Westminster Annotations, John 1 – Philemon 1
The ARGUMENT of the Gospel according to S. JOHN.
THe holy Penmen appointed by God to write the Gospel of Jesus Christ, were some Apostles, as Matthew and John; and some, Apostolicall men their Disciples, as Mark and Luke.
John was one of those whom Christ named Boanerges, Sons of Thunder; James his brother, and son of Zebedeus (Mark 3. 17.) His Calling is recorded, Matth. 4. 21. He was the beloved Disciple, usually present at Christs chief Miracles; as, on Tabor (Matth. 17. 1.) in raising J…irus daughter from the dead (Mark 5. 37.) and so in his passion in the Garden, at the high-Priests Hall, and under the Crosse while he suffered, where he commended his Mother to his care. He lived longest of the Apostles. In Domitians time, he was banished into the Isle Pathmos, where he wrote the Revelation: After which, under Nerva, he was recalled to Ephesus (being aged about ninety seven yeers, which was the one hundredth yeer of our Lord) where he wrote this Gospel, some say, at the intreaty of the Christians of Asia, for the Refutation of Ebion, Cerinthus, and others, who blasphemously denied the Deity of Christ: Having therefore read the other three Euangelists, recording principally those things which concerned the Humanity and Miracles of Christ; that which they omitted concerning his Deitie and Doctrine, this high-flying Eagle discovereth; his main end being to shew, that Joh. 20. 31.Christ is indeed the very Son of God, God manifested in the Flesh, coequall, coeternall, consubstantiall with the Father; and that we, believing in him, may have eternall life: which he layeth down by three main Arguments: First, from the Effects; as, before his Incarnation, in the Creation of the world; after his Incarnation, by his Miracles. Secondly, from the testimony of men (Moses, the Prophets, John Baptist, and the Apostles) and of God the Father and the holy Ghost evidently declaring him such. Thirdly, from his Doctrine peculiar to the Messias, speaking with power, as he that had the Word of eternall life; not as the Scribes and Pharisees, as Matthew noted.Matth. 7.
First therefore, he sheweth that Christ is very God, as very man: as also▪ how he was manifested, what Disciples he first had, and what beginning of Miracles, unto his first ascension to Jerusalem, Chap. 1, 2.
Secondly, how about the first Passeover here mentioned, he entred on his Publike Ministery, casting the buyers and sellers out of the Temple; instructed Nicodemus concerning Regeneration; returned into Galilee; discourseth with the Samaritan at Jacobs Well, about true Worship; and healeth the Rulers daughter, Chap. 3, 4.
Thirdly, How at the Feast he went again to Jerusalem, and healed the Lame man at Bethesda, Chap. 5.
Fourthly, How at another Passeover he fed 5000. walked on the Sea, and taught concerning the Bread of Life, at which many were offended, Chap. 6.
Fifthly, How he went up to the F…ast of Tabernacles, and taught in the Temple, Chap. 7. He dismissed the Adulteresse, by touching the conscience of her accusers, Chap. 8. Healeth the Blinde, Chap. 9. Discoursed of the good Shepherd, Chap. 10. Raised Lazarus, Chap. 11. Returned into the Citie with great Acclamations of the People, Chap. 12. Washes his Disciples feet: Admonished concerning Judas treason: And Peters deniall, Chap. 13. Taught and comforted his Disciples, Chap. 14, 15, 16. Prayed to his Father, Chap. 17. Suffered, Chap. 18. and 19.
Lastly, How he rose again from the dead, and appeared to many, Chap. 20, 21.
The ARGUMENT of the ACTS of the Holy APOSTLES.
THe Penman of this Scripture was Luke the Evangelist (as appeareth in the first words hereof) for the most part an Eye witnesse of these Things he Recordeth, being constantly a fellow Labourer with Paul.
