E F¹ 8:-1-3. Persecution in Jerusalem. G¹ 8:4. Believers scattered. H¹ 8:5-40. Ministry at Samaria, &c. F² 9:1,2. Persecution by Saul. G² 9:3-19-. Saul converted. H² 9:-19-22. Ministry at Damascus. F³ 9:23-30. Persecution of Saul. G³ 9:31. Assemblies multiplied. H³ 9:32–10:48. Ministry at Lydia, &c. F4 11:1-17. Dissension in the Assemblies. G4 11:18. Peace restored. H4 11:19-30. Ministy at Phenice, &c.
And in that day there arose a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad (Gr. diaspeirõ. Cp. diaspora. Jas.1:1. 1 Pet.1:1) throughout the disticts of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles (they remained at the centre of affairs, to watch over the infant assemblies. Cp. v.14).
2: And pious men carried Stephen to his burial (Lit. carried away together), and made great lamentation over him.
3: But Saul, he made havock of the church (laid waste), entering into house by house, and dragging men and women (they also served. Cp. 1:14; 5:14) committed them to prison.
4: They therefore indeed were scattered abroad (for spreading of God's Word) went every where (Lit. passed through) preaching the word (Gr. evangelizõ = to announce a joyful message; having regard to the mutter announced [not the matter]).
H¹ I¹ 5-25. Samaria. I² 26-40. In the South.
I¹ j n 5-. Phillip o -5. His message. p 6-. Heed given. q -6,7. Cause. K 8. Phillip's inistry. Result. j n 9-. Simon. o -9. His message. p 10,11-. Heed given. q -11. Cause. K 12-25. Phillip's ministry. Result.
5: Then Philip (= lover of horses. A good friend of Stephen) went down to the city of Samaria (= watchtower),
and preached the Messiah to them (Gr. kêrussõ = to proclaim [as a herald], from kêrux, a herald; wthout reference to the matter proclaimed; and without the idea of teaching).
6: And the crowds with one mind gave heed to those things spoken by Phillip,
hearing and seeing (Lit. in that they heard and saw) the signs which he was doing (The Holy Spirit was doing it through him).
7: For unclean spirits (= Demons, or evil spirit-beings), crying with loud voice (they were screaming), came out of many that were possessed with them: and many paralytic, and that were lame, were healed (Gr. therapeuõ = to wait upon, minister to [as a doctor does]; hence = to heal; to render voluntary service and attendance. Phillip a can do type person through which the Holy Spirit could work. There is always a purpose for a miracle).
8: And there came to be great joy in that city.
9: But there was a certain man (or some one), called (Lit. by name) Simon (= a hearing. From the house of Satan. Even claimed to be God. Performed quite a little "church" service), which beforetime in the city used sorcery (Lit. before was practicing magic [Gr. mageuõ, to act as a magos. Cp. 13:6,8. Matt.2:1,7,16), bewitching the nation of Samaria (Gr. existêmi, to drive out one's senses. In middle voice, to be amazed. Cp. 2:7,12. Mark 3:21. 2 Cor.5:13.),
saying that himself was a certain great one:
10: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest (Lit. little to great), saying, “This one is the great power of Elohim.” (he thus assumed to be the Divine Logos. They were having revival meetings. Cp. 1 Cor.1:24)
11: And to him they had regard (same word as "gave heed" in vv.6,10),
because that of long time he had bewitched (Lit. because of their being bewitched) them with magical arts (cp. v.9. It was all fake side-shows, tent shows).
K r 12. Baptisms. s 13. Simon's baptism. t 14. Apostle's visit. r 15-17. Holy Spirit given. s 18-24. Simon's offer. t 25. Apostle's return.
12: But when they believed (Gr. pisteuo = to have faith in. Here with dative of person or thing believed) Philip preaching the things (the text omits) concerning the kingdom of Elohim (see CB appendix 112,114), and the name of Yashua (Jesus) the Messiah (Christ), they were baptized, both men and women.
13: Then Simon himself also believed: and when he was baptized, he was continuing with Philip, and was amazed, beholding the miracles and signs (the A.V. reverses the translation here. "miracles and signs" should be "signs and powers, or mighty works". The text adds "great") which were done. (He wanted to learn how to use he power for himself)
14: Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of Elohim (God), they sent (Gr. apostelõ = to send forth, or off, or away from [as a messanger], or with a commission], the sender remaining behind; implying authority on the part of the sender. Hence used of prohets; and the Noun, "apostle", denotes one thus sent) to them Peter and John:
15: Who, when they were come down, prayed (Gr. proseuchomai = to pray to. It is restricted to prayer to God) concerning them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit (just like on Pentecost day):
16: {For as yet He (i.e. the Holy Spirit) was fallen upon no one of them: only they had been baptized in the name of Yahaveh Yashua.}
17: Then laid they their hands upon them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit.
