The apostolical history containing the acts, labours, travels, sermons, discourses, miracles, successes, and sufferings of the Holy Apostles from Christ's ascention to the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus : a brief description whereof is here inserted : also, a narration of the particular times and occasions upon which the apostolical epistles were written, together with a brief analytical paraphrase of them : to which is added (for the better understanding of this history) a map of the Apostle Paul's travels ... / by Samuel Cradock.

SECT. IV.

AS the Apostles were thus going on in instructing the People, the Priests, and Sadduces, and Captain of the Roman Band (that was placed in the Tower Antonia(a) 1.1 for the guard of the Temple) came upon them, and being greatly enraged(b) 1.2 at the Doctrine they preached, they took them and put them in custody(c) 1.3 that night; yet Peter's Sermon had had so good an ope∣ration upon the people, that with the Three thousand which were before converted ch. 2.41. the number of believers in Christ was now come to be about Five thousand(d) 1.4 The next day the Council being met toge∣ther (in which were Annas and Caiaphas, and some others, that were descended of High Priests) the Apostles are now called in question about the Miracle, they had wrought, and required to give an account by what power or authority they had done it. Then Peter being filled with the Holy Ghost, and an extraordinary measure of Courage, told them plainly, that by the power and authority of Jesus of Nazareth (whom they had crucified and God had raised from the dead) and by Faith in him, they had wrought this miraculous cure. This he tells them was the Stone* 1.5 spoken of, Psal. 118.22. and Isa. 28.16. (which could be meant of no o∣ther than the Messias) who was now re∣jected and dis-esteemed of them who would be accounted the builders of the Church of God with sound Doctrine; yet notwithstanding their rejecting of him he tells them he is certainly the head of the corner(e) 1.6, and the principal Stone, or chief part of the whole spiritual building, his true Church being the Person in whom the strength of the building lyes, and by whom the two walls of the building, viz. Jews and Gen∣tiles are joined together, and made up into one House and Church; neither is Salvati∣on to be attain'd by or through the mediati∣on of any other person whatsoever. From v. 1. to 13.

The Council much marvelled at this boldness, and freedom of speech, wherewith the Apostles expressed themselves, seeing their education had been such as could not raise them above mean and ordinary men. But then they were told, or else some of them remembred, that they were such as had attended upon Je∣sus in his life time. However though they were convinced of the truth of the Miracle wrought by them, yet after they had debated upon the matter among themselves, they judged it fit strictly to prohibit them to preach any more in the name of Je∣sus; which injunction the Apostles would by no means yeild obedience unto, alledging that it was much more right and fit to obey God, than them; and declared, that they could not choose but proclaim for the benefit of others those truths concerning Christ of so high importance, which themselves had certain know∣ledg of, being eye and ear-witnesses of them. However not∣withstanding this rational Plea, the Council added some further threatnings to terrifie them, and so dismissed them, having no∣thing to lay to their charge, but only that for which the people looked on them with admiration and glorified God for working by them. From 13. to 23.

The Apostles being thus dismiss'd, went immediately to their own company (that is the Society of those Hundred and twenty mentioned ch. 1.15.) and acquainted them with what had happened unto them.

The Brethren being much affected herewith betake themselves, by fervent prayer unto the Lord, ac∣knowledging that what he had long ago praedicted by his Pro∣phet David(f) 1.7 Psal. 2.1. concerning the Messias, was now come to pass. For the Jews had highly opposed him, the anoint∣ed(g) 1.8 of the Lord, and invented false things against him, and the Roman Gover∣nours in Palestine, Herod, and Pontius Pilat had combined against him, and the Jewish Sanhedrin had joined their malicious Coun∣sels to destroy him, and in opposing him, had also opposed God the Father who sent him. All this they had done, and thereby had been instruments to act that which God before determined (h), viz. that his Son should be put to death for the sins of men. And now God having raised him again from the dead, and commanded his Apostles to preach him to the world, these Jews had with great threatnings forbidden them: Whereupon they humbly beseech the Lord

to enable them his Servants, and Ministers to preach his word with all boldness and courage▪ and to give them power to work miraculous cures in the name of Jesus for the confirmation of the Gospel.