His purpose in writing this Story, was, (as he intimateth in his first Preface) That the Church might have the certain knowledge of Christ, his Gospel and Kingdom, that our Faith might not be built on the uncertain reports of Pretenders to Trueth; As also, That he might shew how God fulfilled his Promise in calling the Gentiles, and the Apostles, their Charge and Off…ce, by Preaching the Gospel to all Nations: And that he might fore-arm all the Faithfull, by discovering the rage and malice of Satan, persecuting the true Ministers and Professours of the Gospel, even from the first publication thereof: And the gracious providence of God, preserving and entreating his Church, in the midst of all her pressures; giving us an evident assurance of the Trueth of the Gospel, not onelyonly in that the powers of Hell, all the machinations of Satan, and malice of wicked men, could never prevail against it; but also, that Gods providence, by these oppositions, confirmed it to the hearts of Christians, in the constancy of those that suffered persecution for it.
This Story setteth out.
1. The Trueth of Christ after his Ascension, performing his Promise to the Apostles, sending the Holy Ghost the Comforter, unto them.
2. The malice of Satan, labouring to suppresse the Gospel, by raising up tumults, conspiracies, slanders, persecutions, and (where he could not prevail by violence) Hereticks to corrupt the Truth thereof.
3. The vigilent providence and power of God over his Church, overthrowing the malicious enterprises of the enemies, and filling the world with the sound of the Gospel, by so few unlearned men.
4. The many divine Sermons of the Apostles and Disciples, concerning the Death, Resurrection, Ascension and Kingdom of Christ, the Mercy of God in the free Remission of our sins by him, the Immartality to come: Care that Ministers ought to have of Christs flock, Repentance and Fear of God, and other principle Grounds of Faith, that we bearing our trials patiently (knowing that the Crosse usually accompanieth the Gospel) and resting confident in his mercy (who is unchangeably the same good God to his now, that he was to the first Christians) we may at last attain the end of our hopes, the salvation of our Bodies and Soules. Which He grant us, who gave so great a price for our Redemption, as the unvaluable Blood of Christ Jesus.
The ARGUMENT and ANALYSIS of the Epistle to the ROMANES.
THe main scope and end of the Apostle, in this Epistle to the Romanes, is, to convince both Jew and Gentile of their corrupt and deplorate estate by Nature, and how impossible it is to obtain Righteousnesse and Salvation by the works of the Law; and consequently to draw all men to embrace the doctrine of the Gospel; wherein Grace and Mercy, in the Remission of sins, peace of Conscience, and Joy in the holy Ghost, Comfort in Affliction, and Conquest in all Temptations, together with the adoption of Sons, and eternall life are offered to all Beleevers:
It containeth in it,
1. Theologicall Doctrines and Conclusions.
1 Concerning Iustification, which he proveth to be by Faith, without the works of the Law, from the sixteenth verse of the first Chapter, to the sixth Chapter.
2 Concerning Sanctification, which he proveth to be imperfect, yet true and sincere, from the sixth Chapter to the ninth.
3 Concerning Predestination, which he proveth to be of the meere love of God, and not upon any merit in us, Chapter 9, 10, 11.
2 Morall Exhortations to holines of Conversation, subjection to Magistrates, and charity towards all, especially our weak brethren, Chap. 12, 13, 14, 15.
3 Christian Salutations and Prayers, with a promise shortly to see them, Chapter 16.
The ARGUMENT and ANALYSIS of the first Epistle to the CORINTHIANS.
THe drift of the Apostle in this Epistle, is, to beat down carnall Wisdom, and affected strains of Eloquence, and to set among the Corinthians, the powerfull Preaching of Christ Crucified; and farther, to instruct them, and in them all Christians, in the Doctrine of Christian Liberty, of the Sacraments of the Old and New Law, of the nature and difference of spirituall Gifts, and of the Resurrection of the dead.
The parts of this Epistle are principally four.
