Westminster Annotations, Luke 2

Westminster Annotations · Luke 2

ANNOTATIONS ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO S. LƲKE.

CHAP. I.

Vers. 1. MAny have taken in hand] Many attempted it: he nameth them not: but affirming a full assurance of that he, with the other Evangelists, writeth, he seemeth modestly to deny, that others had the same.

to set forth in order] To set forth by writing.

V. 2. they delivered them unto us] Meaning the Apostles with whom he was conversant.

were eye-witnesses] Of those things which Christ did. Heb. 2. 3. 1 Joh. 1. 1.

ministers of the word] Either of the Gospel, or of Christ the eternall Word, Joh. 1. 1. 1 Joh. 1. 1.

V. 3. It seemed good to me] By a divine inspiration: as Act. 15, 25. 28. 1 Cor. 7. 40.

most excellent Theophilus] This was some honourable and renouned person in the Church in those times, Act. 1. 1.

V. 5. THere was in the dayes of Herod the king] Herod the Great sonne of Antipater. Matth. 2. 1.

the course of Abia] See 1 Chron. 24. 5. 10. David appointed them to minister by turns.

daughters of Aaron] That is, descended from Aaron.

V. 6. And they were both righteous before God] That is, of sincere lives; approved of God: not without all sinne, but without blame before men, Phil. 3. 6. 12.

walking in all] That is, living in, and endeavouring to keep all, Psal. 119. 1. 6.

V. 9. According to the custome of the priests office] This office appertained to Aaron and his sonnes; Exod. 30. 7. 1 Chron. 6. 49.

when he went into the temple of the Lord] Into the Court which was called Holy.

V. 10. And the whole multitude] Exod. 13. 7. Lev. 16. 17.

without] In that part of the Temple which was called the peoples Court. See Levit. 16. 17. 1 King. 7. 12.

V. 11. the altar of incense] See Exod. 30. 1.

V. 13. and thou shalt call his name John] Which name signifieth the grace of God: intimating that which should be in his person and office. So that his prayer was heard in that the Messiah should now come; and in that Elizabeth, for whom he had often prayed, also should conceive and beare a sonne.

V. 15. great in the sight of the Lord] God shall highly esteeme him.

and shall neither drinke wine nor strong drink] Meaning that he should be consecrated to God, as a Nazarite, Numb. 6. 3.

and he shall be filled with the holy Ghost] That is, he shall have an abundant measure of grace, for the execution of his charge.

from his mothers wombe] As Jer. 1. 5. Gal. 1. 15.

V. 16. And many, &c.] Mal. 4. 6.

he turn to the Lord their God] He shall be the means of their conversion, by his preaching accompanied with the power of the holy Ghost to make it effectuall. See Act. 26. 18. 1 Cor. 3. 5, 6. Jam. 5. 19, 20.

V. 17. he shall go] Mal. 4. 5. Matth. 11. 14.

before] Before Christ the Messiah, the King of Israel, to declare his coming.

spirit and power of Elias] That is, with as great a measure of grace to make his ministery powerfull. See Matth. 11. 11. 14.

turn the hearts of the fathers to the children] That is, of the unnaturall, degenerate and wicked; by his ministery they shall become obedient children of their fathers, and the Church of Christ. So as their fathers shall acknowledge them to be their children indeed. For the division which followeth the preaching of the Gospel, that is an accidentall effect, which the corruption of man produceth.

to the wisdome] Or, by. By the example of their holy fathers they shall be wise and beleeve: and so, of one heart and consent with their fathers.

prepared for the Lord] Prepared for Christ, as John proclaimed, Luk. 3. 4.

V. 19. Gabriel] This name signifieth the power of God: or God my strength. He putteth him in mind that he was the same Angel, who some hundred yeers before was sent to Daniel to declare the time of Christs coming, Dan. 8. 16. and 9. 21. that he might assure him of the fulfilling the same now in the fulnesse of time.

that stand in the presence of God] This Hebraisme borrowed from those who wait on Kings, importeth a readinesse to minister, or serve, 1 King. 10. 8. Pro. 22. 29.

V. 20. thou shalt be dumbe] Because thou desirest a sign, this shall be▪ both a punishment of thy incredulitie, and a sign to confirme thy faith.

V. 21. waited for Zacharias] For he was to dismisse them with a blessing. See Num. 6. 23.

V. 23. were accomplished] At Jerusalem he was to officiate one whole weeke. See 2 King. 11. 5. 1 Chron. 9. 25.

V. 24. and hid her self five moneths] She kept her chamber, or otherwise concealed her miraculous conception.

V. 25. to take away my reproch among men] For barrennesse was counted a dishonour to the women, Gen. 30. 23.

V. 26. the sixth monethmonth] Reckoning from Elizabeths conception.

V. 27. espoused] See Matth. 1. 18.

of the house of David] Of the stock and linage of David.

V. 28. highly] Or, graciously accepted, or much graced: See vers. 30.

favoured] Honoured with this singular grace, to be the mother of the Messiah.

V. 30. thou hast found favour with God] God hath freely chosen thee to this honour, which thou thoughtest not of.

V. 31. And behold] See Isa. 7. 14.

hi name Jesus] A Saviour of his people, Matth. 1. 21.

V. 32. Sonne of the highest] The onelyonly Sonne of God, by nature: God manifested in the flesh, 1 Tim. 3. 16.

the throne of his father David] The spirituall and eternall kingdome over his Church, prefigured in Davids temporall kingdome over Israel.

V. 33. And he shall reign, &c.] See Dan. 7. 14. Mic. 4. 7.

V. 34. How shall this be] She desireth to be fully resolved of this great mysterie: and it seemeth they were not seen together after betrothing.

V. 35. overshadow thee] The extraordinary power of God shall effect this: it seemeth an allusion to that, 1 King. 8. 12.

holy thing] Christ without all sinne: as God, the eternall Sonne of the Father: as man, conceived of a sanctified masse, or substance without all sinne.

V. 36. who was called barren] Elizabeth who was known or noted to be barren, now is six moneths gone with child.

V. 39. hill-countrey] Which was Kirioth-Arba, or Hebron: assigned to the Priest. See Josh. 21. 11. and 14. 15.

V. 41. the babe leaped in her wombe] This extraordinary motion was by the inspiration of the holy Ghost, enabling Elizabeth to know and prophecie the incarnation of Christ, and shewing a secret correspondence between Christ and John rejoycing at his coming.

V. 45. that beleeved] Or, which beleeved that there.

V. 48. shall call me blessed] In respect of this favour bestowed on me.

V. 51. He hath shewed strength] See Isa. 51. 9.

he hath scattered the proud] See Psal. 33. 10.

V. 52. He hath put down the mighty] See 1 Sam. 2. 6. Job 5. 11.

V. 53. He hath filled the hungry] See Psal. 34. 10. 1 Sam. 2. 5.

V. 54. in remembrance of his mercy] See Jer. 31. 3, 20.

V. 55. As he spake to our fathers] See Gen. 17. 9. Psalm. 132. 11.

to his seed for ever] To his posteritie and the faithfull, Galat. 3. 15, 16.

V. 59. the eighth day] See Gen. 17. 12.

V. 60. he shall be called John] It is likely that Zacharie had by writing enformed Elizabeth concerning the whole vision, and imposition of this name by th… Angel.

V. 63. asked for a writing-table] That is, he made some signes to have pen and inke to write his mind.

V. 64. his mouth was opened immediately] That is, his voyce and use of speech was restored him.

V. 65. sayings] Or, things.

V. 66. And the hand of the Lord was with him] He profited so, that there appeared a singular power and manifest grace of God in him.

V. 67. filled with the holy Ghost] Inspired with the Spirit of prophecie, concerning the mysterie of our salvation by Christ.

V. 68. visited and redeemed his people] He hath shewed by the effect, that he hath care of his Church.

V. 69. an horn of salvation] The Hebrews hereby signified strength and defence against enemies. See Psal. 132. 17, 18. and 89. 17. & 75. 5. 12. 1 Sam. 2. 1.

V. 70. As he spake] See Jer. 23. 6. and 30. 10.

V. 73. The …ath which] See Gen. 22. 16. Heb. 6. 13.

V. 75. In holinesse] See 1 Pet. 1. 15, 16.

before him] Before God to whom no hypocrisie can be acceptable.

V. 76. go before the face] See Mal. 3. 1.

V. 77. by the remission] Or, for.

V. 78. tender mercy] Or, bowels of the mercy.

day-spring] Or, sunne-rising, or branch. The Sunne of righteousnesse Christ Jesus. See Numb. 24. 17. Isa. 11. 1. Zech. 3. 8. Mal. 4. 2.

V. 79. To give light] See Isa. 9. 2.

way of peace] That is, to perfect happinesse.

V. 80. strong in spirit] In the gifts and graces of the Spirit; whereby it appeared that God prepared him to a singular office. See Luk. 2. 40. 52.

V. 80. and was in the] See Matth. 3. 1.

deserts] The places of Judea which were least inhabited: as are great forests.

CHAP. II.

Vers. 1. THat all the world should be taxed] Or, enrolled. All that part of the world which was subject to the Romane Empire.

V. 2. And this taxing was first made &c.] Whereby according to every mans estate hee was taxed to pay money to the Romans.

V. 4. the citie of David] Joh. 7. 42. For he was of the Family of David, whose originall seat was Bethlehem, where Christ was to be born; so that here is declared the occasion of the fulfilling that prophesie, Mic. 5. 2. See 1 Sam. 16. 1. Matth. 2. 5.

V. 7. And shee brought forth her first-born sonne] Hee is said to be the first-born, before whom was none elder by the same parents, although he be also the onelyonly Sonne. See Matth. 1. 25.

no room for them in the Inne] So great a confluence of people comming to be taxed, all the roomes of the Inne were taken up by the richer sort, save onelyonly the stable.

V. 8. watch over their flocke by night] Or, the nightwatches.

V. 11. For unto you this day is born, in the citie of David] that is, Bethlehem, well known by that name.

V. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you] That they might not be offended, or think themselves deluded when they should find Christ the Saviour in so poor a worldly condition, the Angel preventeth that by shewing them before-hand how they should find him.

V. 14. peace] See Luk. 19. 38.

good will towards men] The free mercy of God towards men and love and good will of one man towards another: and at this time all the world was at peace.

V. 21. And when, &c.] See Gen. 17. 12. Levit. 12. 3.

Jesus] See Mat. 1. 21. Luk. 1. 31.

V. 22. her purification] Levit. 12. 5, 6.

V. 23. Every male that openeth, &c.] Exod. 13. 2. Numb. 18. 15. Exod. 22. 29.

V. 24. according to that which is said] Levit. 12. 2. 6.

A paire of turtle-doves] Which offering was appointed unto them who were so poor that they were not able to offer a Lamb or sheep, Levit▪ 5. 7.

V. 25. was just and devout] One that feared God and looked for the comming of the Messias. See vers. 38. Marke 15. 43.

holy Ghost was upon him] The spirit of prophecie.

V. 26. not see death] That he should not dye before he had seen Christ the anointed King, Priest, and Prophet, come in the flesh. See Psal. 2. 6. Isa. 61. 1. Dan. 9. 24.

V. 27. came by the spirit] By the secret motion of the holy Ghost.

when the parents brought in the child Jesus] That is, Joseph the reputed father of Jesus. See Heb. 7. 3.

V. 29. Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace] Now that thou hast shewed me the fulfilling of thy promise concerning the Messias, whom thou hast appointed to work mans salvation, Isai. 49. 6. Heb. 2. 10. & 5. 9. I willingly and cheerfully leave this present life.

V. 30. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation] Psal. 98. 2. Isai. 52. 10 Hee did before see Christ with the eye of faith, as Abraham did, and rejoyced; but now he saw with his bodily eyes, that fulfilled which before was expected.

V. 31. before the face of all people] As that which thou wilt make manifest to all nations.

V. 32. A light to lighten the Gentiles] Isai. 42. 6. Isai. 49. 6.

V. 34. fall and rising again] Isa. 8. 14. Rom 9. 32. Matth. 21. 44. 1 Pet. 2. 7. For the fall of reprobates and unbeleevers, and for the raising up and salvation of the elect who beleeve.

be spoken against] By unbeleevers.

V. 35. a sword shall pierce] Bitter sorrowes shall afflict thy heart.

thoughts of many hearts, &c.] Which is done by preaching the Gospel. See 2 Cor. 2. 15, 16.

V. 37. departed not from the temple] She daily frequented the Temple: night and day, or continually, in such acts of Religion, import a constancie without ceasing, not without intermission. See 1 Thess. 5. 17. 1 Tim. 5. 5. Luk. 24. 53. 1 Thess. 3. 10.

V. 38. that looked for redemption] Mark 15. 43. Luk. 2. 25.

Jerusalem] Or, Israel.

V. 39. they returned into Galilee] That is, Joseph and Mary with Christ.

V. 40. filled with wisdome] With an admirable wisdome, shewing it selfe in him as he grew up.

V. 41. the Passeover] As was commanded, Deut. 16. 1. It seemeth Mary came up of her owne free devotion, as did also Hanna, 1 Sam. 1. 2. 3. 7.

V. 43. fulfilled the dayes] The dayes of the Feast prescribed by the Law. Exod. 23. 15.

V. 46. the midst of the Doctors] With the Doctors. It is an Hebraisme, as Luk. 22. 27. It may be he sate at their feet, not in the chiefe seates, of which Luk. 11. 43.

