Body of Divinity, Book 1 · Chapter 4
CHAP. IV. Of the New Testament.
THe New Canon is that which the Christian Church hath had written in Greek, from the time of Christ and his Apostles, and it summarily containes the Word published by Christ, and his righteous acts.
The History of which is in the four Books of the Evangelists, the Examples in the Acts of the Apostles, the Exposition in the one and twenty Epistles, and lastly, the Prophecy in the Revelation.
All the Books of the New Testament were written in Greek aLingua Graca tunc temporis in orbe terrarum maxime erat communis, quam tamen ob Ebraismorum mixturam eruditi Hellenisticam, quod ea Iudaei Hellenistae uterentur vocare amant, Amama Antibarb. Bib. l. 1. C. 1. Qui dubitat …tylum novi Testamenti esse Hellenisticum, is Scepticum mihi videtur agere in Philologia sacra, h. e▪ dubitare de ca re quae notissima omnibus, qui stylum LXX Interpretum & Evangelistarum ac Apostolorum vel per transe…m asp exerunt, ac cum stylo purè Graeco contulerunt. Mayerus. Vide Salmasium de Hellenistica.for divers Reasons:
First, Because that Tongue in the time of Christ and his Apostles was the most excellent of all, among the Languages of the Gentiles.
Secondly, Because it was then most Common, as Latine is now. Tully shews, Orat. bWalterus in offici…a Biblic… ▪ Graeca leguntur in omnibus ferè gentibus, Latina suis sinibus exiguis sanè continentur.pro Archia Poeta, how far the Greek Tongue spread.
Thirdly, Because in this Tongue all the Philosophy and Sciences of the Gentiles were written. The Greek Tongue by the writing of Philosophers, Orators, Historians and Poets, was fraught with the best learning, which Heathenism afforbed.
It came to passe by the singular Providence of God, that this Testament was written in one Tongue only; for what Nation else would have yielded to another, that the Scriptures in their Tongue were Authentick, and so the seeds of debate might have been sown amongst them. All almost agree in this, That all the Books of theRivet. Isagog. ad Scrip. Sac. c. 8. New Testament were written in the Greek Tongue; it is only doubted concerning three of them, the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, and the Epistle to the Hebrews. Novum Testamentum Graecum esse non dubium est, excepto Apostolo Matthaeo, qui primus in Iudae… Evangelium Christi Hebraicis literis aedidit. Hieron. Praefat. in quatuor Evangelia. Matthaeus quidem Hebraicè scripfisse traditur à magnis authoribus, & per Jacobum Apostolum in Graeciae sermonem translatus. Bibliander de optimo genere explicand… Hebraica. Matthaeus Ebraice scripsit, id est, Syriacè, seu lingua in quam Ebraica post captivitatem degenerasset, quia & Syriaca dicta est & Ebraica: Graecam autem versionem alii Jacobo, alii Joanni Apostolo, ip…i Matthaeo alii tribuunt. Selden. ux…r Ebraica, l. 3. c. 23,Many affirm that the Gospel of Matthew was written by Matthew in Hebrew; or rather in Syriack, the Language used by Hebrews in the time of Christ and his Apostles, that the Epistle to the Hebrews was written in Hebrew, and Mark in Latine.
All the New Testament is penned from God in Greek. The Reporters that St Matthew wrote in Hebrew, or St Paul to the Hebrews, never marked the Greek styles of both in Attique formes of speech, that Salem hath not. And the holy Ghost never translated Books, but kept still the original of all that he would have translated. Here be four Dialects, the Attique, Judean, Thalmadique and Apostolique. By ignorance of which much darknesse covereth dealers with the New Testament. Broughtons Lords Family.
It is certain that the Primitive Church from the first times, used the Gospel of Matthew written in Greek cMemorabilis est de lingua, qua Evangelium Matthaei ab ipso conscriptum est, controvers…a; quidam enim Hebraam, alii Graecam esse contendunt. Ac prior quidem sententia, si plurium auctorum consensum spectemus primas obtinet, sin verò rei veritatem, posterior amplectenda, ut examen demonstrabit. Gomarus de Evangelio Matthaei. Cajetanus initio suorum Commentariorum severè monet Evangclium Matthaei non fuisse scriptum Hebraicè argumento non i…cpt… ab interpretatione vocum Hebraicarum, ut capite primo Emanuel, quod est si i…t…rpreteris, Nobiscum D…us Mat. c. 27. 46. no… poterat. n. Hebraica editio sic interpretari.and counted it Authentical. If any one say, That the Latine Edition of Mark, in the vulgar, is not a version, but the first Copy, he may easily be refuted from the uniform style in it with other Latine Gospels, and it will appear to any Reader, that the Gospel of Mark, which the Roman Church useth, is later then the Greek, and that the Latine was made from it. For the Epistle to the Hebrews, though many among the Ancient thought it was written in Hebrew, yet all agree that the Greek Edition was in use thence from the first times of the Church. Glassius saith, Matthew wrote his Gospel first in Greek, for his style agrees with Mark. Writers acknowledge that there is an Ancient Hebrew Copy of Matthew, but upon good ground deny that it is the original truth; for besides that by received Tradition▪ it is held otherwise, Matth. 1. 23. and other such like places do evince it; for why should he writing in Hebrew, interpret Hebrew words, to them which understand that Language. Hieron. in quatuor Evangelia, and Salmasius hold, that Matthew was written in Hebrew, Evangelium Matthaei Hebraicè ab auctore scriptum esse, nemo non veterum tradidit. Hebraeum illud Syriacum esse, quod in usu tunc temporis in Iudaea fuit, Hieronymus docet, qui Evangelium Matthaei scriptum fuisse testatur Chaldaico Syroque Sermone. Salmas. de Hel…enistica. Erasmus, Cajetan, Calvin, Iunius, Whitaker, Gomarus, Causabone, Gerhard, deny that Matthew was written in Hebrew. Chamier de canone l. 12. c. 1. saith, we have the New Testament in Greek; for although some contend that the Gospel of Matthew, and the Epistle to the Hebrews was written in Hebrew; yet (saith he) it is very uncertain, and so propius f…lse. I think (saith Rivet dIn Exo. 24. 8.) that the Epistle to the Hebrews was written in Greek, a Tongue then most common, and which was used by many Hebrews, which were called Hellenists.
