20 Reflections on the descent of the Spirit, and the gift of tongues.

verse.

8

SECT. energy of his operations, whereby the whole world was to be iii. shaken. He fell upon them in tongues of fire, cloven or divided into several parts, to denote the most celebrated effect to be immediately produced, in causing them to speak with the utmost 4. readiness and propriety, languages they had never learnt. An astonishing miracle! which was intended, not for pomp and os ́tentation, but to render them capable of propagating the gospel to the most distant nations, to which the grace of God had determined to send it.

8-11

1 It is observable, that this divine gift fell upon them while they were unanimously gathered together; perhaps to intimate, that the influences of the Spirit are most to be expected where there is the greatest unanimity, and the greatest devotion. Thus did the blessed Jesus accomplish what had been foretold concerning him, (Mat. iii. 11) that he should baptize his disciples with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. And surely the sacred flame did not only illuminate their minds with celestial brightness, but did also cause their whole hearts to glow with love to God and zeal for his gospel. To this purpose may he still be imparted to us, whether we hold public or private stations in the church; and may our regards to him be ever most dutifully maintained: Especially may he be poured out upon the ministers of it, to direct them how 11 they should speak the wonderful things of God; and may their hearers, under his gracious energy, gladly receive the word.

Let us not wonder if the more common operations of the Spirit on men's minds be derided by profane ignorance and folly, when there were some, even on this glorious day, who were stupid or malicious enough to ascribe the amazing event we have been sur13 veying, to the supposed intoxication of the apostles, and to say, they were full of sweet wine. But let us observe, how well Peter vindicated himself and his brethren, with words, not of satire 14, 15 and reproach, but of meekness and sobriety, as well as of truth;

shewing at once the most perfect command, both of his reason and of his temper. Justly did he apply on this occasion that 16-18 celebrated prophecy of Joel, in which this grand event is so exactly described. Let us adore the Divine Goodness, which has poured forth the Spirit like a refreshing dew upon his church. Let us pray that we may all receive it, in such degrees as may suit the present state of things. And let us deprecate those judgments, which the contempt of the Spirit has two evident a tendency to produce.

Justly might God have made our land gloomy and horrible 19, 20 with blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. Justly might he have turned our sun into darkness, and our moon into blood. Let us adore his patience that these natural judgments, which are so well deserved, have been thus long withheld. But let us also remember, that the great and notable day is approaching, in which the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven in flaming fire, taking

verse

21

God had approved and raised up Jesus whom they crucified. 21 vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not a gospel sect. so gloriously attested. (2 Thess. 1. 7, 8.) Then shall these iii. figurative expressions be literally fulfilled. Then shall the heavenly luminaries be quenched in their orbs; the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and the earth and all that is therein shall be burnt up. (2 Pet. iii. 10.) But even then, all those that have believed in Christ, and with obedient love have called upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved with an everlasting salvation. May that be through grace our happy portion; and may its prospects be daily brightening upon us, till it shall open in its full lustre, and shine beautiful and glorious amidst the flames of a dissolving world!

Peter continues his discourse to the people just after the descent of the Holy Spirit, and shews that Jesus, whom they crucified, was risen from the dead, and was the true Messiah. Acts II. 22-36.

ACTS II. 22.

E men of Isra

YE

el, hear these W

words;

Jesus of

ye yourselves also know:

a

ACTS II. 22.

in SECT.

iv.

Acts

ii. 22

HEN Peter had quoted the passage Joel, mentioned above, as referring to Nazareth, a man ap- the days of the Messiah, he added, Ye men of proved of God a- Israel, let me charge it upon you, that ye hear mong you, by mira- these words with an attention proportionable to cles and wonders, and signs, which the importance of them: You cannot but reGod did by him in member, that there hath lately appeared amongst the midst of you, as you a celebrated person, called Jesus the Nazarene; a man who was approved and recommended to you by God himself, by those powerful operations, and wonders, and signs, which God wrought by him in the midst of you, in your most public places and assemblies; as ye yourselves have seen, and cannot take upon you to 23 Him, being de- deny but that ye also know: Yet you were so 23 livered by the deter- far from paying him any becoming regard, that foreknowledge of you entered into an impious and ungrateful God, ye have taken, conspiracy against his life; and have in proseand by wicked hands cution thereof seized him, even this illustrious prophet, being given up into your hands by the determinate counsel and prescience of God, who well knew what treatment he would meet with from you, and for wise and good reasons permitted it to be: Him, I say, by the hands of

minate counsel and

* Recommended to you.] Arroded vov suas, pointed out to you as the object of your most respectful regards.

