Westminster Annotations, Acts 2 – Romans 2

Westminster Annotations · Acts 2 – Romans 2

ANNOTATIONS ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES.

CHAP. I.

Vers. 1. THe former treatise have I made] The Gospel by Saint Luke.

all that Jesus began both to do and teach] Whereby is meant Christs Doctrine and his Miracles for the confirmation of the same.

V. 2. taken up] Untill his asc…nsion.

had given commandements] To preach the Gospel to which he had chosen them.

V. 3. thy many infallible proofs] The Greek word signifieth such undoubted signes or arguments as set an end to all controversies concerning the matter in question. Such as were their seeing Christ, talking, eating with him, and touching him after his resurrection.

fourtie dayes] Christ would not presently ascend into heaven after his resurrection, that he might assure his Apostles of the truth thereof, by his conversing with them so long at certain times.

pertaining to the kingdome of God] What the Apostles were afterwards to deliver to the world, either in preaching, or writing, whereby God may reign in us here by grace, and such as concern our being with him in future glory.

V. 4. being assembled together with them] Or, eating together with them. Having gathered them together (who were dispersed with fear) that they might all be witnesses of his ascension.

depart] Or, separate themselves.

which, saith he, ye have heard of me] Luk. 24. 49.

V. 5. For John truly] Mat. 3. 11. Mark 1. 8. Luk. 3. 16. Joh. 1. 26. Act. 11. 16. & 19. 4.

with the holy Ghost] With the graces of Gods holy Spirit.

V. 6. the kingdome to Israel] The earthly Kingdome and worldly prosperitie, which they imagined the Messias should set them up. See Luk. 24. 21.

V. 7. It is not for you to know the times or seasons] The opportunities for the works of God, which he reserveth to himself.

V. 8. But ye shall receive] Chap. 2. 1.

power after that the holy Ghost is come upon you] Or, the power of the holy Ghost coming upon you. Gifts of Tongues, Healing, Interpretation, Boldnesse to preach, &c.

uttermost part of the earth] Both to the Jews and Gentiles according to their commission, Mark 16. 15.

V. 9. And when he had spoken] Luk. 24. 51.

V. 10. two men stood by them in white apparel] Two Angels in mens shapes.

V. 11. into heaven] To which he is gone to take possession for us, by carrying thither the same flesh and blood of which we consist.

shall so come] At the last day he shall locally come, in the same body manifestly appearing in the clouds, 1 Thess. 4. 16, 17. Mat. 24. 30.

V. 12. a sabbath-dayes journey] How farre it was lawfull to walk on the Sabbath-day, the Law of God determined not: but their tradition limited it to two thousand cubits, which make a mile.

V. 14. with the women] Meaning those who wont to follow the Lord (Luk. 8. 2, 3.) and the Apostles wives.

with his brethren] His kinsmen.

V. 16. which the holy Ghost] Psal. 41. 9.

guide to them that took Jesus] Mat. 26. 47, 48. Joh. 18. 2, 3.

V. 18. Now this man purchased a field] Mat. 27. 7. This Luke speaketh in respect of the event; because with the thirtie pieces (the price of blood) a field was bought by the Priests for the buriall of strangers, Mat. 27. 6, 7, 8.

and falling headlong] Casting himself down from the place where he hanged himself, Mat. 27. 5.

V. 20. Let his habitation be desolate] Psal. 69. 25.

His bishoprik let another take] Or, office; or, charge. Psal. 109. 8.

V. 21. went in end out amongst us] Or, was conversant.

V. 22. of his resurrection] In that he mentioneth the principall Article of our faith, he comprehendeth all the rest.

V. 23. they appointed two] The before-mentioned Apostles.

V. 24. And they prayed] Because the Apostles were immediately chosen of God, therefore they pray God to direct the lot.

V. 25. his own place] To hell and eternall damnation.

V. 26. he was numbred with the eleven apostles] Or acknowledged to be one of the twelve Apostles.

CHAP. II.

Vers. PEntecost was fully come] When the fiftieth day from the Passeover was come. See Deut. 16. 9. Levit. 23. 15. Which time God chose to send the holy Ghost; much people being there gathered to Jerusalem, that it might be divulged to the world.

they were all with one accord in one place] The Apostles.

V. 3. tongues] The appearance of tongues, to signifie their gift of tongues, or speaking divers Languages; miraculously infused into them; as a remedy for the confusion of tongues, Gen. 11. 7. by which a great part of the world was separated from communion with God and his Church.

of fire] To signifie the admirable force which should be therein, by the Spirit of God.

V. 4. filled with the holy Ghost] With his gifts and graces.

to speak with other tongues] Besides their mother tongues they spake tongues which they never studied, nor understood before that moment. So it was promised, Mar. 16. 17.

V. 6. when this was noised abroad] Gr. when this voyce was made. How the Apostles spake all Languages on the sudden.

confounded] Or, troubled in mind.

V. 8. how hear we every man] Not that in the sound of one voyce, every man heard his own Language: as if one and the same word spoken by Peter, should sound Greek to the Grecian, Latine to the Romane, Egyptian to the Egyptian; (for so had this been a miraculous gift in the hearers, not in the speakers) but because every Apostle now spake all Languages, as occasion and the auditory served him.

V. 10. proselytes] Gentiles converted to the Israelites Religion.

V. 13. full of new wine] Gr. sweet wine.

V. 15. but the third houre of the day] Meaning but early dayes: the third houre, according to their account, (who reckoned the houres from Sunne rising, and so made them longer in Summer and shorter in winter) might be, as with us, about eight or nine of the clock in the morning.

V. 17. And it shall come to passe] Isa. 44. 3. Joel 2. 28. He acquiteth himself and the rest of the Apostles, by interpreting and applying the Prophecie: and sheweth their impudencie who durst deride the very mercies of God powred out on his Church.

upon all flesh] All sorts of men, Jews and Gentiles.

V. 20. The sunne shall be turned into darknesse] Joel 2. 31. Meaning that God will shew such signes of his truth through all the world, that men shall be no lesse amazed, then if the whole order of Nature were changed.

V. 21. whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord] Rom. 10. 13. Joel 2. 32.

V. 23. by the determinate counsel] Act. 4. 28. Not that the counsell of God herein excused the Jewes, nor Judas wickednesse: seeing he wrought not in them, but by them; making a good use of that they did wickedly.

V. 24. the pains of death] Meaning the bands of the grave, or power of death.

V. 25. I foresaw the Lord] Psal. 16. 8.

on my right hand] Or, at. Ready to help me.

V. 26. in hope] Of victory through God by a glorious resurrection.

V. 27. leave my soul in hell] Or, me. Thou wilt not let me lie long in the grave: but wilt raise me the third day, before my body shall corrupt there.

V. 28. the wayes of life] In restoring me from death to life.

V. 29. let me] Or, I may.

of the Patriarch David] 1 King. 2. 10.

V. 30. Therefore being a prophet] And knew by speciall revelation that which was to come concerning Christ.

and knowing that God] Psal. 132. 11.

V. 31. that his soul] Psal. 16. 10.

soul was not left] As vers 27.

in hell] Or, grave. Gr. foreign. The word signifieth a lightlesse place; and so is put for the grave here: for the Apostle saith, that David being a Prophet spake concerning the resurrection of Christ: who was not left in the grave, when he rose from the dead.

V. 33. by the right hand of God] By the power of God.

V. 34. The LORD said unto my Lord] Psal. 110. 1.

Sit thou on my right hand] Have thou glory and power over all: see Ephes. 4. 9, 10. David speaketh this concerning Christ, not himself: for he concerning whom that was spoken, saw not corruption, which David did: therefore that was spoken concerning another, who saw not corruption. See Act. 13. 36, 37, Neither is David so ascended into heaven body and soul, as to sit at Gods right hand, and to have power over all creatures: neither can this agree to any but Christ onelyonly.

V. 36. both Lord and Christ] The anointed King: so that the Jews must know that he was called Christ, because he was the Lords anointed. See Ephes. 1. 21. & 4. 10. Phil. 2. 9, 10.

V. 39. the promise is unto you] Christ is promised both to Jews and Gentiles: but the Jews had the first place.

V. 40. untoward generation] This corrupt world: perverse and wicked men.

V. 41. souls] Or, persons.

V. 42. in breaking of bread] This is a terme taken from that which Christ did at his last Supper, Mat 26. 26. Used to signifie the holy Supper of the Lord, which they used to celebrate when they made their Love-feasts, or feasts of Charitie, Act. 20. 7. Jud. 12.

V. 43. And fear came upon every soul] They were all amazed at the new and marvellous state, encrease, gifts, miracles and power of the Church: so that no man durst oppose them.

V. 44. and had all things common] That communitie was not of all the goods, of all the faithfull: but of that part, which every one would consecrate to the publike necessitie, or to the relief of any particular person.

from house to house] Or, at home.

CHAP. III.

Vers. 1. NInth houre] Which was their three of clock in the afternoone: the time of their evening sacrifice, at which the Apostles were present.

V. 2. called Beautifull] Built in stead of that of Solomon, and so called. See Joh. 10. 23.

V. 6. In the name of Jesus Christ] By the power and command of that Jesus Christ, whom in contempt and scorn you called Jesus of Nazareth.

V. 12. as though by our own power] He correcteth the abuse of men, who attribute that to mans power or godlinesse, which appertaineth onelyonly to God.

V. 13. the God of our fathers] Act. 5. 30. The same onelyonly true God, whom Abraham and all our fathers worshipped.

V. 14. But ye denied the holy one] Mat. 27. 20. Joh. 19. 15.

desired a murderer] That is, Barabbas, Mar. 15. 11. Joh. 18. 40.

V. 16. through faith in his name] Because he apprehended him who was risen from the dead, whose name he heard of us.

V. 17. through ignorance ye did it] He excuseth not their malice, but because ignorance and blind zeale led many, he putteth them in hope of pardon. See 1 Tim. 1. 13.

your rulers] He meaneth some, not all, Joh. 7. 50. 51. and 19. 38.

V. 18. by the mouth of all his prophets] See vers. 21. The Prophets were many, yet being all inspired with one Spirit of God, they spake all one truth: in respect whereof, the holy Ghost here attributeth but one mouth to them all.

V. 19. times of refreshing shall come] It is a figurative manner of speaking, taken from workmen reposing themselves in the coole shades, to represent the eternall rest, after the labours and travels of the life. See Luk. 16. 25. Rev. 7. 15, 16. & 14. 13.

V. 21. Whom the heaven must receive] Meaning, that his humanitie should henceforth be resident in heaven, and no more here on earth, till he come to judgement.

times of restitution of all things] Unto the perfection of the kingdome of Christ, wherein all shall be repaired, which sinne hath disordered and ruined, wherein the creature shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the libertie of the sonnes of God. See Rom 8. 21.

since the world began] Or, from all ages.

