And Saul was consenting unto his death.
Hereupon arises a persecution, and it becomes a great one. And at that time there was a great persecution against the Church which was at Jerusalem. And they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the Apostles.
Acts 8:1 Mark how once more God permits temptations to arise; mark, and well observe, how the events are ordered by Divine Providence. They were admired because of the signs: being scourged, they were none the worse for it: (some) were ordained in the matter of the widows : the word increased: once more, God permits a great hindrance to arise. And a persecution of no ordinary kind [and they were all scattered,
etc.]; for they feared their enemies, now become more daring: and at the same time it is shown that they were but men, these that were afraid, that fled. For, that you may not say after these things that by grace alone they effected (what they did), they were also persecuted, and themselves became more timorous, while their adversaries were more daring. And were all scattered abroad,
it says, except the Apostles.
But this was divinely ordered, so that they should no longer all sit there in Jerusalem. And devout men,
it says, carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
Acts 8:2 If they were devout,
why did they make great lamentation over him?
They were not yet perfect. The man was gracious and amiable: this also shows that they were men— not their fear alone, but their grief and lamentation. Who would not have wept to see that mild, that lamb-like person stoned, and lying dead? Fit eulogy to be spoken over his grave has the Evangelist recorded, in this one speech, Lay not this sin to their charge.
— And made,
he says, great lamentation over him.
— But let us look over again what has been said.
He mentions the cause of his (angelic) appearance
Recapitulation, 7:54; 8:2; But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.
And when he said, I see the heavens opened, they stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord.
(v. 56, 57.) And yet in what respect are these things deserving of accusation? Upon him,
the man who has wrought such miracles, the man who has prevailed over all in speech, the man who can hold such discourse! As if they had got the very thing they wanted, they straightway give full scope to their rage. And the witnesses,
he says, laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man, whose name was Saul.
Acts 7:58 Observe how particularly he relates what concerns Paul, to show you that the Power which wrought in him was of God. But after all these things, not only did he not believe, but also aimed at Him with a thousand hands: for this is why it says, And Saul was consenting unto his death.
— And this blessed man does not simply pray, but does it with earnestness: having kneeled down.
Mark his divine death! So long only the Lord permitted the soul to remain in him. And having said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7:60— And they were all scattered abroad throughout the region of Judea and Samaria.
Acts 8:1 And now without scruple they had intercourse with Samaria, whereas it had been said to them, Go not into the way of the Gentiles
and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not.
Matthew 10:5 Except the Apostles,
it says: they, in this way also, wishing to win the Jews—but not to leave the city—and to be the means of inspiring others with boldness.
As for Saul, he made havoc of the Church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
Acts 8:3 Great was his frenzy: that he was alone, that he even entered into houses: for indeed he was ready to give his life for the Law. Haling,
it says, men and women:
mark both the confidence, and the violence, and the frenzy. All that fell into his hands, he put to all manner of ill-treatment: for in consequence of the recent murder, he was become more daring. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria.
Acts 8:4-9 Observe another trial, this affair of Simon. Giving out,
it says, that he was himself some great one. To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:10-15 And (yet) great signs had been done: how then had they not received the Spirit? They had received the Spirit, namely, of remission of sins: but the Spirit of miracles they had not received. For as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
(v. 16, 17.) For, to show that this was the case, and that it was the Spirit of miracles they had not received, observe how, having seen the result, Simon came and asked for this. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the Apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
(v. 18, 19.)
The persecution,
say you, gained strength.
True, but at that very time to men possessed before (by a hostile power) it brought deliverance. For it planted the miracles like a stronghold, in the heart of the enemy's country.— Not even the death of Stephen quenched their rage, nay, increased it rather: it scattered wide the teachers, so that the greater became the discipleship.— And there was joy.
And yet there had been great lamentation:
true; but mark again the good— Of a long time
was the malady, but this man brought them deliverance.— And how came he to baptize Simon also? Just as Christ chose Judas.— And beholding the signs
which he did, forasmuch as the others did not receive the (power of working) signs, he dared not ask for it.— How was it then that they did not strike him dead, as they did Ananias and Sapphira? Because even in the old times, he that gathered sticks (on the sabbath-day) was put to death as a warning to others Numbers 15:32 and in no other instance did any suffer the same fate. So too on the present occasion, Peter said to him, Your money perish, because you have imagined that the gift of God is to be purchased with money.
