Original Commentary on Acts

J. W. McGarvey's superb commentary on the Acts of the Apostles is an example of New Testament analysis and discussion accomplished with expertise, scholarship and lucidity.

A longtime scholar of the Bible, J. W. McGarvey was struck by the lack of a reliable and authoritative readings of the Book of Acts. Such an important work of Christian history (Acts relates the early spread of the Christian faith through the Roman Empire and beyond) had not received an organized and sequential analysis explaining to readers.

The overarching message of Acts is simply that the reason followers of Jesus Christ created an entirely new church distinct from Judaism, is that the Jewish priesthood and temple rejected his teachings and principles. The book depicts a time of rapid change; the legal distinctions of Judaism and Christianity are discussed by St. Luke, as is the apparent contradiction of the Jews rejecting a messiah who was himself born a Jew.

This commentary is perfect for referring to alongside one's Bible at a steady pace, so as to absorb the insights and thoughts of the author while remaining familiar with the exact text. Although J. W. McGarvey's rich and deep style makes swift progress difficult, his knowledge of the Bible and of the historical epoch behind Acts is beyond any doubt. The account of Jesus's teachings being refuted by the Jews, and their subsequent introduction to the Gentiles by way of St. Peter's efforts and speeches, are analyzed.

The book's layout is logical; each chapter corresponds to the relevant portion of Acts. With some frequency, the author appends notes which quote other portions of the Bible, cross-referencing the words of the Gospels and other books with consistency. Although dating to the 1870s, and followed by many more commentaries, McGarvey's effort to explain the words and principles of Acts are recommended by established members of the priesthood to this day.

J. W. McGarvey taught theology and Biblical history to aspiring priests for over forty years in the mid-to-late 19th century. He was active in the Restoration Movement of his time, and also had much experience preaching. A critic of Liberal Christianity and higher criticism, McGarvey found himself in disagreement with many but remained steadfast in his views; he defended the Bible from critiques on many occasions until his death in 1911.