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)
9. Paul’s Parting Sermon to the Bishops and Elders (Acts 20:17-38)
Paul’s ship stopped at the port of Miletus, and the apostle asked the elders and the leaders of the church in Ephesus and Asia, its province, to come to him, even though they were 60 kilometers away. He deemed a visit to Ephesus inadvisable, after the people there had rioted against him. The faithful brothers hurried to see and hear their spiritual father in Christ, and to receive the divine blessing and power from him for their ministry in the Holy Spirit.
On this occasion Luke relates to us the unique sermon Paul delivered to his fellow-laborers and ministers of the churches. It is good for every believer and minister of Christ to delve deeply into each word of this message. It contains guidance on how to attain to fruitful ministry in both preaching the gospel, as well as in church service. Paul presented three points:
Paul was the ambassador of Christ to all the nations. Yet he came as a simple, humble servant, just as Christ was gentle and lowly in heart. He who does not come to church with these qualities, and who does not represent these virtues in his ministry and office, does not build up, but destroys and tears down.
In the first place, it need be mentioned, the goal of those ministering in the Lord´s service is not the church, but the Lord himself, before whom they stand accountable. They love Him, and desire to present the church to Him as a Holy Bride. This ministry is not as sweet as the honeycomb, but means freeing slaves from the bonds of sins, cleansing those who fall into sinful mire, enduring the stubbornness of the rebellious, guiding spiritual babes with great patience, and blessing enemies who persecute them. The devil´s first goal is to attack ministers of the Lord, to get them to fall from the height of God´s love into the swamp of adultery, hatred, and disdain, all by way of his temptations, tricks, and violence. This is why Paul testifies to ministers of the Lord that the banner over the ministry is written amid many tears, troubles, and sorrows, and not in the midst of tasty fruits, gladness, enjoyment, and rest. He who wishes to serve the Lord must prepare himself for troubles, rejection and dispute, and not for an increase in salary, promotion to a higher rank or other such spiritual fantasies.
Paul manifested in his life and character pure Christian doctrine before the church. He lived what he said, and conducted himself in accordance with his preaching. His good example epitomized his gospel message, and his deeds were as important as his words. Our life and conduct in our surroundings is to be an obvious testimony of Christ’s redemption, love, and power. What is not embodied in you cannot be understood by your hearers, for your conduct is the foundation of your preaching.
To convey the meaning and significance of his gospel, Paul followed three procedures: preaching, teaching, and testimony. He found suitable words for everyone, in accordance with their understanding. He did not give babes in the Spirit concentrated food, but milk and yogurt, so that they might understand and digest his gospel. The goal of his testimony was the spiritual growth of the believers in Christ, as well as their understanding of the importance of the word of God. They were not to lack any vitamin for the establishment of spiritual life in them. Paul did not hide or keep back anything of the fullness of Christ, but revealed to the church the universal redemptive plan of God, beginning with the grace and promises of God. He gave them, too, an understanding of the Spirit- filled life. He directed the believers to the blessings, powers, and consolations of the gospel, and urged them to hope and prepare for the coming of Christ, and for the glory to come to the brokenhearted.
Paul was not satisfied to just preach sermons and give teaching during church meetings. He also visited families in their homes, and spoke to individuals in their place of business, as well as in the streets. He urged them to save themselves from the coming wrath of God and continue in the grace of Christ.
The foremost subjects in Paul’s sermon were repentance, turning to God, and conversion. Seekers of God should no longer love their money and themselves, but desire to penetrate deeply into the understanding of the Holy One, to study His will, recognize their sins, confess their faults, and be ashamed of their evil deeds. Thus, there is no real faith without true repentance, and there is no forgiveness without knowledge of sin. Have you trembled and felt disgust over your past? Do you fear God? Have you denied yourself and confessed your sins before the Holy One? Do you live continuously in repentance and brokenness?
The first goal of our knowledge of God is the breaking of our puffed- up selfishness. The second goal lies in our taking resort to Christ, for there is no present or future hope for the world. Our hope is only in Christ Jesus. Unity with Christ is the substance of our faith. It begins with our hearing about His life and person, and continues on as we begin awakening to him, begin to approach Him, learn to trust and abide in him, commit ourselves to him, and cultivate an expectation of his coming. Then we recognize that before we sought him he sought us, reconciled us to God, waited for our turning, drew us to Himself by His love, received us who were going astray, purified us, sanctified us, filled us with His Holy Spirit, admitted us into the communion of the saints, and called us to serve God. We see in our faith in Christ a twofold movement: our going to Him, and His coming to us. Have you met Christ personally? Do you abide in His New Testament teachings? He is prepared to save you. Do you believe in him?
Paul said that he was bound in the spirit, for he had dispensed with the freedom of his earthly life and lived in and for Christ. He did not go his own ways, but listened at all times to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This divine Guide, who sent him to Jerusalem, told him beforehand that painful tribulations awaited him there at the end of his apostolic life, just as his Lord had suffered at the end of his life in Jerusalem. The fruit of his weariness and effort was not reward and respect, but afflictions, imprisonment, and contempt.
Paul did not flee from the calamity he was about to encounter, but did approach it cautiously. He did not consider himself an important or notable person, nor did he write his biography or compile a record of his own experiences. He considered himself an unprofitable servant, and trusted completely in the work of the living Lord. Would that the Lord grants us the same attitude in respect to our own lives! Would that we, too, should consider ourselves unprofitable, so the Lord Jesus might become all things to us.
Apart from his self-denial, Paul desired two other things: First, that he might remain faithful to his Lord amid the temptations that were about to come upon him, and not fall into offense and hatred. He desired to love his enemies, forgive them their aggression against him, and continue to conduct himself in holiness and grace. Second, He was not satisfied with just continuing to be faithful in conduct, but also wanted to finish his sacred calling. He did not live for himself, but for his Lord and for His church. Paul did not seek this ministry, nor was he able to carry it out by himself. Christ had chosen him, and given him the power to fulfill his calling.
What was the summary of Paul´s life in the ministry? It was a testimony to the grace of God. The Holy God withheld His wrath from us, since Christ had justified us. He manifested Himself as our Father, offering the Holy Spirit to all those who loved His Son Jesus. He made out of corrupt sinners His holy children. Is this not marvelous grace, wonderful grace?