That Mark eSixtus Senensis saith expresly that Mark wrote in Greek Bibl. Sanct. l. 1.should be written in Latine originally is improbable; many of the reasons alledged to prove that Matthew was not written in Hebrew are of force here also; the Jews at that time of the writing of the New Testament did speak Syriack fLingua Syria ca Servatori nostro, & Apostolis vernacula fait. De Dieu. vide Whitakeri controversiam primam de Scripturis quaestionis secundae capite quinto. Cum legimus in Actibus Apostolorum Paulum allocutum esse Iudaeos cap. 21. 40. Lingua Hebraea, intelligendum est de Hebraica lingua, quae tunc in usu erat apud Iudaeos, id est, Syria…a. Nam & Dominus nost…r ea usus est, ut apparet ex omnibus locis Evangeliorum, in quibus aliquid prolocutus est lingua vernacula. Salmasius de Hellenistica ad quartam quaestionem.and not Hebrew, which Language is mixt, consisting of Hebrew and Chaldee; therefore (saith Whitaker) it is more probable that Matthew and he which wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews wrote in Greek, because the Greek Tongue was not unknown to the Jews, which were Hellenists, Act. 6. 1. and other Apostles wrote in Greek, which wrote peculiarly to the Jews, as I…mes and Peter. Matthaeum Hebrai…è scripsisse convenit inter antiquos. Citat Iren…um, Origenem, Athanasium, Epiphanium, Chrysostomum, Hieronymum, Vossius de genere Christi dissertat. Scripsit Hebraea lingua quia praecipuè Iudaeorum, quos viva voce hact…nus docuisset, haberet rationem Id. ibid. Vide Grotium in libros Evangel.
It was needfull that the Gospel should be written by many. First, for the certainty. Secondly, for the perfection of it.
Amongst all the Evangelists there is a general Agreement, and a sp…rence;Princeps & caput & regula divinorum oraculorum, & salutisere ac necessariae veritatis est Christi Evangelium, quo caeteri sacri libri omnes censentur, & precium accipiunt, t…m veteris instrumenti, quam novi. Lod. Viv. de ver. Fid. Christ l. 2. c. 9. Parvae interdum in Evangeliis diffi…entiae argumentum praebent veritatis, ne ex composito videantur scripsisse, si per omnia consentirent. Chrysostomus. Ex omnibus iis qui acta Christi & doctrin…m literis mandarunt, antiquissima illa & prima Ecclesia illorum temporum pene aequalis, solos quatuor tanquam sacro sanctos & …irmissimae fidei ac veritatis approbavit, ac retinuit: Matthaei & Joannis qui rebus omnibus interfuerunt; Marci, ex relatione Petri: Lucae, tum ex Pauli revelatione, tum relatu aliorum qui erant cum Domino versati. Lod. Viv. de verit. fid. Christ. l. 2. c. 8. they all agree in the main scope and subject, Christ; they d…r in …al Argument and Order. All describe the life of Christ, some more largely, some more briefly, some more loftily, some more plainly, yet because all were inspired by the same spirrit, they all have equal Authority The difference of Evangelists in some smaller matters proveth their consent in the greater to be the voice of Truth; for had they conspired all together to have deceived the world, they would in all things have more fully agreed.
The Doctrine of the Covenant of Grace is more plainly expounded; the will of God and way to Salvation more plentifully set down in the New Testament, then ever it was in the dayes of Moses or the Prophets; and in these books of the New Testament all things are so established as to continue to the end, so that we must not look for any new Revelation.
All these Books we receive as Canonical, because they are Divine for matter and form, divinely inspired by God, sanctified and given to the Church for their direction, written by the Apostles or Apostolical men, sweetly con…enting with other parts of holy Scripture, and with themselves; received alwayes by the greatest part of the Church of God. They were written after the death of Christ, by the direction of the holy Ghost; the Apostles by lively voice first preached, because it was needful that the Doctrine of the Gospel should by their preaching, as also by signs and wonders be confirmed against the contradictions and cavils of the Jews and Gentiles, and be allowed by the assent of believers generally before it was committed to writing, that we might be assured of the certainty of those things which were written.
These Books are acknowledged Canonical both by us and the Papists; so that touching this matter there is no controversie between us and them.
Among the confest writings of the Scriptures attested by all, and not contradicted by any; The four Gospels are first to be placed, and then the Story of the Acts of the Apostles. See Euseb. Eccles. Hist. lib. 3. cap. 3, 4. and lib. 5. cap. 8. and lib. 6. cap. 18.
The EpistlesgSunt san… in …o, quo nunc utimur, volumine, libri aliquot non ab initio pariter recepti, ut Petri altera, ea quae Iacobi est, & Iudae, duae sub nomine Ioannis Presbyteri, Apocalypsis, & ad Hebraeos epistola: sed ita tamen ut à multis Ecclesiis sint agniti. Grotius lib. 3. de verit. Relig. Christ. p. 143. vide plura ibid. The Book of Esther and Canti…les were doubted of by some. Vide Bellar▪ de verb. Dei. l. 1. c. 17, 18, 19. doubted of by some for a while, were first, the Epistle to the Hebrews, the Epistle of Iames, the second Epistle of Peter, the second and third Epistles of Iohn, the Epistle of Iude, and the Revelation; of which I shall treat more when I come to handle the Books of the New Testament particularly.
The Story of the woman taken in Adultery, hath met with very much opposition.Joh. 8. See in the Annotat. in loc. See Gregories Preface to his Notes upon some passages of Scripture. Crojus defendshVide Calvin. in loc. & Chamier. Tom. 1. l. 12. c. 7. the truth of it, Observat. in Nov. Testam. c. 17. Vide Seldeni uxorem Ebraicam cap. 11.
The Inscriptions and Titles prefixed before the Epistles are no part of holy Scripture written by the Apostles, but added to the Epistles by some others.
The Subscriptions and Postscripts also of divers Books are false, counterfeit andSaepe falsissimae sunt Epistolarum Paulinarum subscriptiones. Capellus. erroneous; not written by the Apostles, but added afterward by the Scribes which copied out the Epistles.
The SubscriptionsiVide Scultetum & Bezam. of the later Epistle to Timothy, and also to Titus, are supposititious; they are neither found in the Syriack nor in all Greek Copies,kTimothy is expresly by the Apostle called an Evangelist, 2 Tim. 4. 5. therefore Titus having the same charge in Crete, as he had in Ephesus, they were both Evangelists. Cartw. on the Title of the Epistle to the Romans. See him also on the Title of the first Epistle to Timothy. nor yet in the vulgar Latine translation; these additions were made some hundred years after the Apostles.
The Canonical Books of the New Testament are either Historical, Doctrinal or Prophetical.
1. lWe call them Historical in which is contained an Historical narration of things done … for although in them there be many things pertaining to doctrine, yet the chiefest thred and scope of the speech containeth a narration of an History done, hence they are called Historical.Historical, containing matters of fact, the History of
1. Christ exhibited in the four Evangelists or Gospels, as they are stiled by God himself, Mark 1. 1. Matthew, Mark, Luke and Iohn, called Gospels, because they contain a message of joy and gladnesse. They all treat of one subject, Christ Jesus incarnate; are most true Historians, Luk. 1. 2. Ioh. 21. 24.
2. His Apostles, in the Acts written by Luke, thirty years after Christs Ascention, so termed of the principal subject of the History, though the acts of others not Apostles, are there recorded.
