Westminster Annotations, 1 Peter 2
ANNOTATIONS ON THE FIRST EPISTLE GENERALL OF PETER.
CHAP. I.
Vers. 1. PEter] Called first Simon, or Simeon, John 21. 1. 2 Pet. 1. 1. afterwards Peter; but at what time, that is, whether when he first came to Christ Joh. 1. 42. or when he was called to be an Apostle, Mark 3. 16. Luk. 6. 14. or when he made that good confession, Mat. 16. 18. is not so easie to be determined.
to the strangers] Gr. to the elect strangers. Some understand hereby the Jews onelyonly, others both Jews and Gentiles scattered by persecution.
scattered] Gr. of the dispersion. Jam. 1. 1.
V. 2. Elect] That is, sequestred and separated from the world. See John 15. 19. Rev. 17. 14. in which place, elect, called, and faithfull, are put for the same; so that here we are to understand by [elect] those who were effectually called, or who had obeyed the Gospel.
foreknowledge] Or, preordination; or, foreappointment; that is, as God had before decreed. See vers. 20.
through] Here is set down the principall cause of their effectuall calling, viz. the sanctification of the Spirit. See vers. 22.
obedience] That is, that ye might obey the Gospel, and so be reconciled unto God, through the sprinkling of the bloud of Jesus Christ.
sprinkling] Heb. 12. 24.
V. 3. Blessed] 2 Cor. 1. 3. Ephes. 1. 3.
abundant] Gr. much.
begotten] That is, confirmed in us a living hope; or quickened, or revived us unto a living hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, because God raised him up, that we might beleeve and hope in God for our resurrection unto glory. See V. 21 Act. 13. 33, 38. Rom. 1. 4. & 10. 9. Christs resurrection being a pledge of ours hence he is called the first-fruits of the dead, 1 Cor. 15. 23. and the first-born from the dead, Col. 1. 15, 18. & Rev. 1. 5. Some understand it of Gods renewing us by Christs resurrection. See Rom. 6. 5, &c.
lively hope] Or, living hope. That is, a constant, permanent, or a hope that shall not fail, as living waters, John 6. 51. or to a hope of life.
V. 4. To an inheritance] Rom. 8. 17. Gal. 3. 18. Col. 1. 12. Here is set down the object of that hope.
fadeth] Chap. 5. 4.
reserved in heaven for you] Or, for us. Col. 1. 5. 2 Tim. 1. 12.
V. 5. kept] Or, guarded.
power of God] John 10. 28. 29. 1 Cor. 1. 8.
faith] Because by faith we lay hold on the power of God; and in his power fight against all our spirituall adversaries. See Ephes. 6. 10.
last time] 1 John 3. 2. That is, at Christs appearance. Vers. 7.
V. 6. Wherein] That is, in which hope of salvation. See Mat. 5. Luk. 6. Rom. 12. 2 Cor. 6. Rom. 5. 2.
for a season] 2 Cor. 4. 17.
if need be] That is, if it be Gods will. See Chap. 3. 17. or, if it shall be your good. 1 Cor. 11. 32.
heavinesse] Heb. 12. 11.
manifold temptations] See. Jam. 1. 2.
V. 7. the triall] Job 23. 10. Jam. 1. 3.
more precious] Chap. 4. 13. Jam. 1. 12.
V. 8. not seen John 20. 29. 1 John 4. 20.
in whom] Considering that great and plentifull redemption which he hath wrought for you.
full of glory] Or, glorious, either because this their rejoycing was a taste of their future glory, or because it made them glorious in the eyes of men. The Originall word may be translated celebrated, or renowned, or spoken of to praise, or glorified, or commended, or honoured. See Luk. 4. 15. John 13. 31.
V. 9. end] That is, reward. See Rom. 6. 21, 22. 2 Cor. 11. 15. Phil. 3. 19. Jam. 5. 11.
salvation] S. Peter means hereby that salvation which is begun in this life, in the peace of a good conscience, and the joy of the Holy Ghost, and which shall be perfected hereafter in heaven.
souls] By a chief part of man we are here to understand the whole man. See Gen. 12. 5. & 14. 21. & 17. 14. Luk. 6. 9. Rom. 13. 1. for the body also shall be made partaker of salvation at the resurrection. Phil. 3. 20, 21.
V. 10. searched] Mat. 2. 8. & 10. 11.
prophesied] Act. 3. 18.
grace] So here the fulfilling of the promises of Christs coming in the flesh, of his preaching the acceptable year of the Lord, of his dying for our sinnes, and rising for our justification, or these things themselves, and the like exhibited, are styled in opposition to the types, figures and shadows of this grace. John 1. 17.
