A Paraphrase on the New Testament, 2 Thessalonians
The Second Epiſtle of PAUL the Apoſtle to the THESSALONIANS.
CHAP. I.
1. PAul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the Church of the Theſſalonians, in God our Father, and the Lord Jeſus Chriſt. 2. Grace unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jeſus Chriſt 3. We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, becauſe that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all towards each other aboundeth:
3. Note, That it is the growth of the Church in Faith and Love, which is the matter of their true Proſperity, and the Paſtors Joy and Thanks to God, rather than their Riches, Honours, or notional contending Knowledge.
4. So that we our ſelves glory in you in the churches of God, for your patience and faith in all your perſecutions, and tribulations that ye endure.
4. Note, When worldly Men are aſhamed of Chriſtians in Perſecution, godly Men rejoice in their Faith and Patience, as being then moſt honourable.
5. Which is a manifeſt token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye alſo ſuffer.
5. Which is a plain Prognoſtick, that God, the righteous Judge, will reward you with a part in that Kingdom for which you ſuffer, as being worthy of it in a ſence of Grace, that is, qualified as thoſe to whom it is promiſed and freely given.
6. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompenſe tribulation to them that trouble you; 7. And to you who are troubled, reſt with us,
6, 7. For God ruleth righteouſly; and it is the way of his Juſtice, to puniſh your Perſecutors, and give you who are perſecuted reſt with us his Apoſtles.
Note, That they who think this is meant of the Deſtruction of Jeruſalem, muſt think that Paul thought he ſhould live to ſee it, and that he and they ſhould then have reſt on Earth▪ which were to be deceived, and to deceive them.
7, 8. When the Lord Jeſus ſhall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the goſpel of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt:
7, 8. Note, By [them that know not God] is uſually meant the Heathens; which confuteth them who diſtort this to ſignifie but the Deſtruction of the Jews. And to them in Macedonia it was more to be delivered from the Heathens, who were the Rulers, than from a handful of ſcattered deſpiſed Jews.
2. Chriſt will appear with his Angels to judge and puniſh the Ungodly.
9. Who ſhall be puniſhed with everlaſting deſtruction from the preſence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power:
9. Note, That the Phraſes, [everlaſting deſtruction,] and [from the preſence of the Lord,] and [from the glory of his power,] agree to the uſual Scripture-deſcription of Damnation, and not to the Deſtruction of Jeruſalem, without diſtortion. Nor was it much aſcribed then to an appearance of Chriſt in Glory, that the Heathen who deſpiſed him, and killed him, and perſecuted his Cauſe and Servants, did alſo deſtroy the Jews.
10. When he ſhall come to be glorified in his ſaints, and to be admired in all them that believe (becauſe our teſtimony among you was believed) in that day.
10. Note, The End of Chriſts glorious coming will be to be glorified and admired in holy Believers, as having by his Merit, Interceſſion, and Spirit, made them by Holineſs fit for Glory, and in Juſtice ſet them above their Perſecutors.
2. So far were the poore Chriſtians from being then ſuch a Glory and Admiration, that they continued above two hundred years after this to be perſecuted and made the ſcorn of the World.
11. Wherefore alſo we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleaſure of his goodneſs, and the work of faith with power:
11. We pray, that God will fit you by his Grace for this, and make you ſuitable to your holy Calling, and fully perform to you all the Purpoſes of his Love, and powerfully finiſh your Work of Faith.
Note, Worthineſs, in the Goſpel-ſenſe, is that Moral Qualification by Grace, to which, as a Moral Condition, God hath promiſed the Bleſſing.
12. That the name of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God, and the Lord Jeſus Chriſt.
12. Note, That Sanctifying Grace maketh Chriſtians a Glory to the Name of Chriſt, declaratively, as the Cauſe is honoured in the Effect; and they are glorified in Chriſt poſſeſſively, as the Means in the End obtained, and the Runner in the Prize; and relatively, as an adopted Son in a Prince that adopteth him.
CHAP. II.
1. NOw, we beſeech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and by our gathering together unto him, 2. That ye be not ſoon ſhaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by ſpirit, nor by word, nor by letter, as from us, as that the day of Chriſt is at hand.
