brethren be ye stedfast unmoveable alwaies abounding in the work of the Lord for as much as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Paraphrase 58. These are arguments sufficient to teach any Christian constancy and perseverance in doing and suffering God's will and to oblige him to the utmost industry and diligence in the service of God knowing that nothing that we thus undergoe shall fail of receiving a reward Annotations on Chap. XV. V. 7. Seen of James What is here said of Christs appearance unto James is not mentioned in the Gospels yet is it by S. Jerome mentioned from the tradition of the Church and that presently after his resurrection before those other appearances which are here mentioned before it which if it be true it is necessary that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be not rendred afterward but either as an Ordinal of dignity not of time or as a form of numbring up several times without exact observation of the order of them then besides or in the next place as the word is used in this Epistle c. 12. 28. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 where nothing of order is considered Now what James this was is affirmed by S. Hierome also that James the brother of our Lord whom he calls the thirteenth Apostle styled James the Just saith Eusebius l. 2. c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and saith he reckoned by S. Paul among the special witnesses of the resurrection James the known Bishop of Jerusalem whom therefore some of the antients affirm to have been constituted Bishop there by Christ himself at this appearance of his unto him see Jerome in Catal. and on Gal. c. 1. Epiph. Haer. 78. Greg. Turonons l. 1. c. 17. Chrysostome Hom. 1. on the Acts Theophyl on 1 Cor. 15. 7. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He was seen by James the brother of the Lord constituted by him the first Bishop of Jerusalem So Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople Epist 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 James the first of High-priests or Bishops who by the Lords hand received the holy unction and Bishoprick of Jerusalem What is thus said of his being constituted Bishop by Christ is by others said to have been done by Christ and the Apostles Euseb l. 17. c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 James the first Bishop of Jerusalem received it from Christ himself and the Apostles by others from the Apostles immediately So Eusebius from Clem. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 l. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He saith that Peter and James and John after the assumption of Christ as being the men that were most favoured by Christ did not contend for the honour but chose James the Just to be Bishop of Jerusalem So before Clemens Hegesippus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Euseb l. 2. c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or as others read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 After this manner did the brother of the Lord James called by all men the Just receive the Church of Jerusalem from the Apostles And that this was done the first year after the death of Christ is the affirmation of Eusebius in Chronico p. 43. which makes it out of question that this was the James that is mentioned Act. 12. 17. when Peter being delivered out of prison commands word to be carried to James and the brethren that is the Bishop and the believers there And thence is it that he is called an Apostle Gal. 1. 19. and Act. 15. 6 and 22. the Apostles came together and It seemed good to the Apostles so saith Theodoret 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. Those whom they now call Bishops they called Apostles bringing this for a proof of his affirmation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so the Apostles wrote from Jerusalem to those in Antioch And this is the reason that in this his Church of Jerusalem James is set before Peter and John Gal. 2. 9. and is said to give the right hand of fellowship to Paul and Barnabas and accordingly Paul assoon as he comes to Jerusalem persently goes in to James Act. 21. 18. And this is the James that wrote the Epistle and is called James the Apostle in the Inscription of the Epistle though in the beginning of it he style himself a servant of Jesus Christ See Note b. on the Inscription of that Epistle V. 8. Born out of due time The full importance of this phrase 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may best be taken from a proverbial from among the Romans begun in Augustus's time It is from Suetonius taken notice of by Baronius An. Chr. 44. n. 74. but somewhat misrepresented The words of Suetonius lye thus in the life of Augustus c. 35. Erant super mille senatores quidâ—m indignissimi post necem Caesaris per gratiam praemium allâ—cti quos Abortivos vulgus vocabat There were at that time an enormous number of Senators above a thousand and some of them most unworthy of that dignity having after the death of Caesar by favour and bribery gotten to be elected These the multitude proverbially styled Abortives To this proverbial styâ—e of reproach S. Paul in great humility seems here to refer making his own election into the Apostleship parallel to the choice and admission of those supernumerary unworthy persons into the Senate viz. that he like them was none of the regular number of the Twelve none of those first taken in in Christs life time no way worthy to be an Apostle 〈◊〉 having persecuted the Church of Christ v. 19. and yet by Christs grace and special favour called and admitted to this dignity by the grace of God I am what I am v. 10. and in thâ—se so many respects fit to be look'd on in his own opinion of himself as they were reproachfully by the people viz. as