Annotations Upon the New Testament, 2 Timothy
ANNOTATIONS UPON THE Second Epistle of PAUL the Apostle, to TIMOTHY.
CHAP. I.
THere is the same Argument generally of this Epistle with the former.Exordium posteriosis Epistolae ad Timothum rectè dixeris Exordium Epistolae ad Romanos contractum. Scultetus.
Vers. 3. Whom I serve from my forefathers] or Progenitors: so Calvin. Some say Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob;Latini certè progentorum nomine, ut Graeci foreign vocabulo, complectuntur non parentes modò proximos, sed superiores quoque, qui nominibus carentes, eisdent majores vocantur. Espencaeus. foreign aliqui majores, nempe Abrahamum, Isaacum & Jacobum, & alios deinceps à quibus ortus est intelligunt; ego progenitores proximos significari puto. Scultetus. Gratias ago Deo meo, quòd quoties ad eum preces fundo, toties tui sum memor, ac pro te oro. Estius. others his naturall parents.
With pure conscience] That is, a conscience purified from the guilt of sinne by the sprinkling of the blood of Christ. 2. A conscience purified from self-ends and respects. Sincerely and without hypocrisie.
Without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day] We cannot think that Timothy was never out of his thought; but the meani…g is, when he did call upon God from day to day, he still remembred him. 1 Thess. 5.17.
Vers. 6. Stir up the gift of God which is in thee] That is, as man preserves the fire by blowing,foreign qui sopitos suscitat ignes; Est hoc verbum Genes. 45.27. suscitatur autem spiritus ille precibus dil…genti meditatione & jugi pia operatione. Grot. Scultetus in loc. so by our diligence we must kindle and revive the gifts and graces of God bestowed on us. Therefore some thinke it is a metaphor taken from a sparke kept in ashes, which by gentle blowing is stirred up till it take a flame; so Calvin, Barlow, and others. But it is better (saith Gerhard) to refer it to the Type of the Priests of the old Testament, by whose daily and continuall ministery the fire comming from Heaven was maintained: so Timothy is commanded to stir up and preserve the gifts of the Holy Ghost received, and cause them to flame and burn in him. 1 Thess. 5.19. 1 Tim 4.14. Not those gifts common to all the faithfull, faith, hope, and charity, but the particular gifts of the Spirit, as the gift of teaching in the Schools, the gift of exhorting in the Church, and perswading men the faith of Christ; the gift of Tongues. In calling it a gift he signifies an extraordinary grace of that time; but in willing him to stir it up, and not to neglect it,Thorndikes Service of God at religious Assemblies. c. 5. he sheweth that it was in him to procure it at Gods hands, by reading teaching, and praying, and the like means.
By putting on of my hands] The ceremony of laying on of hands hath been used of parents in blessing of their children Gen. 48.14. in Sacrifice Levit. 1.4. in healing of diseases, Acts 28.8. in conferring the excellent gift of the holy Ghost,Ordinatio vocatur manuū impositio, quia fit cum ceremonia impossionis manuum. Estius. Acts 8.17. and in making of Ministers; to which time these words have reference, 1 Tim. 4.14.
Vers. 9. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling] In calling he is said to save us, to set us after a sort in possession of salvation, when he cals us vocatione sancta, id est sanctificante, making us holy
According to his purpose and grace] That is, not moved by our workes, but by his purpose and grace, that is fore-purpose.Not according to our works] That is, not for the fore-knowledge of mans faith or works; marke the exclusive, when, before the world was; therefore this grace whereby we are saved, cannot be any gift of grace infused into us, unlesse it could be infused before the world was, or we were in it.
Vers. 12. Neverthelesse I am not ashamed] There is confidence; I know and am perswaded] there is faith; That he is able to keep] there is a sure preserver; That which I have committed] there is the pledge of salvation.
Here the Apostle cals his own soule foreign, because committed to God to keep to glory; in the 14 Verse the Gospell is called foreign because committed to us, to our keeping.Th… Apostle saith he committed to Gods custody a pawn or pledge, or that which he intrusted him withall; and what that is Interpreters differ. One faith his soule, another (which is all one) himselfe; his works, saith a third; a fourth addeth his sufferings; a fifth his salvation. He committed to God his soule, himselfe, his doings, his sufferings, to be rewarded with life and salvation.
