The Key of the Bible, Biblical commentary · Part 2 · Section 1
I. HISTORICAL BOOKS.
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS of the New Testament are such a… containe principally matters of Fact, though matters of Faith and Doctrine are also interwoven. The Histories of the New Testament, are I. Of Christ the head of the Church. II. Of the Church of Christ, his body.
The HISTORY OF JESUS CHRIST himselfe is contained in the Foure Evangelists, wherein Christs Genealogy, Nativity, Life, Doctrine, Miracles, Death, Resurrection and Ascension, are described. Matthew, Mark, Luke and Iohn, are usually called by way of emphasis, The foure Evangelists, because they alone wrote the Evangelicall History of Iesus Christ. Matthew and Iohn were Apostles Matth. 10.23. Mark 3.18, 19. Mark and Luke were (though not Apostles, yet) holy Apostolicall men, the Apostles disciples, Companions and assistants in the work of the Ministry.
The generall and common Scope of these foure Histories, and of the writing of them is that which Iohn expresseth in particular, viz. That we might believe that Iesus is the Christ, the sonne of God; and that beleeving we might have life through his name, John 20.31. Particular ends, and occasions may be noted in the particular considerations of them.
This one History of Iesus Christ, is written by foure severall Penmen. The Reasons thereof are worthy to be inquired into.
Ancient writers (who much please themselves with the mysteriousnesse of Numbers) have excogitated divers; Some fetch a Reason from the foure Rivers of Paradise. Origen. Some, from the foure rings of the Ark wherein the the Tables of the law were contained, Hieronym. Some from the foure chief, Cardinall winds Iraen. Advers. Haeres. l. 3. c. 11. Some thinke that the Gospel being to be dispersed to the whole world, the world being divided into foure chiefe parts, therefore there were foure-Evangelists, and hence this History of Christ, written by foure Evangelists, is called Sancta Quadriga Domini i. e. The Lords chariot drawn of foure, wherein Christ rides as in triumph throughout the world, to spread abroad the sweet odour of his knowledge, &c. D. Aurel. Augustin. de consensu. Evangelistarum, lib. 1. c. 5, 6, 7. Tom. 4. August. Expos. in Evang. Ioan. Tract. 36. Iraen. quo supra Most accommodate that of the four *Haec autem animalia tria, sive leo, sive homo, sive vitulus in terra gradiuntur: unde isti tres Evangelistae in his maximè occupati sunt, quae Christus in carne operatus, & quae precepta mortalis vitae exercendae carnem▪ portantibus tradidit. At vero Joannes super nubila infirmitat…s Humanae velut Aquila volat, & lucem incommutabilis veritatis acutissimis atque firmissimis o…ulis cordit in…u… tur. Aug. de consens. Evang… de 1. c. 6. Tom. 4.living creatures, Ezek▪ 1.5. and Rev. 4.6. to the number of the Evangelists, but severally. Ambrose gives, the Man to Matthew, who begins with Christs pedigree; The Lyon to Mark, who begins his History of the Lyon-like ministry of Iohn Baptist, that Evangelicall Elias, Christs immediate forerunner; The Calfe to Luke, who begins▪ his Gospel with the Nativity of Christ, and that in a stable, there being no room for him in the Inne; and the Eagle to Iohn, who in the beginning of his Gospel soares aloft to that high mystery of Christs Divinity and Godhead, D. Ambros. Praefat. in Evang. secund. Luc. But leave we these notions of wit, which seem rather to be similitudes, allusions, or Allegories, used for illustration, rather then Arguments for demonstration, why these foure should write our blessed Saviours History.
We may rather conceive Christs History was written by these foure.
1. Because God, who appointed many witnesses of Christs doctrine and works, &c. not only to Ierusalem, all Iudea, and Samaria, but to the utmost parts of the earth, Act. 1.8. & 10.39, 41, 24. did peculiarly stirre up these foure persons by his spirit to this work; for holy men writ who were moved, and as moved by the Holy Ghost, 2 Pet. 1.20, 21.
2. This History of Christ, is the History of Histories, of greatest worth in it selfe, and concernement to us: and likely to be most opposed by the Devil, & the wicked world, &c. therfore God (that requires two or three witnesses, for confirmation of things, Deut. 17. 6. Heb. 10.28.) makes use of foure witnesses to write Christs story, that by the writings of foure, every thing might he established, beyond suspition.
3. That we may see the authority of the Gospel, depends not upon the Penmen thereof, but upon the Holy Ghost that indites it, and therefore this History is written, not only by Matthew and Iohn, Apostles, who were eye and earewitnesses of what Christ did and spake; but also by Mark and Luke the Apostles followers, who stedfastly believed the Apostles report, Luk. 1.1, 2. though not… eye-witnesses themselves, yet were incited thereto by the spirit.
