Commentaries
Arabic
- إنجيل المسيح حسب البشير متى
(عبد المسيح وزملاؤه) - إنجيل المسيح حسب البشير مَرْقُس
(عبد المسيح وزملاؤه) - إنجيل المسيح حسب البشير لوقا
(عبد المسيح وزملاؤه) - إِنْجِيْلُ المَسِيْحِِِ حسبَ البَشير يُوْحَنَّا
(عَبْدُ المَسِيْح وَزُمَلاؤُه) - أعمال الرسل حسب البشير لوقا
(عبد المسيح وزملاؤه) - رِسَالةُ بُولُسَ الرَّسُولِ إِلَى أَهْلِ رُوْمِيَة
(عَبدُ المَسِيْح وزُمَلاؤه) - رسالة بُوْلُس الرَّسُوْل إلى أهْلِ غَلاَطِيَّة
(عَبْدُ المَسِيْح وَزُمَلاؤُه) - رِسالةُ بُولُسَ الرَّسُول إِلَى أَهْلِ كَنِيْسَةِ فِيْلِبِّي
(عبد المَسِيْح وزملاؤه) - رِسالةُ بولس الرَّسول إِلَى الكَنِيْسَةِ في كُوْلُوْسِّيْ
(عبد المسيح وزملاؤه) - رِسَالَةِ بولس الرَّسول إلى العِبْرَانِيِّيْنَ
(عَبد المسِيح وزُملاؤُه) - رِسَالةُ يَعْقُوب
(عَبد المسِيح وزُملاؤُه) - رُؤْيا يوحنا اللاهوتي
(عَبْدُ المَسِيْح وَزُمَلاؤُه)
English
- The Gospel of Christ according to Matthew
(Abd al-Masih and Colleagues) - The Gospel of Christ according to Mark
(Abd al-Masih and Colleagues) - The Gospel of Christ according to Luke
(Abd al-Masih and Colleagues) - The Gospel of Christ according to John
(Abd al-Masih and Colleagues) - Acts of the Apostles
(Abd al-Masih and Colleagues) - Studies in the Letter of Paul to the Romans
(Abd al-Masih and Colleagues)
German
- Die Offenbarung des Johannes
(Abd al-Masih and Colleagues)
PREFACE
PART I – THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE EARLY CHURCH IN JERUSALEM
(ACTS 1-7)
(ACTS 1-7)
1. The Introduction of the Book and the Last Promise of Christ (Acts 1:1-8)
2. Christ’ Ascension to Heaven (Acts 1:9-12)
3. The Select Group That Waited For the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:13-14)
4. Matthias Chosen in Place of the Sinful Judas (Acts 1:15-26)
5. The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13)
6. Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-36)
7. Edification by the Ministry of the Apostles (Acts 2:37-41)
8. Spiritual Life in the Believers’ Church (Acts 2:42-47)
9. The Healing of a Cripple (Acts 3:1-10)
10. Peter’s Sermon in the Temple (Acts 3:11- 26)
11. Peter and John Imprisoned and Taken to Court for the First Time (Acts 4:1-22)
12. The Common Prayer of the Church (Acts 4:23-31)
13. Church Members having all Things in Common (Acts 4:32-37)
14. The Death of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)
15. Revival and many Healings (Acts 5:12-16)
16. The Apostle´s Imprisonment, and their Release by an Angel (Acts 5:17-25)
17. The Apostles before the High Council (Acts 5:26-33)
18. Gamaliel’s Advice and the Whipping of the Apostles (Acts 5:34-42)
19. The Organization of the Church and the Choosing of the Seven Deacons (Acts 6:1-7)
20. Stephen’s Effective Testimony (Acts 6:8-15)
21. Stephen’s Defense (Acts 7:1-53)
a) A Description of the Days of the Patriarchs (Acts 7:1-19)
a) A Description of the Days of the Patriarchs (Acts 7:1-19)
b) The Days of Moses (Acts 7:20-43)
c) The Tabernacle of Meeting, and the Establishment of the Temple (Acts 7:44-50)
d) The Complaint against the Stubborn People (Acts 7:51-53)
e) Stephen’s Gazing into the Opened Heaven and his Stoning; his becoming the First Martyr (Acts 7:54- 8:1)
PART II – THE EXTENSION OF THE GOSPEL OF SALVATION TO SAMARIA AND SYRIA AND THE BEGINNING OF GENTILE CONVERSIONS
(ACTS 8- 12)
(ACTS 8- 12)