2. Dogmatical or Doctrinal, such as were written by the Apostles for the instructionThe Grecians call the Letters sent from one to another foreign Epistles, Wotton on 1 Joh. 1. of the Church of God in faith and manners, commonly called Epistles, and that by warrant of the Scriptures, 1 Thes. 5. 27. 2 Pet. 3. 1, 16. because they were sent to them who had already received and professed the Gospel of Christ. The Apostles being oft times unable to instruct by their personal Presence, supplied that by writing Epistles. These are one and twenty, written.
1. By Paul,
1. To whole Churches.
1. Gentiles,
To the Romans,
To the C…ninthians,
To the Galatians,
To the Ephesians,
To the Philippians,
To the Colossians,
To the Thessalonians.
2. Jews. To the Hebrews.
2. To particular Persons,
1. Timothy.
2. Titus.
3. Philemon.
2. Iames, one.
3. Peter, two.
4. Iohn, three.
5. Iude, one.
3. Prophetical, wherein under certain resemblances, the state of the Church ofThe holy Ghost styles it a Prophecy. Rev. 1. 8. & 22. 7. 10. 18, 19. See Rev. 1. 19. Ex Lutheranis satis commendari nequit Harmonia, à Chemnitio ad stuporem us que dexterrimè capta, à Lysero fideliter continuata, & à Gerhardo dexteritate & fidelitate pari consummata; ex Pontificiis, Jansenius; ex Calvinianis Calvinus. Waltheri officina Bibl. Christ till the end of the world, from the time of Iohn the Evangelist, is most truly and wonderfully described, and receiveth its name Apocalyps of the Argument.
Beza, Piscator, Calvin, Erasmus, Grotius, have done well on all the New Testament. Of the Papists Iansenius hath done well on the Harmony; of the Lutherans, Chemnitius and Gerhard; of the Protestants, Calvin. Maldonate and De Dieu, Cameron, Scultetus, and Grotius have done well likewise on the Evangelists.
Matthew and Iohn were Apostles of the twelve; Mark and Luke Evangelists. Apostle mApostle when it is properly taken, extendeth it self not only to all the Ministers of God, being sent of God, but to the Embassadour of any Prince or Nobleman, or that is sent of any publick Authority, and it is used in the Scripture by a Synecdoche for the twelve that our Saviour Christ appointed to go thorowout all the world, to preach the Gospel, unto the which number was added St Paul, and as some think Barnabas, these were, 1. Immediately called by God, Gal. 1. 1. 2. They saw Christ, 1 Cor. 9. 1. 3. They had the field of the whole world to till, they were sent into all the world. Cartw. Reply to Dr Whi…gist in Defence of the Admonition, p. 45. Apostolatus …rat functio▪ quae post fundatas semol Ecclesias, successionem non admisit; sed cum ipsis Apostolis des…t. Down. Diatrib. de Autich. Vide Lod. Viv. de verit. Fid. Christ. l. 2. c. 19.is a name of Office or Dignity. It notes one sent from another with command; in special, certain famous Embassadours of Christ. The Evangelists were Comites & vicarii Apostolorum, they accompanied the Apostles in preaching the Gospel, and had curam vicariam omnium Ecclesiarum, as the Apostles had curam principalem. The Title Evangelist is taken, 1. For such as wrote the Gospel, 2. For such as taught the Gospel; and these were of two sorts, either such as had ordinary places and gifts, or such whose places and gifts were extraordinary, such Evangelists were Timothy and Titus. Smectymn. Answ. to an Humble Remonstrance, Sect. 13.
Matthew] There was never any in the Church which doubted of its Authority. Some say he wrote in Hebrew, but that is uncertain (as hath been already declared.) He interprets the Hebrew name Emanuel, Chap. 1. 23. and those words C…. 27. 46. therefore it is likely he wrote not in Hebrew; for why should one that writeth in Hebrew interpret Hebrew words to such as understand Hebrew? And how came this Authenticall Copy and Prototype to be lost? for it is not now extant. How ever, the Greek edition is Authentical, because it came forth when the Apostles were living, and was approved by them, which the Ancients confirm. Of the time when Matthew wrote, Authors agree not; Eusebius nIn Chronica. vide Seldenum de jure naturali.saith, that he wrote in the third year of …ajus Caesar; others say he wrote after Claudeus. He wrote his Gospel in the fifteenth year after Christs Ascention, saith Nio…phorus *Lib. 7. c. 12.; the one and twentieth, saith oLib. 2. c. 24.…en…us; in the eighth year, saith Theophylact pLib. 3. c. 1..
It qTertullian cals Matthew, Fidelissimum Evangelii Commentatorem. De serie annorum, quibus scripti sunt libri novi Testamenti, satis est curiosum animosè contendere. Tamen video apud veteres non esse unam eandemque sententiam. Chamierus.consists of twenty eight Chapters, in which the person of Christ, and his three Offices of Prophet, Priest and King, are described.
The best Expositors of it are Hilary, Musculus, Paraeus, Calvin.
Aquinas was wont to say, That he desired but to live so long, till he might see the golden-mouthed Father St Chrysostom his imperfect work upon Matthew finished. Dr Featleys Preface to his Stricturae in Lyndo mastigem.
Mark] He was the Disciple of Peter, and wrote his Gospel from him, in the fourth year of Claudius Caesar, say some. He wrote not in Latine (as Bellarmine saith) but in Greek. Concerning the Archetypal Language in which the Gospels of Mark and Luke were written; See Mr Selden in Eutichii orig.
It consists of sixteen Chapters, in which Christs three-fold Office is also explained.
The best Expositors of it are Calvin, Beza, Piscator, Maldonate, Iansenius.
Luke] He was for Countrey, of Antioch; for profession, a Physician; there is mention made of him, Col. 4. 14. 2 Tim. 4. 11. Philem. 24. He was companion to Paul the Apostle in his travels, and in prison. He only makes a Preface before his Gospel, that he may briefly shew the cause which induced him to write.
The best Expositors of it are Calvin, Beza, Piscator, Maldonate, Iansenius.
Iohn] In Hebrew signifieth the grace of God; he soareth higher then the otherVide Sixti Senensis Bibliothecam sanctam. Walther▪ in officina Biblica. Postremus omnium Evangelistarum scripsit, ut colligeret quae aliis erant omissa, vel brevius perstricta, Chamier. de Eucharistia, l. 11. c. 4. Iohn in his Epistles was an Apostle, in his Apocalyps a Prophet, in his Gospel an Evangelist. Evangelists to our Saviours Divinity; and therefore (as Nazianzen among the Fathers) he is called the Divine, by an Excellency, because he hath so graphically and gravely described the Divinity of the Son, and hath written also of things most Divine and Theological.
Melancthon called Calvin a Divine by an Excellency, and then when Calvin being but a young man did most gravely treat of divine matters.
He hath the Eagle for his Ensign assigned him by the Ancients. He was called Presbyter, by reason of his age, being the longest liver of all the Apostles. He wrote the last of all when he returned from the Isle Patmos; therefore there is something more in every Chapter of Iohn then any other of the Evangelists. He alone describeth the admirable Sermon which our Saviour made at his last Supper, and his Prayer.