1, 2. I vehemently beſeech you, that no Pretence either of Spirit, Word, or Apoſtolical Letter, perſuade you that Chriſts Coming is near at hand, and ſo trouble you, and your Faith be ſhaken when that's diſappointed.
Note further, That it's more than the Deſtruction of Jeruſalem that is here meant; For it will be the Churches gathering together to Chriſt at his coming. 2. And it neither agreeth with the following long Perſecutions of the Church by the Heathens, nor with Paul's uſual Pity to the Jews, thus to inſult in their Deſtruction, as if it brought a Felicity to the Church like Heaven it ſelf.
3. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day ſhall not come, except there come a falling away firſt, and that man of ſin be revealed, the ſon of perdition: 4. Who oppoſeth and exalteth himſelf above all that is called God, or that is worſhipped; ſo that he as God ſitteth in the temple of God, ſhewing himſelf that he is God.
3. It is dangerous deceit for any to perſuade you, that the Day of Chriſt is at hand: for there are many things that muſt firſt come to paſs: There muſt firſt be a falling away of many from the Faith; and that notable Man of Sin muſt appear, who is to be deſtroyed. 4. Who arrogantly oppoſeth true Chriſtianity, and exalteth himſelf above all, &c.
5, 6, 7. Remember ye not, that when I was yet with you, I told you theſe things? And now ye know what withholdeth, that he might be revealed in his time. For the myſtery of iniquity doth already work: onelyonly he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8. And then ſhall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord ſhall conſume with the ſpirit of his mouth, and ſhall deſtroy with the brightneſs of his coming: 9. Even him whoſe coming is after the working of Satan, with all power, and ſigns, and lying wonders, 10. And with all deceiveableneſs of unrighteouſneſs, in them that periſh; becauſe they received not the love of the truth, that they might be ſaved. 11. And for this cauſe God ſhall ſend them ſtrong deluſion, that they ſhould believe a lie: 12. That they all might be damned, who believed not the truth, but had pleaſure in unrighteouſneſs.
Note, 1. That Forewarning ſhould be Forearming. 2. Both the riſe and fall of Sin and Sinners muſt have their proper Seaſons: Gods delays are but ſtaying till the due time. 3. Removing Impediments is the Prepartory work for future events. 4. This great Enemy of Chriſt is a Man Lawleſs, and made up of Wickedneſs. 5. He muſt be firſt revealed, and then conſumed, even by his Word, Spirit, and Coming. 5. Satan will promote this Enemy of Chriſt, with Power, Signs, and lying Wonders, and Deceivableneſs of Unrighteouſneſs. 6. Not receiving the Love of the Truth of Goſpel, nor heartily believing it, but taking pleaſure in Unrighteouſneſs, prepare Men for damning Deluſions. 7. God is ſaid to ſend them ſuch Deluſions, by penal Deſertions and Permiſſions.
Readers, I dare not take on me to teach you that as true, which I know not my ſelf; nor yet to pretend that I know more than I do. I confeſs, that I am uncertain who it is that Paul here deſcribeth: And meerly to know what other Men ſay of it, is no ſatiſfaction to me, eſpecially when they ſo greatly differ as they do.
1. Moſt of the Fathers and Papiſts think, that Antichriſt here deſcribed is ſome odious Falſe-Chriſt, who is yet to come before the End of the World. I have much to ſay againſt that Opinion.
2. Grotius thought that this Chapter ſpeaks of the Emperour Caius Caligula chiefly, and partly of Simon Magus. So much may be ſaid againſt that, as that his Follower Dr. Hammond rejecteth it.