1. A reproof of divers scandals and abuses among the Corinthians, as namely;
1. Their dissentions and factions, siding with their ambitious Teachers, Chap. 1, 2, 3, 4.
2. Their toleration of Incest, Chap. 5.
3. Their vexing one another with Law-suits, before infidel Judges, Chap. 6.
4. Their abuse of their Christian libertie, Chap. 8, 10.
5. Their disorders in their Holy Assemblies, Chap. 11.
2. Resolution of doubts propounded to him.
1. Concerning mariage, and single life, Chap. 7.
2. Concerning the nature and condition of glorified Bodies, at, and after their Resurrection, Chap. 15.
3. Directions.
1. Concerning their carriage towards their weak Brethren, Chap. 9.
2. Their preparation to the Sacrament, Chap. 11. from the 23. Verse to the end.
3. Concerning the use of spirituall Gifts in generall, and the exercise of the Gift of tongues, and prophesie in particular, Chap. 12, 14.
4. Exhortation to charity, and a liberall contribution to the Saints at Jerusalem, Chap. 13, 16.
The ARGUMENT and ANALYSIS of the second Epistle to the CORINTHIANS.
THe occasion of writing this second Epistle was, to vindicate his Ministery from contempt, and his person from divers imputations laid upon him, by the false Apostles: And to this end, he professeth his sincere affection to the Corinthians, and faithfull carriage in the whole course of his Ministery; and being inforced thereunto, he relates at large, both his sufferings for Christ, and the Visions and Revelations he received from him.
The Epistle consisteth of
1. An excuse of himself for not coming to them according to promise, Chap. 1.
2. A deprecation for the incestuous person, (who had been excommunicated) that he might be restored again to the Church, Chap. 2.
3. A justification of his Ministery against the calumnies of false Teachers, Chap. 3, 4, 5.
4. An Exhortation to Christian duties in generall, Chap. 7. And in particular, to a liberall contribution to the poor Saints at Jerusalem, Chap. 8, 9.
5. A contestation with his emulous adversaries, and a commemoration of his manifold trials, and the happy issue of them, Chap. 10, 11, 12.
6. A denunciation of severity, and the power of his Apostleship against obstinate sinners, Chap. 13.
The ARGUMENT and ANALYSIS of the Epistle to the GALATIANS.
AFter Saint Paul had Preached the Gospel to the Galatians, some false Teachers addicted to Judaism, sought to inveigle them to their Sect, perswading them to be circumcised, and to observe all the Mosaicall Rites; without which, they affirmed, That they could not be justified or saved: And because this their Doctrine could not consist with that which the Apostle had delivered, they derogated what they could from his Authority and Ministery, giving it out, That he was a Disciple of the Apostles, and not of Christ; and that Peter, James, and John, who were the Pillars of the Church, forbad not the observation of the legall Rites; yea moreover, that Paul himself, who now so much stickleth against circumcision, had formerly circumcised Timothy. Against these corrupters of his Doctrine, and vilifiers of his Person and Authority, he was chiefly moved to write this Epistle to the Galatians; wherein he proveth, That his calling was immediately from Christ, that he was no way inferiour to the chief Apostles, and that the Doctrine which he had delivered, concerning Justification by Faith without the Works of the Law, was the Truth of God, and firmly grounded upon Scripture.
The parts of this Epistle, are three:
1. Historicall, concerning himself, and the course of his Ministery, Chap. 1. 2. unto the 16. Verse.
2. Doctrinall, concerning Justification by Faith, and the Abolition of legall Rites and Ceremonies. From Verse 16. of the 2. Chapter, unto Verse 14. of the 5. Chapter.
3. Morall, wherein he exhorteth the Galatians to Christian duties; namely, To walk and live in the Spirit, to mildenesse in censuring their Brethren, to charity to bearing one anothers Burdens, to bounty to their Teachers, to perseverance in good Works, and rejoycing in the Crosse of our Lord Jesus Christ. From Verse 14. of the 5. Chapter, to the end.