V. 22. A prophet shall the Lord] Deut. 18. 15. Chap. 7. 37.

of your brethren] Of the stock of Abraham.

V. 25. Ye are the children of the prophets] To whom the Prophets were addressed, and with whom the covenant was made.

And in thy seed] Gen. 12. 3. Gal. 3. 8. Gen. 18. 18. & 22. 18. & 26. 4. That is, in Christ Jesus, of the lineage of Abraham.

V. 26. Unto you] To you before the Gentiles, is the Gospel and Doctrine of Christs resurrection to be preached, Matth. 10. 6. Act. 1. 8. & 13. 46.

to blesse you] In giving you faith and repentance by the Spirit of regeneration: see Gal. 3. 9. 14.

CHAP. IIII.

Ver. 1. CAptain of the temple] Or, ruler. Som think that he was a Ruler or Commander over the Levites, who ministred by turnes, and guarded the Temple. See 2 Chron. 35. 4, 5.

the Sadduces came upon them] Who deny the Resurrection.

V. 5. rulers, and elders, and scribes] Meaning their Sankedrin or great Councell.

V. 7. or by what name] By what authority? by whose command▪

V. 8. Peter filled with the holy Ghost] Assisted by the grace of Gods holy Spirit, which enabled and emboldened him to speak.

V. 9. If we this day] Or, seeing that.

examined of the good deed done] Meaning, whereas you question us for doing good, who ought to question and punish evill doers onelyonly, Mark 3. 4.

V. 11. This is the stone] Psal. 118. 22. Mat. 21. 42. Mark 12. 10. Luk. 20. 17. 1 Pet. 2. 7.

of you builders] You Priests, Elders, and Governours, who should edifie the Church of God.

is become the head of the corner] The corner stone, which as it uniteth two walls into one; so doth Christ unite both Jewes and Gentiles into one Church. See Ephes. 2. 14. 20, 21.

V. 17. to no man in this name] They commanded them to preach Christ no more.

V. 20. we cannot but speak the things] We cannot choose but obey Christ, who hath commanded us so to do.

V. 21. all men glorified God] All that beleeved, or many men.

V. 23. they went to their own] To glorifie God and to encourage them, by letting them know, how God had assisted them.

V. 25. Why did the heathen rage] Psal. 2. 1.

V. 28. For to doe whatsoever] Though they meant not to obey God in crucifying Christ, but had severall other ends, yet God ordered this to our redemption. See Act. 13. 27. Isai. 10. 7.

thy hand and thy counsell] Thy power and providence.

V. 29. behold their threatnings] Divert their rage and malice, who enterprise against thee.

and grant] Because God only can give patience, perseverance and boldnesse to preach the Gospel, they pray him to give it.

V. 31. the place was shaken] By this sensible signe, God shewed that he would confirm and heare them.

and they were all filled with the holy Ghost] They were strengthened with greater confidence to speak.

V. 32. were of one heart] So unanimous, as if they had all but one heart, and one soule; because they were all united and guided by one Spirit of God.

was his owne] They gave, as if the needy had as good interest in their goods, as themselves who were owners.

V. 35. according as he had need] They who wanted most, had the greater reliefe given them.

CHAP. V.

Vers. 3. BƲt Peter said] The thing being divinely revealed to Peter.

to lye to the holy Ghost] Or, to deceive. When they had dedicated the possession to God, for the reliefe of his servants, the fraud and falshood concerned his interest, and this their seeming charity was hypocrisie and lying to God.

V. 4. was it not in thine own power] Meaning, no man compelled thee to sell and give; but to make God a proffer of all, and to perform but a part, this was to tempt God (as v. 9.) to try whether he saw and would revenge.

V. 6. And the yong men arose] Which were of the company.

V. 9. behold, the feet of them] Meaning, they that buried thy husband are returned.

V. 13. And of the rest durst no man joyn himself to them] They were so terrified with this example against hypocrites, that they that were not sincere, durst not now make false shewes of it, nor contemn the Apostles.

V. 15. into the streets] Or, in every street.

the shadow of Peter passing by] See also chap. 19. 12. Not that the body of the Apostle, much lesse the shadow, or garments, had any such inherent vertue, as to heale the sick, but God exercised the power of healing by the weakest meanes, that men might know that it was his power onelyonly, testifying the exhibition of the Messias.

V. 17. indignation] Or, envy.

V. 20. all the words of this life] See Joh. 6. 68.

V. 28. Did not we straitly command you] Chap. 4. 18.

this mans bloud upon us] That is, to make us seem guiltie of Christs death: thus hypocrites will be wicked, but not seem so.

V. 29. We ought to obey God rather then man] That is, when they command or forbid us any thing contrary to the word of God, Dan. 3. 18.

V. 30. The God of our fathers] Chap. 3. 13.

V. 31. his right hand] Power.

V. 32. them that obey him] That is, that obey Christ.

V. 33. they were cut to the heart] This word importeth a bitter perturbation of anger, taken from them that cut with a Saw.

V. 34. named Gamaliel] This was Pauls tutor, chap. 22. 3.

V. 36. rose up Theudas] A notorious impostour; who under pretence of being a Prophet, moved sedition among the Jewes.

obeyed] Or, beleeved.

V. 40. and beaten them] This kind of punishment it seemeth the Romans permitted the Jewes to execute within their Synagogues, but not publikely, Mat. 10. 17. 2 Cor. 11. 24.

CHAP. VI.

Vers. 1. THe Grecians against the Hebrewes] Whose ancestours were Jewes, and having dwelt in Greece, used the Greek tongue.

were neglected in the daily ministration] They were not relieved in the distribution of the almes.

V. 2. and serve tables] To make provision for, or serve at tables, in their ordinary diet provided for the poore; and at their feasts of charity; because they had greater work in hand, that is, to preach the Word of God, as v. 4.

V. 5. Philip] Chap. 21. 8.

a proselyte of Antioch] See chap. 2. 10.

V. 6. they laid their hands on them] By this imposition of hands, the Primitive Church signified a consecration of a man to God: This rite the Hebrewes used, in their solemn sacrifices, and in their prayers and private blessings, as may appeare, Gen. 48. 14. Matth. 19. 13. 1 Tim. 4. 14. 2 Tim. 1. 6. Heb. 6. 2.

V. 7. obedient to the faith] That is, the doctrine of the Gospel, Rom. 1. 5. & 16. 26.

V. 9. certain of the synagogue] It is likely that the Romans permitted other nations, having trade at Jerusalem, to have their synagogue or Church by themselves.

the Libertines] Thus the Romans called the issue of their slaves when they were manumissed or set at liberty: which maketh it more probable that it was no Colledge for youth, but a synagogue or Church for strangers, of which they were.

Cyrenians] A sort of Philosophers, of whom speaketh Cic. l. 1. de fin.

of Cilicia] A countrey in Asia the lesser, in which was Tarsus, the Citie where Paul was born, ch. 22. 3.

V. 11. Then they suborned men which said] Instructed false witnesse, what they should say against Stephen.

V. 14. customes] Or, rites.

V. 15. as it had been the face of an Angel] With an admirable splendor and majesty, such as we read of Moses, Exod. 34. 30.

CHAP. VII.

Vers. 2. IN Mesopotamia] He speaketh here of Mesopotamia as comprehending Babylon and Chaldea in it.

V. 3. Get thee out of thy Countrey] Gen. 12. 1.

V. 4. he removed him into this land] Or, removing caused him to dwell; or, gave him possession in this land. See on Gen. 11. 26.

V. 6. foure hundred yeeres] Gen. 15. 13. Beginning to reckon the yeeres from the time that Isaac was born.

V. 7. will I judge] Or, take vengeance of them, and deliver my people by a mighty hand.

V. 8. And he gave] Gen. 17. 9.

and so Abraham begat Isaac] Gen. 21. 3.

and Isaac begat Jacob] Gen. 25. 26.

and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs] Gen. 29. 31, &c.

V. 9. And the patriarchs moved with envy] Gen. 37. 28.

God was with him] He favored him, blessed & delivered him.

V. 10. and gave him favour] Gen. 41. 37.

V. 12. But when Jacob heard] Gen. 42. 1.

V. 13. And at the second time] Gen. 45. 4.

V. 14. threescore and fifteen soules] Whereas these persons are variably reckoned 66. 70. 75. we may conceive, that this varietie proceedeth from the severall accompts; in one accompt they onelyonly are reckoned who lineally descended from Jacob to be 66. persons, Gen. 46. 26. In a second accompt, the whole number of the promised seed going into, or being in Egypt, are reckoned 70. persons; for so, if we accompt Jacob, Joseph, Ephraim & Manasses with the 66. the number is 70. Ge. 46. 27. In a third accompt are …eckoned Jacobs sonnes wives (excepted in the former reckoning, Gen. 46. 26.) to make up the 75. persons here mentioned, in this word foreign, signifying as well affinitie (or kindred by marriage) as consanguinitie or kindred by bloud. One thing in this and the like places, is necessary to remember, that the Apostle did not in vaine warn us of too much curiositie about Genealogies and fruitlesse questions. See 1 Tim. 1. 4. Tit. 3. 10.

V. 15. So Jacob went down into Egypt] Gen. 46. 5.

and dyed] Gen. 49. 33.

V. 16. And were carryed over] Meaning Jacob and Joseph at least, if not all the rest of the Patriarchs.

into Sychem] Understand this distributively, as if he said, some were buried in Sychem, which Jacob bought, Gen. 33. 19. as Joseph, which fell to his lot in his sonne Ephraim, Josh. 24. 32. and some (as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Gen. 50. 13.) were buried in Hebron, the field that Abraham bought for money of Ephron (Gen. 23. 17.) See Mat. 26. 8. Joh. 12. 4.

of the sonnes of Emmor] Or, besides that of the sonnes of Emmor of Sychem. Besides that place, or sepulchre which Jacob bought of the sonnes of Emmor of Sychem, where Josephs bones were buried. Here is set foreign, for foreign, that is, praeter illud sepulchrum filiorum Emmor.

V. 20. In which time Moses was born] Exod. 2. 2.

was exceeding faire] Heb. 11. 23. Or, fair to God. That is, divinely beautifull, or such as by the providence of God was very beautifull.

V. 21. for her own sonne] As if he had been her own.

V. 22. in all the wisdome of the Egyptians] In Philosophy and all the liberall Sciences of the Egyptians.

V. 24. And seeing one] Exod. 2. 11.

V. 26. And the next day] Exod. 2. 13.

V. 30. And when fortie yeares were expired] Exod. 3. 2.

an angel] The angel of the covenant, Christ; as appeares, v. 32.