Ea doctrina quae nihil insalubre habet admixtum qualia multa erant in doctrina Rabunorum & Philosophorum. Grotius.Vers. 13. Hold fast the form of sound words] Or, wholsome words, such as have a healing property in them, as the word signifies. Principles of Religion grounded on Gods Word are called sound, wholsome, or healthfull words, both in regard of their matter and substance, and also in regard of their effect, they cause and preserve good, sound and spirituall health. Form] or pattern. A metaphor, say some, from a Carpenter that worketh by rule. Hhora *Weemes out of Iunius. foreign quidam vortunt expressam formam, quidam imaginem & delineationem, quidam informationem. Gerh.foramina, a speech borrowed from Merchants who have severall boxes or holes wherein the put their severall sorts of money.
In faith and love which are in Christ Iesus] That is, sound doctrine is contained in those two heads, faith and love, both which have reference to Christ. Neither Protestant nor Papist *Mr. Ward. See Gal 5.6. Ephes. 6.23. 1 Tim. 1.14. These two were figured by the Vrim and Thummim., Calvinist nor Lutherane, Conformist nor Unconformist, but faith and love in Christ Jesus is all in all.
Dike. Translatio sumpta ab umbra aut ventulo in l…cis aest…osis. Grotius.Vers. 16. For he oft refreshed me] This is another word in Greek then is used Philem…n 7. A metaphor taken from those who being almost overcome with heate, finde some cooling; to shew how acceptable and comfortable Onesiphorus his reliefe was unto him.
Vers. 17. But when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently and found me] Therefore Paul was a prisoner at large. Found m… ] That is, came where I was. The difference between Invenire and Reperire is this; when we goe on a thing, it is invenire; when a thing comes on us we doe reperire.
CHAP. II.
foreign.Vers. 2. AMong many witnesses] Per multos testes, by many witnesses; so the Vulgar, and the French *Par plusieurs tesmoius. Fr. Bib. Vide Bezam.also, inter multos testes, so Beza and we accordingly, that is, many being present which can testifie of these things. That is, the better version. Gerhard.
Vers. 4. Entangleth himselfe] foreign, is entangled. It is a comparison *Thorndikes Right of the Church in a Christian State. Ch. 5.which St. Paul borroweth from the custome of the Romane Empire,Intangle quasi in angulum, &c. wherein Souldiers, as they were exempted from being Tutors to mens persons, or Curators to their estates, so they were forbidden to be Proctours of other mens causes, to undertake husbandry or merchandize.
Vers. 5. Strive for masteries] The Apostle hath respect to the manner of the Grecian combates,Verbum foreign ex quo athletae dicti, significat certare quocunque certandi genere, quod corpore exercetur, velut lucta, cursu, pugnis, disco, saltu. Estius. Gerh. in loc. in which those that were conquerers had a crown or garland of Herbs given them. A metaphor borrowed from Wrestlers, Justers.
Vers. 15. Rightly dividing the word of truth] Or, word for word,Similitudo ducta à victimis quae certo ritu secari debebant. Est autem & Evángelii annuntiatio sacrificum & quidem egregium. Grotius. Vide Bezam. Ex sectione sacrificatarum carnium metaphoram derivasse Apostolum ad concianotores verbi Dei, existimant nonnulli. Sed veriùs puto sumptam esse metaphoram à nutrieibus cibos in particulas & ofsulas secantibus, ut commodiù… eas glutiant parvuli quos educant. Menochius de Republica Hebraeorum. l. 2. c. 10. In Graeco est foreign rectè in partes secantem & dividentem; m…taphora à structoribus sumpta, quorum munus est ex ipsorum artis praescripto integras verbi gratiâ aves, aut alias carnes in frusta ex cutere, & partem cuique suam apponere. Nec aliunde quam à partibus convivalibus sumpta videtur metaphora illa, qaa usus est Christus Dominus Luc. 10.42. & illa qua usus est David, Psal 15.5. sumpta metaphora à symposiarchis qui quantum vini esset hauriendum praescribebant, atque ita calicis partem assignare videbantur. Idem ibid. l. 6. c. 3. Vide Fulleri Miscel. Sac. l. 3. c. 16. rightly cutting into parts the word of truth] It is a metaphor (say Gerhard, Perkins, and others) taken from the Levites who might not cut the members of the sacrifices without due consideration. The righteousnesse respects not onelyonly, or not so much the subject or word divided, as the object or persons to whom the division is to be made, in giving every one his portion, or food convenient for him; as some parts of the Sacrifices were given to the Priests, others to the people.