V. 48. thy father] Thy supposed father.

V. 49. my Fathers businesse] Meaning, that though duty to parents must be observed, yet duty to God must be preferred. Matth. 10. 37.

V. 50. they understood not the saying] For his calling to the office of the Mediator and Saviour, was not yet well known to them, though the Angel had foretold it, Matth 1. 21. and Zachary had prophesied it, Luk. 1. 68, &c.

V. 51. was subject unto them] From that time till he was 30. yeers old. Luk. 3. 23. Mark 6. 3.

V. 52. increased in wisdom] Because he assumed a reasonable soul as wel as an humane body, the deity united thereto was so vailed, that the graces thereof shewed themselves by little and little, according to the maturitie of the faculties of his humanity.

stature] Or, age.

CHAP. III.

Vers. 1. OF Tiberius Caesar] This was successour of Augustus Caesar, in whose reigne Christ was borne. Luk. 2. 1.

Pontius Pilate being Governour] Deputy of the Roman Emperour for the government of that Province.

tetrarch] That is, governour of a fourth part.

V. 2. Annas and Caiaphas] By the Law there ought to have been but one High Priest at once, yet through their many distractions, troubles, and corruptions, the office was now divided. See Joh. 11. 49. Act 4. 6.

the word of God] That is, a speciall revelation and command to execute his office. See Luk. 1. 80.

V. 3. And he came] Mat. 3. 1. Mark 1. 4.

V. 4. The voyce of one, &c.] Isa. 40. 3. Matth. 3. 3. John 1. 23.

V. 5. Every valley shall be filled] All impediments shall be taken away, so that the way to God and eternall life by Christ, shall be plain and evident.

V. 6. all flesh shall see the salvation of God] See Chap. 2. 30. That is, all sorts of men, to whom Christ the Saviour of the world shall be preached. See Psal. 98. 2. Isa. 52. 10. Act. 10. 35.

V. 7. O generation of vipers] Mat. 3. 7.

V. 8. worthy] Or, meet for.

V. 9. the axe is laid unto the root of the trees] This metaphor shewed them, that the instruments of their destruction (such as were Vespasian and Titus) were neere, and should quickly execute, except they repented.

V. 10. What shall we doe then] What fruits must we bring forth, that we may flee from the anger to come? See Act. 2. 37.

V. 11. He that hath two coats, &c.] See Jam. 2. 15. 1 John 3. 17. Meaning, that charitie is the most acceptable fruit of our repentance, without which all Religion is vaine, and the anger of God hangeth over men. See 1 Cor. 13. 1. &c. Jam. 1. 26, 27. & 2. 14. 1 Joh▪ 3. 17. & 4. 20. Joh. 13. 35.

V. 12. publicanes to be baptized] Officers who received tribute and customes for the Romans.

V. 14. Do violence to no man] Or, put no man in feare.

wages] Or, allowance.

V. 15. in expectation] Or, in suspence.

mused] Or, reasoned, or debated.

V. 16. I indeed baptize you with water] Meaning, that he onelyonly administred the externall sign and Sacrament, but Christ would give the inward effect thereof, for the washing away their sinnes. See Matth. 3. 11. Mark 1. 8. Joh. 1. 26. Act. 1. 5. Act. 11. 16. & 19. 4.

and with fire] Meaning that he should cleanse them from their sinnes, as fire doth the gold from drosse. See Act. 2. 3.

V. 19. But Herod▪ Mat. 14. 3. Mark. 6. 17.

V. 20. Added yet this above all] This did help to fill up the measure of his sinne, in that being incensed against the word of God, he revenged himselfe on the Minister thereof, as on an enemy.

V. 21. it came to passe] Mat. 3. 13. Mark. 1. 10. John 1. 32.

V. 23. about thirty yeeres of age] At which age the Priests were to enter into their function. Numb. 4. 3. 35, &c.

being (as was supposed) the sonne of Joseph] For Christ as man had no Father, as God, no Mother: as it is said of Melchisedec his type, Heb. 7. 3.

sonne of Hel… ] Luke ascendeth from the last father to the first, and Matthew contrariwise descendeth, extending his rehearsall no further then to Abraham, to assure the Jewes of the promise fulfilled to them: Luke rehearseth to Adam, to assure the Gentiles also of their interest in Christ. Note also, that the Jewes reckoned these Genealogies, not onelyonly by the naturall, but also by the legall descents, and that whereas divers men had two names, one of the Evangelists reciting one, and the other another, they yet agree in the same person.

V. 31. sonne of Nathan] Zach. 12. 12. 2 Sam. 5. 14. 1 Chron. 3. 5.

V. 32. sonne of Booz] Ruth 2. 1. & 4. 18.

sonne of Naasson] 1 Chron. 2. 10.

V. 34. sonne of Thara] Gen. 11. 24. 26.

V. 36. sonne of Sem] Gen. 11. 10. &c.

V. 37. sonne of Methusala] Gen. 5. 21. &c.

V. 38. sonne of God] As God is universall parent, Deut. 32. 6. 18. and as Adam by creation beares his image. Gen. 1. 26, 27.

CHAP. IIII.

Vers. 1. ANd Jesus being full of the holy Gost] Matth. 4. 1. Mark 1. 12.

V. 4. It is written] Deut. 8. 3.

Word of God] He meaneth the Ordinance and Providence of God, whereby he enableth the creature to nourish.

V. 5. up] Which declareth, that this shewing was by a Vision, for otherwise all the world could not be seen in a moment, or under one view.

an high mountain] Matth. 4. 8.

V. 6. that is delivered] This he spake of his own, as a lying spirit, Joh. 8. 44. for he can do no more then God permitteth him. Rev. 13. 7.

V. 7. worship me] Or, fall down before me.

V. 8. Get thee behinde me, Satan] That is, avoid and get thee gone.

it is written] Deut. 6. 13. and 10. 20.

him onelyonly shalt thou serve] Christ interpreteth Moses words, by adding him onelyonly, &c. because this is the true worship of God, to serve him onelyonly, and no creature with him. See Rev. 19. 10. and 22. 8, 9. Matth. 4. 10.

V. 9. And he brought him to Jerusalem] Mat. 4. 5.

V. 10. it is written] Psal. 91. 11.

V. 12. It is said] Deut. 6.

V. 13. for a season] For he set upon him furiously in his passion. See Luke 22. 53. John 14. 30.

V. 14. in the power of the Spirit] That is, supported in that journey by divine power, so that he came speedily by the same Spirit by which he was sustained forty dayes in the wildernesse without meat, and with which he was abundantly furnished for the execution of his Ministerie.

V. 16. he came to Nazareth] See Mat. 13. 54.

and stood up for to read] As the manner was, to read some portion of the Law and the Prophets every Sabbath day. See Act. 13. 15. and 15. 21.

V. 18. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me] See Isa. 61. 1.

hath anointed me] That is, indued me with graces, and designed me thereto.

V. 19. the acceptable yeer] He alludeth to the year of Jub…le, Levit. 25. 10, &c. signifying the time of grace and reconciliation, wherein God setteth us at libertie in Christ, and sheweth his speciall goodnesse on mankinde.

V. 20. he gave it again to the minister] Of that Synagogue, of whom he had received the same.

and sat down] It seemeth it was then in use for teachers to sit, or to stand, as occasion required, Acts 13. 16.

were fastened on him] With desire to hear how he would interpret the place of Scripture which he had read; as also for the fame they had heard of him, who without study, and ordinary means, became so incomparable a Teacher. See Joh. 7. 15.

V. 21. is] Or, hath been.

fulfilled in your ears] Meaning that Scripture which by his reading had sounded in their ears, and in that he now interpreted it by application thereof in their hearing, as the prophesie now read, foretold of him.

And all bare him witnesse] Approved and commended his meaning.

gracious words] Gr. words of grace. Which by a divine sweetnesse drew their affections, with secret perswasion of the Holy Ghost, wherewith he was filled. John 1. 14. See Psal. 45. 2. Joh. 7. 46. Cant. 4. 3. Esa. 50. 4.

V. 23. Physitian, heal thy self] If thou canst do any thing, shew thy power here in thine own Countrey: for he had done no miracle there. See Mark 6. 5. V. 25. Jam. 5. 17.

V. 24. No prophet is accepted in his own Countrey] See Mat. 13. 57. John 4. 44.

V. 25. many widows] See 1 Kings 17. 9.

V. 26. unto Sarepta] God oftentimes preferreth strangers before them of the houshold, for he is debtor to no man; therefore the men of Nazareth could not reasonably claim any priviledge in Christ, because they beleeved not.

V. 27. And many lepers were in Israel] See 2 Kings 5. 14.

V. 28. were filled with wrath] As commonly it commeth to passe among formall hypocrites, when their sinnes and punishments are touched.

V. 29. brow] Or, edge.

V. 30. But he passing through the midst of them, went his way] He escaped miraculously out of their hands, for his hour was not yet come. Joh. 8. 59.

V. 32. for his word was with power] That is, full of Majestie, and convincing Authoritie, so that it smote the consciences of the hearers with an awfull reverence: as Matth. 7. 29. Mark 1. 22.

V. 33. And in the Synagogue, &c.] See Mark 1. 23.

V. 34. Let us alone] Or, away.

V. 35. had thrown him in the mids] Meaning the possessed man.

V. 38. And he arose out of the Synagogue, &c.] See Mat. 8. 14. Mark 1. 29.

V. 39. stood over her] Stood by her as she lay.

V. 40. when the sunne, &c.] See Mat. 8. 16. Mar. 1. 32.

V. 41. And devils also came out of many] See Mar. 1. 34.

Thou art Christ the Sonne of God] The devils confessed him, in hope thereby to bring him into suspect with the multitude; therefore Christ forbad him to testifie of him.

to speak] Or, to say that they knew him to be Christ.

V. 42. when it was day] See Mark 1. 35.

CHAP. V.

Vers. 1. ANd it came to passe, &c.] See Matth. 4. 18. Mark 1. 16.

V. 5. Master] The Greek word signifieth him that is chief Governour or Ruler.

at thy word] At thy command; or, trusting in thy word.

V. 8. Depart from me, &c.] This spake he out of conscience of his owne vilenesse, and the divine presence of Christ. See 1 Kings 17. 18.

V. 10. thou shalt catch men] Thou shalt by preaching the Gospel, draw men to life everlasting. See Mat 13. 47.

V. 12. And it came to passe] See Matth. 8. 2. Mark 1. 40.

V. 14. go and shew thy self unto the priest] He would not dissolve the Law, yet in force, but leave them the more inexcusable, in that seeing the miracle, they would not beleeve in Christ. See Lev. 14. 4, 10.

V. 18. And behold, men brought in a bed, &c.] See Mat. 9. 2. Mark 2. 3.

V. 20. saw their faith] That is, discerned it.

Man, thy sins are forgiven thee] Meaning both the guilt, and this punishment; intimating that all misery, both of body and soul, is an effect of sinne.

V. 21. Who is this which speaketh blasphemies] Thus they blasphemed in accusing him of blaspemy.

V. 23. Thy sinnes be forgiven thee] His Divinitie appeared in the miracle, and he would have them know, that by vertue thereof he had authority to forgive sinnes.

V. 27. And after these things he went forth, &c.] See M…tth. 9. 9. Mark 2. 14.

sitting at the receit of custome] That is, the custome-house, or place where they received customes or imposts due to Caesar.

V. 30. murmured] Calumniating him, as if he were a friend of, and companion to the wicked.

V. 32. I came not to call the righteous] Those who seem so to themselves. Or, it may be understood simply, because none were righteous before Christ called them, and made them such; had any been such, Christ needed not have dyed for their redemption. See Mat. 9. 13. 1 Tim. 1. 15.

V. 33. Why do the disciples of John fast often] See Mat. 9. 14. Mark 2. 18.

V. 34. Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, &c.] Meaning, that now was their time of rejoycing, not of mourning, while Christ their Saviour was with them; and that he would not burden his disciples with too much rigour, for which they were not yet seasoned, nor more able to bear, then old vessels to hold new wine.

V. 39. No man, &c.] The meaning is, that no man can so suddenly bear a change from joy to sorrow, but must have time to accustome himself to toleration.

CHAP. VI.

Vers. 1. ANd it came to passe, &c.] See Matth. 12. 1. Mark 2. 23.

on the second sabbath] Those feasts which continued many dayes, as the Passeover and the feast of Tabernacles, Lev. 23. 14, 15. continued two Sabbaths; the one falling on the first, and the other on the last day of the feast: this was the last of the two, or the first Sabbath from the morrow after the Passeover, Levit. 23. 15.

V. 3. what David did] See 1 Sam. 21. 6.

V. 4. which is not lawfull to eat] See Levit. 24. 9.

V. 5. That the Sonne of man, &c.] He that gave this law, interpreteth the works of mercy and necessitie to be no breaches of the Sabbath day.

V. 6. And it came to passe also on another Sabbath] See Mat. 12. 9. Mark. 3. 1.

V. 9. or to destroy it] He asketh this question, because he that saveth not when he can, (though under pretence of sanctifying a Sabbath) destroyeth; the safety and good of man being the chief intent of the Law.

V. 11. they were filled with madnesse] That is, extreme anger and impatience; such is the condition of carnall and proud hearts, when any thing spoken crosseth their opinion, be it never so erroneous.

V. 13. and of them he chose twelce] According to the number of the Patriarchs and Tribes of Israel. See Mat. 10. 1. Mark 3. 14. and 6. 7.

Apostles] The word signifieth Ambassadours, or Messengers.