an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an untimely birth which consequently hath not those full dimensions which those children are born with who have staid in the wombe their full time to which most aptly agrees that which followes v. 9. as the reason of this expression for I am the least of the Apostles as the Abortive is the least of children And this is still but proportionable to what he every where when he speaks of himself is forward to say calling himself the greatest or chief of sinners lesse than the least of all Saints and attributing all to the superabundant mercy and grace of God that he so unworthy was thus vouchsafed and dignified by Christ V. 29. For the dead 'T is to little purpose to set down the several interpretations of this place see Justâ—ll in Cod. Can. Eccl. Vniversae p. 173. This which hath been set down in the paraphrase is most natural rendring 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for answerable to the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 For the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the dead is but the title in brief of that grand Article of the Creed that of the resurrection of
which will be an occasion to them to reject and sin against my doctrine goe and cast an angle into the lake and the first fish which thou catchest when thou openest his mouth thou shalt in it find a piece of money worth two shillings sixpence which makes two didrachmes or head-mony for two persons Annotations on Chap. XVII V. 10. Elias must first come By this question of the three Apostles made unto Christ at his coming down from the mount may be collected what was the prime matter of the discourse betwixt him and Moses and Elias v. 3. For that their question should referre to Christs resurrection from the dead incidentally mentioned v. 9. is not possible because the Scribes did not beleive that the Messias should die or rise nor consequently that Elias should come before that Of this discourse what was the subject matter of it there is nothing said either in this Gospel or in that of Saint Marke but only this that the disciples asked him saying Why then say the Scribes that Elias must first come By the Scribes are here meant their Doctors of the Law those that were skilfull not onely in the Law but in the doctrine of the whole old Testament and so of the Prophets among whom Mal. 4. 5. they found that Elias was to come before a set time or period that is before the great and dreadful day of the Lord This therefore being it that was asserted by the Scribes the great and dreadful day of the Lord the thing before which said they Elias must first come and the Disciples question Why then do they say that Elias must first come being an objection against what they had heard discoursed of in the mount it necessarily follows that that which was discoursed of in the mount was the approaching of that great and dreadfull day of the Lord. Now what is meant by this great dreadfull day of the Lord appears by the first 2 d 3 d verses of that Chapt. Behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven all the proud yea all that doe wickedly shall be as stubble and the day that cometh shall burn them up that it shall leave them neither root nor branch But unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousnesse arise with healing in his wings and ye shall goe forth and grow as calves of the stall and ye shall tread down the wicked for they shall be as ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall doe this saith the Lord of hosts What was the ultimate completion of this Prophecy and of the like Joel 2. 11 22 23 33. though Elias be not mentioned there is clear enough the eradication of the wicked obstinate Jews v. 1. and the delivery and preservation of all the humble faithful penitents out of that destruction v. 2. together with the advantages that should come to the faithful by that means as from a victory over enemies and persecutors v. 3. So in Joel the fire devoureth before and the flame consumeth behinde the land from a garden of Eden becomes a desolate wildernesse yea and nothing shall escape them v. 3. and much more to the same purpose noting the utter destruction of the Jews and then Fear not O land be glad and rejoyce for the Lord will doe great things v. 21. Be not afraid v. 22. be glad ye children of Sion v. 23. and ye shall eat in plenty and be satisfied and praise the name of the Lord that hath dealt wondrously with you and my people shall never be ashamed v. 26. And it shall come to passe that whosoever cals upon the name of the Lord shall be delivered for in mount Sion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance as the Lord hath said and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call These two then being the parts of that great and dreadfull day the destruction of the unbeleiving Jewes that stood out and persecuted and crucified Christ and Christians and the rescue of a remnant the persevering beleivers and John Baptist being the Prophet sent into the wildernesse like Elias to foretell this destruction and to preach Repentance for the averting of it there is little reason of doubting but that that Prophecy of Malachy was exactly thus fulfilled and that consequently this was the matter of the discourse of Elias and Moses with Christ though as in a vision somewhat obscurely and darkly delivered upon which the Disciples discerning this to be the day spoken of by Malachy but not discerning that Elias was yet come and so that that precedaneous part was yet fulfilled ask Christ this question why then 't is resolved on by all that Elias must first come first that is before this great and terrible day of the Lord which they now heard was approaching and had nothing to say against it but the known Scripture-prediction that Elias was first to â—ome That which hath been thus explained from this advantage of the Disciples question is indeed the very same with what Saint Luke the onely one of the four Evangelists that mentions any thing of this discourse of Elias and Moses with Christ relates of it c. 9. 31. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they related his exodus or going out which he should accomplish at Jerusalem which that it agrees perfectly with what hath here been said see Note on Luke 9. c. and 2. Pet. 1. c. And for this discourse Elias indeed and Moses were fit persons to be brought in in a vision to deliver it because Elias was he that call'd fire from heaven upon the enemies of God and so might fitly represent the destruction of enemies and Moses beside the destructions wrought on the Aegyptians and Pharaoh deliver'd the Israelites out of that thraldome and persecution indured there and so was fitly chosen to represent the deliverance and rescue of true patient persevering beleivers V. 11. Restore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the word here used is rendred by Hesychius and Phavorinus to finish or perfect 'T is true indeed the ordinary books read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but that is a false reading as it is evident by that which it immediately follows 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the substantive signifies perfection completion According to this notation of the word this would be the importance of the place he shall finish or perform establish settle all things both perform all that was prophesied of Elias at his coming and cloze and shut up the first state of the world that of the Mosaical oeconomy making entrance as an harbinger on the second that of the Messias In this sense it is that it is said that the law and the Prophets were untill John noting him to be the conclusion and shutting up finishing and closing that state and that was to be the office of Elias under whose name John was prefigured And thus the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 clearly signifies Acts 3. 21. the establishing setling completing or fulfilling
Cor. 1. 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 though not dignified so farre as to be his Apostles yet to be his servants or Christians and c. 8. 21. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 either in proportion to 2 Tim. 1. 9. they that are thus loved and favoured by God out of his special grace or according to S. Cyrill of Jerusalem his notion of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in his Preface to his Catechismes they that are come in to the faith of Christ not only bodily as Simon Magus but in sincere purpose and resolution of mind see Note on Rom. 8. 28. So 1 Cor. 1. 24. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the called being opposed to infidel Jews and Greeks are servants followers of Christ so Jude 1. the word is used absolutely and Substantively 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to them that are called that is to the Saints or Christians sanctified by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ Having gone thus farre there are only three places behind Two are those in which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is set in opposition to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 here and c. 22. 14. In this place 't is clear that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 belongs to the notion of retaining unto Christ entring into his service in the vineyard and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to some special excellence or diligence there to which reward is consequent Nay 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may referre to the favour of being call'd before others preferred before others in that respect when others lie idle a great while because they are not call'd v. 7. But 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 such as to whom God hath awarded the hire or reward which we see was by God who rewards every man according to his actions or workes awarded as plentifully to them that came in late to the vineyard as to those that came in earlyest and that signifies that they coming in late laboured more for the time then the other did nay very many of those that were first call'd viz. the Jews came not in at all and so were not all capable of that reward And in both respects 1. of them that being call'd first were yet exceeded in diligence and so overcome by those that came later and 2. of those that forsook their own mercy it is there said that many are the called but the chosen few and the last shall be first and the first last those that had been vouchsafed earlyer mercies greater graces for the obtaining salvation called before others to the Gospel nay perhaps allowed higher revelations here are not yet found capable of higher rewards greater degrees of glory hereafter And the reason is because though not this of Gods vocation which is free yet that other mercy of eternal reward is dispensed secundùm opera according to proportion to that use that is made of that grace of vocation that is to every man according to his works So in the second place Matth. 22. 14. the called are those to whom the first graces are given of inviting and calling to Christ v. 3. 4. and yet farther of bringing in to that spiritual feast v. 10. but then those that were invited and did not at all come in and so were not worthy v. 8. that is capable of the farther grace of reward or reception there and he that coming in came without the wedding garment that due reformation and change of mind required of him in obedience to that call were not allowed those higher vouchsafements but even those which they had taken from them and they punished for the abuse of them cast into utter darknesse where there is crying out c. The last place Apoc. 17. 