3. Dr. Hammond thinks it ſpeaketh onelyonly of Simon Magus. I cannot believe that: 1. Becauſe really this Simon was no ſuch conſiderable formidable Perſon as he deſcribeth him. The few Scraps of Hiſtory of Simon recited by him, are very dubious. No great or publick Hiſtory of thoſe Times mention him. He was affrighted into Submiſſion and Supplication to Peter, Acts 8. He was not thought worthy the naming after, in all the ſharp Charges againſt Hereticks in the Epiſtles. The Judaizers are reproved; the Conciſion called Dogs; the Troublers Paul wiſheth cut off; the Nicolaitans named; and the Woman Jezebel, and many Antichriſts, mentioned by John; the groſſer ſort of Hereticks ſmartly deſcribed, and condemned by Peter and Jude: John forbids us to bid them Good-ſpeed: Paul bids Men avoid them as ſelf-condemned: The Revelation ſpeaketh yet more fully. And none of them all mention Simon as the God and Ringleader of them. If the Nicolaitans, and all thoſe that the Doctor calleth G…oſticks, were known to be the Diſciples of Simon, why is that concealed in ſuch large Reproofs? and why not called Simonians, as well as Nicolaitans? If they were not then known to be his Off-ſpring, it ſeems theſe Hereſies had other Fathers before him, more noted and followed. 2. Simon was revealed before the writing of this Epiſtle, Acts 8. and the Hereſies before too common. 3. There were ſeven or eight other Hereſies deſcribed by Epiphanius, as early as the Simonians and Gnoſticks, and as bad. 4. Sure Gnoſticiſm was not then an unrevealed Myſtery, if it be mentioned as oft as the Doctor thinketh. 5. And through Gods Mercy the falling away firſt was comparatively but of few, and not of ſo great a number of Churches or Chriſtians, as was a ſtop to their Expectation of the coming of Chriſt. It is not noted in Acts 8. that the Samaritans were ſeduced by him after they believed. If it were true, that they, and ſome at Rome were, what's that to all the Churches? 6. It is above Sixteen hundred years ſince Simon was revealed, and yet Chriſt is not come; How then is that made an Occaſion of Mens delayed Expectation? 7. That Chriſts coming▪ ſignified but the Deſtruction of Jeruſalem, is before ſhewed to be very improbable, and fullier might be. How many hot Perſecutions of Chriſtians after that, do all Church-Hiſtories deſcribe, in another manner than Simon's Pranks? And what could the Jews do through all the Empire, being contemned Vagabonds, but by way of Rabble tumult, which the Roman Power reſtrained? 8. And it ſeemeth meer violence to the Text, to make [him that withholdeth, foreign], to ſignifie not [him,] but [that thing] which withholdeth, even the Chriſtians not yet ſeparating from the Jews. For, 1. There was no ſet time of ſeparation: Paul did it long before the Apoſtles that converſed with them in Judea; and when they did, none know. And Paul withdrew from them as Obſtinacy gave him cauſe, in one Place ſooner than in others; and never ſo far, but that he laboured for their Converſion. Nor were any ſuch direful Perſecutions an Effect of that Separation, as far as juſt Hiſtory informeth us: It was the ſcattered Jews that were the Rudiments of moſt of the Chriſtian Churches in the Empire, to whom the Gentiles, were added. And this Doctor himſelf oft aſſerteth, That Rome, Alexandria, Antioch, and ſuch other great Cities, had two Biſhops, and two Churches, one of the Jews, and one of the Gentiles. And the Chriſtian Jews did not ſeparate from their Countrymen of a long time.
That which the Apoſtle mentioneth, the whole Catholick Church ſeemeth to be concerned in whereas the little Pranks of Simon Magus were like John of Leyden's, and Knipperdolling's, and James Naylor's, which had a few contemned Followers, in a few Towns, a little while, and then ended in Shame: Like the Boys Squibs, compared to a War.
8. And what Myſtery was there in ſo groſs Iniquity, as for Simon to call himſelf God the Father, &c. any more than to have ſeen Hacket or a Bedlam rave?
9. And if ſuch wonders of deceit had been wrought by him, as is here mentioned, as ſhould delude thoſe that received not the Love of the Truth to Salvation, Hiſtory would have fullier recorded his Miracles, and this Succeſs: Even on All them that believed not the Truth, but had pleaſure in Unrighteouſneſs.
4. Some think that Paul here ſpeaketh of a Seditious Ringleader of the Jews, that drew them into Rebellion, to their deſtruction; and that the fear of ſome Roman Governour was it that for a time reſtrained him. But this Opinion few follow.
