comes, whom the Father will send, sooner or later, he will let them know what a blessed change is
wrought.
Verses 12–19
God's providence leaves room for the use of our prudence, though he has undertaken to perform
and perfect what he has begun. These Christians continued in prayer for Peter, for they were truly
in earnest. Thus men ought always to pray, and not to faint. As long as we are kept waiting for a
mercy, we must continue praying for it. But sometimes that which we most earnestly wish for, we
are most backward to believe. The Christian law of self-denial and of suffering for Christ, has not
done away the natural law of caring for our own safety by lawful means. In times of public danger,
all believers have God for their hiding-place; which is so secret, that the world cannot find them.
Also, the instruments of persecution are themselves exposed to danger; the wrath of God hangs
over all that engage in this hateful work. And the range of persecutors often vents itself on all in
its way.
Verses 20–25
Many heathen princes claimed and received Divine honours, but it was far more horrible impiety
in Herod, who knew the word and worship of the living God, to accept such idolatrous honours
without rebuking the blasphemy. And such men as Herod, when puffed with pride and vanity, are
ripening fast for signal vengeance. God is very jealous for his own honour, and will be glorified
upon those whom he is not glorified by. See what vile bodies we carry about with us; they have in
them the seeds of their own dissolution, by which they will soon be destroyed, whenever God does
but speak the word. We may learn wisdom from the people of Tyre and Sidon, for we have offended
the Lord with our sins. We depend on him for life, and breath, and all things; it surely then behoves
us to humble ourselves before him, that through the appointed Mediator, who is ever ready to
befriend us, we may be reconciled to him, lest wrath come upon us to the utmost.
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
The mission of Paul and Barnabas. (1–3)
Elymas the sorcerer. (4–13)
Paul's discourse at Antioch. (14–41)
He preaches to the Gentiles, and is (42–52)
persecuted by the Jews.Verses 1–3