14. is very remarkable where 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 called chosen faithful are set down either as all one or else as divers degrees of Christians and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the last or highest 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 reteiners to Christ or to the faith of Christ then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 those that had lived like such that had not in vain received the Gospel 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the faithful servants that continued faithful unto death performed all the trusts that God had reposed in them By what hath been thus shortly said may be discerned what probably is the meaning of this word in the several places in the New Testament which here once for all was not amisse to have mentioned Of the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 see Note on 1 Pet. 2. c. V. 29. In this place after v. 28. there is a large addition in the ancient Greek and Latine MS. thus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 either miswritten for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 But doe yee seek to encrease from a little and from the more to lessen But when ye enter and are invited to supper lie not down in the most eminent places lest a more honourable then thou come in and he that made the invitation come and say unto thee Get thee lower and thou be put to shame But if thou lie along in the inferior place and one inferior then thou come then he that made the invitation shall say to thee Come up higher and this shall be for thy advantage That some such thing was spoken by Christ upon some occasion appears by Luke 14. 8. And of this there is no other mention in this Gospel unlesse it be here CHAP. XXI 1. AND when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem and were come to Bethphage unto the mount of olives then sent Jesus two disciples 2. Saying unto them Goe into the village over against you and straightway yee shall finde an asse tyed and a colt with her loose them and bring them unto me Paraphrase 2. the foale of the asse Mar. 11. 2. and Lu. 19. 30. 1. see c. 26. 8. and c. 27. 44. 3. And if any man say ought unto you ye shall say The Lord hath need of them and straightway he will send them 4. All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophet saying 5. Tell ye the daughter of Sion Behold Thy King cometh unto thee meek sitting upon an asse and a colt the foale of an asse Paraphrase 4 5. Thus Christ roade not for any wearinesse having gone formerly through all Palestine on foot and this being now a small journey from mount Olivet to Jerusalem but thereby by using this that belonged to Judges Speak you that ride on white asses to signifie his approbation of those due acclamations which he knew would that day be given him v. 8. as to the Messias that so the prophecy Isa 62. 11. and Zach. 9. 9. might be accomplish'd wherein we read That the King of the Jews the Messias should come riding upon an asses foale which though it were a meek was yet also a royall gesture or ceremony 6. And the Disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them 7. And brought the Asse
THE APOSTLE TO THE note a COLOSSIANS COlossae was a city in Phrygia not farre from Laodicea and Hierapolis in the Lydian or Proconsular Asia To these S. Paul had not personally preached the Gospel nor so much as been among them c. 2. 1. but had sent Epaphras his disciple to them and he had converted them to the Faith c. 1. 7. This Epaphras was at the writing of this Epistle from Rome about the year of Christ 59. a fellow-prisoner of S. Paul there Philem. 23. And by him as an eye-witnesse and principal actor in it S. Paul being advertised of the reception of Christianity among them and the agreeablenesse of their actions to their faith sends them this Epistle of consolation to strengthen and confirm them and the tenure and subject and oft-times the expressions of it is much what the same as that to the Ephesians had been and we may thence conclude it to have been written neer upon the same time with that CHAP. I. 1. PAUL an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God and Timotheus our brother 2. To the faints and faithfull brethren in Christ which are at Colosse Grace be unto you and peace from God our father and from the Lord Jesus Christ 3. We give thanks to God and the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ praying alwaies for you Paraphrase 3. We constantly render God thanks for you that by his grace ye have embraced the Gospel of his son Jesus Christ and in all our offices of devotion we remember you in our prayers 4. Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which ye have to all the saints Paraphrase 4. To which we are the more incited by hearing the news as of your faith so of your charity also and liberality extended to the Christians every where 5. For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the Gospel Paraphrase 5. That being an effect of your Christian hope which being fastened on a rich treasure in heaven the reward of all your good works makes you very liberal of your earthly treasure and that is fully agreeable to the doctrine of the Gospel of Christ Mat 6. 20. 