The ARGUMENT and ANALYSIS of the Epistle to the EPHESIANS.
THe Apostle hearing that Ephesus, the Metropolis of Asia minor, was reclaimed from the Idolatrous worship of Diana, to the pure worship of the true God in Christ, writeth this Epistle to the Congregation of the faithfull there, to conform them in the Mysteries of Christian Religion, and more fully to instruct them in the duties of a Holy Life, agreeable to their Profession.
The whole Epistle divideth it self into two parts.
1. Contemplative, wherein he discourseth profoundly of the causes of mans salvation, Gods eternall election and adoption by grace, and the incorporating of the Jews and Gentiles into one Body, (the Church of Christ) made known to him by Revelation, Chap. 1. 2, 3.
2. Practick, wherein he inciteth them to shew forth good works, as the Badges of their Christian Profession. These are ranked into two sorts: Some required of them,
1. In respect of their generall calling to the knowledge of the Truth; as namely, To walk worthy their vocation, in humility, meeknesse, unity, purity, truth, love, circumspection, devotion, and acquitting themselves manfully in their warfare against Satan and all the powers of darknesse.
2. In respect of their speciall callings, as Husbands or Wives, Parents or Children, Masters or Servants. From the 3. Chapter, to the end of the Epistle.
The ARGUMENT and ANALYSIS of the Epistles to the PHILIPPIANS.
THe Philippians hearing of the imprisonment of the Apostle at Rome, were much troubled at it, and presently. dispatched Epaphroditus of visit him, and supply his wants; by whom the Apostle understanding that there were some false Teachers and scandalous livers crept in amongst them, who corrupted the Doctrine of the Gospel, and became enemies to the Crosse of Christ: Upon this occasion writeth this Epistle, wherein he acquainteth them with his present condition, thankfully acknowledgeth their tender love and care ever him, passionatly complaineth of the perverters of his Doctrine, and disturbers of their peace, and with many godly Admonitions and Exhortations, endeavoureth to frame their lives to a Heavenly conversation.
The divine conceptions and expressions in this Epistle, branch themselves into
1. Consolations against the scandall of the Crosse, shewing that all the sufferings of the godly, redound to the furtherance of the Gospel, and their unspeakable comfort, and everlasting reward. From the 12. Verse of the first Chap. to V. 27.
2. Exhortations to concord, to humblenesse of minde, and patience; to mortifie the flesh, and account all things losse for Christ; to set their heart and affections upon Heaven and Heavenly objects, in a continuall expectation of Christ from thence; to moderation, devotion, and all Christian vertues: from the 27. Verse of the first Chap. to V. 10. of Chap. 4.
3. Gratulations for their Zeal, love, knowledge, fruits of Righteousnesse, and in speciall, for their bounty to him, at which, he much rejoyced; not so much for the supply of his own wants, as the abounding of Gods grace in them. Chap. 1. to V. 12. and Chap. 4. from V. 10. to V. 20. where he concludeth his Epistle with saluations and prayers.
The ARGUMENT and ANALYSIS of the Epistle to the COLOSSIANS.
SAint Paul according to his Apostolicall Function, taking care of all Churches, and hearing that at Colossa divers Weeds sprang up, which hindered the growth of the Gospel; namely, Heathenish opinions, concerning the mediation of Angels, and Jewish superstitions, in the observation of legal Rites, writeth this Epistle to them, wherein he rooteth up these Weeds, proving to them, that Christ is our onelyonly Mediatour, by whom we have accesse to God; and that the Body being come, the legall shadows are to vanish away.
The godly instructions treasured up in this Epistle, partly tend to
1. The confirmation of the Christian Faith in the Deity and Kingdom of Christ, and his triumph over principalities and powers, and our redemption, regeneration, and justification by him, Chap 1. 2.
2. The regulating a godly life and conversation, by performing all such duties as are required of all that embrace the Gospel.
