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infallible proofs, being seen of them| 4 And being assembled together forty days, and speaking of the things with them, commanded them that pertaining to the kingdom of God: they should not depart from Jeru

before his crucifixion and resurrection, was chiefly devoted to the great object of his mission. To his former instructions he added yet more, that his disciples might be the better prepared to preach the gospel to all nations, and turn their fellow-men from darkness to light, and from the service of sin to the service of God. This fact may be regarded as one of the infallible proofs of his identity. Jesus spake as none other ever spake; and no impostor could have counterfeited the matter and manner of his conversation so successfully as to deceive those who had been so intimately associated with him for many months. If they had not fully understood his instructions, and if they did not even then fully understand, they must certainly have been able to distinguish between the voice of a stranger and the true shepherd; and no impostor could have deceived them. ¶ Kingdom of God. See note on Matt. iii. 2.

of "forty days," and to hear him dis- legible in the judgment, they were becourse on familiar topics, as here indi-sieged and closed up in Jerusalem, at a cated by the historian, but they also Passover; as, at a Passover, they had handled him, and he ate and drank slain and crucified the Lord of life." with them. Luke xxiv. 39-43; John Lightfoot. Speaking of the things, xx. 27; xxi. 9-13. Indeed the state &c. His conversation, after as well as of their minds was such, that nothing short of infallible proofs would have sufficed to convince them that he who had been dead was again alive. It was an event which they did not expect; because, through a misapprehension of his true character, their faith in him as the Messiah was absolutely crushed by his death; and when they heard that he had risen, the account appeared so improbable, that it was rejected as an idle tale. Yet, that they were finally convinced and made certain of his resurrection, their subsequent conduct affords undeniable testimony. Neither hope, nor fear, nor persecution, nor the pain of death itself, could induce them to waver for one moment in their attestation of this glorious truth; and most of their number sealed their testimony with blood. If any faith may be placed in human testimony, the apostles were not themselves deceived, and they did not deceive others. See this argument more fully stated in the note at the end of Matthew. ¶ Being seen of them forty days. It does not appear that Jesus was constantly with his disciples during this period of time; but he occasionally associated and conversed with them, and did not wholly absent himself from them by ascending to his Father, until forty days after his resurrection. They had abundant time and opportunity for reflection, and for satisfying every doubt which may have arisen in regard to the reality of his appearance. The following remark may be somewhat fanciful, yet perhaps not altogether so: Forty years after this, a year for a day, was Jerusalem destroyed, and the nation of the Jews rooted out; because they would not believe in Christ, who had so mightily declared himself to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead, and who had so plainly declared his resur rection from the dead by so many appearings and infallible proofs for forty days. And, that the sin might be fully

4. Being assembled together with them. The peculiar form of this phrase has occasioned some perplexity to commentators. Some have suggested that this meeting was in Galilee, whither Jesus commanded his disciples to repair, promising to meet them; and that they were all thus assembled together, agreeably to appointment. Others have preferred to render the participle actively, and drop the preposition, translating the phrase thus, "having assembled them together." It would seem from the context that this meeting was in Jerusalem, not in Galilee; and it does not elsewhere appear that Jesus had commanded his disciples to assemble at this particular time and place. The only important fact, however, is sufficiently manifest, namely, that Jesus and his disciples were all together, whether by previous appointment or not, and that he instructed them. T Should not depart from Jerusalem, &c. See note on Luke xxiv. 49. Our Lord did not choose that his apostles should

salem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

commence the work of their ministry, until they were fully prepared; nor would he have them disperse, and commence preaching, each by himself, at a distance from Jerusalem, as suspicions might be excited if they first proclaimed the resurrection of their Master at a distance from the place where it was alleged to have occurred. But here, where he had been unjustly condemned, mocked, buffeted, and ignominiously crucified between two thieves; here, where his enemies were now triumphing and exulting in the hope that they had utterly crushed him and his cause; here, where an immense concourse of people from distant regions could witness the marvels consequent on the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, enabling them to speak with various tongues, or in divers languages; here, where the best possible opportunity and means existed for detection of imposture, had any been been attempted; here, in Jerusalem, he would have them remain, until they were empowered by the Spirit to give a convincing and overwhelming testimony to the truth; and here, in the midst of his powerful enemies, would he have them first proclaim his resurrection, that the power of God might openly triumph over human power. Wait for the promise, &c. That is, for the fulfilment of the promise, which Jesus had made in his Father's name; namely, that the Father would send or impart unto them the Holy Spirit, who should teach them all things and bring all his own instructions to their remembrance. John xiv. 26. See also John xv. 26; xvi. 7-15. This promise was shortly afterwards fulfilled; and some of the outward and marvellous manifestations of it are detailed in the succeeding chapter.

