Acts 19:18

“And many that believed, etc.] In Jesus Christ, whose name was spoken of with great respect, and which spread fear in every person: came; to the apostle: and confessed; their sins; and acknowledged what a wicked life they had led: and showed their deeds; their former evil deeds, which they had been guilty of; one copy reads, “their sins”; (see <400306>Matthew 3:6).”

“many that believed came and confessed . . . their deeds--the dupes of magicians, &c., acknowledging how shamefully they had been deluded, and how deeply they had allowed themselves to be implicated in such practices.”

“Their deeds - Their actions; their evil course of life. The direct reference here is to the magical arts which had been used, but the word may also be designed to denote “iniquity” in general. They who make a profession of religion will be willing to confess their transgressions, and no man can have evidence that he is truly renewed who is not willing to confess as well as to forsake his sins, Romans 10:10; Proverbs 28:13, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall find mercy.” return to 'Top of Page'”

“Many came confessing - Of their own accord, and openly declaring their deeds - The efficacy of God's word, penetrating the inmost recesses of their soul, wrought that free and open confession to which perhaps even torments would not have compelled them. Acts 19:19”

“confessed: Lev 16:21, Lev 26:40; Job 33:27, Job 33:28; Psa 32:5; Pro 28:13; Jer 3:13; Eze 16:63, Eze 36:31; Mat 3:6; Rom 10:10; Jo1 1:9 Acts 19:19”