Vers. 16. Increase] The Greek word signifies to cut a thing before to make a passage for other things, as in some Countries they cut a passage for their sheep because of the yce.
Vers. 17. And their word will rot as doth a canker] Estius defends this translation. Calvin and others would have it rather translated a Gangrene. Seu titus, Calvin and Grotius shew that they are not the same disease. That it hath its name in Greek from eating. Physicians say that if it take hold of any member in the body, unlesse speedy remedy be found, it fretteth the flesh, blood, bones, never ceasing till the whole man be destroyed. Errour is exceeding infectious and hurts the soule, unlesse daily prevented, (as a Gangreen or running-tetter the body) 1. speedily, 2. incurably. 3. mortally. Vide Calvinum, Estium, Gerh. in loc.
Of whom is *Nuptialis, nomen haeretici negantis carnis resurrectionem à themate foreign, pellicula seu membrana virginitatis index quae primo coitu rumpitur. Pasor. Hymenaeus à nuptiarum Deo: Philetus nomen quasi Optatus, Desideratus apud Latinos. Grotius.Hymeneus and Philetus] It is not certaine who this Philetus was;Monstrat digito pestes ipsas, ut sibi ab illis omnes caveant. Calvinus. the Apostle speakes of Hymenaeus, 1 Tim. 1.20. They are Greek names, as many others in the Cities of Asia built by the Grecians. The one by interpretation is a love or wedding-song: the other, amiable, or affected.
Vers. 18. Who concerning the truth have erred] Swerved, missed the marke; Qui a veritatis scopo aberrarunt. Gerh. The Apostle useth this word thrice in these two Epistles to Timothy, by which not every errour in Religion is signified, but an errour of that kind wherein the foundation is not retained.
Saying that the resureection is past already] Denying, viz the resurrection which is to be of mens bodies at the last day, and turning it into the resurrection onelyonly of the soule from sinne.
And overthrow the faith of some] Not the grace, but the profession of faith, or else the doctrine of faith which these did hold; they were runne into errours and heresies. It is in the present tense in the Greek, by which the Apostle signifies that they doe not onelyonly persist in their errour, but also in a perverse study of propagating it. There is an Emphasis in the word subvert or overthrow, because the faith of the resurrection being taken away (as the fountaine of all Christian Religion) presently the whole fabrique of Christian Religion falls to the ground, 1 Cor. 15.13.Estius. Gerhard.
Vers. 19. Neverthelesse the foundation of God standeth sure, &c.] That is,Singula verba pondus habent; certitudo haec nititur, Primo, fundamento. Secundo, non quocunque sed firmo. Tertio, non hominis sed Dei. Quarto, non vacillante sed stante idque obsignato, idque notitiâ Dei, non simplicis tantum inspectionis, sed discernente suòs à non suis. Dr. Prid. the decree of Gods election stands firm and sure, so as those who are elected by him shall never fall away. This he declareth by a double similitude; he saith the election of God is like the foundation of a house which standeth fast though all the building be shaken. The Church of God is compared to a building, election to the foundation; A foundation is first in order of the building. 2. Highest in honour, Christ is called the foundation of foundations,Standeth su…e] Abideth firm, stable, constant, without change or alteration. Our English word sure comes from the Hebrew …zur a Rock. Barlow. Numerus certus non solum quoad numerum numerantem ut suggerunt Armimati, sed quoad numerum numeratum ut orthodoxi tenent. Esay 28.16. 3. Is the stability of a whole building. Secondly, he saith that election hath the seale of God, and therefore may not be changed. Having this seale, the Lord knoweth them that be his] Or who are his, not onelyonly how many are elected, but who they are, who be the very numericall persons. A seale is for two ends, secresie and safety; things which are sealed are made sure and authenticall; this seale hath two parts: the first concernes God in that every mans salvation is written in the book of life, and God knoweth who are his. Secondly, a second part of the seale which concerns man, and is imprinted in his heart and conscience, which also hath two branches, the gift of invocation, and a watchfull care to make conscience of all and every sinne, in these words, And let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity] whereby he signifieth that those which can call upon God, and give him thanks for his benefits, and withall in their lives make conscience of sinne, have the seale of Gods election imprinted in their hearts, and may assure themselves they are the Lords. Mr. Perkins.