It is generally thought, and I think not untruly, that the blasphemous heresies of Ebion and Cerinthus (who denied that our Saviour was God, or had any being before he took flesh of the holy Virgin his mother) was one especial occasion of writing this Gospel. Mr Wotton Serm. 2. on 1 Ioh. 1. 2.
It consists of one and twenty Chapters, in which the Person of Christ, consistingIn his Gospel he writes more expresly then the res… ▪ of the Deity of Christ, and in the Revelation of the coming of Antichrist. of the Divine and humane Nature, is described.
In his Gospel is described: first, Christs person; in the first Chapter. 2. His Office; in the second Chapter, to the twelfth. 3. His death, from the twelfth to the end.
The best Expositors of him are Calvin, Beza, Piscator, Rollock, Tarnovius, Musculus.
Acts qActa Apostolor…m sunt Chron…ca quaedam pri…nae Ecclesiae in Novo Testament…. Sic dicuntur, quia r…s primis Ecclesiae Christianae temporibus maximè ab Apostotis gestas describunt. Martinins in memoriali Bibli….] Luke in the Proem of it makes mention of the Gospel written by him, that he might profess himself to be the Author of both. It consists of eight and twenty Chapters. Luke calleth his History, The Acts of the Apostles, though it be specially of their sufferings; because even their passions were actions, they enlarged the Kingdom of Christ by their sufferings.
The best Expositors of it are Brentius, De Dieu, Calvin, Sanctius.
The thirteen Epistles of Paul: one to the Romans, two to the Corinthians, onePaulus ad Roman▪ undecim capitibus fidem▪ fundat, & quinque cap. deinde mores superaedi…icat. Ad Galatas quinque fidem, uno & sexto mores docet. Sic in aliis quoque Epistolis facit. Lutherus Tomo 2. to the Galatians, one to the Ephesians, one to the Philippians, one to the Colossians, two to the Thessalonians, two to Timothy, one to Titus, and one to Philemon, the Primitive Church unanimously received into the Canon, and never doubted of their being Apostolical. They have their name Epistles à forma Epistolari qua conscriptae sunt.
A Lapide, Estius, Grotius and Vorstius, have done well on all the Epistles, Imprimis Estius ex Pontificiis, saith Voetius.
The Epistles are for the most part written in this order: they haveIn S• Pauls Epistles this order is kept: those Epistles are set first, which were written to whole Churches, and then those which were written to particular persons. In both these sorts the comp…ler of them seemeth manifestly to have had respect of setting the Epistles in order, according to their length. Cartw. Ordo Epistolarum Paulinarum respectu scriptionis alius est, quam respectu positionis in Bibliis. Waltherus in officina Biblica. Ludovicus Capellus historia Apostolica illustrata. Epistolae Paulinae non temporis ordine locatae sunt ab iis qui e…s primi in unum volumen compegerunt: sed pro dignitate corum ad quos scriptae sunt. Ideo praecedunt quae ad Ecclesias; sequuntur quae sunt ad singulos. Grotius.
1. An Inscription: wherein is the name of the Writer, and of them to whom he writes, and his wish.
2. The matters of the Epistle, which are sometimes meerly religious, concerning certain Articles of faith, or piety of life, or about the use of things indifferent; or else familiar things, witnessing their mutual good will.
3. The Conclusion: in which are Exhortations, Salutations, Wishes, or other familiar matters.
There are 21 Epistles, fourteen written by Paul, and seven more written by Peter, Iohn, Iames and Iude.
Concerning the time and place in which the several Epistles were written, it is not easie to determine. I will premise something about the order of the Epistles, before I speak of them particularly.
Some of Pauls Epistles were written before his imprisonment; some in his bonds, both former and later. Before his imprisonment, the first of all that was written, were both the Epistles to the Thessalonians; they were written from Corinth the 8th or 9th year of Claudius.
Titus was written by Paul in those two years that he stayed at Ephesus.
Galatians] At the end of the two years that Paul was at Ephesus, the Epistle to the Galatians seems to be written, 1 Cor. 16. 2. by which words the Apostle seems to intimate, that this Epistle to the Galatians was written before that to the Corinthians.
Corinthians] Paul living two years at Ephesus, in the 11th and 12th year of Claudius, the Corinthians wrote to him, 1 Cor. 7. 1. and that by Stephanus and Fortunatus, which they sent to him (Chap. 16, 17.) by whom Paul seemeth to have written back the first Epistle to the Corinthians, for in that he exceedingly commendsC…a. 16. 15. 18 them of Corinth. It was not written from Philippi, (as the Greek superscription hath it) but from Ephesus, as the Arabick interpreter hath it; as is manifest, Chap. 16. 8.
The second Epistle to the Corinthians, and the first of Timothy strive for priority, Et sub judice lis est. Both of them were written a little after Paul departed from Ephesus, and while he departed to Macedonia, but it is not manifest which was the first.
First Epistle to Timothy] Some think that this Epistle was written by Paul in his bonds▪ but not rightly; for he makes no mention of his bonds in it. It is probableCapellus ibi…. that it was written from Athens, as it is in the Arabick subscription, when he came from Macedonia to Greece; and so it was written after the first Epistle to the Corinthians.
Romans] The Epistle to the Romans was written at Corinth, when Paul having spent three moneths in Greece, sailed to Ierusalem, that there he might gather theActs 20. 2. Collections of the Churches of Achaia, Asia and Macedonia. This is manifest from Rom. 15. 2, 4.
These are the Epistles which seem to be written by Paul out of imprisonment; the other were written in his bonds. Pauls bonds were two-fold; former and later. One only, viz. the later to Timothy seems to be written in the later bonds of Paul, a little before his Martyrdome; the others were written in his former bonds.
Epistle to the Philippians.] This seems to be the first of them all, which Paul wrote in his bonds. When Paul was Captive at Rome, the Philippians being carefullCapellus ubi supra. for him, sent Epaphroditus thither, who visited Paul in his bonds, and ministred to him necessary helps for the preserving of his life, as appears by the second Chapter, and 25 verse of that Epistle, and the fourth Chapter, 10. and 18 verses. Paul sent him back again to the Philippians, and commends him to them, Chap. 11. 28. That the Epistle was written in his bonds, is manifest from the first Chap. v. 7, 13, 14. and from Rome, not Ierusalem, Chap. 4. 22.
The Epistles to the Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon, were at the same time written from Rome, and sent by the same, viz Tychicus and Onesimus. First, That the Epistle to the Colossians was written by Paul in his bonds, it is manifest from Chap. 4. v. 3. and 18. but it was sent by Tychicus and Onesimus, Chap. 4 v. 7, 8, 9.
That to Philemon was written at the same time with that to the Colossians, sinceCapelli histori… Apostolica illustrata. he salutes Philemon in their name in whose he saluted the Colossians, viz. in the name of Epaphras, Aristarchus, Mark, Luke, Demas, as is manifest by comparing the fourth Chapter of the Epistle to the Colossians, v. 10, 12, 14. with the 22. and 24 of the Epistle to Philemon. For this and other reasons Capellus supposeth they were both written at the same time.