18: And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit is given (both articles, because referring to what has already been spoken of in v.15), he offered them money,
19: Saying, “Give me also this authority (Gr. exousia, also means delegated power; the liberty and right to put forth power), in order that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20: But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you (Lit. be unto destruction, See John 17:12. Peter's indignant words are an instance of Fig. Apodiõxis, or Destation = an expression of feeling by the way of detestation. He's cutting him down to size. He's calling him a fake), because you have thought to purchase the free gift of Elohim may be purchased through money.
21: You have not part nor lot in this reckoning: for your heart is not right in the eyes of Elohim.
22: Repent (Gr. metanoeõ = to chage one's mind, always for the better, and morally. Not merely to forsake sin, but to change one's apprehension regarding it. It answers to the Latin resipisco = to recover one's senses, to come to one's self) therefore of this your wickedness, and pray (Gr. deomai = to want, lack, or need; then, to make known one's need; hence to supplicate, beseech) to Yahaveh, if perhaps the thought of your heart shall be forgiven you (Gr. aphiêmi = to send off, or away from one's self [in any manner]; hence, to dismiss).
23: For I see that you are in the gall (cp. Deut.29:18) of bitterness (cp. Rom.3:14. Eph.4:31. Heb.12:15), and in the bond (a medical word for a ligature. Cp. Eph.4:3. Col.2:19.3:14. Your bound up by the sin of jealousy) of iniquity.” (Gr. ponêros = full of labours and pains in working mischief; evil intent; grudging, in connection with the idea expressed in the "evil eye")
24: Then answered Simon, and said, “Pray you all to Yahaveh for me, that not one of these things which you all have spoken come upon me.” (He was disingenuous. From this incident comes the term "simony" for traffic in sacred things. "Simony" in human history: Simon burried himself to prove he was like God. He still lays burried! He did not resurrect like Yashua [Jesus] )
25: And they (Lit. they indeed therefore), when they had fulfilled their testimomy and spoke the word of Yahaveh, returned to Jerusalem, and evangelized (see v.4) in many villages of the Samaritans. (Once John had wished to call down fire from heaven on a Samarian village. Luke 9:54)
I² u¹ 26. Philip. The Angel's command. v¹ 27,28. The Eunuch. Reading. u² 29,30. Philip. The Spirit's command. v² 31-34. The Eunuch. Questions. u³ 35. Philip. Preaching. v³ 36-38. The Eunuch. Baptism. u4 39,40. Philip. Caught away.
26: But an angel of Yahaveh spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise, and down to the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza (one of the 5 cities of the Philistines; destroyed by Alexander), which is desert.
27: And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch a potentate of Candace (a title of the queens of Ethioia) queen of the Ethiopians (only here, Matt.12:42. Luke 11:31. Rev.18:7), who was over all her treasure (Gr. gaza), and had come to Jerusalem for to worship (Gr. proskuneõ = to prostrate oneself [in reverence], do homage. Here in this verse we have a further opening of God's Word to ALL peoples),
31: And he said, “How can I, except if some one should lead me in the way?” And he be sought Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
35: But Philip opened his mouth (a Hebraism), and began from this scripture, and preached to him . (See Isa.53:9-12. Those few Scriptures with Philip's witness was enough to convince him)
36: And as they went down their way, they came to a certain water: and the eunuch said, “Behold, here is water; what does hinder me to be baptized?”
39: And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of Yehovah caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: for (supply Ellipsis, "taught by the Spirit, he needed him not') he went his way rejoicing.
3: And as he journeyed (Lit. in the journeying), it came to pass as he drew near Damascus: and suddenly there flashed around (cp. Luke 17:24; 24:4., also cp. Matt.28:3) him a light from heaven (Gr. phos = light [underived and absolute]; the opposite of darkness. Used therefore specialy of God [John 1:4,5; 8:12; 1 John 1:5, &c]):
5: And he said, “Who are You, Lord” (used of Christ, as in 1 Cor.8:6)? And He said, “I am Yashua (Jesus) Whom you persecute: it is hard (the text omits, "to him", in the middle of verse 6. The words were probably supplied from the personal narative in 26:14) for you to kick against the pricks” (= a goad for an animal, or the deeper meaning a point of a compass, i.e. perfect system).
“Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told you what you must do.”
8: And Saul was raised up from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, (a very humbling experience)
he saw nothing: but they leading him by the hand (cp. 13:11), brought him into Damascus.
and did not eat nor drink.
10: And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, by name Ananias (= whom Yahaveh has graciously given); and to him said Yahaveh in a vision (see 7:31), “Ananias.”
And he said, “Behold, I am here, Yehovah.”
11: And Yahaveh said to him, “Arise, and go into the lane which is called Straight (= True. It ran direct from the West gate to the East gate. In oriental cities such would be the bazaar), and seek in the house of Judas for a Tarsean, Saul by name (Tarsus [= a flat basket] was the capital of Cilicia. Saul was doubtless one of those who disputed with Stephen [6:9]): for, behold, he prays,
17: And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said,
“Brother Saul (thus recognizing him a fellow-disciple), Yahaveh, even Yashua, that was seen by you in the way by you came, has sent (Gr. apostellõ) me, that you mightest receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
19: And when he had received nourishment, he was strengthened. (There were some Bible studies going on here. Reconoitering)
Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
23: And when many days were fulfilled (= the three years of Gal.1:18. Cp. 1 Kings 38,39, where many days also implies three years), the Jews (= Kenites = the sons of Cain. Not our brother Judah. See v.22) plotted (Gr. sumbouleuõ) to kill him (= slay, Gr.anaireõ, take off, or away. See 2:23 ):
25: Then the disciples took him by night, and sent him down through the wall lowering him a basket. (Not a cowardly act, but to prevent trouble)
but they were all afraid of him, and not believing (i.e. hesitating to believe) that he was a disciple. (Because of his past deeds. They knew what he did when Stephen died)
27: But Barnabas (see 4:36) laid hold of him, and brought him to the apostles, and related to them how he had seen Yahaveh in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly (= spoke without reserve) at Damascus in the name of Yashua. (Good old Barnie the preacher was vouching for him)
28: And he was with them coming in and going out (a Hebraism for life in general) at Jerusalem.
29: And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Yehoshua, and disputed against the Grecians (= Greek speaking Jews. Here we have the Kenites again, not our brother Judah. They were slave merchants):
but they took in hand to slay him (Gr. epicheireõ, a medical word, giving evidence of Luke's authorship of this letter. The Kenites knew Paul was dangerous).
30: But the brethren having got to know it,
they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent (Gr. exapostellõ) him forth to Tarsus. (They sent [with authority] him home. See 11:25)
31: The church indeed therefore had peace throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and being edified; and walking in the reverence (or love) of Yehoshua were replenished with, and in the comfort (Gr. paraklesîs = consolation or exhortation) of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied (see 6:1).
32: And it came to pass, as Peter passed through all quarters, he came down to the saints also which dwelt at Lydda (Ludd, in the plain of Sharon, about a day's journey west of Jerusalem. See 1 Chron.8:12).
35: And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to Yehoshua (There is a purpose for miracles. See 11:21; 14:15; 15:19; 26:18,20).
36: Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple (Gr. mathêtria, the fem. form of mathêtês. The Church was open to both Men and WOMEN) named Tabitha (Aramaic. The Hebrew for roe or gazelle is Zebee. The Fem. is found in 2 Kings 12:1, there spelt Zibiãh), which being interpretated is called Dorcas (Greek for antelope, or gazelle. Symbolic of the bride of Christ, body of Christ, i.e. the People. Cp. Song of Solomon & Prov.5:19): this woman was full of good works and alms which she did (compasion for the utmost poor).
42: And it came to be known (see note on 1:19) throughout all Joppa; and many believed in Yehoshua.
28: Was returning, and sitting opon his chariot read Isaiah the prophet (i.e. a scroll. Shows wealth. Not many could afford this).
30: And Philip ran to that place to him, and (Lit. having run up) heard him read the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you Understand what you read?”
32: Now the context of the scripture which he read was this (Qouted from Isaiah.53:7, almost word for word from the Septuagint), “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb voiceless before the one shearing him (reference to the approching Passover. This was the title for our Lord [i.e. "Lamb of God" for that dispenstion), so opened He not His mouth:
33: In His low estate (referring to the whole period of His life on earth) His judgment was taken away (Gr. krisis = a seperating, a judgment, especially of judicial proceedings. Our English word "crisis" means a turning-point): and who shall tell His posterity? because His life is taken from the earth.”