1. Absolutely, and in generall, as to mortifie the lusts of the flesh, to speak the truth, to avoid scandall, and to do works of Mercy and Charity.
2. Relatively, and in particular, as namely, such as are required from;
1. Fathers to Children.
2. Children to Fathers.
3. Husbands to Wives.
4. Wives to Husbands.
5. Masters to Servants.
6. Servants to Masters.
The ARGUMENT and ANALYSIS of the first Epistle to the THESSALONIANS.
THe Thessalonians, though they gladly embraced the Doctrine of the Christian Faith, and continued constant in the Profession thereof, yet were much discouraged and dismayed at the persecutions raised against the godly for the Truth-s…ke, by the Jews,and for the losse of some eminent professours, and their dear Friends, whom God had taken out of the World. Whereof the Apostle having notice, writeth this Epistle unto them, to build them in their most holy Faith, and to comfort them against the scandall of the Crosse; which is the common lot of the godly, and the fear of death it self, which he sheweth to be nothing else, but a passe to immortall blisse; whereof they shall not be partakers onelyonly, who shall be alive at Christs coming, but all other that die in the Lord. In the mean while, they ought so to carry themselves in all holinesse of conversation, that they may be thought worthy the glory that shall be then revealed.
The speciall contents of the Epistle are
1. Commendations of their sincerity and constancy, Chap. 1.
2. Declarations of his faithfull and powerfull Ministery, and love to them, Chap. 2. 3.
3. Consolations in time of persecution for the Gospel, and against the terrour of death, to which, he opposeth the glory of the Resurrection and Christs second coming to judgement, Chapter 2. from Verse 13. to Verse 17. and Chap. 4. from Verse 13. to the 10. Verse of the 5. Chapter.
4. Exhortation to duties of
1. Christian charity, Chap. 4. Verse 1. to the 12.
2. Piety, Chap. 5. Vers. 11. to the 25.
The ARGUMENT and ANALYSIS of the second Epistle to the THESSALONIANS.
THe Apostle being hindered from coming to the Thessalonians, according to his desire, and promise to supply the want of his presence, writeth this Epistle to them; wherein he comforteth them in their afflictions, especially by Arguments drawn from the righteous judgement of God, and the certain expectation of his second coming; the signes whereof he foretelleth, and with divers godly precepts, both to flie the company of disorderly persons, and to give him notice of such, to exercise his Apostolicall power upon them, with prayers and salutations, he concludeth his Epistle.
The parts whereof are three answerable to the Chapters.
1. Patheticall, expressing great love to the Thessalonians, and joy for their Faith and perseverance, Chap. 1.
2. Propheticall, discribing the state of the Church, and the Revelation of Antichrist, the man of sin, before the day of the Lord come, Chap. 2.
3. Pareneticall, perswading them by his example to labour in their Callings, and to shun idlenesse, as also to avoid and censure those whoshewed themsElves refractory to his Godly and wholesome Admonitions, Chap. 3.
The ARGUMENT and ANALYSIS of the first Epistle to TIMOTHY.
THe Apostle in the former Epistles, propounded generall Doctrines and Instructions to all Christians, both concerning Faith and Manners: But in these ensuing Epistles to Timothy and Titus, he delivereth peculiar precepts to the Ministers of the Gospel, as well those who are in place of Authority, as Timothy and Titus, as inferiour Pastours, Presbyters, and Deacons: And though he had other fellow Labourers, as Silas and Luke, and Mark and Tychicus: Yet he writeth to these two onelyonly, because the other were for the most part with him: But these were appointed by him to govern those Churches in which he had laid the Foundations of Christianity.
The parts of this Epistle are answerable to the eminent Parts and Gifts of the Authour, who was both an Apostle, and a Prophet, and a Pastour of the Church.
