A Paraphrase on the New Testament, Matthew · Chapter 26
CHAP. XXVI.
1. ANd it came to paſs when Jeſus had finiſhed all theſe ſayings, he ſaid to his diſciples, 2. Ye know that after two days is the paſſover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
1, 2. N. Chriſt went not ignorantly or conſtrained to his death, but willing and foreknowing it.
3. Then aſſembled together the chief prieſts, and the ſcribes, and the elders of the People, unto the palace of the high prieſt, who was called Caiaphas. 4. And conſulted how they might take Jeſus by ſubtilty, and kill him. 5. But they ſaid, Not on the feaſtday, leſt there be an uproar among the people.
3, &c. N. 1. The chief Men, Prieſts and Rulers were the chief Murderers. 2. Its a wonder that the people were not deſtroyed as Seditious Rebels, rather than feared by ſuch Rulers; when they would have reſiſted or ſtoned them that had aſſaulted Chriſt, or a Prophet.
6. Now when Jeſus was in Bethany, in the houſe of Simon the leper. 7. There came to him a woman, having an alabaſter box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he ſat at meat. 8. But when his diſciples ſaw it, they had indignation, ſaying, To what purpoſe is this waſt? 9. For this ointment might have been ſold for much, and given to the poor.
6, &c. 1. It being uſual at great feaſts in the Country to anoint, ſhe ſignified by this her great love and honour to Chriſt. 2. Judas was the chief murmurer, but perhaps ſome others might object.
10. When Jeſus underſtood it, he ſaid unto them, Why trouble ye the Woman? for ſhe hath wrought a good work on me. 11. For ye have the poor always with you, but me ye have not always. 12. For in that ſhe hath poured this ointment on my body▪ ſhe did it to my burial.
10, &c. N. Tho works of Charity to the poor are highly eſteemed by Chriſt, and preferred before many rites and ſmaller matters, yet ſome works of piety muſt be preferred before them. And that duty may in its ſeaſon be greater, which is not ſo at another time.
13. Verily I ſay to you, Whereſoever this goſpel ſhall be preached in the whole World, there ſhall alſo this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
13. N. 1. How highly Chriſt valueth the true love and coſtly piety of the meaneſt! 2. Chriſt knew and decreed that the Goſpel or Hiſtory of his Life, Death, and Burial, and Reſurrection ſhould be preached throughout the world, yea and written to: The words in Matth. 24. [Let him that readeth underſtand] ſeem to be Chriſts own words, and to imply that all thoſe his words ſhould be written; at leaſt we may well anſwer them that ask, Where did Chriſt Command them to write the Scripture? that 1. His Spirit in them commanded it. 2. Writing is but the moſt publike ſort of Preaching.
14. Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iſcariot, went unto the chief Prieſts. 15. And ſaid to them, what will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of ſilver. 16. And from that time he ſought opportunity to betray him.
14, 15, 16. N. Chriſt knowingly permitted an Hypocrite in the Apoſtleſhip, and to betray him, to foretell us that Covetous falſhearted Hypocrites will be in the Viſible Church; and will betray it. 2. Covetous love of Money is the root of treachery in Hypocrite Miniſters and others. 3. Judas's ſin was not by a ſudden Paſſion, but deliberate: contrived and contracted (for three pound fifteen Shillings.)
17. Now the firſt day of the feaſt of unleavened bread, the diſciples came to Jeſus, ſaying, where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the paſſover?
17. On the fifth day of the week called now Thurſday at eventide, &c.
18. And he ſaid, Go into the City to ſuch a man, and ſay to him, the Maſter ſaith, My time is at hand, I will keep the paſſover at thy houſe with my diſciples.
18. N. As to the great controverſies here, whether Chriſt and the Jews did eate the paſſover the ſame day, and whether Chriſt did eate the Paſchal Lamb, or only the unleavened bread and bitter herbs; which was the beginning of the paſſover, being to have eaten the Lamb at the next evening, if he had not been Sacrificed himſelf. I leave the diſcuſſion of them to Commentators, who handle them at large, not troubling ordinary Readers with them.