34: And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, “I pray you, concerning whom speaks the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?”
37: (most texts omit this verse. The R.V. puts it in the margin) And Philip said, “If you believe out off all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Yashua the Messiah is the Son of God.”
38: And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. (see v.12)
40: But Philip was carried to, and found to Ashdod (= a stronghold. See Josh.11:22): and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea (not Cœsarea Phillippi [Matt.16:13],but the place on the coast, between Carmel and Joppa. It was built by Herod, and called Cœsarea Sebaste, in honour of Augstus [Gr. Sebastos] Cœsar. Herod built a mole or breakwater, so as to make a harbour [Josephus, Ant.XVI, v.1]. It was assigned to Judah, but never subdued by the Israelites. But the teaching of Christ conquered where armies had failed!).9)
1: But (or, Now) Saul (Heb. = desired), yet breathing out threatenings (see 4:17) and murder (Gr. phonos) against the disciples of Yahaveh, went to the high priest, (His every thought was, "get those Christians". He wasn't a Mean person but was of the school of thought that this was a cult. He was a excellent Bible student, but couldn't recognize the Truth)
2: And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues (= heifer. Probably the oldest city in the world. First mentioned in Gen.14:15. Founded before Baalbec and Palmyra, has outlived them both. In David's time a garrison town [2 Sam.8:6]. Rebeled against Solomon [1 Kings 11:24]. Many interesting events connected with it. See 2 Kings 8:7-15; 14:28; 19:9,10. 2 Chron.24:23. Isa.7:8, &c.), that if he found being of the way (note the term "of the way" to describe the faith of the believers. See 18:25,26; 19:9,23; 22:4; 24:14,22, and cp. John 14:6), both men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (He was a zealous person)3-19-. Saul Converted.
(Extended Alternation).
G² L 3,4. Call to Saul.
M 5,6-. Response.
N -6,7. Command. Arise.
O 8-. Obedience.
P -8,9-. Blindness.
Q -9. Fasting.
L 10-. Call to Ananias.
M -10. Response.
N 11-16. Command. Arise.
O 17-. Obedience.
P -17,18. Sight restored.
Q 19-. Fast ended.
4: And he falling (The presence of God is a shocking thing!), heard a voice (Gr. phõnê. Same as "sound", 2:6) saying to him, “Saul, Saul (up to 13:9, the Greek form Saulos is used in the narrative, but here, v.17; 13:21; 22:7,13; 26:14, the Hebrew Saoul is found. See Gen. 22:11 for the Fig., using name twice), why persecute you Me?” (i.e. when you hurt one of His)
6: And he trembling and astonished said, “Lord (see v.5), what will You have me to do?” (Paul was willing to serve God, but God had to get his attention) And He said to him,
7: Now the men which journeyed with him stood speechless (cp. Prov.17:28 [holds his peace] and Isa.56:10 [dumb]), hearing a voice (the companions of Saul heard the sound of the voice, but did not distinguish the words spoken. Cp. 22:9. This is expressed by the word "voice" [phõnê] being in the genitive case here, and in the accusative case in v.4. Cp. John 12:28-30), but seeing no one.
9: And he was three days not seeing,
12: And saw in a vision a man named Ananias (2nd man named Ananais, not the same as the first) coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.”
13: Then Ananias answered, “Yahaveh, I have heard from many concerning this man, how many evil things he has done to Your saints (= holy, or seperate, ones. Cp. Ps.116:15) at Jerusalem: (He's [i.e. Ananais] is not arguing, he's just making sure)
14: And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on Your name.” (see 2:21)
15: But Yehovah said to him, “Go your way: for he is a a vessel of choise (or election. Gr. eklogê. Paul did not come by free will. See Rom.8:26; 9:11; 11:5,7,28. Thess.1:4. 2 Pet.1:10) for Me, to bear My name in the presence of the nations, and kings, and the sons of Israel (here we have evidence of the 3 level ministry that was to be of Paul. Note the order):
16: For I will forewarn him how great things he must suffer (and Paul was up to it!) on behalf of My name.” (see 22:14-18)
18: And straightway there fell away from his eyes as it had been scales (Gr. lepis. Only here in N.T. In Sept. Lev.11:9,10, &c. Cp. Tobit 11:13): and he received sight forthwith (the text omits), and arose, and was baptized.