5 For John truly baptized with wa ter; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.`

to all believers. These were, chiefly, the ability to perform miracles, to speak in languages which they had never learned, and both to remember all the instructions of their Master, and to receive from on high, and impart to mankind, additional communications of truth. That the phrase was used, not in its general but in this peculiar sense, is evident, because the purifying process, indicated by baptism with the Holy Ghost, in its general sense, was not accomplished in the apostles at the time implied in the phrase, "not many days hence." Much of moral imperfection cleaved to them long afterwards; and near the close of life, the survivor of them all testified, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." 1 John i. 8. Nor can it be said that such a purifying process commenced at that period; for it had commenced long before. It is not for one moment to be believed that they had so long enjoyed the personal instructions and admonitions and faultless example of their Master, without any moral improvement. Whatever may have been true in regard to the traitor, it will not be denied that the eleven faithful apostles had been, partially at least, turned away from their iniquities. And, as matter of fact, we cannot perceive, in the history, any indication of a surprising moral change wrought in the apostles by this baptism on the day of Pentecost. Except that their former timidity was succeeded by unshrinking boldness (which may be accounted for by their certainty that Jesus had risen and ascended), they seem to have been in a similar condition, as men, after as before the outpouring of the Spirit. But, as apostles, a visible and marvellous change was wrought in them. 5. John truly baptized with water, &c. They were forthwith enabled to speak The reference is evidently to the lan- foreign languages intelligibly, to heal guage of John the Baptist, Matt. iii. 11. the sick, and to perform many wonBaptized with the Holy Ghost. Con-ders and signs. Acts ii. 4, 43; iii. 1-9. cerning the meaning of this phrase, in its general sense, see note on Matt. iii. 11. In this place, it seems to be used in a peculiar sense, indicating certain gifts which should speedily be imparted to the apostles, which are not imparted

They doubtless shared the moral or spiritual purification resulting from baptism with the Holy Ghost, in common with all who are thus baptized; but there seems no reference to this subject here. A different operation and

6 When they therefore were | saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time come together, they asked of him, restore again the kingdom to Israel?

manifestation of the Spirit, peculiar to the apostles and sundry chosen associates in the first age of the church, is clearly indicated. Not many days hence. Generally supposed to be not more than ten or twelve. The promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost.

he would rise from the dead, because their confidence in him, as the Messiah, was destroyed. They did not now expect he would ascend from the earth, because their faith in him was renewed, and their expectation of an earthly kingdom was revived. Nothing short of ocular demonstration would suffice to convince them that he had taken his final departure from the earth; and they were not likely to be deceived in this matter. Wilt thou at this time restore again, &c. "That temporal dominion over all other nations which the Jews then expected being never before grant ed to them, the word here cannot well be rendered restore, but rather grant, or establish. Ingenious here is the conceit of Dr. Lightfoot, that the reason of the question, Wilt thou do it at this time? arose from their reflection on the indignities the Jews had done to Christ," &c.-Whitby. The conceit, here referred to, is thus expressed: "It is very apparent, that the apostles had the same fanciful conceptions about the earthly reign of Christ with the rest of that nation; but yet they seem here a little to doubt and hesitate, either as to the thing itself, or at least as to the time; and that, not without cause, considering some things which had so late