5. Lyra and ſome other Papiſts think, that it was Mahomet that was this great Deceiver, and the Antichriſt, and the Empire that withheld. His Reaſons are rendred in his Annotations on the Revelations, and on this Text: And Zanchy was much of the ſame mind, though he thought the Pope was a kind of ſecond Antichriſt.
6. But the far greateſt number of Proteſtants think, that it is the Pope that is here ſpoken of, as the Man of Sin, and Son of Perdition, &c. and that it is the Roman Empire that withheld his Revelation: But ſome few think that it was the Godly Biſhops of Rome, that for ſome Ages poſſeſt that Seat, (and many were Martyrs) that withheld this Revelation of Antichriſt, till they were taken away by Death: For Men would not believe that the Succeſſours of ſo good Men could be Antichriſt. Abundance of Volumes are written to prove the Pope to be the Antichriſt; and one of the chief, by Biſhop George Do… name.
For my ſelfe, 1. I can better try him by the plain parts of Scripture, than by the hard Prophecies. And I can eaſily ſee many and great points in which Popery is contrary to the Word of God, and I am moſt moved by ſuch Moral Arguments as Dr. H. More uſeth in his Myſtery of Iniquity. And I find enough to ſettle me againſt Popery. 2. But whether it be he that this Text meaneth, or thoſe applied to him in the Revelation, I have not skill enough to be ſure, or very confident. And, 3. I think a Chriſtian may be very ſafe without underſtanding theſe obſcure Texts: I long to know God and Jeſus Chriſt better, more than to know Antichriſt: His name is not in the Creed, nor is it an Article of the ancient neceſſary Faith to know who he is; ſo we know the Falſe Doctrines and Practices which we muſt avoid. Perhaps, thoſe that have more throughly ſtudied theſe Texts may know more; (though I muſt ſay, that their great diſagreement of Opinion diſcourageth my hopes of full underſtanding them). I think it my duty to confeſs my Ignorance, and not pretend to the Knowledge which I have not. They that are offended at this gap or defect in my Paraphraſe, may turn to many others that know more, or are more confident.
If you ſay, Why were theſe Prophecies written, if not to be underſtood? I anſwer, To be underſtood by them that can, and not to be Expounded by them that cannot. And I add, that the great Beloved Prophet Daniel thus concludeth, Ch. 12.8, 9. I heard, but I underſtood not—And the Angel ſaid, Go thy way, Daniel, for the words are cloſed up and ſealed to the time of the end. And I take it to be no exceſs of Humility to confeſs, that in Expounding Prophecies I am not ſo wiſe as Daniel. That Popery is a heinous corruption of Chriſtianity, I am paſt doubt: And that it is aggravated by the profeſſion of the Goſpel, and Fathering their ſin on Chriſt.
But for the help of thoſe that are more capable of arriving at certainty than I am, I will diſtinctly tell the Reader the Paraphraſe of the three moſt conſiderable ſort of Expoſitours.
I. V. 3. Let no Man perſwade you that Chriſts coming is at hand, for it will not be till a great part of the Church fall away from Chriſtianity, and Mahomet that wicked Man and Seducer be revealed, who is a deſtroyer, and ſhall be deſtroyed, 4. Who oppoſeth and exalteth himſelf, not onelyonly above all Earthly Powers, but above all ſorts of Divine Worſhip, both Heatheniſh and Chriſtian. So that, as if he were a God, he will ſet up his own Worſhip as next to the ſupream onelyonly God, both in the Temple at Jeruſalem, and throughout all the now-Chriſtian Eaſtern Empire, and a great part further of the World; and under the Title of God's greateſt Prophet, will put down God's own Inſtitutions, and Laws, and Goſpel, and ſet up his own in the ſtead. 6. What it is that ſtops him, is a thing known to you all, even the Imperial Power; which as it falls, he will riſe: For as he is to make his falſe Religion by a compoſition of Arianiſm, Judaiſm, and his own Inventions, ſo the ſwarm of Hereſies now among us, (Nicolaitans, Ebionites, Cerinthians, Gnoſticks, &c.) are ſecretly a Myſtereous Iniquity preparing for him: OnelyOnly that Empire that now letteth, muſt give place to him, by diminution at his firſt riſing, and by its total-overthrow in the Eaſt, at his full poſſeſſion. And ſo he ſhall in his time become the open Seducer and Captivater of the Church and World; and muſt ſtay till Chriſt diminiſh and conſume Mahometaniſm by his Word preached, and utterly deſtroy it with the Glory of his more full appearance before the end. 9. Even that M…homets Kingdom, whoſe coming is by Satanical, Murdering Wars, and deceitful pretences of Heavenly Signs and Revelations; and with the unrighteous deceit of pretended oppoſition to Idolatry, and to Chriſtians, as if they worſhip two or three Gods, and their Laws were not ſo good as his: And thoſe Superficial, Hypocrite-Chriſtians, that had but the Name and Form, and not the hearty belief, love and obedience to the Truth, ſhall turn Mahometans, and be damned.
