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Peter's Vindication. 1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judæa heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, 3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. 4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, 5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: 6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. 8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Cæsarea unto me. 12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: 13 And he showed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; 14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? 18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. The preaching of the gospel to Cornelius was a thing which we poor sinners of the Gentiles have reason to reflect upon with a great deal of joy and thankfulness; for it was the bringing of light to us who sat in darkness. Now it being so great a surprize to the believing as well as the unbelieving Jews, it is worth while to enquire how it was received, and what comments were made upon it. And here we find, I. Intelligence was presently brought of it to the church in Jerusalem, and thereabouts; for Cesarea was not so far from Jerusalem but that they might presently hear of it. Some for good-will, and some for ill-will, would spread the report of it; so that before he himself had returned to Jerusalem the apostles and the brethren there and in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God, that is, the gospel of Christ, which is not only a word of God, but the word of God; for it is the summary and centre of all divine revelation. They received Christ; for his name is called the Word of God, Revelation 19:13 . Not only that the Jews who were dispersed into the Gentile countries, and the Gentiles who were proselyted to the Jewish religion, but that the Gentiles also themselves, with whom it had hitherto been thought unlawful to hold common conversation, were taken into church-communion, that they had received the word of God. That is, 1. That the word of God was preached to them, which was a greater honour put upon them than they expected. Yet I wonder this should seem strange to those who were themselves commissioned to preach the gospel to every creature. But thus often are the prejudices of pride and bigotry held fast against the clearest discoveries of divine truth. 2. That it was entertained and submitted to by them, which was a better work wrought upon them than they expected. It is likely they had got a notion that if the gospel were preached to the Gentiles it would be to no purpose, because the proofs of the gospel were fetched so much out of the Old Testament, which the Gentiles did not receive: they looked upon them as not inclined to religion, nor likely to receive the impressions of it; and therefore were surprized to hear that they had received the word of the Lord. Note, We are too apt to despair of doing good to those who yet, when they are tried, prove very tractable. II. That offence was taken at it by the believing Jews ( Acts 11:2 ; Acts 11:3 ): When Peter had himself come up to Jerusalem, those that were of the circumcision, those Jewish converts that still retained a veneration for circumcision, contended with him. They charged it upon him as a crime that he went in to men uncircumcised, and did eat with them; and thereby they think he has stained, if not forfeited, the honour of his apostleship, and ought to come under the censure of the church: so far were they from looking upon him as infallible, or as the supreme head of the church that all were accountable to, and he to none. See here, 1. How much it is the bane and damage of the church, to monopolize it, and to exclude those from it, and from the benefit of the means of grace, that are not in every thing as we are. There are narrow souls that are for engrossing the riches of the church, as there are that would engross the riches of the world, and would be placed alone in the midst of the earth. These men were of Jonah's mind, who, in a jealousy for his people, was angry that the Ninevites received the word of God, and justified himself in it. 2. Christ's ministers must not think it strange if they be censured and quarrelled with, not only by their professed enemies, but by their professing friends; not only for their follies and infirmities, but for their good actions seasonably and well done; but, if we have proved our own work, we may have rejoicing in ourselves, as Peter had, whatever reflections we may have from our brethren. Those that are zealous and courageous in the service of Christ must expect to be censured by those who, under pretence of being cautious, are cold and indifferent. Those who are of catholic, generous, charitable principles, must expect to be censured by such as are conceited and strait-laced, who say, Stand by thyself, I am holier than thou. III. Peter gave such a full and fair account of the matter of fact as was sufficient, without any further argument or apology, both to justify him, and to satisfy them ( Acts 11:4 ; Acts 11:4 ): He rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and laid it before them in order, and then could appeal to themselves whether he had done amiss; for it appeared all along God's own work, and not his. 1. He takes it for granted that if they had rightly understood how the matter was they would not have contended with him, and commended him. And it is a good reason why we should be moderate in our censures, and sparing of them, because if we rightly understood that which we are so forward to run down perhaps we should see cause to run in with it. When we see others do that which looks suspicious, instead of contending with them, we should enquire of them what ground they went upon; and, if we have not an opportunity to do that, should ourselves put the best construction upon it that it will bear, and judge nothing before the time. 2. He is very willing to stand right in their opinion, and takes pains to give them satisfaction. He does not insist upon his being the chief of the apostles, for he was far from the thought of that supremacy which his pretended successors claim. Nor does he think it enough to tell them that he is satisfied himself in the grounds he went upon, and they need not trouble themselves about it; but he is ready to give a reason of the hope that is in him concerning the Gentiles, and why he had receded from his former sentiments, which were the same with theirs. It is a debt we owe both to ourselves and to our brethren to set those actions of ours in a true light which at first looked ill and gave offence, that we may remove stumbling-blocks out of our brethren's way. Let us now see what Peter pleads in his own defence. (1.) That he was instructed by a vision no longer to keep up the distinctions which were made by the ceremonial law; he relates the vision ( Acts 11:5 ; Acts 11:6 ), as we had it before Acts 10:9 ; Acts 10:9 , c. The sheet which was there said to be let down to the earth he here says came even to him, which circumstance intimates that it was particularly designed for instruction to him. We should thus see all God's discoveries of himself, which he has made to the children of men, coming even to us, applying them by faith to ourselves. Another circumstance here added is that when the sheet came to him he fastened his eyes upon it, and considered it, Acts 11:6 ; Acts 11:6 . If we would be led into the knowledge of divine things, we must fix our minds upon them, and consider them. He tells them what orders he had to eat of all sorts of meat without distinction, asking no questions for conscience' sake, Acts 11:7 ; Acts 11:7 . It was not till after the flood (as it should seem) that man was allowed to eat flesh at all, Genesis 9:3 . That allowance was afterwards limited by the ceremonial law; but now the restrictions were taken off, and the matter set at large again. It was not the design of Christ to abridge us in the use of our creature-comforts by any other law than that of sobriety and temperance, and preferring the meat that endures to eternal life before that which perishes. He pleads that he was as averse to the thoughts of conversing with Gentiles, or eating of their dainties, as they could be, and therefore refused the liberty given him: Not so, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has at any time entered into my mouth, Acts 11:8 ; Acts 11:8 . But he was told from heaven that the case was now altered, that God had cleansed those persons and things which were before polluted; and therefore that he must no longer call them common, nor look upon them as unfit to be meddled with by the peculiar people ( Acts 11:9 ; Acts 11:9 ); so that he was not to be blamed for changing his thoughts, when God had changed the thing. In things of this nature we must act according to our present light; yet must not be so wedded to our opinion concerning them as to be prejudiced against further discoveries, when the matter may either be otherwise or appear otherwise; and God may reveal even this unto us, Philippians 3:15 . And, that they might be sure he was not deceived in it, he tells them it was done three times ( Acts 11:10 ; Acts 11:10 ), the same command given, to kill and eat, and the same reason, because that which God hath cleansed is not to be called common, repeated a second and third time. And, further to confirm him that it was a divine vision, the things he saw did not vanish away into the air, but were drawn up again into heaven, whence they were let down. (2.) That he was particularly directed by the Spirit to go along with the messengers that Cornelius sent. And, that it might appear that the vision was designed to satisfy him in this matter, he observes to them the time when the messengers came--immediately after he had that vision; yet, lest this should not be sufficient to clear his way, the Spirit bade him go with the men that were then sent from Cesarea to him, nothing doubting ( Acts 11:11 ; Acts 11:12 ); though they were Gentiles he went to, and went with, yet he must make no scruple of going along with them. (3.) That he took some of his brethren along with him, who were of the circumcision, that they might be satisfied as well as he; and these he had brought up from Joppa, to witness for him with what caution he proceeded, foreseeing the offence that would be taken at it. He did not act separately, but with advice; not rashly, but upon due deliberation. (4.) That Cornelius had a vision too, by which he was directed to send for Peter ( Acts 11:13 ; Acts 11:13 ): He showed us how he had seen a angel in his house, that bade him send to Joppa for one Simon, whose surname is Peter. See how good it is for those that have communion with God, and keep up a correspondence with heaven, to compare notes, and communicate their experiences to each other; for hereby they may strengthen one another's faith: Peter is the more confirmed in the truth of his vision by Cornelius's, and Cornelius by Peter's. Here is something