That the Epistle to the Ephesians was written also at the same time, it may be thus confirmed: 1. Because it was written by Paul in his bonds, viz. from Rome, as is manifest Chap. 3. 1. and 4. 1. 2. It was sent by Tychicus, Chap. 6. 21, 22. by which also that to the Colossians was sent That these three Epistles were written also by Paul in his former not later bonds, it is hence manifest, because Phil. 1. 25. and 26. and 2. 24. also in the 22 verse of Philemon, Paul sheweth that he had a most certain hope, that he should be freed shortly.
The Epistle to the Hebrews was written by Paul from Rome, toward the end of his former bonds. He expresly mentions his bonds, Ch. 10. 34. and sheweth, that he hopes shortly to be set free, Chap. 13. 19.
The later Epistle to Timothy was the last of all Pauls Epistles, written by him in his later bonds, of which he writes, Chap. 1. 8. and 2. 9. and from Rome, Chap. 1. ver. 17. a little before his Martyrdome, which he seems to intimate, Chap. 4. ver. 6, 7, 8.
Thus having by the help of Capellus something cleared the order of Pauls Epistles for the time of their writing, I shall speak of them now according to the method wherein they are commonly disposed in our Bibles.
Romans] That Epistle is first not in time of writing but in dignity, because ofInter Epistolas quae sunt ad Ecclesias, prima est quae ad Romanam ob urbis ejus majestatem. Grotius. the majesty of the things it handleth, Justification and Predestination. It is rightly called Clavis Theologiae, or the Epitome of Christian Religion. It consists of sixteen Chapters.
The best Expositors of it are Dr Sclater on the first three Chapters, and Paraeus with Peter Martyr, and Par on the whole. Voetius saith, Willetus est instar omnium.
First to the Corinthians.] *The City of Corinth was a famous Metropolis in Achaia, notable for wisdome; one of the seven Wise-men is celebrated for a Corinthian. Tully calleth it Lumen Graeciae.How much Authority the Epistle to the Romans hath in establishing controversies of faith; So much the first of the Corinths hath in establishing Ecclesiastical Discipline; therefore Antiquity hath placed it next the other. It consists likewise of sixteen Chapters.
The best Expositors of it are Paraeus, Peter Martyr, Morton, Dr Sclater.
The second to the Corinthians aIt was famous also for riches and merchandize; and for pride, luxury, lust: whence the Proverb, Non cuivis homini contingit adire Corinthum. Lais there asking a great sum of money of Demosthenes for a nights lodging with her, he answered, Non emam tanti poenitere.] consists of thirteen Chapters.
The best Expositors of it are Musculus and Dr Sclater.
Galatians] St Ierom taketh the Argument of the Epistle to the Galatians, to be the same with the Argument of the Epistle to the Romans; wherein the Apostle proveth, that by the works of the Law, whether Ceremonial or Moral, no flesh can be justified before God; using the same words in both, Rom. 3. 20, 28. and Gal. 2. 16. It consists of six Chapters.
The best Expositors of it are Mr Perkins and Paraeus.
Ephesians] Ephesus was a Mother-city in the lesser Asia, famous for Idolatry, and the Temple of Diana, as the bActs 19. and 20. 16, 17.Acts of the Apostles testifie, so given to all riot that it banished Hermodore, because he was an honest sober man; yet here God cBayne. See Ephes. 5. 18.had his Church. It consists of six Chapters.
The best Expositor of it is Zanchius, Mr Baines hath done well on the first Chapter, and Dr Gouge on some part of the two last Chapters.
Philippians] The Apostle had planted a Church at Philippi, which was the Metropolis of Macedonia, Acts 16. 12. In this Epistle he commends their godly study. It consists of four Chapters.
Zanchy and Dr Airie have done well on this Book.
Colossians.] Colosse was the chief City of Phrygia in lesser Asia; the Apostle directs this Epistle to the Inhabitants of that City. It consists of four Chapters.
Bishop Davenant, Bifield and Elton, have done best on this Book.
Thessalonians 2.] These were written to those which dwelt at Thessalonica; it isSee Phil. 4. 16. a chief City in Macedonia, whither, how the Apostle came, we may see Act. 17. The first Epistle consists of five Chapters, the second of three. It was written first before any other Epistle, or indeed before any Book of the New Testament. Iraen. l. 3. c. 1. Euseb. hist. l. 5. c. 8.
Zanchius and Dr Sclater have done well on both these Epistles; Iackson and Bradshaw also on the second.
Timothy 2. dforeign honoro & foreign Deus▪ q. d. cultor Dei vel honorans Deum. Sic foreign à verbo foreign magni aestimo, in pretio habeo, honoro. Pasor.] Signifieth the honour of God, or precious to God. He honoured God, and was precious to him. The first Epistle consists of six Chapters.
Barlow hath done well on three of them, and Scultetus on the whole.
The second to Timothy] This consists of four Chapters.
Scultetus hath done well on it, and Espensaeus on both those Epistles.
Titus] Titus to whom this Epistle was written, was a faithful Minister, and beloved friend of the Apostle, 2 Cor. 2. 13. and 7. 6. and 8. 23. Paul sent his Epistle to him out of Macedonia, which is of the same Subject with the first to Timothy. It consists of three Chapters.
Scultetus, Espensaeus, and Dr Tailor have done best on this Book.
Philemon ePlena roboris & lacertorum est tota Epistola, & singulis ejus verbis mirifica quaedam argumentandi vis latet recondita. Scultetus.] He was the Minister of the Church at Colosse, vers. 17. it is but one Chapter.
Scultetus and Dike have well interpreted it.
Hebrews] The Epistle to the Hebrews was rejected by some Hereticks, as Marcion and Arius; it is now received as Canonical, because it was inspired of God, doth in all things fully agree with all other parts of Prophetical and Apostolical writings, and was received of the greatest part of the ancient Church, though upon weak and slender grounds the Latine Church for a time did not receive the same.
Hieron. in Catalogo Scriptorum Ecclesiasticorum, after he hath recited all the Epistles of Paul, at length he cometh to this Epistle; fDuplex dubitatio de hac Epistola fuit, una de auctore, altera de authoritate ejus. Bellarm. l. 1. de verb. Dei. c. 17.but the Epistle to the Hebrews (saith he) is not thought to be his, for the difference of the style and speech, but either written by Barnabas, as Tertullian holds, or Luke the Evangelist, or Clement. Some ascribe it to Tertullian, saith Sixtus Senensis.Vide Drusium ad titulum ad Hebraeos. De side est, Epistolam ad Hebraeos esse Scripturam Canonicam. Cornel. a Lapide. Dr Fulk against Martin. Multo facilius dicere, quis istius Epistolae non sit Author, quàm quis sit Author. Cameron. Tomo tertio praelect. in epist. ad Heb. ubi multis rationibus probare conatur Paulum non fuisse illius Authorem. Tantum vellemus Epistolam ad Hebraeos non adscribi Paulo, quam firmis Argumentis persuasi simus alium esse Auctorem. Calvinus in Epist.
