Ver. 1. While Apollos was at Corinth] A mercy of God to the Church, that in Paul’s absence they should be so well provided of a preacher.
Ver. 2. Have ye received the Holy Ghost] That is, the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost in prophecy, tongues, &c., as Acts 19:6.
Ver. 3. Unto John’s baptism] That is, unto John’s doctrine sealed by baptism. This Paul shows to be nothing so, Acts 19:4. Whence Piscator collecteth that they were baptized by some of John’s disciples into John’s name, as if he had been the Christ. For that John had some such zealots about him, appears by John 3:26, &c.
Ver. 4. John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance] That is, he taught the doctrine of repentance: [See Trapp on “Ac 19:5”] It is not to be thought that those were by Paul re-baptized who were formerly baptized by John; for if that had been necessary, Christ would have baptized his disciples again: but he baptized none himself, John 4:1,2; and they baptized not themselves.
Ver. 5. They were baptized] That is, say some, they were re-baptized, because baptized before in a wrong name. Therefore Paul first catechiseth them, Acts 19:4. Others say that it was rather their renewing to their baptism than their baptism to them; and not that they took any other than that of John, but that they now began to entertain and apply it to the right intent. (Mr Lightfoot, Harm.)
Ver. 6. And prophesied] By a divine and evident inspiration they expounded the writings of the prophets, and also foretold future events.
Ver. 7. And all the men were about twelve] These twelve, being the firstfruits of this Church, were endued with extraordinary gifts to be for elders and rulers there: for these gifts were not common to all believers, as Beza well noteth.
Ver. 8. The things concerning the kingdom of God] The subject matter of his discourse were faith, righteousness, life eternal. Of these things he disputed, and so informed their judgments: and these things he persuaded, and so reduced all to practice. Lo, this is preaching. Every sound is not music; neither is every pulpit discourse, preaching.
Ver. 9. But when divers were hardened] Hardness of heart is either natural or habitual: and this again is increased either by doing (that is, by resisting the word of God), or by suffering it to pass by us without amendment of life. He departed from them and separated] So did Zuinglius and Luther separate from the Papists for like reason. It was laid to Luther’s charge that he was an apostate. Confitetur se esse apostatam, sed beatum et sanctum, qui fidem diabolo datam non servavit. An apostate he confessed himself; but one that had fallen off from the devil only. In the school of one Tyrannus] In one ancient copy it is added, “From the fifth hour to the tenth hour”: so indefatigable a preacher was Paul, a very χαλκεντερος, or iron-sides. He had a golden wit in an iron body, as one saith of Julius Scaliger.
Ver. 10. So that all they that dwelt in Asia] Which now (according to the notation of its name) became הי שׁ א Esh-jah, the fire of God: not from the fire which at first they worshipped as God; but from the fire of grace kindled upon the hearth of their hearts, and making them shine as lamps in their lives. Father Latimer, when he was demanded the reason why so much preaching and little practice? answered, Deest ignis, the fire of God is wanting, there is not a coal to warm at. It was otherwise now at Ephesus; all was on a light fire, which opened to St Paul that great door and effectual, 1 Corinthians 16:9, so that all they that dwelt in Asia were fired up to a holy contention in godliness.
Ver. 11. And God wrought special miracles] Virtutes non vulgares, not common power, yet ordinary in the infancy of the Church, but now not to be expected. Manna ceased when they came to Canaan; as if it would say, Ye need no miracles now you have means. So here.
Ver. 12. Handkerchiefs or aprons] Which having been touched by Paul’s body, became sovereign (by a miracle) to cure diseases and cast out devils.
Ver. 13. Exorcists] But of these (having no call from God, but unwarrantably emulating Paul, and yet using good words) we may say, as one doth of witches with their good prayers (as they call them, Si magicae, Deus non vult tales; si piae, non per tales. If magical, God will none of them; as if good prayers, yet because out of an evil mouth, he rejects them.)
Ver. 14. Seven sons of one Sceva] All fathers, but especially ministers, should use all utmost care that their children be well educated and instructed; and not think it sufficient to say of them as Pope Paul III did of his dissolute sea Farnesius, Haec vitia me non commonstratore didicit, He never learned it from his father.