19. And the diſciples did as Jeſus had appointed them, and made ready the paſſover. 20. Now when the even was come, he ſat down with the twelve. 21. And as they did eat, he ſaid, Verily I ſay to you, that one of you ſhall betray me. 22. And they were exceeding ſorrowfull, and began every one of them to ſay to him, Lord, is it I? 23. And he anſwered and ſaid, He that dippeth his hand with me in the diſh, the ſame ſhall betray me.
19, &c. N. 1. Chriſt being under the Law was to keep the Law of the Paſſover. 2. The innocent Diſciples were troubled both at the tidings of the thing, and that they ſhould be under ſuſpicion.
24. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but wo to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed: it had been good for that man, if he had not been born.
24. N. Gods decree to bring good out of mens evil, extenſuateth not mens ſin or puniſhment; the eſcaping of a Greater evil, is here called [Good] not in itſelf, but to that Man.
25. Then Judas, anſwered and ſaid, Maſter is it I? He ſaid to him, Thou haſt ſaid.
25. N. Judas was before reſolved and hardened; ſo that this notice did not ſtop him from the ſin.
26. And as they were eating, Jeſus took bread, and bleſſed it, and brake it, and gave it to the diſciples, and ſaid, Take, eat, this is my body.
26. N. 1. This bread was unleavened, and part of the Paſſover. 2. The bleſſing it, was the Separating it to this holy uſe, and praying God to bleſs it, and pronouncing it bleſt. 3. The breaking it, ſignified the breaking of Chriſts Body, repreſented hereby as the Sacrifice for ſin. 4. The giving it, ſignifieth the giving himſelf, to believing receivers; with and for their ſpiritual and everlaſting life. For the Sacrament as Adminiſtred hath theſe three parts. 1. The Conſecration, 2. The Commemoration, or Repreſentation, 3. The Communication 5. [This is my Body] meaneth [This is my ſacrificed body repreſentative.] When it is Conſecrated it is not to be called [Bread] that is, mere bread, for it hath now another form, and forma denominat; But it is only a Relative form: If you ask what matter it hath, It is Bread ſtill; If you ask what form, it is Chriſt Sacramental Body. As if you ask of the Kings Coyne, what is it, it is in General Money, particularly this or that piece of Money▪ The anſwer is not, it is Silver or Gold, for that ſpeaketh not the Form. But if you ask what Metal it is made of, it is Silver or Gold, ſo is it here.
6. It is not Chriſts Body as Glorified in Heaven that is repreſented in the Sacrament, but as Crucified fleſh. The ſecond council of Nice with the foregoing General Council at Conſtantinople, agree that Chriſts body in Heaven is not fleſh, (though they differ about Images.) Fleſh and blood enter not there, but Spiritual bodies; it is not fleſh if it conſiſt not of fibrous Coagulated blood and Chyme made of food; which is not there.
7. But it is the true body of Chriſt that was firſt offered to God in ſacrifice, and as ſuch Given to believing receivers ſo far as to be theirs in Relation of Myſtical union, and the Meritorious cauſe of their pardon, grace and glory.
8. What a novel monſter the fiction of Tranſſubſtantiation is? I have fully opened in a little Treatiſe called [full and eaſy Satisfaction what is the true Religion.] 9. The Circumſtances of Chriſts action are occaſional and no Laws for us: As are 1. Giving it at a Paſſover, 2. At the end of a meal, 3. At ſupper, or at night, 4. In an Inn or Gueſt Chamber, 5. To none but his family, 6. To none but men, 7. To none but Miniſters, 8. In an upper room, 9. Lying along in each others boſoms, 10. But once in his life, 11. Giving it to all at once and not one by one (tho that ſeem of more importance than the reſt) 12. Delivering the bread before he gave thanks over the Cup, and not over both at once: (tho no doubt theſe may ſafely be imitated.
9. Whether Judas was preſent or not is uncertain, (and of no doctrinal moment) if he were, and Chriſt alſo waſht his feet with the reſt, it ſhewed his obdurateneſs that could go preſently forth to betray him. Doubtleſs if wicked Hypocrites intrude, the ſin and puniſhment is only their own, ſo be it we ſin not by neglecting diſcipline; for the Keyes are given to the Paſtors to keep out men proved uncapable by impenitence.
