Genesis.

I GENESIS i. e. Generation, so called by the Greek; because it [Page 7] sets forth the Generations of the heavens & of the earth, in their first creation, Gen. 2.4. The Hebrews name their Books of the Old Testament, either 1 From the Prophets, the Penmen of them. Or 2 From the Principall subject or Argu­ment handled in them: Or 3 From the first Hebrew word wherewith they be­gin, as the 5. Books of Moses, & the La­ment. of Ieremiah. Hence Genesis is cal­led in Hebrew [...] Bereschith i. e. In the beginning.

Penman. It is not probable this Book was written by Moses whilst a Pri­vate man, and a shepheard in Madian, in the desert: but rather after he was a Publick person, and furnished with a Prophetick spirit; otherwise the credit and authority of this History would be too much enfeebled. Nor is it absurd which some Hebrew writers think, who referre this writing to that of Ex­od. 24.12. Come up to me into the mount, and be thou there, and I will give thee the Tables of stone, and the Law, and the Pre­cepts, which I have written to teach them. Understanding by the Tables, the Deca­logue: by the Precepts all the Ceremoni­all, [Page 8] and Iudiciall Ordinances: and by the Law all other writings of Moses, whether Historicall or Dogmaticall, D. Paraeus in Prolegom. in Genes. p. 14.15. in fol.

This Book as it is absolutely the an­cientest writing extant in the world: so it is most compendious; being an History of 2369 years, as Ainsw. thinks, or rather of 2368 as Iunius and Paraeus comput. Iun. Annot. in Gen. 1. Parae. Prologom. in Genes. This may ap­peare in three eminent Intervals or Pe­riods of time recorded in Genesis. viz.

• I. From the Creation to the beginning of the flood, in Noahs 600^th yeare, through 10 Generations; 1656 yeares. Gen. 5. and 6.11. viz. From Adams Cre­ation to Seth's Nativity, 130 years. From Seth to Enos, 105. From Enos to Cainan 90. From Cainan to Mahalee [...] 70. From Mahaleel to Iared ▪ 65. From Ia­red to Enoch, 162. From Enoch to Mathu­salah. 65. From Mathusalah to Lamech, 187. From Lamech to Noah's birth, 182. From Noah's birth to the beginning of the flood, 600 in all 1656.
• II. The second Period of time, is; From the beginning of the flood, through other 10 [Page 9] Generations to Abrahams birth, 352 years, Gen. 11. viz. From the Flood to Arphaxad, 2 years. From Arphaxad to Selah, 35 years. From Selah to Heber, 30 years From Eber to Peleg, 34 years. From Peleg to Reu, 30 years. From Reu to Serug, 32 years. From Serug to Na­chor, 30 years. From Nachor to Terah, 29 years. From Terah to Abraham, 130 years. In all 352 years. So that Abraham was borne in the 2008 yeare from the Creation.
• III. The third Period, is; From Abra­hams birth to Josephs death, through foure Generations, 360 years, viz. From Birth of Abraham to the birth of Isaac, 100 years, Gen. 17.17. and 21.5. From Isaacs birth to Iacobs birth, 60 years, Gen. 25.26. From Iacobs birth to his going down into Egypt, 130 years, Gen. 47.9. From Iacobs descent into Egypt to his death, 17 years, Gen. 47.28. From death of Iacob to the death of Ioseph 53 years, which may be thus gathered. Ioseph died when he was 110 years old, Gen. 50.26. He stood before Pharaoh when he was 30 years old, Gen. 41.46. After the seven years [Page 10] of plenty, in the third yeare of famine Iacob came into Egypt, in the one hun­dred and thirtieth yeare of Iacob, and fourtieth yeare of Ioseph, Gen. 45.6. Ioseph lived with his father in Egypt se­venteen years. Therefore when his fa­ther dyed, Ioseph was 57 years old. Consequently he lived after his fathers death 53 years, Gen. 50.26. So that the totall of this third Intervall, a­mounts to 360 years. And therefore 1656 and 352 and 360 being added together: This History of Genesis, is e­vidently an History of 2368 yeares continuance.

The scope of Genesis, is to set forth, The Generation of the world: The cor­ruption thereof by sin: The Restaura­tion thereof by Christ the seed of the woman, together with the Government of the old world before the flood, and the foll [...]ing world after the flood, es­pecially of the Church of God in parti­cular families in both.

