Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJohn Bengel Commentary - Acts 2:9 - 2:9
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Act 2:9. Πάρθοι, Parthians) There is no doubt but that these Jews of all nations, who moreover were dwelling at Jerusalem, knew Hebrew; wherefore this variety of tongues [addressed to them instead of the usual Hebrew, which they no doubt would have understood], a thing unheard of in the Old Testament, indicates that the Gospel was about to come (extend) to all nations in their own tongues. Furthermore, the series in which the peoples are enumerated, seems to denote the order partly of the geographic position, partly of the conversion, of these nations. First in order are placed the posterity of Shem, next those of Japhet, also those of Ham; those from Asia, Africa, Europe, and again Asia. The nation of the Parthians, at that time eminent in power, is placed first.-οἱ κατοικοῦντες) we who dwell or who were dwelling. By the employment of this participle the naming of the nations which follow becomes more convenient.-Ἰουδαίαν, Judea) The dialect of which differed from that of Galilee, Act 2:7. Thus also a miracle was being given to the native Jews. Augustine reads Armenia: and it lies between Mesopotamia and Cappadocia: but we may suppose, that the ancient tongue of the Armenians is probably included under that of some other nation here mentioned.[10]-ΤῊΝ ἈΣΊΑΝ, Asia) Asia strictly so called. The article [which does not occur before Ἰουδαίαν,-ΠΌΝΤΟΝ] forms an Epitasis [See Append.], so as that there may be denoted the region the most remote towards the west.
[10] Jerome reads Syriam. But his Vulgate and the oldest authorities read Ιουδαίαν.-E. and T.