6. Which is come unto you as it is in all the world and bringeth forth fruit as it doth also in you since the day ye heard of it and * knew the grace of God in truth Paraphrase 6. Which Gospel as it hath been preached and brings forth this fruit among you and hath done so from the time of the first preaching of it see note on Heb. 13. d. so all the world over where it is preached and received into honest hearts it brings forth the same fruit and by doing so attracts multitudes to the profession 7. As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow-servant who is for you a faithfull minister of Christ Paraphrase 7. This indeed was according to that doctrine preached to you by Epaphras whom we sent to publish the Gospel unto you and he hath faithfully discharged his duty toward you 8. Who also declared unto us your love in the spirit Paraphrase 8. And hath given me an account of your ready receiving the faith and the the effect of that your Christian charity 9. For this cause we also since the day we heard it doe not cease to pray for you and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdome and spiritual understanding Paraphrase 9. abound to all perfection of divine knowledge both in understanding the mysteries of Christianity and in ordering and regulating your lives according to the rules thereof 10. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing being fruitfull in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God Paraphrase 10. That your behaviour may be such as is agreeable to the divine promises and precepts of the Gospel perfectly such as God will accept of upon all occasions bringing forth the fruit of Christian living and by that means daily increasing in divine knowledge which as it is it selfe the practice of all vertue so doth it by daily action grow into a habit every day more perfect and complete 11. Strenghned with all might according to his glorious power unto all patience and long sufferance with joyfulness Paraphrase 11. To which it is consequent that through the grace and divine power of God ye shall be enabled to continue to the end and bear whatever afflictions and persecutions ye meet with in your Christian course not onely patiently but cheerfully 12. Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light Paraphrase 12. And even acknowledging it with thanksgiving as a special mercy and favour of Gods that hath enabled us to bear persecutions and afflictions and so to have our part in that inheritance which is allowed Christians under the Gospel that is to be persecuted here and rewarded eternally 13. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdome of his dear son Paraphrase 13. That God I say who hath rescued you from a state of ignorance and heathenisme and made you heires of everlasting glory to which he will bring you in the same method and manner as he hath brought his own dearest son who was first crucified then glorified 14. In whom we have redemption through his blood even the forgiveness of sinnes Paraphrase 14. Through whom we have pardon of sin purchased his death and so are redeemed out of the power of Satan and made capable of a resurrection unto life 15. Who is the image of the invisible God the note a first-born of every creature Paraphrase 15. In whom God who is invisible is to be seen and his will clearly declared by the Gospel so that he that seeth him seeth the Father Joh. 149. and who being first raised out of the grave and assumed to heaven as the first begotten from the dead v. 18. hath all power given unto him by right of inheritance as dominion is the birthright of the first-born 16. For by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth visible and invisible whether they be note b thrones or dominions or principalities or powers all things were created by him and for him Paraphrase 16. And this very agreeably he being that eternall Word by whom saith the Psalmist were the heavens made and all the creatures in the world both those which are to be seen being corporeal and those which being spiritual as Angels souls of men cannot be seen all these I say what degree soever they are of they were all by him created and therefore are in reason to serve him as the Lord of all 17. And he is before all things and by him all things consist Paraphrase 17. And he hath an eternal being
sounds literally such as are the special kinds of ornament wherein one is set out most pompoâ—sly and magnificently so as vain glorious persons adorn themselves CHAP. III. 1. WHerefore when we could no longer forbear we thought it good to be left at Athens alone Paraphrase 1. And therefore being no longer able to bear the want and desire of seeing or hearing of you I resolved to deprive my self of Timothies company and to stay alone at Athens a City in Greece 2. And sent Timotheus our brother and minister of God and our fellow-labourer in the Gospel of Christ to establish you and to comfort you concerning your faith Paraphrase 2. To settle you in the doctrine of the Gospel which we had planted among you and to comfort you against all the tribulations which were befallen you for the profession of the faith of Christ 3. That no man should be moved by these afflictions for your selves know that we are appointed thereunto Paraphrase 3. To keep you from being discouraged or falling off by reason of these afflictions by putting you in mind of what I am sure you know already that this is to be looked for by all true believers the Gospel being the covenant of the Crosse and so nothing in it strange that God should determine to permit and not to restrain the malice of wicked men but leave Christians to be exercised by them 4. For verily when we were with you we told you before that we should suffer tribulation even as it came to passe and ye know Paraphrase 4. For of this at our first preaching the Gospel to you we advertised you that afflictions are the Christians portion And it hath accordingly come to passe and so you have the experimental knowledge of it 5. For this cause when I could no longer forbear I sent to know your faith lest by some means the tempter have note a tempted you and our labour be in vain Paraphrase 5. And therefore the occasion of our late sending of Timothy was to see whether you continued constant or whether the devil and the world bringing persecutions upon you for