare fell at once from his hands and all self-defense was taken away. And no doubt he lay trembling on the earth, expecting that the next words of the Lord would be to sentence him to hell.

Reader! pause, admire, and adore, the wonders of grace! For the same as was manifested here to Saul, is, and must be manifested, more or less, to every child of God. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. And when a child of God is recovered from the Adam - state of a fallen nature, into the glorious liberty of the sons of God; then to look back and review the wonderful mercy shewn him in all the properties of it, opens such a prospect, as cannot but melt down the soul to the very dust before God. The freeness of it, the seasonableness of it, the greatness of it, the unexpected, unlooked for, yea, unthought of, nature of it, and its everlasting, unchanging property; these till the soul with a joy unspeakable and full of glory! Oh! the wonders of distinguishing grace! That when sinners deserve wrath, they find mercy. And when in themselves they are hastening to hell, the Lord is bringing them in Christ to heaven!

Verses 7-8

And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. (8) And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

No doubt, the whole party which were with Saul, were men of the same description as himself; but we read of no work of grace wrought upon their hearts. They stood speechless, and heard a voice; were overawed with what was going on; but unconscious of anything more. Reader! so hath it been in all ages of the Church, so is it now, and so must it be forever. When the voice from heaven, which was heard by the Jews at Christ's baptism, declared him to be the beloved Son of God, it had no effect upon them, Matthew 3:16-17 . When again, just before his crucifixion, God the Father answered Christ's prayer to glorify his Son, and said, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again; though some thought that it thundered, others that an angel spake to Jesus, yet no one change was wrought by it upon a single heart of those men, John 12:28-29 . Nothing short of the work of God the Holy Ghost upon the heart, can change the heart, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, 2 Corinthians 4:6 .

Verse 9

And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

I should not have thought it necessary to have paused over those verses, with any other remarks, than merely to have observed, that the Lord's account of the manner in which those days were spent by Saul, was in prayer, see verse 11 (Acts 9:11 .) But as from hence, it hath been argued by some, that in every saving conversion of the heart to the Lord, there must be, according to Saul's example, three days fasting and agonizing, (as it is called;) I conceive that it would be proper, rather to enquire what God the Holy Ghost hath said on this important subject, than what man teacheth; and here also, as in other cases, to compare spiritual things with spiritual.

Now very certain it is, that though Saul, and it may be many beside, have lain a longer time than others in the pangs of the new birth; yet God the Holy Ghost hath caused to be recorded many instances of an act of grace producing an immediate change of heart, from death to life, and from the power of Satan to the living God. Matthew the publican, yea all the Apostles at once followed Jesus at his call. Lydia's heart was instantly opened by the Lord, and we hear of no delay, nor pangs of the new birth. Even the Jailor at Philippi, though convulsed at midnight, was made joyful in Christ before the morning, Acts 16:25-34; Acts 16:25-34 . And the Church of the Philippians are said to have been in the fellowship of the Gospel from the first day until now, Philippians 1:5 . And the Church of the Thessalonians in like manner are said to have received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost, 1 Thessalonians 1:6 . So that, whatever men may say of such things, very evident it is, that the Lord hath not said it. The Lord the Holy Ghost works as an Almighty Sovereign, when he calls any by his grace. And while some are long in the state of unawakened nature; and others, early called to the knowledge of the Lord; yet in every case of a saving conversion of the heart to God; all these worketh that One and the self same Spirit dividing to every man severally as he will. For as in the birth of nature, it is not the violent pains or the ease which determine the child to be born; but the safe delivery and the reality of life in the babe which constitutes the birth; so in grace, the cry of the soul, and the hungering and thirsting for Christ; these are the sure signs of the new birth, in which the Spirit witnesseth to the spirits of the Lord's people, that they are the children of God, Romans 8:16 .

Verses 10-19

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. (11) And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, (12) And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. (13) Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: (14) And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. (15) But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: (16) For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. (17) And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. (18) And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. (19) And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

It is wonderful to observe, by what instruments and means, the Lord is pleased sometimes to work. According to our view of things, we should have supposed that the Lord would have sent Saul back to Jerusalem to the College of the Apostles, for whatever instruction the Lord was pleased to appoint him; and not send for this poor timid Ananias be his servant in this business. Nay, one should have thought, that after the Lord Jesus himself had called to Saul from heaven, he would have needed no ministry from others upon earth. But here, as in numberless instances, God's thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways his ways, Isaiah 55:8 .