4. That this Gospel-History might be compleated, one explaining what another left obscure, for matter or order, one supplying what another had omitted, As, Matthew, who wrote first, (as Pareus thinks Proem. in Matth. p. 599.) viz. in the ninth yeare after Christs ascension, for the most part relates the things done, but seldome insists upon the order of doing them. Mark who wrote next, viz. in the tenth yeare after Christs ascension, briefly relates what Matthew did more largely, (Mark being as an Abstract, or Epitome of Matthew,) but withall he more insists upon the ordering and timing of things done. Luke, who wrote in the fifteenth year, after Christs ascension, having seen others writings, propounds to himselfe to write of things from the very first, and that methodically; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of things, from the very first, to write unto thee in Order, Luke 1.3. In many things he shews the order of things by circumstances, and in most agrees with Mark, whence Tertullian cals Lukes Gospel, Digestum Historiae Evangelicae, i. e. An orderly digesting of the Evangelicall Story: but sometimes things manifest in Matthew and Mark, he puts not in their own place. Iohn who wrote his Gospel in the two and thirtieth yeare after Christs ascension, professedly, (as Eusebius in hist. Eccles. testifies) addes the Acts of Christ in the first yeare of his Ministry, omitted by the rest. And in the rest of his History, he not only insists much upon Christs doctrine not formerly spoken to, but also expressely notes the Feasts of certaine distinct years, incident in the time of Christs ministry, intimating that the Evangelicall History penned by others, should be distributed into certain years, according to those Feasts.
5. Finally, though the Holy Ghost could by one and the same contexture of words, have given us the History of Christs words and deeds, (as Gerson noteth) yet not without some great mystery therein, he pleased, sub quadam concordissima, (si it a dicipossit) dissonantia —i. e. under a certain Harmonious & most concording dissonancy, (if we may so speake) to excite the mindes of the faithfull, to the more humble and vigilant investigation of the truth; that so it might appear, the foure Evangelists) did not speak by mutuall Conspiration, but by divine Inspiration.
Matthew.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW. The English word [Gospel] comes from the old Saxon word, [Godspel] i. e. Good speech ▪ The Greek word signifies Good-tydings, or a Good-Message: This word Gospel in New Testament, is of severall acceptations. It is used.
1. In bad sense for a false pretended Gospel, Gal. 1.6, 7.
2. In good sense and that either
1. Properly, and so the word is used, either
1. Generally, For the Doctrine or Promise of salvation freely by Christ to all that will believe. Thus the Gospel is everlasting, Rev. 14.6. one and the same under Old and New Testament, Gal. 3.8.
2. Specially, for the Doctrine of grace in accomplishing the Promise by Christ exhibited, this is peculiar to the New Testament Rom. 1.1.2. 2 Cor. 4.4.
2. Metonymically.
1. For the Preaching, or Ministery of the Gospel, 1 Cor. 9.12.14.
2. For the History of Christ, who is the prime Subject of the Gospel. Thus the Books of the four Evangelists are called Gospells.
This Book is called The Gospel according to Mat. because he was Penman of it. Matthew, an Hebr. name, in Syriack foreign Mattha, some derive it from foreign Mas. i. e. Tribute, others from foreign Mathach, i. e. to extend, to explaine, &c. So that Matthew should sound as much as, An explainer, viz. of Scripture. But rather it is to be deriv'd from foreign Nathan i. e. he hath given or bestowed, whence foreign Matthan, A gift; so Matthew no…es a Gift, viz. of God, vid. Greg. Gregori Lexicon sanctum, Sect. 858. p. 641. Matthew was also surnamed Levi, in Hebr. i. e. associated, Mark. 2.14. Luk. 5.29. so he had two names. He was the sonne of Alpheus Mark. 2.14. By profession a publicane, sitting at the Receipt of Custome, Luk. 5.27. Mark. 2.14. with Matth. 9.9. his calling was very infamous among the Jews, yet Christ cals him from the Receipt of custome, to be a disciple, who presently obeyed, and made Christ a great feast, Luk. 5.27, 28.29. Mark 2.14, 15. Matth. 9.9, 10. He was one of the twelve Apostles. Matth. 10.3. Penman of this book, Authority whereof was never questioned by the Church of Christ. He is called, A most faithfull Commentator of the Gospel, by Tertul. lib. de carne Christi, c. 22. p. 310. edit Franeher, 1597. He preached the Gospel to sinners, not only by word, but by exemplary correcting his own life▪ Chrysost. in Praesat. oper. imperfect.
