{"collection":"Bible & Christianity","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/bib/cmt/vws/act001.htm","path":"bib/cmt/vws/act001.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/bib/cmt/vws/act001.htm","text":"Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent, [1886]\nThe former (\u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u03c0\u03c1\u1ff6\u03c4\u03bf\u03bd)\nLit., the first. Luke refers to his Gospel.\nTreatise (\u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03bf\u03bd)\nOr narrative.\nBegan (\u1f24\u03c1\u03be\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf)\nThis is interpreted in two ways. Either, (1), as a simple historical statement equivalent to \"all that Jesus did and taught.\" In favor of this is the fact that the synoptists often record that which is done or said according to its moment of commencement, thus giving vividness to the account. See Mat 11:20; Mat 26:22, Mat 26:37; Mar 6:7; Mar 14:19; Luk 7:38, etc. According to this explanation the word serves \"to recall to the recollection from the Gospel all the several incidents and events, up to the ascension, in which Jesus had appeared as doer and teacher\" (Meyer). Or, (2), as indicating that the Gospel contains the beginning, and the Acts of the Apostles the continuation, of the doings and teachings of Jesus. \"The earthly life of Jesus, concluded with the ascension, has its fruit and continued efficacy; and his heavenly life, commencing with the ascension, has its manifestation and proof in the acts and experiences of the apostles and first churches. The history of the Church was under the immediate control of the exalted Redeemer, and may justly be considered as the continuation in heaven of the work which he had begun on earth\" (Baumgarten and Gloag). While the truth and importance of this statement are admitted, it is objected that such an intention on Luke's part would have been more clearly intimated, and not left to be inferred from a single doubtful phrase. As regards Luke's intention, I think the first explanation is more likely to be correct. The second, however, states a truth, the value and importance of which cannot be overestimated, and which should be kept in mind constantly in the study of the book of Acts. This is well put by Bernard (\"Progress of Doctrine in the New Testament,\" Lect. IV.): \"Thus the history which follows is linked to, or (may I not rather say) welded with the past; and the founding of the Church in the earth is presented as one continuous work, begun by the Lord in person, and perfected by the same Lord through the ministry of men.... 'The former treatise' delivered to us, not all that Jesus did and taught, but 'all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day when he was taken up.' The following writings appear intended to give us, and do, in fact, profess to give us, that which Jesus continued to do and teach after the day in which he was taken up.\"\nHad given commandment (\u1f10\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03b9\u03bb\u03ac\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2)\nSpecial injunctions or charges. Compare Mat 4:6; Mar 13:34; Heb 11:22.\nThrough the Holy Ghost\nConstrue with had given commandment: by means of the Holy Spirit, which inspired him. Not, as some interpreters, with whom he had chosen.\nShewed himself (\u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03ad\u03c3\u03c4\u03b7\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd)\nThis verb is rendered in a variety of ways in the New Testament, as give or furnish, present, provide, assist, commend. The original meaning is to place beside, and so commend to the attention. Hence, to set before the mind; present, shew.\nInfallible proofs (\u03c4\u03b5\u03ba\u03bc\u03b7\u03c1\u03af\u03bf\u03b9\u03c2)\nThe word is akin to \u03c4\u03ad\u03ba\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1, a fixed boundary, goal, end; and hence a fixed or sure sign or token. The Rev. omits infallible, probably assuming that a proof implies certainty.\nBeing seen (\u1f40\u03c0\u03c4\u03b1\u03bd\u03cc\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2)\nOnly here in New Testament. Rev., appearing.\nForty days (\u03b4\u03b9' \u1f21\u03bc\u03b5\u03c1\u1ff6\u03bd \u03c4\u03b5\u03c3\u03c3\u03b5\u03c1\u03ac\u03ba\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1)\nLit., \"through forty days.\" Rev., by the space of. The only passage where the interval between the resurrection and the ascension is given.\nBeing assembled together (\u03c3\u03c5\u03bd\u03b1\u03bb\u03b9\u03b6\u03cc\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2)\nFrom \u03c3\u03cd\u03bd, together, and \u1f01\u03bb\u03ae\u03c2, thronged or crowded. Both the A. V. and Rev. give eating together in margin, following the derivation from \u03c3\u03cd\u03bd, together, and \u1f05\u03bb\u03c2, salt: eating salt together, and hence generally of association at table.