II. The commoneſt Proteſtant Paraphraſe is thus,
V. 3. Chriſts coming ſhall not be till there be a general Apoſtacie of the whole viſible Church, ſay ſome, or of moſt or much of it, ſay others, unto Idolatrous Worſhip, and ſubjection to the Papacy, and that Man of ſin, the Pope, be revealed, the Active and Paſſive Son of Perdition, the Abaddon, the Head of this Apoſtacie, given up to all ſin himſelf, and to promote it. 4. Who claimeth Chriſts Prerogative under the name of his Univerſal Vicar, and overthrows his Officers and Laws, and ſets up his own againſt them, and overtoppeth and ſubjecteth all Princes and Magiſtrates; and this in the Church of God, ſay moſt, or in that Idolatrous Church of his own, falſely called The Church of God, ſay others, as if he were there chief Lord himſelf, and arrogating names of Blaſphemy. I told you formerly of all this. And now you know what hindereth his ſpeedy ariſing: Even the Empire, as ſuch, (ſay ſome) including both the Pagan and Chriſtian: Or (as others) the Empire, as Pagan only. 6. For the beginnings of Antichriſtianity are ſecretly and myſteriouſly already working, which will bring him forth in time, even the Pride and Ambition of Miniſters ſeeking Superiority, and the Peoples exceſs of Factious Reſpects to ſome above others, and falling into Sects and Hereſies in following them. Only the Empire that now hindreth muſt firſt be taken out of the way: 8. And then ſhall the Pope, that Man of Wickedneſs, ariſe (ſay ſome), or be openly diſcovered to be Antichriſt (ſay others): Whom the Lord ſhall conſume by the Power of his Word preached by the two Witneſſes, and then deſtroy by pouring out the Vials of his Wrath upon him at his later coming to reſtore his Church. 9. Even that Pope, with his Roman Church of Papiſts, whoſe coming to the Papacy is after that way of working, by force, and cheats, and feigned Miracles, which Satan teacheth and giveth them to ſeduce the Chriſtian World. 10. And with all the deceiving Arts of falſhood, by which unrighteouſneſs is upheld and promoted, to delude thoſe that ſhall periſh for ever: Becauſe they received not ſound Doctrine when it was delivered, nor held the Chriſtian Faith in Love, and in its Power, but in Cuſtom, Hypocriſie, and Form, that it might ſanctifie and ſave them.
Therefore God juſtly gave them up by deſertions, to Deceivers and Deluſions, to believe a lie. 12. That all theſe Papiſts might be damned who believed not the Truth that is contrary to Popery, but had pleaſure in its unrighteous Principles and Practices, and in that ſenſual life which is contrary to the Chriſtianity which they profeſs.
III. The third conſiderable Opinion runs thus in the Paraphraſe Expoſition.
1. Pauls words have relation both to Daniels words, of Antiochus, ſay moſt, but of the Roman Power rather ſay Calvin and Brightman (who largely proveth it).
2. It is ſo far from being true, that the Chriſtians rejoiced in Chriſts ſending the Romans to deſtroy Jeruſalem, that they greatly lamented it: The Cities name was precious to them, the firſt Chriſtians being all Jews, and the Gentiles receiving the Goſpel from Jeruſalem: Chriſt wept over them when he Propheſied their ruine: Paul's lamentation was great for them. The ruine was dreadful, 1110000 killed, and 700000 carried Captive: And the Apoſtles were all Jews; and there was a common expectation among the Jews of the Meſſiah's glorious Kingdom at Jeruſalem, and they called it, The Holy City, and Land.