1. The First Persecution of the Christian Church at Jerusalem and the Believers’ Scattering throughout Samaria (Acts 8:1- 8)
2. Simon the Sorcerer and the Work of Peter and John in Samaria (Acts 8:9-25)
3. Conversion, and Baptism of the Ethiopian Treasurer (Acts 8:26-40)
4. Christ’s Appearance to Saul near Damascus (Acts 9:1-5)
5. Saul Baptized at the Hand of Ananias (Acts 9:6-19)
6. Saul’s Preaching in Damascus and his Persecution by the Jews (Acts 9:19-25)
7. The First Meeting Between Paul and the Apostles in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26-30)
8. The Wonderful Works of Christ at the Hand of Peter (Acts 9:31-43)
9. The Beginning of Preaching to the Gentiles through the Conversion of Cornelius the Centurion (Acts 10:1-11:18)
10. The Establishment of a Gentile Church at Antioch (Acts 11:19-30)
11. King Agrippa´s Persecution of the Churches in Jerusalem (Acts 12:1-6)
12. Peter’s Deliverance at the Hand of an Angel (Acts 12:7-17)
13. Herod’s Rage and Death (Acts 12:18-25)
PART III – REPORTS ABOUT PREACHING AMONG THE GENTILES AND THE FOUNDATION OF CHURCHES FROM ANTIOCH TO ROME
(ACTS 13-28)
(ACTS 13-28)
A – The First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:1-14:28)
1. The Separation of Barnabas and Saul for the Work (Acts 13:1-3)
1. The Separation of Barnabas and Saul for the Work (Acts 13:1-3)
2. Preaching in Cyprus (Acts 13:4-12)
3. Preaching in Antioch of Anatolia (Acts 13:13-52)
4. The Founding of the Church at Iconium (Acts 14:1-7)
5. The Founding of the Church at Lystra (Acts 14:8-20)
6. The Ministry in Derbe and the Return to Strengthen the Infant Churches (Acts 14:21-23)
7. The Return to Antioch in Syria and Presenting an Account of the Ministry to the Brothers there (Acts 14:24-28)
B – THE APOSTOLIC COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM (ACTS 15:1-35)
C – THE SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY (ACTS 15:36-18: 22)
1. Paul’s Separation From Barnabas (Acts 15:36-41)
1. Paul’s Separation From Barnabas (Acts 15:36-41)
2. The Strengthening of the Churches of Syria and Anatolia: Choosing Timothy for Service (Acts 16:1- 5)
3. The Holy Spirit Prevents the Apostles from Entering Bithynia, in the Province of Asia (Acts 16:6-10)
4. The Founding of the Church at Philippi (Acts 16:11-34)
5. The Founding of the Church in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9)
6. The Founding of the Church in Berea (Acts 17:10-15)
7. Paul at Athens (Acts 17:16-34)
8. The Founding of the Church in Corinth (Acts 18:1-17)
9. Paul’s Return to Jerusalem and Antioch (Acts 18:18-22)
D – THE THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY (ACTS 18:23-21:14)
1. Paul in Anatolia – Apollos in Ephesus and Corinth (Acts 18: 23-28)
1. Paul in Anatolia – Apollos in Ephesus and Corinth (Acts 18: 23-28)
2. Spiritual Revival in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-20)
3. The Apostle plans to Return to Jerusalem, and then go on to Rome (Acts 19:21-22)
4. The Riot of the Silversmiths in Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41)
5. Paul´s Last Journey to Macedonia and Greece (Acts 20:1-3)
6. The plot to kill Paul in Corinth – the names of traveling companions accompanying him towards Jerusalem (Acts 20:3-5)
7. The Night Sermon, and the Lord’s Supper at Troas (Acts 20:6-12)
8. From Troas to Miletus (Acts 20:13-16)