27. And he took the cup, and gave thanks and gave it to them, ſaying, Drink ye all of this. 28. For this is my blood of the new Teſtament, which is ſhed for many, for the remiſſion of ſins.
27, 28. N. Giving to one by one is not Neceſſary. 2. The evangeliſts ſpeak not all the ſame words in reciting Chriſts adminiſtration. Matthew hath no more but [This is my Body] nor Mark neither; leaving out [Which is given for you] as Luke hath it, or [Which is broken for you] as Paul hath it [Do this in Remembrance of me.] And of the Cup, there are different words of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Paul; and Mark mentioneth their drinking it before Chriſts words [This is my blood of the New Teſtament, &c.] But what is not ſpoken by one is by another, and the ſence is the ſame; and it tells us that if ſuch a difference be in our adminiſtration it nullifieth not the Sacrament.
28. [This wine is repreſentatively or Sacramentally my blood ſhed (not as that of the Paſchal Lamb, for Jews only to ſeal that Old Covenant of their peculiarity, but) for the Gentiles alſo or the world, to purchaſe and ſeal the Univerſal Covenant of Grace, which giveth free pardon and life to all true believing accepters.
29. But I ſay unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, till that day when I drink it new with you in my Fathers kingdom.
29. Two difficulties here ariſe, 1. Did not Chriſt drink with them after his reſurrection? Anſ. 1. Some ſay, He drank no wine, but water which was their Ordinary drink. 2. Others anſwer, The Kingdom of his Father began at his Reſurrection. 3. Others, ſay it meaneth [Shortly I ſhall leave you, and drink no more with you.] 4. Others probably think he meant [I ſhall no more keep a Paſſover or Sacrament with you.]
2. The other difficulty is, How he will drink of it in the Kingdom of his Father. 1. Some ſay, Literally after the Reſurrection on Earth. 2. Some ſay, that a thouſand years before the end of the World; all things ſhall be reſtored to the primitive Paradiſe ſtate, and Chriſt raigning on Earth, ſhall drink of the fruit of the Vine new; or renewed. 3. Others ſay, This will be after the Reſurrection in the New Earth. 4. But the uſual and ſafeſt Expoſition is, that the Metaphor ſignifieth onelyonly mutual Joy in Heaven.
30. And when they had ſung an hymn they went out into the mount of Olives.
30. N. Whether this Hymn was that uſed by the Jews, (which were all the 113.114.115.116.117.118. Pſalmes?) or one made for that uſe by Chriſt is uncertain: But they all joyned, and tell us, how ſuitable Thankſgiving, and ſinging Pſalmes or Hymns at Sacraments and Feaſts is.
31. Then ſaith Jeſus to them, All ye ſhall be offended becauſe of me this night: For it is written, I will ſmite the ſhepheard, and the ſheep of the flock ſhall be ſcattered abroad.
31. You will all be troubled at my Apprehenſion, and be affrighted away from me; as it is written, &c.
32. But after I am riſen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
32. N. Chriſt oft fore-telling his Reſurrection, proveth his Truth; why he would not appear in Jeruſalem, and to all, but in Galilee, and to few; he gave us not the reaſon of it: But he fore-knew the Jews rejection, and would not force belief in them by fight.
33. Peter anſwered and ſaid to him, Though all men ſhall be offended becauſe of thee, yet will I never be offended.
33. Nothing ſhall affright me from thee. N. His reſolution was good: But his ſelf-confidence was bad.
34. Jeſus ſaid to him, Verily I ſay to thee, that this night before the cock crow, thou ſhalt deny me thrice.
34. Before the time called Cocks crowing be paſt &c.
Note, Chriſt knoweth before what mans free will will do.
35. Peter ſaid to him, Though I ſhould dye with thee, yet will I not deny thee Likewiſe alſo ſaid all the diſciples.
35. N. When men are reſolved, they are oft too inſenſible of their weakneſs and mutability.
36. Then cometh Jeſus with them unto a place called Gethſemane, and …a…th to the diſciples, Sit ye here while I go and pray yo…der. 37. And he took with him Peter and the two ſons of Zebedee, and began to be ſorrowful▪ and very heavy.