V. 14. Peter] See JOhn 1. 42.

V. 16. the brother of James] See Jude 1.

V. 19. for there went vertue out of him] See Mat. 5. 3.

V. 20. Blessed be ye poor] See Mat. 5. 3.

V. 21. that hunger] See Isa. 65. 13.

that weep] See Isa. 61. 3.

V. 22. men shall hate you] See Mat. 5. 11.

when they shall separate you] When they shall excommunicate you, as if you were profane and wicked; which is especially meant by their persecution among the Jews. See John 16. 2.

V. 24. But wo unto you that are rich] Meaning those that trust in riches, and serve them. See Amos 6. 1. Jam. 5. 1.

V. 25. Wo unto you that are full] See Isa. 65. 13.

you that laugh] That live at ease, and in pleasures, distracting you from the service of God.

V. 26. when all men, &c.] Either when wicked men speak well of you, which shall then onelyonly be when you are like them: or, when you affect the praise of men, and give not God the glory in all things: or, because it is very hard to hold humility in generall applauses.

V. 27. But I say unto you which hear, &c.] See Matth. 5. 44. Rom. 12. 20.

V. 29. And unto him that smiteth thee] See Matth. 5. 39. Meaning, be more ready to bear new injuries, then to revenge the old.

and him that taketh, &c.] See 1 Cor. 6. 7.

V. 30. ask them not again] That is, not by any violent or unlawfull means of recovery: otherwise the use of law and Magistrate is not forbidden Christians.

V. 32. For if ye love them] See Mat. 5. 46.

what thank have ye] What reward can ye expect from God? It is no good work which self-love, carnall respects, or desire of like favour from other men, causeth.

V. 34. And i… ye lend] See Mat. 5. 42.

so sinners] Such as have no fear of God to lead them to thes… civill offices.

V. 35. hoping for nothing] This is to be understood in respect of mens abilities to give to the poor; so that if our neighbours necessities require, and we be able, we must lend without hope of being repayed by them; and in other cases, we must not violate charity, nor give scandall in requiring our debts. See Isa. 58. 3.

V. 37. Judge not] See Mat. 7. 1.

V. 39. Can the blinde] See Mat. 15. 14.

V. 40. The disciple, &c.] See Mat. 10. 24.

that is perfect shall be as his master] Or, shall he perfected as his master.

V. 41. And why beholdest] See Matth. 7. 3.

the mote that is in thy brothers eye] A small fault in thy brother, and canst not see thine own great sins.

V. 42. cast out first, &c.] First amend thy own faults, and then thou shalt be a more competent and fit reprover of other mens.

V. 43. For a good tree, &c.] As if he had said, deceive not thy self, accounting thy self good, when thou doest things that are evill. See Mat. 7. 16.

V. 44. For every tree] See Mat. 12. 33.

of thorns] See Mat. 7. 16.

V. 45. out of the good treasure] See Mat. 12. 35.

evill treasure] See Mat. 12. 34.

V. 46. And why call ye me Lord] That is, you do in vain professe your selves hearers of my Word, except you do indeed that which I command therein. See Mat. 7. 21. Mal. 1. 6.

V. 47. I will shew you] See Mat. 7. 24.

V. 48. when the flood arose] He meaneth by this Metaphor to declare, that temptations will shew how every man hath profited in hearing the Word; and that they shall put a manifest difference betweene the Hypocrite and true Disciple of Christ.

CHAP. VII.

Vers. 1. HE entred into Capernaum] See Matth. 8. 5.

V. 2. centurious servant] A Captain of an hundred. It is likely that his company were in Garrison in Capernaum. See Matth. 8. 5.

V. 3. he sent unto him] Matthew saith he came unto him: whereby it appeareth, that Matthew attributeth to him that which was done in his name and by his request.

V. 5. us a Synagogue] A Church: so that it seemeth he was a kind of Proselyte.

V. 7. but say in a word] Command that it be so, and I am confident it shall be done. See Psal. 44. 4.

V. 9. he marvelled at him] This is not to be understood of admiration properly taken, which is from ignorance of the cause, but of affecting and declaring a ting, which was notable, and admirable to common reason: as that this Centurion being but an alien, should excell all the Israelites, (which had hitherto beleeved in Christ) in his profession of faith.

V. 11. Nain] Which was a town of Galile in the Tribe of Issachar, not farre from Tiberias.

V. 13. Weep not] Not forbidding naturall affection, but allaying her sorrow, by comfort offered: as, 1 Thess. 4. 13.

V. 14.biere] Or, conffin.

Arise] That is, live againe: rise from death. These examples of Christs power, are assurances of his raising up the dead in the generall resurrection.

V. 18. And the disciples] See Matth. 11. 2.

V. 19. he that should come] The expected Messias; which John was assured of, but this he did, to confirme his Disciples, by their owne experience of the power of Christ working miracles.

V. 21. gave] Gr. freely gave.

V. 22. how that the blind see] See Isa. 35. 5.

to the poore] Both to the people of mean condition, and such as feele their owne misery and disabilitie to stand in Gods judgement.

V. 23. offended in me] Who shall not stumble at my state of humiliation, as a rock of offence. See 1 Cor. 1. 23. 1 Pet. 2. 7, 8. Act. 4. 11. Psal. 118. 22. Matth. 21. 42. Rom. 9. 33.

V. 27. Behold, I send] See Mal. 3. 1.

V. 28. there is not a greater] There is not a greater in office: for he did not, as the Prophets, tell of Christ after some ages to come, but pointed him out present, Joh. 1. 29.

kingdome of God] In the new state of the Church under the perfecter light of the Gospel, the meanest Minister of Christ, who preacheth the fulfilling of those things which John saw not, is in that regard greater then John. So that here is not a comparison of the persons, but of their kinds of doctrine. Or if we understand it of the kingdome of glory, the least therein is greater then the greatest mortall man.

V. 29. and the publicanes justified God] They gave witnesse to the truth of God, acknowledging him just, gracious and mercifull, according to the preaching of John, whose doctrine they embraced.

V. 30. rejected] Or frustrated.

against themselves] Or, within themselves. To their own losse and destruction, which they did by their unbelief, and contempt of the Gospel which declareth the counsell of God for mans salvation. See Act. 20. 27.

V. 31. Whereunto then] See Matth. 11. 16.

V. 32. children sitting in the market-place] The sense is, that what ever means God proposeth to save the wicked, and how ever mercifully he complyeth with their infirmitie, yet their obstinacie will find some let to their receiving the Gospel.

V. 34. cating and drinking] That is, converseth friendly with men. The meaning is, John was an austere and a retired man; Christ used more familiaritie: and they who then most professed religion, calumniated both, and would not beleeve their preaching.

V. 35. But wisdome] But yet they who are truly wise, embrace that as the wisdome of God to salvation, which carnall men account the foolishnesse of preaching, 1 Cor. 1. 21.

V. 37. a woman] The circumstances shew that this was not she who is historified, Matth. 26. 6. and Joh. 11. 2. but some other.

a sinner] An harlot, or some notorious bad liver.

V. 38. behind him weeping] For they eate lying down, and leaning so on the elbow, that she that stood behind him, had convenience to weep upon his feet.

and anointed them] See vers. 46.

V. 39. and what manner of woman] The Pharisee had respect to the law concerning their pollution who touched the unclean, Numb. 19. 22. he yet knew not the gracious mercy of God in Christ.

V. 41. pence] See Matt. 18. 28.

V. 44. no water for my feet] It was their manner of entertaining strangers, to give them water, to wash and coole their feet, Gen. 18. 4. and 19. 2. Judg. 19. 21.

V. 45. no kisse] Which was the usuall manner of salutations with them, Rom. 16. 16. 1 Cor. 16. 20. 2 Cor. 13. 12. 1 Pet. 5. 14.

V. 46. Mine head with oyl] That is, with ointment made of oyl and other sweet ingredients. It seemeth their custome was at solemn feasts to powre sweet ointment on the heads of their guests.

V. 47. for she loved much] This great love was a certain argument from the effect, of her sinnes remission: for where God remitteth great and many sinnes, he also sheddeth abroad great love in the converts heart.

V. 50. go in peace] peace of conscience, which ever goeth with remission of sinnes and justification: as also peace towards God, Rom. 5. 1.

CHAP. VIII.

Vers. 2. OUt of whom went seven devils] See Mar. 16. 9.

V. 4. And when much] See Matth. 13. 2.

V. 5. A sower went out to sow his seed] See Mar. 4. 3.

V. 8. ears to hear, let him hear] To understand and beleeve these things.

V. 10 in parables] That is, dark speeches; for the curse was on them, Isa. 6. 9. Matth. 13. 13, &c. because they would not understand.

V. 11. Now the parable] See Matth. 13. 18.

V. 13. with joy] They took pleasure in hearing the promises in Gods word.

of temptation] In their afflictions, or other temptations.

V. 14. go forth] Return home to their affairs: and the cares and pleasures of this world permit the word of God no place to grow in their hearts, neither any leisure to think of it.

V. 16. No man when] See Matth. 5. 15. Mar. 4. 21. Luk. 11. 33. He warneth them to do good with the light which they receive, that it may guide n… according to the intent of the giver thereof.

V. 17. For nothing is secret] See Matth. 10. 26. Mar. 4. 22. Luk. 12. 2.

V. 18. for whosoever hath] See Matth. 13. 12. Matth. 25. 29. Mar. 4. 25. Luk. 19. 26.

seemeth to have] Or, thinketh that he hath.

V. 19. Then came to him] See Matth. 12. 46. Mar. 3. 31.

his brethren] His kinsmen.

V. 21. mother and my brethren] Meaning that he would not neglect the work of God for any secular respect, but will chiefly attend them, who heare the word of God and live thereafter.

V. 22. Now it came to passe] Matt. 8. 23. Mar. 4. 36.

V. 23.he fell asleep] Into a sound sleep.

were filled with water] The ship began to be filled with water.

V. 26. And they arrived] See Matth. 8. 28.

V. 27. a certain man which] See Mar. 5. 2.

V. 28. What have I to do] The devils usurping the parts and faculties of his body and soul whom they possessed, made the poore man cry this in his own name, whereas the presence of Jesus was his happinesse, but their torment.

torment me not] Meaning, before the time, as Matth. 8. 29. For they knew they must not onelyonly be executioners of reprobates, but be tormented themselves eternally, and with the greatest torments, for as much as their sinne is greatest, 2 Pet. 2. 4. Jude 6.

V. 29. caught him] Gr. snatcht him up with violence. The uncleane Spirits had violently taken him up.

kept bound] That is, the possessed man was kept bound.

brake the bands] By the power of unclean spirits, he brake all chains and fetters: which sheweth that none but God was able to rescue this poore man out of their power.

driven of the devil] Or the word signifieth a violent and speedy driving.

V. 30. Legion] A Legion consisted of 6100. foot-men, and 726. horsmen as Vegetius writeth, de re milit. l. 2. c. 6. but here it seemeth put for great indefinite number.

V. 31. deep] That is, into hell, where the devils are in darknesse. See Rev. 20. 3. 2 Pet. 2. 4.

V. 33. choked] D…owned in the waters.

V. 35. clothed] Clothed with somethine which it seemeth they who were present could spare him to cover his nakednesse: for, verse 27. he ware no clothes.

V. 37. back again] Into Galile.

V. 39. Return to thine own house] Christ would not have him depend on his bodily presence for protection against those spirits which had tormented him: but to know that he was able (as being God) every where to countermand the devils, and to save his: and also that he might testifie to others what God had done for him.

whole citie] Of the Gadarens, which was one of the Cities of Decapolis, Mar. 5. 20. for Gadara was reckoned so, Plin. nat. hist. l. 5. c. 8.

V. 41. And behold, therer came a man named Jairus] See Mat. 9. 18. Mark 5. 22.

a ruler of the Synagogue] Or a Synagogue or Church of the Jews.

V. 43. all her living] All that she had for present to live on, all she had in bank.

V. 46. Some body hath touched me] He speaketh of the end which some one had proposed to their self, in assurance of being healed if they could but touch his garment; neither did he enquire because he knew not, but to manifest her faith to the multitude, to invite them also to beleeve.

vertue is gone out of me] That is, I have given vertue or power to heal, according to the faith of that partie who desired to touch me.

V. 48. thy faith hath made thee whole] Not the merit or vertue of thyfaith, but his vertue upon whom that faith relyed.

V. 50. and she shall be made whole] Restored now to life again.

V. 52. she is not dead] She is not so dead, but that she may, and shall be raised.

V. 54. And be put them all out] All but those forenamed vers. 51.

V. 55. give her meat] That they might know, that she was perfectly restored to life and health.

CHAP. IX.

Vers. 1. HE called his twelve disciples] See Mat. 10. 1. Mark 3. 13. and 6. 7.

authority over all Devils] That is, to cast any of them out of the possessed.

V. 3. Take nothing for your journey] Meaning, that they should not be distracted with any cares, for God would cause those who received spirituall good of them to administer temporall things to them.

V. 4. and thence depart] As ye have occasion to goe or stay.

V. 5. shake off the very dust] Which was a sign of detestation, and their unworthinesse to have the Gospel preached unto them. See Matth. 10. 14. Mark. 6. 11. Luk. 10. 11. Act. 13. 51.

V. 7. Now Herod] See Mat. 14. 1. Mark. 16. 14.

V. 10. And he took them] Mat. 14. 13. Mark 6. 30. 32.

V. 12. And when the day] Matth. 14. 15. Mark. 6. 35. Joh. 6. 5.

began to weare away] Gr. decline. When it grew towards night.

