Act 9:26-27, 11:1-2 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 26. He assayed to join himself to the disciples ] επειρατο κολλασθαι, He endeavoured to get closely united to them , to be in religious fellowship with them. Believed not that he was a disciple. ] They did not suppose it possible that such a person could be converted to the faith of Christ. The full power of Divine grace, in the conversion of the soul, was not yet completely known.

‏ Acts 9:26-27

Verse 26. He assayed to join himself to the disciples] επειρατο κολλασθαι, He endeavoured to get closely united to them, to be in religious fellowship with them.

Believed not that he was a disciple.] They did not suppose it possible that such a person could be converted to the faith of Christ. The full power of Divine grace, in the conversion of the soul, was not yet completely known.

Verse 27. Barnabas-brought him to the apostles] That is, to Peter and James; for others of the apostles he saw none, Ga 1:19. It appears that he went up at this time to Jerusalem merely to see Peter, with whom he abode fifteen days, Ga 1:18. How it came that the apostles and Church at Jerusalem had not heard of Saul's conversion, which had taken place three years before, is not easy to be accounted for. The following considerations may help; 1. It is certain that intelligence did not travel speedily in those primitive times; there were few open roads, and no regular posts, except those between military stations. 2. Though there were many Jews in Damascus, and several Christians, yet the city was heathen, and under a heathen king, with whom the Jews at Jerusalem could have little commerce. 3. Though Herod had married the daughter of Aretas, yet, as he had put her away, there were great animosities between the two courts, which at last broke out into an open war; this must have prevented all social and commercial intercourse. 4. The Christians were at that time greatly persecuted by the Jews, and therefore the few that dwelt at Damascus could have little connection, if any, with their brethren at Jerusalem. 5. It might be the interest of the Jews at Jerusalem, supposing they had heard of it, to keep the fact of Saul's conversion as quiet as possible, that the Christian cause might not gain credit by it. 6. They might have heard of his conversion; but either did not fully credit what they had heard, or were not satisfied that the person who now presented himself was the man; for it is not likely that all the Christians at Jerusalem had been personally acquainted with Saul.

‏ Acts 11:1-2

CHAPTER XI.

Peter returns to Jerusalem, and is accused of having associated with the Gentiles, 1-3.

He defends himself by relating at large the whole business concerning Cornelius, 4-17.

His defense is accepted, and the whole Church glorifies God for having granted unto the Gentiles repentance unto life, 18.

An account of the proceedings of those who were scattered abroad by the persecution that was raised about Stephen; and how they had spread the Gospel among the circumcision, in Phoenice, Cyprus, and Antioch, 19-21.

The Church at Jerusalem, hearing of this, sends Barnabas to confirm them in the faith, 22, 23.

His character, 24.

He goes to Tarsus to seek Saul, whom he brings to Antioch, where the disciples are first called CHRISTIANS, 25, 26.

Certain prophets foretell the dearth which afterwards took place in the reign of the Emperor Claudias, 27, 28.

The disciples send relief to their poor brethren to Judea, by the hands of Barnabas and Saul, 29. 30.

NOTES ON CHAP. XI.

Verse 1. And the apostles and brethren that were in Judea] According to Calmet, Judea is here put in opposition to Caesarea, which, though situated in Palestine, passed for a Greek city, being principally inhabited by Pagans, Greeks, or Syrians.

Verse 2. Contended with him] A manifest proof this that the primitive Church at Jerusalem (and no Church can ever deserve this name but the Jerusalem Church) had no conception of St. Peter's supremacy, or of his being prince of the apostles. He is now called to account for his conduct, which they judged to be reprehensible; and which they would not have attempted to do had they believed him to be Christ's vicar upon earth, and the infallible Head of the Church. But this absurd dream is every where refuted in the New Testament.