6. When they therefore were come together. This would seem to be not the same meeting mentioned in ver. 4, 5: that was probably in Jerusalem, but this on the mount of Olives. Perhaps, however, it was a continuation of the same meeting, the place having been changed. Luke tells us that Jesus conversed with his disciples in Jerusalem, admonishing them to abide in that city until they should "be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as Bethany; and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven." Luke xxiv. 49-51. The natural import of this passage is, that Jesus led the disciples to Bethany, and ascended in their sight, immediately after commanding them to await the fulfilment of the promise in Jerusalem. If so, then we may understand the phrase here used to be equivalent to while they continued together, though they had evidently pas-ly fallen out. 'Lord, wilt thou restore sed from Jerusalem to the Mount of the kingdom to those that have dealt Olives, ver. 12, on the slope of which so basely and perfidiously with thee? mount the village of Bethany was situ- What! to this generation, that lies under ated. See note on Matt. xxi. 1. How- the actual guilt of thy bloodshed? Or, ever this be, the disciples were now indeed, to this nation at all, which, by evidently enjoying their last interview the perpetration of the late wickedness, on earth with their Master; for "while had made itself unworthy of so great a they beheld, he was taken up, and a kindness?""-Lightfoot. The ingenucloud received him out of their sight;"ity of this conceit may be admitted; ver. 9. They asked, &c. It is sin- yet its soundness may well be questiongular that the only question which they ed. It never entered the thoughts of are recorded to have proposed, on this the disciples, that those Jews who had occasion, should furnish evidence that persecuted Jesus were to be advanced they still continued to expect an earth-to posts of honor in the expected kingly kingdom, and to anticipate its honors dom; but they were to be punished and glory. This fact is important, be- severely for their misconduct. The cause it shows the improbability of their twelve thrones and the authority to being deceived in regard to the ascen-judge the twelve tribes of Israel had sion. This, as well as many previous been promised to the apostles; and to events, was contrary to their expecta- the fulfilment of this promise they tions. They did not believe Jesus would die, because they expected the Messiah would reign on earth for ever, as an earthly prince. They did not believe

looked forward with some degree of impatience. It is inconsistent with the uniform character of their language on this subject to suppose they intended

7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power.

here to dissuade our Lord from an immediate establishment of this earthly kingdom. They intimated their disappointment that he had not done it, even after the Jews had filled the cup of their iniquity, Luke xxiv. 21; and nothing had since occurred to lead them to desire further delay. On the contrary, their hopes were highly excited by the resurrection of Jesus; and they could not repress the inquiry whether he would now establish his kingdom, punish his enemies, and grant a suitable recompense to his faithful followers. They seem to have had no doubt that such a kingdom would be established. All the instructions of their Master, his distinct affirmation that his kingdom was not of this world, and his repeated declaration that he should soon return to his Father, to dwell no more bodily on the earth, all this availed nothing to eradicate their hopes of an earthly kingdom, or dispel their fond dreams of its splendor and glory. Their only doubt was, whether the time for its establishment had come; shall it be at this time? This was the point of their inquiry. And the inquiry exhibits both the inveteracy of their prejudice, and their impatience of any further delay in the consummation of their hopes. It may be added, that this is the last instance in which they manifested any expectation of an earthly kingdom. Within a few days, the Spirit was poured out upon them, and they were enabled not only to remember the language of their Lord, John xiv. 26, but to understand its true spiritual import. They then understood that his was a spiritual kingdom, for the full establishment of which in the hearts of men they were ready to devote their utmost exertions, and even their lives.

7. It is not for you to know, &c. Our Lord did not choose to correct their mistake, as to the character of the kingdom: he had previously spoken with sufficient plainness. He preferred now to pursue the same course as on another occasion, recorded by Matthew, chap. xxiv. He admonished them that they might not expect to know the par

8 But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and

ticulars of God's designs. It was sufficient that he had revealed his purpose; they need not inquire too curiously concerning the precise time when all should be accomplished. Even he himself did not profess to know the day and hour when the old world or dispensation should cease, and the new world commence, or the kingdom of heaven be established. See Matt. xxiv. 36; Mark xiii. 32. And if this was not made known to the Son, his disciples might well content themselves without learning precisely when the prediction should be fulfilled. The times or the seasons.. This phrase may be regarded as equivalent to the day and hour mentioned in Matt. xxiv. 36; times and day denoting a longer period, and seasons and hour, a shorter. The meaning is, that future events, whether near or remote, whether a long or a short time be required for their accomplishment, are known with exactness by God only. If he reveal the fact, it is in general terms, not in detail. In his own power. Or, authority. The future is entirely within the control of divine authority. We may confidently expect the fulfilment of the Father's promises; for he cannot lie. But we need not concern ourselves as to the precise time when any promised event shall be accomplished, unless it is definitely revealed. For example, the disciples were assured that, during the lifetime of some of their number, the kingdom of God should be established, and men rewarded according to their works. So far as the promise had respect to the duration of human life, it was definite; but the precise day and hour were not specified; and when the disciples inquired concerning these, their curiosity was checked by the assurance that such exact information had not been communicated to their Master himself. It is not well to push our inquiries beyond the word of revelation. We may better be content with the general assurances given us, and believe that God will bestow the promised blessings at the best time, and in the best manner.