\nCommanded (\u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03ae\u03b3\u03b3\u03b5\u03b9\u03bb\u03b5\u03bd)\nOriginally to pass on or transmit; hence, as a military term, of passing a watchword or command; and so generally to command.\nTo wait for (\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03b9\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd)\nOnly here in New Testament.\nThe promise (\u1f10\u03c0\u03b1\u03b3\u03b3\u03b5\u03bb\u03af\u03b1\u03bd)\nSignifying a free promise, given without solicitation. This is the invariable sense of the word throughout the New Testament, and this and its kindred and compound words are the only words for promise in the New Testament. \u1f59\u03c0\u03b9\u03c3\u03c7\u03bd\u03ad\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9, meaning to promise in response to a request, does not occur; and \u1f41\u03bc\u03bf\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9, Mat 14:7, of Herod promising Salome, really means to acknowledge his obligation for her lascivious performance. See note there.\nNot many days hence (\u03bf\u1f50 \u03bc\u03b5\u03c4\u1f70 \u03c0\u03bf\u03bb\u03bb\u1f70\u03c2 \u03c4\u03b1\u03cd\u03c4\u03b1\u03c2 \u1f21\u03bc\u03ad\u03c1\u03b1\u03c2)\nLit., not after many of these days. Not after many, but after a few.\nAsked (\u1f10\u03c0\u03b7\u03c1\u03ce\u03c4\u03c9\u03bd)\nThe imperfect, denoting the repetition and urging of the question.\nThe times - the seasons (\u03c7\u03c1\u03cc\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2 - \u03ba\u03b1\u03b9\u03c1\u03bf\u1f7a\u03c2)\nRev. properly omits the article. The former of these words, time absolutely, without regard to circumstances; the latter, definite periods, with the idea of fitness.\nHis own (\u03c4\u1fc7 \u1f30\u03b4\u03af\u1fb3)\nStronger than the simple possessive pronoun. The adjective means private, personal. Often used adverbially in the phrase \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4' \u1f30\u03b4\u03af\u03b1\u03bd, apart, privately. See Mat 17:1; Mat 24:3.\nUnto me (\u03bc\u03bf\u03b9)\nThe best texts read \u03bc\u03bf\u03c5, of me; or, as Rev., my witnesses.\nSamaria\nFormerly they had been commanded not to enter the cities of the Samaritans (Mat 10:5).\nLooked steadfastly (\u1f00\u03c4\u03b5\u03bd\u03af\u03b6\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c2 \u1f26\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd)\nSee on Luk 4:20.\nA Sabbath-day's journey (\u03c3\u03b1\u03b2\u03b2\u03ac\u03c4\u03bf\u03c5 \u1f14\u03c7\u03bf\u03bd \u1f41\u03b4\u03cc\u03bd)\nLit., having a Sabbath's way. The way conceived as belonging to the mountain; connected with it in reference to the neighborhood of Jerusalem. A Sabbath-day's journey, according to Jewish tradition, was about three-quarters of a mile. It was the supposed distance between the camp and the tabernacle in the wilderness (Jos 3:4).\nAn upper room (\u03c4\u1f78 \u1f51\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u1ff7\u03bf\u03bd)\nWith the article, denoting some well-known place of resort. It was the name given to the room directly under the flat roof. Such rooms were often set apart as halls for meetings. In such an apartment Paul delivered his farewell address at Troas (Act 20:8), and the body of Dorcas was laid (Act 9:37). Used by Luke only.\nAbode (\u1f26\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c2)\nThe participle and finite verb, denoting continuance or habitual residence. Hence more correctly, as Rev., \"where they were abiding.\"\nContinued (\u1f26\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd \u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u03ba\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1\u03bf\u1fe6\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c2)\nParticiple and finite verb, as above. The verb is from \u03ba\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1\u1f78\u03c2 strong, stanch, and means originally to persist obstinately in. In this sense here, and in Rom 12:12; Rom 13:6. Hence to adhere firmly to. So in Mar 3:9, \"that a small ship should wait on him;\" i.e., keep near at hand. The idea of steady persistence is supplied by the Rev., steadfastly.\nWith one accord (\u1f41\u03bc\u03bf\u03b8\u03c5\u03bc\u03b1\u03b4\u1f78\u03bd)\nSee on agree, Mat 18:19.\nIn prayer\nThe best texts omit and supplication.\nMary\nMentioned here for the last time in the New Testament.\nOf the disciples (\u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd \u03bc\u03b1\u03b8\u03b7\u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd)\nThe best texts read \u1f00\u03b4\u03b5\u03bb\u03c6\u1ff6\u03bd, brethren.