Principall parts of this Book. In Ge­nesis are described▪

• [Page 11]I. The Originall 1 Of the world. chap. 1. 2. Of Mankinde, and so of the Church. ch. 2.3. Of sinne and punishment there­of, ch. 3.
• II. The Government.
  • 1. Of the Old World before the Flood, where are 1. The Propogation of sin and punishment from Adam to po­sterity. c. 4. 2. Preservation of the Church in the sinfull world. c. 5. 3. Iudgements of God upon the world, Foretold. c. 6. Inflicted, c. 7.
  • 2. Of the World following after the Flood; according to the times of divers renowned Patriarchs, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Iacob.
    • 1. Noah, whose 1 Deliverance from the Flood c. 8. 2. Benediction. c. 9. 3. Family, 1 as united, c. 10. 2 as dispersed c. 11. are re­corded.
    • 2. Abraham, touching whom are laid down 1 His Calling from his Country and kindred c. 12.1 to ver. 10. 2. His going down, Into Egypt, ver. 10. to the end, Into Canaan c. 13. 3. His rescuing of Lot, c. 14. 4. His dealing with God, who, 1 Promises him issue c. 15. 2 Performes to him by Hagar. c. 16. 3 Makes a Cove­nant with Abraham; whereof [Page 12] note, The forme c. 17. The fruit or effect of it 1 On Gods part, viz. Communication of his Counsels to him. ch. 18. and of his Benefits ch. 19, 20, 21. 2 On Abrahams part divers sweet fruits, viz. 1 The obedience of his faith, c. 22. 2 His Humanity c. 23. 3 His Pi­ety in the matching of his sonne c. 24.
    • 3. Isaac, whose 1 Posterity, c. 25. 2. Peregrination into the land of Egypt, c. 26. 3. Benediction of his two sons, c. 27. are mention­ed.
    • 4. Iacob, whose three Peregrinati­ons are declared. viz. I. Into Mesopotamia, wherin note, 1. His journey c. 28. 2. His Arrivall and marriage, c. 29. 3. His increase in goods, and children c. 30. II. In­to Canaan, where observe, His passage hither, c. 31. 4 His abode there, where the things that be­fell him are recited, viz. 1. His meeting of his brother Esau, with 1 preparation for it, c. 32. 2 manner of it, c. 33. His daugh­ter Dinah's defilement c. 34. 2. Rachels death c. 35. & 3. Isaacs death and buriall by Iacob and Esau, where is mentioned Esaus [Page 13] race, c 35.36. Selling of Ioseph c. 37. Incest of Iudah, c. 38. III. Into Egypt: of which Pere­grination of Iacob, are mention­ed, The Antecedents, The Man­ner, and Consequents. Antece­dents. viz. 1. Iosephs being made knowne to the Egyptians, and to his owne kindred. To the E­gyptians in Prison, c. 39.48. out of Prison to the King and his people. c. 41. To his owne, Not at their first coming into Egypt to buy corne. c. 42. But at their second coming, c. 43.44.45. where all the circumstances thereof are noted. 2. Iosephs sending for his father, c. 45. Man­ner, 1. Of Iacobs going thither, c. 46. 2. Of Iacobs being there, Where note, his conference with Pharaoh c. 47. His blessing of Ioseph c. 48. His Propheticall benedictions to all his sonnes, c. 49. Consequents upon Ia­cobs death c. 50.

Exodus.

II EXODUS. i. e. Going-out; or Depar­ture, so called by the Greek, because it declares Israels Departure out of Egypt, after they had been long-oppressed there under Tyrannicall servitude. In Heb. [...] veelleh schemoth, i. e. And these are the names, Exod. 1.1.

Scope; To set forth Gods govern­ing and ordering of his Church, now reduced and united into one body, out of all the severall families of Israel. This is the Church in the wildernesse, Act. 7.38.

Exodus is an History, from the death of Ioseph till the erecting of the Taber­nacle, for about 142. years. viz. From death of Ioseph to the birth of Moses, 60 years. As Iunius computes. Annot. in Ex. From Moses birth to the Departure out of Egypt. 80 years, Exod. 7.7. From the departure out of Egypt, to the erecting of the Tabernacle two years [Page 15] Exod. 40.17. in the second yeare. viz. the second yeare after their coming out of Egypt. Iun. Annotat.