V. 33. Put off thy shoes from thy feet] In sign of reverence, Joh. 5. 15. and resignation of thy self to my providence. See Ruth 4. 7.

is holy ground] In respect of Gods present manifestation of his majesty there.

V. 36. shewed wonders] Exod. 7. 9.

and in the wildernesse] Exod. 16. 1.

V. 37. A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up] Deut. 18. 15.

like unto me] Or, as my selfe.

V. 38. This is he that was] Exod. 19. 3.

church in the wildernesse] Or, Congregation.

lively oracles] The powerful words which God spake to Moses.

V. 40. Saying unto Aaron] Exod. 32. 1.

V. 42. the host of heaven] The Sun, Moon and Stars, Deu. 17. 3.

O ye house of Israel] Amos 5. 25.

V. 43. ye tooke up the tabernacle of Moloch] Moloch, or Melchom, which some call Saturn, others Mars, the abomination of the children of Ammon, 1 King. 11. 5, 7. to whom they sacrificed their sonnes and daughters.

god Remphan] That which the Prophet Amos 5. 26. calleth the starre of their god.

and] Or, therefore.

V. 44. the tabernacle of witnesse] Where God principally witnessed or shewed his glory, and where the Arke of the Covenant was, and the law and testimonies.

that he should make] Exod. 25. 40.

V. 45. in with Jesus] With Joshua, who bare both name and type of Jesus Christ, in that he brought Israel into the promised rest.

V. 47. But Solomon built him an house] 1 Chron. 17. 12.

V. 48. Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in Temples made with hands] Chap. 17. 24. Is not comprehended in any place, though he will be worshipped in place. He taxeth the impiety of them, who trusted in an imaginary sanctitie, which they pretended they had from the Temple, when yet they neglected the true worship of God therein. See Jer. 4. 5.

V. 49. Heaven is my throne] Isa. 66. 1, 2.

V. 51. and uncircumcised in heart and eares] Who carry the externall sign of the circumcision in the flesh, but have not the effect thereof and inward regeneration of the heart. See Rom. 2. 28, 29. Jer. 9. 26.

V. 52. of the just one] That is, Christ, 1 Joh. 2. 1. Act. 22. 14.

V. 53. by the disposition of Angels] Or, ministery of Angels: or, by the proclaiming of Angels, Galat. 3. 19. Heb. 2. 2. Deut. 33. 2. The meaning is, if ye despise the Law given by so glorious and dreadfull a Ministery; no marvell if you despite the Gospel proposed to you in so simple and mean a maner.

V. 54. were cut to the heart] See Chap. 5. 33.

V. 55. and saw the glory of God] In this extraordinary vision he saw the admirable glory of Christ in heaven, as farre as mortall man could apprehend, to strengthen him in his tryall.

V. 58. was Saul] Chap. 22. 20.

V. 60. he fell asleep] That is, quietly dyed, as if he had faln into a sweet sleep; which tearme the Scripture often useth, to give us secure & certain hope of the resurrection from the dead.

CHAP. VIII.

Vers. 1. ANd Saul was consenting] Chap. 7. 58.

V. 5. Then Philip went down] Probably, this was Philip the Deacon, ch. 6. 5. for the Apostles stayed at Jerusalem, v. 1.

V. 10. To whom they all gave heed] They marked and beleeved his words as oracles.

V. 13. Then Simon himselfe beleeved also] Convicted by evidence of Gods power, working by Philip, he beleeved, or made externall profession of his faith, and of conversion.

V. 15. receive the holy Ghost] Not only the inward grace of regeneration; but also that miraculous power which then shewed it selfe on them that were baptized or assigned to the Ministery.

V. 16. onelyonly they were baptized in the Name of Jesus] They had onelyonly received the common grace of adoption and regeneration, sealed up to all the faithfull in baptisme; they had not yet the extraordinary gifts of tongues and miracles.

V. 17. Then laid they their hands on them] See cha. 6. 6.

V. 21. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter] No interest in this faith and doctrine, neither in this sacred office of preaching the Gospel cōmitted to others by imposition of hands.

V. 22. if perhaps the thought] He would not judge of Simons finall estate, but admonish him to repentance. See 2 Tim. 2. 25.

V. 23. in the gall of bitternesse] Meaning, in the most bitter and desperate condition.

V. 26. unto Gaza] It was destroyed by Alexander the Great, and so remained waste: Some say, another of the same name was long after built in another place.

V. 27. an eunuch of great authoritie] Or, great Officer, or noble man of the queens Court. See Ge. 37. ult. & 40. 2. Est. 4. 5.

and had come to Jerusalem] Proselytes and others came up to the solemnitie. See 1 King. 8. 41. Joh. 12. 20.

V. 29. Then the Spirit said unto Philip] By revelation, or divine inspiration.

V. 32. He was led as a sheep to the slaughter] Isa. 55. 7.

V. 33. In his humiliation] Because he tooke on him the form of a servant, subjected himselfe to death and state of condemnation, due to us; God highly exalted him, Phil. 2. 8, 9. Ch. 2. 23, 24.

who shall declare his generation] That is, how long his age shall endure; for being risen from death, he dyeth no more, Rom. 6. 9. Neither shall his Kingdome have any end, Luk. 1.

for his life is taken from the earth] His death was the passage to his eternall glory.

V. 35. Then Philip opened his mouth] This was an usuall manner among the Hebrewes, to expresse a beginning to speak of some weighty matter.

V. 37. If thou beleevest with all thine heart] With a sincere and perfect heart.

V. 39. that the eunuch saw him no more] He was suddenly taken away, and transported by the Spirit of God, as 1 King. 18. 12. Ezek. 3. 12, 14. This was, that the eunuch might know, that Philip was sent to him by God.

V. 40. But Philip was found at Azotus] That is, hee was presently in Azotus, a town in Palestine; some think this City was also called Ashdod, one of the five Cities of the Philistims, Josh. 15. 47. wherein was that idoll Dagon, 1 Sam. 5. 3.

CHAP. IX.

Vers. 1. ANd Saul] Chap. 22. 4, 5.

breathing out threatnings] It importeth a vehement heat of an enraged heart, which his very breath discovered in his words.

V. 2. And desired of him letters] Because the Romans having conquered all Judea, permitted the Jewes to live according to their own Religion (whence the high Priests, as the presidents of their great councell, had power to examine and imprison any of theirs who dissented therin, though they had not power to determine in matters capitall) therefore Saul desired commission from the Priests, to convent the Christians.

to Damascus] Damascus the chiefe citie of Syria, Northward from Canaan, from Jerusalem 6. dayes journey.

any of this way] Act. 24. 14. Professed Christians.

V. 5. Jesus whom thou pers…cutest] In that thou persecutest them that professe my name, who are one with me their head.

to kick against the pricks] This was a proverbe, noting their contumacie and folly, who would obstinately hurt themselves in pursuit of others: It signifieth here a resisting God to a mans own hurt, Jer. 7. 19. 1 Cor. 10. 22.

V. 7. hearing a voyce] Meaning Sauls voyce▪ (as c. 22. 9. See Dan. 10. 7.) not the voyce of Christ, except some confused …ound, the meaning they knew not.

but seeing no man] He appeared or spake to Saul only.

V. 8. he saw no man] He was smitten blind by the brightnesse of the light which shined unto him: to teach him that he was spiritually blind in his opinion of wisdom & rage against Christ.

V. 9. And neither did eat nor drink] So wonderfully was he amazed at that which hapned to him; and it may be then was his rapture which he speaketh of, 2 Cor. 12. 2.

V. 11. called Saul of Tarsus] This was a famous City of Cilicia neer Antioch, c. 21. 39.

for behold, he prayeth] It appeareth that God revealed to Ananias, that Saul prayed, and how he would enlighten him body and soul, and therefore commanded him to repair to him for the accomplishment thereof.

V. 12. And hath seen] Or, he saw. These words seem not to he Gods to Ananias, but Lukes concerning Sauls vision, for otherwise he would probably rather have said, he hath seen thee in a vision comming unto him; then he hath seene a man named Ananias coming, &c.

V. 15. a chosen vessell unto me] A vessell of honour. See 2 Tim. 2. 20. To bear the divine treasure of the Gospel, the savour of life unto life to the Gentiles, 2 Cor. 4. 7.

V. 16. For I will shew him how great things he must suffer] He must suffer many things for my names sake; therefore I will before inform him therof, to frame him to invincible patience.

V. 22. proving that this is very Christ] By comparing or matching places of Scripture. See ch. 17. 11. & 18. 28.

V. 23. And after that many dayes were fulfilled] That is, three yeares, Gal. 1. 8.

V. 24. But their laying await was known of Saul] 2 Cor. 11. 32.

V. 25. the Disciples took him by night] The faithfull Christians.

V. 28. was with them comming in, and going out] Conversant with them. With Peter and James, Gal. 1. 18, 19.

V. 29. he spake boldly] Making open profession of the Gospel.

the Grecians] Act. 6. 1.

V. 30. forth to Tarsus] That he might preach the Gospel to his own Countrey-men.

V. 35. dwelt at Lydda, and Saron] Lydda was a Citie of Palestine in the tribe of Ephraim, and Saron the Champion Countrey between Caesarea of Palestine and Mount Tabor, and the Lake of Genesareth, running along beyond Joppe: the meaning is, that as many saw him as in these parts turned to the Lord.

V. 36. was at Joppa] A citie by the sea side.

V. 37. whom when they had washed] They were wont to wash their dead, and to anoint them before they put them into the linen in which they buried them.

V. 39. and shewing the coats] Which she made to give the poor.

CHAP. X.

Vers. 1. COrnelius] An Italian Captain of the Garrison Souldiers of the Romans at Caesarea.

V. 2. A devout man] It seemeth he was a Proselyte in heart, though not of the Circumcision, and open profession.

V. 3. He saw in a vision] Not in a trance or rapt of spirit, but a vision, and that not obscurely, but sensibly and evidently.

the ninth] Which was one of their set hours of prayer. Ch. 3. 1.

Thy prayers and thine alms, &c.] It is a manner of expression borrowed from their burnt-offerings & incense, intimating how charitie commended his prayers. See Heb. 13. 16. Revel. 8. 3, 4.

V. 9. about the sixth hour] About noon, which was another hour for prayer, Psal. 55. 17. he went up to the top of the house which was flat rooft.

V. 10. he fell into a tra…ce] A supernaturall elevation of the minde, by the Spirit of God, filling all the sense and facultie of the soul with a divine revelation.

V. 11. And saw heaven opened] This was the Vision of the Law.

V. 12. were all manner of four-footed beasts] Wherein seemed to him to be all manner of beasts and creatures, as well those which by their Law were to be accounted unclean, as others.