added in what the angel said to Cornelius; before it was, Send for Peter, and he shall speak to thee, he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do ( Acts 10:6 ; Acts 10:32 ); but here it is, " He shall tell thee words whereby thou and thy house shall be saved ( Acts 11:14 ; Acts 11:14 ), and therefore it is of vast concern to thee, and will be of unspeakable advantage, to send for him." Note, [1.] The words of the gospel are words whereby we may be saved, eternally saved; not merely by hearing them and reading them, but by believing and obeying them. They set the salvation before us, and show us what it is; they open the way of salvation to us, and, if we follow the method prescribed us by them, we shall certainly be saved from wrath and the curse, and be for ever happy. [2.] Those that embrace the gospel of Christ will have salvation brought by it to their families: " Thou and all thy house shall be saved; thou and thy children shall be taken into covenant, and have the means of salvation; thy house shall be as welcome to the benefit of the salvation, upon their believing, as thou thyself, even the meanest servant thou hast. This day is salvation come to this house, " Luke 19:9 . Hitherto salvation was of the Jews ( John 4:22 ), but now salvation is brought to the Gentiles as much as ever it was with the Jews; the promises, privileges, and means of it are conveyed to all nations as amply and fully, to all intents and purposes, as ever it had been appropriated to the Jewish nation. (5.) That which put the matter past all dispute was the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the Gentile hearers; this completed the evidence that it was the will of God that he should take the Gentiles into communion. [1.] The fact was plain and undeniable ( Acts 11:15 ; Acts 11:15 ): " As I began to speak " (and perhaps he felt some secret reluctance in his own breast, doubting whether he was in the right to preach to the uncircumcised), "presently the Holy Ghost fell on them in as visible signs as on us at the beginning, in which there could be no fallacy." Thus God attested what was done, and declared his approbation of it; that preaching is certainly right with which the Holy Ghost is given. The apostle supposes this, when he thus argues with the Galatians: Received you the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Galatians 3:2 . [2.] Peter was hereby put in mind of a saying of his Master's, when he was leaving them ( Acts 1:5 ; Acts 1:5 ): John baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, Acts 11:16 ; Acts 11:16 . This plainly intimated, First, that the Holy Ghost was the gift of Christ, and the product and performance of his promise, that great promise which he left with them when he went to heaven. It was therefore without doubt from him that this gift came; and the filling of them with the Holy Ghost was his act and deed. As it was promised by his mouth, so it was performed by his hand, and was a token of his favour. Secondly, That the gift of the Holy Ghost was a kind of baptism. Those that received it were baptized with it in a more excellent manner than any of those that even the Baptist himself baptized with water. [3.] Comparing that promise, so worded, with this gift just now conferred, when the question was started, whether these persons should be baptized or no, he concluded that the question was determined by Christ himself ( Acts 11:17 ; Acts 11:17 ): " Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did to us --gave it to us as believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, and to them upon their believing in him-- What was I, that I could withstand God? Could I refuse to baptize them with water, whom God had baptized with the Holy Ghost? Could I deny the sign to those on whom he had conferred the thing signified? But, as for me, who was I? What! able to forbid God? Did it become me to control the divine will, or to oppose the counsels of Heaven?" Note, Those who hinder the conversion of souls withstand God; and those take too much upon them who contrive how to exclude from their communion those whom God has taken into communion with himself. IV. This account which Peter gave of the matter satisfied them, and all was well. Thus, when the two tribes and a half gave an account to Phinehas and the princes of Israel of the true intent and meaning of their building themselves an altar on the banks of Jordan, the controversy was dropped, and it pleased them that it was so, Joshua 22:30 . Some people, when they have fastened a censure upon a person, will stick to it, though afterwards it appear ever so plainly to be unjust and groundless. It was not so here; for these brethren, though they were of the circumcision, and their bias went the other way, yet, when they heard this, 1. They let fall their censures: they held their peace, and said no more against what Peter had done; they laid their hand upon their mouth, because now they perceived that God did it. Now those who prided themselves in their dignities as Jews began to see that God was staining their pride, by letting in the Gentiles to share, and to share equally, with them. And now that prophecy was fulfilled, Thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain, Zephaniah 3:11 . 2. They turned them into praises. They not only held their peace from quarrelling with Peter, but opened their mouths to glorify God for what he had done by and with Peter's ministry; they were thankful that their mistake was rectified, and that God had shown more mercy to the poor Gentiles than they were inclined to show them, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life! He hath granted them not only the means of repentance, in opening a door of entrance for his ministers among them, but the grace of repentance, in having given them his Holy Spirit, who, wherever he comes to be a Comforter, first convinces, and gives a sight of sin and sorrow for it, and then a sight of Christ and joy in him. Note, (1.) Repentance, if it be true, is unto life. It is to spiritual life; all that truly repent of their sins evidence it by living a new life, a holy, heavenly, and divine life. Those that by repentance die unto sin thenceforward live unto God; and then, and not till then, we begin to live indeed, and it shall be to eternal life. All true penitents shall live, that is, they shall be restored to the favour of God, which is life, which is better than life; they shall be comforted with the assurance of the pardon of their sins, and shall have the earnest of eternal life, and at length the fruition of it. (2.) Repentance is God's gift; it is not only his free grace that accepts it, but his mighty grace that works it in us, that takes away the heart of stone, and gives us a heart of flesh. The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit; it is he that provides himself this lamb. (3.) Wherever God designs to give life he gives repentance; for this is a necessary preparative for the comforts of a sealed pardon and a settled peace in this world, and for the seeing and enjoying of God in the other world. (4.) It is a great comfort to us that God has exalted his Son Jesus, not only to give repentance to Israel, and the remission of sins ( Acts 5:31 ; Acts 5:31 ), but to the Gentiles also. return to ' Top of Page ' <a name="verses-19-26" class="com-number"
Pericope (part_of)
- part_of
pericope/per-act-11-001
절 (explains)
bible-text/act-11-1, bible-text/act-11-2, bible-text/act-11-3, bible-text/act-11-4, bible-text/act-11-5, bible-text/act-11-6, bible-text/act-11-7, bible-text/act-11-8, bible-text/act-11-9, bible-text/act-11-10, bible-text/act-11-11, bible-text/act-11-12, bible-text/act-11-13, bible-text/act-11-14, bible-text/act-11-15, bible-text/act-11-16, bible-text/act-11-17, bible-text/act-11-18
Source
source-manifest/mhm— Matthew Henry Complete Commentary (PD)- evidence_grade: T_theological
> 그런데 유대에 있던 사도들과 형제들은 이방 사람들도 하나님의 말씀을 받아들였다는 소식을 들었다. 베드로가 예루살렘으로 올라왔을 때, 할례를 받은 사람들이 그와 다투며 "당신은 할례받지 않은 사람들의 집에 들어가 그들과 함께 음식을 먹었소!" 하고 따졌다. 그러자 베드로가 그동안 있었던 일을 차례대로 설명하기 시작하며 말했다. "내가 욥바 성에서 기도하고 있을 때, 황홀한 가운데 환상을 보았습니다. 큰 보자기 같은 어떤 그릇이 네 귀퉁이가 묶인 채 하늘에서 내려와 내게까지 이르렀습니다. 내가 그것을 자세히 들여다보니, 땅의 네 발 달린 짐승들과 들짐승들과 기어 다니는 것들과 하늘의 새들이 보였습니다. 또한 내게 '베드로야, 일어나 잡아먹어라!' 하고 말하는 음성도 들렸습니다. 그러나 나는 '주님, 그럴 수 없습니다. 거룩하지 않거나 부정한 것은 한 번도 제 입에 들어온 적이 없습니다' 하고 대답했습니다. 그러자 하늘에서 다시 두 번째로 음성이 내게 응답하기를 '하나님께서 깨끗하게 하신 것을 너는 부정하다고 하지 말라' 하셨습니다. 이런 일이 세 번 거듭된 뒤에, 그 모든 것이 다시 하늘로 끌려 올라갔습니다. 그런데 보십시오, 바로 그때 가이사랴에서 내게 보낸 세 사람이 우리가 머물던 집 앞에 서 있었습니다. 성령께서 내게 아무것도 가리지 말고 그들과 함께 가라고 말씀하셨습니다. 여기 이 여섯 형제도 나와 동행하여 우리는 그 사람의 집으로 들어갔습니다. 그는 자기 집에 천사가 서서 '욥바로 사람을 보내어 베드로라고도 하는 시몬을 데려오너라. 그가 네게 말씀을 전할 것이니, 너와 네 온 집안이 그 말씀으로 구원을 받을 것이다' 하고 말한 것을 어떻게 보았는지 우리에게 이야기해 주었습니다. 내가 말을 시작하자, 처음에 우리에게 임하셨던 것처럼 성령께서 그들에게도 임하셨습니다. 그때 나는 주님께서 '요한은 물로 세례를 주었으나 너희는 성령으로 세례를 받을 것이다' 하신 말씀이 생각났습니다. 그러므로 우리가 주 예수 그리스도를 믿었을 때 하나님께서 우리에게 주신 것과 똑같은 선물을 그들에게도 주셨다면, 내가 무엇이기에 감히 하나님을 막을 수 있겠습니까?" 그들은 이 말을 듣고 잠잠해졌고, 하나님께 영광을 돌리며 "그러면 하나님께서 이방 사람들에게도 생명에 이르는 회개를 주셨구나!" 하고 말했다. (행 11:1-18)
고넬료에게 복음을 전한 일은, 우리 이방인 죄인들로서는 참으로 기쁨과 감사로 돌아보지 않을 수 없는 사건이다. 어둠 가운데 앉아 있던 우리에게 빛이 찾아온 일이기 때문이다. 이것이 믿는 유대인들에게 큰 충격이었음을 감안하면, 이 일이 어떻게 받아들여졌고 어떤 반응이 있었는지 살펴볼 필요가 있다.
**I. 이 소식은 즉시 예루살렘 교회와 그 주변에 전해졌다.** 가이사랴는 예루살렘에서 그리 멀지 않아 소식이 금방 퍼질 수 있었다. 선의로든 악의로든 이 일은 입에서 입으로 퍼져, 베드로가 직접 예루살렘에 돌아오기도 전에 사도들과 유대 전역의 형제들은 이방 사람들도 하나님의 말씀을 받아들였다는 소식을 들었다. 이는 각처에 흩어진 유대인뿐 아니라 이방인 자체, 곧 지금껏 교제하기 어렵다고 여겼던 이방인들이 교회의 품 안으로 들어왔다는 것이었다.
1. 하나님의 말씀이 그들에게 전해졌다는 사실 자체가 그들에게는 뜻밖의 영예였다. 그러나 이미 모든 피조물에게 복음을 전하라는 명을 받은 자들에게 이것이 놀랍게 여겨진다는 것이 이상하다. 교만과 편견의 선입견이 가장 명확한 하나님의 진리 앞에서도 이토록 완강히 버텨지는 것이다.
2. 이방인들이 그 말씀을 기꺼이 받아들였다는 사실도 기대 이상이었다. 복음의 증거가 구약에서 많이 나오기 때문에 이방인들은 받아들이지 않을 것이라는 생각이 있었다. 그러나 막상 시도해 보니, 받아들일 것 같지 않은 자들이 오히려 매우 잘 따르는 경우가 많다. 주목하라. 우리는 선을 행하기 어려울 것 같은 사람들에 대해 너무 쉽게 포기하는 경향이 있다.
**II. 믿는 유대인들이 이 일에 불쾌감을 드러냈다(행 11:2-3).** 베드로가 예루살렘에 올라오자, 할례를 중시하는 유대인 개종자들이 그에게 따졌다. 그들은 베드로가 할례받지 않은 사람들의 집에 들어가 함께 음식을 먹었다며 그것을 범죄인 양 몰아붙였고, 사도직의 품위를 더럽혔다며 교회의 징계를 받아야 한다고 여겼다. 그들이 베드로를 무오한 존재나 교회 최고 수장으로 여기지 않았음은 분명하다.
1. 교회를 독점하려 하고, 우리와 모든 면에서 같지 않은 사람들을 은혜의 수단에서 배제하려는 것은 교회에 얼마나 해롭고 파괴적인지 알아야 한다. 세상 재물을 혼자 차지하려는 탐욕스러운 자들처럼, 교회의 풍요로움도 독차지하려는 편협한 영혼들이 있다. 이들은 니느웨 사람들이 하나님의 말씀을 받는 것을 보고 분노한 요나의 마음과 같다.
2. 그리스도의 종들은 때로 공공연한 원수들에게서뿐 아니라 믿음을 고백하는 형제들에게서도 비판과 시비를 당할 수 있다는 것을 각오해야 한다. 어리석음이나 잘못 때문만이 아니라 때로는 제때에 잘 행한 선한 일 때문에도 그렇다. 그러나 자신의 행위를 검증해 보았다면, 형제들에게 어떤 비난을 들을지라도 그 안에서 스스로 기뻐할 수 있다. 베드로가 그러했다.
**III. 베드로는 자초지종을 충분하고도 공정하게 설명함으로써 자신을 변호하고 형제들을 만족시켰다(행 11:4).** 그는 처음부터 차례대로 사건을 설명했고, 그렇게 함으로써 이 모든 것이 자신의 일이 아니라 하나님의 일이었음을 분명히 보였다.
1. 그는 형제들이 사실을 제대로 알았다면 비판하지 않았을 것이라고 전제했다. 이것이 우리가 판단을 삼가야 할 좋은 이유이다. 우리가 맹렬히 비난하는 일도, 자세히 알고 나면 오히려 지지해야 할 것임을 깨달을 수 있기 때문이다. 다른 사람이 의심스러운 행동을 한 것 같다면, 비판하기보다는 그에게 어떤 근거로 그렇게 했는지 물어보아야 하고, 물어볼 기회가 없다면 그 행위에 최선의 해석을 붙여 주어야 한다.
2. 그는 기꺼이 형제들의 이해를 구하고 그들에게 만족을 드리려 했다. 그는 자신이 사도들 중 수석이라는 지위에 호소하지도 않았다. 이른바 그의 후계자들이 주장하는 그 최고 수위권과는 거리가 멀다. 그는 자신이 충분히 납득하고 있으니 다른 이들은 신경 쓸 필요 없다는 식으로도 말하지 않았다. 오히려 이방인에 관한 자신의 소망의 이유를 기꺼이 설명하고, 이전의 견해에서 어떻게 바뀌게 되었는지를 설명했다. 자신의 행동을 오해받고 있을 때 그것을 올바르게 설명하는 것은 우리 자신을 위해서도, 형제들을 위해서도 마땅히 해야 할 일이다.