V. 16. be blessed them] And gave thanks. Joh. 6. 11.

V. 18. And it came to passe] Mat. 16. 13. Mark. 8. 27.

V. 20. The Christ of God] That is, Christ the Sonne of the living GOd, the Anointed of the Lord, the Messiah and Saviour of the world.

V. 21. to tell no man that thing] Till the appointed time, when it was to be divulged to the world. See Matth. 10. 27.

V. 22. The Sonne of man] Mat. 17. 22.

V. 23. And he said to them all] Mat. 10. 38. Mark. 16. 24. Mark 8. 34. Luk. 14. 27. Luk. 17 33.

his crosse daily] Meaning, if God should please to call us to daily afflictions, as it sometimes cometh to passe, Rom. 8. 36. 1 Cor. 15. 31. we must yet endure and persevere to the end. Matth. 10 22. & 24. 13.

V. 25. For what is a man advantaged] Matth. 16. 26. Mark. 8. 36.

V. 26. For whosoever] Matth. 10. 33. Mark 8. 38. Luk. 12. 9. 2 Tim. 2. 12.

V. 27. But I tell you] Mat. 16. 28. Mark 9. 1.

V. 28. And it came to passe] Matth. 17. 1. Mark 9. 2.

about an eight dayes after] Matthew and Mark say six dayes after; so that Luke taketh those six with either limit included, that is, reckoning to the six, the day preceding the first, and the day following the last thereof, which the other Evangelists take exclusively.

sayings] Or, things.

V. 31. of his decease] Of his death and passion.

V. 32. were heavie with sleep] Either with joy or feare and admiration, or a divine rapture. See Dan. 8. 18. & 10. 9. Or overcome with watching, for they stayed there all night, vers. 37.

V. 33. not knowing what he said] So the Spirit of God opened his understanding, to know Moses and Elias whom hee had never before seen.

V. 34. overshadowed them] That is, it overshadowed the Disciples, by meanes whereof Moses and Elias were taken out of their sight.

V. 36. and told no man] Untill Christ was risen from the dead, for so he charged them. Mark. 9. 9.

V. 37. And it came to passe] Mat. 17. 14. Mark. 9. 17.

V. 39. teare…h him] Mark 1. 26. & 9. 20.

V. 44. Let these sayings sink down into your eares] Matth. 17. 22. Mark. 9. 31. Mark and remember them well.

V. 45. they understood not this saying] That discourse, for they were so confident of Christs temporall Kingdome, that they could not understand him, when he spake of his death.

V. 46. Then there arose] Mat. 18. Mark 9. 34.

V. 48. for he that is least among you] True greatnesse before God is in sincere innocencie and humilitie, such as is in little children.

V. 49. And John answered] See Mark 9. 38.

he followeth not with us] He followed thee not in our Societie.

V. 51. be received up] By his ascension into heaven after his death and resurrection.

he stedfastly set his fac… ] This Hebrew phrase signifieth a resolving and setling a mans selfe to doe a thing. See Jer. 42. 15. Ezek. 4. 3.

V. 53. his face was as though, &c.] The Samaritans tooke speciall notice of any that went up to Jerusalem to worship, because they had a Temple of their own for their false worship, on mount Gerezim, built in opposition to the Temple of God in Jerusalem. See Joh. 4. 20.

V. 54. even as Elias did] See 2 Kings 1. 10.

V. 55. Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of] You doe not know what spirit moveth you herein; your counsell agreeth not with your calling; you shew a spirit of revenge, and therefore misapply the example of Elias: forI am come to save, not to destroy.

V. 57. And it came to passe, &c.] See Mat. 8. 19.

V. 58. the Sonne of man hath not] Knowing his thoughts, he intimated to him, that he should but deceive himself in following him for temporall gaines, who now possessed nothing temporall.

V. 59. And he said] See Matth. 8. 21.

V. 60. Let the dead bury their dead] The unregenerate, who are dead in trespasses and sins. 1 Tim. 5. 6. Ephes. 2. 1.

V. 62. and looking back] This is an Hebrew phrase, signifying repentance of that one had begun; see Gen. 19. 17, 26. The meaning is, that no man dedicated to the Ministery of the Gospel, having in his heart a resolution to forsake his Calling, and embrace this present world, is fit for that holy work. The simile is dervied from Ploughmen, who looking backward cannot make streight furrows.

CHAP. X.

Vers. 1. AFter these things] See Mat. 10. 1.

V. 2. The harvest truly is great] Matth. 9. 37. Meaning a great number of people which were ready to be converted and gathered unto God.

V. 3. behold, &c.] See Matth. 10. 16.

Wolves] Bloudy persecutors.

V. 4. Carry neither purse] Be not carefull what ye shall eate, or wear, neither be ye distracted or hindered by any respects of friendship. See Mat. 6. 31. 2 King. 4. 29.

V. 5. And into whatsoever house ye enter] See Matth. 10. 11.

Peace be to this house] 1 Sam. 25. 6. It was their manner of salutation, whereby they wished all health and happinesse.

V. 6. the sonne of peace] That is, any man capable of that blessing, and disposed to receive the doctrine of peace, which you preach.

V. 7. the labourer is worthy of his hire] See 1 Cor. 9. 7. 1 Tim. 5. 18.

Go not from house to house] In respect of the charge you put them to; for while you administer the Gospel to them, you bring them greater gain.

V. 9. nigh unto you] See Mat. 3. 2. and 4. 17.

V. 11. dust of your City] See Mat. 10. 14. Luke 9. 5. Acts 18. 51.

kingdome of God] Christ the Messias, King of glory, presented himself unto you by his Messengers, to reign over you, and save you.

V. 12. for Sodom] In the day of judgement.

V. 13. Wo unto thee Chorazin] See Mat. 11. 21. Chorazin a chief Citie of Galile, reckoned among the ten cities of Decapolis, that stood upon the Sea of Galile, over against Capernaum.

Bethsaida] Bethsaida another Citie of Galile, which was also one of the Cities of Decapolis; it stood also upon a creek of the Sea of Galile.

Tyre] Tyrus the chief Citie of Phenicia, which in the division of the land came to the Tribe of Asher, Josh. 19. 29. but because they could not drive out the inhabitants, they never possessed it, but the Typrians kept it, and continued still in idolatry.

Sidon] Sidon another City of Phenicia of the like condition, Josh. 19. 28.

…itting in sackcloth and ashes] Which were signes of mourning and repentance.

V. 14. more tolerable] Because it is lesse sinne to be ignorant of Gods will, then to contemne the known; he that knoweth his Masters will and doth it not, shall have most stripes. Chap. 12. 47. Jam. 4. 17. John 9. 41.

V. 15. And thou Capernaum] Capernaum another Citie of Decapolis, which was the Metropolis of Galile, standing on the river …ordan, upon the borders of Zabulon and Nephtalim, that then flourished with trade, riches, and pride.

which art exalted to heaven] In regard of Christs preaching and working there.

V. 16. He that heareth you] See Matth. 10. 40. John 13. 20. 1 Thes 4. 8.

V. 17. through thy name] We using thy authoritie, and calling on thy name.

V. 18. I beheld Satan] Satan is styled Prince of the air, Eph. 2. 2. ruling in high places, Ephes. 6. 12. whence he is said to be cast down, when his power is overthrown by preaching of the Gospel.

V. 19. I give unto you power] See Matth. 16. 18. Acts 28. 5. Mark 16. 18.

V. 20. … because your names are written in heaven] Because by the effects it appeareth that ye are elected to life everlasting. See Phil. 4. 3. Rev. 20. 12. and 21. 27.

V. 21. In that hour Jesus rejoyced in spirit] See Mat. 11. 25. Comforted in consideration of the performance of his Fathers will.

babes] The Greek word signifieth also simple or weak men.

V. 22. All things are delivered] See Matth. 28. 18. Joh. 3. 35. and 17. 2. Many ancient Copies adde these words, And turning to his disciples, he said.

no man knoweth, &c.] See John 1. 18. and 6. 46.

V. 23. Blessed are …he eyes] See Mat. 13. 16.

V. 25. a certain lawyer] One that professed the knowledge of the Law of Moses.

Master, &c.] See Mat. 22. 35.

V. 27. Thou shalt, &c.] See Deut. 6. 5.

thy neighbour as thy self] See Lev. 19. 18.

V. 28. this do] Because he sought eternall life by the works of the Law, which he could not fulfill, he referreth his referreth his conscience to it, which onelyonly shewed him his sinne; Rom. 77. and 3. 20. Gal. 3. 21, 22. knowing that must bring him to Christ, or leave him inexcusable. Mat. 19. 17.

V. 29. And who is my neighbour] For they counted no man their neighbour, but their friends and countrey-men.

V. 31. on the other side] As if he had been unworthy of his care and pitie. Psal. 38. 11. Isa. 58. 7.

V. 33. But a certain Samaritane] Whose nation was adious to the Jews.

pence] See Mat. 20. 2.

V. 36. Which now, &c.] Which of these did according to the Law, which saith, Thou shalt love thy neighbour?

V. 37. Go, and do thou likewise] Help him that hath need of thee, although he be thine enemy, or thou know him not.

V. 38. a certain village] Bethama, John 11. 1.

V. 41. thou art carefull] Thou art too much perplexed with these cares which hinder the Gospel, which is more necessary.

V. 42. part] Her part, who chose rather to hear the Gospel, is better, because that concerneth eternall life.

CHAP. XI.

Vers. 1. AS John also taught his disciples] By giving them some form of prayer.

V. 2. When, &c.] Compare Mat. 6. 9. with this place, and the circumstances shew, that Christ did twice at the least, teach them this very form of prayer.

say] Christ prescribed his disciples this form of prayer to be used by them.

V. 3. day by day] Or, for the day. Every day as much as is sufficient.

V. 4. every one that is indebted to us] Or, trespasseth against us.

V. 6. in his journey] Or, out of his way.

V. 9. And I say unto you] See Mat. 7. 7. and 21. 22. Mark 11. 24] Joh. 15. 7. Jam. 1. 5. 1 John 3. 22.

V. 11. If a sonne] Mat. 7. 9.

V. 13. the holy Spirit] That is, the graces of the holy Spirit, the most excellent gift.

V. 14. And he was casting out a devil] See Mat. 9. 32. and 12. 22.

and it was dumbe] That is, made the possessed dumbe.

V. 15. He casteth] Mat. 9. 34. and 12. 24.

V. 16. a sign from heaven] Mat. 12. 38. and 16. 1. It is likely, that seeing such miracles, and through infidelitie doubting, whether all that might not be some compact or collusion, they desired some such miracle as they fancied would put them out of doubt; which was indeed to tempt God, by desire to prescribe him.

V. 17. But he knowing] Mat. 12. 25. Mar. 3. 24.

V. 19. by whom do your sonnes] We may understand this, either of their Exorcists, or of some of those to whom God had formerly given this gift of healing.

V. 20. the finger of God] The power of God. See Exod. 8. 19.

V. 21. When a strong man] Mat. 12. 29.

V. 23. He that is not with me] He that declareth not himself to be on my side: for there is no man but he is either Christs, or Satans. Mat. 12. 30.

V. 24. When the unclean spirit] Mat. 12. 43.

seeking rest] Meaning some other heart, where he might rule with out any resistance.

V. 25. swept and garnished] By a little formall repentance, or fruitlesse resolutions to do some good. See further on Mat. 12. 44.

V. 26. seven other, &c.] That is, many worse and so the mans state becometh more desperate. See 2 Pet. 2. 20.

V. 28. that hear the Word] Without which no carnall priviledge can make happy.

V. 29. And when the people] See Matth. 12. 38.

V. 30. For as Jonas was a signe] See Jon. 2. 1. As Jonas deliverance out of the belly of the whale was a sufficient proof of his ministerie, so Christs resurrection the third day, was of his mission: and therefore as the Ninevites beleeved Jonas, after he had been three dayes in the whales belly, so should these beleeve and repent after my resurrection the third day, Act. 2. 37. 41. 47. or else be left excuselesse.

V. 31. The queen of the south] See 1 King. 10. 1.

V. 32. The men of Nineve shall rise up] See Jon. 3. 5. Their example shall be an argument of condemnation against these.

V. 33. No man when he] See Matth. 5. 15. Mar. 4. 21. Luk. 8. 16.

under a bushel] See Matt. 5. 15.

V. 34. The light of the body is the eye] See Matt. 6. 22. As a window is called a light, because it letteth in the light of the roome.

single] Cleare, without blemish, quick-sighed.

whole body] Meaning that the whole body is directed by sufficient light.

V. 35. that the light] That which seemeth to be light, take heed it be not darknesse of errour.

V. 36. no part dark] He meaneth this of true illumination by Gods Word and holy Spirit: not as if any man were free from al ignorance.

38. Pharisee saw it] See Mar. 7. 3.

first washed] They washed often according to their superstitious tradition, and he wondred why Christ did not so also. See Mar. 7. 2, 3.

V. 39. And the Lord said] See Matt. 23. 25.

V. 40. make that which is within also] Both body and soule, that God may be served in both, according to his revealed will, not your own tradition: you wash the hands, and neglect the heart.

V. 41. But rather give almes of such things as you have] Or, as you are able. It is not washing the body can make you clean or holy before God, but faith and a good conscience within: specially charitie in giving according to your abilitie, wherein God will accept you as clean.