V. 11. of Christ] Gal. 4. 6. So the Holy Ghost by which the Prophets spake (2 Pet. 1. 21.) is called, because Christ sent the Holy Ghost upon the Prophets, as he did upon the Apostles. See John 12. 15, 26.
in them] See Heb. 1. 1.
testified] Luk. 24. 25, &c. Acts 17. 2, 3. Rom. 1. 2, 3. & 16. 26. 1 Cor. 15. 2, 4.
V. 12. the things] That is, the coming of Christ, and those particulars mentioned, verse 10. 11. and not the fruits and effects of them; for the faithfull before Christs coming were saved by the grace of Christ, even as we. Acts 15. 9.
with the Holy Ghost] Act. 2. 4. That is, by the assistance of the Holy Ghost.
which things] Ephes. 3. 10. That is, which mysteries of the Gospel, revealed in the latter times.
look into] Narrowly, as they who bowing or stooping down look upon a thing. See Jam. 1. 25. Luk. 24. 12. John 25. 11.
V. 13. gird up the loyns of your minde] Gr. having the loyns of your minde girded. It is a metaphor taken from an ancient custome in the eastern countries, where they were wont to wear long garments, which they girded to their loyns, to make them expedite, nimble, and readie for travail, or some other service, 1 King. 18. 46. 2 King. 4. 29. & 9. 1. Luk. 12. 37. Hence it is translated here, and in other places, as Job 38. 3. & 40. 7. Luk. 12. 35. to the minde, to import its preparednesse and readinesse for Gods service.
be sober] Gr. being sober. Hereby Saint Peter directs us unto that wherein the preparation of the soul doth consist, or unto the means whereby it must be prepared for Gods service, and that is sobernesse; that is, a moderation not onelyonly in meats and drinks, but in all earthly things. See vers. 4. & Luk. 12. 35, &c. 1. Thes. 5. 8.
and hope] Gr. hope.
to the end] Gr. perfectly. Luk. 21. 34. Tit. 2. 12. Hos. 12. 6. Hebr. 6. 11.
grace] Some understand hereby that grace which is now revealed and offered unto us by the preaching of the Gospel; as Ephes. 1. 6. 7. Tit. 2. 11. and these reade the words following thus, viz. which is brought unto you by the revelation of Christ; that is, by his preaching of the Gospel unto you, or in, or at his appearing, or being manifested in the flesh. Others understand here by [grace] that salvation and glory which shall be revealed at the second coming of Christ; as Chap. 3. 7.
that is to be brought] Or, that is brought.
at the revelation] 2 Thess. 1. 10.
V. 14. obedient children] Gr. children of obedience.
not fashioning] Gr. not fashioned. Herein S. Peter may seem to allude to those things which receive their figure, form, or shape from a mould, and is as if he had said, Let not your lives or conversations be formed or moulded according to your former lusts; see Rom. 12. 2. The same is imported, when men are said to walk after their lusts, making their lusts their Captains or Leaders. See Ephes. 2. 3. and 4. 22. 2 Tim. 3. 6. Tit. 3. 3. 2 Pet. 3. 3. Jud. 18.
former lusts] Ephes. 4. 22.
ignorance] Ephes. 4. 18. Act. 17. 30. That is, before ye were called to the knowledge of the truth.
V. 16. Be ye holy] Levit. 11. 44. & 19. 2. & 20. 7.
V. 17. who without] Deut. 10. 17. Rom. 2. 11.
according to] Eccles. 12. 14.
sojourning] The Original word signifieth a dwelling for a time in a place, which is not native unto us. See Exod. 6. 4. Acts 7. 6, 29. Heb. 11. 9. Hence when it is applyed to our living upon the face of the earth, thereby is implyed, that here we have no abiding Citie. See Chap. 2. 11. Gen. 47. 9. Heb. 13. 14.
in fear] Chap. 2. 18. & 3. 2, 16. Ephes. 6. 5. Psalm. 2. 12. 2 Cor. 2. 3. & 7. 1, 15.
V. 18. vain conversation] So called because it did proceed from the vanitie of their mindes, Ephes. 6. 17. and because of the unprofitablenesse of it. Hab. 2. 13. Rom. 6. 21.
tradition] That is, either by their example or teaching: Some suppose that here the Apostle intends those idle and Pharisaicall traditions which they had learned from their fathers.
fathers] Ezek. 20. 18.
V. 19. precious] 1 Cor. 6. 20.
bloud] Ephes. 1. 7. 1 John 1. 7. Rev. 1. 5.
lamb] Herein Saint Peter relates unto the Paschall Lamb, and the Lamb for the daily sacrifice, both which were to be without blemish or spot. See Exod. 12. 5. Num. 28. 3, 19. and both which were types of Christ. John 1. 29. 1 Cor. 5. 7.
without blemish] Heb. 7. 26.