Matthew wrote his Gospel as some think in the one and twentieth yeare after Christs ascension, Iraen. l. 3. c. 1. Or the fifteenth yeare, As Nicephorus l. 2. c. 45. Or the ninth yeare after Christs ascension, as Pareus Proem. in Matth. p. 599. and Alsted in Praecog. Theol. l. 2. c. 123. p. 710
Occasion of Matthews Gospel, some declare thus. Matthew after he had first preached to the Hebrews, and thence was to go to the Gentiles, he committed his Gospel to writing; that so he might supply and compensate his absence by his writing, left behind with them, Euseb. Hist. Eccles. l. 3, c. 24. and out of him Nicephorus l. 2. c. 45
The language, in which Matthew wrote, some thinke was Hebrew; tha… he being an Hebrew, wrote in Hebrew to the Hebrews, divers Ancient writers embrace this opinion, Iraen. l. 3. c. 1. Athan…s. in Synops. p. 141. Euseb. Hist. Eccles. l. 3. c. 24. Nazianz. in Carm. Hieron. Praefat. in 4. Evang. ad Damas. & in c. 11. Hoseae. August de consens▪ Evang. l. 1. c. 2. Nicephor. l. 4. c. 32. And that it was translated into Greek, By Iohn the Evangelist, as some; By Iames, as o…hers; By Luke and Paul, as others; By Mark, as o…hers are of opinion. Some thinke he wrote not in pure Hebrew, but in Syriack, being the Dialect then most commonly used, Alsted. Praecog. Theol. l. 2. c. 123. But others Judge, Matthew wrote not his Gospel originally in Hebrew, but in Greek, and that upon these grounds▪ 1. The Hebrew Gospel of Munsterus his Edition is such for language, as it is improbable it should be written by Matthew, or any other skilfull in the Hebrew tongue. 2. The same Authors who report Matthew, to have writ in Hebrew, acknowledge the Greek Gospel of Matthew in the Apostles times, to be commended to the Church as Authentick. Iren. l. 3. c. 39. Hieron. in Catal. illustr. Euseb. l. 3. c. 34. and 39. and l. 5. c. 10. &c. 3. The other Apostles originally wrote in the Greek tongue, (as then most common) and that not only promiscuously to all both Jewes and Gentiles, but peculiarly when they wrote to the Iewes. As Author of the Epistle to Hebrews, Peter, Iames. And their Apostolicall function required them to write in the most knowne tongue, as most to edifying. 4. Matthew's stile plainly agrees with Mark's, differs not much from Iohn's, and though therein there be some Hebraismes, so there are in most books of the New Testament ▪ 5. Matthew interprets Hebrew names by Greek, therefore he wrote in Greek not in Hebrew, e. g. Immanuel Matth. 1.23. Golgotha, Matth. 27.33. Eli Eli lamasabachtani, Matth. 27.46. 6. None can certainly tell who should be the Author of the Greek version, if Matthew wrote in Hebrew. And this opinion tends to destroy the credit and authority of Matthew's Gospel in Greek.
Stope, To evidence to all, but especially to the beleeving Hebrews, with whom he had preached, that this Iesus Christ, was the true Messiah; the true promised seed of David and Abraham, Matth. 1.1.
Principall parts. This History describes.
I. Christs Birth, and there, His Genealogy, Conception, Nativity, Place where, and some Consequents thereupon, c. 1.2.
II. Christs Life, wherein are deciphered,
1. The things done in reference to Christs threefold office. viz. I. Priestly; His inauguration by Iohns publike promulgation, c. 3. II. Kingly, he combates with Sathan and conquers him, c. 4. III. Propheticall, which he executed. 1. Alone by himselfe, and that either, As a Prophet only, teaching, 1 The Causes of Godlinesse, c. 5. 2 The Duties of Godlinesse, c. 6. 3 The impediments unto Godlinesse, c. 7. As a Prophet and King joyntly, doing miracles, c. 8. and 9. 2. Together with, or by his Apostles in their mjnistry, c. 10.
2. The authority and esteem that Christ had. 1. With his owne, c. 11. 2. With others, both 1 Ecclesiasticall Persons who conferred with him, that they might ensna…e him and accuse him, c. 12. 2 And Politicall, whether with the people, who flocked no heare him preach. c. 13. Or with the Magistrate, Herods opinion of him, c. 14.
III. Christs death. Set forth by the Antecedents, Manner, and Consequents of it.
I. By the Antecedents of it, comprised in his journey to Ierusalem, wherein no…e,
1. Whence he went, the terme from which, viz. From Galilee, c. 15. compared with c. 19. 1. while Christ was in Galilee. 1. He answers the Pharisees and Sadduces about a signe, c. 16. 2. He is transfigured to encourage both himselfe and his Apostles against his passion, c. 17. 3. He preacheth humility and love to his disciples, c. 18.