36.37. Q. Why did not Chriſt uſe to pray with his Diſciples, but by himſelf. Anſw. 1. We know not whether he uſed it or not 2. He ſang a Hymn with them at the Paſſover. But his Caſe ſo differed from all other mens, that (except in Thankſgivings, and Generals) the ſame Prayer would not ſuit him and them.
38. Then ſaith he to them, My ſoul is exceeding ſorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here and watch with me.
38. N. Chriſt took our Nature, though not our Sin: And Nature is averſe to Death, and ſenſible of its hurt: And the ſence of Gods Enmity to Sin, (though not to him,) was the chief part of his Suffering.
39. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed ſaying, O my Father, if it be poſſible, let this cup paſs from me: nevertheleſs, not as I will, but as thou wilt.
39. Note, 1. Proſtration was a humbling Poſture but this Example binds us not to the ſame geſture.
2. The firſt act of Mans Will, is ſimple complacence in good, and averſeneſs to evil, as ſuch: According to this, as Chriſt was a Man, he was averſe to Death and Suffering, as Man is, (elſe it would be no penalty;) And this is it that he expreſſeth, Firſt, in his, Prayer. But the Second Act of Mans Will is, about Ends and Means that ſtand in Competition, and is called, Chooſing, or Refuſing: when two things inconſiſtent ſtand in competition, the better is to be choſen: And according to this Chriſt formeth the Second Part of his Prayer, [Not as I will,] q. d. Thou haſt given me a Nature, which doth, and muſt deſire good, and not evil, which deſireth, that I may not Suffer. But it is thy Will, and my Conſent to Suffer: Therefore thy Will, and not my ſimple Volition be done.
40.41. And he cometh to the Diſciples, and findeth them aſleep, and ſaith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the ſpirit indeed is willing, but the fleſh is weak.
40. 41. Note, Chriſt was to have no ſupport from man, in his Sufferings. 2. Sleeping, when we ſhould Watch and Pray is a fault, but ſuch a one as may ſtand with Grace. 3. Watching and Praying is Gods means appointed to ſave men from, and in Temptation. 4. The ſpirit of the Faithful is willing to do more good than they are able. 5. The Fleſh in Faithful Men, may prevail againſt the Spirit in ſins of natural infirmity, for a time, though not in groſs Sins, in the deſign and bent of heart and life. 6. Chriſt tenderly excuſeth his Servants infirmities.
42. He went again the ſecond time, and prayed, ſaying, O my father, if this cup may not paſs away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
42. I reſign my will to ſubmit to thine, and I deſire to fullfil it, for which, I came in Fleſh.
43.44. And he came, and found them aſleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, ſaying the ſame words.
43.44. Oſt ſpeaking the ſame things in Prayer, is meet for them that have the ſame cauſes and wants.
45.46.47. Then cometh he to his diſciples, and ſaith to them, Sleep on now, and take your reſt, behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of ſinners. Riſe, let us be going; behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. And while he yet ſpake, lo, Judas one of the twelve came, and with him a great multitude with ſwords and ſlaves from the chief prieſts and elders of the people
45.46.47. Note, To be hunted to death by the Chief Prieſts and Rulers, to have a Multitude ready to ſerve them in it with armed Violence, to be betrayed by One of his Diſciples, and forſaken by the reſt, was the caſe of Chriſt Suffering, in which we muſt be prepared to follow him.
48. Now he that betrayed him, gave them a ſign, ſaying, Whomſoever I ſhall kiſs, that ſame is he, hold him faſt. 49. And forth with he came to Jeſus, and ſaid, Hail maſter, and kiſſed him. 50. And Jeſus ſaid to him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they and laid hands on Jeſus, and took him.