Upon this prayer of theirs there came a wind from heaven like to that mentioned Chap. 2.2. and shook the place where they were assembled, and special eminent gifts(i) 1.9 of the Spirit fell upon them, and especially they were indued with a greater measure of boldness to preach the Gospel even in the midst of persecution, and this was such a confirmation to them, that despising the ter∣rors of the Jews, they with greater confi∣dence publish'd the Gospel of Christ than before. This also is further to be observed concerning this infant Church, and these primitive disciples, that they maintain'd a great union and concord(k) 1.10 among them∣selves both in Doctrine and Opinion, in Heart and Affection, and had such enlarged bowels toward one another, that no man esteemed what he had his own when the Churches necessity required it for the help of such among them as were in want.

The Apostles also with great authority and assurance gave testimony to the Resurrection of Christ, and their Doctrine found great favour and acceptation with the People. And those of the disciples, that had possessions sold them(l) 1.11 and laid down the mony received for them, at the Apostles feet to be distributed by their advice, and counsel, to every one as they had need. In which business Bar∣nabas* 1.12 a Levite gave an eminent example, who having a piece of Land of his own (not part of the Levites portion, which he might not alienate, but probably somewhat, which belonged to him in Cyprus where he was born) made sale of it, and brought the full price of it, and put it wholly in the Apostles power to dispose of, and to

distribute as they saw occasion among those of the Church that were in want and necessity.

Act. 4. v. 1. And as they sp••ke unto the people, the priests and the captain of the temple, and the Sadduces came upon them.

v. 2. Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

v. 3. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now even-••ide.

v. 4. Howbeit, many of them which heard the word, believed, and the number of the men was about five thousand.

v. 5. And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

v. 6. And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kinred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

v. 7. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power or by what Name have ye done this?

v. 8. Then Peter filled with the holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel.

v. 9. If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole.

v. 10. Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

v. 11. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

v. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

v. 13. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned, and ignorant men, they marvelled, and they took knowledg of them, that they had been with Jesus.

v. 14. And beholding the man that was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

v. 15. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves.

v. 16. Saying, What shall we do to these men? For that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

v. 17. But that it spread no furth••r among the people, let us straitly threa∣ten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this Name.

v. 18. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all, nor teach in the N••me of Jesus.

v. 19. But Peter and John answered, and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken unto you more than unto God, judg ye.

v. 20. For we cannot but speak the things which we have s••••n and ••••••rd.

v. 21. So wh••n they had further threatned them, they l••t t••••m go, fi••ding nothing how they might punish them, b••c••use o•• th•• p••ople, for all men glorifi••d God for that which was done.

v. 22. For the man was above fourty years old, on whom this mi••••cle of healing w••s sh••w••d.

v. 23. And b••ing let go, th••y went to th••ir own comp••ny, and rep••rted all that the chi••f priests and elders had said unto th••m.

v. 24. And when th••y heard that, they li••t up their voice to God with

one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God which hast made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that in them is,

v. 25. Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

v. 26. The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered to∣gether against the Lord, and against his Christ.

v. 27. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were gathered together.

v. 28. For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

v. 29. And now Lord, behold their threatnings, and grant unto thy ser∣vants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

v. 30. By stretching forth thine hand to heal: and that signs and wonders may be done by the N••me of thy holy child Jesus.

v. 31. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

v. 32. And the multitude of them that believed, were of one heart, and of one soul: neither said any of them, that ought of the things which he possessed, was his own, but they had all things common.

v. 33. And with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrecti∣on of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.

v. 34. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands, or houses, sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

v. 35. And laid them down at the Apostles feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

v. 36. And Joses, who by the Apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation) a Levite, and of the countrey of Cyprus,

v. 37. Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the Apostles feet.

* 1.13 * 1.14 * 1.15 * 1.16 * 1.17 * 1.18 * 1.19

Notes

• (a) 1.1

  The Tower Antonia was first built by Hircanus the Armonean but a••ter repaired by Herod, and in honour of Anthony, named Antonia.
• (b) 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. Ira, & dolore erant accensi. The distaste and dislike of these men proceeded from several prin∣ciples and causes. The Captains distaste was for fear the business should tend to a tumult The Sadduces because they preached the Resurrection of the dead. The Priests, because the Apostles be∣ing private men went about to teach the people, and because they preached the Resurrection through Jesus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. i. e. either as verified in Jesus, or by the power and efficacy of Jesus. Sadducaei rigidi admodum in poenis exi∣gendis ut Josephus docet, qui Pharisaeos ait fuisse in iis rebus leniores. Nimirum qui omnem spem in hâc vitâ collocatam habebant, severè occurrendum putabant omnibus iis quae turbare poterant quie∣tem populi, in quâ & ipsorum quies con∣tinebatur, Grot.
• (c) 1.3

  Deus sensim adsuefacit suos ad ferendam crucem, ut crescant cum cru∣ce vires.
• (d) 1.4

  Prior concio convertebat 3000. nunc accedunt 5000. aut saltèm tot, ut utriusque concionis effectus conjun∣ctim producat 5000. Quòd numerus credentium circitèr ad 5 millia crevisse dicitur non de novâ accessione intelligo, sed de totâ ecclesiâ, Calv. in loc.
• * 1.5

  See my Harmony of the Four Evan∣gelists, ch. 5. p. 144.
• (e) 1.6

  Deus eum constituit in lapidem angularem, i. e. in fundamentum cui in posterum tota ecclesiâ superstrueretur.