20: And straightway he preached Messiah (the text read "Jesus") in the synagogues (he didn't waste any time. Remember, Saul/Paul was a zealous person), that This One is the Son of God.
21: But all that heard him were amazed (cp. 2:7; 8:9,13), and said; “Is not this he that devestated (same word as in Gal.1:13,23. Not the same as 8:3) them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came to this place for this, in order that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” (they were a little suspicious)
22: But Saul was strenghtened, and confounded (see 2:6) the Jews (This word has 2 meanings. 1. = a son of Judah; or 2. = a resident of Judea. Here it wasn't our brother Judah. These were Kenites who lived in the land. Check the fruit out. See Rev.2:10. Matt. 23) which dwelt at Damascus (see 2:5), proving (Lit. bring together, compare. Here, 16:10. 1 Cor.2:16. Eph.4:16. Col.2:2,19) that this is The Messiah.(Instead of searching the Scripture to see if these things were so, the Damascenes were occupied with Saul's attitude. Hence we read nothing of believers. Contrast 17:11,12. No epistle addressed to them nor any record of a church there)23-30. Persecution of Saul.
(Alternation and Introversion [Chiasmo]).
F³ R u 23. Plot to kill (anaireõ).
v 24. Plot known.
x 25,26-. Escape to Jerusalem.
S y -26. Suspicion.
z 27. Preaching boldly (parrhêsiazomai).
S y 28. Reception.
z 29-. Speaking boldly (parrhêsiazomai).
R u -29. Plot to slay (anaireõ).
v 30-. Plot known.
x -30. Escapeto Tarsus.
24: But their plot was known to Saul (Gr. ginõskõ = to know [by exprience, or effort]; to acquire knowledge, become acquainted with; hence, to come to get to know, learn, percieve). And they were watching the gates day and night that they might slay him (nice religious folks right? In 2 Cor.11:22, Paul says, "the governor under Aretas kept the city with a garrison". This Aretas was Herod's father-in-law, upon whom he made war because Herod had abandoned his daughter for his brother Philip's wife, Herodias. Perhaps to do the Jews [not our brother Judah but the Kenites, see v.22] a pleasure, like Felix, Aretas endeavored to seize Paul).
26: And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to (= cleave to = glue together, i.e. he forced himself. See Luke 15:15) the disciples: 9:32–10:48. Ministry at Lydda, &c.
(Alternation).
H³ T 9:32-42. Æneas, &c.
U 9:43. Abode (menõ).
T 10:1-48-. Cornelius.
U 10:-48. Abode (epimenõ).
9:32-42. Ænea, &c.
(Alternation).
T a 32-34. Miracle.
b 35. Result.
a 36-41. Miracle.
b 42. Result.
33: And there he found a certain man named Æneas (= laudable), lying on a couch (or pallet, a poor man's bed, see Mark 2:4) from eight years (symbolic, #8 = new beginnings), and was paralysed (see 8:7).
34: And Peter said to him, Æneas, “Yashua The Messiah heals you (Gr. iaomai. See Luke 6:17): arise, and make your bed.” (Lit. spread for yourself) And he arose immediately.
37: And it came to pass in those days, that she fell sick, and died: whom when they had bathed, they laid her in an upper room. (The symbology here is that the Kenites [= the sons of Cain], were sitting in the seat of Moses and the church was spiritually dead)
38: And forasmuch as Lydda was near to Joppa (Lit. Lydda being near), and the disciples had heard that Peter was in it, they sent to him two men (here we have a double witness), entreating him that he would not delay to come as far as 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 shewing the tunics (or under-garments) and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. (Not much faith. They gave up pretty easy. Don't hang around these kind of people that let the Word die. They have no backbone)
40: But Peter put them all outside, and kneeled down (same expression as in 7:60), and prayed; and turning him to the body said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. (The symbology is that the Gospel thru the disciples brought back life to the bride of Christ)
41: And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up (Lit. caused her to rise up), and when having the saints and widows, presented her alive.(The Holy Spirit did this thru Peter. Peter did not do it. Symbology is presented the church alive, ready to go)
43: And it came to pass, that he abode many days (Gr. menõ. 7 [#7 = spiritual completenes, perfection] years after the Resurrection of Christ) in Joppa with a certain Simon a tanner (Gr. burseus. Perhaps no one else would recieve him).