Post by Lee on May 7, 2015 1:40:43 GMT
(Acts 17.).—We next find Paul at Thessalonica. This city was first called Therma, but its name was changed by Cassander (one of the four heads of the Leopard—Daniel 7:6) to Thessalonica, in honour of his wife. It is now called Salonica.—Thousands of Jews dwell there.—The Turks keep Friday, the Jews Saturday, and the Christians Sunday, as the Sabbath, so there is no total cessation of labour as with us.
Verse 5.—The Greek means, loiterers about the market place, the scum of the city. Verse 6.—“Rulers,” Greek Politarchs. The inscriptions found at Thessalonica show that this was the name given by the people to the seven magistrates whom they elected to rule the city.
Next they came to Berea 50 or 60 miles further, where the people searched the Scriptures, comparing the prophecies and the facts of Christ’s life. From Berea, Paul went to Athens. Silas and Timothy were to follow him, but his zeal did not allow him to wait; and so he faced the multitude alone, first in the synagogue on the Sabbath, then in the market-place on the weekdays. Paul began as Demosthenes used to: “Men of Athens.” He came not to set forth “strange demons,” but to enlighten the ignorance of their foolish hearts (Romans 1:20 to 22).
Verse 28.—The poet referred to was Aratus of Tarsus, the city of Saul. “Winked at” should be “overlooked” (see Revised Version). Verses 30 and 31 are a strong proof of responsibility without baptism. God did not impute their errors to the heathen world, while they were in ignorance, but now He has made Himself known they must repent. Knowledge brings responsibility, and with responsibility, liability to judgment. Some mocked, others put the matter off, a few believed.
(1912). The Christadelphian, 49(electronic ed.), 572.
Verse 5.—The Greek means, loiterers about the market place, the scum of the city. Verse 6.—“Rulers,” Greek Politarchs. The inscriptions found at Thessalonica show that this was the name given by the people to the seven magistrates whom they elected to rule the city.
Next they came to Berea 50 or 60 miles further, where the people searched the Scriptures, comparing the prophecies and the facts of Christ’s life. From Berea, Paul went to Athens. Silas and Timothy were to follow him, but his zeal did not allow him to wait; and so he faced the multitude alone, first in the synagogue on the Sabbath, then in the market-place on the weekdays. Paul began as Demosthenes used to: “Men of Athens.” He came not to set forth “strange demons,” but to enlighten the ignorance of their foolish hearts (Romans 1:20 to 22).
Verse 28.—The poet referred to was Aratus of Tarsus, the city of Saul. “Winked at” should be “overlooked” (see Revised Version). Verses 30 and 31 are a strong proof of responsibility without baptism. God did not impute their errors to the heathen world, while they were in ignorance, but now He has made Himself known they must repent. Knowledge brings responsibility, and with responsibility, liability to judgment. Some mocked, others put the matter off, a few believed.
(1912). The Christadelphian, 49(electronic ed.), 572.