V. 42. But wo unto you Pharisees] Matt 23. 23.

V. 43. Wo unto you Pharisees] See Matt. 23. 6. Mark. 12. 38. Luk. 20 46.

V. 44. for ye are as graves which appear not] See Matth. 23. 27. Your filthy corruptions within you, appear not to men.

V. 45. Then answered one of the lawyers] One of the expounders of the law.

V. 46. And he said] See Matt. 23. 4.

for ye lade men with] See Act. 15. 10.

V. 47. Wo unto you] See Matt. 23. 29.

V. 48. ye allow the deeds] Intimating their hypocrisie: you adorn their tombs, but will no more obey their doctrine, then your fathers did: and you also will kill the messengers of God, as they did.

V. 49. said the wisdome of God] As if he said, I say, who am the eternall subsisting wisdome of the Father, Prov. 8. 12. See Matt. 23. 34.

V. 51. From the bloud of Abel] See Gen. 4. 8.

bloud of Zacharias] See 2 Chron. 24. 21.

V. 52. Wo unto you lawyers] See Matt. 23. 13.

taken away the key] By your artifices, traditions, and usurpations over mens consciences, subjecting them to your opinions, and keeping them from thejk means of knowing the sense of holy Scriptures.

hindred] Or, forbad.

CHAP. XII.

Vers. 1. IN the mean time] See Matt. 16. 6. Mat. 8. 15.

V. 2. For there is nothing covered] See Matt. 10. 26. Mar. 4. 12. Luk. 8. 17.

V. 3. the house tops] Publikely and openly. He respecteth the manner of their buildings, which were flat rooft.

V. 4. And I say unto you my friends] He speaketh so, to comfort them, and encourage them to preach the Gospel boldly. See Matth. 10. 28. Joh. 15. 14, 15.

V. 5. into hell] To hell fire and eternall condemnation: of this no creature hath power, therefore God onelyonly is to be feared.

V. 6. farthings] See Matth. 10. 29.

V. 8. Also I say unto you] See Matth. 10. 32. 2 Tim. 2. 12.

V. 10. speak a word] See Matth. 12. 31, 32. Mar. 3. 28. 1 Joh. 5. 16.

it shall be forgiven him] He that speaketh against Christ through ignorance and unbelief, it shall be forgiven him when he repenteth: but he that shall blaspheme the holy Spirit of God, or the Godhead, out of destinate malice, against him knowledge and conscience, wittingly and willingly, it shall not be forgiven him: for otherwise we know Pauls blasphemie was forgiven him, for he did it ignorantly, 1 Tim. 1. 13.

V. 11. And when they bring] See Matt. 10. 19. Mar. 13. 11. Luk. 21. 14.

V. 14. who made me a judge] Christ would not intermeddle with secular government, when he was to redeeme man, by subjecting himself to the judgement of man: yet hereby the taketh occasion to warn his hearers, to beware of covetousnesse the fountain of contention.

V. 20. thy soul shall be required of thee] Or, …o they require thy soul. See Job 27. 8.

V. 21. layeth yp treasure] He that heapeth up riches to satisfie his worldly desires, without the good provision of faith and good works, shall be like this foolish rich man. See Matt. 6. 20. 1 Tim. 6. 18, 19. Jam. 2. 5.

V 22. Take no thought] See Matt. 6. 25. 1 Pet. 5. 7. Psal. 55. 22.

V. 24. and God feedeth them] Or, yet. His providence preserveth them. See Job 39. 3. Psal. 147. 9.

V. 26. the rest] For that which is of greater importance; the preservation of your selves.

V. 27. Consider the lilies] Gods liberalitie shewed on the creatures made for mans delight, should assure you that he is more liberall to man himself.

V. 29. neither be ye of doubtfull mind] Or, live not in carefull suspense.

V. 30. nations of the] That is, Gentiles and worldly minded men, who have not faith to depend on God.

V. 31. these things] These temporall necessaries, common to good and bad.

V. 32. you the kingdome] The kingdome of heaven, therefore fear not: he that giveth the greatest, will not let you want the least.

V. 33. provide your selves bags] See Matt. 6. 20. Matt. 19. 21. Luk. 16. 9 Act. 2. 45. and 4. 34. 1 Tim. 6. 19. This command condemneth not proprietie of goods: neither reacheth it to all times, places, and persons, as a generall command: but respecteth cases of necessitie; and teacheth that charitie much more safely layeth up riches in Gods hands (who will bountifully repay for the poore) then any care of worldly men can otherwise do, Prov. 19. 17. Eccles. 11. 1.

V. 35. Let your loins] See 1 Pet. 1. 13. Meaning that they should be alwayes ready to execute their charge; alluding to their habit and manner of girding their long loose garments unto them when they were to do any work he; willeth them to contrive all worldly necessaries so, that they may not hinder them in the service of God.

V. 37. and serve them] A bundantly requite their service with eternall blessings.

V. 38. second watch] That is, whether he come sooner or later to take thee out of this life.

V. 39. And this know] See Matt. 24. 43. 1 Thes. 5. 2. 2 Pet. 3. 10. Rev. 3. 3. and 16. 15.

V. 42. Who then is that] See Matt 24. 15.

V. 46. cut him in sunder] Or, cut him off.

V. 48. worthy of stripes] That is, some fault: he alludeth to the custome of correcting servants.

V. 49. fire on the earth] See Matt. 10. 34. He speaketh here of that effect which the Gospel should produce, not of it self, but by reason of mans corruption and abuse of it.

and what will I] That is, though I desire not dissentions, yet I would not for wicked mens sakes that the elect should want the comfort which shall come to them by the publishing of the Gospel. Hereby he stirreth them up to diligence in preaching the Gospel, notwithstanding the tumults which they should see following the same.

V. 50. baptisme to be baptized with] See Mat. 20. 22. Meaning that himself must first suffer.

straitned] Or, pained. As if he said, I desire that it were done.

V. 51. Suppose ye] See Mat. 10. 34.

V. 53. The Father] See Mat. 10. 35.

against the daughter] See Mat. 10. 35.

V. 54. When ye see a cloud] See Mat. 16. 2.

V. 58. When thou goest with thine adversary] See Mat. 5. 25. The meaning is, break off contentions with thine adversaries before thou come to dangerous issues, and make thy peace with God in this life, through Christ: and abuse not the patience and long suffering of God, lest he judge thee according to the rigour of his justice, which thou canst never satisfie, which is meant by the last mite.

V. 59. mite] See Mar. 22. 42.

CHAP. XIII.

Vers. 1. VVHose bloud Pilate] We find not in any other Scriptures, mention of this fact: it seemeth he caused them to be slain, as they were sacrificing, so that their blood was mingled with the blood of the beasts which they offered: not that they were slain in Galile, whereof Pilate was not Governour; but it may be these were of the Sect of Judas the Galilean, mentioned Act. 5. 37.

V. 3. I tell you, Nay] Because men are apt to condemne those whom God afflicteth with temporall punishments, without regarding their own faults, he admonisheth every one to look home to his own deserts.

V. 4. in Si…oam fell] Neither do we read this history any where else in Scripture: it seemeth to have been one of the Towers, on the wall of Jerusalem, which stood by the water of Siloe.

sinners] Or, debters.

V. 6. this parable] See Mat. 21. 19.

V. 7. these three yeers] That is, these many yeers: it signifieth the patience and longsuffering of God toward sinners.

why cumbreth it the ground] The Greek word signifieth also, to consume, or work out the heart of the ground. The meaning is, that they who are not fruitfull in good works, do evill to others by their example.

V. 10. on the sabbath] Signifying that this miracle was done publikely, when the multitude were assembled.

V. 11. a spirit of infirmitie] It was not any naturall infirmitie, but by the malicious working of the devill.

V. 12. thou art loosed] It hath reference to that which is said, vers. 16.

V. 18. Then said he] See Mar. 4. 30.

V. 19. a grain of mustard-seed] Mat. 13. 13. Mar. 4. 31.

V. 20. Whereunto shall I] See Mat. 31. 33.

V. 21. measures of meal] See Mat. 13. 33.

V. 22. And he went] See Mat. 9. 35. Mar. 6. 6.

V. 24. Strive to enter in] See Mat. 7. 13. Christ, according to his usuall manner, answered not directly to their question, to satisfie their curiositie, but to that which more concerned them to know, and do.

I say unto you] By a blind desire of salvation, but not well using the right means, shall not attain it. See Joh. 7. 34. & 8. 21. and 13. 33. Rom. 9. 31, 32.

V. 25. and hath shut to] He meaneth that God affordeth us time and opportunitie of salvation, which if we omit, we shall be shut out, Psal. 32. 6. Isa. 55. 6. Mat. 25. 10.

I know not whence you are] That is, I own you not for mine.

V. 26. We have eaten] He meaneth the Jews who had opportunitie of salvation offered them, by Christs presence, and familiar conversing with them, and yet they neglected it.

V. 27. But he shall say] See Mat. 7. 23.

depart from me] See Mat. 25. 41.

V. 28. weeping and gnashing of teeth] See Mat 8. 12. and 13. 42. and 24. 51.

Abraham and Isaac] See Mat. 8. 11

V. 29. come from the east] Meaning of the Gentiles from all parts of the world, some shall be saved.

shall sit down] See Luk. 14. 15.

V. 30. And behold] See Matth. 19. 30. and 20. 16. Mar. 10. 31.

V. 31. for Hero… will kill thee] This seemeth not advise proceeding of good will to Christ, but to rid him away that he might not teach there. See Amos 7 12.

V. 32. and tell that fox] He calleth him so for his subtiltie and fraudulent disposition. See 2 Tim 4. 17.

I cast out devils] Intimating that he had no cause to fear Herods power, who could command the powers of Hell.

to day and to morrow] That is, for a short time which God hath appointed, which was not in the power of man to prevent or abridge.

be perfected] Meaning that he should perfect or finish his course and mans redemption. See Joh. 19. 28. 30.

V. 33. perish out of Jerusalem] He sheweth that he must suffer at Jerusalem, where so many of the Prophets had been murdered, that few, or none in respect of them, perished elsewhere.

V. 34. O Jerusalem] See Mat. 23. 37.

V. 35. house is left unto you desolate] The Temple, in which you so much glory, shall be destroyed.

Blessed is he that cometh] See Psal. 118. 26. Luk. 19. 38.

CHAP. XIIII.

Vers. 1. THat they watched him] They observed his words and behaviour, that they might finde something to accuse him of.

V. 3. And Jesus answering] This Hebrew manner of speaking signifieth many times, he began to speake.

Is it lawfull to heal on the sabbath-day] Matth. 12. 10.

V. 4. And they held their peace] Not able to contradict, as vers. 6. nor daring to incurre the hatred of the people, for whom Christ wrought so much good.

V. 7. he put forth a parable] That is, a darke speech, covertly to taxe their ambition, and teach them humilitie.

V. 10. But when thou art bidden, &c.] Prov. 25. 6, 7.

sit down in the lowest room] Gr. lye down, which was according to their manner, who used to eat on pallets.

V. 11. For whosoever exalteth himself] Matth. 23. 12. Job 22. 29. Prov. 29. 23. Luk. 18. 14. Jam. 4. 6. 1 Pet. 5. 5.

V. 12. When thou makest a dinner or supper, &c.] This forbiddeth not entertainment of parents, brethren, or friends, but condemneth the errour of Pharisees, who thought thereby they satisfied the law of Charitie, which is in relieving the poor and needy.

V. 13. call the poor] Tob. 4. 7.

V. 14. for they cannot recompense thee] Meaning, that in justice, a recompense shall be made, which because the poor cannot, God certainly will.

V. 15. Blessed is he] Rev. 19. 9.

that shall eat bread in the kingdome of God] That shall bee partaker of the joyes of heaven, as Luk. 13. 29.

V. 16. Then said he unto him] Mat. 22. 2. Rev. 19. 9.

A certain man made a great supper] That is, God rich in merciemercy.

V. 17. Come] Prov. 9. 2. 5.

V. 18. And they all with one consent] Though they alledge sundry causes, yet they all agree in refusing to come.

V. 21. into the street and lanes of the Citie] Hereby he signified the calling of the Gentiles, wretched unregarded sinners, signified by the poor, lame, and blind, (see Rev. 3. 17.) and a people gathered from the high-wayes and hedges.

V. 23. and compell them to come in] Not by violence, but the power of preaching.

V. 24. that none of those men which were bidden] He meaneth not an absolute, but a generall rejection of the Jewes, as if he said, few of them (in respect of the multitude of the Gentiles to be called) shall be saved. See Rom 11. 1, &c.

V. 26. If any man come to me] Mat. 10. 37. Mat. 16. 24.

and hate not his father] That is, renounceth not all carnall affection, contrary to the calling of God; or he who is not disposed (where these loves are incompatible) to hate father, and all for the love of Christ.

V. 27. not beare his crosse] Mat. 10. 38. & 16. 24. Mark. 8. 34. Luk. 9. 23.

V. 28. sitteth not down first] This sheweth the meanes how to beare the crosse patiently and constantly, that is, by resolving before-hand, so to doe: that which maketh men startle away in afflictions, is principally their unpreparednesse thereto, and vain hope of secular prosperity.

V. 33. forsaketh not all that he hath] That is, when need so requireth.

V. 34. but if the salt have lost his savour] Mark. 9. 50. So if Ministers be not wise to season themselves and others, they are good for nothing. See more on Mat. 5. 13.

V. 35. he that hath eares to heare] He that heareth, let him mark diligently.

CHAP. XV.

Vers. 1. THe publicanes] Who were odious to the Jewes, because they gathered up the customes and taxes for Caesar.

and finners for to hear him] Meaning notorious sinners; for all are sinners.

