priests would have welcomed him. But repentance and remission of sins are blessings they neither
valued nor saw their need of; therefore they, by no means, admitted his doctrine. Wherever
repentance is wrought, remission is granted without fail. None are freed from the guilt and
punishment of sin, but those who are freed from the power and dominion of sin; who are turned
from it, and turned against it. Christ gives repentance, by his Spirit working with the word, to
awaken the conscience, to work sorrow for sin, and an effectual change in the heart and life. The
giving of the Holy Ghost, is plain evidence that it is the will of God that Christ should be obeyed.
And He will surely destroy those who will not have Him to reign over them.
Verses 34–42
The Lord still has all hearts in his hands, and sometimes directs the prudence of the worldly
wise, so as to restrain the persecutors. Common sense tells us to be cautious, while experience and
observation show that the success of frauds in matters of religion has been very short. Reproach
for Christ is true preferment, as it makes us conformable to his pattern, and serviceable to his
interest. They rejoiced in it. If we suffer ill for doing well, provided we suffer it well, and as we
should, we ought to rejoice in that grace which enabled us so to do. The apostles did not preach
themselves, but Christ. This was the preaching that most offended the priests. But it ought to be
the constant business of gospel ministers to preach Christ: Christ, and him crucified; Christ, and
him glorified; nothing beside this, but what has reference to it. And whatever is our station or rank
in life, we should seek to make Him known, and to glorify his name.
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The appointment of deacons. (1–7)
Stephen falsely accused of blasphemy. (8–15)Verses 1–7
Hitherto the disciples had been of one accord; this often had been noticed to their honour; but
now they were multiplied, they began to murmur. The word of God was enough to take up all the
thoughts, cares, and time of the apostles. The persons chosen to serve tables must be duly qualified.
They must be filled with gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost, necessary to rightly managing this
trust; men of truth, and hating covetousness. All who are employed in the service of the church,
ought to be commended to the Divine grace by the prayers of the church. They blessed them in the
name of the Lord. The word and grace of God are greatly magnified, when those are wrought upon
by it, who were least likely.
Verses 8–15