Principal Parts of this Book. Exodus contains an Historicall Narration of

• I. Gods Actions for Israels deliverance out of Egypt. Things done of God, were Before, In, or After Israels deli­verance.
  • I. Before their deliverance, are 1. His permission of the Egyptian Tyranny over them, which was the occasion of the deliverance c. 1. 2. His Preparation both of Instruments and Actions, for deliverance 1. Of Instruments. viz. Moses who is Borne c. 2. Called c. 3. Aaron c. 4. 2. Of Actions viz. Words c. 5.6. Signes, both Confirming their words c. 7. and Punishing the Egyptians for not letting Israel go, with ten plagues, viz. 1 Tur­ning water into blood, c. 7. 2 Frogs, 3 Lice, 4 And a mixed swarme of Flyes, c. 8. 5 Pesti­lence, 6 Boyles, 7 Haile, c. 9. 8 Locusts, and 9 Darknesse, c. 10. 10 Death of the first-borne, Fore­told, c. 11. Fulfilled, c. 12.
  • II. In their deliverance, where note [Page 16] 1. The [...]r departure, Egresse or go­ing out, Acted c. 12. Attested for the benefit of Posterity, with signes and observations c. 13. 2. Their Progresse or going on. Whereof 1 Their passing through the Red sea, c. 14. 2 Their thanksgiving for this won­der of mercy in a gratulatory Song, c. 15.
  • III. After their deliverance, when God did 1. Supply them with food and necessaries c. 16. 2. Defend them from evils c. 17. 3. Appoint Judicatories, for all matters of difference, that might fall out among them c. 18.
• II. Gods institutions, in which regard consider Gods Prescriptions, Isra­els performances.
  • I. Gods prescriptions, where note, 1. Preparation of the people c. 19. 2. The promulgation of his lawes, 1 Moral with their Appen­dixes, c. 20. 2 Iudicial both in hu­mane and sacred things c. 21, 22, 23. 3 Ceremoniall. Touching the Ceremoniall lawes, here are laid down, 1. The Preparation to them c. 24. 2. The parts of them. viz. 1 The Tabernacle with the Appurtenances and U­tensils [Page 17] thereof, c. 25.26, 27. 2 The Priests and their Ornaments or Vestments for Ministration, c. 28. 3 Sacrifices, c. 29. and di­vers sacred things, c. 30. 3. The close of ceremoniall directions, c. 31.
  • II. Israels performances of Gods Pre­scriptions. Here consider Isra­els obedience.
    • 1. About Morals; 1 Violated by idolatry, c. 32. 2. Restored and renewed againe By re­conciliation with God, c. 33. and Renewing of the Tables, c. 34.
    • 2. About Ceremonials; viz. 1. The Parts of the Tabernacle; The matter chap. 35. The fashioning of the Tabernacle, c. 36. & of the Ark, c. 37. The making of sacred things be­longing, To the people, c. 38. To the Priests, c. 39. 2. The totall disposing, ordering, and erecting of the Tabernacle, c. 40.

Leviticus

III LEVITICUS. So denominated by the Greek, from the chiefe Subject or matter of the Book, which principal­ly describes the lawes, sacrifices and services of the LEVITICAL Priest­hood. It is stiled among the Hebrewes [...] Vajikra. i. e. And he called. This being the first Hebrew word in the He­brew text, beginning this book.

Scope of this Book. To make known Leviticall Lawes Sacrifices and Ordi­nances, and by those shadows to lead Israel by the hand to Jesus Christ the true Priest and sacrifice of the Church, See Levit. 11.44. and 20.26.

This Book relates the memorable words, Acts and Leviticall Ceremoniall Laws made known from God to Israel, for one Moneths space viz. from about the beginning of the second yeare, after Israels departure out of Egypt, the Ta­bernacle being already reared, till the beginning of the second moneth of the [Page 19] same yeare, As Jun. in Annot. compare Exod. 40.17. with Numb. 1.1. which was in the yeare, from the worlds Creation, 2514. As Ainsw. computes.

Principal Parts. Leviticus describes the sacred Ceremoniall law▪ 1. Of things. 2. Of Persons. 3. Of Actions.

I. The Ceremoniall law of things, c. 1. to c. 8. either according to the substance of them, as of 1. Burnt-offerings, c. 1. 2. Meat-offerings, c. 2. 3. Peace-offerings, c. 3. 4. Sin-offerings, in case of ignorance, c. 4. or of infirmity, c. 5. Or, according to the Rite and Ceremony of them, c. 6.7.

II. The Ceremoniall law of persons, c. 8. to 16. viz. 1. Of the Priests, In their conse­cration to their office, c. 8. In their discharge of their office, either according to Gods as­sistance, c. 9. Or mens infirmity, c. 10. 2. Of all the people, touching whom are lawes about their sanctification, both from uncleannesse without them, in matter of their food, c. 11. or In them▪ By reason of 1 Child-bearing, c. 12. 2 Leprosie, whereof its Rise and State, c. 13. Its cure, c. 14. 3 Is­sue of seed or bloud, c. 15.

III. The Ceremonial Law touching Actions, Necessary or Voluntary.

1. Necessary, whereof are laid down The Particulars and the Confirmation of them. 1 the Particulars of these Necessary [Page 20] Actions, are 1. In purification, Common to the whole Church, c. 16. Proper to every godly person, c. 17. 2. In Sanctimony or Holinesse, Both of the people; 1 To be ob­served, not only in their own bodies, c. 18. but also among one another mutually, c. 19. 2 To be maintained in their judgements, c. 20. As also in the holinesse of the Priests in their Persons, c. 21. Things, c. 22. 3. In exercise Ecclesiasticall, In legall Times c. 23. In legall Rites, c. 24. Politicall, c. 25. 2 The Confirmation or obsignation of these particu­lar lawes, by Promises and Threats, c. 26.

