Westminster Annotations, Matthew 2 · Chapter 26
CHAP. XXVI.
Vers. 2. YE know] Mark 14. 1. Luke 22. 1. Joh. 13. 1. For Christ had often foretold his death to them. See on chap. 17. 22.
passeover] It was sit that Christ, whom the paschal lamb represented, should be crucified at that feast.
V. 3. Then assembled] Joh. 11. 47.
V. 4. by subtilty] They durst not take him by force, for fear of the people, v. 5.
and kill him] By the Romane president, which seemed safest, chap. 21. 38. Acts 3. 15.
V. 5. Not on the feast-day] Let us stay till after the first day of the passeover; for that must be spent in holy duties: and the peoples affection to him may be cooled by our stay, and the Galileans his countrey-men will be gone▪ But, as some think, they changed this resolution, after they had agreed with Judas to betray him, v. 15, 16.
V. 6. Now when Jesus] Mark 14. 3. Joh. 11. 1. This story was before the assembly of the priests; for it was six days before the passeover, Joh. 12. 1. and that assembly was but two days before, v. 1, 3. But it is set after, because it was the occasion of Judas repairing to the priests. He could not get the money for the ointment following, and therefore he would sell Christ, Joh. 12. 4, 5, 6.
the leper] Who had been a leper, chap. 1. 6. and 11. 5. and 21. 31. For if he had been so still, Christ would not have eaten with him, contrary to his Fathers law. It may be he had been healed by Christ, and now made him a feast, Joh. 12. 2. as Matthew did, after his calling to be an apostle, Mark 2. 14, 15. Luke 5. 29.
V. 7. a woman] Mary the sister of Lazarus, Joh. 12. 3.
an alabaster-box] These boxes were made hollow, to put ointments in: for, some write, that alabaster keepeth ointment without corruption, Pliny, B. 13. chap. 1.
poured it on his head] As they used to do, to welcome their friends and chief guests, Luke 7. 46. Psal. 23. 5.
V. 8. his disciples] One of them, to wit, Judas, who bare the bag, Joh. 12. 4, 6. See the like phrase, chap. 27. 41. with Luke 23. 39. Or, it may be others might second Judas in it.
this waste] Unprofitable spending of precious ointment.
V. 9. and given to the poor] Under a pretence of charity, and tender affection to the poor, he clokes his own covetous and theevish aff…ction, which would have been singering and fil…hing some part of it for his own private, had such a sum come for their use into his hands. See Joh. 12. 6. though the other disciples, if they seconded him therein, might speak simply, not suspecting his sinister end, nor the true ground of his speech.
V. 10. Why trouble ye the woman?] We ought not rashly to condemn that which we think not orderly done, chap. 7. 1.
V. 11. For ye have the poor] Deut. 15. 11. Ye shall always have occasion to do good to the poor; but this is the last kindnesse she can shew to me, who shall shortly be taken from you.
V. 12. for my buriall] For a preparation to my buriall. If it were bestowed on my dead corpse, according to the custome, Mark 16. 1. Joh. 19. 40. you should not think much of it: and I am now neer upon that.
V. 13. for a memoriall of her] The memory of ought done for Christ, or any of his, God will not suffer to perish, Psal. 112. 6.
V. 14. Then one of the twelve] Mark 14. 10. Luke 22. 3.
Judas I scariot] See on chap. 10. 4.
went to the chief priests] Undertook the betraying of his Master, not sollicited by them, but of his own accord, offering himself to them to be therein employed.
V. 15. thirty pieces of silver] See chap. 27. 9. So much as a slave is valued at, Exod. 21. 32. See how mean account Judas makes of his Master!
V. 16▪ he sought opportunity] That he might have his money promised, v. 15.
V. 17. the first day of the feast of unl…aven… bread] That is, of the pas…hal solemnity, during which no leavened bread might be had, Exod. 12. 15, 19, 20. to wit, on the fourteenth day of Nisan, on which preparation was made for the eating of the paschal lamb the night ensuing, Exod. 12. 6. 18.
V. 18. to such a man] They are taught how to finde him, Mark 14 13, 14. Luke 22. 10, 11.
My time is at hand] The time of my death.
V. 20. Now when the even was come] M…k 14. 18. Luke 22. 14. Joh. 13. 21.
V. 22. they were exceeding sorrowfull] That he must die now, and by treason also, and by one of them; yet they knew not who it was.
and began every one of them to say] Or, said each one of them, v. 74.
Is it I?] As suspecting each one himself, rather then him who indeed it was. Or, being grieved to apprehend that their Master should have any such suspicion of them, and desirous to have themselves cleared, as free from so great a guilt.