It must have been a cutting word, though full of tenderness in Ananias, when at the first interview, yea, and the first word which he spake to Saul, he called him, Brother! The conscious breast of Saul could not but have felt it very sensibly. And it must have been what Saul in after days himself called heaping coals of fire upon my head, in melting down all anger in overcoming evil with good, (Romans 12:20-21 ) when Ananias added the precious name of Jesus, and said, the Lord, even Jesus, which appeared unto thee in the way, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. Who shall describe the blessedness of this interview between Saul and Ananias? Who shall speak of the new feelings in Saul's heart, and the joys of both, when Saul first opened his eyes, and they saw each other? But, Reader! think what feelings of the soul must that be to every redeemed one of the Lord's, when at death, the spiritual eye first sees Jesus, that brother born for adversity! What sensations must the first glimpse of Him in the eternal world occasion, when from faith to sight, the soul sees him as he is, and is then brought home to dwell with him forever!

Verses 20-31

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. (21) But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? (22) But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. (23) And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: (24) But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. (25) Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. (26) And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. (27) But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (28) And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. (29) And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. (30) Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. (31) Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

I beg the Reader to observe, (for it is highly important to be observed,) how immediately Saul preached Christ, and in that preaching, proclaimed his Godhead. Well he might indeed, having been both converted and ordained by the Lord himself, without human instruments, and without human forms. And so he tells us: I certify to you, (said he,) brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ, Galatians 1:11-12 . So, then, if Saul was never taught it by man, and yet was taught it by Jesus Christ, can any form of words more decidedly speak Saul's sentiments, that he considered Christ God? Reader! do not overlook these precious things, for they are; at all times precious, and never more so, than in the present Christ-despising generation! You see how Saul confounded the Jews which were at Damascus, in proving the Godhead of Christ. And all faithful ministers of the present hour confound the various heresies of the present day, in proving Christ the same way.

We are told that all that heard him were amazed. Yes! all the unbelieving Jews were amazed, as unbelievers now are astonished and remain silent, overawed by the demonstration of the Spirit and power, whensoever Christ is fully preached and glorified. But, true believers in Christ then, as true believers in Christ now, from the same grace in their own hearts, could not but be sensible by what sovereign power the whole is induced, and learn to glorify God in his mercy, Galatians 1:24 .

Verses 32-35

And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. (33) And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. (34) And Peter said unto him, Aeneas Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. (35) And all that dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and turned to the Lord.

What a most interesting record is here! It is impossible to read it but with delight. To behold the sovereignty of the very name of Jesus! This poor bed-ridden man, had been palsied eight years. And yet, as one might be led to hope from the familiarity with which Peter accosted him, in calling him by his name, that he knew the Lord (See Acts 14:9 ). And how many of the Lord's hidden ones are palsied, crippled, diseased, or under some bodily infirmity or other, for years together. The bed of sickness is blessed, upon which Jesus puts his people. They are sure of the frequent visits of their Almighty Physician. I hope the Reader will not fail to observe, by what name and power, Peter bid Eneas arise. See Acts 4:8-12; Acts 4:8-12 . And I hope the Reader will no fail to recollect also, how fully these acts of the Apostles, confirmed their Lord's promise to them before his departure; that even greater works than He himself had done, should be done by them, when He was returned to his Father. See John 14:12 ; Mark 16:17-18 . And yet more particularly than all, I hope the Reader will not forget to connect with those views of the Apostles' miracles, in the name, and by the authority of Christ, on the bodies of his people, the still greater works which God the Holy Ghost, by their instrumentality, wrought on their souls. Here were works indeed, and miracles of grace, when the palsied in soul, yea, the dead in trespasses and sins, were raised from death to life, and converted from the power of Satan to the living God.