V. 20. Who verily] Rom. 16. 25. Coloss. 1. 26. 1 Tim. 1. 10. Tit. 1. 2.
foreordained] Gr. foreknown. See vers. 2. Acts 10. 42. Ephes. 3. 11.
manifest] That is, in the flesh. See 1 Tim. 3. 16. 1 John 3. 8.
last times] See Gen. 49. 1.
V. 21. by him] For we can have no confidence in God, as reconciled unto us, but through Christ. See John 14. 6. Acts 10. 36. Ephes. 2. 14, 15. & 3. 12. Col. 1. 20.
raised] Ephes. 1. 20.
glory] See vers. 11.
that your faith] See vers. 3.
V. 22. purified] Tit. 3. 5, 6.
obeying] That is, by faith, by which you obey the truth. See Rom. 1. 5, 16, 26.
through the Spirit] Acts 15. 9.
unfeigned] 2 Cor. 6. 6. 1 Tim. 1. 5. 1 Cor. 6. 11.
love] Rom. 12. 10. Chap. 2. 17.
fervently] Gr. extensively. That is, with a stretched-out love, or extended love.
V. 23. corruptible] As they are who are born after the common course of nature.
by the Word] Jam. 1. 18. It is usuall in the Scripture, John 1. 13. & 3. 3. to compare the Word of God to seed. See Luk. 8. 5.
which liveth] Psal. 119. 89.
V. 24. For] Or, for that.
all flesh is as grasse] Esa. 40. 6. & 54. 10. 2 Cor. 5. 21. Jam. 1. 10.
CHAP. II.
Vers. 1. VVHerefore laying] See Jam. 1. 21. Heb. 12. 1. Ephes. 4. 22, 25. Col. 3. 8.
all malice] 2 Cor. 7. 1. 1 Thes. 5. 23.
V. 2. desire] Or, earnestly desire. Psal. 119. 20, 81, 82.
sincere] That is, uncorrupted, unfalsified: hereby is meant the puritie of Gods Word, it is without falshood: see Psal. 14. 8. and herein it is compared to milk, which of it selfe is uncompounded.
milk] What is here meant by milk, is expressed, Chap. 1. 25. viz. the Gospel, or the Word of God revealed in the Gospel: Compared to milk; first, because of the sweetnesse of it, Esa. 25. 6. Psal. 19. 10. & 119. 103. Prov. 24. 13. 14. Secondly, because of the puritie thereof. See the note before. Thirdly, because of the nourishing propertie thereof; so especially here. See Ephes. 4. 11, &c. 2 Tim 3. 16, 17.
of the Word] The Syriak Translation renders it [spirituall] and not without good probability, it being here opposed or compared to that bodily milk which new-born babes earnestly desire, and because it is the food of the soul, which is a spirit. Heb. 12. 9. and so the Originall word may be taken. Rom. 12. 1.
V. 3. If so be] As you professe and perswade you self.
tasted] That is, have had any experimentall knowledge of the goodnesse and mercy of God in Christ; by our taste we make experience what is sweet, and what is fowre, or bitter. It may seem that S. Peter relates to Psal. 34. 9. It is conceived by some, that hereby the Apostle followeth the former similitude, because children do by their tastes easily discern their nurses milk.
Lord] Christ Jesus.
gracious] Understand it of that grace which is manifested and offered in the Gospel. See Eph. 6. 9, 27. Tit. 3. 4. Heb. 6. 5.
V. 4. coming] That is, by faith. See Joh. 6. 35. and 5. 40, 43, 44. Heb. 10. 22.
living stone] When Christ in the Scriptures is compared to a stone, it is either to the foundation-stone, to shew that the whole Church is built upon him. See 1 Cor. 3. 11. or else unto the chief corner-stone, to shew that the whole Church, or all the faithfull, are coupled and united together in him. See Ephes. 2. 13, 14, 20. and 4. 16. Col. 1. 19. He is further called; 12 living stone, because he giveth life unto all those who by faith are united unto him, Joh. 5. 26.
disallowed indeed of men] Luke 2. 24.
chosen] See chap. 1. 20.
V. 5. lively stones] That is, as having received life from him. See v. 4.
are built] Or, be ye built. Or, build up your selves: that is, more and more. Verbs passive, both in Hebrew and the Greek, have sometime a reciprocall signification. See chap. 1 14. 2 Sam. 20. 10. Mal. 2. 15. Gen. 46. 29.
spirituall] Usually in the Scriptures the Church of God is compared unto an house, and that both the Church militant, Psal. 27. 4. and 69. 10. and 84. Isa. 56. 5, 7. Ephes. 2. 19. 22. 1 Tim. 3. 15. Heb. 3. 6. and 10. 21. as also the triumphant, Joh. 14. 2. 2 Cor. 5. 1, 2. And the reason may be, because God dwelleth in the Church, by his grace and glory. It is further compared unto a spirituall house, either in opposition to our materiall houses, or else because it is built up by the Spirit of God. See chap. 1. 22.
holy priesthood] So all the faithfull are styled, because (as the priests under the law) so these are separated from the world to the service of God, as the words following import. See chap. 1. 2. Isa. 61. 1.
spirituall] That is, your selves, and all that spirituall service which ye perform unto God. See Psal. 4. 6. and 50. 14. and 51. 19. and 107. 22. and 141. 2. Isa. 56. 7. Hos. 14. 3. Rom. 12. 1. Phil. 2. 17. Heb. 13. 15.
by Jesus Christ] See Heb. 13. 10, 15, 16.