3. The Abomination of deſolation is by Chriſt himſelf compared to that ſpoken of by Daniel the Prophet, which was the deſtroying the Holy Place and Worſhip, and ſetting up Idolatry in its ſtead. And the Authors themſelves of the ſecond Expoſition (as againſt the Pope) Expound the Deſolating Abomination in Matth. 24. to be the Roman Heathen Army coming to lay waſte the Holy City and Temple: For that Abomination of Deſolation was to go before the flight of Men from Jeruſalem, or to concur. And this Text, v. 3. &c. ſeemeth plainly to follow Chriſt, and ſpeak of the ſame that he ſpeaketh of.
4. Veſpaſian and his Son Titus by his Command were the Men that deſtroyed the Holy City, Temple, and Nation, and the Idolatrous Heathens and their Worſhip there took preſent poſſeſſion; and ſo ſet up the Deſolation and Abomination: And his younger Son Domitian deſtroyed the Chriſtians, and Proclaimed himſelf to be God, and to be worſhipped with Altars and Sacrifices as God.
5. This Veſpatian took on him to work Miracles, healing a Blind Man, and many others: So that ſome fooliſh Jews called him the Meſſiah: And he and his Son Titus by their flattery and fair lives got great eſteem as excellent Men: And their Learned Orators, &c. promoted the honour of Idolatry by theirs.
6. This way of Self-deifying and promoting Idolatry, and Captivating the Jews and all Chriſtians, went on, though not equally, through all the Emperours almoſt, till Conſtantine.
7. The attempt of Caius Caligula told the Chriſtians what further to expect, when he Commanded Petronius to ſet up his Image in the Temple to be worſhipped as Jupiter.
Nero's Cruelty prognoſticated much.
8. But Veſpaſian and Titus were ſtopt from the Deſolation firſt attempted by the Life of Claudius, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, till he was made Emperour himſelf.
9. And Chriſt conſumed their Idolatry by his Goſpel, and deſtroyed it by Conſtantine. Theſe things premiſed, their Paraphraſe is, v. 3. The day of the Lord will not come till the Jews Rebellion and Revolt from the Romans provoke them to deſtroy them, and then will the wicked Deſtroyer appear, even the Roman Imperial Pride and Rage, who exalt themſelves above all Humane Power, and will arrogate the Name and worſhip of Gods, and put down Gods own inſtituted Worſhip, and will have Altars and Images erected to themſelves. 6. What delayeth them yet you know: They are killing one another for, Empire at Rome; and the ſin of the poor Jews againſt Chriſt and his Apoſtles is not yet ripe for utter ruine; and then next the deſtroyer will appear: For their Self-idolizing is already at work, as Caligula's attempt aſſureth us, with Nero's Pride and Cruelty: OnelyOnly the foreſaid impediments at Rome, &c. do ſtop the Deſolation and Abomination till it be removed, and then it will invade the Holy City and Temple, and Judea ſhall feel the Roman Pride and Idolatry. Who come as from Satan with all the help that he can give them, by Powerful Armies, and with the Countenance of the Roman Idolaters Learning, and Magicks, and Lying Oracles and wonders, ſuch as Veſpaſian pretended to work, and the Virtues that his Son Titus made oſtentation of. And with all the deceitful Learning and Arts, which may countenance Idolatry and Wickedneſs, and beguile Men fitted to deſtruction: Becauſe theſe poor Jews received not the Goſpel in Love that they might be ſaved by Chriſt, and many Chriſtians proved Hypocrites, and Formaliſts, and Hereticks, therefore God penally will let looſe upon them the Learned Roman Idolaters with their Arts and Subtlety, and advantages of Power to delude them to worſhip Idols, which are Lying Vanities: And ſo they that would not believe the Truth, but had pleaſure in Unrighteouſneſs, might be left to be their own deſtroyers, by believing, and practiſing the Idolatry and Wickedneſs which will damn them.