2. Voluntary, viz. touching vows, c. 27.

Numbers

IV NUMBERS Gr. [...], so called because a great part of the Book is spent in Numbring the Tribes and Fami­lies of Israel, and of their journeys from Egypt to Canaan. In Hebr. its called [...] Bammidbar i. e. In the De­sert▪ Because this is the first word of this Book in the Hebrew text.

Numbers containes an History from the beginning of the second moneth of the second yeare, after Israels coming [Page 21] [...]ut of Egypt, to the beginning of the e­leventh moneth of the fourtieth yeare. viz. 38. years and upwards, as Iun. and Ainsw. observe. And this may remarkably be evinced, by comparing Numb. 1.1. and 36.13. diligently with Deut. 1.3. which, as above, demon­strate both the beginning and ending of this History of Numbers.

Scope. Lively to set forth the rich blessing of God upon Israel, in their wonderfull increase; his vigilant pro­vidence over them in all their wildernes journeyes and difficulties; and yet his se­verity against their corruption, for which many of them perished in the wilder­nesse, after they had been delivered out of Egypt, so that they could not en­ter into his rest because of their unbe­liefe, Heb. 3.19. Iude ver. 5.

Principall Parts.

This Book of Numbers containes an Historicall narration of Israels 1 Prepa­ration for their Journey, 2 Iourney it selfe, and 3 of their Station,

I. Israels Preparation for their Journey, wherein three things.

• I. The Numbring of them, which was 1. Civil, both of all the heads of the peo­ple [Page 22] according to the families, c. 1. and of the order of the Tribes in their Tents, c. 2. 2. Sacred, where is reck­oned up, both the number of Levites and other officers about the Tabernacle c. 3. as also their order and ministry c. 4.
• II. Lawes, 1. Common about Sanctimony, whether necessary c. 5. or voluntary, c. 6. 2. Particular for the Princes of­fering of every Tribe, at the dedication of the Tabernacle and Altar. c. 7. For the Levites service, c. 8.
• III. The manner 1. Of their sanctification and order, c. 9. And of their Journey­ing, c. 10.

II. Israels journeys, which are distingui­shed by the history of their eight notable Murmurings in their way, viz. 1. Irksome­nesse of their Journey. 2. Loathing of Man­nah, c. 11. 3. Aarons and Miriams emula­tion against Moses, c. 12. 4. Their unbelief at Kadesh, where are recorded, Their mur­muring c. 13. The judgement of God for it c. 14. Their reconcilement to God after­wards, c. 15. 5. The envy of the Levites and others against the Priests, c. 16. 6. The indignation of the people for the precedent judgement, where are set down both their Murmur [...]ng, c. 16.41, 42, 43. and their Re­concilement, c. 16. vers. 44. to the end, and c. 17, 18, 19. 7. Murmuring for want of [Page 23] water, c. 20. 8. Murmuring because of the way, and the light bread, and so were pla­gued with fiery serpents, c. 21.

III. Israels Station, State or condition when they were now nigh to the possession of their inheritance, c. 21. to the end of the Book. Here is set down a double State or Condition. 1. Of the people themselves. 2. Of their inheritance.

1. Of the people themselves, either as 1. overcoming their enemies, and posses­sing the land, c. 21. 2. Tempted by Magi­call Arts and inchantments, c. 22, 23, 24. 3. [...]nsnared with, and plagued for idolatry and fornication c. 25. 4. Reconciled to God and numbred for the entring upon the inheritance, c. 26. 5. Furnished with a new Governour Ioshuah, that was to succeed Mo­ses, c. 27. 6. Instructed in sacred things, Necessary, c. 28, 29. Voluntary, c. 30.

2. Of the inheritance, which is conside­red, either 1. In part, As possessed, c. 31. As assigned to Gad, Reuben, and halfe the Tribe of Manasseh, c. 32. (Here by way of digression is a summary recapitulation of the severall stations of Israel in their march through the wildernesse, c. 33.) 2. In whole, And that either, As it is circumscribed with Bounds or Borders, whereof the manner of dividing the land, c. 34. Or as it is circum­scribed with lawes, Both of refuge for the man-slayer, that slew any unawares, c. 35. [Page 24] And of successions in their inheritances. c. 36

Deuteron:

V DEUTERONOMIE i. e. The se­cond law, or Law repeated, Thus de­nominated by the Greek, because this book containeth a Repetition of Gods law given by Moses to Israel, AS in Hebrew it is sometimes from the same ground called [...] mischneh i. e. Repetition of the law. From the first words in the Book its cal'd [...] Elleh Had­debarim, i e. These are the words, or only [...] Debarim, i. e. The words.