2. What way he went, viz. through the coasts of Iudea, where are recorded his words and deeds, c. 19. and 20.
3. Whither he went, the terme to which, viz. To Ierusalem. Here are declared, 1. How he was entertained at Ierusalem, c. 21. 2. What he did there, viz. He disputed with Sadduces and Pharisees, c. 22. Accused the Pharisees of Hypocrisy, &c. c. 23. Foretold Ierusalems destruction, and the signes of his comming to Judgement, c. 24. Admonisheth all to prepare for the last judgement, and describeth it. c. 25.
II. By the manner of his death, where note 1. The Preface, or Harbenger of it, his Agony in the Garden, Iudas his Treachery, &c. c. 26. 2. The Progresse made to bring him to his end, both in the Ecclesiasticall and Civil consistory. c. 27. 3. The Consummation of his passion, c. 27.
III. By the Consequents of his death, c. 28.
Mark.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK. So denominated from Mark the Penman of it.
MARK, some derive from the Hebr. foreign Marak. i. e. He hath polished, &c. As Hebrewes. Others rather take it to be a Latine name (made a Denizon in the Greek tongue) and derived from the monethmonth of March, because Mark was borne in that monethmonth, it being usuall so to denominate men that were born in March, Probus. He was also called Iohn Act. 12.12. & 15.37. viz. Iohn Mark. His Father seemes not to be mentioned in Scripture. His mother was that Mary in whose house they were praying for Peter, when Peter brought out of prison by the Angel, came and knockt at the doore, Act. 12.12. He was cousin to Barnabas, his Sisters Son, Col. 4.10. Though he was not an Apostle, yet he was an Apostolicall man. Some think he was one of the 70 Disciples. Hieronym ▪ If so, he both heard and saw Christ. However he was the follower of Paul and Barnabas, Act. 12.25. And they had him to their Minister, Act. 13.5. Afterwards when there arose a sharp controversie betwixt Paul and Barnabas about Mark; Paul and Barnabas departed a sunder, and Barnabas took Mark along with him to Cyprus, Act. 15.37, 38, 39. And after this (as some thinke) Mark lived with Peter, who cals him Marcus my sonne, 1 Pet. 5.13. From whose mouth he wrote the Gospel, as some think, yet others are of opinion, there were two Marks, Vid▪ Iacob. Laurent. in 1 Pet. 5.13. Irenaeus stiles him The Disciple and interpreter of Peter. Iraen. advers. Heraes. l. 3. c. 1. p. 229. edit. Colon. 1596.
Mark wrote his Gospel two yeares after Matthew, as some think, vid. Annotat. in Irenaeum quo supr. p. 229.230. And he wrote it upon occasion of the request of some Brethren at Rome, as some conceive. Epiphan Haeres. 51. Euseb. Eccles. Hist. l. 6. c. 11. & l. 1. c. 15. Niceph. lib. 2. c. 15. Hieron. Catal. illust. That conceit of Baronius that he wrote his Gospel in Latin, is rejected as groundlesse. Gerh. loc. com. de Sac. Script. exeg. c. 9. §. 244.
Scope; To describe the true Christ, and to prove that Iesus is the Christ. And this he doth compendiously, as Matthew had done before more Copiously. He also notes the Series and Order of the History.
Principall parts. An Historicall Narration of Christs life, and death is orderly and compendiously laid down;
I. Christs life and conversation is described,
1. By his fore-runner Iohn Baptist, c. 1.
2. By things done by Iesus Christ, either,
1. Before his transfiguration; as the Oracles which he preached, and the Miracles which he wrought; The splendour and glory of both which are much augmented, both by men, and by God. I. By men, and those both Christs friends, and Christs Foes, 1. Christs friends, as By Matthewes calling to the Apostleship, c. 2. By the 12 Apostles being sent forth to preach, c. 3. By the peoples flocking together to heare Christs Doctrine, c. 4.5. 2. Christs foes, viz, By Christs own Country-men that despised him, c. 6. By the Scribes and Pharisees, cavilling at him and his Disciples, c. 7.8. II. By God, in his trans-figuration, c. 9.
2. In his Trans-figuration, c. 9.
3. After his trans-figuration, where we have Christs acts.
1. Before his entring into the Holy City, c. 10.
2. At his entring into Ierusalem, c. 11.
3. After his entrance, his 1. Disputation with the Scribes, Pharises, Sadduces, Herodians. c. 12. 2. Predictions of Ierusalem's destruction, and the end of the world, c. 13.
