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)
2. Spiritual Revival in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-20)
It was Paul’s custom during his missionary journeys to call at capital cities and centers of communication and trade, knowing that out of these places the gospel would automatically shine everywhere. Thus he founded churches at Antioch, Iconium, Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth. In this long chain of cities and centers stretching between Jerusalem and Rome, Ephesus came to be the connecting link. It had not been, however, wide open to preaching, nor did it have, even at that time, a vigorous church.
When Paul came down from the inner plains of Anatolia he arrived at this beautiful capital on the sea, which contained a theater that seated an estimated 25,000 people. By Roman authorization, Ephesus was self-governed. Its inhabitants were skillful traders. In the midst of Ephesus stood the Temple of the goddess Artemis, the religious center of the city, which brought vast numbers of pilgrims into the city, in groups and individually, from every part of the world.
When Paul came to this metropolis he found twelve men who had embraced the doctrine of John the Baptist. This indicates this city had an international and cultural importance, being a center for different religious currents, as well as the dwelling place for a number of races. Even small doctrines, such as the Baptist’s, had been poured out into it. The followers of the Baptist prepared themselves for the coming of the Christ. They practiced an extensive repentance and humility. They had probably heard from Apollos that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ of God, who died, was buried, resurrected, and finally ascended into heaven. Now they were waiting for his second coming, expecting his appearance night and day.
Paul quickly observed that faith, passionate repentance, a deep penetration into the Holy Bible and mental trust in Jesus are not sufficient. These disciples lacked the Holy Spirit. They wanted to prepare themselves for the coming of Christ through their own righteousness. They did not know the mystery of grace, the essence of our faith. So, likewise, we have to unashamedly confess that many Christians study the gospel, read the Holy Bible, join churches, sincerely repent, learn much about the faith, but have still not yet left the bondage of the law for the freedom of salvation. They are lacking the power of Christ.
Your knowledge of the truths of salvation and your baptism with water do not save you. The Holy Spirit, who comes from the Father and the Son, saves you. The aim of faith is not only religious knowledge, but renewal of the heart, the second birth. The end of Christ’s death is to purify us from sins, so that we may receive everlasting life today, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit into our hearts. So be sure, dear brother, that the aim of the New Testament is not meditation, knowledge, repentance, penitence, godliness, religiosity or studying the life of Jesus. The end of salvation is our filling with the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of the meek, humble and gentle Christ.
Paul asked these twelve men frankly: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed in Christ?” Similarly, we ask you personally: “Did you really receive the Holy Spirit, or are you still dead in your sins?” Do not try to escape this question. Stop, look at yourself, and confess your need. Kneel down, commit yourself completely to the living Jesus, and be united with Him by faith in His promises. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be a witness to Him, not to yourself, but to Him who purchased you to be His own with His precious blood.
The twelve men at Ephesus came to the fullness of faith, through baptism in the name of Jesus and the laying on of Paul’s hands. The power of God flowed into the repentant, and they were filled with the Spirit of the Lord. We say to you if you have already been baptized, it is not necessary to be baptized again, but take firm hold of your baptism, and believe what the Living Lord has promised you personally by His Holy Spirit. He gives you, according to your faith, your sincere and persistent requests. Christ himself is willing to fill you with His virtue, so that you may live forever. Jesus clearly said: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” So ask your Lord to pour out the Holy Spirit in you. God will dwell in your heart, and your body will become a temple of the Holy Spirit. Your heart will be filled with pure love, your tongue will become fluent, and you will be added to the contingent of worshipful singers scattered throughout the continents of this earth. The praise of God flowing from hearts that have been touched with the Spirit is the clear sign of the redeemed. Do your friends and relatives hear you give thanks for salvation? Do you love your Lord? Do you thank Him continuously? All your words will be transformed if the Spirit continues in you. Then you will not glorify yourself, but God, and you will not testify of your power, but magnify Christ, your Savior. All the bad words will disappear and the lying will pass away, for the Spirit of the Lord will create a new heart in you, give you a new tongue, and make you a new creation.
Besides praise and exaltation, the second fruit of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your heart will be the recognition of the mysteries of God. You will suddenly recognize that God is your Father. No one can say that the eternal Creator and the Almighty is his Father. It is impossible to think that God has children bodily. But those who are born of the Holy Spirit know spontaneously that they are not only people of flesh and blood. They realize that because of the death of Christ they have also received adoption, as sons of God. The essence of God came into them by grace. When the Holy Spirit entered their lives they came to understand their hearts and the evil in all men. Christ’s triumph shined through all the darkness in them, giving an assurance of justification. Since the power given to us becomes a guarantee of the everlasting, imperishable and triumphant glory to come, we can prophecy that the kingdom of God will arrive with certainty and prevail completely.
We ask you once again: “Have you received the Holy Spirit? Do you praise God, your Father, and glorify Christ, your Savior, with all your heart, and with all your behavior? Are you certain of the fatherhood of God? Are you expecting the second coming of Christ?” If you are, then we can assure you that you are of those who are born of the Holy Spirit, and are one with us, through brokenness of heart, love, and joy.