—
Acts 8:20 Why had not these received the Holy Ghost, when baptized? Either because Philip kept this honor for the Apostles; or, because he had not this gift (to impart); or, he was one of the Seven: which is rather to be said. Whence, I take it, this Philip was one of the Apostles. But observe; those went not forth: it was Providentially ordered that these should go forth and those be lacking, because of the Holy Ghost: for they had received power to work miracles, but not also to impart the Spirit to others: this was the prerogative of the Apostles. And observe (how they sent) the chief ones: not any others, but Peter [and John ]. And when Simon,
it says, saw that through laying on of the Apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given.
He would not have said, And having seen,
unless there had been some sensible manifestation. Then laid they their hands on them,
etc. Just as Paul also did, when they spoke with tongues. Acts 19:6 Observe the execrable conduct of Simon. He offered money,
with what object? And yet he did not see Peter doing this for money. And it was not of ignorance that he acted thus; it was because he would tempt them, because he wished to get matter of accusation against them. And therefore also Peter says, You have no part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God because you have thought,
etc.
Acts 8:21 Once more he brings to light what was in the thoughts, because Simon thought to escape detection. Repent therefore of this your wickedness and pray God, if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I perceive the bond of inquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which you have spoken come upon me.
Acts 8:22-24 Even this he did only formally, as words of course, when he ought to have wept and mourned as a penitent. If perchance it may be forgiven you.
Not as though it would not have been pardoned, had he wept, but this is the manner of the Prophet also, to denounce absolutely, (ἀ παγορεύειν) and not to say, Howbeit, if you do this, your sin shall be forgiven,
but that in any wise the punishment shall take effect.
(a) Therefore they that were scattered abroad, went everywhere, preaching the word.
But I would have you admire how even in a season of calamity they neglected not the preaching. Hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
Recapitulation, Acts 8:4-6 Just as in the case of Moses by contrast (with the magicians) the miracles were evident miracles, so here also. There was magic, and so these signs were manifest. (b) For unclean spirits came out of many that were possessed with them
Acts 8:7; for this was a manifest miracle:— not as the magicians did: for the other (Simon), it is likely, bound (men with spells)—and many,
it says, that were palsied and lame were healed.
There was no deceit here: for it needed but that they should walk and work. And to him they all gave heed, saying, This (man) is the Power of God.
Acts 8:10 And that was fulfilled which was spoken by Christ, There shall come false Christs and false Prophets in My name.
— Matthew 24:24 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
Acts 8:11 (a) And yet there ought to have been not one demoniac there, seeing that of a long time he had been bewitching them with sorceries: but if there were many demoniacs, many palsied, these pretences were not truth. But Philip here by his word also won them over, discoursing concerning the kingdom of Christ.
Acts 8:12 And Simon,
it says, being baptized, continued with Philip
Acts 8:13: not for faith's sake, but in order that he might become such (as he). (b) But why did they not correct him instantly? They were content with his condemning himself. For this too belonged to their work of teaching (τἥς διδασκαλίας). But when he had not power to resist, he plays the hypocrite, just as did the magicians, who said, This is the finger of God.
And indeed that he might not be driven away again, therefore he continued with Philip,
and did not part from him. And when the Apostles which were at Jerusalem,
etc. (v. 13, 14.) See how many things are brought about by God's Providence through the death of Stephen! (a) But they,
it says, having come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost: for as yet He was fallen upon none of them. Then laid they their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:15-17 Do you see that it was not to be done in any ordinary manner, but it needed great power to give the Holy Ghost? For it is not all one, to obtain remission of sins, and to receive such a power. (b) By degrees it is, that those receive the gift. It was a twofold sign: both the giving to those, and the not giving to this man. Whereas then this man ought, on the contrary, to have asked to receive the Holy Ghost, he, because he cared not for this, asks power to give It to others. And yet those received not this power to give: but this man wished to be more illustrious than Philip, he being among the disciples! (a) He offered them money.
(v. 18, 19.) What? Had he seen the others doing this? Had he seen Philip? Did he imagine they did not know with what mind he came to them? (b) Your money with you to perdition
Acts 8:20: since you have not used it as it ought to be used. These are not words of imprecation, but of chastisement. To you,
he says, be it (to you): being such. As if one should say, Let it perish along with your purpose. Have you so mean conceptions of the gift of God, that you have imagined it to be altogether a thing of man? It is not this. (a) Wherefore also Peter well calls the affair a gift: You have thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Do you observe how on all occasions they are clean from money? For your heart is not right in the sight of God.
