Acts 20:32 And now, brothers, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up… It is to be observed from these words — I. THAT SANCTITY IS NO ENEMY TO CIVILITY. The apostle being about to leave them, doth not abruptly turn his back upon them. "And now, brethren." Some think that good works and good manners are inconsistent; but though Christianity pare off the luxuriant branches of courtesy, yet it doth not root it up. Civil language and a courteous carriage are, though no part of, yet an ornament to, Christianity. The holy apostle spendeth the greatest part of a chapter in courteous salutations, which he would not have done had it been either unlawful or unnecessary. II. THAT GRACE WILL TURN CIVIL COURTESY INTO SERIOUS CHRISTIANITY. The apostle does not take a bare civil farewell of them, according to the custom of most men, but solemnly takes his leave of them by commending them to the blessed God. Wicked men debase actions that are sacred, and godly men advance actions that are civil. As the iron mine gives a tincture and relish of its own nature to all the waters which run through it, making them thereby more salubrious to our bodies; so grace gives a savour and taste of its own nature and property to all actions, and thereby makes them more healthful to our souls. It sanctifieth our very salutes (Romans 16:16). III. THAT ALL CHRISTIANS ARE BRETHREN. Saints are all linked together in the bond of brotherhood. They are brethren if we consider — 1. Their relations; they have all the same Father, God (2 Corinthians 6:18). They are not only adopted, but regenerated, by the same God (John 1:12; James 1:21). They are all children of the same mother (Galatians 4:26). They suck the same breasts (Isaiah 66:11; 1 Peter 2:2); wear the same garments, and as they grow up, feed at the same table, and shall dwell together in the same house forever. 2. Their affection. The curtains of the tabernacle were joined together with loops, and so are true Christians with love; they love as brethren, seeking the good and welfare of each other. A saint's talents are not an enclosure for his private profit, but a common for the advantage of others (Psalm 122:8). Every saint is a great merchant, who hath his factors in all parts of the world, trading for him at the throne of grace. (G. Swinnock, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. |
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