The diversity of the style and inscription of this Epistle, and manner of reasoning, makes some doubt of the Writer thereof; and also something in the Epistle shews that it was written not by Paul, as the beginning of the second Chapter ver. 3. the Doctrine of Salvation is confirmed to us by them which heard it, which seemeth to agree with the profession of Luke in the beginning of his Gospel; whereas St Paul denieth Gal. 1. 12. that he received it of man. An ancient Greek Copy (whereof Beza speaks) leaves out the name of Paul in the Title, and also divers printed Books. Augustine speaks often of this Epistle, as if it were of doubtfull Authority, as you may see in his Enchirid lib. 1. c. 8. & lib. 10. de Civitate Dei, cap. 5. Beza, Hemingius, Aretius, leave it in medio. Calvin and Marlorat deny that it was Pauls.
The reasons (saith Cartwright in his Confutation of the Rhemists) moving us to esteem it none of Pauls, are first, that his name is not prefixed, as in all the Epistles undoubtedly known to be his. Another reason is, that this writer confesseth that he received the Doctrine of the Gospel, not of Christ himself, but of those which heard it of Christ, Heb. 2. 3. whereas Paul received his Doctrine immediately from Christ, and heard it himself of Christ, and not of them that heard it from him.
To the first Objection by Fulk it is easily answered, the diversity of style doth not prove that Paul was not the Author of this Epistle; For as men have written divers things in divers styles in respect of matter and persons to whom they wrote;It hath pleased the Spirit of God in wisdom to conceal from us the names of the Authors of some Books, both in the Old and New Testament; God would have us believe his Word, though we know not the Authors, it is written by the Spirit of God, though we know not whose hand God guided. Dr Holsworth on Luk. 22. 11, 12. as Tully his Offices, Orations and Epistles; so the Spirit of God could and might inspire one and the same man to pen in a different manner: 2. The other Argument also against its being Pauls, because his name is not prefixed, hath but little force in it. 1. If it be not Pauls because his name is not prefixed, then it is nones, because no mans name is prefixed; so Ierom, and from him Beza and Bellarmine both thus answer. 2. The Author of this Epistle did conceal his name, that thereby he might not offend the weak Jews to whom he wrote, with whom he knew his name was hatefull. 3. Beza saith, he found Pauls name gSciebat nomen suum invisum Hebraeis esse, quamvis ad fidem jam conversis, propterea quod ipse prae caeteris legem veterem esse abrogatam acerrimè disputabat: cujus legis illi adhuc aemulatores erant, Actorum vigesimo primo. Bellarminus ex Hieronymo haec citat. l. 1. de verbo Dei▪ cap. 17. Vide Bezam in titulum illum, Epistola Pauli Apostoli ad Hebraeos. Certè non pauca sunt in hac Epistola quae alibi apud Paulum totidem penè verbis scribuntur. Beza. Compare 2 Pet. 3. 15. with 1 Pet. 1. 1.added to this Epistle in all ancient Greek Copies, one excepted. Other Books have no name prefixed, as the first Epistle of Iohn hath not his name prefixed, and yet certainly believed to be his.
For the last Objection, Beza answers, that he reckons himself among the hearers of the Apostles, to avoid the envy of Apostleship; See 1 Pet. 4. 3.
All the Grecians, and many of the more famous of the Ancient Latines, as Augustine, Ambrose, Gregory, and many modern Writers of note, as Beza, Bellarmine, Gerhard, Capellus, Martinius, Hoornbeck, Walter, Cornelius a Lapide hold it was written by Paul, and for divers reasons: 1. The Author of this Epistle commends a certain famous Disciple Timothy, Chap. 13. 23. but none had such an one but Paul. 2. He remembers his bonds, Chap. 10. 34. which is a usual thing with Paul, Phil. 1. 7. Col. 4. 18. 2 Tim. 2. 9. Philem. v. 9. & 10. 3. He hath many of the same Axioms with Paul, compare Heb. 1. 2. & 3. with Col. 1. 14, 15, 16, 17. Heb. 5. 12. and 13. with 1 Cor. 3. 1. and 2. and divers other places. Paul saith, by that sign his Epistles may be known and distinguished from others, viz. that subscription, The grace of our Lord, 2 Thess. 3. 18. which clause is found in the end of this Epistle, Chap. 13. 4. Pauls zeal for the salvation of the Hebrews, Rom. 9. 3. makes it probable that he would write unto them. Some think it may be gatheredOther Books have no name prefixed, and yet they are certainly believed to be Canonical, as Iob, Iudges, Ruth, Chronicles. from that place, 2 Pet. 3. 15. Beza having alledged four reasons urged by some why this Epistle should not be written by Paul, saith, Opponitur his omnibus quae scribuntur, 2 Pet. 3. 15. quae certè videntur hanc Epistolam velut intento digito mon… rare.
Beza concludes the matter very modestly: Let the judgements of men, saith he, be free; so we all agree in that, That this Epistle was truly dictated by the holy Ghost, and preserved as a most precious treasure in the Church. Vide Waltheri officinam Biblicam, & Whitakeri controvers. 1. Quaest. jam de Script. cap. 16. & Hoornbecks Antisocinianismi, l. 1. c. 1. controvers. Sect. 3.
Some think (as I have touched it before) that this Epistle was originally written in hEpistola Pauli ad Hebraeos Hebraico, id est, sermone tunc in Syria usitato scripta fuit, & ab alio versa, quem quidam Clementem fuisse volunt, alii alium. Salmasius de Helenistica.Hebrew, but the style and phrase of this Epistle doth Graecam redolere eloquentiam, non Hebraeam. 2. If it was written in Hebrew, the Hebraisms would appear in the Greek version, which yet are rarer here then in other Epistles. 3. The Scriptures of the Old Testament are cited in it, not according to the Hebrew fountains, but according to the version of the Seventy. 4. The Apostle Chap. 7. iWaltherus in officina Biblica & Bellarminus ubi supra.interprets the Hebrew name M…lchised…ch, King of righteousnesse; and Salem, peace; which he would not have done if he had written in Hebrew. Iunius kJun. Parallel. lib. 3. cap. 9. pag. 466. Vide Waltheri officinam Biblicam.in his parallels holds it to be Pauls, and written in Greek.
Ribera and Ludovicus a Tena, two Papists, have written on this Epistle. Paraeus and Dixon have done best on the whole Book, and Mr Deering on six Chapters. Voetius much commends Gomarus.