Verses 36-43

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms-deeds which she did. (37) And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. (38) And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. (39) Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. (40) But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. (41) And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. (42) And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. (43) And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

The Holy Ghost hath closed this most sweet and interesting chapter; with the relation of a miracle wrought by Peter, in his Lord's name, on a godly woman, in raising her from the dead. This Joppa was a little sea-port in the tribe of Dan, made memorable in scripture by the history of Jonah, Jonah 1:3 . Her name was Tabitha in the Hebrew, but the Greeks called her Dorcas. But the most delightful part of her character is, that she was a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. And it is an honorable testimony given of her at the same time, that she adorned that doctrine she professed, in being full of good works, and alms-deeds which she did. It is truly blessed to see a child of God alive in the discharge of all the duties of a believer, while at the same time dead to every idea of merit in the performance of them. To consider those things as blessed effects from grace in the heart, but not contributing an atom in adding to the cause of salvation. Nothing can be more lovely where this is the case. But such instances are rare to be found. For such is the corruption of our fallen nature, that these things more frequently minister to spiritual pride and pharisaical righteousness, than to the divine glory. And that soul must be highly taught of God indeed, who is in earnest, and zealous in laying himself out for usefulness in God's Church, and among God's people; and yet in proportion as the Lord blesseth him in such deeds, he layeth lower and lower in the dust before God. Who so far from taking to himself the most distant idea of merit, from a life like this considers himself only as a greater debtor to the Lord for having called him to the service, and given him both grace and ability to discharge it. One so taught of the Lord, will feel more humbled at every step he takes as the Lord's Almoner, and will be astonished at the grace which employs him, when he considers, that the same Lord hath angels at his command, for all his errands of mercy!

I admire the diligence of Peter, in being here, and there, and everywhere, at the call of the Lord's people, and in the Lord's service. The Apostle felt, what every faithful minister of Jesus ought to feel; that when embarked in the Lord's service, his time and talents, yea, his very life is not his own. And that service where he can be most useful, is the very spot where he should be always found. Hence from the bed of Eneas to the chamber of Tabitha, and from Lydda to Joppa, Peter hastens for employment.

I admire also the strong faith, both of Peter and of the disciples at those places. It should seem, that the one expected miracles, and that the other depended in the Lord's name for strength to perform them. And what cannot that faith accomplish, which the Lord creates in the heart, which is wholly founded on the Lord's strength, and wholly designed for the Lord's glory? Reader! let you and I seek grace from the Lord, in the same way, and for the same ends, even Christ's praise, and depend upon it, our day, and our strength in the Lord will be alike. I can do nothing, (said one of old, highly taught of God,) of myself, but I can do all things through Christ strengthening me.

Verse 43

REFLECTIONS

Pause, my soul, over the several miracles recorded in this chapter, and behold the wonders connected with the event of Christ tabernacling in the flesh! All, and every circumstance, which hath occurred, or hereafter to be accomplished, in the present life, of the time-state of the Church; all spring out of that one mystery, God manifest in the flesh! Precious Lord Jesus! what a world of mysteries is thy Church in? What a world of mysteries is the one view of thy love to thy Church? While I read the conversion of Paul, the healing of Eneas, the bringing back to life Tabitha; and ponder the cause of these, and all the numberless miracles recorded in the word of thy grace: while I contemplate the continuation of the same, daily going on through the earth; and all arising from the love of my Lord to his Church; oh! who shall speak of the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.

And is this the manner of Jesus, in testifying his love? Doth Jesus indeed delight to raise a persecuting Saul from the brink of hell, to employ him in the service of heaven? Will the Lord indeed take pleasure, from having his name proclaimed from those very lips which have been uttering continued blasphemy? Shall he, who consented to the murder of Stephen, and persecuted unto death, men and women, of the Lord's people, be the very One Jesus hath chosen to be his honored instrument in the conversion of thousands? Lord! how mysterious thy ways; and how full of grace thy judgments? But, my soul! amidst all these wonders with which thou art surrounded do not lose sight of what the Holy Ghost taught Saul after his conversion to tell the Church; that it was for this cause he obtained mercy, that in him the Lord Jesus Christ might shew forth all long suffering for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting!

Reader! let us bless the Lord for the sweet records in this chapter; and for the grace manifested to the Church in the rest which she is here said to have enjoyed after the sharp persecutions. Oh! that those latter ages may find revivals from the Lord among the people; and that walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, they may be multiplied.