V. 6. scripture] That is, partly, Isa. 8. 14. and 28. 16. and partly, Psal. 118. out of which places the apostle alleadgeth these words, keeping faithfully the sense, though not the very words.
Behold] Isa. 28. 16. Rom. 9. 33.
confounded] See Rom. 9. 33.
V. 7. precious] Or, an honour.
disobedient] That is, unto the Gospel.
the stone which the builders disallowed] Psal. 118. 22. Matth. 21. 42. Acts. 4. 11.
V. 8. And a stone of stumbling] Isa. 8. 14. Rom. 9. 33.
a stone] A metaphor taken either from those, who, making haste, stumble at a stone in their way, and so hurt themselves: or from mariners, who split their ships upon rocks. See 1 Cor. 1. 23. So that by stumbling, here, the cause being put for the effect, we are to understand that judgement which unbelievers incur, through their infidelity.
at the word, being disobedient] Or, being disobedient unto the word.
disobedient] That is, because they are disobedient unto the Gospel. Participles oftentimes imply the cause of that which went before. See Heb. 11. 31.
whereunto] This clause hath reference, not to disobedient; for God ordains no man thereunto, Psal. 5, 5. Jam. 1. 13. but unto stumbling: whereby is signified, that hurt and condemnation which unbelievers receive from the word through their infidelity: thereby it becomes the savour of death unto death unto them, 2 Cor. 2. 16. See before. Hence the sense of this clause is this, viz. whereunto: that is, unto which hurt or condemnation, expressed by stumbling. They: that is, those unbelievers were appointed or ordained by God, through his judgement, for their infidelity. Some, by stumbling, understand disobeying, or unbelieving: and these make this the meaning of the words, viz. Into which disobedience or unbelief God suffered them to fall, through his just judgement, for their former sins. Others refer this clause to word, and make this the apostles meaning, viz. Unto the obeying or believing of which word they were called of God.
V. 9. chosen] That is, whom God hath effectually called out of the world. See chap. 1. 2. Deut. 7. 7.
royall] That is, kings and priests. See Exod. 19. 6. Rev. 1. 6. and 5. 10. Kings, because of that power which they have, through Christ, over their lusts. See Phil. 4. 13. Priests, because separated to the service of God. See v. 5.
holy nation] See Exod. 19. 6. and Deut. 7. 6, &c.
a peculiar people] Or, a purchased people.
peculiar] Or, a people for possession: that is, a people whom God hath purchased to be his own. See Exod. 19. 5. Deut. 4. 2. and 7. 6. and 26. 18. Psal. 135. 4. Tit. 2. 14. Acts 20. 18. Ephes. 1. 14. 1 Thess. 5. 9.
praises] Or, vertues. That is, that we might glorifie God in our conversations, thereby shewing forth the abundant mercy and great power of God in calling us, Isai. 8. 13.
called you out of darknesse] Col. 1. 13.
darknesse] That is, ignorance, chap. 1. 14. whereby is meant our sinfull and miserable estate by nature, under which men are kept, through the ignorance of the Gospel, Ephes. 4. 18. and 5. 8. Col. 1. 13.
his marvellous] Hereby is meant our estate of grace, through the effectuall calling of God, by the knowledge of the truth. See 2 Cor. 4. 6. Acts 13. 47. and 26. 18. Ephes. 1. 18. and 5. 8. called marvellous, because of the great mysterie of godlinesse, which is revealed in the Gospel: and called his, because God revealeth it. See the places before.
V. 10. Hence it is gathered by some, that this epistle was not written to the Jews onelyonly, but also to the Gentiles; because that of Hosea 2. 23. is to be understood of the calling of the Gentiles, Rom. 9. 25.
V. 11. strangers] 1 Chron. 9. 15. Here is a reason given why we ought to live holily, viz. because in this world we are strangers and pilgrims, and therefore we ought not to live according to the laws and lusts of the world, which is most corrupt.
pilgrims] See chap. 1. 17.
abstain from fleshly lusts] Rom. 13. 14. Gal. 5. 16. Col. 1. 5. 1 Thess. 2. 5.
fleshly] Flesh is often taken for corrupt nature, as Rom. 7. 25. and 8. 1, 5, 9, 13. Gal. 5. 19, 24. Hence those lusts are called fleshly lusts, or, the lusts of the flesh, which proceed from corrupt nature, Gal. 5. 1. Rom. 13. 14. Ephes. 2. 3. 2 Pet. 2. 18. Sometimes the lusts of the flesh are taken for those lusts which are against the seventh commandment, as 1 Joh. 2. 16.
war] Rom. 7. 23. Gal. 5. 17. James 4. 1.