V. 4. What man of you] Mat. 18. 12. The scope of all these similitudes, is to teach them the bounty of God, and his care of poor sinners recovery; and how they that are truely sanctified, are so farre from envying the conversion of other sinners, that they heartily rejoyce thereat.

V. 7. just persons] Which seem just to themselves, having no sense of their sinnes, and need of repentance. See Prov. 30. 12. Eccles. 7. 22. Or those who continue in the right way. Psal. 119. 1.

V. 8. tenpices of silver] Drachma here translated a piece of silver, is the eighth part of an ounce, which commeth to seven pence half-peny, and is equall to the Roman peny, Matth. 18. 28.

V. 12. give me the portion] That which thou intendest to give me for my portion.

V. 16. and no man gave unto him] For no man had pitie on him, to give meat to relieve him.

V. 17. he came to himself] Hitherto he was like a mad or drunken man, not knowing what he did; but necessity brought him to his right mind.

V. 18. against heaven] Against God.

V. 20. yet a great way off] This intimateth Gods preventing grace toward us.

V. 22. forth the best robe] Signifying the robe of Christs righteousnesse.

V. 24. And they began to be merry] This is the same which is expressed, v. 7. 10.

V. 25. his elder sonne] By which is meant, he that taketh himselfe to be just, as v. 29. or is so accounted of others, who never ran out into any apparent exorbitancie, as the Gentiles did; and so the elder brother might signifie the Jewes: or that hath continued in an upright course of life.

safe] Gr. in health.

CHAP. XVI.

Vers. 1. THere was a certain rich man] The drift of this parable is to shew us, that they who bestow their riches, or other gifts of God, on their pleasures or worldly interests onelyonly, must give an account to God for the same: And that charitie shall stand us in such stead in the day of judgment, that God will accept thereof, and abundantly requite it.

V. 6. measures of Oyle] The word Batus in the originall, containeth nine gallons three quarts.

V. 7. measures of wheat] The word here interpreted a measure, in the originall containeth about fourteen bushels and a pottle.

V. 8. And the Lord commended] We must not strain similitudes beyond the intent of the speaker, to make every particular agree: The meaning is, that God commended them, who so used their temporall goods, that thereby they might prepare them treasure for the life to come, Matth. 6. 19, 20. 1 Tim. 6. 18, 19.

are in their generation] Meaning that worldly men commonly shew more care and providence for secular things, then others for things eternall.

the children of light] Joh. 12. 36. 1 Thes. 5. 5.

V. 9. Make to your selves] This figurative manner of speaking is accommodated, and fitted to the allegory; the meaning is, by your beneficence to the poor, give them occasion to pray for you, and make your advantage of being rewarded by God. See Prov. 19. 17.

the mammon of unrighteousnesse] Or, riches. Not by giving goods unjustly gotten for almes; (for all such must be restored again to their right owners) but riches are so called, because commonly, either in their getting, using, or keeping, they administer matter of sinne.

when ye faile] That is, when ye dye.

V. 10. in that which is least] Luk. 19. 17.

V. 11. mammon] Or, riches. If you abuse temporall riches, you would also abuse spirituall.

V. 12. that which is another mans] He calleth externall goods another mans, because we are but stewards thereof, and must leave them; and spirituall goods our own, because they shall never be taken away: not but that God gave them all; nor that wee may use them any otherwise then to Gods honour.

who shall give you that which is your own] That is, God will not give you.

V. 13. no servant can serve t…o masters] Mat 16. 24.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon] You may possesse and be served of riches, and serve God; but you cannot serve riches, but you must thereby neglect Gods service: to serve riches, is to be an idolater, and so no servant of God.

V. 14. and they derided him] As the manner of carnall men is, in any thing which crosseth their corrupt minds: these men thought none happy but the rich.

V. 16. The law and the prophets] Mat. 11. 11.

man preasseth into it] They doe zealously follow the Gospell.

V. 17. And it is easier] Mat. 5. 18.

V. 18. Whosoever putteth away his wife] Mat. 5. 32. & 19. 9. Mark. 10. 5. 1 Cor. 7. 11.

V. 19. in purple and fine linnen] By these things which were in use among them ho describeth the magnificence of rich and worldly men. See Prov. 31. 22. Rev. 18. 16.

V. 22. into Abrahams bosome] He meaneth the communion of Saints and faithfull, who walked in the steps of Abrahams faith and sanctitie, therefore called his sonnes, Rom. 4. 12, 16. Gal. 3. 7, 9. Luk. 19. 9.

V. 23. And in hell he lift up his eyes] In that lifting up the eyes, is attributed to a tormented soule; it seemeth this is rather a parable then an history: that which is here set downe concerning their paines, is to expresse the torments of the damned, in their hopelesse condition, aggravated by their remembrance of worldly prosperitie, and the consideration of the elects happinesse, whom they formerly despised.

V. 25. Sonne, remember that thou in thy life-time] This is a common manner of speaking: otherwise the wicked are not to be accounted sonnes of Abraham, Joh. 8. 39. Gal. 3. 9.

V. 28. may testifie unto them] That he may testifie to them what wofull torments are in this place, that they may not … hither by their sinne… and unbeliefe.

V. 29. Moses and the prophets] Meaning the law given by the Ministery of Moses, and the writings of the Prop…, and also preachers of the same word.

V. 31. neither will they be perswaded] He that will not beleeve the Spirit of God speaking in the Prophets, will not beleeve a man pretending that he came from the dead, and telling what the wicked suffer there: for who could beleeve a creature who cannot rest assured in the infallible testimony of God himselfe?

CHAP. XVII.

Vers. 1. IT is impossible] See Mat. 18. 7. Because of mens wickednesse.

V. 2. one of these little ones] That is, to make them halt, or fall away from God.

V. 3. If thy brother trespasse] Mat. 18. 21.

V. 4. seven times] Many times, or, as often as he offendeth and repenteth.

V. 6. And the Lord said] Mat. 17. 20. Mark 11. 23.

If he had faith as a grain of mustard-seed] The least measure. Mat. 13. 32.

Be thou plucked up by the root] Meaning, that they should do wonderfull things.

V. 7. having a servant] By this similitude, taken from the duty of servants to their masters, he prepossesseth a conclusion. which happily the Apostle would have gathered from their merit, who had followed Christ, and therefore might expect so much favour of him, as to give them such faith, shewing that God was debtor to none (Rom. 4. 4, 5.) and that they must do all their dutie and expect Gods leisure and pleasure for the reward.

V. 10. We are unprofitable servants] This title is also given to evill servants, Mat. 25. 30. Rom. 3. 12. Philem. 11. to shew us what our merit is, if God should be severe. Job 22. 2. and 35. 7. Psal. 16. 2.

V. 12. which stood a farre off] As unclean persons were to do, lest they should infect others. See Lev. 13. 45, 46.

V. 14. Go shew your solves, &c.] Levit. 14. 2. To whom it belonged to judge of the leprosie; and hereby the unbeleeving Priests should be convinced.

V. 17. where are the nine] Nine were unthankfull.

V. 20. not with obser…ation] Or, with outward shew. Meaning, that it should not be, as they dreamed, a Kingdome temporall and glorious with externall pompe; but spirituall, and so not to be discovered or observed by the world.

V. 21. within you] Or, among you. Among you in the Gospel preached, which is the Scepter of that Kingdome; and it is founded in the heart▪ of the faithfull, and so to be discerned by them onelyonly which are subjected thereto. Rev. 2. 17.

V. 22. when ye shall desire] For the great afflictions which ye shall suffer▪ you shall after my departure out of this world, desire this my bodily presence with you again, to comfort you; see Mat. 9 15. John 17. 12. but I shall be no more conversant on earth, after my ascension, untill I come again to judgement: therefore beware of seducers, coming in my name.

V. 23. And they &c.] Mat. 24. 23. Mark 13. 21.

V. 24. the lightning &c.] Meaning it should be very sudden.

V. 25. But first must he suffer] See Mark 8. 31. Luk. 9. 2. That is, Christ must first suffer.

V. 26. in the dayes of Noe] Gen. 7. Mat▪ 24. 37. 1 Pet. 3. 20.

V. 28. Likewise also, &c.] Gen. 19.

V. 30. is revealed From heaven, coming in flaming fire to render vengeance to the ungodly. 2 Thess. 1. 8. 2 Pet. 3. 10. Mat. 24. 30.

V. 31. he which shall be] Mat. 24. 17.

V. 32. Remember Lots wife] Gen. 19. 26.

V. 33. Whosoever shall seek] Mat. 16. 25. and 10. 39. Mark 8. 35. Luk. 9. 24.

V. 34. I tell you] Mat. 24. 40, 41.

in that night] He here calleth it night, which Mat. 24. 36. he calleth day, either because the naturall day containeth the whole 24 hours, or because it shall begin from the darkning of the Sun; or in respect of the dreadfull affliction and horrour of m…ns souls; or in respect of the Antipodes to them who have the day.

V. 36. Two men shall be in the field] This 36. verse is wanting in most of the Greek Copies.

V. 37. And they answered] That is, the disciples.

Where, Lord] M…t. 24. 28.

thither will the Eagl…s] Christ answereth them by a simile, and sentence taken out of Job 39. 30. used also Mat. 24. 28. signifying by the flight of the Eagles, the sudden assembling of the Saints unto Christ, comming unto judgement, whereof see 1 Thes. 4. 17. 1 Cor. 15. 52.

CHAP. XVIII.

Vers. 1. ALwayes to pray] 1 Thess. 5. 17. Luk. 21. 36. Rom. 12. 12. Ephes. 6. 18. Col. 4. 2.

not to faint] Not to be dismayed by any afflictions, so as to let go their hope, and exercise of prayer, but to watch therein.

V. 7 tho…gh he bear long with them] Though he long suffer the wicked to insult▪ and though he long delay his judgements.

V. 8. he will revenge] In an opportune time, when he knoweth it is most seasonable. Psal. 9. 9. Hebr. 10. 37. 2 Pet. 3. 9.

when the Sonne of man] When Christ shall come to judge the world, he shall finde few truly faithfull on earth; and therefore you may not wonder at the evill of the times.

V. 9. that they were righteous] Or, as being righteous.

V. 11. The Pharisee stood and prayed] This Scripture sheweth his proud heart, as farre from the true fear of God, as his opinion had set him from the vulgar, whom he counted wicked and unclean. See Isa. 65. 5.

V. 12. I fast twice in the week] That is, on the second day of the week, to which our Munday answereth; and the fift, which is on our Thursday, according to the tradition of the Pharisees, as their Writers say.

I give tithers of all] Of all that the Law made titheable; See Mat. 23. 23 and of that also which their tradition made so.

V. 13. the Publicane standing a farre off] In the first Court of the Temple, where all sorts of people, Publicans and sinners might come, 1 Kings 8. 41. here he stood in his humilitie and sense of his own unworthinesse.

not lift up] This was also an argument of an humble and lowly heart.

smot… upon his breast] Chap. 23. 48.

V. 14. justified] Acquited of his sinnes, and received to mercy; so was not the other, because he justified himself, and confessed not his sinnes. See Prov. 28. 13.

for every one that exalteth himself] Matth. 23. 12. Luk. 14. 11.

V. 15. And they] Mat. 19. 13. Mark 10. 13.

V. 16. called them] Or them that bare them.

for of such] Meaning infants, and those who (in simplicity, humilitie, contempt of the world, innocency, harmlesnesse, freedome from malice, soon forgetting injuries, and the like) become like little Children.

V. 17. Whosoever, &c.] Mark 10. 15.

V. 18. a certain ruler asked him] Mat. 19. 16. Mark 10. 17.

V. 19. Why callest thou me good] Because they commonly abused his Word, Jesus sheweth him, that he could not confesse him to be good, except he also acknowledged him to be God.

V. 20. Do not commit adultery] Exod. 20. 13, &c.

V. 22. Yet lackest thou one thing] This he speaketh, first, by way of concession, Admit it be as thou sayest; next, he trieth him by this one precept, that he might make the corruption of his heart appear, who pretended to so absolute an obedience to all the Commandment….

V. 25. For it is easier] This seemeth to have been a Proverb, whereby they signified some impossibilitie.

V. 27. are possible with God] Who above so govern…th the hearts of his, that their riches do not blinde them, nor take away their hearts from God. Jerem. 32. 17.

V. 28. Then Peter said] Mat. 19. 27. Mark 10. 28.

V. 30. more in this present time] For the sweet fruits of the Spirit, and assurance of eternall life, which the faithfull here receive, is more to them then all the world. Phil. 3. 8.

V. 31. he took unto him the twelve] Mat. 20. 17. Mark 10. 32.

V. 32. the Gentiles] Which were Pilate the Roman Deputie, and the Souldiers who crucified him.

and spitted on] In that he foretold the particulars of his Passion, it appeareth, that all was done by the determinate counsell of God. Acts 4 28.

V. 35. And it came to passe] Mat. 20. 29.

a certain blinde man] Bartime…s Mark 10. 46.

V. 39. Thou Sonne of David] They used so to style the Messiah, because they knew he should come of the stock of David. Psal. 132. 11. Act. 2. 30.

V. 42. thy faith hath saved thee] Here, as in many other places, Luk. 17. 19, &c. he attributeth that to faith, which is proper to Christ, whom, and whose power to save, it apprehendeth, and applyeth to us.

CHAP. XIX.

Vers. 2. CHief among the Publicanes] A chief Officer, or Collector generall for that place.