II, Christs Passion and Death, is set forth,
1. By the Antecedents of it, c. 14.
2. By the manner of it, c. 15,
3. By the Consequents of it. His Buriall, Resurrection, Ascension, &c. c. 15.16.
Luke.
THe Gospel according to LUKE. So denominated from Luke the Penman of it,
LUKE some account an Hebrew name foreign Lokam, i. e. To him the Resurrection; Theophilact thinkes, that Luke and Cleophas first met Christ after his Resurrection. But this is lesse probable, because Luke testifies, that he wrote this History of Christ, according as things were delivered to him by Ministers of the word, that were eye-witnesses—Luke 1.1.2. Others rather count Luke a Latin name from Lucius. Lucius derived a Luce Oriente, i. e. from the morning light, they were wont to impose this name upon such as were borne in the morning, about Sun-rising, &c. He was of Antioch in Syria, as Hieronym. and Theophylact. By particular vocation, a Physician, Luke the beloved Physition, Col. 4.14. And some think he was a most excellent Painter. Niceph. l. 6. c. 16. & l. 15. c. 14. He was a faithfull and constant companion of Paul, 2 Tim. 4.11. His fellow labourer, Philem. 24. And some think Luke is intended by that brother whose praise is in the Gospel throughout all the Churches, 2 Cor. 8.18. Bez. in loc. intimates this was Hierom's opinion. Though Chrysostome rather thinks it was Barnabas, to whom Calvin subscribes, Calv. in loc. Piscat in loc. Luke was an inseparable Companion of Paul and his fellow-worker in the Gospel; saith Irenalis l. 3. c. 14. Pauls follower; and though not an Apostle, yet Apostolicall; saith Tertull. advers. Marcion. l. 4. c. 2. That Luke was most skilfull in the Greek tongue, not onelyonly Hieronym. in Isaiah c. 6. testifies; but also his very stile cleerly evidenceth. Whereupon one saith, It is known to the learned, that Luke observed a more pure Hellenisme then the rest of the Evangelists, Causab. Exerc. 2. c. 1. Paul converted Luke at The…es, think Hieronym. Eusebius ▪ and Niceporus. Luke lived a single life, and taught first in France, Italy, Macedonia, and Dalmatia; thinks Epiphan. His death is variously reported; he lived 84 yeares saith Hieron. in Catal. and then dyed in Bithynia. Hicrony. in Catal. At Ephesus, thinks Dorotheus. He was hanged on a fruitfull Olive-tree; thinks Nicephorus.
He wrote his Gospel about fifteene yeeres after Christs Ascension Niceph. and that in the parts of Achaiah, Hieronym.
Occasion of his writing, some say was the appointment of Peter or Paul, that's doubtfull. Probably the request of Theophilus (supposed to be some eminent Senator) to whom he directs both his Gospel, and the Acts. Though some take this name Theophilus, for any go…ly man, Lover of God. Luke himselfe cleerely sets down one occasion, viz. The unsuccessefull attempts of many who wrote false Gospels, Luke 1.1.2.
Scope, Besides the generall ayme of all the Evangelists, Luke seemes particularly to intend to supply what others had omitted, and to record thing… from the very first, and that methodically in order; that Theophilus might know the certainty of things wherein he had been instructed, Luke 1.3, 4.
Principall parts. In Lukes Evangelical History, are,
I. The Preface to the whole History c. 1. v. 1, 2, 3, 4.
II. The Body of the History it selfe, which containes a Narration of,
I. Christs life, Private or publique.
1. Private where 1. Of things before his Nativitie, and of his conception, c. 1. 2. Of his Nativity it selfe, and his education, c. 2.
2. Publique in the Ministery of the Gospel, where are, I. His instalment into his publique Ministry, c. 3. II. His executing of his Ministry. 1. By himselfe alone, both in teaching, c. 4. and in acting, c. 5. 2. By his Disciples also, which Disciples are either, Primary, the 12 Apostles called and instructed, c. 6, 7, 8. And sent forth, …. 9. Or secondary, as the 70 Disciples sent to preach, c. 10.
II. Christs Death is described.
1. By the Antecedents of it, viz. Christs words and workes in his journey to Hierusalem; here are considerable,
1. The terme from which Christ went, from Galile c. 9. v. 51.
2. His passage it selfe, wherein Christ discoursed of Gods worship and service, inward, and outward.
1. Inward, as 1. Prayer, c. 11. 2. Faith, c. 12. 3. Repentance, whereof are laid down, The Motives c. 13. The impediments, c. 14. The effects or fruits, c. 15.