Vers. 21. He shall be a vessell unto honour] That is, known or declared that he is so.
And prepared unto every good worke] The word in the originall signifieth when a man is fashioned as a Vessell is fashioned and the meaning is,Dr. Preston. that then a man is good, when his heart is fitted to good works.
Vers. 22. Flee also youthfull lusts] There are lusts peculiar to that time of life, sensuality, abuse of selfe, creatures, headstrongnesse.
Vers. 24. But be gentle unto all men, apt to teach] Where the Apostle seemeth to conclude him not to be apt to teach who is not inclined to a gentle and meek disposition.Dr. Taylor on Titus. Neque enim doctrinae locus erit nisi adsit moderatio & a quabile quoddam temperamentum. Calvinus.
Patient] The Greek word properly signifies Tolerantem majorum, one that beares evill.foreign lenem, placidum mansuetum humanum erga omnes; foreign. propriè significat drcendi donis instructum, idoneum ad docendum. Gerh. foreign, evill persons rather then evill things. Estius. Gerh.
Vers. 26. And that they may recover] Or awake themselves; Syriack, that they may be mindfull of themselves.foreign propriè è vino ad se redire, per translationem usurpatur ad liberationem ab omnibus rebus aliis quae mentem turbant, ut videre est Abac. 2.7. 1 Cor. 11.34. Grotius. The Apostle alludeth to one that is asleep or drunk, who is to be awaked, and restored to his senses. Barlow.
Out of the snares of the divell] Greek, snare of the divell; that is, pleasures, which make men as it were drunke; we are freed from these by Christ, Esay 42.7.
Who are taken captive] foreign, taken alive, as souldiers in the warres, or beasts in a toyle. The Greek word is properly a warlike word, but is more largely used, as we may see Luke 5.10.
CHAP. III.
Vers. 1. IN the last daies *Comprehendit universum Christianae Ecclesiae statum. Calvinus. foreign tempora molesta. Tribuuntur tempori istiusmodi epitheta metonymicè, propter ea quae in tempore contingunt maximè propter horum mores ac studia. Estius.] That is, all the time from Christs first to his second comming. Perilous times] Vulg. tempora periculosa. The Greek is properly difficult times, in which it is hard to consult, or to carry ones self.
Vers. 2. For men shall be lovers of their own selves] Self-love is the root of these 19 vices here mentioned. The Apostle begins with self-love, and concludes with love of pleasures; men alwaies abound with self-love, but it shall then prevaile more then in times past.
Truce-breakers] Or promise-breakers,foreign, foe difragi, infidi. for it needs not be confined to the leaving of those Covenants of Cessation from Armes betwixt enemies which we call truces, but may be understood generally of any promise or compact whatsoever.
Vers. 4. Traytors] Such as betray *foreign, proditores, amicitiae desertores.those who put their confidence in them.
Heady] Such as flye before they should; foreign.
High-minded] Such as are puffed up with pride, shew it outwardly foreign.
Lovers of pleasures more then lovers of God] There is an elegant paronomasia in the Greeke, foreign.
Vers. 6. For of this sort are they which creep into houses] Syriacke creepe like Ferrets, or Weesils.Vide Fulleri Miscell. Sac. l. 3. c. 14. & Bezam. Vulg. ex his enim sunt qui penetrant domos. Graecum foreign, hîc idem est quod foreign, penicus seu in profundum ingredi, in penitiorem recessum se abdere. Ambrosiaster legit, qui irrepunt in domos. Locus parralleis, habetur, Tit. 1. v. 11. Gerh. in loc.