V. 23. He that dippeth] Or, hath dipped, Psal. 41. 9. It may be Judas sate neer him, or over against him, and had newly dipped in the dish with him, to take part of the sowre herbs.
V. 24. The Son of man goeth] Out of this life, Luke 9. 31.
as it is written of him] His death by treason was foretold.
but wo unto that man] He cannot hurt me; but he will make himself eternally miserable.
it had been god for that man] God may glorifie his Justice in punishing him; but it had been better for himself that he had never had any being.
V. 25. which betrayed him] A while after, and was plotting it now, v. 16.
Thou hast said] Thou hast said the truth. Compare v. 64. with Mark 14. 62.
V. 26. as they were eating] Before they removed from the table: for it is not likely that Christ would mix the Lords supper with the passeover: and it is said, Luke 22. 20. 1 Cor. 11. 55. of the cup, that it was after the paschall supper.
Jesus took bread] 1 Cor. 11. 23, 24.
blessed it] Many Greek copies have, gave thanks. Christ minding forthwith to fulfill the promises o… the old Testament, instituteth a new Covenant, with new signes; and consecrates them, not with murmuring of words, but with prayer to God, consisting partly of praise and thanksgiving to God his Father, v. 27. and par…ly of petition for a blessing upon the elements, as Luke 9. 16. And yet the bread and wine are changed, not in nature, but in use; for they become undoubted tokens of Christs Body and Blood, by his own Institution, that faith may finde what to lay hold on, both in the word, and in the elements.
this is my Body] Either by a trope called a Metonymy, one name is put for another; the bread is called Christs body, because it is a signe of his body: or, by a figurative enunciation, the bread is said to be Christs Body, because it representeth his Body truely and properly so termed; as the ro…k is said to have been Christ, because it represented Christ, 1 Cor. 10. 4. both, in effect, come to one, the phrase being sacramentall, and of common use in speech of signes and resemblances, either sacred or other, as Gen. 17. 11, 13. and 40. 22, 18. and 41. 26, 27. Exod. 12. 11. Chap. 13. 37, 38, 39. Rev. 17. 9, 12, 15, 16, 18.
V. 27. the cup] To wit, with wine in it, v. 29.
gave thanks] As before of the bread, v. 26. The praye… which then he used, consisted, as before, of two parts; is called sometime by the name of the one part, a thanksgiving, as here; sometime by the name of the other part, a blessing, as 1 Cor. 10. 16.
Drink ye all of it] They then which take away the cup from the people, go against Christs Institution, which they the… strictly observed, Mark 10. 23.
V. 28. this] The wine in this cup is a seal of the covenant ratified in my Blood, which shall be shed shortly, to procure new legacies for many, Exod. 24. 8. See v. 26.
of the new Testament] Whereby the inheritance of eternall life is given as a legacie to all believers. O…, of the new Covenant.
which is shed] That shall shortly …e poured out. See the like phrase, chap. 3. 10. and 5. 23.
for many] Not for you alone, but for many others. Joh. 17. 20.
for the remission of sins] To satisfie Gods Justice for their sins, that in mercy he may forgive them who could make no satisfaction themselves, Rom. 3. 25, 26. Eph. 1. 7.
V. 29. I will not drink henceforth] This is the last solemn meal or feast that I shall make with you on earth; but I shall converse cheerfully with you, in a new and spirituall way, in heaven.
till I drink it new] A new kinde of it, or it in a new kinde, v. 28. Mark 1. 27. and 16. 17. with Acts 2. 4. Another kinde of wine. Spirituall and heavenly joy is pointed at hereby.
V. 30. an hymn] Or, psalm. When they had made an end of their solemn singing, which, some think, was six psalms: namely, Psal. 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117. Or, some other.
to the mount] Towards it; for Gethseman… lay between the brook Kidron and mount Olive….
V. 31. Then] About that time; for the words immediately following seem by Luke and John to be spoken in the house.
All ye] Mark 14 27. Joh. 16. 32.
shall be offended] Fail in the duty of disciples and friends, and be moved not to think so of me as ye should, by occasion of those things that shall befall me, chap. 11. 6.
for it is written] For that shall fall out that is written, and may proverbially be used, When the shepherd is smitten, the sheep are scattered.
I will smite the shepherd] Zech. 13. 7.
V. 32. I will go before you] I will go again before you, like a shepherd, Mark 14. 28. and 16. 7. Joh. 10. 3, 4.
V. 33, yet will▪ never be offended] Peter trusted overmuch to his own strength.
V. 34. Verily I say unto thee] J…h. 13. 38.
before the …ock crowe] His morning-crowe to break of day, M…k 13. 35. Or, …, as Mark 14. 30. for Peter den… ed him once before the first cock crowing, and twice before the second, Mark 14. 6… 72.
thou shalt deny me] Thou, that art more forward then the rest, shalt not onelyonly be offended with me, but utterly deny me, that ever thou kn…west me, as chap. 7. 23.
