John Bengel Commentary - Acts 2:19 - 2:19

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John Bengel Commentary - Acts 2:19 - 2:19


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Act 2:19. Τέρατα, prodigies [‘wonders’]) Judgments on the wicked accompany great revelations of grace: Num 14:20, etc. [Caleb and the unbelieving Israelites]; Jude Act 2:5, “The Lord having saved the people out of-Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not:” and the sure and immediate recompense of the wicked admonishes men to receive the proffered grace. [There is a continued effusion of the Holy Spirit, though it be accomplished in different ways.-V. g.]-ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, in the heaven) Concerning the prodigies in heaven, see Act 2:20.-ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, upon the earth) Concerning the prodigies on the earth, there follows immediately the account in this verse, by Chiasmus. Such signs were exhibited before the passion of Christ, which are mentioned in Act 2:22 : but they are so described as that there are included with them those signs which were shown at the actual time of His passion and resurrection, as also at the destruction of Jerusalem; but especially those signs which shall precede the last day: Mat 24:29, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,” etc. Prophecy, however remote from the last times, comprises all things summarily and in one comprehensive glance. So altogether (evidently) the clause of Malachi (with which comp. Mat 11:13-14, note; Act 17:11-12, note) looks directly to the coming of John the Baptist, and the mention of the terrible day of the Lord, the last day, is incidentally subjoined and connected with that clause.-αἷμα, blood) slaughter and wars.-πῦρ, fire) Conflagrations.-ἀτμίδα καπνοῦ, vapour of smoke) Thick smoke ends in a subtle vapour.