the faith had wrought upon you by those temptations and so all our labour in planting the faith were cast away and lost upon you 6. But now when Timothy came from you unto us and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity and that ye have good remembrance of us always desiring greatly to see us as we also to see you Paraphrase 6. And now he at his return telling us that joyfull news of your constancy in the faith and of your love to God casting out all fear of persecution and that your kindnesse to me continues and that you are as desirous to see me as I to visit you 7. Therefore brethren we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distresse by your faith Paraphrase 7. This was matter of extrem joy to us in the midst of our afflictions or in the midst of yours that though the Gospel had brought persecution and distresse upon you yet you continue faithfull and constant in despight of all 8. For now we note b live if ye stand fast in the Lord. Paraphrase 8. For whatsoever befall us we have matter of exceding joy Joh. 14. 19. such as if a man should return to life again see Psal 22. v. 26. 9. For what thanks can we render to God again for you for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before God 10. Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face might perfect that which is lacking in your faith Paraphrase 10. once more be able to visit you and complete or fill up those things which are necessary to your faith see Mar. 12. 6. and perseverance in it 11. Now God himself and our father and our Lord Jesus Christ direct our way unto you Paraphrase 11. give us a speedy journey 12. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one towards another and towards all men even as we doe towards you 13. To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holinesse before God even our Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his Saints Paraphrase 13. Which is the sure means of obtaining that grace from God which may preserve you pure and holy so as may be acceptable before him who is both our God and our father at that great day now approaching to the destruction of the obdurate unbelievers and rescue of the faithfull which is one coming of Christ with his Angels see Jud. 4. and so in like manner at the dreadfull day of doome Annotations on Chap. III. V. 5. Tempted It is ordinary in the Scripture-dialect for Verbs to signifie beside the action or passion noted by them the effect which is consequent thereto Of Passives it hath been noted at large Note on Mat. 11. b. And of Actives there want not examples especially in this one word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which now we speak of For to tempt doth ordinarily signifie no more then to offer temptations to propose or suggest those objects which if the man resist and reject are matter of vertue in him but having tempted here signifies evidently having brought them unto sinne that is wrought upon them corrupted them by temptations for otherwise his labour in preaching the Gospel to them would not become vain by that means So when God is said to give men to Christ Joh. 6. 37. the meaning is that by Gods preventing and preparing grace they do effectually come to Christ receive and embrace the Gospel V. 8. Live To live beside the literal notation of it signifies also to be cheerfull or merry to rejoyce So Psal 22. 26. your heart shall live for ever which is a consequent of eating and being satisfied praising God So Joh. 14. 19. Because I live ye shall live also In the first place it is literally taken for Christs resurrection but in the second for their rejoycing such as was caused by the recovery of a friend from death to life these joyned by the figure 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 observed on Mat. 8. Note k And this is ordinary in all languages Hebrew Greek and Latine And so here it is evidently used we live if c. that is it is matter of infinite joy to us and accordingly it follows as an expression of exultancy For what thanksgiving can we return for all the joy c. CHAP. IV. 1. FUrthermore then we beseech you brethren and exhort you by the Lord Jesus that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God so ye would abound more and more Paraphrase 1. Now my brethren by all the kindnesse which you bear to us we intreat you and by all the obligations that the Christian faith lays upon you and the care of your own eternal welfare we advise you in the presence of God that ye walk
your prayers be not hindred Paraphrase 7. Let the husbands in like manner live conjugally with their wives and behave themselves toward them as Christianity requires of them or as the mystical understanding of the story of their creation directs providing for them that they want nothing because they are not so able to provide for themselves and considering that they are by God designed to be co-partners with them of all the good things of this life which God bestowes in common on them that so they may also joyn efficaciously in prayers to God first as having this perfect union and community of every thing the want of which would be some hinderance to the joint performance of that duty of prayer and secondly that being provided for by the husband the wise may have no distractions and solicitudes for the world which are most apt to disturb her prayers also 8. Finally be ye all of one mind having compassion one of another love as brethren be pitiful be courteous Paraphrase 8. In brief or to summe up all Let this union of minds be not onely between husbands and wives but among all Christians whatsoever and let that expresse it self in a fellow-feeling of one anothers afflictions in love to all the brethren c. 2. 