Prescience of God.] Grotius, as well as Beza, observes, that agers must here

VOL. 3.

6

signify decree; and Elsner has shewn, it has that signification in approved Greek writers. And it is certain, exdel, signifies one given up into the hands of the enemy. See Elsner, and Raphel. in loc.

20 Reflections on the descent of the Spirit, and the gift of tongues.

verse

8

SECT. energy of his operations, whereby the whole world was to be iii. shaken. He fell upon them in tongues of fire, cloven or divided into several parts, to denote the most celebrated effect to be immediately produced, in causing them to speak with the utmost 4 readiness and propriety, languages they had never learnt. An 8-11 astonishing miracle! which was intended, not for pomp and ostentation, but to render them capable of propagating the gospel to the most distant nations, to which the grace of God had determined to send it.

1 It is observable, that this divine gift fell upon them while they were unanimously gathered together; perhaps to intimate, that the influences of the Spirit are most to be expected where there is "the greatest unanimity, and the greatest devotion. Thus did the blessed Jesus accomplish what had been foretold concerning him, (Mat. iii. 11) that he should baptize his disciples with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. And surely the sacred flame did not only illuminate their minds with celestial brightness, but did also cause their whole hearts to glow with love to God and zeal for his gospel. To this purpose may he still be imparted to us, whether we hold public or private stations in the church; and may our regards to him be ever most dutifully maintained: Especially may he be poured out upon the ministers of it, to direct them how 11 they should speak the wonderful things of God; and may their hearers, under his gracious energy, gladly receive the word.

Let us not wonder if the more common operations of the Spirit on men's minds be derided by profane ignorance and folly, when there were some, even on this glorious day, who were stupid or malicious enough to ascribe the amazing event we have been sur13 veying, to the supposed intoxication of the apostles, and to say, they were full of sweet wine. But let us observe, how well Peter vindicated himself and his brethren, with words, not of satire 14, 15 and reproach, but of meekness and sobriety, as well as of truth; shewing at once the most perfect command, both of his reason and of his temper. Justly did he apply on this occasion that 16-18 celebrated prophecy of Joel, in which this grand event is so exactly described. Let us adore the Divine Goodness, which has poured forth the Spirit like a refreshing dew upon his church. Let us pray that we may all receive it, in such degrees as may suit the present state of things. And let us deprecate those judg ments, which the contempt of the Spirit has two evident a tendency to produce.

Justly might God have made our land gloomy and horrible 19, 20 with blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. Justly might he have turned our sun into darkness, and our moon into blood. Let us adore his patience that these natural judgments, which are so well deserved, have been thus long withheld. But let us also remember, that the great and notable day is approaching, in which the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven in flaming fire, taking

verse

21

God had approved and raised up Jesus whom they crucified. 21 vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not a gospel sECT. so gloriously attested. (2 Thess. 1. 7, 8.) Then shall these iii. figurative expressions be literally fulfilled. Then shall the heav-— enly luminaries be quenched in their orbs; the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and the earth and all that is therein shall be burnt up. (2 Pet. iii. 10.) But even then, all those that have believed in Christ, and with obedient love have called upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved with an everlasting salvation. May that be through grace our happy portion; and may its prospects be daily brightening upon us, till it shall open in its full lustre, and shine beautiful and glorious amidst the flames of a dissolving world!

Peter continues his discourse to the people just after the descent of the Holy Spirit, and shews that Jesus, whom they crucified, was risen from the dead, and was the true Messiah. Acts II. 22-36.

ACTS II. 22.

Yel, bear these

E men of Isra

words; Jesus of

ye yourselves also know:

ACTS II. 22.