이제 베드로가 자신의 변호로 제시한 근거들을 살펴보자.
**(1) 그는 환상을 통해 의식법의 구분을 더 이상 유지하지 않아도 된다는 가르침을 받았다(행 11:5-10).** 그가 본 환상, 곧 보자기가 내려온 환상은 앞서 행 10:9 이하에서 이미 나왔다. 그런데 여기서 그는 보자기가 땅으로 내려와 자기에게까지 이르렀다고 말하는데, 이는 그 환상이 특별히 그를 가르치기 위해 주어진 것임을 암시한다. 하나님이 인류에게 주시는 모든 계시가 이처럼 나에게까지 이르는 것으로 받아들여야 한다. 믿음으로 그것을 자신에게 적용해야 한다는 뜻이다. 보자기가 자기에게 이르렀을 때 그가 자세히 들여다보며 살폈다는 점도 중요하다(행 11:6). 하나님의 일들을 알고자 한다면 마음을 고정하고 깊이 생각해야 한다. 그는 양심의 거리낌 없이 모든 종류의 음식을 구별 없이 먹으라는 명령을 받았다고 말했다(행 11:7). 그는 자신도 이방인과 교제하거나 그들의 음식을 먹는 생각에 그들과 마찬가지로 거부감이 있었고, 그래서 주어진 자유를 거절했다고 밝혔다. "주님, 그럴 수 없습니다. 거룩하지 않거나 부정한 것은 한 번도 제 입에 들어온 적이 없습니다"(행 11:8). 그러나 이제 하나님께서 그 사람들과 사물들을 깨끗하게 하셨으니, 더 이상 부정하다고 여겨서는 안 된다는 말씀을 들었다(행 11:9). 이런 일들에 관해서는 현재의 빛에 따라 행동해야 하지만, 그 견해에 너무 집착하여 더 풍성한 계시에 편견을 갖지 않아야 한다. 하나님께서 이것도 우리에게 나타내 주실 것이다(빌 3:15). 또한 같은 명령이 세 번 반복되었기에 환상이 거짓이 아님을 확신할 수 있었다(행 11:10). 그리고 보이던 것들이 공중으로 흩어지지 않고 하늘로 끌려 올라갔으므로, 그것이 하나님의 환상임이 더욱 확증되었다.
**(2) 그는 성령께서 직접 가이사랴 사절들과 함께 가라고 지시하셨다.** 환상이 이 일을 위해 준비된 것임을 더욱 분명히 하기 위해, 그는 사절들이 도착한 시점을 말했다. 환상이 끝난 직후였다. 그러나 그것만으로는 부족할까 봐, 성령께서 직접 의심하지 말고 그들과 함께 가라고 말씀하셨다고 했다(행 11:11-12). 비록 이방인들에게 가는 것이었지만, 전혀 주저함 없이 가야 했다.
**(3) 그는 몇몇 형제들을 함께 데려갔다.** 할례를 받은 자들로서, 그들이 얼마나 신중하게 행동했는지를 증언하게 하기 위해서였다. 그는 앞으로 이 일이 빌미가 될 것을 예견하여 미리 대비했던 것이다. 그는 독단으로 행동하지 않고 함께 상의하여 신중하게 결정했다.
**(4) 고넬료도 환상을 보았다(행 11:13).** 천사가 그에게 욥바로 사람을 보내어 베드로라고도 하는 시몬을 데려오라고 했다는 것이다. 하나님과 교제하며 하늘과 소통하는 자들이 서로 경험을 나누는 것은 참으로 유익하다. 서로의 믿음이 강화되기 때문이다. 베드로는 고넬료의 환상을 통해 자신의 환상을 더욱 확신하고, 고넬료도 베드로의 환상을 통해 자신의 것을 더욱 확신한다. 천사가 고넬료에게 한 말에는 앞에서보다 더 분명한 내용이 있다. 앞에서는 "그가 네게 할 말을 전하리라"(행 10:6, 32)고만 했지만, 여기서는 "너와 네 온 집안이 그 말씀으로 구원을 받을 것이다"(행 11:14)라고 했다.
주목하라.
- [1.] 복음의 말씀은 우리가 구원받을 수 있는 말씀이다. 영원한 구원이다. 단순히 듣거나 읽는 것만으로가 아니라, 믿고 순종함으로써 얻는 구원이다. 구원이 무엇인지를 보여 주고, 구원의 길을 열어 주며, 그 방법을 따르면 반드시 진노와 저주에서 건짐받아 영원히 행복하게 된다.
- [2.] 복음을 받아들이는 자들에게는 가정 전체에 구원이 임한다. "너와 네 온 집안이 구원을 받을 것이다." 자녀들까지도 언약 안으로 들어오고 구원의 방편을 누리게 된다. 집안의 가장 낮은 종조차도 본인이 믿을 경우 동일한 혜택을 누릴 수 있다. "오늘 구원이 이 집에 임하였다"(눅 19:9). 이제 구원은 더 이상 유대인들만의 것이 아니라(요 4:22), 유대인들에게 주어졌던 것만큼 충분하고 완전하게 모든 민족에게 전해졌다.
**(5) 성령께서 이방인 청중에게 임하심으로 모든 논란이 종결되었다(행 11:15-17).** 이것이 결정적 증거였다.
- [1.] 사실 자체는 분명하고 부정할 수 없었다(행 11:15). "내가 말을 시작하자—아마도 그 안에서 과연 내가 할례받지 않은 자들에게 전하는 것이 맞는지 은밀히 주저하는 마음이 있었을지도 모른다—성령께서 처음에 우리에게 임하셨던 것처럼 그들에게도 임하셨습니다." 여기에는 어떤 속임도 없었다. 하나님이 이 일을 확증하시고 기뻐하심을 나타내신 것이다. 성령께서 함께하시는 설교는 분명히 옳은 것이다.
- [2.] 베드로는 이를 통해 주님께서 그들을 떠나실 때 하신 말씀을 떠올렸다(행 1:5). "요한은 물로 세례를 주었으나 너희는 성령으로 세례를 받을 것이다"(행 11:16). 이 말씀은, 첫째로 성령이 그리스도의 선물이며 그분의 약속의 결과임을 분명히 한다. 그러므로 이 선물이 주어진 것은 그리스도의 행위요 결정이다. 둘째로 성령의 선물은 일종의 세례임을 보여 준다. 세례 요한조차도 물로 세례를 준 것에 비해, 성령을 받은 자들은 더 탁월한 방식으로 세례를 받은 것이다.
- [3.] 이 약속의 표현과 지금 받은 선물을 비교해 볼 때, 이 사람들에게 세례를 줄 것인지의 문제는 그리스도 자신이 이미 결정하신 것이었다(행 11:17). "하나님께서 우리에게 주신 것과 똑같은 선물을 그들에게도 주셨다면, 내가 무엇이기에 감히 하나님을 막을 수 있겠습니까?" 물로 세례받은 자들에게 성령의 세례를 주신 분이 그들에게 물세례를 거부할 수 있겠는가? 표징을 거부할 수 있겠는가? 하나님 앞에 나는 누구인가? 주목하라. 사람들의 회심을 방해하는 자는 하나님을 대적하는 자이다. 하나님이 자신의 교제 안으로 받아들이신 자들을 자기 교제에서 제외하려 꾀하는 자들은 너무 많은 것을 취하려는 자들이다.
**IV. 베드로의 설명에 형제들이 납득하여 모든 것이 마무리되었다.** 어떤 사람들은 일단 비난을 가하면, 나중에 아무리 명백히 부당하고 근거 없음이 드러나더라도 끝까지 그 비난을 거두지 않는다. 그러나 여기서는 그렇지 않았다. 비록 할례를 중시하던 그들이었지만, 이 말을 듣고 나서,
1. 비판을 거두었다. 그들은 잠잠해졌고, 베드로가 한 일에 대해 더 이상 반대하지 않았다. 하나님께서 하신 일임을 알았기 때문이다. 유대인의 특권을 자랑스러워하던 자들이, 이방인들이 동등하게 참여함으로써 하나님이 그 교만을 꺾으시는 것을 보기 시작했다. 이로써 그 예언이 성취되었다. "너는 내 거룩한 산으로 인하여 다시는 교만하지 아니하리라"(습 3:11).
2. 찬양으로 바뀌었다. 그들은 잠잠히 베드로를 비판하지 않는 데서 그치지 않고, 입을 열어 하나님이 행하신 일을 찬양했다. 자신들의 오해가 바로잡힌 것을 감사하며, 이방인들에게 자신들이 베풀고 싶지 않았던 더 큰 자비를 하나님이 베풀어 주신 것을 기뻐했다. "그러면 하나님께서 이방 사람들에게도 생명에 이르는 회개를 주셨구나!" 하나님은 그들에게 회개의 수단뿐 아니라 회개의 은혜도 주셨다. 성령을 보내셔서 위로자로 오신 그 성령이 먼저 죄를 깨닫고 슬퍼하게 하시고, 그 다음 그리스도를 보고 기뻐하게 하신 것이다.
주목하라.
- (1) 참된 회개는 생명에 이른다. 죄에 대해 죽고 이후부터는 하나님을 위해 사는 것이 영적 생명이다. 참으로 회개하는 자들은 새 생명, 거룩하고 하늘을 향한 삶으로 그것을 증명한다. 그것은 영원한 생명으로 이어진다.
- (2) 회개는 하나님의 선물이다. 받아들이신다는 것만이 하나님의 은혜가 아니라, 회개 자체를 일으키시는 것도 하나님의 능력 있는 은혜이다. 돌 같은 마음을 제하시고 살 같은 마음을 주시는 것이다. 하나님은 자신을 위해 이 어린 양을 마련하신다.
- (3) 하나님은 생명을 주시기 원하시는 곳에 회개를 주신다. 이 세상에서 용서의 확신과 평안을, 그리고 다음 세상에서 하나님을 뵙고 누리는 것을 위해 회개는 반드시 필요한 준비이기 때문이다.
- (4) 하나님은 이스라엘에게뿐 아니라 이방인에게도 회개와 죄 사함을 주시도록 그 아들 예수를 높이셨다(행 5:31). 이것이 우리에게 큰 위로가 된다.
