The disciples were called. ‘They did not assume the name themselves. It occurs in only three passages in the New Tes- tament: here; ch. xxvi. 28; and 1 Pet. iv. 16; and only in the last-named passage is used by a Christian of a Christian. The name was evidently not given by the Jews of Antioch, to whom Christ was the interpretation of Messiah, and who would not have bestowed that name on those whom they despised as apostates. The Jews designated the Christians as Vazarenes (Acts xxiv. 5), a term of contempt, because it was a proverb that nothing good could come out of Nazareth (John i. 47). The name was probably not assumed by the disciples them- selves; for they were in the habit of styling each other be- lievers, disciples, saints, brethren, those of the way. It, doubt- less, was bestowed by the Gentiles. Some suppose that it was
*The Rev, Samuel Cox’s application of the word to Christians, as making Christianity the daily business of their lives, is forced (Biblical Expositions, p. 841).
Cu. XIL] THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 507
applied as a term of ridicule, and cite the witty and sarcastic character of the people of Antioch, and their notoriety for in- venting names of derision ; but this is doubtful. The name may have been given ee as a distinctive title, naturally chosen from the recognized and avowed devotion of the dis- ciples to Christ as their leader. The Antiochenes mistook the nature of the name, not understanding its use among the dis- ciples as an official title—the Anointed—but using it as a per- sonal name, which they converted into a party name.
27. Prophets. See on Luke vii. 26. 28. The world. See on Luke ii. 1.
29. According to his ability (ka9a@>s ydzopetro tis). Lit., according as any one of them was prospered. ‘The verb is from eUTOpOS, easy to pass or travel through ; and the idea of pros- perity is therefore conveyed under the figure of an easy and favorable jour ney. The same idea appears in our farewell ; fare meaning originally to travel. Hence, to bid one farewell is to wish him a prosperous journey. Compare God-speed. So the idea here might be rendered, as each one fared well.
To send relief (eis Svaxoviay méurypa). Lit., to send for ministry. CHAPTER XII.
1. That time (éxeivov tov xarpov). More correctly, that gwnct- ure. See onch.i. 7. The date is a.p. 44.
Herod the king. Called also Agrippa, and commonly known as Herod Agrippa L., the grandson of Herod the Great.
Stretched forth his hands (é7éBanev tas yetpas). Lit., laid on his hands. The A. V. is wrong, and so is the Rev. Ren- der, laid hands on certain of the church to afflict them.
508 WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. (Cu. XII.
Vex (xaxaoar). Vex is used in the older and stronger sense of torment or oppress. See Exod. xxii. 21; Num. xxv. 17; Matt. xv. 22. Its modern usage relates rather to petty annoy- ances. Rev., better, afflict.
2. Killed—with the sword. While the martyrdom of Stephen is described at length, that of James, the first martyr among the apostles, is related in two words.
3. He proceeded to take (mpocéSeto ovAdaBeiv). Rev., seize. Lit., he added to take. A Webrew form of expression. Compare Luke xix. 11, he added and spake; Luke xx. 12, again he sent a third ; lit., he added to send.
4. Quaternions. A quaternion was a body of four sol- diers; so that there were sixteen guards, four for each of the four night-watches.
The passover. The whole seven days of the feast.
Bring him forth (avayayety adrov). Lit., lead him up ; ie, to the elevated place where the tribunal stood, to pronounce sentence of death before the people. See John xix. 13.
5. Without ceasing (é«revns). Wrong. The word means earnest. See on fervently, 1 Pet. i. 22; and compare instantly, Acts xxvi. 7; more earnestly, Luke xxii. 44; fervent, 1 Pet. iv. 8. The idea of contenwance is, however, expressed here by the finite verb with the participle. Very literally, prayer was arising earnest.