And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
Ver. 19. And there came thither] The devil, when he is driven to his last shift, stirs up his instruments to use violence, which yet prevaileth not.
And having stoned Paul] At Athens, if the comedians pleased not the people, they were overwhelmed with stones. This was hard measure; yet such as ministers many times meet with. But what a strange change was here on a sudden! was there no mean between deifying and stoning? How soon turns the wind into a contrary corner! Varium et mutabile vulgus. Neutrum mode; mas mode vulgus.