Penman of this Book, as of all the foure former Books was Moses, who al­so wrote the History of his own death a­forehand in the last chapter by a Prophe­tick spirit; or Ioshua wrote it for him. Alsted. Praecog. Theol. l. 2. c. 118.

This Book containes the History of but a few dayes, viz. from the begin­ning of the eleventh moneth, to about the seventh day of the twelfth moneth of the fourtieth yeare, after Israels de­parture [Page 25] out of Egypt, for Moses began to speak these words, in the first day of the eleventh moneth of the said fourtieth yeare, Deut. 1.3. which was a little be­fore his death; he died when he was one hundred and twenty years old Deut. 34.7▪ after which Israel mourn­ed for Moses in the land of Moab thirty dayes, Deut. 34.8. this determines the time of the History? As Iun. well ob­serves.

Thus Alsted in Praecog. Theol. l. 2. c. 118. computes the time of this History. viz.

1. The first Part of this Book con­taines the History of the first day of the eleventh moneth of the fourtieth yeare, after their coming out of Egypt, c. 1, 2, 3▪ 4. 2. The second part contains the History of the second day, c. 5. to 11▪ 3. The third part containes the History, (as is probable) of foure dayes at most c. 11. to 26. 4. The fourth part con­taines the History of one day, c. 27.28. 5. The fifth containes the History also of one day, c. 29, 30. 6. The sixth con­taines the History of one day, c. 31. &c. 7. The 7^th part contains the History of their mourning for Moses thirty daies c. 34.

[Page 26]Proofe hereof may be drawn from the History of Ioshua, by computing backwards from the day of the Passe­over. For in the land of Canaan the first Passeover was celebrated, in the one and fourtieth year after Israels com­ing ou [...] of Egypt, on the fourteenth day of the moneth Nisan Josh. 5, 10. Before which they were circumcised, which probably took up foure dayes, Josh. 5. One day they were passing tho­rough Jordan, two dayes in preparati­on for it. Adde to these the time of searching out the land, and lastly the thirty dayes mourning. And thus go­ing backwards, we shall find that Deute­ronomie containes an History of but a very few dayes.

Scope. That the law formerly given of God may by this New Repetition of it be more declared, confirmed and appli­ed to the present condition of Israel; and they thereby fitted and better prepared for the promised Canaan, upon which they were entring.

Principall Parts, are; The Preface; Narration; and Conclusion of the Book. I. Preface or Prologue, c. 1. to 5. contayning,

• [Page 27]1. A Narration. 1. Of Gods calling of Israel from Horeb to the promised Land. c. 1. 2. Of the execution of this call, Both by divine conduct against their enemies. c. 2. And by appointment to enter the Land. c. 3.
• 2. An exhortation to obed. c. 4.

II Narrative containing the main bulk and substance of the book, c. 5. to 32. viz. The Law, and Confirmation thereof.

• I. The Law, shewing the way of well living.
  • 1. Universall. c. 5.
  • 2. Particular; where, Of the Deca­logues Principle, and things Prin­cipled.
    • 1. The Principle of the Decalogue is Gods love, whereof you have,
      • 1. The Proposition. Wherein note. 1. The manner and object of it, c. 6. 2. The opposites, Idolatry, c. 7. In­gratitude, c. 8. Pride, c 9.
      • 2. The Conclusion. c. 10.
    • 2. The things Principled, touching, 1. The place of divine worship c. 11▪ 12. 2. The manner, c. 13.14. 3. The time, c. 15.16. 4. The persons which are to performe worship to him. Who are informed according to the [Page 28] three parts of the soule, and this either joyntly or severally. Jointly. 1. According to the Rationall part; Where, Of per­sons Ecclesiasticall and Politi­call together, c. 17. Of persons Ecclesiasticall apart, c. 18. Of persons Politicall apart, c. 19. 2. According to the Irascible part, in case of war c. 20. 3. According to the Concupiscible part, c. 21, 22. Severally, where are both Lawes, c. 23, 24, 25. And the close of them, c. 26.
• II. The confirmation of the Law by certain Arguments, viz. 1. Signes c. 27. 2. Promises and threats. c. 28. 3. By solemn renewing of the Cove­nant: partly, 1 By word, Commina­tory, c. 29. Promissory, c. 30. 2 By writing and instruments, c. 31.

III. Conclusion of the whole book c. 32, 33, 34. Which is either,

• I. Propheticall and Hortatory, wherein is a double Prophecy. 1. Common, touching the Church of the Jewes till the time of the Messiah▪ c. 32. 2. Speciall, containing the blessing of the 12 Tribes c. 33.
• 2. Historicall, concerning the death of Moses, c. 34.