8. Ye shall receive, &c. Literally, ye shall receive the power of the Holy

in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Ghost coming upon you. The meaning apostles should there first elevate the is similar to that expressed in the as- banner of their Lord, and commence surance to the disciples, Luke xxiv. 49, that mighty work which was destined that they should be endued with to extend its triumphs, until the kingpower from on high." The power of doms of this world should become the the Holy Ghost, or from on high, or the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ.* power communicated by the Spirit, was Rev. xi. 15. It was fitting that their manifested immediately in the apostles. Master's deepest humiliation should be They had power to speak with tongues, succeeded by the first display of his to heal the sick, and to perform many exaltation in the same city, and in view wonders and signs. They had power of the same people. It was also in acto remember the instructions of their cordance with the divine plan that salMaster, and to proclaim his resurrection vation should first be offered to the and his gospel in a manner which none Jews. Matt. x. 5, 6; xv. 24; Acts iii. could gainsay or resist. Such was the 25, 26. See note on ver. 4. ¶ All Judivine power manifested in their words dea. The southern portion of the Holy and actions, that their adversaries Land. When the kingdom was divided, quailed before them, and thousands in the days of Rehoboam, the two were converted in a day. ¶ Ye shall tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained be witnesses, &c. The original word together, constituting the kingdom of here used is martures (μáprvpɛç), or, in Judah, and the ten revolted tribes were its English form, martyrs. It is applied denominated the kingdom of Israel; to those who sacrificed their lives in and a similar distinction thenceforth attestation of the truth, as in Acts xxii. prevailed between the two sections, as 20. But this is only a technical use of the land of Judah or Judea, and the the word. Its original and general sig- land of Israel. But after the captivity, nification is properly expressed by the the principal portion of the Jews who word witness, one who testifies concern- returned from Babylon settled at and ing facts within his own knowledge. near Jerusalem; and the territory forThus, "In the mouth of two or three merly belonging to the ten tribes rewitnesses every word may be establish- mained chiefly in possession of the ed;" Matt. xviii. 16. See also Matt. Samaritans, Idumeans, Arabians, and xxvi. 65; Luke xxiv. 48; Acts xxvi. Philistines. Although the Jews were 16; 1 Tim. v. 19; 2 Tim. ii. 2. Such extensively spread over the Holy Land is its meaning here. The apostles had in the days of our Saviour, yet even long before been selected from the com- then the name Judea was applied to pany of believers, for this very purpose; only a small portion of the territory they had been admitted to the most in- originally assigned to the children of timate intercourse with Jesus for years, Israel. T Samaria. The country lyhad heard his instructions, seen his ing between Judea on the south and mighty works, and been convinced by Galilee on the north; being the central infallible proofs of his resurrection from portion of the land of Canaan. When the dead. They were, therefore, com- our Lord first sent forth his disciples, petent witnesses, fully qualified to tes- he forbade them to enter into any city tify concerning him. See note at the of the Samaritans, Matt. x. 5; for, end of Matthew. And they were about although they claimed Abraham for to be invested with additional power, their father, yet a deadly enmity existby the gift of the Holy Spirit, bringing ed between them and the Jews, and distinctly to their remembrance all the disciples were to avoid them as they which they had seen and heard, and avoided the Gentiles. But now their enabling them to communicate the commission was enlarged. They were truth to all men, to each in his own to go into all the world, and teach all language, and to confirm the word with nations. Matt. xxviii. 19; Mark xvi. signs following. Mark xvi. 20; Acts 15. And, as Samaria was before excluii. 43; v. 12; Heb. ii. 4. T Unto me. ded by name, it was peculiarly proper That is, concerning me; or the whole that it should be specially named in phrase may be understood as equiva- this enlarged and general commission. lent to, "Ye shall be my witnesses." Uttermost part of the earth. In Jerusalem. It was well that the earth sometimes indicates no more

The

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