V. 13. and eat] That is, indifferently without any respect to the distinction of clean and unclean, and therefore God affected him with so sharp and sudden an hunger, vers. 10. because he meant to present him a vision sutable thereto.

V. 14. common or unclean] Which the prescript of the Law made such. See Mark 7. 2.

V. 15. What God hath cleansed] By taking away the difference. By this he was taught, not to abhorre the Gentiles, as impure, seeing God had taken away the difference. Eph. 2. 14.

call thou not] Make thou not, or esteem thou not.

V. 16. received] That is seemed in this vision to be taken up.

V. 19. the Spirit said unto him] By an inward revelation.

V. 24. his kinsmen] To the end that they also might be partakers of the grace and mercy of God with him.

V. 25. worshipped] Not as God, with divine worship; yet with too much humility, which Peter correcteth. See Rev. 9. 10. & 22. 8.

V. 28. a …ew] John 4. 9. & 18. 28. The Law of God forbade them to marry with heathens, to have familiar conversation with them, &c. but their tradition barred them from eating with them, or coming into their houses, &c. Chap. 11. 3.

one of another nation] Being a Gentile, and not a Jew.

common or unclean] Meaning, in respect of the diversity of nations; for now he hereby understood, that God would call the Gentiles to faith and salvation by Christ.

V. 30. a man stood before me] The Angel in mans shape.

V. 34. Of a truth] Deut 10. 17. Rom. 2. 11. 1 Pet. 1. 17.

no respecter of persons] Or, hath no regard to the externall condition of the person, as of what nation, name or quality he be of. He speaketh here of those following degrees of grace, faith and obedience which where ever they are found, 'tis evident they are acceptable to him.

V. 36. preaching peace] That is, reconciliation between God and man, through Christ. Isa. 57. 19. Eph. 2. 14, 16, 17. Col. 1. 20.

Lord of all] Not only the God of the Jews, but the Gentiles also & he wil gather his elect out of all the world. Ro. 3. 30. & 10. 12.

V. 37. after the baptisme] That is, after John the forerunner of Christ, had preached and baptized in his Name.

V. 38. God anointed Jesus] That is, indued his humane nature with the graces of the holy Ghost, and consecrated his whole person to the office of a Mediatour; both which were prefigured by the ancient rite of anointing.

for God was with him] In the fulnesse of the Deity, as he was the eternall Sonne, Col. 2. 9. and in power, grace, and favour, as he was man and Mediatour. John 8. 29. & 16. 32.

V. 42. of quick and dead] Of those who being found alive at his coming, shall be changed; and of those which shall be raised from the dead, to come to judgement. 1 Thes. 4. 15. Rom. 14. 9. 2 Tim. 4. 1. 1 Pet. 4. 5.

V. 43. To him &c.] Jer. 31. 34. Mic. 7. 18.

through his name] By his merit.

V. 44. the holy Ghost] The graces of the holy Spirit in illumination, regeneration, and the gifts of tongues.

V. 45. because that on the Gentiles] They did not before understand that the grace of God appertained to the Gentiles, which had been so long (like the dew in Gideons fleece) distilled onelyonly on the Jews. See Psal. 147. 19, 20.

V. 47. Can any man forbid water] Seeing God hath given them the inward grace and spirituall part, should we, who are but Ministers, not communicate to them the externall signe and seal of incorporation into Christs body the Church?

CHAP. XI.

Vers. 3. THou wentest in] See Chap. 10. 28.

V. 15. as on us] Chap. 2. 4. In the like power, though not in the same signes of fiery tongues, nor with the same degrees of fulnesse.

V. 16. John indeed baptized with water] John 1. 26.

V. 18. they held] They rested satisfied: which is indeed the propertie of good men, who contend not so much for victory, as for truth; whereas the perverse will be satisfied with no reason.

V. 19. Now they which were scattered] Chap. 8. 1.

Phenice] A region of Syria.

Cyprus] An Ile in the Carpathean Sea, between Cilicia & Syria.

Antioch] A famous City in Syria, near Cilicia.

V. 20. Cyrene] There were two Cities of this name; one in Lybia, chap. 2. 10. the other in Assyria.

the Grecians] He meaneth not here the scattered Jews (who used the Greek tongue in their Synagogues, as Chap. 6. 1. for of them he spake vers. 19.) but the Grecians which were Gentiles.

V. 21. the hand of the Lord] The power and grace of God, in miracles and inward working in the hearers, accompanying their Ministery. See Luk. 1. 66. & 5. 17.

V. 23. grace of God] Meaning, the admirable effects thereof.

cleave unto the Lord] Deut. 10. 20. Deut. 30. 20. Resolving to serve him, and to rest assured in expectation of his promises.

V. 24. he was a good man] Meaning Barnabas, vers. 22.

V. 26. with the Church] Or, in the Church.

were called Christians] Whereas before they were called Disciples, and Nazarens, now at Antioch they were honoured with the name of Christians.

V. 28. named Agabus] Chap. 21. 10.

signified by the spirit] By divine revelation, whereby God gave them occasion to relieve their brethren at Jerusalem.

V. 29. every man according to his abilitie] Luk. 11. 41. Meaning of the Christians at Antiochia, because they of Jerusalem might probably be in more necessitie by reason of the malice of the Jews, and their persecution. See Rom. 15. 26. 1 Cor. 16. 1. 2 Cor. 8. 4. & 9. 1, 2. Gal. 2. 10.

V. 30. sent it to the elders] Chief pillars and Ministers of the Church. 1 Pet. 5. 1, 2. 2 John 1. 3 John. 1. Gal. 2. 9.

of Barnabas] Chap. 12. 25.

CHAP. XII.

Vers. 1. HErod] He was nephew of Herod the great, and sonne of Aristobulus, a Viceroy or Deputie king to the Emperour of Rome, for the government of the Jews.

stretched forth his hands] Or, began.

V. 2. killed James] This was one of the sons of Zebedens, Mat. 4. 21. & 10. 2. There was another so named, which was the son of Alpheus, of whom vers. 17.

V. 3. the dayes of unleavened bread] These words intimate the cause why he deferred Peters execution, for reverence of the Passeover, which lasted eight dayes. See Ch. 20. 6.

V. 4. four quaternions of souldiers] The number being sixteen, was divided by fours, to keep divers Wards.

V. 5. prayer was made without ceasing] Or, instant and earnest prayer was made.

V. 7. the angel of the Lord] Chap. 5. 19.

the prison] Or, the house.

V. 8. thy sandals] Which were a kinde of light shooes, tyed on with strings, after the manner and convenience of those hot countreys.

V. 10. which opened] By the command and power of God.

V. 11. all the expectation] For they looked that Herod would have put him to death, as he purposed, and had done to James before, vers. 2.

V. 13. to hearken] Or, to ask who was there.

V. 15. It is his angel] Meaning, according to the common opinion, an Angel guardian, which they might suppose came to signifie his death, whom they in reason might give for dead. See Mat. 18. 10. Psal 34. 7. & 91. 11.

angel] Or, messenger, as Mal. 3. 1.

V. 17. James] The sonne of Alpheus, James the lesse, Mark 15. 40. called the brother of (that is, kinsman of) the Lord, Gal. 1. 19. yet surviving, vers. 2. Mat. 10. 3. Luk. 6. 15. Chap 15. 13. Antiquitie took him to be Superintendent, or Bishop of the Church of Jerusalem. See Chap. 21. 17, 18. Gal. 2. 9. Chrysost. hom. 33. in Act.

another place] Some more secret and secure place, for fear of pursuit, when they should misse him in the prison.

V. 19. put to death] Gr. led away; that is, to execution.

be went] Meaning Peter.

V. 20. was highly displeased] Or, bare an hostile minde, intending warre.

the kings chamberlain] Gr. that was over the kings bedchamber.

their countrey] See 1 King. 5. 9, 11. Ezek. 27. 17.

V. 21. set day] Probably it was appointed for audience of the Tyrian and Sidonian Commissioners about the peace.

V. 23. he gave not] Because he suppressed not their impious flattery, but rather encouraged them by countenancing the same.

eaten of worms] Or, vermin. Some write that his Grandfather also was eaten of Lice.

V. 24. the word of God] Was happily preached, and was received of many, with good fruit of faith and obedience; as Col. 1. 6. Act. 19. 20.

V. 25. ministerie] Or, charge, Chap. 11. 29. 30. Which was to carry the bene…olence of the Christians of Antiochia to the Saints at Jerusalem.

CHAP. XIII.

Vers. 1. VVHichWhich had been brought up with Herod the Tetrarch] Or, Herods soster-brother. That was Herod Antipas, who slew John Baptist, Mat. 14. 1.

V. 2. ministred] In the publike service of God, as prayer, preaching, administration of the Sacraments, and other ministeriall offices.

the Holy Ghost said] By a propheticall revelation, either to some one, or many of them.

Separate me Barnabas] That they may have like authoritie with the other Apostles, infallibilitie of the Spirit, and commission to preach unto the Gentiles. Gal. 2. 9.

V. 3. laid their hands on them] That imposition of hands signified their setting apart to this particular imployment, the consent of the Church, and their blessing. See Chap. 6. 6. & 14. 26.

V. 4. Seleucia] A Sea-town of Cilicia.

to Cyprus] Chap. 11. 19.

V. 5. Salamis] A citie of Cyprus.

to their minister] To the work of the Ministerie.

V. 6. Paphos] A citie of Cyprus.

V. 7. deputie] The Proconsul, or Propretor: a Roman officer.

V. 8. Elymas] It is an Arabick word, and it signifieth a Magician, Wiseman, or Master of secret Art.

V. 9. Then Saul] Becoming a Christian he changed his Hebrew name Saul, for a Roman name Paul, being specially assigned an Apostle and Doctor of the Gentiles.

V. 10. thou childe, &c.] Mat. 13. 38. John 8. 44. 1 John 3. 8.

pervert the right wayes] To lay false imputations on the Gospel, and the way of salvation, to hinder the work of Gods grace.

V. 11. the hand of the Lord] The power of God, which sheweth it self in punishing his enemies.

V. 12. being astonished] Mat. 7. 28. Which he saw accompanied with such power of God in perswading, reproving, and doing miracles; and of such Majestie and sanctity.

V. 13. Pamphylia] A Countrey in Asia the lesse.

V. 14. Antioch] This was another Antiochia in Asia, bounding upon Lycaonia, Isauria, & Pamphylia; not that in Syria, c. 11. 19.

V. 15. after the reading of the Law] Which they so distributed into parts to be read every Sabbath day, that they read all the Law and Prophets once a year. Vers. 27. Luk. 4. 16.

rulers of the Synagogue] for no man might presume to preach without lawfull Authority and calling thereto, by the Governours whom God hath appointed.