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원주석
- 번역원본
commentary-section/mhm-act-11-1-18(Matthew Henry, PD) - CC0-1.0 · Sonnet 위탁 번역 · 성경 인용은 WEB(PD) 기반
1~30절 카드 ↗
A C T S. CHAP. XI. In this chapter we have, I. Peter's necessary vindication of what he did in receiving Cornelius and his friends into the church, from the censure he lay under for it among the brethren, and their acquiescence in it, Acts 11:1-18 . II. The good success of the gospel at Antioch, and the parts adjacent, Acts 11:19-21 . III. The carrying on of the good work that was begun at Antioch, by the ministry of Barnabas first, and afterwards of Paul in conjunction with him, and the lasting name of Christian first given to the disciples there, Acts 11:22-26 . IV. A prediction of an approaching famine, and the contribution that was made among the Gentile converts for the relief of the poor saints in Judea, upon that occasion, Acts 11:27-30 . return to ' Top of Page ' <a name="verses-1-18" class="com-number"
Pericope (part_of)
- part_of
pericope/per-act-11-001 - part_of
pericope/per-act-11-002 - part_of
pericope/per-act-11-003
절 (explains)
Source
source-manifest/mhm— Matthew Henry Complete Commentary (PD)- evidence_grade: T_theological
사도행전 11장에는 네 가지 주요 내용이 담겨 있다. 첫째, 베드로가 고넬료와 그 친구들을 교회 안으로 받아들인 일에 대해 형제들로부터 받은 비판에 맞서 자신을 변호하고, 그들이 그의 설명을 받아들인 것(행 11:1-18). 둘째, 안디옥과 그 주변에서 복음이 거둔 풍성한 결실(행 11:19-21). 셋째, 바나바가 먼저, 이어서 바울이 그와 함께 사역함으로써 안디옥에서 시작된 선한 사업이 지속되고, 제자들이 처음으로 그리스도인이라 불리게 된 것(행 11:22-26). 넷째, 다가오는 흉년에 대한 예언, 그리고 그를 계기로 이방인 개종자들이 유대의 가난한 성도들을 위해 연보를 모은 것(행 11:27-30).
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원주석
- 번역원본
commentary-section/mhm-act-11-intro(Matthew Henry, PD) - CC0-1.0 · Sonnet 위탁 번역 · 성경 인용은 WEB(PD) 기반
19~26절 카드 ↗
The Gospel Preached at Antioch; Success of the Gospel at Antioch; Barnabas at Antioch. 19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. 22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. 25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. We have here an account of the planting and watering of a church at Antioch, the chief city of Syria, reckoned afterwards the third most considerable city of the empire, only Rome and Alexandria being preferred before it, next to whose patriarch that of Antioch took place. It stood where Hamath or Riblah did, which we read of in the Old Testament. It is suggested that Luke, the penman of this history, as well as Theophilus, to whom he dedicates it, was of Antioch, which may be the reason why he takes more particular notice of the success of the gospel at Antioch, as also because there it was that Paul began to be famous, towards the story of whom he is hastening. Now concerning the church at Antioch observe, I. The first preachers of the gospel there were such as were dispersed from Jerusalem by persecution, that persecution which arose five or six years ago (as some compute), at the time of Stephen's death ( Acts 11:19 ; Acts 11:19 ): They travelled as far as Phenice and other places preaching the word. God suffered them to be persecuted, that thereby they might be dispersed in the world, sown as seed to God, in order to their bringing forth much fruit. Thus what was intended for the hurt of the church was made to work for its good; as Jacob's curse of the tribe of Levi ( I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel ) was turned into a blessing. The enemies designed to scatter and lose them, Christ designed to scatter and use them. Thus the wrath of man is made to praise God. Observe, 1. Those that fled from persecution did not flee from their work; though for the time they declined suffering, yet they did not decline service; nay, they threw themselves into a larger field of opportunity than before. Those that persecuted the preachers of the gospel hoped thereby to prevent their carrying it to the Gentile world; but it proved that they did but hasten it the sooner. Howbeit, they meant not so, neither did their heart think so. Those that were persecuted in one city fled to another; but they carried their religion along with them, not only that they might take the comfort of it themselves, but that they might communicate it to others, thus showing that when they got out of the way it was not because they were afraid of suffering, but because they were willing to reserve themselves for further service. 2. They pressed forward in their work, finding that the good pleasure of the Lord prospered in their hands. When they had preached successfully in Judea, Samaria, and Galilee, they got out of the borders of the land of Canaan, and travelled into Phœnicia, into the island of Cyprus, and into Syria. Though the further they travelled the more they exposed themselves, yet they travelled on; plus ultra--further still, was their motto; grudging no pains, and dreading no perils, in carrying on so good a work, and serving so good a Master. 3. They preached the word to none but to the Jews only who were dispersed in all those parts, and had synagogues of their own, in which they met with them by themselves, and preached to them. They did not yet understand that the Gentiles were to be fellow-heirs, and of the same body; but left the Gentiles either to turn Jews, and so come into the church, or else remain as they were. 4. They particularly applied themselves to the Hellenist Jews, here called the Grecians, that were at Antioch. Many of the preachers were natives of Judea and Jerusalem; but some of them were by birth of Cyprus and Cyrene, as Barnabas himself ( Acts 4:36 ; Acts 4:36 ), and Simon ( Mark 15:21 ), but had their education in Jerusalem; and these, being themselves Grecian Jews, had a particular concern for those of their own denomination and distinction, and applied themselves closely to them at Antioch. Dr. Lightfoot says that they were there called Hellenists, or Grecians, because they were Jews of the corporation or enfranchisement of the city; for Antioch was a Syrogrecian city. To them they preached the Lord Jesus. This was the constant subject of their preaching; what else should the ministers of Christ preach, but Christ--Christ, and him crucified--Christ, and him glorified? 5. They had wonderful success in their preaching, Acts 11:21 ; Acts 11:21 . (1.) Their preaching was accompanied with a divine power: The hand of the Lord was with them, which some understand of the power they were endued with to work miracles for the confirming of their doctrine; in these the Lord was working with them, for he confirmed the word with signs following ( Mark 16:20 ); in these God bore them witness, Hebrews 2:4 . But I rather understand it of the power of divine grace working on the hearts of the hearers, and opening them, as Lydia's heart was opened, because many saw the miracles who were not converted; but when by the Spirit the understanding was enlightened, and the will bowed to the gospel of Christ, that was a day of power, in which volunteers were enlisted under the banner of the Lord Jesus, Psalms 110:3 . The hand of the Lord was with them, to bring that home to the hearts and consciences of men which they could but speak to the outward ear. Then the word of the Lord gains its end, when the hand of the Lord goes along with it, to write it in their heart. Then people are brought to believe the report of the gospel, when with it the arm of the Lord is revealed ( Isaiah 53:1 ), when God teaches with a strong hand, Isaiah 8:11 . These were not apostles, but ordinary ministers, yet they had the hand of the Lord with them, and did wonders. (2.) Abundance of good was done: A great number believed, and turned unto the Lord --many more than could have been expected, considering the outward disadvantages they laboured under: some of all sorts of people were wrought upon, and brought into obedience to Christ. Observe, What the change was. [1.] They believed; they were convinced of the truth of the gospel, and subscribed to the record God had given in it concerning his Son. [2.] The effect and evidence of this was that they turned unto the Lord. They could not be said to turn from the service of idols, for they were Jews, worshippers of the true God only; but they turned from a confidence in the righteousness of the law, to rely only upon the righteousness of Christ, the righteousness which is by faith; they turned from a loose, careless, carnal way of living, to live a holy, heavenly, spiritual, and divine life; they turned from worshipping God in show and ceremony, to worship him in spirit and in truth. They turned to the Lord Jesus, and he became all in all with them. This was the work of conversion wrought upon them, and it must be wrought upon every one of us. It was the fruit of their faith. All that sincerely believe will turn to the Lord; for, whatever we profess or pretend, we do not really believe the gospel if we do not cordially embrace Christ offered to us in the gospel. II. The good work thus begun at Antioch was carried on to great perfection; and the church, thus founded, grew to be a flourishing one, by the ministry of Barnabas and Saul, who built upon the foundation which the other preachers had laid, and entered into their labours, John 4:37 ; John 4:38 . 1. The church at Jerusalem sent Barnabas thither, to nurse this new-born church, and to strengthen the hands both of preachers and people, and put a reputation upon the cause of Christ there. (1.) They heard the good news, that the gospel was received at Antioch, Acts 11:22 ; Acts 11:22 . The apostles there were inquisitive how the work went on in the countries about; and, it is likely, kept up a correspondence with all parts where preachers were, so that tidings of these things, of the great numbers that were converted at Antioch, soon came to the ears of the church that was in Jerusalem. Those that are in the most eminent stations in the church ought to concern themselves for those in a lower sphere. (2.) They despatched Barnabas to them with all speed; they desired him to go, and assist and encourage these hopeful beginnings. They sent him forth as an envoy from them, and a representative of their whole body, to congratulate them upon the success of the gospel among them, as matter of rejoicing both to preachers and hearers, and with both they rejoiced. He must go as far as Antioch. It was a great way, but, far as it was, he was willing to undertake the journey for a public service. It is probable that Barnabas had a particular genius for work of this kind, was active and conversable, loved to be in motion, and delighted in doing good abroad as much as others in doing good at home, was as much of Zebulun's spirit, who rejoiced in his going out, as others are of Issachar's, who rejoiced in his tent; and, his talent lying this way, he was fittest to be employed in this work. God gives various gifts for various services. (3.) Barnabas was wonderfully pleased to find that the gospel got ground, and that some of his countrymen, men of Cyprus (of which country he was, Acts 4:36 ; Acts 4:36 ) were instrumental in it ( Acts 11:23 ; Acts 11:23 ): When he came, and had seen the grace of God, the tokens of God's good-will to the people of Antioch and the evidences of his good work among them, he was glad. He took time to make his observations, and not only in their public worship, but in their common conversations and in their families, he saw the grace of God among them. Where the grace of God is it will be seen, as the tree is known by its fruits; and, where it is seen, it ought to be owned. What we see which is good in any we must call God's grace in them, and give that grace the glory of it; and we ought ourselves to take the comfort of it, and make it the matter of our rejoicing. We must be glad to see the grace of God in others, and the more when we see it where we did not expect it. (4.) He did what he could to fix them, to confirm those in the faith who were converted to the faith. He exhorted them -- parekalei. It is the same word with that by which the name of Barnabas is interpreted ( Acts 4:36 ; Acts 4:36 ), hyios parakleseos -- a son of exhortation; his talent lay that way, and he traded with it; let