Those seven Epistles written by Iames, Peter, Iohn and Iude, have unfit Titles prefixed before them, in that they are called sometime Canonical, specially of the Latine Church; and sometimes Catholick lEpistolae aliorum Apostolorum Catholicae dicuntur, quia generatim ad omnes …ideles & in omnes quasi mundi partes missae sunt, & ista inscriptione à Paulinis distinguuntur, quae vel ad certas Ecclesias vel ad certos homines missae fuerunt. Rivetus in Catholico Orthodoxo., chiefly of the Greek Church: neither of which were given them by any Apostle or Apostolick Writer. Yet though this Title Catholick cannot be defended, it may be excused and tolerated as a Title of distinction, to distinguish them from the other Epistles. Also they may have this Title Canonical set before them, (as some Books of the Old Testament were termed Hagiographa by the Jews) not because they were of greater Authority then other holy writings, but to shew that they ought to be esteemed of, and imbraced as Divine, howsoever in former times they were unjustly suspected. Vide Bezam.
The second Inscription of Catholick is as unfit as the former; therefore the Rhemists unjustly blame us for leaving out that Title in our English Bibles; for it is well known that that Title is not given by the holy Ghost, but by the Scholiast who took it from Eusebius. General, is a meer English term, and of no doubtfull signification; Catholick is both Greek, and (by their saying) of double, and therefore doubtfull signification.
The Syriack Interpreter hath this Inscription of these Epistles (as Tremellius sheweth) Tres Epistolae trium Apostolorum, ante quorum oculos Dominus noster se transformavit, id est, Iacobi, Petri, & Ioannis. For the Syrians doe not esteem the second of Peter, nor the second and third of Iohn, nor the Epistle of Iude, Canonical.
The Apostles Iames, Peter, Iohn and Iude have publisht seven Epistles as mysticalHieron. Epist. Fam. as succinct; both short and long; short in words, long in sense and meaning.
Iames] For the difference which seems to be between Iam. 2. 21, 22. and Rom. 4. 2. and 3. 28. most likely this Book was doubted of in ancient times, as Eusebius and Ierom witnesse. But yet then also publickly allowed in many Churches, andM• Pemble on Justification. Sect. 6. …. 1. ever since received in all, out of which for the same cause Luther and other of his followers since him, would again reject it. Erasmus assents to Luther, and Musculus agrees with them both in his Comment upon the fourth of the Romans; both they of the Romish, and we of the Reformed Church mThis may be seen in the Harmony of Confessions.with one consent admit this Epistle for Canonical. Vide Polani Syntagma.
I light upon an old Dutch Testament of Luthers Translation (saith Whi…ak…r against Raynolds) with his Preface, wherein he writeth that Iames his Epistle is not so worthy as are the Epistles of St Peter and Paul, but in respect of them a strawen Epistle; his censure I mislike, and himself (I think) afterwards, seeing these words in a later Edition are left out.
It is no where found in Luthers Works, that he called the Epistle of Iames, Inanem & stramineam. Edmund Campian was convicted of falshood about that in England, where when he had objected that, he could finde no such thing at any time in the Books he nRivet. Iesuit… vapulans, c. 9.produced. Some in the Preface of the German Edition say that Luther wrote, that it cannot contend in dignity with the Epistles of Paul and Peter, but is strawy, if it be compared with them. Which judgement of Luther we approve not of, and it is hence manifest that it was disliked by him, because these words are found in no other Edition from the year 1526. Luthers disciples now hold, that it is Canonical and Apostolical; and they answer the ArgumentsWaltherus in officina Biblica. of those that are opposite thereto, as we may see in the Exposition of that Article concerning the Scripture, by that most learned and diligent man Iohn Gerard. Gravitatem ac zelum Apostolicum per omnia prae se f…rt, saithSect 281. Waltherus also in officina Biblica holds it Canonical. Walther.
We may reply against the Papists, who often object this opinion of Luthers, that Cajetan their Cardinal oRainoldus de lib. Apoc …om. 1. praelect quarta. Vide etiam pr…olectionem tertiam.denieth the Epistle to the Hebrews to be Canonical; yea (which is farre worse) he affirmeth that the Author thereof hath erred, not only in words, but in the sense and meaning of the Scriptures. Nay, Caj…tan (saith Whitaker) rejected Iames, second of Peter, and second and third of Iohn and Iude.
It consists of five Chapters. Paraeus, Laurentius, Brochmand, and Mr Manton have done best on it.
First of Peter.] This Epistle is called in the Title Catholical, because it is not written to any one person, as that of Paul to Timothy, Titus and Philemon; no… to any one particular Church, as those of Paul to the Romans, Corinths: but to the converted of the Jews dispersed here and there, as appears by the inscription. It consists of five Chapters.
Gerhard, Laurentius, Gomarus and Dr Ames have expounded both these Epistles. Bifield hath interpreted part of the first Epistle.
Second of Peter] Some in the Primitive Church doubted of its pAs Eusebius and Ierom witnesse.authority, and the Syriack hath it not; but the Church generally allowed it, and many reasons may perswade that it is Apostolical, and was written by Peter. 1. Because the Author of it expresly calleth himself Simon Peter, the Apostle of Jesus Christ. HeChap. 1. 11, 13. wrote it in his old-age to confirm them in the Doctrine which before he had taught them. 2. Its inscription is to the same Jews (that the former) viz. dispersed by the Roman Empire, and converted to Christ, whose Apostle Peter was. 3. It shews an Apostolical spirit. 4. Its style and composition is agreeable to the former Epistle. 5. The Author of this Epistle witnesseth, that he was a spectator of the Transfiguration in the Mount; Chap. 1. vers. 16. now Peter, together with Iames and Iohn were present with Christ. 6. He makes mention of the Former Epistle, Chap. 3. v. 1. 7. He cals Paul his dear Brother, Chap. 3. v. 15. It consists of three Chapters.
First of Iohn consists of five Chapters.
Second and third of Iohn.] They were also in times past doubted of by some,Eusebius l. 2. 24 & 3. 21. Zanchy hath done well on the first Epistle, Calvin on all three. as Erasmus, Cajetan: but there are good reasons to prove them Canonical. 1. Their Author cals himself an Elder; so doth Peter, 1 Pet. 5. 1. by which name an Ecclesiastical Office is often signified, but here age rather; now it is manifest that Iohn came to a greater age then the rest of the Apostles. 2. The salutation is plainly Apostolical, Grace, mercy and peace. 3. In sentences and words they agree with the first Epistle. 4. The Fathers alledge them for Iohns *Irenaeus, Tertullian, Athanasius. Vide Euseb. l. 2. c. 23. l. 3. c. 22. Erasm. in Anno., and reckon them among the Canonical Books.
Each of these Epistles is but a Chapter.