V. 17. when they dwelt as strangers] Exod. 1. 1.

V. 18. and with an high arm] Exod. 13. 14, 16.

suffered] Gr. …, perhaps for …, as a nurse beareth, or, feedeth her childe, Deut. 1. 31. 2 Mac. 7. 27. according to the Sept. and so Chrysost. He was provoked with their wicked manners, notwithstanding he fed and conducted them, and kept them tenderly.

V. 19. He divided their land] Josh. 14. 2.

V. 20. he gave unto them judges] Judges 3. 9.

the space] Reckoning from Moses to Samuels Government. there were 16. Judges, Moses, Joshua, Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Gedeon, Abimelech, Thola, Jares, Jephte, Abessam, Elam, Abdon, Samson, Eli, Samuel, who governed so long in all. Deut. 1. 34. Judges 3. & 5. & 8. & 9. & 10. & 11. & 15. 1 Sam. 4.

V. 21. And afterward they desired a King] 1 Sam. 8. 5.

V. 22. he raised up unto them David] 1 Sam. 16. 13.

I have found David] Psal. 89. 20.

V. 23. Of this mans seed] Isa. 11. 1.

V. 24. When John had first preached] Mat. 3. 1.

V. 25. Whom think ye that I am] John 1. 20.

I am not he] See John 1. 21. 25.

V. 26. this salvation] Meaning the Gospel, which is the gladsome tidings of salvation in Christ, was first addressed to the Jewes.

V. 27. they have fulfilled them] See chap. 4. 48.

28. And though they found] Mat. 27. 22.

V. 30. But God raised him] Mat. 28. 6.

V. 33. as it is also written] In that he was incarnate, hee began to fulfill his promise concerning Christ, as appeareth in this verse, which was fulfilled in his resurrection and ascension, as appeareth in the next verse.

Thou art my sonne] Psal. 2. 7. Heb. 1. 5.

V. 34. I will give you] Isa. 55. 3.

mercies of David] Gr. …, holy, or just things: which word the Septuag. both in the place of Isa. 55. 3. and in many others, use for that which is in the Hebrew, mercies. Meaning the promises which he made of his free merciemercy to David (concerning Christ) that his Kingdom should be eternal, &c. Is. 55. 3.

V. 35. Thou shalt not suffer] Psal. 16. 10.

V. 36. after he had served, &c.] Or, after he had in his own age served the will of God. The meaning is, after David had lived uprightly toward God, in his appointed time he died; and therefore that which he foretold in these prophesies, appertained unto Christ, who saw not corruption; not unto David himselfe.

V. 39. are justified from all things] Whereas by the legall ceremonies no man could be justified or acquited of the guilt of his sinnes; they that beleeve in Christ, are justified, because the law had but the shadow of that which was to be performed in Christ, Gal. 3. 21, 22. Rom. 3. 20. Heb. 10. 1, 4.

V. 40. in the prophets] Hab. 1. 5.

V. 42. the next sabbath] Gr. in the week between, or in the sabbath between.

V. 46. It was necessary] Because so commanded. Mat. 10. 6.

and judge your selves] By your rebellion, incredulity, and obstinacy, you become worthy of eternall life, which is by the knowledge of God, and whom he hath sent, Jesus Christ.

turn to the Gentiles] Chap. 18. 6. & 28. 28.

V. 47. I have set thee to be a light] Isa. 49. 6.

V. 50. women] Who had embraced the Jewish religion, and were led with a blinde zeal against the Gospel; so that the Evangelist speaketh according to the worlds estimate of them.

V. 51. But they shook] Mat. 10. 14. Mark 6. 11. Luk. 9. 5.

CHAP. XIIII.

Vers. 1. I Conium] A citie in Lycaonia: there were others of the same name.

went both together into the] As they did at Antioch. Ch. 13. 14

of the Greeks] Proselytes frequenting the Jewes Synagogues, though they received not circumcision.

V. 5. an assault made both of the Gentiles] 2 Tim. 3. 11.

V. 6. fled unto Lystra] Mat. 10. 23.

V. 9. he had faith to be healed] Which unbelief hindereth, Mat. 13. 58. Mar. 6. 5.

V. 13. brought oxen and garlands] Trimmed with garlands of flowers according to the custome of the heathens.

unto the ga…es] Meaning the ga…es of the house where the Apostles lodged: for their tampla was without the Town: and therefore the Priest brought the sacrifice (as he thought) to the Gods themselves.

V. 14. they rent] In token of their detesting & abhorring of it.

V. 15. We are also men] Not without our infirmities and sinnes: Mortall and subject to death as all others. See Jam. 5. 17.

which made heaven] Gen. 1. 1. Psal. 146. 6. Revel. 14. 7.

V. 16. Who in times past] Psal. 81. 12. Act. 17. 30.

to walk in their own waies] To live after their own fantasies. Not that God ever approved of their wickednesse, but because he justly gave them over (Rom. 1. 24.) to their sin & superstition.

V. 19. Antioch and Iconium] Chap. 13. 14.

and having stoned Paul] 2 Cor. 11. 25.

V. 23. ordained them elders] Howsoever the word here used in the Greek originally signifieth such a choyce, as was made by lifting up of hands to signifie suffragies and consents: yet is it also used, to appoint or ordain in generall, as Act. 10. 41. The Syriac readeth, And they appointed unto them elders in every congregation.

V. 24. Pisidia] Chap. 13. 14.

Pamphlyia] Chap. 13. 13.

V. 25. in Perga] Chap. 13. 13.

A…alia] A town of Pamphylia.

V. 26. had been recommended] Chap. 13. 1. 4.

V. 27. done with them] That is, by their ministery.

opened the doore of faith] By the preaching of the Gospel and power of the holy Spirit, he gave them entrance into the communion of faith in Christ. See Rev. 3. 7, 8.

CHAP. XV.

Vers. 1. ANd certain men which came down] Epiphanius haeres. 28. 2. saith Cerinthus and others: this policy of Satan whereby he assailed the Church by civill dissention, was concerning the office of Christ, whether we are justified by faith onelyonly, apprehending Christs righteousnesse, or must therewith joyn the works of the law.

Except ye be circumcised] Gal. 5. 2.

V. 3. Phenice] Chap. 11. 19.

V. 5. sect of the Pharisces] Gr. hereste.

to keep the law of Moses] The Ceremoniall law.

V. 6. this matter] Gr. this speech.

V. 7. Men and brothren] Chap. 10. 20. & 11. 13.

a good while ago] At our beginning to preach the Gospel.

V. 9. put no difference] Touching adoption and eternall life.

purifying their hearts by faith] Chap. 10. 43. 1 Cor. 1. 2. He opposeth to legall purifications the substance, thereby figured purification of the heart and whole man, by the blood of Christ and the Spirit of regeneration, Heb. 9. 14.

V. 10. to put a yoke upon the neck] Mat. 23. 4. Gal. 5. 1.

were able to bear] For every one that is circumcised is bound to keep the whole law, Gal. 5. 3. under a severe curse, Gal. 3. 10. if he fail in any thing he is guilty of all, Jam. 2. 10. This none of the Fathers could bear: and it were meer tempting of God to professe it, seeing Christ bare it for us, 1 Pet. 2. 2….

V. 13. James] Sonne of Alphaeus. See Chap. 12. 17.

V. 14. Simeon. That is, Peter, 2 Pet. 1. 1.

for his name] To bear his name, to acknowledg and worship him for their onelyonly God.

V. 16. After this I will return] Amos 9. 11.

tabernacle of David] Meaning the Church of God to be restored by the Messias.

V. 20. pollutions] 1 Cor. 8. 1. 1 Cor. 10. 2.

of idols] Because some thought it no offence to be present at the idols temples, and there to feast with idolaters, which Paul saith is to drink the cup of the Devils, 1 Cor. 10. 21.

from bloud] He sheweth that those ceremonies to which they were accustomed many yeers, could not without great distraction, be suddenly abolished, untill they could better learn their libertie in Christ. Therefore though they were dead in Christs passion, no more to be revived, as Gal. 5. yet they did not presently drag them out of doores, but gave them time, as it were, for a decent buriall of them.

V. 28. necessary things] Necessary is not to be referred to the ceremonies themselves here prescribed; but to the present occasion and persons, whose unitie and salvation was necessarily to be advanced by all means.

V. 31. consolation] Or, exhortation.

V. 32. prophets] See 1 Cor 14. 29. 32. & 12. 28. Ephes. 4. 11.

V. 33. peace] With good love and blessing of the brethren.

CHAP. XVI.

Vers. 1. DErbe and Lystra] Chap. 14. 6.

named Timotheus] Ro. 16. 21. Phil. 2. 19. 1 Th. 3. 2.

certain woman] 2 Tim. 1. 5.

a Greek] A Gentile Proselyte without having received circumcision, Chap. 14. 1.

V. 2. Iconium] Chap. 14. 1.

V. 3. circumcised him] That he might make the better use of his ministery among the Jews, who abhorred the uncircumcised: so far complied he with the weak, to win them to Christ, 1 Cor. 9. 20, 21.

V. 4. that were ordained] Chap. 15. 28.

V. 6. Phrygia] A countrey of the lesser Asia.

Galatia] A countrey in the lesser Asia also, joyning to Phrygia; to this Church Paul wrote his Epistle.

forbidden of the holy Ghost] By a secret revelation: God chooseth not onelyonly men, but also appointeth time and place, when, and where, he will have his word preached.

in Asia] In Asia the lesse.

V. 7. Mysia] A countrey by the Hellespont bordering on Troas.

Bithynia] A countrey in Asia neer Troas.

V. 8. Troas] A citie of Asia, called also Alexandria, and Antigonia.

V. 9. a man of Macedonia] That is, an Angel in mans shape. Macedonia was a Province and Kingdome of Greece.

V. 11. Samothracia] An Isle neer Thrace.

Neapolis] A citie and part of Macedonia.

V. 12. the chief] Or, the first.

and a colonie] A Romane Colonie: whose inhabitants came from Rome to dwell there.

V. 13. prayer was wont to be made] It appeareth not who they were who here prayed; but it is probable that the Jewes and Proselytes there prayed for fear of Infidels.

V. 16. a spirit] This was the spirit of Satan, who would testifie the truth, that he might discredit the Gospel, and bring it into suspect. See Mar. 1. 25. 34.

of divination] Or, of Python. Levit. 29. 27. Deut. 18. 10, 11. 1 Sam. 28. 7.

V. 19. hope of their gains was gone] It seemeth she received a price of her divination and telling things to come.

market-place] Or, court.

V. 20. to the magistrates] Or principall Governours of the Romane Colony.

V. 22. and commanded to beat] 2 Cor. 11. 25. 1 Thess. 2. 2.

V. 27. seeing the prison-doores open] Finding that they were open: for he was in the dark, till he called for a light, vers. 29.