17. in tendernesse of kindnesse to do good to all that stand in any need of it in humble courteous friendly behaviour toward all 9. Not rendring evil for evil or railing for railing but contrariwise blessing knowing that ye are thereunto called that ye should inherit a blessing Paraphrase 9. Never permitting your selves in the least degree to act or meditate revenge on any that hath been most in jurious to you remembring and considering the example given you by Christ and the obligation that lies on you as Christians Mat. 5. 44. that so by doing good and blessing others you may receive a blessing from God in this and in another life 10. For he that will love life and see good days let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips that they speak no guile Paraphrase 10. According to that of the Psalmist Psalm 34. 12. That the onely way to obtain the blessings of this life and so now under the Gospel of another is observing strict rules of charity and justice 11. Let him eschew evil and do good let him seek peace and ensue it Paraphrase 11. Abstaining from all sin abounding in works of mercy seeking and pursuing of all peaceablenesse with all men 12. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and his ears are open unto their prayers but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil Paraphrase 12. For God looks propitiously upon all his obedient servants but for all wicked men he sets himself as an enemy against them 13. And who is he that will harm you if ye be followers of that which is good Paraphrase 13. And so sure are these promises of his to be made good unto you that if you perform your part live blamelesly in a ready discharge of your duty this will be the most probable course to keep you safe from all evil 14. But and if ye suffer for righteousnesse sake happy are ye and be not afraid of their terror neither be troubled Paraphrase 14. But if as sometimes it will fall out you do suffer for this very thing for doing good count this no other then a blessing and therefore whatsoever danger you are theatned with by the power of your persecuters be not afraid or disturbed with it 15. But sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts and be ready alwaies to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meeknesse and fear Paraphrase 15. But be thankfull to God for all or set up God in your hearts as your God and Lord and whensoever there is occasion confesse him before men and when you are asked give an account of the hope and â—aith you professe with all meeknesse to their authority if they be your superiours the Kings and Magistrates which are set over you and with all care to approve your selves to God see Phil. 2. c. 16. Having a good conscience that whereas they speak evil of you as of evil doers they may be ashamed that falsly accuse your good conversation in Christ Paraphrase 16. Keeping your selves blamelesse before all men particularly in this of maintaining that duty of meeknesse and reverence toward the heathen rulers v. 15. and c. 2. 12. see note on c. 4. f. that they that accuse you as malefactors or seditious persons may be convinced and put to shame and confesse that the lives of Christians are very honest and inoffensive and that they have most foully calumniated you in saying otherwise of you 17. For it is better if the will of God be so that ye suffer for well doing then for evil doing Paraphrase 17. For if it please God that a man suffer innocently there is no matter of sorrow in that there is much more danger that a man by desiring to avoid that should fall into some evil and then suffer justly for that and then that will be a sad thing indeed without any allay or matter of comfort in it 18. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh but quickned by the Spirit Paraphrase 18. For Christ is an example of the former in his dying for sins not his own but ours he being righteous died for us who are unrighteous that when we were aliens and enemies to God he might reconcilâ— us to him and give us authority to approach him wherein yet for our example and comfort it must be observed that though as a man clothed in our flesh he was put to death and that innocently to purchase redemption for us yet by the power of God in him he was most gloriously raised from the dead see c. 1. 11. and shall consequently by raising and rescuing us out of the present sufferings and destroying all obdurate sinners shew forth wonderful evidences of power and life 19. By which also he went and preached unto the note f spirits in prison Paraphrase 19. The very same in effect that of old he did at the time in which beyond all others he shewed himself in power and majesty against his enemies but withall in great mercy and deliverance to his obedient servants that adhered to him I mean in the dayes of the old world when by Noaâ— that preacher of righteousnesse he gave those treatable warnings to them that made no use of the light of nature in their hearts to the spirits or souls of those that were then alive before the Floud which God had given them with impressions of good and evill but through their customes of sin were as a sword put up in a sheath laid up as God complains Gen.