I. HISTORICAL BOOKS.

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS of the Prophets Relate the History of [Page 31] the Jewes, and of the Church of God among them, from the death of Moses, which was, when he was one hundred and twenty years old, Deut. 34.7. Ioseph Ant. l. 4. c. 3. In 2493 year of the world; Helvic. untill the Period of the Persian Monarchy, pos­sessed by Alexander the Macedonian, called Alexander the great, who conquer­ed the Persians, and got Dominion of Asia, about Ann. 3614 after the worlds Creation, Helvic. in Chronolog. So that these Books contain an History of about 1121 years continuance.

Of this History of the Jews, and of the Church of God, there are two Principall Parts or Periods; viz. 1. Of the Israe­lites Entrance into the promised land. 2. Of their Government and Condition, after that entrance.

II. DOCTRINAL BOOKS.

The DOGMATICAL, or DOCTRINALL Books. Thus farre of those Books which are more properly Historicall; Now of the Bookes which were written in the same times with the former, which declare to us the will of God in a more Doctrinall way, and therefore for di­stinction sake called, DOCTRI­NALL. They are also called the Poeticall Books, because it is conceived that they, or most of them in Hebrew were written in Metre, or Poeticall Measures; which now are not so easie to be found out.

These DOGMATICALL Books containe in them Doctrines. 1. Of more speciall and particular reference to some particular individu­all person. 2. Or of more Generall reference and respect to all.

III. THE PROPHETICALL BOOKS.

THus farre of Books Historicall and Doctrinal, Now to the Books Pro­pheticall. For distinction sake they are called PROPHETICALL, because the matter of them is principally Prophe­ticall, though many Historical and Do­ctrinal passages are also inserted in them all along; as there are many prophe­cies of things to come, dispersed up and down the other Books, which yet are principally Historical and Doctrinal.

These Prophetical Books are in all 16, (Lamentations being counted an Appen­dix to Ieremiah) they may be consider­ed, 1. According to the times of their prophecy and writing. 2. According to their Order as set in our Bibles. They are not placed in our Bibles in that me­thod and Order as they were at the first spoken and written by the prophets.

I. According to the times wherein they were [Page 104] first prophesied and written. These times are for most part discovered in the be­ginning of the severall Prophesies, and of such we may determine certain­ly: or they may be collected from o­ther Scriptures, or the matter of the Prophesies, of which we cannot con­clude altogether so cleerly.

These times may be referred (as the Historical books) to three principall Periods, viz. 1. Before, 2. Neere or under. 3. After the Babylonish cap­tivity. And if in these three periods we parallel these Prophets, with those Historical Books, they will notably help to cleer and explain one another.

• I. Before the transportation of Israel into Babylon, These Prophets prophesied and wrote, viz.
  • 1. Under Vzziah King of Judah, and Ieroboam the second, King of Is­rael.
    • IONAH, he prophecied before or about beginning of Ierobo­ams Reigne, See 2 King. 14 25. As Iun. noteth in Ionah 1.1. About the close of his Reigne, thinkes Drusius in Quaesitis Epist. 9.
    • [Page 105]1. AMOS. See Amos 1.1.
  • 2. Under Vzziah, Iotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah Kings of Judah, and Ieroboam King of Israel.
    • HOSEA. Hos. 1.1.
    • IOEL. Ioel prophesied about the same time with Hosea, as is thought; because the things prophecied in Ioel, relate to the dayes of Vzziah and Ieroboam. See Iun. Annot. in Ioel 1.1.
    • ISAIAH. Isa. 1.1. (here the days of King Ieroboam are not men­tioned.)
    • MICHAH. Only under Io­tham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, Mich. 1.1.
  • 3. Under Iosiah.
    • IEREMIAH. Till the ele­venth yeere of Zedekiah, Jer. 1, 2, 3. being compared with Ier. 51.64. Iun. Annot. ibid.
    • LAMENTATIONS. Writ­ten by Ieremiah, upon occasion of King Josiah's Death 2 Chr. 35.25.
    • ZEPHANIAH. Zeph. 1.1.
    • OBADIAH. Seems to be contemporary with Ieremiah, compare his prophecy with [Page 106] Ier. 49.7. &c. And Ezek. 25. 13. &c. See Iun. in Obad. 1.
    • NAHVM. About the close of Iosiah's Reigne as the mat­ter of the Book, and the har­mony of the History import. So Iun. in Nah. 1.1.
    • HABBAKKVK. About the end of Iosiahs Reigne, or in his sons Reign, Iunius in Hab. 1.1.
• II. Neere upon, and under the Babylonish Captivity.
  • DANIEL. In the third yeere of Iehoiakim's Reigne, Dan. 1.1.
  • EZEKIEL. In the fifth yeere of King Iehoiakin's Cap­tivity, Ezek. 1.1, 2, 3.
• III. After their returne from Babylons Cap­tivity.
  • HAGGAI. In the second yeere of Darius, and the sixth moneth, Hag. 1.1.
  • ZECHARIAH. In the se­cond yeere of Darius, the eighth moneth, Zech. 1.1.
  • MALACHI▪ Last Prophe­cy of the Old-Testament. Re­proves the corruptions after building of the Temple. See Iun. in Mal. 1.1.