him that exhorteth attend to exhortation, Romans 12:8 . Or, being a son of consolation (for so we render the word), he comforted or encouraged them with purpose of heart to cleave to the Lord. The more he rejoiced in the beginning of the good work among them, the more earnest he was with them to proceed according to these good beginnings. Those we have comfort in we should exhort. Barnabas was glad for what he saw of the grace of God among them, and therefore was the more earnest with them to persevere. [1.] To cleave to the Lord. Note, Those that have turned to the Lord are concerned to cleave unto the Lord, not to fall off from following him, not to flag and tire in following him. To cleave to the Lord Jesus is to live a life of dependence upon him and devotedness to him: not only to hold him fast, but to hold fast by him, to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. [2.] To cleave to him with purpose of heart, with an intelligent, firm, and deliberate resolution, founded upon good grounds, and fixed upon that foundation, Psalms 108:1 . It is to bind our souls with a bond to be the Lord's, and to say as Ruth, Entreat me not to leave him, or to return from following after him. (5.) Herein he gave a proof of his good character ( Acts 11:24 ; Acts 11:24 ): He was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith, and approved himself so upon this occasion. [1.] He showed himself to be a man of a very sweet, affable, courteous disposition, that had himself the art of obliging, and could teach others. He was not only a righteous man, but a good man, a good-tempered man. Ministers that are so recommend themselves and their doctrine very much to the good opinion of those that are without. He was a good man, that is, a charitable man; so he had approved himself, when he sold an estate, and gave the money to the poor, Acts 4:37 ; Acts 4:37 . [2.] By this it appeared that he was richly endued with the gifts and graces of the Spirit. The goodness of his natural disposition would not have qualified him for this service if he had not been full of the Holy Ghost, and so full of power by the Spirit of the Lord. [3.] He was full of faith, full of the Christian faith himself, and therefore desirous to propagate it among others; full of the grace of faith, and full of the fruits of that faith that works by love. He was sound in the faith, and therefore pressed them to be so. (6.) He was instrumental to do good, by bringing in those that were without, as well as by building up those that were within: Much people were added to the Lord, and thereby added to the church; many were turned to the Lord before, yet more are to be turned; it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 2. Barnabas went to fetch Saul, to join with him in the work of the gospel at Antioch. The last news we heard of him was that, when his life was sought at Jerusalem, he was sent away to Tarsus, the city where he was born, and, it should seem, he continued there ever since, doing good, no doubt. But now Barnabas takes a journey to Tarsus on purpose to see what had become of him, to tell him what a door of opportunity was opened at Antioch, and to desire him to come and spend some time with him there, Acts 11:25 ; Acts 11:26 . And here also it appears that Barnabas was a good sort of a man in two things-- (1.) That he would take so much pains to bring an active useful man out of obscurity. It was he that introduced Saul to the disciples at Jerusalem, when they were shy of him; and it was he that brought him out of the corner into which he was driven, into a more public station. It is a very good work to fetch a candle from under a bushel, and to set it in a candlestick. (2.) That he would bring in Saul at Antioch, who, being a chief speaker ( Acts 14:12 ; Acts 14:12 ), and probably a more popular preacher, would be likely to eclipse him there, by outshining him; but Barnabas is very willing to be eclipsed when it is for the public service. If God by his grace inclines us to do what good we can, according to the ability we have, we ought to rejoice if others that have also larger capacities have larger opportunities, and do more good than we can do. Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch, though it might be the lessening of himself, to teach us to seek the things of Christ more than our own things. 3. We are here further told, (1.) What service was now done to the church at Antioch. Paul and Barnabas continued there a whole year, presiding in their religious assemblies, and preaching the gospel, Acts 11:26 ; Acts 11:26 . Observe, [1.] The church frequently assembled. The religious assemblies of Christians are appointed by Christ for his honour, and the comfort and benefit of his disciples. God's people of old frequently came together, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation; places of meeting are now multiplied, but they must come together, though it be with difficulty and peril. [2.] Ministers were the masters of those assemblies, and held those courts in Christ's name to which all that hold by, from, and under him, owe suit and service. [3.] Teaching the people is one part of the work of ministers, when they preside in religious assemblies. They are not only to be the people's mouth to God in prayer and praise, but God's mouth to the people in opening the scriptures, and teaching out of them the good knowledge of the Lord. [4.] It is a great encouragement to ministers when they have opportunity of teaching much people, of casting the net of the gospel where there is a large shoal of fish, in hopes that the more may be enclosed. [5.] Preaching is not only for the conviction and conversion of those that are without, but for the instruction and edification of those that are within. A constituted church must have its teachers. (2.) What honour was now put upon the church at Antioch: There the disciples were first called Christians; it is probable they called themselves so, incorporated themselves by that title, whether by some solemn act of the church or ministers, or whether this name insensibly obtained there by its being frequently used in their praying and preaching, we are not told; but it should seem that two such great men as Paul and Barnabas continuing there so long, being exceedingly followed, and meeting with no opposition, Christian assemblies made a greater figure there than any where, and became more considerable, which was the reason of their being called Christians first there, which, if there were to be a mother-church to rule over all other churches, would give Antioch a better title to the honour than Rome can pretend to. Hitherto those who gave up their names to Christ were called disciples, learners, scholars, trained up under him, in order to their being employed by him; but henceforward they were called Christians. [1.] Thus the reproachful names which their enemies had hitherto branded them with would, perhaps, be superseded and disused. They called them Nazarenes ( Acts 24:5 ; Acts 24:5 ), the men of that way, that by-way, which had no name; and thus they prejudiced people against them. To remove the prejudice, they gave themselves a name which their enemies could not but say was proper. [2.] Thus those who before their conversion had been distinguished by the names of Jews and Gentiles might after their conversion be called by one and the same name, which would help them to forget their former dividing names, and prevent their bringing their former marks of distinction, and with them the seeds of contention, into the church. Let not one say, "I was a Jew; " nor the other, "I was a Gentile; " when both the one and the other must now say, "I am a Christian. " [3.] Thus they studied to do honour to their Master, and showed that they were not ashamed to own their relation to him, but gloried in it; as the scholars of Plato called themselves Platonists, and so the scholars of other great men. They took their denomination not from the name of his person, Jesus, but of his office, Christ-anointed, so putting their creed into their names, that Jesus is the Christ; and they were willing all the world should know that this is the truth they will live and die by. Their enemies will turn this name to their reproach, and impute it to them as their crime, but they will glory in it: If this be to be vile, I will be yet more vile. [4.] Thus they now owned their dependence upon Christ, and their receivings from him; not only that they believed in him who is the anointed, but that through him they themselves had the anointing, 1 John 2:20 ; 1 John 2:27 . And God is said to have anointed us in Christ, 2 Corinthians 1:21 . [5.] Thus they laid upon themselves, and all that should ever profess that name, a strong and lasting obligation to submit to the laws of Christ, to follow the example of Christ, and to devote themselves entirely to the honour of Christ-- to be to him for a name and a praise. Are we Christians? Then we ought to think, and speak, and act, in every thing as becomes Christians, and to do nothing to the reproach of that worthy name by which we are called; that that may not be said to us which Alexander said to a soldier of his own name that was noted for a coward, Aut nomen, aut mores muta--Either change thy name or mend thy manners. And as we must look upon ourselves as Christians, and carry ourselves accordingly, so we must look upon others as Christians, and carry ourselves towards them accordingly. A Christian, though not in every thing of our mind, should be loved and respected for his sake whose name he bears, because he belongs to Christ. [6.] Thus the scripture was fulfilled, for so it was written ( Isaiah 62:2 ) concerning the gospel-church, Thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. And it is said to the corrupt and degenerate church of the Jews, The Lord God shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name, Isaiah 65:15 . return to ' Top of Page ' <a name="verses-27-30" class="com-number"
Pericope (part_of)
- part_of
pericope/per-act-11-002
절 (explains)
bible-text/act-11-19, bible-text/act-11-20, bible-text/act-11-21, bible-text/act-11-22, bible-text/act-11-23, bible-text/act-11-24, bible-text/act-11-25, bible-text/act-11-26
Source
source-manifest/mhm— Matthew Henry Complete Commentary (PD)- evidence_grade: T_theological
> 한편 스데반의 일로 일어난 박해로 흩어진 사람들은 페니키아와 키프로스와 안디옥까지 다니며, 오직 유대 사람들에게만 말씀을 전했다. 그런데 그들 가운데 키프로스와 구레네 출신의 어떤 사람들은 안디옥에 이르러 그리스 사람들에게도 주 예수의 복음을 전했다. 주님의 손이 그들과 함께하시니, 많은 사람이 믿고 주님께 돌아왔다. 이들에 관한 소식이 예루살렘에 있는 교회의 귀에 들어가자, 그들은 바나바를 안디옥까지 보냈다. 바나바는 그곳에 이르러 하나님의 은혜를 보고 기뻐하며, 모든 사람에게 마음을 굳게 정하여 주님 곁에 머물러 있으라고 권면했다. 그는 선한 사람이요 성령과 믿음이 충만한 사람이었으므로, 많은 사람이 주님께로 더해졌다. 바나바는 사울을 찾으러 다소로 갔고, 그를 찾아내자 안디옥으로 데려왔다. 두 사람은 꼬박 한 해 동안 교회와 함께 모여 많은 사람을 가르쳤다. 제자들이 안디옥에서 처음으로 그리스도인이라 불리게 되었다. (행 11:19-26)
여기서는 시리아의 수도 안디옥에 교회가 세워지고 성장하는 과정을 살펴본다. 안디옥은 훗날 로마와 알렉산드리아에 이어 제국에서 세 번째로 중요한 도시로 꼽혔다. 이 역사의 기록자 누가와 그 수신자 데오빌로 모두 안디옥 출신이었다고 전해지며, 이것이 누가가 안디옥에서의 복음 성공에 특히 주목하는 이유일 수 있다.
**I. 안디옥에 복음을 처음 전한 이들은 박해로 예루살렘에서 흩어진 자들이었다(행 11:19).** 스데반이 죽은 때에 일어난 박해가 그들을 흩어지게 했다. 하나님이 그들을 박해당하도록 허락하신 것은 세상에 흩어져 많은 열매를 맺게 하기 위해서였다. 야곱이 레위 지파에 내린 저주, "야곱 중에 흩으리라"(창 49:7)가 오히려 복으로 바뀐 것처럼. 원수들은 흩어 없애려 했지만, 그리스도는 흩어 사용하셨다. 이처럼 사람의 분노가 하나님을 찬양하게 되었다.
1. 박해를 피해 도망한 이들은 사역을 버리지 않았다. 잠시 고난을 피했지만 봉사는 피하지 않았다. 오히려 더 넓은 사역의 밭으로 뛰어들었다. 이방 세계에 복음이 전해지는 것을 막으려 한 박해자들이 오히려 그것을 앞당긴 꼴이 되었다. "그들이 그렇게 할 뜻이 없었고 마음에 그런 생각도 없었으나"(사 10:7). 한 성에서 박해를 받으면 다른 성으로 도망했지만, 신앙을 가지고 갔다. 단지 자신을 위해 신앙의 위로를 누리려는 것이 아니라 다른 사람들에게 전하려는 목적이었다. 이것이 그들이 비겁해서 피한 것이 아니라 더 큰 봉사를 위해 자신을 아낀 것임을 보여 준다.
2. 그들은 앞으로 계속 나아갔다. 유대, 사마리아, 갈릴리에서 성공적으로 전한 뒤에는 가나안 땅의 경계를 넘어 페니키아, 키프로스 섬, 시리아로 나아갔다. 더 멀리 나갈수록 위험이 컸지만, 이 선한 사역에서, 이 선한 주인을 섬기는 데서 수고를 아끼지 않고 위험을 두려워하지 않으며 계속 나아갔다.
3. 그들은 처음에 각처에 흩어진 유대인들에게만 말씀을 전했다. 이방인들이 함께 상속자가 될 것을 아직 이해하지 못했기 때문에, 이방인들은 유대교로 개종하든지 아니면 그냥 있든지 선택에 맡겼다.
4. 그들 중 키프로스와 구레네 출신의 어떤 이들, 곧 헬라파 유대인들이 안디옥에 있는 그리스 사람들에게 특별히 다가갔다. 바나바 자신도 키프로스 출신이었고(행 4:36), 시몬도 그러했다(막 15:21). 이들은 예루살렘에서 교육받은 헬라파 유대인들로서, 같은 처지의 사람들에게 특별한 부담을 가졌다. 그들은 주 예수를 전했다. 그리스도의 종들이 전해야 할 것은 다름 아닌 그리스도—십자가에 달리신 그리스도, 영광을 받으신 그리스도다.
5. 그들의 전도는 놀라운 열매를 거두었다(행 11:21).