1. As an Apostle he prescribeth Canons concerning publike Prayer, and the habit and carriage of Women in the Church, Chap. 2. Concerning the Office of Bishops, and Deacons, Chap. 3. Concerning the censuring and reproof of all Degrees, the Ordination and maintenance of Elders, choice and provision for Widows, Chap. 5. Concerning the duty of servants, and particular charge of the rich, Chap. 6.
2. As a Prophet he foretelleth the Apostacie of many in latter times, whose divellish doctrine he relates, and confutes, Chap. 4.
3. As a Pastour.
1. He instructeth Timothy in the right end and use of the Law, and the main scope also of the Gospel, Chap. 1. As also in the Doctrine of the Church, and the blessed Trueth, therein taught and professed, Chap. 3. And of the lawfull use of all Creatures taken with thanksgiving, Chap. 4.
2. He exhorteth him to proficiencie in his Ministeriall Function, Chap. 4. To constancy in his Profession, observance of his Precepts, especially, That he eschew all vain bablings and disputes of Sophistry, and continue in the simplicity of sincere Doctrine, Chap. 6.
The ARGUMENT and ANALYSIS of the second Epistle to TIMOTHY.
SAint Paul being ready to lay down his Earthly Tabernacle, sendeth for Timothy to come unto him, and to bring with him such things as he most needed: Withall, he foretelleth his own Martyrdom, and the Crown of Righteousnesse, which he should thereby receive, and fully instructeth Timothy how to carry himself in the Government of the Church, after his departure.
The Epistle it self is partly
1. Commendatory of Timothy himself, and his Parents, and Onesephorus, and others, Chap. 1, 2.
2. Exhortatory to Chastity, Faith, Charity, Peace, and Meeknesse, Chap. 2. To undaunted fortitude, in withstanding all opposition against the Trueth, and to the study of the Scriptures, Chap. 3. to diligence in his Pastourall Function, watchfulnesse, patience, and to godly prudence and constancy in his Holy Profession to the end, Chap. 4.
The ARGUMENT and ANALYSIS of the Epistle to TITƲS.
IN the Island of Creet (now Candie) the Foundations of a Christian Church were laid, and the Wals reard up: But the Roof was wanting. Some abuses were reformed, but not all: In some Cities there were Godly Pastours, but not so through the whole Island. For which cause Saint Paul left Titus there to supply what was lacking, and appoint Elders in every Citie, and to the end he might the better perform this task, he furnisheth him in this Epistle with wise and godly directions, whereof
Some
1. Concern all Christians in generall; as namely, To be subject to Principalities and Powers, to be Zealous of good Works, to study necessary and wholesome points of Doctrine, and avoid curious and unprofitable questions, Chap. 3.
2. Others concern certain men in particular, and these either Teachers
1. Good, Chapter 1. from Verse 6. to the 10.
2. Bad, From Verse 10. to the end.
3. Or hearers whom he ranketh according to their sex, into
1. Men
2. Women
2. Their Age.
1. Young.
2. Old
3. Their Condition.]
1. Masters.
2. Servants, Ch. 2.
The ARGUMENT of the Epistle of PAƲL to PHILEMON.
THis Epistle was Written by the Apostle Paul unto Philemon, one of his Fellow-Labourers in the Ministery of the Gospel, in the behalf of one Onesimus, a Servant of his, who had withdrawn himself from his Masters service, and had also, as it seemeth, wronged him in his Temporall Estate: But coming to Rome where Paul then abode under restraint, had been by his Ministery converted; and after he had been for a while detained there, to attend upon him, was with this sent back to his Master. The Apostle therein intreating him to admit him into his service again, remitting to him his offence formerly committed, and engaging himself to make good, whatsoever damage he had sustained by him. The Epistle, though Written upon such a private occasion, yet is so penned, as it caries with it, the lively Character of an Apostolicall Spirit, and contains very pregnant expressions of Pauls good estimation, and entire affection to Philemon, tender bowels of compassion towards a sincere convert, and hearty desire of the Welfare of those whom he hath occasion any way to mention in the same.