Acts 8:21 Do you see how he does all of malice? To be simple, however, was the thing needed. (b) For had it been done with simplicity, he would have even welcomed his willing mind. Do you see that to have mean conceptions of great things is to sin doubly? Accordingly, two things he bids him: Repent and pray, if haply the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
Acts 8:22 Do you see it was a wicked thought he had entertained? Therefore he says, If haply it may be forgiven you:
because he knew him to be incorrigible. (a) For I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Acts 8:23 Words of exceeding wrath! But otherwise he did not punish him: that faith may not thereafter be of compulsion; that the matter may not seem to be carried ruthlessly; that he may introduce the subject of repentance: or also, because it suffices for correction to have convicted him, to have told him what was in his heart, to have brought him to confess himself overcome (ὅ τι ἐ& 128confession that he has done wrong. Observe him, what a miscreant he is; when he was convicted, then he believed: when again he was convicted, then he became humble. Seeing his miracles,
[he was amazed,
and came over.] He thought to be able to escape detection: he thought the thing was an art: but when he had not power to defeat (ἑ λεἵν) the Apostles, * * *. (b) Again, he fears the multitude, and is afraid to deny it; and yet he might have said, I did not know: I did it in simplicity: but he was struck with dismay first by the former circumstance, that he was overcome (ὅ τι ἐ& 128wayoff, to Rome, thinking the Apostle would not soon come there.
And they, when they had testified, and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem.
Acts 8:25 Testified,
probably because of him (Simon), that they may not be deceived; that thenceforth they may be safe. Having preached,
it says, the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem.
Why do they go there again where was the tyranny of the bad, where were those most bent upon killing them? Just as generals do in wars, they occupy that part of the scene of war which is most distressed. And preached the Gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
Observe them again, how they do not (προηγουμένως) of set purpose come to Samaria, but driven by stress of persecution, just as it was in the case of Christ; and how when the Apostles go there, it is to men now believers, no longer Samaritans. But when the Apostles,
it says, which were at Jerusalem heard this, they sent unto them Peter and John. Sent
them, again, to rid them of magic. And besides, (the Lord) had given them a pattern at the time when the Samaritans believed. And in many villages,
it says, of the Samaritans, they preached the Gospel.
John 4:39 Observe how actively employed even their journeys were, how they do nothing without a purpose.
Such travels should we also make. And why do I speak of travels? Many possess villages and lands, and give themselves no concern, nor make any account of this. That baths may be provided, their revenues increased, courts and buildings erected, for this they take plenty of pains: but for the husbandry of souls, not so. When you see thorns— answer me— you cut them up, you burn, you utterly destroy them, to rid your land of the hurt thence arising. And do you see the laborers themselves overrun with thorns, and dost not cut them up, and are you not afraid of the Owner Who shall call you to account? For ought not each individual believer to build a Church, to get a Teacher, to cooperate (συναίconvert (πεῖσαι) him. By the means which are in your power, convert him; by kindness, by good offices, by gentleness, by courting (κολακεί& 139Churches: nay, sooner everything than this! Wherefore I beseech and implore, as a favor I entreat, yea as a law I lay it down, that there be no estate to be seen destitute of a Church. Tell not me, There is one hard by; there is one in the neighboring properties; the expense is great, the income not great. If you have anything to expend upon the poor, expend it there: better there than here. Maintain a Teacher, maintain a Deacon, and a sacerdotal body complete. As by a bride, whether a wife whom you take, or a daughter whom you give in marriage, so act by the Church: give her a dowry. So shall your estate be filled with blessing. For what shall not be there of all that is good? Is it a small thing, tell me, that your wine-press should be blessed; a small thing, tell me, that of your fruits God is the first to taste, and that the first fruits are there (with Him)? And then even for the peace of the laboring people this is profitable. Then as one whom they must respect, there will be the presbyter among them and this will contribute to the security of the estate. There will be constant prayers there through you (infra, note 1, p. 119) hymns and Communions through you; the Oblation on each Lord's Day. For only consider what a praise it will be, that, whereas others have built splendid tombs, to have it said hereafter: Such a one built this,
you have reared Churches! Bethink you that even until the coming of Christ you shall have your reward, who hast reared up the altars of God.