V. 12. Having your conversation honest] Chap. 3. 16. 1 Thess. 4. 12.
whereas] Or, wherein.
speak against you] Chap. 3. 16.
they may by your good works] Matth. 5. 16.
visitation] When God in mercy shall call them to the fellowship of the Gospel, Psal. 106. 4. Luke 19. 44.
V. 13. Gr. Therefore] Hereby two things are implyed 1. that disobedience to the civill magistrate proceeds from fleshly lusts. See James 4. 1. 2. that disobedience unto the civill magistrate opens the mouth of unbelievers against the professours of the Gospel. See v. 11.
Submit your selves] Rom. 13. 1. Tit. 3. 1.
ordinance of man] By ordinance is meant, the framing and ordering of civill government: called the ordinance of man, not because it is invented by, or hath its originall from men: (for all power is from God, Rom. 13. 1, 2. though sometimes he useth men as means to derive power or government to such or such a person or persons, that so they might be the the more willing to yeeld obedience) but because it is proper to men, or because it is discharged by men.
for the Lords sake] That is, out of obedience and conscience unto God, who hath ordained the civill magistracie, and also hath commanded obedience unto it, v. 14. Rom. 13. 1, &c.
supreme] That is, under God. There is therefore no other supreme on earth above the king, in his dominions.
V. 14. for the punishment of evil-deers] Rom. 13. 3.
V. 15. silence] Gr. step or binde up the mouth of, &c. See Matth. 22. 12, 34. 1 Cor. 9. 9.
men] Who are ready, out of their ignorance and folly, to charge the Gospel, and to blaspheme it, as if it countenanced those sins which the professours thereof practise.
V. 16. free] 1 Cor. 7. 22. Here the apostle seems to prevent a secret objection. Some might reply; We are free, and therefore owe no obedience to any above us. The apostle granteth the antecedent, understanding it of their freedome from the burthen and curse of the law, and from the bondage of sin and Satan; but withall he admonisheth them, not to withdraw, under the pretext of this their freedom, their obedience due unto the magistrate.
using] Gr. having.
V. 17. Honour] Or, esteem. Rom. 12. 10. Phil. 2. 3.
all men] According to every mans state and calling.
brotherhood] Those who are brethren in Christ.
V. 18. Servants, be subject to your masters] Ephes. 6. 5. Col. 3. 22. Tit. 2. 9.
all fear] Not onelyonly of punishment, but also of offending God.
good] Who gently and kindly bear with you in your religious profession and practices. The apostle seems here to speak of such servants who lived under unbelieving masters, as it may be gathered from the next verse.
froward] Gr. crooked: that is, who use your forwardly, hardly and scornfully, because of your Christ: an profession.
V. 19. thank-worthy] Or, thank.
for conscience] Gr. of God; that is, because of that religion which you professe, and those religious duties which you perform, out of obedience or conscience, unto God.
V. 20. glory] Luke 6. 33.
acceptable] Or, thank.
V. 21. called] 2 Tim. 3. 12. Acts 14. 22. As disciples of Christ, to bear his crosse. See Matth. 10. 38. and 16. 24.
for us] Some read, for you. Heb. 2. 9. Rom. 5. 7, 8. 2 Cor. 5. 14.
example] Joh. 13. 15. It is a borrowed kinde of speech, taken from painters or school-masters.
V. 22. Who did no sin] Isa. 53. 9.
V. 23. committed himself] Or, committed his cause. That is, gave up or delivered over his will unto his Fathers, in his suffering, Matth. 26. 39. Or, he committed the revenge of his innocencie unto God, giving us an example hereby not to revenge our own cause, though never so innocent.
V. 24. bare our sins] Isa. 53. 4, 5, 6. Or, bare up our sins, Heb. 9. 28. That is, the punishment of our sins. See Levit. 5. 1. and 10. 17. Gal. 5. 10.
on] Or, to.
tree] That is, the crosse, whereon he did consummate and perfect his satisfaction for our sins, Ephes. 2. 16. Col. 1. 20.
dead] Luke 1. 95. Rom. 6. 1, 2, &c. Tit. 2. 11, 12, &c. 2 Cor. 15. 5. See Rom. 6. 2.
stripes] See Isa. 53. 5.
V. 25. For] Here he calleth servants back from the consideration of those injuries which they suffered for Christ, unto those benefits which they received by him, that so he might work them unto patience.
sheep going astray] Isa. 53. 6.