2. Outward, viz. 1. Of eschewing evil, i. e. The abuse of riches c. 16. And scandall c. 17. 2. Of doing good duties, c. 18.
3. The terme to which he came, viz. to Ierusalem, where of his 1. Entertainment c. 19. 2. Disputation, c. 20. 3. Prophecy c 21.
2, By the manner of it. Beginning of his Passion, c. 22. Progresse c. 23. Period, c. 23.
3. By the consequents of his death, c. 24.
John.
THe Gospel according to JOHN. This book is thus intituled from the Penman of it, viz. Not Iohn the Baptist (as he is surnamed Luke 1.63.) Nor Iohn surnamed Marke, Act. 15.37. but Iohn the Apostle, compare Matth. 10.2. with John 21.20, 24. This is the Disciple which testifyeth of these things, and wrote these things. He wrote also three Epistles; and the Revelation in Patmos. JOHN is Originally an Hebrew name, viz. foreign Iochanan. 1 Chron 12.22. Ierem. 40.13. it is also sometimes written foreign I…hochanan, as in 1 Chron. 26.3. It is compounded of foreign Iehovah, the proper and essentiall name of God, and foreign chanan i. e. He hath been gracious; whence comes foreign chen i. e. Grace; so that IOHN imports, THE LORD HATH BEEN GRACIOUS; or, THE GRACE OF THE LORD. This Iohn was the sonne of Zebedee, and brother of Iames, all of them Fishermen by trade: Matth. 4.21. and 10.2. Mark 1.19. Luke 5.10. Salome (mentioned Mark 15 40. and 16.1.) is supposed to be Iohn's mother. As Iohn was with his Father, and Brother in the Ship, mending their nets, Jesus called him and his Brother, Matth. 4.21. Luke 5.10. It is thought that Iohn lived a single life: yet some are of opinion that Iohn was the Bridegroome at Cana in Galilie. Ioh. 2.1.9. It is certain; that Iohn was one1 of the three whom Christ took up with him to mount Tabor to behold his trans-figuration, Matth. 17.1. &c. Mark 9.2. Luke 9.28. &c. And z one of the two, whom Christ sent to prepare his last Passeover, Luke 22.8. And 3 that Disciple whom Iesus peculiarly loved above all the rest, Ioh. 13.23. and 19.26. and 20.2, & 21.7.20. 4 Who leaned on Iesus breast at supper; and 5 to whom Christ by a private token discovered that Iudas should betray him, Ioh. 13.23, 24, 25, 26. And 6 to whom Christ dying on the Crosse, commenced his own mother, Ioh. 19.25, 26, 27. After Christs Ascension, Iohn, with Peter, healed miraculously the lame man as they were going into the Temple, Act. 3.3, 4, &c. Preached boldly against all prohibitions, Act. 4.13, 19. Was sent to Samaria having received the word, from the Apostles at Ierusalem, Acts 8.14. Tertullian saith, that the Apostle Iohn, after he in Rome had been cast into burning Oyle, and suffered nothing thereby, was banished into an Iland Tertul. lib. de Praescriptione adversus Haereticos cap. XXXVI. p. 211 edit. Franeker. 1597. Nero slung him into the burning Oyle, as is thought: Domitian Banished him into the Isle Patmos Rev. 1.9, 10. Whence its supposed, he returned under Nerva; came to Ephesus in the 97 yeere of his age, where he lived and taught till he was 99. He made his Sepulcher with his own hands. Left his Disciples, Papias at Ierusalem; Policarpus at Smyrna; and Ignatius at Antioch. He is supposed to write his Gospel towards the end of his life. Alsted. Praecog. Theol. l. 2. c. 123. Iohn's Gospel hath still been had of most high account with Antiquity. See Basil. in Homil. sub Princ. Ioan. Chrysost in Prolog. Comment. super Ioan▪ Ambros. l. 3. de sacram. c. 2. Cyrill in Prolog. Ioan. Hieronym. Proem. Comment. in Matth. August. de Civit. dei. l. 10. c. 29. and Tract. 56. in Ioan.
Occasion of Iohn's writing his Gospel, Ecclesiasticall Writers tels us was twofold. viz. 1. To oppose and confute the blasphemous heresies of Ebion and Cerinthus, who denyed the Divinity of Christ; hence Iohn so clearly asserts it, Iohn. 1. See Iren. Advers. haeres. l. 3. c. 11. p. 257. edit. Colon. 1596. Hieronym, in Proem. Comment. in Matth. 2. To supply what the other three Evangelists had omitted, who principally relate things done by Christ, but for one yeare wherein Christ suffered, after Iohn was cast into prison, Euseb. Hist l. 6. c. 13. ex Clem. Alexandr.
