A Popular Commentary on the New Testament, vol. 2: The Gospel of John & the Acts of the Apostles

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1880 Excerpt: ...fixes his earnest gaze on him, to discover if he were worthy of the glorious gift of health he had to bestow. Ver. 5. And he gave heed unto them. The sufferer, perhaps surprised at this unusual notice from a passer-by, gazed up at Peter and John with rapt attention (the Greek word is far stronger than the linglish equivalent), knowing he was about to receivesome kindness, he knew not what, from these holy men, whom doubtless he knew well by sight, having often seen them go up to the Temple. Ver. 6. Then Peter said. Recognising from something he could read in that face, marked by years of suffering and want, that here was true faith. Silver and gold have I none: but such as I have give I thee. Centuries after, Cornelius a Lapide beautifully relates how Thomas Aquinas once came to Pope Innocent IV. at a moment when the pontiff had before him a great treasure of gold. 'See,Thomas,' said Innocent, 'see, theChurch can no more say as it did in those first days, "Silver andgoldhavelnone."' 'True, holy father,' replied Thomas Aquinas, 'but the Church of the present day can hardly say to a lame man what the Church of the first days said, "Arise and walk"' (Cornelius a Lapide, quoted by Wordsworth). Peter and his companions in the Church of Jerusalem were compelled literally to comply with their Master's injunction (Matt. x. 9), 'Provide neither gold nor silver in your purses.' The community of pos sessions, a state of things which prevailed then generally (though not universally) in the city, had the effect of producing an ever-increasing poverty among the brethren. The Golden Gate (Exterior). In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. When their Master performed a miracle, His language was that of direct command, as in Luke v. 24...