Shepherd] Ezek. 34. 25. and 37. 24. Joh. 10. 11. Heb. 13. 20.
CHAP. III.
Vers. 1. YE wives] Gen. 3. 16. Ephes. 5. 22. Coloss. 3. 18. Tit. 2. 5.
be in subsection] Or, subject your selves. See chap. 2. 5.
husbands] He speaks of unbelieving husbands, unto whom believing wives should be the more subject, that so, by their honest and chaste conversation, they might gain them unto the Lord; that is, be an occasion of gaining them. See Matth. 18. 15. 1 Cor. 9. 19. For, such husbands seeing the good conversation of their wives, may be brought to have a liking and good opinion of the Gospel, and so to have a desire to it, and by the grace of God, to frame their life unto it.
be won] 1 Cor. 7. 16.
V. 2. fear] Both of offending their husbands, and of offending God.
V. 3. Whose adorning] 1 Tim. 2. 9. Isa. 3. 16.
adorning] The apostle doth not here absolutely forbid women to adorn themselves; see Gen. 29. 30. so it be without excesse and pride, and according to their places: but comparatively, that is, that they make not that outward adorning their chief ornament.
V. 4. hidden] This is opposed to the outward decking of the body. Hereby is meant the new man, which according to God is created in righteousnesse and true holinesse, Ephes. 4. 24. See Rom. 2. 29. and 7. 22. 2 Cor. 4. 16.
in that] That is, which hidden man of the heart is manifested by a meek and quiet spirit, without hypocrisie.
the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit] Gr. in the sincerity of a meek and quiet, &c. See Ephes. 6. 24. Tit. 2. 7.
V. 5. being in subjection] See v. 1.
V. 6. calling him lord] Gen. 18. 12.
daughters] Gr. children.
and are] Because women are by nature fearfull, he giveth them to understand, that he requireth of them that subjection which is not wrung out of them by force and fear. Or, and are not afraid with any amazement arising out of an accusing conscience of doing evil.
V. 7. husbands] Col. 3. 14. Here the apostle turns himself to believing husbands, shewing them how they should behave themselves to their believing wives.
according] That is, carry your selves wisely and discreetly towards them.
giving honour] That is, giving them due respect, taking care and providing for them, and bearing with them in their weaknesses.
weaker] It is usuall in the Scripture to compare man in generall unto a vessel: see 1 Sam. 21. 1 Thess. 4. 4. 2 Cor. 4. 7. Hence the woman is here called weaker vessel, because generally she is weaker, both in the faculties of her soul, and the constitution of her body. And in that she is called here the weaker vessel, thereby is implied the reason wherefore husbands must so carry themselves as before, viz. because women are the weaker vessels. Weaker vessels, as those of glasse and earth, we use carefully and tenderly: and so husbands should carry themselves toward their wives.
and as being heirs together of] Some copies read, and as to heirs with you of, &c.
grace] That is, life eternall, which is through grace, Rom. 6. 23. 2 Tim. 1. 9.
hindered] By brawling and chiding, arising out of your indiscreet carriage. And here, by prayers, understand all other duties belonging to the worship of God.
V. 8. Finally] Here saint Peter cometh to common exhortation, and commendeth concord, and whatsoever things make thereunto.
one minde] Rom. 12. 16. and 15. 5. Phil. 3. 16. 1 Cor. 1. 10.
love as brethren] Or, loving to the brethren.
V. 9. Not rendring evil for evil] Prov. 17. 13. and 20. 22. Matth. 5. 39, 44. Rom. 12. 14, 17. 1 Thess. 5. 15.
knowing] Here is a reason given why they should not render evil for evil, viz. because of that great blessing of eternall life, whereunto they were called.
V. 10. he that will love life] Psal. 34. 12, &c.
tongue from evil] Prov. 4. 24. and 18. 21.
V. 11. eschew evil] Isa. 1. 16.
V. 12. against] Gr. upon.
V. 13. And who] Hereby is implied, that the honest conversation of the faithfull, doth oftentimes prevail with, and mollifie the hearts of cruell persecutours.
V. 14. But and if ye suffer for righteousnesse sake] Matth. 5. 10.
happie are ye] Matth. 10. 28. Jam. 1. 12. 1 Pet. 4. 14.
be not afraid] Isa. 8. 12, 13. He means that kinde of fear and trouble of minde wherewith wicked men fear in times of trouble, that is, with a fear without patience and trust in God, and such as is accompanied with consternation and amazement, so that they know not which way to turn themselves. See Isa. 7. 2. Matth. 2. 3. John 14. 1. and 16. 1.