Vers. 8. As Iannes and Iambres *Jannes & Jambres qui fuerint, docent Hebraet, Graeci & Latini Scriptores. Apud Nathanum etiam Hebraeum autorem Lexici juris, scribit Drusius, se invenisse: eos principes magorum Pharaonis fuisse, ac Mosi edenti miracula restitisse. Scultetus.withstood Moses, so doe these also resist the truth] The series of the speech seemed to require that he should say, as Iannes and Iambres resisted Moses so doe these also resist us. But he alters his stile, and saith more emphatically they resist the truth, that he may shew that their opposition is not so much against men preaching the truth of the Gospell, as against truth it selfe; and therefore against God who is the first truth: Estius and Gerh. in loc. It is likely they were therefore two (saith Calvin) because as God raised up Moses and Aaron as two Captaines for his people, so Pharaoh would have so many Magicians to oppose them.
Vers. 12. Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Iesus, shall suffer persecution] There is a kind of godlinesse, which may be free from persecution;Causis sufficientibus positis in actu necessariò ponitur effectus. They have enemies enough. but if one will live godly up to the rule and principles which Christ hath given, he shall be subject to persecution.
Vers. 13. But evill men and seducers aforeign propriè significat incantatores ac praestigiatores, deinde generaliter usurpatur pro impostoribus ac deceptoribus. Estius. Gerh.shall wax worse and worse] That is, evill men who are seducers, or among all evill men, especially seducers.
Vers. 15. And that from a Childe, thou hast known the holy Scriptures] foreign, from his Child-hood, yea from his infancy as the word properly signifies,Mr. Hildersam. Mos erat & est nunc qucque Indaeorum, à prima aetate quae literarum capax est, sacra scripta legenda dare pueris. Grotius. Vide Gerh. et Espencaeum. in loc. from thine infancie say the Rhemists who yet cannot endure that Children should be put to the reading of the Scriptures. See Estius.
Here is a large praise of the knowledge of God; in the commendation we have
1. Of whom: Timothie, a Child:
2. For what
1 Act, knowledge.
2. Subject, Scripture, set out by the adjunct holy; effect, make wise to salvation.
Vers. 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God] foreign. Because he had exhorted Timothy to the reading of the Scripture, therefore he here commends it, 1. From the authority. 2. From the profit of it, not onelyonly the sentences, but the severall words, and the order, and the whole disposition of them is from God, as speaking or writing by himselfe;Rom. 15.4. Consolation is added, but that may be comprehended here under doctrine or instruction. this is to be divinely inspired saith Estius.
Is profitable.] Shewing that the word of God must never be medled withall but for some profit. Then particularly he sheweth wherein the profit consists.
For doctrine] That is, to teach men what to know, and beleeve.
Reproofe] Of errour and false opinions.
Correction] Of ill behaviour.
And instruction] In good behaviour.
Vers. 17. That *Verisimile est Apostolum respicere ad illud, quod in V. T. Prophetae peculiariter vocabantur viri Dei. 1 Sam. 9. v. 5. 1 Reg. 17. v. 18.2. Reg. 4. v. 7 Gerh. Quod si scriptura sacra doctoribus sufficit, quidni sufficiat auditoribus? Scultetus.the man of God] Meaning not any man, but the Minister, 1 Tim. 6.11. 1 Cor. 4.1. Yet not one particular person, but the whole calling.
May be perfect, thoroughly furnished] That is, sufficiently instructed to execute all the parts of his office.
Bellarmine, and Andradius, make themselves merry here, and say that the word profitable never notes sufficiency; but the same Greek word is used, 1 Tim. 4.8. for sufficient.
The Scripture is so profitable, that a Doctor of the Church may thence confirme the true doctrine, and confute false; may instruct and mend his manners, and be made wise to obtaine salvation; therefore it is perfect. That which containes all things necessary, containes a sufficient doctrine. Classicus hic locus est, ex quo Scripturae perfectio contra Pontificios demonstratur. Gerh. in loc.
But Estius saith the Apostle here speakes onelyonly of the old Testament; for Timothy could not from his Child-hood know the Bookes of the New Testament, since they were not then extant. To that we answer with Calvin, that for the substance there was nothing added; for the Apostles writings are but an explication of the Law and Prophets, together with an exhibition of the things. And if the Old Testament alone were profitable for all these ends, then much more now is the whole Scripture, the new being also added.