Suppose an Emperor had ordered you to build an house that he might lodge there, would you not have done everything to please him? And here now it is palace of Christ, the Church, the Church which you build. Look not at the cost, but calculate the profit. Your people yonder cultivate your field: cultivate thou their souls: they bring to you your fruits, raise thou them to heaven. He that makes the beginning is the cause of all the rest: and you will be the cause that the people are brought under Christian teaching (κατηχουμένων) both there, and in the neighboring estates. Your baths do but make the peasants less hardy, your taverns give them a taste for luxury, and yet you provide these for credit's sake. Your markets and fairs, (πανηγύρεις) on the other hand, promote covetousness. But think now what a thing it would be to see a presbyter, the moving picture of Abraham, gray-headed, girded up, digging and working with his own hands? What more pleasant than such a field! Their virtue thrives. No intemperance there, nay, it is driven away: no drunkenness and wantonness, nay, it is cast out: no vanity, nay, it is extinguished. All benevolent tempers shine out the brighter through the simplicity of manners. How pleasant to go forth and enter into the House of God, and to know that one built it himself: to fling himself on his back in his litter, and after the bodily benefit of his pleasant airing, be present both at the evening and the morning hymns, have the priest as a guest at his table, in associating with him enjoy his benediction, see others also coming there! This is a wall for his field, this its security. This is the field of which it is said, The smell of a full field which the Lord has blessed.
Genesis 27:27 If, even without this, the country is pleasant, because it is so quiet, so free from distraction of business, what will it not be when this is added to it? The country with a Church is like the Paradise of God. No clamor there, no turmoil, no enemies at variance, no heresies: there you shall see all friends, holding the same doctrines in common. The very quiet shall lead you to higher views, and receiving you thus prepared by philosophy, the presbyter shall give you an excellent cure. For here, whatever we may speak, the noise of the market drives it all out: but there, what you shall hear, you will keep fixed in your mind. You will be quite another man in the country through him: and moreover to the people there he will be director, he will watch over them both by his presence and by his influence in forming their manners. And what, I ask, would be the cost? Make for a beginning a small house (ἐ ν τάξει ναοὕ) to serve as temple. Your successor will build a porch, his successor will make other additions, and the whole shall be put to your account. You give little, and receive the reward for the whole. At any rate, make a beginning: lay a foundation. Exhort one another, vie one with another in this matter. But now, where there is straw and grain and such like to be stored, you make no difficulty of building: but for a place where the fruits of souls may be gathered in, we bestow not a thought; and the people are forced to go miles and miles, and to make long journeys, that they may get to Church! Think, how good it is, when with all quietness the priest presents himself in the Church, that he may draw near unto God, and say prayers for the village, day by day, and for its owner! Say, is it a small matter, that even in the Holy Oblations evermore your name is included in the prayers, and that for the village day by day prayers are made unto God?— How greatly this profits you for all else! It chances that certain (great) persons dwell in the neighborhood, and have overseers: now to you, being poor, one of them will not deign even to pay a visit: but the presbyter, it is likely, he will invite, and make him sit at his table. How much good results from this! The village will in the first place be free from all evil suspicion. None will charge it with murder, with theft: none will suspect anything of the kind.— They have also another comfort, if sickness befall, if death.— Then again the friendships formed there by people as they go side by side (to and from the Church) are not struck up at random and promiscuously: and the meetings there are far more pleasant than those which take place in marts and fairs. The people themselves also will be more respectable, because of their presbyter. How is it you hear that Jerusalem was had in honor in the old times above all other cities? Why was this? Because of the then prevailing religion. Therefore it is that where God is honored, there is nothing evil: as, on the contrary, where He is not honored, there is nothing good. It will be great security both with God and with men. Only, I beseech you, that you be not remiss: only may you put your hand to this work. For if he who brings out the precious from the vile,
shall be as the mouth of God
Jeremiah 15:19; he who benefits and recovers so many souls, both that now are and that shall be even until the coming of Christ, what favor shall not that person reap from God! Raise thou a garrison against the devil: for that is what the Church is. Thence as from headquarters let the hands go forth to work: first let the people hold them up for prayers, and then go their way to work. So shall there be vigor of body; so shall the tillage be abundant; so shall all evil be kept aloof. It is not possible to represent in words the pleasure thence arising, until it be realized. Look not to this, that it brings in no revenue: if thou do it at all in this spirit, then do it not at all; if you account not the revenue you get thence greater than from the whole estate beside; if you be not thus affected, then let it alone; if you do not account this work to stand you more in stead than any work beside. What can be greater than this revenue, the gathering in of souls into the threshing-floor which is in heaven! Alas, that you know not how much it is, to gain souls! Hear what Christ says to Peter, Feed My sheep.