The Matter of all theſe three Expoſitions in it ſelf, hath a great deal of Truth, that is, Mahomet is an Antichriſt (moſt notorious): The Pope as pretended Univerſal Head of the Church, corrupting Chriſtianity in Doctrine, Worſhip, and Diſcipline, and bloodily deſtroying Sounder Chriſt, is one ſort of Antichriſt. The Roman Pagan Idolaters that ſet up the Deſolating Abomination were no leſs: But, which this Text meaneth, I know not. But I deteſt that Opinion that maketh all the Viſible Church Idolatrous and Antichriſtian ſince Conſtantine delivered it from Pagan Perſecution. Sure ſuch ſhould not now complain of Perſecution, but fear Deliverance and Proſperity.
13. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, becauſe God hath from the beginning choſen you to ſalvation, through ſanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth.
13. But when I ſpeak of this pernicious Apoſtaſie of the followers of this Man of ſin and perdition, it mindeth me to be thankful to God for you, that from the beginning he hath choſen and marked you out for Salvation, by Sanctifying you by his Spirit, and giving you a found belief of that truth, which theſe Apoſtates do deny.
Note, That Gods election Connecteth the End and Means; whom he chooſeth to Salvation, he at once chooſeth to Sanctification and Confirmed Faith.
14. Whereunto he called you by our goſpel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt.
14. And I am thankful that my preaching the Goſpel was the means by which he called you hereto, and to obtain your part with Chriſt in Glory.
15. Therefore, brethren, ſtand faſt, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epiſtle.
15. Therefore ſtand faſt, and hold the ſame Doctrine which I have delivered to you, whether by Preaching, Diſcourſe, or Writing, againſt all Innovating Seducers.
16. Now our Lord Jeſus Chriſt himſelf, and God even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlaſting conſolation, and good hope through grace. 17. Comfort your hearts, and ſtabliſh you in every good word and work.
16, 17. And I have great incouragement to pray for you, in hope that you may be comforted and eſtabliſhed in all that is good, becauſe it is to that Chriſt that is our Saviour, and God who is our Father, and hath already ſhewed that he loveth us, and hath by his Grace given us ſolid hope, and the foretaſte of the everlaſting conſolation.
CHAP. III.
1. FInally brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free courſe, and be glorified even as it is with you.
1. And as I pray for you, pray ye for us, that the word of God may run abroad with ſpeed and proſperous ſucceſs, and not be ſtopt or hindred by perſecutors contradictions, or Scandalous Seducers, but may be honoured by free and full reception and obedience, as it is with you (which praiſe I give you to encourage you.)
2. And that we may be delivered from unreaſonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
2. And that our Perſons may be preſerved and our Preaching proſper, againſt all the endeavours of abſurd and wicked Men, who are our adverſaries. For faithleſs Men are every where againſt us.
3. But the Lord is faithful, who ſhall ſtabliſh you, and keep you from evil.
3. But tho Men be faithleſs who reſiſt me, we have a faithful God, who will confirm you, and keep you from Satan and from evil.
4. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do, and will do the things which we command you.
4. And we have good hope that you will ſtill follow the Precepts which we give you from the Lord.
5. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Chriſt.
5. To which end I pray, that God would direct your Hearts to love himſelf, and patiently to wait for Chriſt, and theſe two Graces will keep you in obedience from backſliding.
6. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, that ye withdraw your ſelves from every brother that walketh diſorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
6. And this is one of the Commands which in the name of Chriſt I have to deliver you, to preſerve you from revolting, viz, to keep your Society clean from Scandal, by avoiding the familiar company of every one profeſſing Chriſtianity, who liveth diſorderly, and not according to the Law of Chriſt which we delivered to him.
Note, 1. That there is a degree of avoiding Familiarity with a diſorderly Chriſtian, to ſhame him into Repentance, and to preſerve our ſelves, and the Honour of Chriſtianity, which is ſhort of a publick Declarative, Excommunication, and caſting out of the Church. It is juſtly called Suſpenſion, becauſe a Man is not to be Excommunicate till he be proved obſtinately Impenitent: But a Man that is guilty of a notorious ſcandalous ſin, may be ſuſpended while he is under tryal whether he will repent or not.