Scope of Iohn's writing is expressely noted, Iohn 20.31. These are written that yee might believe that Iesus is the Christ, the sonne of God, and that believing yee might have life through his name.
The Principall parts, or Generall Branches of this Hist. are,
I. A Description of Christs Person according to his divine and humane nature, c. 1.
II. A Delineation of Christs office, discharged by him in his foure ominent journeys to Ierusalem, viz.
1. At the feast of the Passeover, John 2.12, 13. Here are considerable 1. The terme whence he went, from Cana of Galilee, c. 2. 2. His abode there, the doctrine that he preached, and the Acts he did, c. 2.14. &c. and … 3, and 4.1, 2, 3. 3. His returne from Ierusalem through Samaria, and his deeds and act… there, c. 4.
2. At the feast of Pentecost ▪ wherein 1. He cured him that had the palsie thirty eight years, c. 5. 2. He fed the multitude aboue five thousand with five loaves and two fishes, and preached himselfe the true Mannah, c 6.
3. At the feast of Tabernacles, where are 1. Christs comming to Ierusalem, c. 7, 1. to 15. 2. His abode there; during which, he taught, c. 7, 14. to the end. He disputed, c. 8. He cured the man borne blinde, c. 9. He preached himselfe, the true shepheard of his sheep, c. 10. 3. His returne thence beyond Iordan, c. 10.40. &c, whence he came againe into Iudea to Bethany, to raise Lazarus from the dead, c. 11.
4. At the Celebration of the true Passeover, when Christ our Passeover was sacrificed for us. Where Christs death is described by the Antecedents, Manner, and Consequents of it.
1. By the Antecedents going before his death, viz. 1. His actions, entring into the City, c. 12. Washing his disciples feet at supper, c. 13. 2. His words spoken, either At supper, c. 13, 31. to the end, and c. 14. as they were going to the garden of Gethsemane, 1 Warning his disciples of the worlds persecution, c. 15. 2 Comforting them against the Crosse, c. 16. 3 Praying for them and all his Elect, c. 17.
2. By the manner of his Passion, 1. In the garden, c. 18, 1. to 15. 2. In the High-Priests palace, c. 18, 15. to 28. 3. In the Hall of judgement before Pilate, c. 18, 28. to c. 19. v. 17. 4. In the place of execution, c. 19. ver. 17. to the end.
3. By the Consequents of his Passion, viz. Christs appearing after his Resurrection, 1. To Mary Magdalene and the disciples in Iudea, c. 20. 2. To the disciples fishing in Galilee, c. 21.
The Acts:
THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, his body, and that in the purest Primitive Apostolicall times, is contained in the Acts OF THE HOLY APOSTLES. So denominated from the principall subject matter of this Book, viz. The Acts of the Apostles in the infancy of the Primitive Church, therein recorded Historically.
Penman of this History was Luke the beloved Physitian, who also wrote the Gospel (of whom see what is there spoken) as appears 1. By the Preface or Introduction here prefixed, wherein he mentions the former Treatise of the Gospel penned by him; names Theophilus to whom he directed particularly this History of the Apostles, as well as that History of Christ; and also he connects or knits this Book to his Gospel, by continuing the History where he formerly left. viz. At the Resurrection and Ascension of Iesus Christ, which here is somewhat more fully described, and what followed thereupon, Act. 1.1, 2. So that his Gospel, and the Acts of the Apostles are but as one continued History. 2. By the very stile, which seems notably to indigitate Luke unto us, partly it being compleat and polished Greek becomming Luke an accurate Grecian, who had also most diligently perused the Septuagint version; partly it being replenished with Hebraismes, suitable to Luke's native Genius, being by country a Syrian of Antioch, (the Syrian language being one of the Hebrew dialects) partly because herein somtimes is the Language of a Physitian, very agreeable to Lukes profession, as Act. 17.16. His spirit was stirred in him. foreign i. e. His spirit was in a Paroxysme; the word is used by Physitians to signifie a sharp fit of an ague, fever, &c. & again, the Contention was so sharp, foreign i. e. there befell a Paroxysme, —this word is not used in all the New Testament by any, but Luke, and Paul, (whose companion Luke was) 1 Cor. 13.5. Heb. 10.24. 3. By the consent of ancient and moderne writers. No doubt this Book was written by Luke of Antioch, the Physitian, Hieron in Praefa…. Act. Luke the follower of the Apopostle and companion of all his Travell, wrote the Gospel, — and put forth also another excellent volume entituled the Acts of the Apostles. Hieronym. de vir illustr. And againe, the Acts, of the Apostles seem to import a bare history of the infancy of the new-born Christ, but if we know Luke the Physi…ian to be the penman of them, whose praise is in the Gospel, we shall consider also that all his words are a medicine for a languishing soule. Hieron. praefat. in Act. and out of him Beda, foreign i. e. The book of the Acts which Luke wrote. Oecumen. in Scholiis. None but the unlearned and unskilfull, can doubt whether Luke were Penman of the Acts, &c. Erasmus.