V. 3. who he was] What manner of person he was, of whom he had heard so much.

V. 7. man that is a sinner] So they counted all Publicanes, and arraigned them with notorious sinners.

V. 8. And] But.

Zacheus stood] This was a true signe of his conversion, effected by the Providence of God, to stop the mouthes of unbeleeving Jews.

I restore him fourfold] According to the Law, Exod. 22. 1. Num. 5. 7. And this is true repentance in case of injurious taking away or detaining another… goods, which without restitution were but counterfeit and vain.

V. 9. is the son of Abraham] To be a son of Abraham is to be chosen freely, Rom. 9. 8. to walk in the steps and faith of Abraham, Rom. 4. 11, 12. and generally to do the good works of Abraham, Joh. 8. 39. whereby we are assured of our election to eternall life, Rom. 8. 29▪ 30. 2 Pet. 1. 10.

V. 10. For the Sonne of man] Mat. 18. 11.

V. 11. Kingdom of God] Meaning a temporall, earthly kingdome, such as they expected by the Messiah.

V. 12. He said] Mat. 25. 14.

went into a farre countrey] By this Parable he describeth his going up again into the Kingdom of glory, and his returne to judgement: by the servants are meant the faithfull, chiefly the Ministers of the Church: by Citizens, vers. 14. are meant the Jewes who rejected them: by the the money, the gifts of the Holy Ghost: by their Trade, the usage of the same to Gods honour and the salvation of his people.

V. 13. pounds] Mina here translated a pound, is twelve ounces and a half: which pound, according to five shillings the ounce, is three pounds two shillings six pence, sterling money.

V. 15. when he was returned] That is, Christ comming in glory to judge the quick and the dead.

V. 22. Out of thine own mouth] By the confession of thine own conscience, which telleth thee, that thou oughtest not to suppresse the gifts of God, and live in idlenesse.

V. 23. my money into the bank] The common stock of Bankers, which they l…nd out for interest.

V. 26. That unto every one which hath] Mat. 13. 12. and 25. 29▪ Mark 4. 25. Luk. 8. 18.

shall be given] He that faithfully useth the graces of God, shall have them encreased; but even the common graces shall be taken away from him that useth them not to Gods glory.

V. 28. he went before] Mark. 10. 32.

V. 29. And it came to passe] Mat. 21. 1. Mar. 11. 1.

V. 31. And if any man ask you] Christ preventeth such difficulties as might have troubled his Disciples.

V. 38. Bless…d be the King] Psal. 118. 26.

peace in heaven] That God may be reconciled unto us by the Messiah; that all glory may be given to him for his mercy shewed us in these works of Christ; and that the Angels, formerly our enemies for sinne, may become friends and ministers of our safetie. See Colos. 1. 20.

V. 40. the stones would immediately crie out] Meaning, that they laboured in vain to suppresse his testimony, for God would rather cause the senslesse creatures to witnesse for him (as in the renting the Vail of the Temple in his passion, and the Rocks, Mat. 27. 51.) then that his will should not be done by him: and indeed, Christs person, doctrine and miracles, were so evident, that they could not be concealed.

V. 42. if thou hadst known] I now present thee the fulfilling of the promise for thy salvation; but thy destruction is near, because thou wilt not receive it.

the things which belong unto thy peace] Which thou now seest and hearest done and spoken by me; all which thou wilt not understand, being blinded with thine own malice and obstinacy.

V. 44. one stone upon another] Mat. 24. 2. Mar. 13. 2. Luke 21. 6.

thy visitation] In which God manifesteth himself in my person, offering thee mercy. Gen. 50. 24, 25. Exod. 3 16. Chap. 1. 68.

V. 45. And he went into the Temple] Mat. 21. 12. Mark 11. 15. This was not his first purging the Temple, mentioned Joh. 2. 14. but another after that.

V. 46. It is written] Isa. 56. 7.

den of theeves] Jer. 7. 11.

V. 48. were very attentive to hear him] Or, hanged on him.

CHAP. XX.

Vers. 1. ANd it came to passe] Mat. 21. 23. Mar. 11. 27.

V. 4. The baptisme of John] By baptisme he signifieth the whole doctrine and ministery of John bearing witnesse to Christ.

V. 8. Neither tell I you] You dissemble this because you would not confesse your wilfull unbelief, and therefore I will not answer you.

V. 9. A certain man planted a vineyard] Mat. 21. 33. Mar. 12. 1. Isa. 5. 1. J…r. 2. 21. Which is interpreted Isa. 5. 7. to be the Jewes; the noble Vine which God brought out of Egypt, Psal. 80. 8.

and let it forth to husbandmen] That is, committed it to the care of Governours, and Priests.

V. 10. he sent a servant] Meaning the Prophets, to require in the Name of God, fruits worthy of amendment of life.

V. 12. he sent the third] By this definite number is meant, many Prophets, in severall times.

V. 16. God forbid] They understood that he spake of the Church committed to their charge, as vers. 19.

V. 17. The stone which] Psal. 118. 22. Isa. 28. 16. Act. 4. 11. Rom. 9. 33. 1 Pet. 2. 7.

the head of the corner] And so uniteth two wals together meeting in one angle: by which he signifieth that he is the h…ad of the Church of Jews and …entiles to be united into one. See Joh. 10. 16. Eph…s. 2. 15. 20, 21.

V. 18. shall fall upon that stone] They to whom he shall be a rock of offence, through their unbelief, 1 Cor. 1. 23. and thereby also provoke Christ to fall upon them as a Judge to their utter destruction.

V. 20. which should feigne] Unjustly thinking thereby to have deceived Christ, who knoweth the secrets of all hearts.

V. 21. Master, we know] Mat. 22. 16. Mar. 12. 14.

truly] Or, of a truth.

V. 22. Is it lawfull for us] For us who are the peculiar people of God, who gave us this land according to his promise. Thus they would have found something in his answer, that they might accuse him to the Romanes, to whom they were now become tributary.

V. 24. peny] See Mat. 18. 28.

V. 25. Render therefore] God commandeth to give every man his due; tribute to whom tribute, custome to whom custome is due, Rom. 13. 7. They are deceived who think that stealing of Customes due to Princes, is no sinne, because a penall Statute lyeth thereon, if they be taken, to forfeit all: for in the Leviticall Law, it was penall to restore fourefold for him that was found or convicted of stealing ox or sheep, &c. Exod. 22. 1, &c. yet such stealing was no lesse theft then before God then now; the morall law saying, Thou shalt not steal.

V. 27. Then came to him] Mat. 22. 23. Mar. 12. 18.

V. 28. Moses wrote] Deut. 25. 5.

that his brother] Or next kinsman, if he were a single man.

V. 34. The children of this world] So they used to call men of Israel, Children of Israel, &c.

V. 35. be accounted worthy] He speaketh of the elect principally, in whom he instanceth.

V. 36. die any more] Therefore there shall be no more matrimonie for the preservation of mankind.

the children of God] By adoption in Christ, with whom they are co-heirs of glory and happinesse so compleat, that they want nothing. See Rom. 8. 23. 1 Joh. 3. 2.

V. 37. even Moses shewed] Exod. 3 6.

V. 38. the dead] Of them that live not at all.

V. 39. thou hast well said] Because he confuted their adversaries the Sadduces.

41. How s…y they] Mat. 22. 42. Mar. 12. 35.

V. 42. The LORD said] Psal. 110. 1.

V. 44. how is he then his sonne] Christ, as eternall God, was Davids Lord: and as man, his sonne, that is, of his linage, Rom 1 3.

V. 46. Beware of the scribes] Mat. 23. 5. Mar. 12. 38. Luk. 11. 43.

V. 47. Which devoure widows houses] Mat. 23. 14. Who under pretence of holinesse, long praying, and other religious exercis…s consume their estates who entertain them. Or by deceiving the trust which friendlesse widowes reposed in them whom they took to be so religious. See 2 Tim. 3. 5, 6.

CHAP. XXI.

Vers. 1. ANd saw the rich men] Mar. 12. 41.

the treasury] There were other treasuries about the Temple, but this was a chest set at the outward Eastdoore, through which all the people passed in and out, that every man might with his own hand cast in that which either was taxed upon him, or he voluntarily offered, or gave unto the poore. See 2 King. 12. 9. 2 Chron. 24. 8. Nehem. 10. 38.

V. 2. two mites] See Mar. 12. 42. The least money they had in use.

V. 3. more then they all] More in proportion, considering her estate and theirs: and because God esteemeth not the gift by mans value thereof, but the givers heart.

V. 5. And as some spake] Mat. 24. 1. Mar. 13. 1.

and gifts] As plate, jewels, or the like things dedicated to the use o… ornament of the Temple, by the devotion of them, who came thither to worship.

V. 6. which ye behold] Which ye so much regard.

one stone upon another] Luk. 19. 44.

V. 8. Take heed] Christ in these words answered not directly to their question, but that which was more necessary.

and the time draweth neare] That seducers shall go out into the world.

V. 10. Then said he] Mat. 24. 7.

V. 12. they shall lay] Mat. 24. 9. Mar. 13. 9.

for my names sake] For the profession of your faith in me.

V. 13. for a testimonie] When you shall certainly know the truth of that I tell you beforehand, that you may thence be assured of the victory and eternall reward, as also of the destruction of your enemies, Phil. 1. 28. 2 Thess. 1. 5.

V. 14. Settle it] Mat. 10. 19. Mar. 13. 11.

V. 15. For I will give you a mouth] See Act. 6. 10.

V. 18. But there shall not] Mat. 10. 30. 1 Sam. 14. 45. 2 Sam. 14. 11. Act. 27. 34.

V. 19. In your patience] Live joyfully even under the Crosse, assured of your peace with God, who will not suffer you to be tryed, above that he will make you able, Rom. 5. 3. 1 Thess. 1. 6. 2 Cor. 1. 5. 1 Cor. 10. 13.

V. 20. And when ye shall see] Mat. 24. 15. Mar. 13. 14.

V. 21. in the midst of it] In the midst of Jerusalem.

V. 23. in those dayes] When Jerusalem shall be besieged by the Romane army.

V. 24. untill the times] In which God will permit the Gentiles to oppresse the Jewes: and untill the fulnesse of the Gentiles to be called to Christ, be come in, before the recalling the Jewes. See Rom. 11. 25, 26. Dan. 9. 27.

V. 25. And there shall be signes] Mat. 24. 29. Mar. 13. 24. 2 Pet. 3. 10. 12.

V. 26. powers of heaven] The very fabrick of the heavens shall be shaken, and the whole world melt with heat, 2 Pet. 3. 10. This he speaketh of the last day.

V. 27. coming in a cloud] Rev. 1. 7.

V. 28. then look up] This is spoken for the faithfull that shall remain to the coming of Christ, that they should not then be discouraged, but look up for the promise of Christ, eternall redemption from all oppression and evill, See Rom. 8. 22, 23.

V. 29. Behold the fig-tree] Mat. 24. 32. Mar. 13. 28.

V. 32. shall not passe away] For those things which he spake concerning the of Jerusalem, came to passe about fourtie yeers after.

V. 33. Heaven and earth] Mat. 5. 18.

V. 34. take heed to your selves] Rom. 13. 13.

V. 35. as a snare shall it come] Eccles. 9. 12. The last day shall come suddenly when men look not for it.

V. 36. pray alwaies] Pray without giving over: he meaneth not without intermission.

and to stand] Meaning so to stand in judgement as they that are justified by Christ, which the secure wicked shall not do. See Psal. 1. 5. Ephes. 6. 13.

CHAP. XXII.

Vers. 1. Now the feast of] Mat. 26. 2. Mar. 14. 10. Joh. 13. 2. 27. At the feast of Passeover, yeerly to be observed, in which they were to have no leaven within their habitations, Exod. 12. 7. and 15. The morall whereof, see 1 Cor. 5. 78.

V. 3. Then entred Satan] Mat. 26. 14. God taking from him his common graces, the devil took possession of him. See 1 Sam. 16. 14. Mat. 12. 45.

V. 4. captaines] Or rulers of the Temple. See Act. 4. 1.

V. 6. in the absence of the multitude] Or, without tumult.

V. 7. Then came] Mat. 26. 17. Mar. 14. 12. According to the law which provided that then they should kill and eate the Passeover, Exod. 12. 46.

passeover must be killed] See vers. 13.

V. 12. a large upper roome] Which they were wont there to have, as for entertaining of strangers, so specially for the feast of Passeover.

V. 13. madercady the passeover] That is, the lambe, and all things requirable to the feast.

V. 14. And when the houre] Mat. 26. 20. Mar. 14. 17. Which was the evening. Exod. 12. 6.

V. 15. With desire have I desired] Or, I have heartily d sired.

I have desired. &c.] Before my death, to expresse my love, give you example of humilitie, and specially to ordain and commend to my Church by you, in place of the Passeover, (whose figure being accomplished in my death, must be abolished) the new Sacrament of your spirituall communion with me.

V. 16. untill it be fulfilled] Untill that which now is presented in the figure, be really exhibited in my offering up my selfe once for all to take away the sinne of the world, Joh. 1. 29. and untill my rising again to immortalitie, the first degree of my exaltation and spirituall kingdome of glory, of which, vers. 18. and Mat. 26. 29.

V. 17. he took the cup] This first mentioned taking the cup, appertained to the celebration of the Passeover.

V. 18. I will not drink] Mat. 26. 29. Mar. 14. 25.

V. 19. And he took bread] Mat. 26. 26. Mar. 14. 22. 1 Cor. 11. 23.

This is my body] That is, the sign of my body: for instituting a new Sacrament, he spake after a Sacramentall manner; wherein the things signified are spoken for the sign, as vers. 7. The Passeover must be killed; that is, the pascall Lambe, the remembrance or signe of the destroying Angels passing over, and sparing the Israelites, Exod. 12. 12, 13, 14. So he calleth the cup the New Testament, or covenant in his blood; that is, the sign, or remembrance of his blood-shedding.