John 21:15-17 If, seeing the emperor's sheep, or herd of horses, by reason of having no fold or stable, exposed to depredation, thou were to take them in hand, and build a fold or stables, or also provide a shepherd or herdsman to take charge of them, what would not the emperor do for you in return? Now, you gather the flock of Christ, and puttest a shepherd over them, and do you think it is no great gain you are earning? But, if for offending even one, a man shall incur so great a punishment, how can he that saves so many, ever be punished? What sin will he have thenceforth? For, though he have it, does not this blot it out? From the punishment threatened to him that offends, learn the reward of him that saves. Were not the salvation of even one soul a matter of great importance, to offend would not move God to so great anger. Knowing these things, let us apply ourselves immediately to this spiritual work. And let each invite me, and we will together help to the best of our ability. If there be three joint-owners, let them do it by each bearing his part: if but one, he will induce the others also that are near. Only be earnest to effect this, I beseech you, that in every way being well-pleasing unto God, we may attain unto the eternal blessings, by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ with Whom to the Father and the Holy Ghost together be glory, dominion, and honor, now and ever world without end. Amen.
Acts VIII. 26, 27
And the Angel of the Lord spoke unto Philip, saying, arise and go toward the south unto the way that goes down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went.
It seems to me, this (Philip) was one of the seven; for from Jerusalem he would not have gone southwards, but to the north; but from Samaria it was towards the south. The same is desert:
so that there is no fear of an attack from the Jews. And he did not ask, Wherefore? But arose and went. And, behold,
it says, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
(v. 27, 28.) High encomiums for the man, that he, residing in Ethiopia and beset with so much business, and when there was no festival going on, and living in that superstitious city, came to Jerusalem for to worship.
Great also is his studiousness, that even sitting in his chariot he read. And,
it says, the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join yourself to this chariot. And Philip ran there to him, and heard him reading the prophet Esaias, and said, Do you understand what you read? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me?
Acts 8:29-31 Observe again his piety; that though he did not understand, he read, and then after reading, examines. And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the Scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened He not His mouth: in His humiliation His judgment was taken away: and who shall declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray you, of whom speaks the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
Acts 8:32-35 Observe how it is Providentially ordered. First he reads and does not understand; then he reads the very text in which was the Passion and the Resurrection and the Gift. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what does hinder me to be baptized?
Acts 8:36 Mark the eager desire, mark the exact knowledge. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they had come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
(v. 38, 39.) But why did the Spirit of the Lord bear him away? (Hereby) the occurrence was shown to be more wonderful. Even then, the eunuch did not know him. Consequently this was done, that Philip might afterwards be a subject of wonder to him. For,
it says, he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Cæsarea.
Acts 8:40 This (Philip, therefore) was one of the seven; for there in fact he is afterwards found at Cæsarea. It was well and expedient therefore that the Spirit caught Philip away; else the eunuch would have desired to go with him, and Philip would have grieved him by declining to comply with his request, the time being not yet come. (a) But at the same time here was an encouraging assurance for them that they shall also prevail over the heathen: for indeed the high character (τὸ ἀξιόπιστον) of the (first) believers was enough to move them. If however the eunuch had stayed there, what fault could have been found? [But he knew him not]: for this is why it says, he went on his way rejoicing:
so that had he known him, he would not have been (so) delighted.
And the Angel of the Lord,
etc.
Recapitulation, Acts 8:26 (b) See Angels assisting the preaching, and not themselves preaching, but calling these (to the work). But the wonderful nature of the occurrence is shown also by this: that what of old was rare, and hardly done, here takes place with ease, and see with what frequency! (c) An eunuch,
it says, a man of great authority, under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians.