V. 33. their stripes] Their wounds received by their stripes.

V. 34. meat before them] Gr. a table before them.

V. 37. being Romanes] Nor because he was born at Rome, or of Romane parents; (he was an Hebrew born at Troas) but because these citizens were by their priviledge freemen of Rome: and so by their Valerian law might not be bound; and by their Sempronian law, they might not be beaten or executed without the Romanes consent.

V. 38. they feared when] Because the punishment was great for any man that injured a citizen or free-man of Rome.

V. 40. and entred into the house] Vers. 14.

CHAP. XVII.

Vers. 1. AMphipolis] A citie of Macedonia, now called Chrysopolis.

Apollonia] Another citie in Macedonia; there was another of that name in Africa.

Thessalonica] The chiefe citie of Macedonia; so called of Philip, victory over the Thessalians: to the Church hereof the Apostle wrote two Epistles.

V. 4. Greeks a great multitude] Chap. 11. 20.

V. 5. the house of Jason] Who was Paul and Silas host.

V. 10. Berea] Another citie of Macedonia.

V. 15. Athens] A citie and famous Universitie of Greece.

V. 16. his spirit was stirred in him] He was moved with zeale to God, and indignation against their superstition, the rather because that citie which was a fountain of knowledge, became a filthy sink of idolatrie.

wholly given to idolatry] Or, full of idols.

V. 18. Epicureans] A sect of Philosophers, as were also the Stoicks.

babler] Or, base fellow.

V. 19. Areopagus] Or, Mars-hill. It was the highest court in Athens. A court where the Judges called Areopagites sate concerning the highest titles and causes, specially Religion.

V. 22. Mars-hill] Or, the court of the Areopagites.

V. 23. your devotions] Or, gods that you worship. 2 Thess. 2. 4. Your adoration, or the Gods that you worship: the Syriac give …, the house of your Religions.

TO THE ƲNKNOWN GOD] The Syriac give i… the hidden God: hereby Paul taketh occasion to bring them to the true God whom they knew not.

V. 24. God that made the world] Chap. 7. 48.

V. 25. as though he needed any thing] Psal. 50. 8.

V. 26. of one bloud] Of one Adam.

determined the times] Job 7. 1. & 14. 5. For the birth and life of every man, as also the places of their habitation.

V. 28. in him we live] That is, by his power by which he continually preserveth the creature in his being, Colos. 1. 17. Heb. 1. 3.

poets have said] As Aratus a Greek. See also, 1 Cor. 15. 33. Tit. 1. 12.

V. 29. we ought not to think] Isa. 40. 18.

V. 30. times of this ignorance] Chap. 14. 16.

God winked at] God did not manifest himself unto them as unto the Jews, Psal. 147. 19. 20. This sheweth Gods patience that he did not presently destroy them, not their impunitie, for the life to come.

but now commandeth all men] Now he preacheth the Gospel to all Nations to draw them from their horrible sinnes: and now if they do not the known will of their Master, they must expect more severe judgements.

V. 31. righteousnesse] Psal. 96. 13. & 98. 9.

by that man whom he hath ordained] Rom. 2. 16. Christ Jesus. It may be Paul nameth his humanitie in respect of the Gentiles ignorance of the mysterie of the Trinitie, and Christs incarnation: and lest they should so mistake that sacred mystery, as to confirme their opinion concerning pluralitie of Gods.

given assurance] Or, offered faith.

V. 34. Dionysius the Areopagite] A Senator or Judg in that court of Mars-hill in Athens.

CHAP. XVIII.

Vers. 1. COrinth] A chief citie of Achaia situate between the Aegean, and Ionian seas.

V. 2. Aquila] Rom. 16. 3. A Jew converted to the faith of Christ.

Pontus] A Province in Asia.

Claudius] The Emperour of Rome.

V. 3. and wrought] This he did in respect of the present necessitie, that he might not disadvantage the Gospel by being burthensome to any, Act. 20. 34. 2 Thess. 3. 8.

tent-makers] Their trade was to make tents of skins, then much in use in those hot countreys.

V. 4. Greeks] Chap. 11. 20.

V. 5. was pressed in spirit] He had an extraordinary and vehement motion o… the Spirit by a divine inspiration.

V. 6. he shook his raiment] Mat. 10. 14.

V. 8. And Crispus] 1 Cor. 1. 14.

V. 11. continued there] Gr. sat there.

V. 12. Achaia] That is a Province of Greece.

V. 13. contrary to the law] That is, the law of Moses, according to which the Romanes have permitted us to live: this they said, not being able to look to the end of the Law Christ Jesus, 2 Cor. 3. 13.

V. 15. and names] The profane man thought the Jewes worshipped one name and the Christians another, as the heathens who adored bare names and meer fancies of men.

V. 17. the Greeks] The Grecians which were not converted: the Syriac rendreth it, The profane.

none of those things] Neither for that which concerned Roligion, to defend Gods servants: nor for the States interest, to maintain peace and defend the oppressed.

V. 18. having shorn] As Nazarites did at the end of their vow, Num. 6. 18. That is, Paul shore his head. See Ch. 21. 24.

Cenchrea] A part of the Corinthians.

V. 19. Ephesus] A citie of Ionia in Asia the lesse.

V. 21. if God will] 1 Cor. 4. 19. James 4. 15.

V. 22. Cesared] Called Cesarea Stratonis.

V. 23. Galatia and Phrygia] Chap. 16. 6.

V. 24. And a certain Jew] 1 Cor. 1. 12.

Alexandria] A citie in Egypt.

V. 25. instructed in the way] The Greek word signifieth one that is entred into Religion, or catechised, as Luk. 1. 4. as those who are taught the rudiments and principles thereof.

the Baptisme of John] That is, the doctrine of John.

V. 26. way of God] The Doctrine of the Gospel.

CHAP. XIX.

Vers. 1. THrough the upper coasts] In the upper parts of Asia are Phrygia, Galatia, Lydia, Livonia, Ionia, in which was Ephesus.

V. 2. Have ye] The visible gifts, as speaking tongues, healing, &c. which then flourished in the Church.

whether there be any holy Ghost] Or, whether the holy Ghost be: as Joh. 7. 39. Whether there be any such gifts of the holy Ghost given to any. For they answered according to Pauls question: which being concerning the gifts and graces (not the infinite Essence of the Deitie) they answer according to the same. See Joh. 7. 39. Chap. 8. 16.

V. 3. Ʋnto what then were ye baptized] That is, what doctrine professed you in your baptisme?

Ʋnto Johus baptisme] That is, we professed the same doctrine which John Baptist had taught us: and we received baptisme of him as a seale of our profession of the same, and our dedication unto Christ.

V. 4. John verily baptized] Mat. 3. 11.

V. 5. When they heard this] That is, when they heard the preaching of John, they were baptized by John; not that Paul did rebaptize them, for otherwise, it would follow, that Christ whom John baptized, and we, are not baptized with the same baptisme: whereas he bare the same circumcision with the Jews, and the same baptisme with us Gentiles, that he might declare himself the Saviour of both.

V. 6. and they spake with tongues] Chap. 2. 4. & 10. 46. Meaning divers Languages which before they knew not.

and prophecied] By a Divine and evident inspiration they preached and expounded the word of God as able Ministers of Christ. See 1 Cor. 11. 4. & 14. 1.

V. 9. of that way before the multitude] As Chap. 18. 26.

one Tyra…nus] This seemeth to have been some Philosopher or publike professour of Rhetorick converted by Paul.

V. 18. and confessed] Terrified with remorse of conscience, and desiring some remedie, and comfort, they confessed their sinnes. See Mat. 3. 6.

V. 19. curious arts] That is, Magick, Divinations by judiciall Astrologie, &c.

fiftie thousand pieces of silver] Or, fiftie thousand pence; which the Greek word signifieth. What this cometh to of our sterling money is not agreed on by the writers, but the least estimato bringeth it to about eight hundred pound.

V. 21. the spirit] By the motion of the holy Ghost.

Macedonia] Chap. 16. 9. Achaia] Chap. 18. 12.

V. 22. Erastus] Rom. 16. 23. 2 Tim. 4. 20.

V. 24. silver shrines for Diana] Temples or medalls of silver with the forme of their Idol Diana's Temple, impressed or wrought thereon, which he sold to them who came thither either of superstition to worship, or curiositie to see the magnificence thereof.

V. 27. this our craft] This our manufacture of making medals.

V. 29. Gains and Aristarchus] Rom. 16. 23. Colos. 4. 10.

theatre] A publike place, to which the custome was, in any trouble about the common wealth, to resort.

V. 33. the Jews putting him] It seemeth the heathens of Ephesus were equally enraged against the Jews and Christians, and that the Jews put him on, to justifie their Nation and Religion, that they might cast all the occasion of this discontent and tumult on the Christians.

V. 35. a worshipper] Gr. the temple-keeper. Meaning that Ephesus was so established in their Religion and worship of Diana their supposed tutesary goddesse, that there was no such cause of fear, as Demetrius suggested, that they should forsake their Religion for any other.

which fell down from Jupiter] So were they vainly perswaded by their covetous Priests.

V. 38. the law is open] Or, the court-dayes are kept.

V. 39. lawfull assembly] Or, ordinary.

V. 40. are in danger] He meant, they were accountable to the State of Rome: whose law was that all factious and seditious persons under their government should lose their liberties and Romane freedomes.

CHAP. XX.

Vers. 4. BErea] Chap. 17. 10. Derbe] Chap. 14. 6.

Tychicus] Ephes. 6. 21. Tit. 3. 12.

V. 5. Troas] Chap. 16. 8.

V. 6. And we sailed away from Philippi] Chap. 16. 12. For though Philippi were not a Sea-town, yet it might stand upon a navigable river where it seemeth they embarked.

dayes of unleavened bread] That is, (seven dayes of) the Passeover, wherein no leaven might be found in their houses, Exod. 12. 19. In these dayes he would not set forth to travell, probably that he might not give offence to the weak Jews.

V. 7. first day of the week] That is, the Lords Day, 1 Cor. 16. 2. Rev. 1. 10. which we call Sunday: on this day the Christians used to have their solemne assemblies for publike prayer, preaching, and administration of the Lords Supper.

to break bread] Chap. 2. 46.

V. 9. and was taken up dead] A remarkable example for Church-sleepers.

V. 13. Assos] Achiefe citie of Mysia, called also Apollonia, on the Asiatick shore.

V. 14. Mitylene] An Island of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea: so named of the chiefe citie thereof now called Metelino.

V. 15. Chios] Another Island of the same, betwixt Samos and Lesbos.

Samos] Samos or Samus, another Isle over against Ephesus.

