And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
And they prayed. If Peter was the speaker here also-as seems probable from the expressions used-the change from the singular to the plural is worthy of notice ("they prayed," not 'he prayed'); showing that, whereas before they were listeners to him, this prayer was the act of the whole assembly, only by one mouth.
And said, Thou, Lord, х Su (G4771) Kurie (G2962)]. 'The word "Lord," placed absolutely, denotes in the New Testament almost universally THE SON' (as Olshausen correctly remarks); and the words, "show whom thou hast chosen," are decisive. For the apostles are just Christ's messengers-it is He that sends them, and of Him it is that they bear witness. Here, therefore, we have the first example of a prayer offered to the exalted Redeemer, furnishing indirectly the strongest proof of his divinity.
Which knowest the hearts of all men. Compare with this the thrice-repeated words of Peter to this same Lord but a few weeks before, John 21:15-17 (a confirmation of our conclusion that this prayer was uttered by him); also John 2:24-25, and Revelation 2:23.
Show whether of these two thou hast chosen, х hon (G3739) exelexoo (G1586) ek (G1537) is the true order] - for though both possessed equally, perhaps, the qualifications demanded, only He who knew the heart could tell which was the worthier to fill so important an office.