V. 36. Then co…eth Jesus] Mark 12. 32. Luke 22. 39.
Gethsemane] The valley of fatnesse, neer mount Olive…, like that by Lebanon, Isa. 28. 1, 4. Or, an oil-presse, as some interpret the name. Or, the pasture of butter, as others. The first is most prob…ble. Howsoever, the name seems to import a rich and sat soil, Gen. 27. 28, 39. Christ is not taken in the city, lest the people should rescue him; nor in day-light, v. 5. but here, in the night.
Sit ye here] See the like, Gen. 22. 5.
V. 37. Peter, and the two sons of Zehedee] Who had been in priva… with him before, at the raising of Jairus daughter, chap. 9. and at his transfiguration, chap. 17.
very heavie] Deadly sick. This shews the truth of his humane nature, in that he feared death, and felt so much sorrow for our sins, v. 38, 39. Psal. 116. 3.
V. 39. let this cup passe from me] It is at hand, prepared for me, and offered to me; but let it passe by me. A kinde of expression which the Hebrews use, to expresse Gods wrath, and afflictions flowing from it, under the similitude of a cup, See chap. 20. 22.
V. 40. he findeth them asleep] An example of mans infirmity in duties enjoyned by God, especially when he is oppressed with grief, Luke 22. 45.
he saith unto Peter] Who had promised, professed and protested so much before.
one hour?] Much lesse could ye watch with me many hours.
V. 41. that ye enter not into temptation] That ye be not tempred; for ye are very weak. See chap. 6. 13.
the spirit indeed is willing] Ye have, through Gods grace, a good will to stick to me; but your naturall corruption will much hinder you, Rom. 7. 18, 23.
V. 42. if this cup] Since this cup may not be avoided. See on v. 39.
thy will be done] The voice of one resting on Gods will, chap. 6. 10. Acts 21. 14.
V. 44. prayed the third time] As 2 Cor. 12. 8.
saying the same words] Which yet nothing detracted either from the instancie or efficacie of his prayer.
V. 45. Sleep on now] Ye may sleep, for me, now, as long as ye will; I require no longer your watching with me. Or, ye will have little list to sleep, ere long, whether I awake you or no.
of sinners] Gentiles, Romanes, souldiers, Acts 2. 23. Gal. 2. 15. 1 Cor. 9. 21.
V. 46. Rise, let us be going] Let us go meet them. Christ offereth himself willingly to be taken, that, in suffering willingly, he might make satisfaction for the wilfull fall of man, Joh. 14. 31.
V. 47. while he yet spake] Mark 14. 43. Luke 22. 47. Joh. 18. 3.
Judas one of the twelve came] He was awake to betray Christ, when the rest were asleep.
with him a great multitude] For he was their leader and captain, Luke 22. 47.
with swords and staves] To take him by force, as they used to apprehend malefactours, v. 55. and to keep him safe, that no man might res…ue him.
V. 48. gave them a signe] Because many of them knew him not, and others might be mistaken, in the night.
Whomsoever I shall kisse] Gr. He whom I shall kisse. He doth not name him, but gives a signe of friendship, that he might not be thought a traitour, and the disciples might not spie out his deceitfull intention.
V. 49. Hail master, and kissed him] It was the usuall manner of those parts, in those times, for friends and acquaintance, meeting again, after some time of absence, as well men as women, to salute one another with a kisse, Gen. 45. 15. which yet on Judas his part here was not needfull, for he had not been so long absent. But this kisse was more like that which Joab gave Amasa, 2 Sam. 20. 9.
V. 50. Friend, wherefore art thou come?] Thou comest under colour of friendship, but I know thy intent is to betray me, and thou darest not deny it, Psal. 55. 13. and 41. 9.
laid hands on Jesus] Christ is taken, that we might be delivered.
took him] Gr. held him fast, as v. 48.
V. 51. one of them] Namely, Peter. And the servants name was Malchus. The ear cut off was the right ear, Joh. 18. 10.
drew his sword] Misunderstanding Christs words, Luke 22. 36, 38.
V. 52. Put up again thy sword] Thou art no magistrate to right me, and I must die now; fight not therefore for me.
for all they] Gen. 9. 6. Rev. 13. 10.
that take the sword] They that use the sword, being not called by God, shall perish by the sword of the magistrate.
V. 53. Thinkest thou] Gr. Or thinkest thou. As it is not safe for thee to strike, v. 52. so it is not needfull for me, who am willing to die; else could I have angels to rescue me.
twelve legions of angels] The Romane armie consisted ordinarily of twelve legions. Such an army of angels could Christ have had.