- (1) 그들의 전도에는 하나님의 능력이 함께했다. "주님의 손이 그들과 함께하시니." 이것은 기적을 행하는 능력을 뜻하기도 하지만, 나는 이것을 청중의 마음에 역사하는 하나님의 은혜의 능력으로 이해한다. 많은 사람이 기적을 보고도 회심하지 않았지만, 성령이 깨달음을 주시고 의지를 복음에 굴복시킬 때 그것이 능력의 날이 되었다. "주님의 손이 그들과 함께하시니"—그들이 겉 귀에 말한 것을 하나님이 마음과 양심에 써 주셨다. 말씀이 그 목적을 이루는 것은 주님의 손이 함께할 때이다. 복음의 보고를 믿게 되는 것은 주님의 팔이 나타날 때이다(사 53:1). 이들은 사도가 아닌 평범한 종들이었지만, 주님의 손이 그들과 함께하시어 놀라운 일들이 일어났다.
- (2) 많은 선한 열매가 맺혔다. "많은 사람이 믿고 주님께 돌아왔다." 그들에게 주어진 외적 불리함에도 불구하고 놀라울 정도로 많은 사람이 그리스도께 순종하게 되었다. 주목하라, 그 변화가 무엇인지를. [1.] 그들이 믿었다. 복음의 진리를 확신하고 하나님이 아들에 관해 주신 증거를 받아들였다. [2.] 그 믿음의 열매와 증거로 그들이 주님께 돌아왔다. 그들은 유대인이었으므로 우상 숭배에서 돌아선 것이 아니라, 율법의 의에 대한 신뢰를 버리고 오직 믿음의 의, 곧 그리스도의 의만을 의지하게 된 것이다. 형식적이고 의식적인 예배에서 영과 진리로 하나님을 예배하는 자로 바뀌었다. 주 예수께로 돌아와 그분이 모든 것의 전부가 되었다. 이것이 그들에게 일어난 회심의 역사이며, 이것은 우리 각 사람에게도 일어나야 한다. 진정으로 믿는 모든 사람은 주님께 돌아온다. 무엇을 고백하든 복음을 진심으로 받아들이지 않으면 복음을 진정으로 믿는 것이 아니다.
**II. 안디옥에서 시작된 선한 역사는 바나바와 사울의 사역을 통해 완성되어 갔다.** 그들은 다른 전도자들이 닦은 기초 위에 세워 올렸다.
1. 예루살렘 교회가 바나바를 보내 이 새로 태어난 교회를 돌보게 했다.
- (1) 그들은 안디옥에서 많은 사람이 회심했다는 기쁜 소식을 들었다(행 11:22). 예루살렘의 사도들은 각처에서 사역이 어떻게 진행되는지 관심을 기울이며 서신을 통해 연락을 유지하고 있었다. 가장 높은 자리에 있는 자들이 낮은 자리에 있는 자들을 위해 관심을 가져야 한다.
- (2) 그들은 즉시 바나바를 파송했다(행 11:22). 그는 안디옥까지 가서 이 희망적인 시작을 돕고 격려해야 했다. 전도자들과 성도들 모두에게 기쁜 소식에 대해 기쁨을 나누는 교회의 대표로서 파송되었다. 그에게 안디옥까지 가라고 했다. 멀었지만 그는 공적 봉사를 위해 기꺼이 그 여정을 감당했다. 바나바는 아마도 이런 종류의 일에 특별한 은사가 있었던 것 같다. 활동적이고 사람들과 잘 어울리며, 집에서 선을 행하는 것만큼이나 밖에 나가서 선을 행하는 것을 즐겼다. 하나님은 다양한 봉사를 위해 다양한 은사를 주신다.
- (3) 바나바는 복음이 확산되는 것을 보고 크게 기뻐했다(행 11:23). 그는 안디옥에 도착하여 하나님의 은혜의 증거들, 즉 공예배뿐 아니라 일상의 대화와 가정에서도 하나님의 은혜가 역사하는 것을 보았다. 하나님의 은혜가 있는 곳에서는 반드시 그것이 드러난다. 나무는 그 열매로 알려진다. 다른 사람들에게서 좋은 것을 볼 때 그것을 그 사람 안에 있는 하나님의 은혜라 부르고 그 영광을 하나님께 돌려야 한다. 기대하지 않던 곳에서 은혜를 볼 때 더욱 기뻐해야 한다.
- (4) 그는 그들을 굳게 세우려 했다. 그는 권면했다—그리스어 원어 '파라칼레오'는 바나바라는 이름의 해석인 '권위자의 아들' '파라클레시스'와 같은 어근이다. 그의 은사는 그 방향에 있었고 그는 그것을 활용했다. 위로자이기도 한 그는 그들을 격려하며 마음을 굳게 정하여 주님 곁에 머물러 있으라고 권면했다. 선한 시작을 기뻐했기에 더욱 간절히 계속 나아가라고 권면한 것이다. [1.] 주님 곁에 머물러 있으라. 주님께 돌아선 자들은 그분에게서 떠나거나 지치거나 쇠하지 않아야 한다. 주님 곁에 머무는 것은 그분을 의존하고 그분께 헌신하는 삶을 사는 것, 그분을 굳게 붙들 뿐 아니라 그분을 통해 강해지는 것이다. [2.] 마음을 굳게 정하여 그렇게 하라. 좋은 근거에 기초하고 그 위에 굳건히 세워진, 지각 있고 확고하며 신중한 결단으로. 우리 영혼을 주님의 것이 되겠다는 맹세로 묶는 것, 룻처럼 "그를 떠나거나 그를 따르는 것을 그치라고 나를 강권하지 마소서"라고 말하는 것이다.
- (5) 이 일에서 그의 선한 성품이 드러났다(행 11:24). "그는 선한 사람이요 성령과 믿음이 충만한 사람이었다." [1.] 그는 매우 온화하고 친절하며 예의 바른 사람으로, 자신이 사람들을 끄는 기술을 가지고 있었고 다른 이들도 그렇게 하도록 가르칠 수 있었다. 그는 의로운 사람일 뿐 아니라 선한 사람, 선한 기질의 사람이었다. 그런 종들은 자신과 자신의 교리를 외인들의 긍정적인 시선에 크게 추천하게 된다. 그는 자비로운 사람이었고, 그것을 전에 밭을 팔아 가난한 이들에게 준 것으로 증명했었다(행 4:37). [2.] 그것은 그가 성령의 은사와 은혜로 풍성히 채워진 사람임을 드러냈다. 선한 기질의 선천적인 성품만으로는 이 봉사에 합당하지 않았을 것이다. 성령으로 충만하지 않았다면. [3.] 그는 믿음으로 충만했다—그리스도인의 믿음 자체로도, 사랑으로 역사하는 믿음의 은혜로도, 믿음의 열매로도. 그는 믿음에 굳건했기에 그들에게도 그렇게 있으라고 촉구한 것이다.
- (6) 그는 안에 있는 자들을 세우는 것뿐 아니라 밖에 있는 자들을 불러들이는 데도 유익한 도구가 되었다. 더 많은 사람이 주님께 더해졌다.
2. 바나바가 사울을 찾으러 다소로 갔다(행 11:25-26). 마지막으로 전해진 소식은, 예루살렘에서 그의 목숨이 위협받아 고향 다소로 보내졌다는 것이었고, 그 이후 계속 그곳에 있었던 것 같다. 바나바는 그를 찾으러 다소까지 특별히 여행을 했고, 안디옥에 열린 사역의 문을 알려 그곳에서 함께 일해 달라고 청했다.
여기서도 바나바가 선한 사람임이 두 가지로 드러난다.
- (1) 그는 유능한 사람을 어둠 속에서 끌어내는 수고를 기꺼이 감수했다. 전에도 예루살렘의 제자들이 사울을 꺼릴 때 그를 그들에게 소개한 것이 바나바였다. 이번에는 그를 구석에서 꺼내 더 공적인 자리로 이끌었다. 등불을 말 아래에서 꺼내 등경 위에 두는 것은 참으로 선한 일이다.
- (2) 그는 사울을 안디옥으로 데려왔다. 사울은 뛰어난 설교자로서 안디옥에서 자신을 능가하여 빛날 가능성이 높았지만, 바나바는 공적 유익을 위해 기꺼이 그 자리를 내어 주었다. 하나님의 은혜가 우리에게 능력껏 선을 행하도록 기울어 주신다면, 우리보다 더 큰 능력과 기회를 가진 다른 이들이 더 많은 선을 행할 때 기뻐해야 한다. 바나바는 자신이 작아지더라도 사울을 안디옥에 데려왔으니, 자기 일보다 그리스도의 일을 앞세우라고 가르쳐 준다.
3. 안디옥 교회에 대해 더 전해진 것들이 있다.
- (1) 그들이 교회를 위해 한 봉사이다. 바울과 바나바는 꼬박 한 해 동안 그곳에 머물며 종교적 집회를 이끌고 복음을 전했다(행 11:26). 주목하라. [1.] 교회는 자주 모였다. 그리스도인들의 종교 집회는 그리스도를 영화롭게 하고 그분의 제자들에게 위안과 유익을 주기 위해 그리스도가 정하신 것이다. [2.] 종들이 그 집회를 이끌었다. [3.] 백성을 가르치는 것이 공적 집회에서 종들의 사역의 한 부분이다. 그들은 기도와 찬양에서 백성의 입이 되기도 하지만, 말씀을 열어 주님의 선한 지식을 가르치는 것에서 하나님의 입이 되기도 한다. [4.] 많은 사람을 가르칠 기회가 있을 때 종들에게는 큰 격려가 된다. [5.] 전도는 밖에 있는 자들을 설득하여 회심시키는 것뿐 아니라, 안에 있는 자들을 가르치고 세우는 것이기도 하다.
- (2) 안디옥 교회가 누리게 된 영예이다. 거기서 제자들이 처음으로 그리스도인이라 불리게 되었다. 아마도 그들 스스로 교회의 공식 행위로든 아니면 기도와 전도에서 그 이름이 자주 사용되어 자연스럽게 정착된 것이든, 그 이름을 취한 것 같다. 바울과 바나바 같은 위대한 두 사람이 오랫동안 머물면서 큰 인기를 끌고 아무런 반대도 없었기 때문에, 그리스도인 집회가 안디옥에서 어느 곳보다 두드러지게 되었다. 이것이 모든 교회를 다스리는 어머니 교회가 있어야 한다면, 안디옥이 로마보다 훨씬 더 그 명예를 주장할 만한 근거가 된다.
지금까지 그리스도께 이름을 바친 자들은 제자, 곧 학자, 학생이라 불렸다. 이제부터는 그리스도인이라 불린다.
- [1.] 이로써 원수들이 그들에게 붙인 조롱하는 이름들—나사렛 사람들, '그 길'을 따르는 자들—이 대체될 것이었다.
- [2.] 이로써 유대인과 이방인이라는 이전의 구분이 사라질 수 있었다. 이제 둘 다 "나는 그리스도인이다"라고 말할 수 있기 때문이다.
- [3.] 이로써 그들은 스승을 높이고자 했고, 그분과의 관계를 자랑스럽게 여겼다. 플라톤의 제자들이 플라톤주의자라 불린 것처럼. 그들은 그분의 인격의 이름 예수가 아니라 그분의 직분의 이름 '기름부음 받은 자' 곧 그리스도에서 이름을 따왔으니, 그 이름 자체가 신조가 된다. "예수가 그리스도이시다." 그들은 온 세상이 이것이 자신들이 살고 죽을 진리임을 알기를 원했다. 원수들이 이 이름을 수치로 돌리고 죄목으로 삼겠지만, 그들은 이 이름을 자랑으로 여겼다. "이것이 비천한 것이라면, 나는 더욱 비천해지겠다."
