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)
4. Christ’s Appearance to Saul near Damascus (Acts 9:1-5)
Saul had studied the Law in Jerusalem at the feet of Gamaliel, the wise, Old Testament scholar. He believed in the oneness of God, and was exceedingly enthusiastic for his faith. He zealously strove to defend the belief in God´s oneness, and to see that His law was carried out in his nation. Whoever turned away from the faith of the fathers, or refused to submit to it, was constrained by Saul to submit to it, or be spitefully killed. Stephen’s sermon during his defense before the high council and his statement about seeing Christ had enraged the young Saul. Thus he tormented believers of this doctrine, demanding that they renounce their belief and blaspheme Christ. The Jewish high council was pleased with the activity and boldness of Saul, and provided him with the necessary authority and letters when he applied for permission to further pursue followers of Christ in the large desert oasis of Damascus. He intended to reform the Jewish community there, annihilate the heresies of Jesus, and confirm the faith of the fathers.
The proud Saul rode on the back of a horse through the desert and towards the Syrian capital to destroy those who had the Spirit of Christ. This new faith had been brought to Damascus through traders, refugees, and travelers, and not through apostles or deacons. The believers knew the intents of their great enemy and kept praying for him.
When Saul saw the city towers and domes from afar, he prepared to proudly enter the city. Suddenly the glory of the Lord shone round about this zealous young man, who thought he was serving God, yet, in fact, was a servant of Satan. Saul fell from his horse to the ground. We never read after this that Saul rode a horse again. Henceforth, he would brokenly and humbly walk on foot.
The young man heard a voice that pricked him to the heart, and caused his mind to freeze: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” The speaker knew his name, his character, his past, and also about his plans. God had uncovered him, revealing all his life and offences. He was unveiled before the eternal Judge.
Saul trembled when the voice said to him: “You persecute me.” Jesus did not say: “You persecute the church”, but “you persecute me personally”, for Jesus and his church are a complete unity. The Lord is the head, and we are the members of His spiritual body. Whatever happens to the least of His followers happens to Him personally. The Lord suffers with His church for every injustice done against it. In this short statement Jesus declared the mystery of His church and the end of His design. He is divinely and lovingly united with His followers through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus did not say to the overwhelmed Saul: “You persecute me”, but “Why do you persecute me?” It is painful and difficult for God when people do not understand the truth of the Holy Trinity. There is no reason or right in any man to refuse to submit to Jesus. The principle fault is that people do not accept the exceedingly great love of the Creator that has been revealed in Christ. The chief sin is not to believe in the forgiveness of sins through Him who was crucified. This goes against the absolute intention of God, who condemns every stubborn man by saying: “Why do you persecute Me and contradict the love of the Holy Trinity?”
Saul somehow felt that the Lord of Glory would not destroy him at once, though he was His enemy, and though he had killed His followers. He sensed in himself that the voice speaking was one of love, and not of vengeance, and that this essence was grace and not judgment. Saul had no good deeds to present to God other than murder and persecution of the saints. All he could do was to freely and without merit receive divine grace, even though he was qualified only for death and hell. The disturbed Saul mumbled the words: “Who are you, Lord?” He did not call him “Master”, or “great Angel”, but knew that the speaker was God Himself, and thus called him “Lord”. Saul’s words signified a trembling, weak, and modest prayer for the revelation of the name of God. He desired to know who the speaker was being manifested in this great light. In the midst of destructive judgment Saul felt exceeding grace, for he had frightfully dared to speak to God.
The Lord answered His enemy. He did not break him, but answered his prayer, and blessed him. Christ’s words to Saul meant that the Lord had had mercy on the wicked one. He was gracious enough to reveal His will to him in understandable words. These words purified and justified Saul, and became the foundation for his future life and ministry.
Jesus revealed his essence with the unique word “I am”. “Poor Saul, you small, demon-possessed, confused man. I am present and living. I have risen from the dead. I am Jesus, and not a ghost or a lie. I have not disintegrated away in the tomb, but am the Lord of glory, standing personally before you, knowing your every good intent. Your mind has been overwhelmed because of your religious hatred. You cannot comprehend Me because of your abominable fanaticism. You persecute Me, who has defeated death and prevailed over hell, thinking yourself to be serving God”. This is the terrible truth, even today, that all who persecute Jesus Christ are really worshiping Satan, for the living Jesus sits at the right hand of God the Father. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him.
Undoubtedly Christ´s appearance and words to the boastful Saul broke his trust in himself and in his righteousness as a Pharisee. He declared to him that He who had been crucified is now living, and is the center of the universe. He does not destroy His enemies, but gives them grace upon grace. He is one complete unit, together with His church, which is filled with the Holy Spirit. These three principles, which were declared to Saul in one, short moment, are still the pillars of our faith in the New Testament: 1) Christ’s resurrection, 2) His grace rendered at the cross, and 3) His living church filled with the Holy Spirit. Are you, dear brother, dear sister, in full harmony with these three pillars, or do you oppose the Spirit and the truth of Christ? If so, then the Lord is saying to you, too: “Is it hard for you to kick against the goads of God? You will suffer much for your opposition to the truth and the life.”