Trogyllium] Another little Isle in the Bay neer Ionia.

Mileius] A town on the Ionic shore, not far from Ephesus.

V. 18. from the first day] Chap. 18. 1.

V. 20. I kept back nothing] Vers. 35. Neither for fear nor favour of men.

V. 21. repentance toward God] Earnestly preaching that they should turn unto Gody by repentance and newnesse of life, and beleeve in Christ, who freely justifieth the sinner.

V. 22. bound in the spirit] My conscience leading me. Ch. 21. 14.

V. 23. abide me] Or, wait for me.

V. 27. all the counsel of God] Which concerneth your salvation. See Luk. 7. 30. Joh 15. 15.

V. 28. overseers] Gr. bishops.

with his own bloud] Which he, that is, Christ hath purchased with his own bloud. That which appertaineth to the humanitie of Christ, is here attributed to his Divinitie: because of the union of the two natures in one person, and communion of properties.

V. 29. grieuous wolves] Mat. 7. 15. Joh. 10. 12. False teachers and bloudy persecuters: so Christ called them, Mat. 10. 16.

V. 30. perverse things] Broaching false and hereticall doctrines, through their ambition to be singular and popular.

V. 31. by the space of three yeers] Three yeers current, not compleat, for he taught in their Synagogue six moneths, and in the Schoole of Tyrannus two yeers, Chap. 19. 8. 10. to which reckon the time of his going from them to his present return through Macedonia and Achaia (where he stayed three moneths, Chap. 20. 3.) and you have about three yeers time.

V. 32. to the word of his grace] That is, the Gospel.

to build you up] To encrease you with further grace, to edifie you, and finish his work in you.

to give you an inheritance] The kingdome of heaven: to which you have right, as sonnes by adoption in Christ. 1 Pet. 1. 4, 5. Rom. 8. 17.

V. 34. that these hands] 1 Cor. 4. 12. 1 Thes. 2. 9. 2 Thes. 2. 8.

V. 35. It is more blessed to give] It is likely this was spoken by Christ, and may also be gathered out of the Scriptures, though it be not expressely written.

V. 36. he kneeled down] See Ephes. 3. 4. Act. 21. 5. Luk. 22. 41.

CHAP. XXI.

Vers. 1. COos] Or Coea; an Island in the A gean Sea: one of the Cyclades.

Rhodes] Another Island in the Lycian Sea, neer the continent of Asia.

Patara] A citie of Lycia.

V. 2. Phenicia] Chap. 11. 19.

V. 3. at Tyre] Which was the Metropolis of Phenicia.

V. 4. that he should not] That is, they prophecied of his danger, if he went up: that they did by the spirit of prophecie; but through humane affection they disswaded him from going.

V. 7. Ptolemais] Which is a Sea town of Phenicia.

V. 8. Cesarea] Chap. 18. 22.

of Philip the Evangelist] Who preached the Gospel to the Samaritans: this office was between an Apostle and a Pastor, Ephes. 4. 11.

which was one of the seven] Chap. 6. 5.

V. 13. to break mine heart] Meaning that it was bitternesse of heart to him to see them afflicted with grief for him, who was resolved, come life, come death, to be obedient to the guidance of Gods holy Spirit.

V. 16. with whom we should lodge] Meaning at Jerusalem.

V. 18. with us unto James] Chap. 15. 13.

V. 20. thousands] Gr. ten thousands.

all zealous of the law] He meaneth the major part of them were zealous (though without knowledge, Rom. 10. 2. Gal. 1. 14.) that is, tenacious of the ceremonies of the law, in which they had been bred.

V. 21. to forsake Moses] Which was an odious and false aspersion: for the doctrine of the Gospel, which Paul preached, was according to Moses testimonie of Christ: onelyonly he taught how we must passe from shadowes to the substance, Gal. 5. 1. and use all those things indifferent, as knowing our freedome in wisdome and charitie, Chap. 16. 3. and 18. 18. Gal. 2. 3. Rom. 14. 13. 15. 19. 21. 1 Cor. 8. 13.

V. 23. we have foure men] Faithfull brethren, who had a vow, as Chap. 18. 18. They would make present use of these mens legall obligations, in the knowledge of Christian libertie, for the advancement of the Gospel.

V. 24. Them take] The meaning is: for as much as thou didst sheare thy head at Cenchrea, Chap. 18. 18. according to thy vow of a Nazarite, shew (now thou art at Jerusalem) the accomplishment thereof, by joyning in the charge with these soure men, offering according to the law on that behalf; by which it may appeare that thou art not a despiser of the law of Moses.

shave their heads] Num. 6. 18. Chap. 18. 18.

V. 25. we have written] Chap. 15. 20.

V. 26. to signifie the accomplishment] Num. 6. 13.

V. 28. Greeks also in the] Meaning that he had brought the uncircumcised beyond the court of the Gentiles, which was death to do.

V. 31. the chief captain] Romane Tribune, who was in the nature of a Colonel; and had Centurions or Captains of hundreds in his regiment.

V. 32. they left beating of Paul] For the Jews had not power of life and death permitted them by the Romanes.

V. 36. Away with him] Luk. 23. 18. Joh. 19. 15.

V. 38. Art not thou that Egyptian] Specified Chap. 5. 36. of whom Josephus Ant. l. 20. c. 11. et de bel. Judd. 2. c. 12.

V. 39. of Tarsus] Chap. 22. 3.

V. 40. in the Hebrew tongue] Whether in the pure Hebrew tongue, (in use before their captivitie, but in & before Christs time becoming a dead tongue) or in the Syricak, it is not certain: for it was called the Hebrew, both in respect of the derivation thereof from the Hebrew; and for as much as it then the mother tongue of them who were Hebrews.

CHAP. XXII.

Vers. 3. AT the feet of Gamaliel] Meaning that he was a continuall and diligent hearer of that grave Doctor Gamaliel: he alludeth to the posture of teachers standing in high places, and auditors sitting below them. See Deut. 33. 3. Luk. 10. 39.

V. 5. unto the brethren] Of the Synagogue of the Jews at Damascus.

for to be punished] To be beaten or imprisoned. See notes on Ch. 9. 2.

V. 12. according to the law] This he speaketh to distinguish between a beleeving Jew and a Proselyte or pious Gentile.

V. 14. and see that Just one] So 1 Cor. 9. 1. & 15. 8. He saw Christ, either in some supernaturall gifts, a rapt into heaven, or some apprehensible representation, as Chap. 7. 55.

V. 15. what thou bast seen] That is, not onelyonly this precedent apparition, but principally in that vision described, 2 Cor. 12. 2.

V. 16. wash away thy sinnes] Act. 2. 38. By the Spirit of God giving the inward effect of baptisme by the estectuall application of the bloud and merits of Christ: by purification of soul by faith, regeneration, and newnesse of life.

V. 18. And saw him] Saw in that trance the appearance of the Lord so speaking to me.

V. 20. And when the bloud of thy martyr Stephen] Martyr is a Greek word signifying a witnesse: and is in a peculiar manner used to signifie him who in his constant profession in grievous punishment, or violent death, giveth testimonie to the truth of the Gospel.

V. 23. cast off their clothes] To prepare themselves to do violence.

threw dust into the aire] This is a description of a seditious and enraged multitude.

V. 24. by scourging] To compell him to confesse something.

V. 25. a Romane] That is, which is a freeman of Rome, as he was being a citizen of Tarsus: see Chap. 16. 37.

V. 29. examined him] Or, tortured him.

was afraid] In respect of the severe punishment appointed to any, that should abuse a freeman of Rome.

V. 30. brought Paul down] From the Castle. vers. 24.

CHAP. XXIII.

Vers. 1. I Have lived in all good conscience] 2 Tim. 1. 3.

V. 2. the high priest] This seemeth to have been then but a Surrogate, brought in by corruption and disorder of those times.

V. 3. thou whited wall] False hypocrite. See Eze. 13. 10. Mat. 23. 27.

contrary to the Law] Levit. 19. 35. Deut. 25. 1, 2.

V. 5. I wist not] I know him not to be a lawfull high priest, who thus violateth the Law.

Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler] Exod. 22. 28.

V. 6. I am a Pharisee] Phil. 3. 5. Which he spake not to get favour of the Pharisees, or to approve all their traditions, but out of policie to set division among them, for his easier escape.

of the hope, &c.] Chap. 24. 21. Not but that there were more points in question but because for this chiefly the Sadduces hated him.

V. 8. For the Sadduces say, &c.] Mat. 22. 23. Mark 12. 18. Seeing the Scriptures which they received, so expresly speak of Angels, it is probable that they did not absolutely deny them, but perhaps might think them to be but a transitory appatition, created of God, onelyonly to signifie his pleasure to men; or to do some commands, and so to cease again; whereas the Pharisees acknowledged both, that is, the resurrection, and Angels, and spirits.

V. 9. but &c.] If he have had any divine or extraordinary revelation.

V. 11. the Lord stood by him] In a Vision.

V. 12. under a curse] Or, with an oath of execration.

V. 31. Antipatris] A City in the tribe of Manasseh, between Jerusalem and Cesarea, formerly called Capharsarama, or Capharsalama; but king Herod repairing it, called it by his father Antipater his name.

V. 34. of what province be was] By this name the Romans called the countries by them subdued. of Cilicia] Chap. 6. 9.

CHAP. XXIIII.

Vers. 1. DEscended] To Caesarea.

a certain Oratour] An Advocate or Lawyer.

V. 3. most noble Felix] Felix was of obscure parentage, but Claudius Caesar promoted him to honours; he had by his diligence suppressed the sedition under Eleazarus: otherwise he was a covetous and cruell man. See Josephus l. 20. c 11. Ant. Jud. lib. 2. de hell. Jud. c. 12.

V. 5. sect of the Nazarens] Gr. of the heresie this name they gave the Christians in those times from Jesus of Nazareth, according to which they called him in contempt Jesus of Nazareth, from the Citie where he was brought up; afterwards it was peculiarly attrlbuted to the sect of Heretikes. of which Epiphan. Hares. 29.

profane the Temple] Chap. 21. 28.

according to our law] That is, to examine the qualitie of the offence, which the Romanes permitted them to do, but not to execute sentence of death.

V. 7. chief captain Lysias] The Colonell Lysias.

V. 8. accuse him] That is, Paul.

V. 10. a judge] A governour: therefore thou art experienced in their customes, and canst more equally and readily judge.

V. 11. yet but twelve] Meaning, he wanted not time, had he been so minded, to stirre up sedition.

V. 14. they call heresie] Or, sect, as vers. 5. The Scribes and Pharisees called the doctrine of Christ so do enemies thereof still.