[Page 107]II. According to their Order as they are placed in our Bibles. And so they are resolved into two Ranks, viz. 1. The Greater Prophets, viz. The foure first (the Lamentations being an­nexed as an Appendix to Ieremiah,) so called, not because these had grea­ter authority, then the others, but from the greatnesse of their Bookes; The prophecy of Isaiah, being neer as big or bigger then all the lesser prophets, together. 2. The Lesser Pro­phets. viz. The twelve latter, Hosea, &c. Which were digested in­to one volumne of old by the Jewes, (called the Booke of the Prophets, Act. 7.42.) some of them being very small, lest any of them should be lost. All these books are named from their Penmen, except the Lamentations.

I. The Greater Prophets, are [...]he Books of Isaiah, Ieremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel.

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.

• [Page 148]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 [...] Mattha, some derive it from [...] Mas. i. e. Tribute, others from [...] Mathach, i. e. to extend, to explaine, &c. [Page 149] So that Matthew should sound as much as, An explainer, viz. of Scripture. But rather it is to be deriv'd from [...] Nathan i. e. he hath given or bestowed, whence [...] 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 [Page 150] 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▪ [Page 151] 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 [Page 152] 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.

• [Page 153]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,
    • [Page 154]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. [...] 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 moneth of March, because Mark was borne in that moneth, 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 ▪ [Page 156] 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 [Page 157] 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. [Page 158] 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,

[Page 159]LUKE some account an Hebrew name [...] 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 [Page 160] 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 one­ly 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.

[Page 161] 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. [Page 162] 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. [Page 163] 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. [...] Iochanan. 1 Chron 12.22. Ierem. 40.13. it is also sometimes written [...] I [...]hochanan, as in 1 Chron. 26.3. It is compounded of [...] Iehovah, the pro­per and essentiall name of God, and [...] [Page 164] chanan i. e. He hath been gracious; whence comes [...] 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 [Page 165] 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. [Page 166] 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 [Page 167] 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 [Page 168] 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, [Page 169] 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 [Page 170] 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. [...] 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, [...] [Page 171] 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, [...] 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 [Page 172] 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.

[Page 173] 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 [Page 174] 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 [Page 175] 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.

Romanes.

THe Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the ROMANES. So denominated, 1. Partly from the object to whom the Epistle is written, viz. The believing Romanes, Rom. 1.7. When this Epi­stle was written, there was so famous a Church at Rome, that their Faith was spoken of throughout the whole World, Rom. 1.8. Yea there were even in Cae­sars houshould that had received the faith. Phil. 4.22. But by whom or when was the Church of the Romanes first planted? Answ. Scripture is si­lent, Papists say by Peter, Bel [...]m. de [Page 187] Pont. Rom. l. 2. c. 2. But Peter never was at Rome, much lesse planted the Church there D. Pareus in Rom. 16. Pub. II. Barnabas is supposed to have preached Christ at Rome, and to have converted the Romanes, under the Reign of Tyberius, if Clement may be believed. Recognition. Clementis lib. 1. But now Rome is as infamous as once it was fa­mous, being the seat of Antichrist, Rev. 17, 9, &c. the Spirituall Egypt Rev. 11.8. Sodome Rev. 11.8. And Babylon devoted to destruction, Rev. 18.2, &c. 2. Partly from the Penman of the Epi­stle, viz. Paul, Rom. 1.1.