- [4.] 이로써 그들은 그리스도를 의지하고 그분에게서 받는다는 것을 고백했다. 기름부음 받은 자를 믿을 뿐 아니라 그분을 통해 자신들도 기름부음을 받았다는 것이다(요일 2:20, 27; 고후 1:21).
- [5.] 이로써 그들은 그 이름을 고백하는 모든 자에게 그리스도의 법에 따르고 그리스도의 모범을 따르며 그리스도의 영예에 전적으로 헌신할 강하고 영구적인 의무를 지웠다. 우리는 그리스도인인가? 그렇다면 모든 일에서 그리스도인답게 생각하고 말하고 행동해야 한다. 그분의 이름에 수치를 끼치는 일을 하지 않아야 한다. 그분의 이름을 가진 자에게 알렉산더가 겁쟁이 병사에게 한 말, "이름을 바꾸거나 행동을 고치거나"라는 말이 적용되지 않아야 한다. 또한 우리는 다른 사람들도 그리스도인으로 여기고 그에 합당하게 대해야 한다. 비록 모든 면에서 우리 생각과 같지 않더라도, 그분의 이름을 가진 이를 그분을 위해 사랑하고 존중해야 한다.
- [6.] 이로써 성경이 성취되었다. "그가 새 이름으로 불릴 것이요, 그 이름은 주님의 입으로 정하리라"(사 62:2). 타락한 유대인들에 대해서는 "주 하나님이 너를 죽이시고 그의 종들을 다른 이름으로 부르실 것이라"(사 65:15)고 하였다.
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원주석
- 번역원본
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Primitive Charity. 27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judæa: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. When our Lord Jesus ascended on high he gave gifts unto men, not only apostles and evangelists, but prophets, who were enabled by the Spirit to foresee and foretel things to come, which not only served for a confirmation of the truth of Christianity (for all that these prophets foretold came to pass, which proved that they were sent of God, Deuteronomy 18:22 ; Jeremiah 28:9 ), but was also of great use to the church, and served very much for its guidance. Now here we have, I. A visit which some of these prophets made to Antioch ( Acts 11:27 ; Acts 11:27 ): In these days, during that year that Barnabas and Saul lived at Antioch, there came prophets from Jerusalem to Antioch: we are not told how many, nor is it certain whether these were any of those prophets that we afterwards find in the church at Antioch, Acts 13:1 ; Acts 13:1 . 1. They came from Jerusalem, probably because they were not now so much regarded there as they had been; they saw their work in a manner done there, and therefore thought it time to be gone. Jerusalem had been infamous for killing the prophets and abusing them, and therefore is now justly deprived of these prophets. 2. They came to Antioch, because they heard of the flourishing state of that church, and there they hoped they might be of some service. Thus should every one as he hath received the gift minister the same. Barnabas came to exhort them, and they, having received the exhortation well, now have prophets sent them to show them things to come, as Christ had promised, John 16:13 . Those that are faithful in their little shall be entrusted with more. The best understanding of scripture-predictions is to be got in the way of obedience to scripture-instructions. II. A particular prediction of a famine approaching, delivered by one of these prophets, his name Agabus; we read of him again prophesying Paul's imprisonment, Acts 21:10 ; Acts 21:11 . Here he stood up, probably in one of their public assemblies, and prophesied, Acts 11:28 ; Acts 11:28 . Observe, 1. Whence he had his prophecy. What he said was not of himself, nor a fancy of his own, nor an astronomical prediction, nor a conjecture upon the present workings of second causes, but he signified it by the Spirit, the Spirit of prophecy, that there should be a famine; as Joseph, by the Spirit enabling him, understood Pharaoh's dreams, foretold the famine in Egypt, and Elijah the famine in Israel in Ahab's time. Thus God revealed his secrets to his servants the prophets. 2. What the prophecy was: There should be great dearth throughout all the world, by unseasonable weather, that corn should be scarce and dear, so that many of the poor should perish for want of bread. This should be not in one particular country, but through all the world, that is, all the Roman empire, which they in their pride, like Alexander before them, called the world. Christ had foretold in general that there should be famines ( Matthew 24:7 ; Mark 13:8 ; Luke 21:11 ); but Agabus foretels one very remarkable famine now at hand. 3. The accomplishment of it: It came to pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar; it began in the second year of his reign, and continued to the fourth, if not longer. Several of the Roman historians make mention of it, as does also Josephus. God sent them the bread of life, and they rejected it, loathed the plenty of that manna; and therefore God justly broke the staff of bread, and punished them with famine; and herein he was righteous. They were barren, and did not bring forth to God, and therefore God made the earth barren to them. III. The good use they made of this prediction. When they were told of a famine at hand, they did not do as the Egyptians, hoard up corn for themselves; but, as became Christians, laid by for charity to relieve others, which is the best preparative for our own sufferings and want. It is promised to those that consider the poor that God will preserve them, and keep them alive, and they shall be blessed upon the earth, Psalms 41:1 ; Psalms 41:2 . And those who show mercy, and give to the poor, shall not be ashamed in the evil time, but in the days of famine they shall be satisfied, Psalms 37:19 ; Psalms 37:21 . The best provision we can lay up against a dear time is to lay up an interest in these promises, by doing good, and communicating, Luke 12:33 . Many give it as a reason why they should be sparing, but the scripture gives it as a reason why we should be liberal, to seven, and also to eight, because we know not what evil shall be upon the earth, Ecclesiastes 11:2 . Observe, 1. What they determined--that every man, according to his ability, should send relief to the brethren that dwelt in Judea, Acts 11:29 ; Acts 11:29 . (1.) The persons that were recommended to them as objects for charity were the brethren that dwelt in Judea. Though we must, as we have opportunity, do good to all men, yet we must have a special regard to the household of faith, Galatians 6:10 . No poor must be neglected, but God's poor most particularly regarded. The care which every particular church ought to take of their own poor we were taught by the early instance of that in the church at Jerusalem, where the ministration was so constant that none lacked, Acts 4:34 ; Acts 4:34 . But the communion of saints in that instance is here extended further, and provision is made by the church at Antioch for the relief of the poor in Judea, whom they call their brethren. It seems it was the custom of the Jews of the dispersion to send money to those Jews who dwelt in Judea, for the relief of the poor that were among them, and to make collections for that purpose (Tully speaks of such a thing in his time, Orat. pro Flacco ), which supposes there were many poor in Judea, more than in other countries, so that the rich among them were not able to bear the charge of keeping them from starving; either because their land had become barren, though it had been a fruitful land, for the iniquity of those that dwelt therein, or because they had no traffic with other nations. Now we may suppose that the greatest part of those who turned Christians in that country were the poor ( Matthew 11:5 , The poor are evangelized ), and also that when the poor turned Christians they were put out of the poor's book, and cut off from their shares in the public charity; and it were easy to foresee that if there came a famine it would go very hard with them; and, if any of them should perish for want, it would be a great reproach to the Christian profession; and therefore this early care was taken, upon notice of this famine coming, to send them a stock beforehand, lest, if it should be deferred till the famine came, it should be too late. (2.) The agreement there was among the disciples about it, that every man should contribute, according to his ability, to this good work. The Jews abroad, in other countries, grew rich by trade, and many of the rich Jews became Christians, whose abundance ought to be a supply to the want of their poor brethren that were at a great distance; for the case of such ought to be considered, and not theirs only that live among us. Charitable people are traders with what God has given them, and the merchants find their account in sending effects to countries that lie very remote; and so should we in giving alms to those afar off that need them, which therefore we should be forward to do when we are called to it. Every man determined to send something, more or less, according to his ability, what he could spare from the support of himself and his family, and according as God had prospered him. What may be said to be according to our ability we must judge for ourselves, but must be careful that we judge righteous judgment. 