9. Paul’s Parting Sermon to the Bishops and Elders (Acts 20:17-38)
10. The Sailing From Anatolia to Lebanon (Acts 21:1-6)
11. From Tyre to Caesarea (Acts 21:7-14)
E – PAUL’S IMPRISONMENT IN JERUSALEM AND IN CAESAREA (ACTS 21:15-26:32)
1. Paul arrives in Jerusalem and tells the brothers about his ministry (Acts 21:15-20)
1. Paul arrives in Jerusalem and tells the brothers about his ministry (Acts 21:15-20)
2. Paul’s Acceptance of Circumcision According to the Law (Acts 21:20-26)
3. The Jews attack Paul, the Roman soldiers rescue him (Acts 21:27-40)
4. Paul’s defense before his countrymen (Acts 22:1-29)
5. Paul before the High Council of the Jews (Acts 22:30-23:10)
6. Christ’s Appearance to Paul at Night (Acts 23:11)
7. The zealots’ plot against Paul (Acts 23:12-22)
8. Paul Transferred From Jerusalem to Caesarea (Acts 23:23-35)
9. The First Hearing of the Trial in Caesarea (Acts 24:1-23)
10. Paul Alone With the Governor and His Wife (Acts 24:24-27)
11. The Second Hearing of Paul’s Trial Before the New Governor (Acts 25:1-12)
12. Paul Before Agrippa II and His Royal Retinue (Acts 25:13-26:32)
F – THE SAILING FROM CAESAREA TO ROME (ACTS 27:1-28:31)
1. Moving to Sidon and Then to Crete (Acts 27:1-13)
1. Moving to Sidon and Then to Crete (Acts 27:1-13)
2. The storm at sea, and the shipwreck on Malta (Acts 27:14-44)
3. Wintering at Malta (Acts 28:1-10)
4. Continuing the Journey to Rome in Spring (Acts 28:11-14)
5. The Beginning of Paul’s Ministries at Rome (Acts 28:15-31)
5. The Founding of the Church in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9)
The city of Thessalonica is a strategic, commercial metropolis, even today. It is 150 kilometers from Philippi, with a population of more than 500,000. When Paul arrived at Thessalonica he first went to the synagogue of the Jews, for it was there he met those who loved and sought the one God. These, also, were the ones who listened to his message. Judaism had officially been permitted by the authorities, even while no other new religion was permitted. For three Sabbaths Paul, the legal expert of Jerusalem, showed that the divine Christ had not come to be a brilliant king, or to overpower the world with His heavenly power. He had come to be rejected, to suffer for a time, to die in shame and to rise from the dead, so that men could be reconciled to God and have their repentant hearts renewed.
This thought was both new and strange to the Jews, who were expecting a political, powerful Christ. Thus they did not recognize the meek Lamb of God. Paul explained to his hearers that Jesus of Nazareth had come as the embodied love of God. Multitudes had raced to Him to hear His words and see His healings, great works, and wonders. Therefore, the members of the Jewish high council had become jealous of him. They rejected His divinity, cruelly persecuted Him, and condemned Him wrongfully. Finally, He was crucified by the Romans. His death, however, was the only sacrifice that could satisfy God´s holy justice, atone for our offenses, and wipe away our iniquities. Paul first showed the necessity of Christ’s death by referring to the books of the Old Testament. Second, he emphasized his competence as an eyewitness. He had received visions and direct inspiration from the living Christ, in order that the world might be turned upside down by his gospel.