\nThe number of the names together were about, etc. (\u1f26\u03bd \u03c4\u03b5 \u1f44\u03c7\u03bb\u03bf\u03c2 \u1f40\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u03ac\u03c4\u03c9\u03bd \u1f10\u03c0\u1f76 \u03c4\u1f78 \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1f78)\nMuch better as Rev., and there was a multitude of persons gathered together, about, etc. \u1f4c\u03c7\u03bb\u03bf\u03c2, multitude, would not be used of a number about to be stated.\nMen and brethren (\u1f04\u03bd\u03b4\u03c1\u03b5\u03c2 \u1f00\u03b4\u03b5\u03bb\u03c6\u03bf\u1f76)\nLit., men, brothers. Brother-men. More dignified and solemn than the simple brethren.\nThis scripture\nThe best texts substitute the. See on Mar 12:10.\nThe Holy Ghost (\u03c4\u1f78 \u03a0\u03bd\u03b5\u1fe6\u03bc\u03b1 \u03c4\u1f78 \u1f0d\u03b3\u03b9\u03bf\u03bd)\nLit., The Spirit, the Holy.\nGuide\nSee on lead, Luk 6:39.\nNumbered (\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b7\u03c1\u03b9\u03b8\u03bc\u03b7\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2)\nOnly here in New Testament\nWith (\u03c3\u03cd\u03bd)\nThe best texts read \u1f10\u03bd, among. So Rev.\nObtained (\u1f14\u03bb\u03b1\u03c7\u03b5)\nStrictly, \"received by lot.\" Rev., better, received. Compare Luk 1:9. In classical Greek, of receiving public magistracies.\nPart (\u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u03ba\u03bb\u1fc6\u03c1\u03bf\u03bd)\nThe A. V. does not give the force of the article, the lot which was his. So Rev., \"his portion:\" lit., lot.\nMinistry\nSee on minister, Mat 20:26. Compare bishopric, Act 1:20.\nPurchased (\u1f10\u03ba\u03c4\u03ae\u03c3\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf)\nSee on possess, Luk 18:12. Better, as Rev., obtained. Judas did not purchase the field, but the priests did with the money which he returned to them, (Mat 27:7). The expression means merely that the field was purchased with the money of Judas.\nFalling headlong (\u03c0\u03c1\u03b7\u03bd\u03ae\u03c2 \u03b3\u03b5\u03bd\u03cc\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2)\nLit., having become headlong.\nHe burst asunder (\u1f10\u03bb\u03ac\u03ba\u03b7\u03c3\u03b5)\nOnly here in New Testament. Lit., to crack, to burst with a noise. So Homer, of the bones cracking beneath a blow (\"Iliad,\" xiii., 616). Compare Aristophanes, \"Clouds,\" 410.\nAceldama\nOr, more properly, Akeldamach. The word is Aramaic, the language then spoken in Palestine.\nHabitation (\u1f14\u03c0\u03b1\u03c5\u03bb\u03b9\u03c2)\nOnly here in New Testament. The word is used in classical Greek of a place for cattle. So Herodotus (i., 111): \"The herdsman took the child in his arms, and went back the way he had come, till he reached the fold\" (\u1f14\u03c0\u03b1\u03c5\u03bb\u03b9\u03bd). Also of farm-building, a country-house.\nBishopric (\u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03c3\u03ba\u03bf\u03c0\u03ae\u03bd)\nSee on Pe1 2:12. Rev., better, office, with overseership in margin. Compare Luk 19:44.\nAnother (\u1f15\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1\u03bf\u03c2)\nAnd different person. See on Act 2:4.\nWent in and went out\nAn expression for constant intercourse. Compare Deu 18:19; Psa 121:8; Joh 10:9; Act 9:28.\nAmong us (\u1f10\u03c6' \u1f21\u03bc\u1fb6\u03c2)\nThe margin of Rev., over us, i.e., as our head, is a sound rendering, and supported by Mat 25:21, Mat 25:23; Luk 9:1. The rendering before, in the presence of, occurs Mat 10:18; Luk 21:12.\nWitness (\u03bc\u03ac\u03c4\u03c1\u03c5\u03c1\u03b1)\nOne who shall bear testimony: not a spectator, a mistake often made on Heb 12:1. Compare Act 2:32.\nBarsabas\nA patronymic, son of Saba: like Bar Jona, Mat 16:17.\nWhich knowest the hearts (\u03ba\u03b1\u03c1\u03b4\u03b9\u03bf\u03b3\u03bd\u1ff6\u03c3\u03c4\u03b1)\nOnly here and Act 15:8. Lit., heart-knower.\nThat he may take part (\u03bb\u03b1\u03b2\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd \u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u03ba\u03bb\u1fc6\u03c1\u03bf\u03bd)\nLit., to take the lot. But the best texts read \u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u03c4\u03cc\u03c0\u03bf\u03bd, the place. Rev., to take the place.\nBy transgression fell (\u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03ad\u03b2\u03b7)\nSee on trespasses, Mat 6:14. The rendering of the A. V. is explanatory. Rev., better, fell away.\nHis own place\nCompare \"the place in this ministry.\" \u03a4\u1f78\u03bd \u1f34\u03b4\u03b9\u03bf\u03bd, his own, is stronger than the simple possessive pronoun. It is the place which was peculiarly his, as befitting his awful sin - Gehenna.\nHe was numbered (\u03c3\u03c5\u03b3\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b5\u03c8\u03b7\u03c6\u03af\u03c3\u03b8\u03b7)\nOnly here in New Testament. See on counteth, Luk 14:28.","title":"Vincent's Word Studies: Acts: Acts Chapter 1","type":"page"}