Occasion. It is thought that Luke wrote this History at Rome, during Pauls imprisonment there. Hieron. de vir illustr. And that at the request of the faithfull brethren at Rome: and by the command of Paul, Dorotheus and Nicephor. Hist. l. 2. c. 43. Alsted. Praecog. Theol. l. 2. c. 123. The time of writing is referred to the sixtieth year of Christ, the fourth of Nero, 27th. after Pauls conversion. But the peculiar guidance of the Holy Ghost, was the principall cause of Lukes writing both this and the former Book.
Scope. To describe unto us the Rise, Growth, State and practice of the Primitive Christian Church in her infancy, in the purest Apostolicall times, how she observed and obeyed Christs Commandements to his Apostles, after his Resurrection and before his Ascension, speaking to them of the things pertaining to the Kingdome of God, Acts 1.2, 3. and this both in matters of faith, worship, Church-Communion, and Church-Government; that herein the Primitive Church might be an exemplary Patterne to the following Churches in all succeeding ages. So that this is a most usefull Book to the Church of God.
Principall branches. The Acts of the Apostles, are laid down in this History,
1. More generally. The Acts of all the Apostles.
I. After Christs Resurrection, till his Ascension, c. 1, 1. to 12.
II. After Christs Ascension till the feast of Pentecost. viz. Their devotion, and their Election of Matthias to the Apostleship in room of Iudas, c. 1, 12. to the end.
III. At the feast of Pentecost, how they preached and walked after they had extraordinarily received the Holy-Ghost, c. 2.
IIII. After the feast of Pentecost, viz. 1. How the Apostles, (upon report of the miracle that Peter and Iohn had wrought upon the lame man, and the doctrine they had boldly taught, against all the oppositions and threats of the Priests and Elders) powred forth their prayers against the enemies of Christ and his Gospel. c. 3, 4. to 32. 2. How themselves provided for the necessities of Christians that wanted, c. 4, 32. to c. 5. 3. How they wrought wonders to the conversion of many, c. 5, 12. to 17. 4. How the Apostles were imprisoned and beaten for preaching Iesus Christ, and how stoutly they behaved themselves under these sufferings. c. 5, 17. to the end. 5. How thu… Apostles appointed seven Deacons to take care of the poore, whereof Steven being one, wrought miracles, disputed, was accused, answered his Accusation, and is barbarously stoned to death, c. 6. & 7. 6. How the Apostles continuing at Ierusalem, in the great persecution occasioning the dispersion, sent Peter and Iohn to Samaria to preach to them. The Holy Ghost also sending Philip to baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch, and to preach, c. 8. In which persecution, Saul being a great actor, was wonderfully converted and called to the Apostleship, c. 9, 1. to v. 32.
2 More specially. The Acts of Peter and Paul are storied.
I. Peters acts. viz. 1. His miracles wrought, recovering Aeneas and raising Dorcas from death, c. 9, 32. to the end. 2. His doctrine, preached to Cornelius a Gentile, c. 10. Defended against them of the circumcision, that opposed his communion with the uncircumcised, c. 11. 3. His imprisonment and miraculous release, c. 12.
II. Pauls Acts are recorded according to foure remarkable per…grinations or journeys which he took; viz.
1. His first journey was with Barnabas, to the Gentiles. His Deeds and Acts in that journey, are in c. 13.14.
2. His second journey with Silas, from Antioch to Ierusalem, where 1. The occasion of the journey, viz. the doctrine of certaine comming from Ierusalem, That circumcision was necessary to salvation; whereupon that famous Synod was called at Ierusalem, c. 15. 2. Pauls Deeds and Acts, while he was in Asia, c. 16. 3. Pauls Deeds and Acts while he abode in Graecia, untill he returned againe to Antioch, c. 17. to c. 18. vers. 22.
3. His third journey undertaken for the Ephisians sakes, where note 1. Whence he went. c. 18.23, &c. 2. What way he travelled, Going, c. 19. Comming, c. 20 3. Whither he came, viz. to Ierusalem. c. 21.22, 23. Then to Cesarea, where consider things done under Felix, c. 24. under, Festus, c. 25. under …grippa, c. 26.
4 His fourth and last Journey which he took towards Rome, c. 27, 28.