2. Note, That this Command of withdrawing from the diſorderly, doth not require that we withdraw from the Church when ſuch intrude, or are there permitted. No more than you muſt forſake your own Houſe and Family if he intrude: You have right and command to be there, tho he have no right.
3. Nor doth it make all to be of equal power in Church Matters, not bind any to go beyond his Power. 1. Of Mans Capacity for Publick Church Communion, the Paſtors are Judges: And if they be negligent, its their ſin, which will not allow Private Men to forſake the Publick Communion, till the Church ſo far forſake God as to be forſaken by him. 2. But Private Familiarity is in Private Mens Power, where they may diſcountenance the Scandalous by withdrawing from them.
7. For your ſelves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not our ſelves diſorderly among you, 8. Neither did we eat any mans bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travel night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
7, 8. You know what our Example was, that ought to be imitated: I did not live idly, and look that the Church ſhould maintain me, nor baſely hang on any, or needleſly burden them; nor take their Bread which I paid not for: but while I taught you I laboured and toiled at my Trade that I might be chargeable to none of you.
9. Not becauſe we have not power, but to make our ſelves an enſample unto you to follow us.
9. My Miniſterial Office and Labour made maintenance from you my due; but Idleneſs I ſaw was a ſin, that had need of Example as well as Doctrine to ſubdue it.
10. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither ſhould he eat.
10. Note, Poor Men that will not work when they can, do forfeit the Bread of Charity from Men; but Rich Men that live idly do by that ſin forfeit their Food, (and more, even their lives and Souls) to God; but Men may not therefore take it from them.
11. For we hear that there are ſome which walk among you diſorderly, working not at all, but are buſie-bodies.
11. By diſorderly Perſons I ſpecially mean ſuch as I hear ſome among you are, who live not in any profitable Trade and Labour, but yet are buſie, but its about circumſtantial, unneceſſary or unprofitable by-matters.
Note, That as Idleneſs is a baſe ſin, which equals Life and Death, ſo unneceſſary and unprofitable Labour is a miſ-ſpending time and a forfeiture of Maintenance as well as Idleneſs: and to make a Trade or Daily Employment of vain or unprofitable Buſineſs, is but a Cloak of Deceit for an Idle Life: The Sloathful and Ʋnprofitable Servants forfeit Wages. Oh what a deal of Buſineſs to little purpoſe hath the World to anſwer for! foreign, not labouring, but buſily Trifling; men will find that God gave them Life and Reaſon for greater things.
12. Now them that are ſuch we command, and exhort by our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, that with quietneſs they work, and eat their own bread.
12. To live on the labours or coſt of others, through baſe, indulging fleſhly eaſe, or unprofitable trifling, is ſo great a ſin, that I do command you, and exhort you, by the authority of Chriſt, and as you will obey him, that you avoid it, and that you quietly and willingly get your own living by ſome profitable labour, and eat not other Mens Bread, but your own, and that not the Bread of Idleneſs.
13, 14. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epiſtle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be aſhamed. 15. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admoniſh him as a brother.
13, 14, 15. If after all this the ſloathful will not labour, though you are not to cut him off from the Church, as if it were for rejecting an Eſſential part of Chriſtianity, yet there is a Diſcipline to be uſed in the Church towards its Members: Set a note of ſhame upon that Man, by avoiding familiarity with him: But yet take him not for an Enemy or Heathen, bu… an offending Chriſtian, and continue to call him to Repentance.
Note, Qu. But what if it be a Son? muſt the Parents deny him Food? Anſ. If he be obſtinate in an idle or unprofitable Life, being able for a better, 1. The Parents ſhould mark him out to ſhame; 2. And ſhould ſo far ſt…aiten him in the Quality of his Food and Maintenance, as may make his Sloth a penal Suffering to him, and ſignifie their abhorrence of his Sin, though they may not famiſh him to death.
16. Now the Lord of peace himſelf give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. 17. The ſalutation of me Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epiſtle: ſo I write; 18. The grace of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt be with you all. Amen.
16, 17, 18. Note, We may boldly truſt him for our Peace and ſafety, who will be called The Lord of Peace, and by the Grace of Chriſt will be with us, and give us Peace always, and by all means. Amen.