Some of the Jews believed in the gospel of salvation. They accepted the divinity of Christ Jesus, and submitted to the message of Paul the apostle. Also, many of the devout Greeks came to believe with a stronger faith. They were impressed by Paul´s explanation of the Law, and openly joined themselves to the apostle and Silas. Many respected women, as well, accepted the gospel of temperance, truth, and holiness. They opened themselves to the Spirit of the holy Christ, and continued in His effectual salvation. Thus a lively church arose in the city of Thessalonica, where Paul, Silas, and Timothy continued steadfastly teaching the believers.
Read the First Epistle of Paul, the apostle, to the Thessalonians (verses 1 and 2) and you will quickly recognize the abundant kindness, power, and enthusiasm that worked in the apostles of Christ. Did you know that this first Epistle to the Thessalonians, written in the Greek language, is the oldest part of the New Testament, older than any of the gospels? You may discover in it Paul’s method of preaching during the first stages of his struggles. You will, as well, see the content of his gospel, which later opened the doors to cities and peoples everywhere. Read this epistle carefully, for in so doing you will understand the Book of the Acts of the Apostles more clearly.
Just as the high council of the Jews envied Jesus, so the Jews at Thessalonica envied Paul. All the Geek members of rank who had been coming to their synagogue turned to Paul. The life of the apostolic witness had been blameless, and his teaching in accordance with the Law. Thus they could not complain against him. Therefore, they looked to stir up a mob among those living in the streets and back alleys. They bribed men of low character and induced them to begin rioting. The mob began inciting the whole city. They hoped to provoke public opinion against the Christians.
The multitudes went to the stately house of Jason, a respectable, wealthy man, who had entertained Paul and Silas. The apostles were, however, not there at the time of the attack and demonstration. Thus the multitudes entered into the rooms of the house and began searching every corner and wardrobe. When they did not find any trace of them, they seized Jason and some of the brothers and dragged them before the city authorities. They began complaining against Jesus’ heresies. Amazingly, they used the same inflammatory words that the high council of the Jews had uttered before Pilot at Christ’s trial, approximately twenty years earlier in Jerusalem. They claimed that Paul and Barnabas were proclaiming Jesus to be the great king, in order that all peoples might be submitted to him. Such a development would entail the end of the Roman Empire. This complaint was serious, and it shook the innermost being of the Roman Empire. The Jews had distorted the truth about Jesus, the spiritual King. They had made Him, who was meek and humble, into a dangerous rebel, who was acting against all people.
Christ is, in fact, the King of kings and Lord of lords. He sits at the right hand of the Father, with whom He lives and reigns over the worlds. His power is not of this earth. It is not built on guns, taxes, and violence. Instead, the method of His ruling is founded upon the fruit of the Holy Spirit, who establishes God´s spiritual kingdom in the hearts of those who submit to their Lord. Unbelievers themselves bring about corruption, and turn the beautiful world into a dunghill, a place of massacre, a big prison, and a nightmare.
The prudent among the rulers of the city understood the reason for the disturbance. Out of fear the Romans might trouble them because of the agitation, they mollified the multitudes, and made Jason pay a considerable amount of money to be released. He, in turn, clarified to them that the Christian design was not at all political. Instead, every believer would prefer to die like his Christ rather than practice violence or injustice. The kingdom of Jesus is spiritual, and only appears at the second coming of Christ in glory, after which time the worlds will pass away. Knowing that Paul had no political design whatsoever, Jason assured them that they would depart out of the city at once.
The issue of Jesus’ kingship has moved many peoples, kings, Caesars and popes in the history of the church. Paul often preached Christ crucified. His successors, however, frequently sought a mighty Caesar, one who would dominate the whole world. Many have forgotten that the kingdom of Christ is not of this world, and that it is only built upon broken and repentant hearts. In fact, Christ does not call all the world´s Caesars, generals, and leaders to turn from their haughtiness and pride and embrace humility, contentment, and mercy. The religion of Christ is not founded on the sword or revolutions, but only on the word of salvation and the power of love. Nevertheless, when Christ comes He will defeat all powers that are contrary to God. There will then be no more death, sorrow, or temptation to sin. This new creation, in the glory of God the Father, is the true kingdom of God.