48, &c. Note, 1. Hypocrites cruelty is exerciſed under the name of Friendſhip. How many Thouſand Perſecute Chriſt, in his cauſe, and Servants, on pretences of Faith, Religion, Order, and Enmity to Sin? 2. Its a pitiful ſight to ſee poor ignorant People, in obedience to Rulers, Perſecuting Chriſt, to their own Deſtruction? as if it were he and his ſervants, that were their dangerous Enemies.
51. And behold, one of them which were with Je…us, ſtretched out his hand, and drew his ſword, and ſtroke a ſervant of the high prieſts, and ſmote off his ear.
51. Natural inclination to defence, and Love to Chriſt, overcame Peters conſideration and patience.
52. Then ſaid Jeſus to him, Put up again thy ſword into his place: for all they that take the ſword, ſhall periſh with the ſword
52. Put up thy Sword, and let us patiently ſubmit to Violence: For as none muſt uſe the Sword, without juſt Warrant and Authority; ſo uſually they that fight for themſelves, are deſtroyed, and ſuffer more than they that patiently endure Violence and Injuſtice.
Note, Chriſt doth not in theſe words make all ſelf-defence, or War unlawful, but he doth more than forbid unwarrantable Fighting; meaning, that not onelyonly unlawful reſiſtance of Power, and Revenge, but even wars and fighting againſt injuries and Enemies uſua… haſten Death, and increaſe Mens Sufferings. And therefore they ſhould forethink, whether War, or Patience▪ be like to do more hurt.
53. Thinkeſt thou, that I cannot n… pray to my father, and he ſhall preſen…y give me more than twelve legions of angels?
53. Note, 1. Angels are ready to ſerve Chriſt, at his deſire. 2. It ſhould ſtop our impatient thoughts of raſh, and unlawful ſelf-defence, to think, that God can otherwiſe deliver us.
54. But how then ſhall the ſcriptures be fulfilled, that thus it muſt be?
54. N. We muſt not ſtrive againſt Events which we foreknow will come to paſs.
55. In the ſame hour, ſaid Jeſus to the multitude, Are ye come out as againſt a thief with ſwords and ſtaves to take me? I ſate daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
55. Why did you not take me in the Temple, but thus in the Night like a Thief.
56. But all this was done, that the ſcriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the diſciples forſook him and fled.
56. All this was foretold in Scripture. They let his Diſciples go, and they fled away in fear.
57. And they that had laid hold on Jeſus, led him away to Caiaphas the high prieſt, where the ſcribes and the elders were aſſembled. 58. But Peter followed him afar oft, unto the high prieſts palace, and went in, and ſate with the ſervants to ſee the end.
57. They brought him to their Arch-prieſt, as glorying in their ſucceſs: And Peter went in where the Servants ſate.
59. Now the chief prieſts and elders, and all the councel ſought falſe witneſs againſt Jeſus to put him to death. 60. But found none: yea, though many falſe witneſſes came, yet found they none. At the laſt came two falſe witneſſes, 61. And ſaid, This fellow ſaid, I am able to deſtroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
59. &c. N. 1. As Hypocrites in Religion, are worſe than Pagans, in that they father their wickedneſs on God, and Religion; ſo Hypocrite-Judges, and Lawyers are herein worſe than lawleſs Murderers, that they abuſe and diſgrace Law, and Government, by uſing them to in…uſtice, and bloodſhed. 2. No man is ſo good or innocent, that falſe Witneſs may not Condemn.
62. And the high prieſt aroſe, and ſaid …o him, Anſwereſt thou nothing? What … which theſe witneſs againſt thee? …3. … h…ld his peace.
6….6…. N. Chriſt was ſilent, to ſhew, 1. That he was not over ſolicitous for his Life. 2. When Malignant falſe Judges are reſolved what to do againſt Innocence and Right, it is oft in vain to talk it out with them. And they watcht for words of his own to Accuſe him of.
63. And the high prieſt anſwered, and ſaid unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us, whether thou be the Chriſt the Son of God.