V. 54. But how then] The reason why I pray not to God for angels to defend me, is, Because the Scripture hath foretold my death, and not out of any doubt of speading. See chap. 4. 6, 11.
that thus it must be?] Isa. 53. 10.
V. 55. as against a thief] See on v. 47.
V. 56. that the scriptures] Lam. 4. 20. Christ himself must not be spared, rather then the Scriptures should not be fulfilled.
Then all the disciples forsook him] As he had foretold, v. 31.
V. 57. And they that] Mark 14. 53. Luke 22. 54. Joh. 18. 13.
to Caiaphas] After he had been brought to Annas, Joh. 18. 13.
V. 58. But Peter followed him] This is set down, to make way to the story of Peters deniall, v. 69, &c.
afar off] As one not belonging to him.
V. 60. yet found they none] That could accuse him of any capital matter: or, whose witnesse agreed, Mark 14. 56. and therefore they could not legally condemn him, Deut. 17. 6. Thus God did every way shew forth his Sons innocency, that it might appear, that he died not for himself, but for us.
two false witnesses] For one would not serve, Deut. 19. 15. They are called false witnesses, for depraving Christs words and meaning.
V. 61. This fellow said] See on chap. 12. 24.
I am able to destroy] Joh. 2. 16.
V. 62. Answerest thou nothing?] Seeing their depositions insufficient, he seeks to draw somewhat from himself. So desirous was he of Christs death.
V. 63. Jesus held his peace] He saw it was to no end to speak, and that out of his defence they would but seek matter against him.
I adjure thee] So 1 Kings 22. 16.
V. 64. Thou hast said] See on chap. 27. 11.
neverthelesse] Or, furthermore.
I say unto you] I tell you, though ye will not believe what I say now; but hereafter shall, when ye see it fulfilled.
Hereafter] Chap. 16. 27. Rom. 14. 10. 1 Thess. 4. 16.
shall ye see] At my second coming.
sitting at the right hand of power] In the highest honour with God. Luke 22. 69, of the power of God: that is, of the divine Majestie, as Heb. 1. 3. and 8. 1. Or, of God himself, Mark 16. 19. Acts 7. 55. Rom. 8. 34. Eph. 1. 20. Col. 3. 1.
in the clouds of heaven] See Notes on chap. 24. 30.
V. 65. the high priest rent his clothes] As if his heart were ready to break, to hear such a blasphemous speech. So the Jews used to do in such cases, 2 Kings 18. 37. and 19. 1.
what further need have we of witnesses?] To prove that this man ought to die?
V. 66. What think ye?] What punishment do ye think him worthy of?
V. 67. Then did they spit in his face] A token of contempt and disgrace, Num. 12. 14. Isa. 50. 5.
and bufferted him] Isa. 50. 6.
the palms of their hands] Or, rods. See Matth. 5. 39. So Mar. 14. 65. Joh. 18. 22. and 19. 3.
V. 68. Prophesie unto us] They require this, after they had covered his face, Mark 14. 65. else might he easily see who smote him, and needed not tell it by prophecie, which, being blindfolded, he might; for it was the part of a prophet to tell hidden things present, as well as to foretell future, 1 Kings 14. 4, 5, 6.
V. 69. Now Peter] Mark 14. 66. Luke 22. 55. Joh. 18. 25.
sate without in the palace] Without the croud, remote from the place where the high priests sate; but in the same room, for he went out after, v. 71.
Jesus of Galilee] For distinction sake, because there were others of that name, Acts 13. 6. Col. 4. 10. or, in way of contempt, Joh. 7. 52.
V. 70. I know not what thou sayest] I neither know him, not understand well what you mean.
V. 71. This fellow] See on chap. 12. 24.
of Nazareth] Because bred there, chap. 2. 23. or, to disgrace him, as Joh. 1. 46.
V. 72. I do not know the man] Now he speaks more plainly, then he did, v. 69.
V. 73. thy speech bewrayeth thee] Coming neerer to the Syriack and Samaritan dialect then that of Jerusalem, Judg. 12. 6.
V. 74. Then began he to curse] That is, he cursed, as vers. 22. Sin grows quickly in good men, if once admitted. First, he denies his master, v. 70. Secondly, forswears himself, v. 72. Thirdly, curses, in this verse.
V. 75. And Peter remembred] Being put in minde of them by the crowing of the cock, v. 74. which waked him out of his dead sleep; and by Christs looking back upon him, Luk. 22. 61.
Before the cock crow] See on v. 34.
he went out] Lest he should be tempted again, and to weep privately, Gen. 43. 29.
and wept bitterly] The falls of Gods servants, make them humble, and pierce their hearts, Ezek. 6. 9.