CHAP. IV.
Vers. 1. I Charge thee therefore before God and the Lord Iesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing] As if he should say,Hildersam. Thou canst never answer it unto God, and unto Jesus Christ at the day of judgement, if thou doe it not.
Vers. 2. *Huc pertinet ista terribilis obtestatio; scilicet ut officium praedicationis, ac coetera quae sunt hominis Dei munia, dil…genter & constanter exequatur. Estius. Quibus verbis significat, multis stimulis opus esse ad nos impellendos ut in recto cursu progrediamur. Calvinus.When the Apostle foretelleth, that in these latter times men should have itching eares, he prescribeth to Timothy this remedy to cure it, preach the word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine, as if he should say, teach diligently, zealously, profitably; using not onelyonly doctrine, but application, grounding thy exhortations, and reproofes, substantially upon sound doct…ine. Hildersam.
Stand much upon it, id est, … operi, instanter age quod agendum est. Estius. Saint Austen expounds it in a word, opportunè volentibus, importunè nolē tibus; in season, to the willing, out of season to the unwilling. The Greek Commentators refer this to the Preacher, when it is commodious, or incommodious for him; others to the hearer, when he is willing and unwilling. See Estius.Preach the word] It is not onelyonly a toleration, but a peremptory command.
Be instant] The Greeke word signifies, to stand to or over a businesse; our English word expresseth it fully; to be instant in a businesse, imports two things, earnestnesse, and diligence.
In season] May be understood two wayes, 1. It may be taken for the ordinary set time appointed, and set apart for this exercise, the Lords day, Marke 6.2. Luke 4.16. Act. 13, 14. and 20.7. 2. At such times and seasons, when the word may be most acceptable, most profitable unto the hearers.
Out of season] Not in it selfe or in truth, but in the opinion of men.
This duty of the Ministery, is twice pressed upon them, reprove, rebuke. See 58. Esay. 1.
Rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering] Titus 1.13. There is a precept to reprove sharply. Some consider the persons to whom the Apostle writ these things, the one was Timothy who (they say) was severe and austere,Doctor Taylor on Titus. and therefore is exhorted to patience and meekenesse: the other Titus, who was gentle and meek of nature; and therefore spurred unto sharpnesse and severity. Others draw the difference from the people, over whom they were set; the Cretians were hard and refractary, full of bad qualities the Ephesians among whom Timothy was sent, were of some better temper, and disposition: and therefore were to be mildly dealt withall.
Vers. 5. Do the work of an Evangelist] *Hanorisica officij mentio tam ad …um animandum quam ad commendandam aliis ejus authoritatem valet: quorum utrunque spectavit Paulu…. Calvinus. Hoc est, ita partes omnes Ministerii tui exequere, ut omnes intelligant te rem seriam agere & in Evangelij Praedicatione proram & puppim salut… humanae positam esse. Scultetus.That is, which is worthy of an Evangelist, therefore say some, Timothy must needs be an Evangelist; and so no Bishop.
Some by the name of an Evangelist, signifie in generall a Preacher of the Gospell; but these are rather meant saith Calvin, which the Apostle used as companions in executing, their office, Act. 21.8. Eph. 4.11. As if he had said, doe thou Timothy that which becomes thee in thy place and calling, faithfully and with conscience, for I have so done in my place and calling; I have done my duty conscionably and faithfully; and stood against all opposition to the contrary, and now I am ready to be offered as a drinke offering, Phil. 2.17. and to depart this life; though Estius oppose this. Immolor ac libor more sacrificii, Metaphorae ratio à sacrificiis V. T. ducta, quibus addebantur olim libamina. Gerh. in loc. Vide plura ibid. Vide Calvinum & à Lapide.
Vers. 7. J have fought a good fight] foreign, Certamen illud praeclarum certavi, Beza. I have fought that excellent fight, a fight by wrestling; the Apostle useth this Metaphore also, 1 Cor. 9.25. He addes this partly for his own comfort, and partly to provoke Timothy to imitate him.