V. 15. sanctifie] That is, glorifie God by your patient suffering, and faithfull trusting in him. Or, blesse God in your hearts, for that he hath accounted you worthy to suffer for righteousnesse sake. See Acts 5. 41. 2 Cor. 3. 11. Phil. 1. 29. Col. 1. 24.
every man] That is, if Gods honour, and the good of those who ask require it; otherwise we must not cast pearls before swine: see Matth. 7. 6.
fear] Or, reverence.
V. 16. Having] Chap. 2. 12. See chap. 2. 19.
speak evil] See chap. 2. 12.
in Christ] That is, according to his doctrine.
V. 17. better] That is, it is good to suffer for well-doing, and not for evil. See the like, Psal. 118. 8. 1 Cor. 7. 9.
the will of God] Chap. 4. 19.
V. 18. For] Here he again propounds the example of Christ, as chap. 2. 21.
once] Heb. 7. 27. For all, never to die or suffer again. See Rom. 5. 6. Heb. 9. 28.
the just for the unjust] Rom. 5. 6, &c.
bring] Reconcile us unto God. See Ephes. 2. 13, &c. Col. 1. 19, &c. 2 Cor. 5. 18.
being put to death] 2 Cor. 13. 4.
in the flesh] That is, according to his humane nature. See chap. 4. 1. Rom. 1. 3. 1 Tim. 3. 16.
Spirit] By his divine nature. So Rom. 1. 4. 1 Tim. 3. 16. Heb. 9. 14.
V. 19. went] Not by any local motion, but by the manifestation and power of his Spirit. See chap. 4. 14. Gen. 6. 3.
preached] That is, by the ministery of Noah, or some others, Eph. 2. 17.
spirits in] That is, now, when saint Peter wrote this epistle, though not so when they were preached unto.
V. 20. disobedient] That is, unbelieving. See Joh. 2. 26. Acts 14. 2. Rom. 7. 8. Heb. 3. 18.
by water] That is, through the means of water, which did bear up the ark.
V. 21. The like] That is, answerable to which salvation by water.
not] There is no reason for this parenthesis.
answer] Herein saint Peter may seem to have respect unto that rite or ceremonie, which was used in the baptism of those who were of age. The person baptizing, asked the person to be baptized, Whether he believed; and he answered, I believe, &c. Hence, by the answer of a good conscience, we may understand that unfeigned faith whereof they made confession at their baptism, and whereby their consciences were purified, and whereby they received the remission of their sins, testified by Christs resurrection from the dead. Some understand, by the answer, &c. that covenant whereinto they entred at their baptism, the embracing whereof they testified by their unfeigned confession of their faith.
V. 22. the right hand of God] Psal. 110. 1. Heb. 1. 3.
CHAP. IIII.
Vers. 1. FOr] The scope of saint Peter here, is, to perswade them to abstain from the lusts of the world, from their communion and fellowship in the death of Christ, whereby they were dead unto sin, and therefore they ought, not any longer to live therein. See this argument pressed more largely, Rom. 6. 6, &c. Gal. 5. 24. and 6. 14.
suffered] That is, is dead unto the flesh, that is, in his corrupt nature: or, who hath his corrupt nature crucified in him.
flesh] See chap. 3. 18.
ceased] He speaks of what they ought to do, not of that which they always do.
V. 2. rest] That is, so much of this present life which yet remaineth to be passed over.
to the lusts of men] Rom. 12. 2.
V. 3. For] By putting us in minde of our former life spent in the lusts of the world, he calleth us unto repentance.
V. 4. Wherein they think it strange] Isa. 59. 15.
strange] So verse 12.
V. 5. him] See James 11. 5, 8.
judge the quick and the dead] Acts 10. 42.
V. 6. dead] That is, in saint Peters days, though not when the Gospel was preached unto them.
that] Here is the end wherefore the Gospel was preached unto them, viz. for the mortification of their flesh, and the renewing in their spirits, according to the will of God. See vers. 2.
judged] That is, mortified in the flesh. The antecedent is put for the consequent. See 1 Cor. 5. 5.
V. 7. the end] See James 8. 9.
all things 1 Joh. 2. 17.
at hand] Phil. 4. 5.
sober and watch] Matth 26 41. 1 Pet. 5. 8.
watch] That is, be assiduous or constant in prayer, watching all opportunities to perform that service unto God. See chap. 5. 8. Luke 18. 1. and 21. 36. Rom. 12. 12. 1 Thess. 5. 17. Ephes. 6. 18.
V. 8. fervent] See chap. 1. 22.
shall] Or, will.
cover] It doth, as it were, bury a multitude of sins in others, and thereby preserveth peace and concord. See Prov. 10. 12.
V. 9. Ʋse hospitality] Rom. 12. 13. Heb. 13. 2.
grudging] Or, murmuring, Phil. 2. 14.