63. N. 1. Once for all take notice, that [anſwering] was then among the Jews a common Phraſe, for [ſpeaking in courſe] though no queſtion was askt. 2. It was the Malignant Policie of that Arch-prieſt, to make Chriſt his own Accuſer, and Witneſs when they could get no other: For they knew that he that bound his Diſciples to confeſs him, would not refuſe to confeſs himſelf, when adjured by God: though he was ſilent as to his Defence againſt Perſonal Accuſations. And ſo it is with Chriſts Enemies to this day, who put Chriſtians, that dare neither lie, nor conceale neceſſary truth upon ſelf-Accuſation. As they could find nothing againſt Daniel, except about the Law of his God, which he durſt not break to ſave his Life; ſo do the Devils Officers take advantage of good Mens Conſciences, to deſtroy them.
64. Jeſus ſaith to him, Thou haſt ſaid: nevertheleſs I ſay unto you, Hereafter ſhall ye ſee the Son of man ſitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
64. I am he, and though I ſtand here to be judged by you, your Eyes ſhall ſee me coming in Glory, and in Power, to Judge you, and all the World: (or as ſome ſay, To Deſtroy you by the Romans.)
65.66. Then the high prieſt rent his cloathes, ſaying, He hath ſpoken blaſphemy, what further need have we of witneſſes? behold, now ye have heard his blaſphemy. What think ye? They anſwered and ſaid, He is guilty of death.
65.66. Then the High Prieſt had that which he deſired, and by rending his Cloathes, ſhewed his Abhorrence of the ſuppoſed Sin of Chriſt, and demanded the Sentence of the Court againſt him, as a Blaſphemer. And they Voted him for it guilty of Death.
Note, 1. How fooliſh a thing is it to think, that any Law, or any mans Innocency, or Goodneſs, will preſerve Juſtice, or Piety, while bad men are Judges. Can any Law be better than Gods? Or any Perſon better than Chriſt? The Devils Judges poſſeſſing the place that God inſtituted to defend Truth and Equity, will condemn God himſelf manifeſt in Fleſh, by his own Law, and as ſinning againſt himſelf. And they are ſince the ſame.
2. The very Murderers of Chriſt, would ſeem greater enemies to Blaſphemy, and more zealous for Gods Honour, than God himſelf: So little are Falſe Men to be believed.
67. Then did they ſpit in his face and buffeted him, and others ſmote him with the palmes of their hands. 68. Saying, prophecy to us, thou Chriſt, who is he that ſmote thee.
67.68. N. It was God in Fleſh, that ſubmitted to all this ſcorn and abuſe for our Sin. 1. O then, what doth Sin deſerve? 2. And why ſhould we look for better, and be over-tender of our Fleſh or Reputation.
69. Now Peter ſate without in the pallace: and a damſel came to him, ſaying, Thou alſo waſt with Jeſus of Galilee. 70. But he denyed before them all, ſaying, I know not what thou ſayeſt. 71. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid ſaw him, and ſaid to them that were there, This fellow was alſo with Jeſus of Nazareth. 72. And again he denyed with an oath, I do not know the man.
69. &c. N. 1. A man that is forwardeſt in profeſſing Courage, and in drawing the Sword, and laying about him, is in greater danger baſely Cowarded by ſilly Wenches. So uncertain a thing is Man. 2. Diſtruſtful fear, and love of Life, may draw men into multiplyed heynous Sin.
73. And after a while came to him they that ſtood by, and ſaid to Peter, Surely thou alſo art one of them, for thy ſpeech betrayeth thee. 74. Then began he to curſe and to ſwear, ſaying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
73. Matthew mentioneth but one Cock crowing; It being the middle or ſecond that is meant. 2. To ask, what had become of Peter, if he had dyed in this Sin? and how far did he fall from Grace, is not ſo profitable, as to conſider our own frailty and danger, and how to ſcape the like.
75. And Peter remembred the words of Jeſus which ſaid to him, Before the cock crow, thou ſhalt deny me thrice: And he went out, and wept bitterly.
75. N. Chriſt look'd on Peter, (as John ſaith,) and this began to melt him into Repentance, with the hearing of the Second Cock: Yet though he wept, he did not return, and openly Confeſs Chriſt, as he did after. Doubtleſs the Diſciples had far more Grace, and were leſs lyable to Fall after the Holy Ghoſt came down on them at Pentecoſt, than before.