V. 15. the just and unjust] Dan. 12. 2. John 5. 28, 29.

V. 17. after many years] It was long time since he had been at Jerusalem, which was when he brought them alms. Ch. 11. 30. Gal. 2. 10.

V. 18. Whereupon ecrtain Jews] Chap. 21. 27.

V. 19. who ought, &c.] For his accusers spake but by hearsay.

V. 21. Touching the resurrection] Chap. 23. 6.

V. 23. let him have libertie] And not to be kept close prisoner, but under a keeper, or with some chain on him. See Ch. 26. 29. & 28. 20.

V. 24. Drusilla] Agrippa's sister, a vicious woman.

V. 25. Felix trembled] Out of horrour of conscience, being a wicked man.

V. 27. to shew the Jews a pleasure] To do the Jews some pleasure, after the many injuries he had done them, to paeisie them, that they might not follow him with complaints.

CHAP. XXV.

Vers. 5. ARe able] That conveniently can come.

V. 6. more them ten dayes] Or, as some Copies reade, no more then eight or ten dayes.

V. 9. the Jews] To gain the peoples good word and opinion of him.

V. 10. where I ought to be judged] Doubting the sinceritie of the Judge, he claims his priviledge appealing to the Roman Emperour.

V. 12. the councell] Without whose consent he could do nothing.

V. 13. King Agrippa] Ch. 9. 25. Son of Herod Agrippa.

Bernice] Sister to the same Agrippa, with whom she lived in publike infamie.

V. 19. of their own superstition] Thus profanely did the Heathens think of true Religion.

V. 20. I doubted, &c.] Or, I was doubtfull how to enquire hereof.

V. 21. hearing] Or, judgement.

Augustus] Nero was at this time Emperour of Rome, but for the honour of their Emperour Augustus, they stiled his successors after his name.

V. 23. with great pomp] That is, in a Princely manner.

place of hearing] Meaning the Court or place of Judicature.

V. 26. unto my lord] Unto Caesar, whose Deputy I am in this place.

CHAP. XXVI.

Vers. 1. PAul stretched forth the hand] This was with them an usuall gesture of those who began to speak in publike. See Prov. 1. 24. Isa. 65. 2.

V. 2. I think my self happy] I take it for my advantage, that I may now speak before thee, who knowest the Law and Scripture, and art therefore a more competent Judge, then he that is a stranger to all.

V. 5. sect] Here the word is taken in good part, or at least according to the vulgar opinion.

V. 6. of the promise] Concerning the Messias and his Kingdom.

V. 7. twelve tribes] Meaning the remnant thereof, as they returned from the Captivitie, 2 Kings 17. 6.

serving God] According to the discipline of the Law.

V. 10. Which thing &c.] Chap. 8. 3.

V. 11. compelled them] Either this he effected b ythe crueltie he used, or gave them occasion so to do by his own example. 1 Tim. 1. 13.

V. 12. Whereupon as I went to Damascus] Chap. 9. 2.

V. 17. from the people] Of the Jews.

V. 18. To open their eyes] This is attributed to Ministers, as instruments and ordinary means, the effect whereof is onelyonly in the Spirit of God, working thereon. See 1 Cor. 3. 5, 6.

V. 19. the heavenly vision] Gal. 1. 16, 17.

V. 23. Christ should suffer] That is, that Christ should not be a temporall king as the Jews dreamed, but a spirituall and eternall; redeeming and saving us by suffering that which was due to us.

the first] As head of his Church, to give them a spirituall life. 1 Cor. 15. 20. Colos. 1. 18. Rev. 1. 5.

shew light] The knowledge of the Gospel. Luk. 2. 32. Mat. 4. 16.

unto the people] Meaning of the Jews.

V. 26. for the king knoweth] Being a Jew, and alwayes conversant in Judea, he might know the prophesies, and of those things which were there done and suffered by Christ in his life, death and resurrection.

V. 27. that thou beleevest] Meaning, that he was perswaded of the truth of these things which were written by the Prophets.

V. 28. Almost] Gr. in a little, or, within a little. This he speaketh being forced to acknowledge the power of the Gospel, which secular respects would not suffer to be fruitfull in him.

V. 29. almost] As vers. 28.

altogether] Gr. in much.

except these bonds] The Romanes used thus to produce their prisoners, with a souldier guardian, and some chain. c. 28. 20. 2 Tim. 1. 16.

CHAP. XXVII.

Vers. 1. A Centurion] A Captain of an hundred footmen.

Augustus band] The Band or Cohort was the tenth part of a Roman Legion; and these Bands or Cohorts were of severall numbers, names, and uses: that first wherem the Standard was, consisted of 1105. footmen and 132 horse, &c. Ther… was a Pretorian Band or Cohort, to guard the Magistrate in his Province; these hre mentioned seem to be such as Augustus appointed to some the like offices. See Vegetius de re Militar. l. 2. c 7.

V. 2. Adramyttium] A Citie and Port of Mysia.

V. 3. Sidou] A Citie in Phoenicia.

V. 7. Cnidus] A little Iland over against Caria.

Crete] Or, Candie. An Iland in the Mediterranean Sea, formerly it had 100. Cities.

Salmone] This was an Eastern promontory, or high Cliffe of Crete. See Strab. l. 2.

V. 8. The fair havens] It seemeth so called of the safetie and commodiousnesse of the Road; as we call a Road of ours, the Downs.

Lasea] A sea Town and Citie of Crete.

V. 9. the fast] Of this fast yearly to be kept of the Jewes, see Lev. 16. 29. & 23. 27. Num. 29. 7. This was about October; so that Paul advised them to winter there, rather then to put to sea in the deep of winter, then at hand.

V. 10. hurt] Or, injury.

V. 12. Phenice] A port of Crete, not Phenicia a region in Syria.

V. 14. arose] Or, beat.

V. 14. Euroclydon] A North-east winde, furious and stormy, usuall about those places in the beginning of winter: some call it the seamans plague.

V. 15. we let her drive] A Ship is said to drive when the Anchor cannot hold her, but that she falleth away with the Wind or Tyde; so also when a Ship is at hull, or a trie, that is, hath taken in all her Sails. and tyed down the Helm to the Lee-side of the Ship, going as Winde and Tyde carries her, we say she drives, &c.

C…auda] A little Iland.

to come by the boat] To recover, take up, and save the boat.

V. 17. undergirding the ship] This undergirding is by trusses, which are rop…s made fast to the yards, used either to bind fast the yard to the mast, when the ship rowles a hull, or at an anchor, or to hale down the yards in a storme or gust.

into the quick-sands] Certain sands which swallow up ships that stict fast and sit upon them.

V. 18. they lightened the ship] By casting the goods over-boord.

V. 19. the tackling of the ship] The Greek word foreign, signifieth store, munition and necessary furniture for ships; so Jonah 1. 5. they cast overboord foreign their instruments or furniture: the 70. give it by the very word here used, and so the Syriack interpreter, vasa ipsius navis, &c.

V. 20. all hope that we should be saved] Meaning in respect of second causes, and mans reasons.

V. 21. have gained this harm] That is, prevented it.

V. 23. the angel of God] Whom he sent to comfort and assure me.

V. 24. God hath given thee all them that saile with thee] Or, surely given as a favour. Thou hast prayed for them, God hath heard thee, and will for thy sake save their lives.

V. 25. for I beleeve God] I am consider out of good experience, that God will perform his promise.

V. 26. we must be cast] Thus it will fall out, that we must be cast.

in Adria about midnight] That is, in the Adriatick sea which divideth Italy from Dalmatia, and reacheth up to Venice.

V. 28. And sounded] To find the depth of the waters by casting out a plummet of lead fastned to a long line.

V. 29. out of the stern] Or, hinder part of the ship.

V. 30. out of the foreship] The prow or formost part of the ship.

V. 31. Except these abide in the ship] Not because the will of God, or his power to save, or the effect of his promise, depended on second causes; but because he that had ordained the end, ordained the meanes also, and that he would not have them tempt him, by dividing that which he hath united.

V. 33. continued fasting] He meaneth, they eat no set meales, or so little for feare, that it was in a manner a fasting.

V. 34. hair fall from the head] By this Hebrew phrase is meant, that they should be safe and sound 1 Sa. 14 45. 1 Kin. 1. 52. Mat. 10. 30.

V. 40 taken up the anchors] Or cut the anchors they left them in the sea.

and loosed the rudder-bands] The Rudder is that peece of timber, which hanging at the sterm post of the ship, is as the bridle to direct the course; this they had bound when they would drive, v. 15. and now because they would have it to direct the ship, that they might with their best advantag… run her ashore, they loos… it again.

and hoised up the main saile] Which before they had strucken by reason of the violence of the storme; now they hoise it, that the ship might feele the wind, and work for their running ashore.

CHAP. XXVIII.

Vers. 1. CAlled Melita] Now called Malta, an Iland between Africa and Sicile; there is another of the same name in the Adriatick bay between Italy and Epidaurus.

V. 2. barbarous people] They were so called who spake neither Greek nor Latin, and were more rudely bred.

V. 4. yet vengeance suffereth not to live] Whom they took to bee a goddesse called Dice, or Nemesis.

V. 11. whose sign was] Such as ships usually have whereby they may be the better known, and according to which sometimes they are named.

Castor and Pollux] The Painims feigned these to be gods of the sea.

V. 12. at Syracuse] A famous Citie in Sicilia.

V. 13. to Rhegium] A Citie in Italy over against Messana of Sicilia.

to Puteolt] A Sea-town of the kingdome of Naples.

V. 15. Appii-forum] A Market-town upon a long high-way to the sea-ward, which Appius caused his Souldiers to make good; by the which there stood three taverus about a dayes journey from Rome.

V. 16. the centurion] Or, governor of the Pretory or Judgment hall.

suffered to dwell] He was not put into the common prison; which favour God gave him for his comfort, and the advancement of the Gospel.

V. 20. for the hope] That is, for Jesus Christ his cause, whom they had long looked for, and who had now shewed himself their redeemer

V. 22. this sect] Meaning this profession of Christianity.

V. 23. the kingdome of God] That the kingdome spoken of by the Prophets, now was offered unto them by Christ.

V. 26. Go unto this people] Isa. 6. 9. Mat. 13. 14. Mar. 4. 12. Luk. 8. 10. John 12. 14. Rom. 11. 8.

V. 27. have they closed] They are in wilfull ignorance, and willingly know not, as 2 Pet. 3. 5. therefore God giveth them to strong delusions, to beleeve lyes, to their destruction, 2 Thess. 2. 11, 12.

V. 28. the salvation of God] Meaning the Gospel, shewing the counsell of God therein, and the powerfull effect thereof by his Spirit.

ANNOTATIONS ON THE EPISTLE OF PAVL THE APOSTLE TO THE ROMANES.