V. 10. As every man hath received] Rom. 12. 6.
stewards] Matth. 21. 14. Luke 12. 42. 1 Cor. 4. 1, 2.
manifold] 1 Cor. 12 4. Rom. 12. 6.
grace] That is, gifts bestowed through the free and undeserved grace of God.
V. 11. as oracles] That is, reverently, considering diligently whose word it is. See Rom. 3. 2.
minister] Some understand this of the duty of deacons; but more probably it is to be understood of the duty of all Christians; all being bound to help one another, according to that measure of gifts which God hath bestowed on them.
V. 12. strange] See v. 4. Because hereunto ye are called.
fiery triall] That is, those cruell persecutions which ye suffer. It is a metaphor taken from goldsmiths, who try their gold in the fire. See chap. 1. 7. Psal. 66. 10.
trie] See 1 Cor. 6. 4. James 1. 3.
V. 13. rejoyce] Luke 6. 23. Col. 1. 24.
of Christs sufferings] Or, sufferings for Christ.
glory shall be revealed] Col. 3. 3. James 1. 12.
V. 14. If ye be reproched] Matth. 5. 11.
for] That is, it is an argument that the Spirit of God is in you, upholding you under so great trialls. See Col. 1. 11.
happie are ye] Chap. 3. 14. James 1. 12.
Spirit of glory] That is, the glorious Spirit of God.
glorified] By your true and bold profession of him, under so many and so cruell trialls.
V. 15. suffer as a murderer] Chap. 2. 20.
V. 16. Christian] The professours of Christ are so called, from Christ, in whom they believe, and whom they professe. See James 2. 7.
V. 17. time is come] Isa. 10. 12. Jer. 21. 29. and 49. 12.
judgement] That is, thereby understand those chastisements wherewith God chastiseth his own people for their sins.
house] That is, his Church and faithfull people. See Eph. 1.
and if it first begin at us] Luke 23. 31.
V. 18. And if the righteous scarcely be saved] Prov. 11. 31.
V. 19. will of God] Chap. 3. 17.
commit] It is a metaphor taken from those who use to commit jewels, or gold, and the like, to the trust or some faithfull friend, for safe keeping. Hence those are said to commit themselves to God, who in their afflictions, through faith, rest on Gods faithfull promises of taking care for them.
souls] That is, themselves.
Creature] Who will not forsake the work of his own hands, Psal. 138. 8.
CHAP. V.
Vers. 1. ELders] So the ministers of Gods word are styled, because usually men of good age were chosen to that office, 1. That they might not be despised for their youth, 1 Tim. 4. 12. 2. That they might be well grounded in the truth, and so not be apt to be cartled away with divers doctrines, Ephes. 4. 14.
and a witnesse of the sufferings of Christ] Luke 24. 48.
a partaker] Rom. 8. 17, 18.
glory] This he speaks, either in respect of his being present at our Saviours transfiguration, Matth. 17. 1, &c. which was a glimpse of that glory wherewith he shall appear at the last day; or else in respect of those first-fruits of glory, whereof he himself was partaker in this life.
V. 2. flock of God] Acts 20. 28.
which is among you] Or, as much as in you is.
lucre] Tit. 1. 7. 1 Tim. 3. 3, 8.
V. 3. being lord, over] Or, over-ruling.
lords] That is, not imperiously commanding your own inventions, instead of the doctrine of the Gospel; nor carrying themselves insolently and magisterially towards Gods people, 3 Job. v. 9.
heritage] So the faithfull are called, because of that peculiar right which God hath in them.
ensamples to the flock] Phil. 3. 17. 2 Thess. 3. 9. 1 Tim. 4. 12. Tit. 2. 7.
V. 4. Shepherd] Heb. 13. 26.
fadeth not away] Chap. 1. 4. 1 Cor. 9. 25.
V. 5. all of you be subject to one another] Rom. 12. 10. Ephes. 5. 21.
God resisteth the proud] James 4. 6.
V. 6. Humble] See James 4. 10.
V. 7. Gastine] See chap. 4. 19. Psal. 37. 22. Matth. 6. 25.
V. 8. Be sober] Chap. 4. 7. Luke 21. 36.
V. 9. resist stedfast in the faith] Ephes. 6. 11. James 4. 7.
knowing] The persecutions which Satan stirreth up against Gods people, are neither new, not proper to any one man; but from old, and common to the whole Church; and therefore we must suffer that patiently, wherein we have so many fellown of our conflicts and combats.
V. 10. a while] Chap. 1. 7. 2 Cor. 4. 17.
perfect] Heb. 13. 21.
V. 12. briefly] Heb. 13. 22.
exhorting] Here is a brief argument of the whole epistle.
V. 13. elected] See chap. 1. 2.
V. 14. Greet ye one another] Rom. 16. 16. 1 Cor. 16. 20. 2 Cor. 13. 12. 1 Thess. 5. 26.