I have finished my course] As the first Metaphore was taken from a stout Champion, so this is taken from a strong runner. He compares himselfe to those which run in a race, which Metaphore he also useth and joynes it with the former, 1 Cor 9 24.26
I have kept the faith] This third Metaphore is taken from a brave Souldier, he was faith…ull to his Generall, 1 Cor. 4.2.
Vers. 8. Henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of righteousnesse] As if he had said, I have finished my course, and done my duty in my place;Metaphora militū & cursorum, quibus corona praemii loco solet proponi. Estius. Corona ut scribit Carolus Paschalius de coro…a, signat absolutionem, con…ummationem, perfectionem, & evinciendo capiti destinatur, quae eminentissima & absolutissima pars est totius humanae compaginis. Corona est, ultra cujus excellentiam mortalium vota non extenduntur. Hinc summū omnium praemiorum sunt Coronae Hinc est, quod coronare quando que est remunerare, & corona remuneratio. Corona denique non qualecunque praemium notat▪ sed praemium victoriae, hoc est, pugnando, vincendo partum. Ubi durior pugna, ibi gloriosior est victoria, inquit Severus Sulpitius in Dial. Scultetus in loc. and hereby I know and am assured that henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of righteousnesse.
Vers. 10. Having loved this present world] The word signifies,Mr. Fenner. Vide Calvinum Bezam & Grotium. and so other translations render it, he embraced this present world, that is, the affections of his heart had a sympathy with it, as the Ive with the Elme, he embraced it.
Vers. 13. The Cloake that I left at Troas with Carpus] Ierome, Chrysostome and Theophylact say it was a kind of garment for a journey, which he used when it was raignie weather, or the season cold; Paul therefore being in prison, and the weather cold,Menoch. de Repub. Heb. l. 6. c. 7. and he unwilling to be burdensome, being content with his poverty, he caused that garment to be brought him which he wore in cold weather.
But especially the Parchments] Which may appear to be Note-bookes of his own making; the Syriacke translateth it falciculum voluminum, Mr. Hildersam,the bundle of writings folded up together; for they used then Parchment to write in, as we doe Paper now. So Gerhard and others.
Vers. 14. Alexander the Copper-smith did me much evill] This Alexander is conceived to be the man of whom we read,Per foreign inte…liguntur schedae pelliceae, in quibus Paulus quaedam scitu digna ad juvandam memoriam annotaverat, unde velut de iis singulariter solicitus dicit, Maximè membranas. Estius & Gerh. in loc. Act. 19.32. that stood to Paul when he was in that danger at Ephesu… ; there he had like to have lost his life for appearing on his side. So Calvin. Others doubt whether this Alexander be the same with him mentioned 1 Tim. 1.20. Vide Estium.
Vers. 15. For he hath greatly with-stood our word] Not us but our words, our Preaching; for the one is but a personall persecution and against charity; the other a doctrinall offence, and against pietie and so more hainous.
Vers. 17. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the Lion] That is, out of the mouth of Nero say aBeza à Lapide. Dr. Hall. Vide Euseb. Hist. Eccles. l. 2. c. 22.some so called for his power and cruelty, because he horribly persecuted the Christians. Or as some (taking it for a proverbiall *Proverbialiter dictum pro è summo discrimine, & usurpatur ubi alicui ex insperato salus obtigit. Nam quem leo ore prehenderit quasi extra spem esse liberationis legitur Psal. 22.22. Drus. Prov. Class. 2. l. 3.speech, noting any eminent danger) I was delivered from the extreamest hazard of death; even as a man rescued out of a Lyons mouth, and pull'd from between his teeth. So Calvin and Estius.
foreign, doth not signifie properly liberatus sum, as the vulgar hath rendred it, but ereptus sum, for the Apostle doth not meane that he was freed from his bonds, since he was in bonds when he wrote this Epistle, but that he was snatcht out of the present danger which was then feared. Gerh. in loc. ex Estio.
Speeds Chron. l. 6. c. 9. ex Matthew Parker. Archbishop of Caut.Vers. 21. Linus] This is that Linus, who was after Bishop of Rome, as Eusebius thinketh l. 3. c. 2. Claudia) an English (or rather Brittish) woman went to Rome, converted by Paul, married a Roman Gentleman, who for his parts was called Pudens as here, but before called Rufus. It was thought she sent the Gospell first into England.