WHEN Peter had quoted the passage in SECT.

a

iv.,

Joel, mentioned above, as referring to Nazareth, a man ap. the days of the Messiah, he added, Ye men of Acts proved of God a- Israel, let me charge it upon you, that ye hear ii. 22 mong you, by mira- these words with an attention proportionable to cles and wonders, and signs, which the importance of them: You cannot but reGod did by him in member, that there hath lately appeared amongst the midst of you, as you a celebrated person, called Jesus the Nazarene; a man who was approved and recommended to you by God himself, by those powerful operations, and wonders, and signs, which God wrought by him in the midst of you, in your most public places and assemblies; as ye yourselves have seen, and cannot take upon you to 23 Him, being de- deny but that ye also know: Yet you were so 23 livered by the deter- far from paying him any becoming regard, that foreknowledge Of you entered into an impious and ungrateful God, ye have taken, conspiracy against his life; and have in proseand by wicked hands cution thereof seized him, even this illustrious prophet, being given up into your hands by the determinate counsel and prescience of God, who well knew what treatment he would meet with from you, and for wise and good reasons permitted it to be: Him, I say, by the hands of

minate counsel and

a Recommended to you.] Arroded By evov is vuas, pointed out to you as the object of your most respectful regards.

Prescience of God.] Grotius, as well as Beza, observes, that goes must here 6

VOL. 3.

signify decree; and Elsner has shewn, it has that signification in approved Greek writers. And it is certain, exdl, signifies one given up into the hands of the enemy. See Elsner, and Raphel. in loc.

22

His resurrection was foretold by David;

SECT. Gentile sinners, with public ignominy you have crucified and have fastened [to the cross] and slain, as if he had slain :

Acts

been the meanest and vilest of malefactors.

of it.

ii. 24 But be it known unto you, that God hath 24 Whom God abundantly vindicated the honour of this his hath raised up, havdear Son, whom you had thus infamously of death; because it ing loosed the pains abused, and hath borne a most glorious tes- was not possible that timony to his innocence, truth, and dignity, for he should be holden it is he whom God hath raised up from the dead, by a miraculous effort of his Divine power, having loosed the bonds in which he lay, when the pains of death had done their work upon him; as indeed it was impossible, all things considered, that he should finally be held under the power of it.

25

For David saith concerning him, when he is 25 For David speaking in the person of the Messiah, (Psal. speaketh concerning xvi. 8, & seq.) "I have regarded the Lord as Lord always before him, I foresaw the always before me, with an assurance that my face, for he is on in the greatest trials I am called to he will

not make David to speak these things, first of himself, and then of the Messiah only in a secondary sense, but quotes them as referring to Christ alone.

By the hands of Gentile sinners.] That is, by the hands of the wicked and idolatrous Romans, who were the immediate agents in the crucifixion of Christ, yet were only the instruments of the Jewish rage and cruelty I have regarded the Lord as always before in what they did. Some copies read it, dia me.] The sixteenth psalm, from whence XugC aroμar, by the hand of the ungodly. this quotation is taken, cannot without The pains of death.] Beza conjectures, great difficulty be wholly explained as spok(Ithink, with great probability) that, as theen in the person of the Messiah; and yet Hebrew word an, with the variation only of one little point may indifferently signify pains or bonds, the former is here used for the latter, which to be sure agrees best with the connection. Else it must necessarily signify the state of confinement to which the pains of death had brought him, by an Hebraism, which sometimes occurs. Compare Mat. xxiv. 15; and Rev. xvii. 1.

David saith concerning him.] It is plain, that say here signifies of or concerning him. The particle us has the same import, Eph. v. 32, and g☞ is like wise used in the same sense, Heb. i. 7, as the prefix l, and the particle al, is sometimes in Hebrew put for gnal: Compare Gen. xx. 13; xxvi. 7; Esth. iii. 2; Psal. iii. 3; xxxv. 19, 24; xci. 11; and Job xlii. 9. (See Elsner in loc. and Gataker on the Title to Antoninus.) Mr. Jeffery (in his True Grounds, p. 121) observes from this text, and lays great stress upon it every where, that the apostle does

where he is first introduced as speaking. it is very hard to say, on that supposition, We might have imagined the sense of the 10th verse to have been, "I am persuaded thou wilt not suffer Christ thine Holy One to thou wilt not .eave my soul in hell, because thou wilt do for him in raising him up, thou see corruption in the grave; and, by what wilt give me a security of my own resurrection." This, I say, might have seemed an easy solution, did not the apostle, in the 31st verse, refer both the clauses to Christ. I therefore suppose the transition to be made immediately after the 7th verse of the psalm, and to express the instruction which David received from God, in a revelation concerning the Messiah made to him in the night season, when, perhaps, he had some vision, in which he heard him speak the following words. The passage is here quoted in the words of the Greek translation, something different from the Hebrew; but the sense is much the same.