What an assemblage was here! In these names we see that the Lord raises up instruments for
his work, from various places and stations in life; and zeal for his glory induces men to give up
flattering connexions and prospects to promote his cause. It is by the Spirit of Christ that his ministers
are made both able and willing for his service, and taken from other cares that would hinder in it.
Christ's ministers are to be employed in Christ's work, and, under the Spirit's guidance, to act for
the glory of God the Father. They are separated to take pains, and not to take state. A blessing upon
Barnabas and Saul in their present undertaking was sought for, and that they might be filled with
the Holy Ghost in their work. Whatever means are used, or rules observed, the Holy Ghost alone
can fit ministers for their important work, and call them to it.
Verses 4–13
Satan is in a special manner busy with great men and men in power, to keep them from being
religious, for their example will influence many. Saul is here for the first time called Paul, and
never after Saul. Saul was his name as he was a Hebrew; Paul was his name as he was a citizen of
Rome. Under the direct influence of the Holy Ghost, he gave Elymas his true character, but not in
passion. A fulness of deceit and mischief together, make a man indeed a child of the devil. And
those who are enemies to the doctrine of Jesus, are enemies to all righteousness; for in it all
righteousness is fulfilled. The ways of the Lord Jesus are the only right ways to heaven and
happiness. There are many who not only wander from these ways themselves, but set others against
these ways. They commonly are so hardened, that they will not cease to do evil. The proconsul was
astonished at the force of the doctrine upon his own heart and conscience, and at the power of God
by which it was confirmed. The doctrine of Christ astonishes; and the more we know of it, the more
reason we shall see to wonder at it. Those who put their hand to the plough and look back, are not
fit for the kingdom of God. Those who are not prepared to face opposition, and to endure hardship,
are not fitted for the work of the ministry.
Verses 14–31
When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by
the reading and hearing of the word of God. The bare reading of the Scriptures in public assemblies
is not enough; they should be expounded, and the people exhorted out of them. This is helping
people in doing that which is necessary to make the word profitable, to apply it to themselves.
Every thing is touched upon in this sermon, which might best prevail with Jews to receive and
embrace Christ as the promised Messiah. And every view, however short or faint, of the Lord's
dealings with his church, reminds us of his mercy and long-suffering, and of man's ingratitude and
perverseness. Paul passes from David to the Son of David, and shows that this Jesus is his promised
Seed; a Saviour to do that for them, which the judges of old could not do, to save them from their
sins, their worst enemies. When the apostles preached Christ as the Saviour, they were so far from
concealing his death, that they always preached Christ crucified. Our complete separation from
sin, is represented by our being buried with Christ. But he rose again from the dead, and saw no
corruption: this was the great truth to be preached.