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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJohn Bengel Commentary - Acts 16:13 - 16:13
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Act 16:13. Ἔξω, outside) The Jews, either by their own wish or that of others (the nations among whom they sojourned), used to hold their meetings removed away from the Gentiles.-παρὰ ποταμὸν, by a river side) Often sacred rites were performed, and temples were built, near waters. This was convenient for purification of the body. Even independently of this cause, a shore, or land near water, is more suitable and pleasant as a place of meeting, than the middle of an open plain.-ἐνομίζετο) That νομίζεται, which is a matter of law, right, or custom.-προσευχὴ, prayer) Neither the house, nor the act of praying, is here signified, but the ordinance: Act 16:16. There a meeting used to be held for the sake of prayer; whether there was a building there, or not. As to the house of the synagogue meeting, it is not said, οὗ ἐιομίζετο συιαγωγὴ εἶναι.-καθίσαντες, having sat down) They did not at once betake themselves to teaching.-γυναιξὶ, unto the women) If other men had been present to address them, Paul would not immediately have begun to speak: ch. Act 13:14-15 [In the synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia, he waited until he was called on by the rulers of the synagogue].