Acts 8:27 For there women bore rule of old, and this was the law among them. Philip did not yet know for whose sake he had come into the desert: (d) but what was there to hinder his learning all (these particulars) accurately, while in the chariot? Was reading the prophet Esaias.
Acts 8:28 For the road was desert, and there was no display in the matter. Observe also at what time: in the most violent heat (of the day). (e) And the Spirit said unto him.
Acts 8:29 Not now the Angel but the Spirit urges him. Why is this? Then,
the vision took place, in grosser form, through the Angel, for this is for them that are more of the body, but the Spirit is for the more spiritual. And how did He speak to him? Of course, suggested it to him. Why does not the Angel appear to the other, and bring him to Philip? Because it is likely he would not have been persuaded, but rather terrified. Observe the wisdom of Philip: he did not accuse him, not say, I know these things exactly:
did not pay court to him, and say, Blessed are you that readest.
But mark his speech, how far it is from harshness alike and from adulation; the speech rather of a kind and friendly man. Do you understand what you read?
Acts 8:30 For it was needful that he should himself ask, himself have a longing desire. He plainly intimates, that he knows that the other knew nothing: and says, Do you understand what you read?
at the same time he shows him that great was the treasure that lay therein. It tells well also, that the eunuch looked not to the outward appearance (σχἥμα) (of the man), said not, Who are you?
did not chide, not give himself airs, not say that he did know. On the contrary, he confesses his ignorance: wherefore also he learns. He shows his hurt to the physician: sees at a glance, that he both knows the matter, and is willing to teach. Look how free he is from haughtiness; the outward appearance announced nothing splendid. So desirous was he of learning, and gave heed to his words; and that saying, He that seeks, finds,
Matthew 7:8 was fulfilled in him. And,
it says, he besought Philip, that he would come up and sit with him.
Acts 8:31 Do you mark the eagerness, the longing desire? But should any say he ought to have waited for Philip (to speak), (the answer is), he does not know what is the matter: he could not in the least tell what the other was going to say to him, but supposed merely that he was about to receive some (lesson of) prophecy. And moreover, this was more respectful, that he did not draw him into his chariot, but besought him. And Philip,
we have read, ran to him, and heard him reading;
even the fact of his running, showed that he wished to say (something). And the place,
it says, of the Scripture which he read was this: As a sheep He was led to the slaughter.
Acts 8:32 And this circumstance, also, is a token of his elevated mind, (φιλοσοφίας) that he had in hand this prophet, who is more sublime than all others. Philip does not relate matters to him just as it might happen, but quietly: nay, does not say anything until he is questioned. Both in the former instance he prayed him, and so he does now, saying, I pray you of whom speaks the prophet this?
That he should at all know either that the Prophets speak in different ways about different persons, or that they speak of themselves in another person— the question betokens a very thoughtful mind. Let us be put to shame, both poor and rich, by this eunuch. Then, it says, they came to a certain water, and he said, Lo, here is water.
Acts 8:36 Again, of his own accord he requests, saying, What does hinder me to be baptized?
And see again his modesty: he does not say, Baptize me, neither does he hold his peace; but he utters somewhat midway between strong desire and reverent fear, saying, What does hinder me?
Do you observe that he has the doctrines (of faith) perfect? For indeed the Prophet had the whole, Incarnation, Passion, Resurrection, Ascension, Judgment to come. And if he shows exceeding earnestness of desire, do not marvel. Be ashamed, all you as many as are unbaptized. And,
it says, he commanded the chariot to stand still.
Acts 8:38 He spoke, and gave the order at the same moment, before hearing (Philip's answer). And when they had come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip;
Acts 8:39 in order that the occurrence might be shown to be of God; that he might not consider it to be merely man. And he went,
it says, on his way rejoicing.
(P. 121, note 2.) This hints, that he would have been grieved had he known: for the greatness of his joy, having had the Spirit also vouchsafed to him, he did not even see things present— But Philip was found at Azotus.
Acts 8:40 Great was the gain to Philip also:— that which he heard concerning the Prophets, concerning Habakkuk, concerning Ezekiel, and the rest, he saw done in his own person. Daniel 14:36; Ezekiel 3:12 Thence it appears that he went a long distance, seeing he was found at Azotus.
(The Spirit) set him there, where he was thenceforth to preach: And passing through, he preached in all the cities, until he came to Cæsarea.