2. What they did--they did as they determined ( Acts 11:30 ; Acts 11:30 ). Which also they did. They not only talked of it, but they did it. Many a good motion of that kind is made and commended, but is not prosecuted, and so comes to nothing. But this was pursued, the collection was made, and was so considerable that they thought it worth while to send Barnabas and Saul to Jerusalem, to carry it to the elders there, though they would want their labours in the mean time at Antioch. They sent it, (1.) To the elders, the presbyters, the ministers or pastors, of the churches in Judea, to be by them distributed according to the necessity of the receivers, as it had been contributed according to the ability of the givers. (2.) It was sent by Barnabas and Saul, who perhaps wanted an occasion to go to Jerusalem, and therefore were willing to take this. Josephus tells us that at this time king Irates sent his charity to the chief men of Jerusalem, for the poor of that country; and Helena, queen of the Adiabeni, being now at Jerusalem, and hearing of many that died of famine there, and in the country about, sent for provisions from Cyprus and Alexandria, and distributed them among the people; so says Dr. Lightfoot, who also computes, by the date of Paul's rapture, "fourteen years before he wrote the second Epistle to the Corinthians" ( 2 Corinthians 12:1 ; 2 Corinthians 12:2 ), that it was in this journey of his to Jerusalem, with these alms and offerings, that he had his trance in the temple (which he speaks of, Acts 22:17 ; Acts 22:17 ), and in that trance was rapt up into the third heaven; and then it was that Christ told him he would send him thence unto the Gentiles, which accordingly he did as soon as ever he came back to Antioch. It is no disparagement, in an extraordinary case, for ministers of the gospel to be messengers of the church's charity, though to undertake the constant care of that matter would ordinarily be too great a diversion from more needful work to those who have given themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. return to ' Top of Page ' Acts Act 10 Acts Act Acts Act 12 Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain and are a derivative of an electronic edition that is available on the Christian Classics Ethereal Library Website. Bibliographical Information Henry, Matthew. "Complete Commentary on Acts 11". 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Corinthians",url:"1-corinthians",abbr:"1Co",sl:"1co",ch:[1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16]},{num:46,name:"2 Corinthians",url:"2-corinthians",abbr:"2Co",sl:"2co",ch:[1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13]},{num:47,name:"Galatians",url:"galatians",abbr:"Gal",sl:"ga",ch:[1,2,3,4,5,6]},{num:48,name:"Ephesians",url:"ephesians",abbr:"Eph",sl:"eph",ch:[1,2,3,4,5,6]},{num:49,name:"Philippians",url:"philippians",abbr:"Phi",sl:"php",ch:[1,2,3,4]},{num:50,name:"Colossians",url:"colossians",abbr:"Col",sl:"col",ch:[1,2,3,4]},{num:51,name:"1 Thessalonians",url:"1-thessalonians",abbr:"1Th",sl:"1th",ch:[1,2,3,4,5]},{num:52,name:"2 Thessalonians",url:"2-thessalonians",abbr:"2Th",sl:"2th",ch:[1,2,3]},{num:53,name:"1 Timothy",url:"1-timothy",abbr:"1Ti",sl:"1ti",ch:[1,2,3,4,5,6]},{num:54,name:"2 Timothy",url:"2-timothy",abbr:"2Ti",sl:"2ti",ch:[1,2,3,4]},{num:55,name:"Titus",url:"titus",abbr:"Tit",sl:"tit",ch:[1,2,3]},{num:56,name:"Philemon",url:"philemon",abbr:"Phm",sl:"phm",ch:[1]},{num:57,name:"Hebrews",url:"hebrews",abbr:"Heb",sl:"heb",ch:[1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13]},{num:58,name:"James",url:"james",abbr:"Jas",sl:"jas",ch:[1,2,3,4,5]},{num:59,name:"1 Peter",url:"1-peter",abbr:"1Pe",sl:"1pe",ch:[1,2,3,4,5]},{num:60,name:"2 Peter",url:"2-peter",abbr:"2Pe",sl:"2pe",ch:[1,2,3]},{num:61,name:"1 John",url:"1-john",abbr:"1Jn",sl:"1jo",ch:[1,2,3,4,5]},{num:62,name:"2 John",url:"2-john",abbr:"2Jn",sl:"2jo",ch:[1]},{num:63,name:"3 John",url:"3-john",abbr:"3Jn",sl:"3jo",ch:[1]},{num:64,name:"Jude",url:"jude",abbr:"Jud",sl:"jude",ch:[1]},{num:65,name:"Revelation",url:"revelation",abbr:"Rev",sl:"re",ch:[1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22]}]; var 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origPath=window.location.pathname;var parts=origPath.split('/');var noVerse=(reason==='reference-noverse');var inputIsPerVerse=_ts_isPerVerseUrl(origPath);if(parts[1]==='interlinear-study-bible'){parts=parts.slice(0,5);parts[3]=book_data[book].url;parts[4]=noVerse?(chapter+'.html'):(chapter+'-'+verse+'.html');}else if(parts[1]==='commentary'){parts=parts.slice(0,4);parts[2]=book_data[book].url;parts[3]=noVerse?(chapter+'.html'):(chapter+'-'+verse+'.html');}else if(parts[1]==='commentaries'){parts[2]=comlang;parts[3]=comabbr;if(inputIsPerVerse){parts=parts.slice(0,6);parts[4]=book_data[book].url;parts[5]=noVerse?(chapter+'.html'):(chapter+'-'+verse+'.html');}else{parts=parts.slice(0,5);parts[4]=book_data[book].url+'-'+chapter+'.html';}}else if(parts[1]==='bible'){parts=parts.slice(0,6);parts[2]=translang;parts[3]=transabbr;parts[4]=book_data[book].url;parts[5]=(verse duction ","Verses 1-18","Verses 19-26","Verses 27-30"]; function
Pericope (part_of)
- part_of
pericope/per-act-11-003
절 (explains)
bible-text/act-11-27, bible-text/act-11-28, bible-text/act-11-29, bible-text/act-11-30
Source
source-manifest/mhm— Matthew Henry Complete Commentary (PD)- evidence_grade: T_theological
> 그 무렵에 선지자들이 예루살렘에서 안디옥으로 내려왔다. 그들 가운데 아가보라는 사람이 일어나, 온 세상에 큰 흉년이 들 것이라고 성령으로 알렸는데, 이는 클라우디오 황제 때에 실제로 일어났다. 이에 제자들은 저마다 형편이 닿는 대로, 유대에 사는 형제들에게 구제 헌금을 보내기로 작정하고, 그대로 실행하여 바나바와 사울의 손에 들려 장로들에게 보냈다. (행 11:27-30)
우리 주 예수께서는 승천하실 때 사람들에게 선물을 주셨다. 사도들과 전도자들뿐 아니라 선지자들도 주셨는데, 그들은 성령으로 미래의 일을 예견하고 예언하는 능력을 받았다. 이는 기독교의 진리를 확증할 뿐 아니라(이 선지자들이 예언한 모든 것이 성취되었으니, 이것이 그들이 하나님께 보내심을 받은 증거다—신 18:22; 렘 28:9) 교회를 안내하는 데도 크게 유익했다.
**I. 몇몇 선지자들이 안디옥을 방문했다(행 11:27).** 바나바와 사울이 안디옥에 머물던 그 해에, 선지자들이 예루살렘에서 안디옥으로 왔다. 그들이 몇 명이었는지, 나중에 행 13:1에 나오는 안디옥 교회의 선지자들과 같은 이들인지는 분명하지 않다.
1. 그들은 예루살렘에서 왔다. 아마도 거기서 더 이상 크게 환영받지 못한 것 같다. 예루살렘에서 그들의 일이 거의 다 끝났다고 보고 떠날 때가 되었다고 여겼을 것이다. 예루살렘은 선지자들을 죽이고 학대하는 것으로 악명이 높았으니, 이제 그 선지자들을 빼앗기는 것이 마땅하다.
2. 그들은 안디옥으로 왔다. 거기 교회가 번성하고 있다는 소식을 들었고, 그곳에서 봉사를 할 수 있다고 생각했기 때문이다. 각자 받은 은사대로 섬겨야 한다. 바나바가 그들을 권면하러 왔고, 그들이 권면을 잘 받아들이니 이제 선지자들이 보내져 앞으로의 일을 보여 주었다. 주님이 약속하신 대로이다(요 16:13). 작은 것에 충성하는 자에게는 더 많은 것이 맡겨진다. 성경 예언을 가장 잘 이해하는 길은 성경 교훈에 순종하는 길에서 얻어진다.
**II. 선지자들 가운데 하나인 아가보가 가뭄이 올 것을 예언했다(행 11:28).** 나중에 그는 바울의 투옥도 예언한다(행 21:10-11). 그는 아마도 공적 집회에서 일어나 성령으로 예언했다.
1. 그가 이 예언을 받은 방법. 그가 한 말은 자신의 생각이나 상상에서 나온 것도, 천문학적 예측이나 현재 이차적 원인들의 움직임에 대한 추측에서 나온 것도 아니었다. 성령으로, 곧 예언의 영으로 흉년이 들 것을 알렸다. 마치 요셉이 성령으로 바로의 꿈을 해석하여 이집트의 흉년을 예고하고, 엘리야가 아합 시대 이스라엘의 흉년을 예고한 것처럼. 이처럼 하나님은 자신의 비밀을 종들인 선지자들에게 나타내신다.
2. 그 예언의 내용. 온 세상에, 곧 로마 제국 전역에 큰 흉년이 들 것이라는 것이었다. 그리스도께서 이미 흉년이 있을 것이라고 일반적으로 예언하신 바 있다(마 24:7; 막 13:8; 눅 21:11). 아가보는 지금 당장 닥쳐올 특별히 두드러진 흉년 하나를 예언한 것이다.
3. 그 성취. 클라우디오 황제 때에 실제로 일어났다. 그의 통치 2년에 시작하여 4년, 혹은 더 오래 계속되었다. 로마의 역사가들도 이것을 언급하며, 요세푸스도 마찬가지다. 하나님이 그들에게 생명의 떡을 보내셨으나 그들이 거부하고 그 만나의 풍요로움을 싫어하였기에, 하나님은 의롭게도 떡의 지팡이를 부러뜨리시고 흉년으로 벌하셨다. 그들은 열매를 맺지 못하고 하나님을 위해 아무것도 가져오지 않았기에, 하나님은 땅으로 하여금 그들에게 열매를 내지 않게 하셨다.
**III. 그들은 이 예언을 선하게 활용했다.** 흉년이 닥쳐온다는 말을 듣고도 이집트 사람들처럼 자신들을 위해 곡식을 쌓아두지 않았다. 그리스도인답게 다른 사람들을 돕기 위해 연보를 모았으니, 이것이 자신들의 고난과 궁핍에 대한 최선의 대비이다. 가난한 자를 돌보는 자는 하나님이 그를 보존하시고 살게 하시며 땅에서 복을 받을 것이라 약속하셨다(시 41:1-2). 자비를 베풀고 가난한 자에게 주는 자는 재앙의 때에 수치를 당하지 않으며, 흉년에도 만족하리라 하였다(시 37:19, 21). 선을 행하고 나누는 것이 다가오는 궁핍에 대한 최선의 예비이다(눅 12:33). 많은 사람은 절약해야 한다는 이유를 들어 나누지 않지만, 성경은 오히려 그것을 관대해야 할 이유로 든다. 어떤 재앙이 땅에 있을지 모르므로 일곱 번뿐 아니라 여덟 번에도 나누어 주라고 했다(전 11:2).
1. 그들이 결정한 것. 형편이 닿는 대로 각자가 유대에 사는 형제들에게 구제 헌금을 보내기로 했다(행 11:29).
- (1) 구제의 대상은 유대에 사는 형제들이었다. 기회가 있는 대로 모든 사람에게 선을 베풀어야 하지만, 믿음의 가정에 특별히 관심을 가져야 한다(갈 6:10). 어떤 가난한 자도 소홀히 해서는 안 되지만, 하나님의 가난한 자들은 특별히 돌봐야 한다. 예루살렘 교회에서 각 교회가 자기 가난한 자들을 돌보아야 한다는 것을 초기에 본보기로 보여 주었다(행 4:34). 그러나 여기서는 성도들의 교제가 더 넓게 확장되어, 안디옥 교회가 유대의 가난한 자들을 위해 연보를 모은다. 유대에는 가난한 자들이 다른 나라보다 더 많았던 것 같다. 또한 그리스도인이 된 자들 대부분이 가난한 자들이었고(마 11:5), 그리스도인이 된 후에는 공적 구제에서 제외되었을 것이다. 흉년이 오면 그들이 크게 어렵게 될 것이 뻔했으므로, 흉년이 오기 전에 미리 준비하는 이른 조치였다.
- (2) 제자들 사이에 합의가 이루어졌다. 각자가 자신의 능력에 따라 기여하기로 했다. 다른 나라에 사는 부유한 유대인들은 무역으로 부자가 되었으며, 많은 부유한 유대인들이 그리스도인이 되어 멀리 있는 가난한 형제들의 필요를 채워야 했다. 자비로운 사람들은 하나님이 주신 것으로 장사하는 상인이니, 상인들은 아주 먼 나라에 상품을 보내도 유익을 얻는다. 우리도 멀리 있는 가난한 자들에게 구제를 할 때 그들을 위해 적극적으로 나서야 한다. 각자 자신과 가족을 부양하고 남는 것에서 형편에 따라 무언가를 보내기로 결정했다.
2. 그들이 행한 것. 결정한 대로 실행했다(행 11:30). "그대로 실행하여." 그들은 그것에 대해 말만 하고 끝낸 것이 아니라 실제로 했다. 많은 그런 선한 제안들이 제기되고 칭찬받지만 추진되지 않아 아무 것도 되지 않는 경우가 많다. 그러나 이것은 이루어졌다. 헌금이 모여졌고, 바나바와 사울을 예루살렘으로 보내 그것을 장로들에게 전하게 했다. 그들이 이 기회를 통해 예루살렘을 방문하기를 원했을 수도 있다.
- (1) 장로들, 곧 유대 교회들의 목사들과 담임들에게 보냈다. 그들이 받는 자의 필요에 따라 분배하도록 하기 위해서였다.
- (2) 바나바와 사울의 손을 통해 보냈다. 이 심부름이 사소한 것처럼 보일 수도 있지만, 복음의 종이 비상한 경우에 교회의 자선 심부름꾼이 되는 것은 결코 그들의 품위를 낮추는 일이 아니다. 다만 기도와 말씀의 사역에 바쳐진 자들에게 그 일을 항상 맡기는 것은 지나친 방해가 될 것이다.
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*[출처: Matthew Henry Complete Commentary, Public Domain. 한국어 번역 © Wiki Steward, CC0.]*
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