careful and diligent that constancy courage perseverance see note a. be superstructed on your profession of the Christian faith that knowledge of mysteries be joyned to that courage and that it supplant it not 6. And to knowledge temperance and to temperance patience and to patience godlinesse Paraphrase 6. That strict continence be one thing that accompanies that knowledge then to that continence in avoiding the pollutions of the flesh to which the Gnosticks would seduce you under pretence of mysterious knowledge and a chearful patience or resolution of bearing whatsoever may fall on you from the enemies of your profession whether Jews or false heretical Christians to that patience piety and frequenting of the publick service of God not giving over the assembly as some of the Hebrews did Heb. 10. 15. to avoid persecution 7. And to godlinesse brotherly kindnesse and to brotherly kindnesse charity Paraphrase 7. Then to your piety kindnesse to all your fellow Christians contrary to the fiery contentions and factions among them caused by the Gnosticks and to that kindnesse to your fellow-Christian perfect charity to all men even your enemies and persecuters 8. For if these things be in you and abound they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ Paraphrase 8. For the practice of these vertues especially if they be in you in any eminent degree will render you good and faithful servants of Christ and such as becomes your Christian profession 9. But he that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see far off and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins Paraphrase 9. And he that falls back into any of those sins contrary to those vertues is like a purblind man that cannot see things that are at a distance from him thinks through this fault in his eyes or forgetfulnesse in his understanding that Christianity may give him liberty and licence as the Gnosticks say it doth whereas it was not long ago that Christianity call'd him out of these pollutions and wrought this purification upon him which is directly contrary thereunto 10. Wherefore the rather brethren giveâ— diligence to make your note d calling and election sure for if ye doe these things ye shall never fall Paraphrase 10. This brethren must oblige and engage you to all care and diligence to make God's mercies in calling you to be Christians and designing you deliverances effectual to you This must be done by your vigilancy over your selves that you relapse not into those former sins from which you came out at your conversion to Christ which if you do you shall never miscarry or forfeit that great benefit of being Christians and of being that remnant that should now be delivered when the rest of the Jews that believe not shall be destroyed 11. For so an entrance shall be ministred unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdome of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Paraphrase 11. For by this means you shall be capable of being the men of which the kingdome of Christ shall be made up that kingdome which begins in the vengeance executed on the unbelieving impenitent Jews and in delivering the believers and shall last most gloriously for ever in subduing of enemies and delivering of disciples 12. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you alwaies in remembrance of these things though ye know them and be established in the present truth Paraphrase 12. The vastnesse of your concernments herein makes me thus solicitous to inculcate these things unto you not that I think you ignorant in this point of doctrine concerning the method that shall be used by Christ in erecting his kingdome here on earth viz. by coming in vengeance on the obdurate and delivering the constant persevering Christians for I am sure you have been taught it over and over again and sufficiently instructed and satisfied in the truth of it 13. Yea I think it meet as long as I am in this tabernacle to stir you up by putting you in remembrance Paraphrase 13. But I think it not amisse as long as I live in this world or in this flesh to be your remembrancer and refresh these notions stir up that knowledge which is already in you 14. Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me Paraphrase 14. Knowing that the time of my dissolution now suddenly approacheth according as Christ when he foretold of some that should survive this coming of his to the destruction of the Jews which now I speak of gave an intimation to me that I should not Job 21. 18 22. and positively affirmed that I should be crucified as ere long I expect to be 15. Moreover I will endevour that you may be able after my decease to have these things alwaies in remembrance Paraphrase 15. And therefore I being to dy before this comes to passe but many of you likely to live to see it it is my duty and purpose by this Epistle to fix it in you that when I am dead and gone you may remember this certain truth of Christ's kingdome and coming to destroy the Jewish unbelievers and crucifiers and to preserve and rescue the believers among them see c. 2. 9. 16. For we have not followed cunningly-devised fables when we made known unto you the power and note e coming of our Lord Jesus Christ but were eye-witnesses of his majesty Paraphrase 16. For they are not phansies or deceivable arguments upon which we have grounded this doctrine concerning Christ's coming in power to the destruction of his enemies and rescuing of believers but the very things which we saw adumbrated and heard discoursed on by Moses and Elias see note on Mat. 17. a. and Luc. 9. 31. note c when I and James and John were with Christ on Mount Tabor and saw the Majesty that was instated on him at his transfiguration Mat. 17. 17. For he note f received from God the Father honour and glory when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Paraphrase 17. For at the time of his receiving that Majesty from the Father by way of vision foretelling what should soon be instated on him there was a voice which came out of that shining cloud Mat. 17. 5. and with it these words Thou art my beloved Son c. which signified God's design of instating the kingdome on him 18. And this voice which came from heaven we heard when we were with him in the holy mount Paraphrase 18. And I also with James and John heard this voice which came out of the cloud Mat. 17. 5. being then with him on that mount where he was transfigured and which by the evident presence of God by his Angels there became an holy place see note on the Title of this Epistle 19.