Iude] This Epistle also in times past was questioned by some; but that it is Apostolical, first the inscription shews; the Author expresly cals him a servant of Christ, and brother of Iames. 2. The matter, it agreeth both for words and sentences with the second of Peter; of which it contains as it were a brief summe and recapitulation. That the writer of the Epistle doth not call himself an ApostleIt is reckoned among the Canonical books, and cited by Athanafius, Tertullian, Cyprian, Origen, Ierom, under Iudes name. Iohn neither in his Epistles nor Revelation cals himself an Apostle. This short (yet General) Epistle was written the last of all the Epistles, and is therefore called by some Fasciculus. It was written by Iude the brother of Iames, and Kinsman of Christ, he lived longer then all the rest of the Apostles save Iohn. Besides the Dedication and Preface, it contains two things, 1. Warnings of the Church against false Doctors. 2. Woes against false Teachers. is of no moment to infringe the authority thereof, for the judgement of the writer is free in that case; that Title was specially used by Paul and Peter; Iames and Iohn quit the same Title, yea Paul in his Epistles to the Philippians, Thessalonians and Philemon doth not call himself an Apostle, and yet those Epistles were never doubted of. It is but one Chapter. Willet and Mr Perkins have done well on it.
Revelation qVocatur ist… liber Apocalypsis seu Revelationis, quia in eo continentur ea quae Deus revelavit Ioanni & Ioannes Ecclesiae. Ludov. de Tena. Sextus Senensis idem ferè habet Bibliothecae Sanctae l. 7. Apocalypsis Iohannis tot …habet Sacrament… quot verba. Hieron epist. Fam. lib. 2. epist. 1. Nomen foreign teste. Hieronymo soli Scripturae est proprium & apud Ethnicos non usitatum, sonat revelationem earum rerum, quae prius, non quidem Deo, nobis autem occultae & minus manifestae fuerunt.] It is called according to the Greek Apocalyps, and according to the Latine Revelation; that is, a discovery or manifestation of things which before were hidden and secret, for the common good of the Church.
Eusebius l. 3. c. 17. saith, Domitian cast Iohn the Evangelist into a fornace of scalding Oyl, but when he saw he came forth unhurt, he banished him into the Isle Pathmos, where he writ this Revelation.
This Book describeth the state of the Church from the time of Iohn the last of the Apostles, untill Christs coming again; and especially the proceedings, pride and fall of Babylon, the great Whore, with all the Kingdoms of Antichrist. The subject of it is two-fold: 1. The present state of the Church: 2. The future state of it, The things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter, Revel. 1. 19. The three first Chapters of this Book contain seven several Epistles to the seven several Churches of Asia, the other following Chapters are a Prophetical History of the Church of God from Christs Ascension to his second coming.
The holy Ghost foreseeing what labour Satan and his instruments would take to weaken and impair the credit and authority of this above all other Books (wherein he prevailed so far, as some true Churches called the truth and authority of it into question) hath backed it with a number of confirmations more then are in any other Book of Scripture.
First, The Author of it, is set in the fore-front or face of it, The Revelation of Iesus Christ, Chap. 1. vers. 1. who professeth himself to be the first and the last, vers. 11. so in the several Epistles to the Churches in several styles he challengeth them to be his. Thus saith he, 1. That holdeth the seven starres in his right hand. 2. He which is first and last, which was dead, and is alive. 3. Which hath the sharp two edged Sword. 4. Which hath eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet like brass. 5. Which hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars. 6. He who is holy and true, who hath the key of David. 7. He who is Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creatures of God.
Secondly, The Instrument or Pen-man, his servant Iohn the Evangelist, the Apostle, the Divine, who for the farther and more full authority of it, repeateth hisPeculiare est Iohanni prae reliquis librorum N. T. Scriptoribus Filium Dei vocare foreign; confer Joh. 1. 1. and 14. Iam verò candem appellationem tribuit Filio Dei …n hoc libro Apoc. 19. v. 13. Gerardus, Waltherus. name at least thrice, saying, I Iohn, Chap. 1. 9. and 21. 1, 2. and 22. 8. whe… in the Gospel he never maketh mention of his name; there he writes the History of Christ, here he writes of himself, and the Revelations declared to him.
Thirdly, In the last Chapter are five testimonies heaped together, vers. 5, 6, 7, 8. 1. Of the Angels. 2. Of God himself, the Lord of the holy Prophets. 3. Of Jesus Christ, Behold I come shortly. 4. Of Iohn, I Iohn heard and saw all these things. 5. The Protestation of Jesus Christ, v. 18.
Fourthly, The matter of the Book doth convince the Authority thereof, seeing everywhere the Divinity of a Prophetical Spirit doth appear; the words and sentencesVide Bezae Pr… legomena in Apocalypsin. of other Prophets are there set down; part of the Prophecies there delivered are in the sight of the world accomplished, by which the truth and authority of the whole is undoubtedly proved; there are extant many excellent Testimonies of Christ and his Divinity, and our redemption by Christ.
Fifthly, The most ancient Fathers, Greek and Latine ascribe this Book to Iohn the Apostle. Theophylact, Origen, Chrysostome, Tertullian, Hilary, Austin, Ambrose, Iren…us.
To deny then the truth of this Book is contrasolem obloqui, to gainsay the shining of the Sun it self.
The Chiliasts abuse many testimonies out of this Book, but those places have beenNon illud receptum est quod ex verbis Apocal. cap. 20. colligerunt Chiliastae, qui ab Ecclesia explosi sunt ut Haeretici, Sanctos nempe in terris cum Christo regnaturos annis mille. Rainold. de lib. Apoc. Tom. 2. Praelect. 131. cleared long ago by the learned, as bearing another sense. See Dr Raynolds Conf. with Hart, c. 8. p. 406.
Calvin being demanded his opinion, what he thought of the Revelation, answered ingeniously (saith onerMr Selden of Tithes, cap. 1: ex Bodin. Meth. Hist. See Mountag. against him, c. 1. p. 291. See Broughton on Apoc. p. 244. Apocalypsin Iohannis Commentationibus i…tactam se relinquere fatetur Lutherus, quod dubiae sit interpretationis & arcani sensus; in qua etsi periculum sui multi hactenus fecerint, nihil certi tamen in medium protulisse. Zepperus.) He knew not at all what so obscure a writer meant. Se penitus ignorare quid velit tam obscurus scriptor.
Cajetane at the end of his Exposition of Iude, confesseth that he understand… not the literal sense of the Revelation, and therefore Exponat (saith he) cui Deus concesserit.
It consists of two and twenty Chapters; the best Expositors of it are Ribera, Mr Perkins on the first three Chapters.Brightman, Paraeus, Cartwright, Fulk, Dent, Forbes, Mede, Simonds, Foord.
1. The Scriptures written by Moses and the Prophets sufficiently prove thatConsectaries from the Books of Scripture. Christ is the Messiah that was to come; The Old Testament may convince the Jews (which deny the New Testament) of this truth, Iohn 5. 39. They, that is, those parts of Scripture written by Moses and the Prophets; there were no other ScripturesSee Luke 1. 69, 70. Acts 3. 18▪ & 10. 43. then written. The 53 of Isaiah is a large History of his sufferings. We have also another Book (or Testament) more clearly witnessing of Christ; The Gospel is the unsearchable riches of Christ, Ephes. 3. 8.
So much may suffice to have spoken concerning the Divine Canon; the Ecclesiastical and false Canon follow.