A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles #266118

This exegetical Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles has occupied the attention of the writer for several years. Being engaged in the pastoral oversight of a tolerably populous parish, he has of course been able to devote to it only a limited portion of time; but he has not ventured on its publication without a careful consultation of all the authorities, both English and German, within his reach.<br><br>The Acts of the Apostles is distinguished from the other books of the New Testament by this important peculiarity, that it comes much in contact with many well-known facts of the ancient world, and thus admits of many illustrations from external sources of information. The Epistles treat chiefly of Christian doctrine and practice, and for the most part can only be explained and illustrated by internal criticism and mutual comparison. The scene of the Gospel narratives, on the other hand, is almost wholly confined to the narrow limits of Palestine, and profane history can therefore afford very little assistance in their study. But the Acts of the Apostles touches at every point on the history of the world. Countries and cities renowned in ancient times were visited by Paul and his companions; and persons who played an important part in the history of the world have also their places in the history of the church.