  Duplex est cujuslibet aedificii funda∣mentum 1. Externum, & naturale, viz. fundus, vel terra apta. 2. Inter∣num, & artificiale, quod ab architectis ponitur, & est pars aedificii. Sic ecclesia christiana duplex habet fundamentum. 1. Externum, viz revelationem Dei per prophetas, & Apostolos in Scripturis sa∣cris; Haec est principium, & fundamen∣tum cui innititur fides ecclesiae, & prop∣ter quod Ecclesia credit quae credit. Non enim testimonium aliquod humanum, non authoritas Papae & Ecclesiae, neque rationis humanae scientifica demon••••ratio est illud funda∣mentum, & principium, propter quod credimus quae credimus, sed sacra Scriptura, Joh. 5. Illae sunt, quae testificantur de me. 2. Habet etiam Ecclesia Christiana fundamentum internum quod est pars aedi∣ficii. Sicut enim architecti in ipsâ terrâ ponere solent lapidem quadratum, vel Petram aliquam in an∣gulis aedificii, quae muros ••ustineat, Ita in aedificio Ecclesiae primò omnium ponitur lapis ille angula∣lis, & Petra, quae cum sit ipsa pars aedificii, caeteris aedificii partes sustinet, atque portat. Hic lapis est Jesus Christus. Ille est cum suis meritis cui innititur sides nostra, & sicut s des habet duas quasi par¦tes, 1. Assensum mentis. 2. Fiduciam cordi••. Ita duo habet fundamenta. Scripturae authoritas est fundamentum assensûs: Christi merita, fundamentum fiduciae. Fides in Christum non est mera imaginatio salutis, sed est fiducialis amplexus Christi, repositio Cordis in Christum, quâ ei adhaere∣mus cum sensu miseriae nostrae premimur. Stres. in loc.
• (f) 1.7

  The second Psalm which owne not its author in the Title, the Holy Ghost ascribeth here to David, and seemeth thereby to intimate, that eve∣ry Psalm that declareth not its Author in the Title is to be ascribed to David, Lightf. in loc.
• (g) 1.8

  A Patre unctus, ut esset servus, & legatus Dei▪ haec unctio consistit 1. In datione potestatis, & authoritatis. 2. In datione Spiriti Sancti, qui humanam na∣turam ad hoc faceret aptam. Hac uncti∣one roboratus est ad perficiendam om∣nem justitiam, quae à nobis requirebatur. Unctus est Spiritu Sancto, ut ex ejus ple∣nitudine Ecclesia sumeret, & hauriret sua dona. Unctio ergo notat commissionem officii & adaptationem ad illud. Hoc au∣tem officium Christi triplex est. 1. Prophe∣ticum consistens in Doctrinâ sive mediatâ, sive immediatâ, miraculis etiam ad con∣firmationem Doctrinae facie••tibus. 2 Sa∣cerdotale, consistens in oblatione Sacrifi∣cii, & Intercessione Huc pertinet bene∣dictio, quâ impetratur benedictio po∣puli. 3. Regium, consistens in rectione ecclesiae per Spiritum suum, & defen∣sione contra hostes.

  Particula Ʋt latens in constructione Graec•• hic non est nota intentionis, sed eventus

  Voluntas Dei, & interdictum Dei non pugnant. Deus en••m saepe prohibet quod vult fieri, sed distinctione hic opus est: alia est voluntas eligens, alia voluntatas approbans. Deus non vult quod prohibet, i. e. non approbat, sed odit, ac detestatur. Deus tamen vult quod prohibet, i. e. eligit sibi in medium, quoad bonum aliquem finem perveniat. Quânam autem in re consistit ille concur∣sus divinae manûs cum pec••atis hominum? solet vulgò in sequentibu•• constitui. 1. Deus permittit non Ethicè quasi non prohibeat, sed hysicè, quia non impedit, sed sinit homines ire viis suis. Relinquit eos sui•• libidinibus, nec coercet Satanam. 2. Sustentat creaturam peccantem. 3. Dirigit malitiam cre••turae in talia objecta, & in tales fines, in quos vult, & eam limitat ne agat pro mensurâ malitiae, sed ad mensuram divinae sapientiae. Deus non praedefinit, & ordinat malas impiorum actiones in quantum malae sunt, verum ordinat bonum illud quod inde elicit, & quod illi malo adversum est.
• (i) 1.9