V. 21. But behold, the hand] Mat. 26. 21. Psal. 41. 9. Mar. 14. 18. Joh 13. 21.

with me on the table] Judas, who shall presently betray me, is now at table with me.

V. 22. was determined] By God, in his eternall counsell, Act. 4. 28.

V. 25. And he said] Mat. 20. 25. Mar. 10. 42.

called benefactours] Job 12. 21. A title which it seemeth the Hebrews gave their Princes and Nobles. The meaning is, that his servants should flee high titles and worldly pomp.

V. 26. is greatest among you] In gifts, authoritie, or other qualities: meaning, that such must carry themselves without pride, ambition, violence, oppression, and contempt of others; and with that humilitie and moderation, which would become the meanest in the Church; not that he did appoint equalitie of Ministers, for he oppointed orders in the Church, which cannot be without the relations of inferiour and superiour. OnelyOnly he forbiddeth tyranny and domineering. See Rom. 12. 8. 1 Cor. 12. 28. 1 Tim. 5. 17. Heb. 13. 17. 24.

V. 28. in my temptations] In my persecutions, and troubles, Heb. 2. 18. and 4. 15. Jam. 1. 12.

V. 30. That ye may eat and drink] From his last supper hee deriveth this manner of speaking, to signific the effect thereof, life eternall, by their participation of him.

fit on thrones] Mat. 19. 28.

V. 31. Satan hath desired to have you] 1 Pet. 5. 8. Satan hath desired to overthrow thee, but he shall onelyonly cleanse and refine thee, by humbling thee in knowledge of thy infirmitie.

may sift you as wheat] Amos 9. 9.

V. 32. fail not] That it wholly faile not.

and when thou art converted] When thou hast repented and recovered again.

V. 34. And he said] Matth. 26. 34. Mark 14. 30. John 13. 38.

V. 35. And he said unto them] Mat. 10. 9. Luk. 10. 4.

V. 36. But now he that hath a purse] He warneth and armeth them against imminent afflictions, specially with spirituall armes, wherewith outward meanes are not to be neglected.

V. 37. And he was reckoned among the transgressours] Isa. 53. 12. Mark 15. 28. For they apprehended him as a Malefactor with swords and staves, and they crucified him among theeves.

V. 38. here are two swords] This said they, not understanding of what armour he spake.

It is enough] Thereby teaching them that he spake not of a bodily armour, for which, against a world of enemies, many thousand swords had been too few.

V. 39. And he came out] Mat. 26. 36. Mark 14. 32. John 1…. 1.

V. 40. And when he was] Mat. 26. 41. Luk. 21. 37. Mark 14. 38.

V. 42. remove this cup from me] By Cup, after the Hebrew manner, is here signified the anger of God, or punishments for sinne: sometimes it signified prosperity, as Psal. 23. 5. or a mans lot and condition, Psal. 16. 5.

V. 43. sirengthening him] Not by communication of any vertue, but (while the deitie as it were hid his light and comfortable presence) by presenting his humanitie the certain assurance of his speedy victory and glory.

V. 44. in an agony] That is, a vehement conflict in his soule through the deepest sense of his fathers wrath against sinners, for whom he stood a surety and redeemer, 2 Cor. 5. 21.

V. 47. behold a maltitu le] Mat 26. 47. Mark 14. 43. John 18. 3.

to kisse him] Which was their manner of friendly salutation, Luk 7. 45. and he had given them that signe by which they should apprehend Jesus, Mat. 26. 48.

V. 49. shall we smite with the sword] It seemeth they were confident of an extraordinary assistance, who durst draw two swords against a multitude, but understood not that Christs Kingdome was spirituall, not secular.

V. 50. the servant of the High Priest] Mat 26. 51. Mar. 14. 47. Joh. 18. 10. Named Malchus, Joh. 18. 10.

V. 51. Suffer ye thus farre] Meaning, that they might take him, and doe what God had appointed.

V. 52. captains of the temple] See ver. 4.

V. 53. but this is your houre] The time wherein God hath permitted you to rage against me; and wherein the Devill the Prince of darknesse endeavoureth by you to deslroy me, who am the light of the world.

V. 54. Then took] Mat. 26. 57.

V. 55. And when they had kindled] Mat. 26. 69. Mar. 14. 66. Joh. 18. 25.

V. 61. Before the cock crow] Mat. 26. 34. Joh. 13. 38.

V. 63. mocked him] Matth. 26. 67. Mark 14. 65. John 18. 22.

V. 64. Prophesie, who is it that smote thee] With these scoffing blasphemics they insult, because the people honoured him as a Prophet.

V. 66. And assoon as it was day] Mat. 27. 1. Mark. 15. 1. Joh. 18. 28.

into their councell] Their Consistory or Sanhedrin, which sate about matters of Religion. See Mat. 26. 3.

V. 69. Hereafter shall the Sonne of man] Mat. 16. 64. Mark 14. 62. At his second comming.

the right hand] In the glory of his heavenly Kingdome, Heb. 1. 3.. & 8. 1.

V. 70. Ye say that I am] That is, I am, Mark 14. 62. or you say the truth, for I am so.

CHAP. XXIII.

Vers. 1. ANd the whole multitule] Mat. 27. 2. Mark 15. 1. Joh. 18. 28.

unto Pilate] The Roman Deputy and chief governour, who had power of judicature in matters capitall, which the Romans permitted not the Jewes.

V. 2. perverting the nation] See Act. 7. 7.

and forbidding to give tribute to Casar] This was a false calumnie, as appeareth, Mat. 17. 27. Mar. 22. 21. chap. 20. 25.

V. 3. And Pilate asked him] Mat. 27. 11. Mark 15. 2. Joh. 18. 33.

V. 7. he sent him to Herod] As to acquit himselfe of him, so to ingratiate with Herod.

V. 8. he had heard] Mar. 14. 1.

V. 9. he answered him nothing] He knew he asked not with intent to be converted, but for his curiositie, which Christ would not satisfie.

V. 11. a gorgcous robe] Rich and honourable clothes, which they put on him in scorn.

V. 13. And Pilate] Mat. 27. 23.

V. 16. therefore chastise him] Mat. 27. 26. Mark 15. 15. John 19. 1.

V. 17. For of necessity] Of custome granted them by the Romans. See Mat. 27. 15. Mark 15. 6. Joh. 18. 39.

V. 22. the third time] Peter for fear denyed Christ three times, and yet repented; Pilate three times justified Christ, and yet for popular favour condemned him: it may teach us neither to despaire if we repent, nor presume because we have begun well.

V. 24. gave] Or, assented.

V. 26. And as they led him away] Matth. 27. 32. Mark. 15. 21.

V. 28. Daughters of Jerusalem] Women of Jerusalem. It is an Hebraisme.

V. 29. the dayes are coming] In the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans.

V. 30. Then shall they begin] Isa. 2. 19. Hos. 10. 8. Rev. 6. 16.

V. 31. For if they] 1 Pet 4. 17.

V. 32. And there were also] Mat. 27. 38. Isa. 53. 12.

V. 33. is called Calvarie] Or, the place of a, cull. Mat. 27. 33. Mark 15. 22. Joh. 19. 17.

V. 34. Father, forgive them] Act. 7. 60. & 3. 17.

V. 36. him vinegar] Mixed with myrrhe and gall: and herein was fulfilled that which was spoken, Psal. 69. 21.

V. 38. letters of Greek] That the thing which concerned all nations might be divulged to all.

V. 39. were hanged] Being nailed to the Crosse, as the Roman manner of execution then was.

V. 40. Dost not thou feare God] Doth not the punishment thou sufferest cause thee to feare God, whose hand hath thus overtaken thee?

V. 42. Lord, remember me] When thou commest into thy glory, receive me to merciemercy as one of thine.

V. 43. To day shalt thou, &c.] Thou shalt be this day with me in heaven. See 2 Cor. 12. 2, 4. Rev. 2. 7.

V. 44. about the sixt hour] Mat. 27. 45. Mark 15. 33. About noon.

earth] Or, land.

V. 45. the Vail of the Temple was rent] Mat. 27. 51. Mark 15. 38.

V. 46. Father, &c.] 1 sal. 31. 5.

V. 47. when the Centurion] Mat. 27. 54. The Roman Captain.

he glorified God] Convinced in conscience by that he saw, he confessed the truth.

V. 48. smote their breasts] Chap. 18. 13. As being touched at heart for that they and the rest had done, in giving their voices to crucifie Christ.

V. 50. And behold, there was a man named Joseph] Mat. 27. 57. Mark 15. 43. John 19. 38.

V. 51. waited for the Kingdome of God] He looked for the Redeemer, the promised Messiah, and his Kingdome.

V. 54. that day was the preparation] Wherein men prepared all things for the feast.

the sabbath drew on] That is, began the same evening.

V. 56. according to the Commandment] Which forbad them to doe any servile work on the Sabbath day.

CHAP. XXIIII.

Vers. 1. NOw upon the first day of the week] Mat. 28. 1. Mar. 16. 1. John 20. 1. Which was the first day after the first sabbath of the Feast, which is the Lords day.

they came unto the sepulchre] The women mentioned chap. 23. 55. and here vers. 10.

V. 2. the stone] See Mat. 27. 60. 66.

V. 4. two men stood] Two Angels in the form and habit of men.

V. 5. the living] Or, him that liveth.

V. 6. remember how he spike unto you] Mat. 17. 23. Mark 9. 31. Luke 9. 22.

V. 10. Joanna] Luk. 8. 3.

V. 12. Then arose Peter] John 20. 6.

V. 13. And behold] Mark 16. 12.

two of them went] Two of the disciples.

about threescore surlongs] About seven miles and a halfe.

V. 16. But their eyes were holden] Hindred by the power of God, so that yet they could not know him. See John 20. 14. and 21. 4.

V. 18. Art thou onelyonly a stranger] The thing was so publike, that it seemed to them strange, that any man neer Jerusalem could be ignorant thereof.

V. 19. mighty in deed and word] In miracles and divine doctrine. See Act. 7. 22.

before God] Approved for such of God, and the conscienccs of all good men. See Luke 2. 52.

V. 21. But we trusted] Gr. hoped. They yet understood not what was the deliverance which Christ purchased for the elect, but looked for some worldly kingdome.

V. 26. Ought not Christ] 1 Pet. 1. 11.

V. 27. And beginning at Moses] He began to interpret that which was written of Christ by Moses; or the figures of the Law, representing him; and so along the Writings of the succeeding Prophet. See vers. 44.

V. 28. and he made as though, &c.] He seemed to them prepared and resolved to go further.

V. 29. they constratned him] They over intreated him by their importunitie.

…. 30. and blessed it] According to the custome of the Jews, among whom the master of the family, or chief man of the company, gave thanks, or prayed, and then distributed the tread, or carved to all the company. See Mat. 14. 19. It is probable, that Christ used some accustomed form of thanksgiving, or else some other action or gesture by which these men knew him again. Vers. 35.

V. 31. vani…e out of their sight] Or, ceased to be seen of them. By a miraculous and unusuall manner, they lost sight of him.

V. 32. Did not our heart burn] Were we not inwardly moved by a divine tervour of Gods Spirit? It intimateth a soveraign power and authoritie in his words. See Mat. 7. 29.

V. 34. appeared to Simon] 1 Cor. 15. 5.

V. 36. And as they thus spake] Mark 16. 14. John 20. 19.

Peace be unto you] It was an usuall manner of salutation with them; as we use to say, God save you; as Chap. 10. 5.

V. 38. and why do thoughts arise] That is, perplexities and doubts of some delusion.

V. 39. handle me] John 20. 20.

V. 43. and did eat before them] Not that he was now subject to any humane necessities, but onelyonly for the greater confirmation of his disciples faith.

V. 44. These are the words] That is, concerning my death, buriall, resurrection, &c. and what ever else was foretold concerning me therefore this should not seem any strange or new thing unto you.

while I was with you] In this humane, civill and worldly conversation.

V. 45. Then opened he their understanding] As Act. 16. 14. by his holy Spirit giving them understanding.

V. 47. in his Name] By his Commission and Authoritie, as concerning the preaching of the Word; and by his grace, and the works of his holy Spirit, as concerning the effecting thereof in remission of sins.

V. 49. And behold, &c.] John 15. 26. Acts 1. 14.

the promise of my Father] The gifts and graces of the holy Ghost, which I promised you. Joh. 14. 6. and 15. 26.

be cudued with power] Untill ye be furnished with the gifts of tongues, and healing, and enlarged hearts, enabling you to perform the great work to which I have assigned you; and also the Spirit of divine and undoubted fortitude.

V. 51. And it came to passe] Mark 16. 19. Acts 1. 9.

V. 52. And they worshipped him] They fixed their eyes upon him, as farre as they could see him, untill the cloud took him out of their sight, and the Angels admonished them to look no longer after him with bodily eyes, Act. 1. 9, 10, 11. Which when they understood, they adored him in spirit, and consession of him their I ord and Saviour, to whom all power in heaven and earth was given.

V. 53. were continually] That is, daily; for otherwise we cannot understand that Act. 1. 13. concerning their abode in an upper room.

Amen] This word Amen importeth the confirmation and certainty of all that which the Evangelist hath written.