  Repleti sunt Spiritu Sancto, i. e. augmentum donorum acceperant sicut d••e Pentecostes receperant bonum ini∣tium. Repleti sunt Spiritu Sancto, ut scilicet in persecutione loquantur ver∣bum Dei cum fiduci••. Unde Chrysost. Reaccensi sunt Spiritu Sancto, & reac∣censum in ipsis Charisma. De. Lightfoot thinks, that upon the Twelve now sell that wonderful gift of conferring the Holy Spirit.
• (k) 1.10

  Duplici medio sibi contra hostes consulunt. 1. Precibus. 2. Strictâ in∣ter se unione, dilectione, & concordiâ. Et specialitèr in hoc consenserunt, ut ar∣ticulum de Resurrectione Christi effica∣citèr urgerent. 1. Ex vaticiniis ••crip∣turae demonstrabant verum Messiam de∣buisse resurgere. 2. Potentiâ suae do∣ctrinae suorumque operum miraculoso∣rum, quae in nomine Jesu faciebant, con∣vincebant homines, Jesum eos roborare, & proindè non mortuum esse, sed vi∣vere.
• (l) 1.11

  Such was the state of the Church at this time, as was never like to be a∣gain. It was but newly born, it was all in one city, the most of the peo∣ple far from their own houses, all in a possibility to be soon scattered by per∣secution. Therefore this example can∣not be a copy for after times to follow as a command or to imitate as a per∣fection, Lightfoot in loc.

  Re••quae erat temporariae alicujus ne∣cessitatis, & liberi arbitrii, Act. 5.4. non debet hodiè in exemplum trahi, mul∣tò minu•• ut necessaria obtrudi. Freid. lib.
• * 1.12

  ••arnabas dictus est a 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 filius, & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 pro quo contractè 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 consolans ••••••riaco 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 consolatus est. De Dieu.
• * 1.13

  v. 5. Seniores] idem quod Senatores, & consules urbium. Scribae, qui apud Jere∣miam Juris-consulti, & interpretes legis, qui in medio consessûs responsa dabant de ju∣re. Quidam Scribae erant interpretes legis forensis, & potius politicae vocationis quam ecclesiasticae.
• * 1.14

  v. 6. Quotquot erant ex genere Pontificio] h. e. Quorum majores summo sacer∣dotio non ita pridem functi fuerant; Quae magna nobi••itas fecerat ut Synedrio mag∣no ascriberentur, Grot.
• * 1.15

  v. 9. De beneficientiâ hominis infirmi] h. e. in eum collatâ. Genitivus modo causam efficientem, modo rem, aut personam recipientem notat, ut hic.
• * 1.16

  v. 11. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] in Psal. 118.22. 'tis 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the stone, whom they refused. So 'tis also Mat. 21.42. and that according to the Hebrew text. But here the Apostle heightens the expression, that he may set home their re••using Christ the nearer to their hearts.
• * 1.17

  v. 12. Non est aliud nomen] nomen pro ipsâ personâ, aut re ponitur: sic nom••n Christi est Christus ipse, quod etiam Ethnicis in usu. Tibullus, nec fidum foemina no∣men. Sic Virgil. 6. Aeneid. Silvius Albanum nomen h. e. Albanus homo. Nomen aliquando ponitur pro dignitate, & eminentiâ. ut Phil. 2.9, 10.
• * 1.18

  v. 13. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 hic opponitur 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, h. e. peritis, & intelligentibus.

  Agnoscebant eos cum Jesu fuisse] Non mirum, cum Senatorum quidam interdum Jesum suis discipulis comitatum adiissent, & allocuti essent, Mat. 21.23. Luc. 18.18. Joh. 12.42.
• * 1.19

  v. 20. Non possumus, quae vidimus, non loqui] h. e. Non debemus silere verbum potest••tis non raro pro verbo d••biti, & juris accipitur; non possum, i e. non jure, ligetime, honestè, & bonâ conscientiâ. Id possum, quod jure p ssum.