PAUL is a Latin name from Paulus, i. e. a little one, so the Romanes were wont to call them that were of a lesser stature, he seemes most to be delighted with this Romane name, being appointed Apostle to the Gentiles. Some think he first had this name given him, upon occasion of his conversion of Sergius Paulus the Deputy, Act. 13.7.9.12▪ Hieronym. de claris Script, Before he was called Saul, i. e. desired, asked, &c. From the Hebrew [...] Shaal, i. e. he hath ask­ed, desired, &c. It is not likely that he [Page 188] changed his name Saul into Paul: but rather that he had two names, as all the Iews had that were freemē of Rome; Saul then denoted his nation and Religion, Paul signified his Roman freedome. And Scripture favours this that he had two names, saying, Saul, which also is Paul, Act. 13.9. The History of Paul is nota­bly described in the New Testament, especially in Phil. 3. 1 Tim▪ 1. And in Act. 13. to the end of the Book, but more summarily, Act. 22.3, to 22. and 26.4. to 24. He was a Iew by Nati­on; of the Tribe of Benjamin; of the Province of Cilicia; borne in the City Tarsus, (which being a Colony and ha­ving the priviledge of the Romane free­dome, Paul though of Iewish Parents, yet saith he was a Roman free-born, Act. 22.7.28.) circumcised the eighth day; brought up at the feet of Gamaliel; a great proficient above many in the Iew­ish Religion; in his Zeale persecuting all that seemed to oppose it; held the garments of those that stoned Stephen, consenting to his death; made havock of the Church, &c. But at last, as he was in his Circuit of persecution, he [Page 189] was miraculously converted of a Wolfe to become a Lamb, and of a Persecuter to be a prime Apostle, in his Apostleship he suffered and laboured more then all the rest of the Apostles; was peculiarly sent to teach the Gentiles. At last he was carryed bound to Rome, and there he was be headed by Nero in seventeenth yeere after Christ's Ascension, in the fourteenth yeer of Nero, and thirty fifth yeere after his conversion, and buried in the Ostiense way. Hieronym. He wrote fourteen Epistles, of which one said, As oft as I read Paul, me thinks I heare not words so much as thunders, Paulum quoti­esc [...]n (que) lego, videor mihi non verba au [...]dire, sed tonitrua. Hieronym. contr. Iovi­nian. de Epist. Paulin.

His Epistle to the Romanes, though no [...] first written, yet is set first. 1. By reason of the dignity of the Romanes to whom it was written, Rome being the Seate of the Empire, and Head of the World. 2. Because of the largenesse of the Epistle, this being the longest of all the Epistles. As Isaiah is set first being the longest of all the Prophets. 3. But especially from the dignity of [Page 190] the matter, and dexterity in handling it. The Body of Divinity is so admirably herein handled, espicially the principall points of Election, Reprobation, Redemp­tion, Faith and Iustification by Faith, &c. that it is deservedly called by some Cla­vis Theologiae, the Key of Divinity; and Methodus Scripturae, the Method of Scrip­ture.

When it was written, See in for­mer Table. Where it was written, is to be considered. Origen in Praefat. Comment. thinks at Corinth. 1. Because he commends Phaebe to the Romans, Rom. 16.1. She was a servant to the Church at Cenchrea, which is a Port of Corinth. 2. Because he salutes them in the name of Gaius his Host, &c. Rom. 16.23. And Gaius a Corinthian, and there Bapti­zed by Paul 1 Cor. 1.14. 3. Because he salutes them in the name of Erastus Chamberlaine of the City, Rom. 16.23. Who abode at Corinth, 2 Tim. 4.20. 4. The postscript testifies thus much.

Occasion and Scope of this Epistle seemes to be this. The report that Paul had received of some disagreements both in judgement and affection, in them [Page 191] of the Church of Rome, who were partly believing Jewes, partly believing Gen­tiles. The Iewes either wholly oppo­sing the Gospel, or mingling Law and Gospel together in the case of Justifica­tion▪ and all of them excluding the Gentiles from the fellowship of Christ, and despising them, insisting too much upon the Prerogative of the Jew: Con­trariwise the Gentiles, knowing that the Jewes were rejected of God, and the Gentiles implanted in their stead, too much insulted over them as a people cast away, boasting of their own wisdome and vertues, and using their Christian liberty with offence. Now to recon­cile these Controversies, and to settle them both in the truth, and in unity of judgement and affection, the Apostle being hindred from coming to them deals by letters; Demonstrating that nei­ther Iewes had cause to boast of their righte­ousnesse and Prerogatives, nor Gentiles of their wisdome: both of them naturally being liable to eternal condemnation notwithstan­ding, and both of them being to be justified by Faith in Christ alone, and that they should not abuse Grace, but walke in new­nesse of life, &c.

[Page 192] Generall parts. In this Epistle to the Romanes are chiefly three parts.

• I. A Preface to the whole Epistle, c. 1.1. to 17,
• II. A Treatise, contayning the main sub­stance of the Epistle, which is either, Informa­tory and Doctrinall. or Hortatory, and Pra­cticall.
  • 1. Doctrinall, viz, Touching the cause of our justification, more neere, more remote.
    • 1. More neere cause of justification Where,
      • 1. The false cause, viz. Works, is removed, c. 1.17. to end. c. 2. & 3.1, to ver. 21.
      • 2. The true cause, viz. Faith, is
        • 1. Defended from Calumnies, c. 2.21. to the end, & c. 3.
        • 2. Confirmed by Abrahams exam­ple, and testimonies, c. 4.
        • 3. Explicated by the fruits or ef­fects thereof; 1. Inward, viz. Peace with God, and full assu­rance of Faith, c. 5. 2. Out­ward, viz. 1 Newnesse of life, c. 6. 2 Freedom from the curse of the Law, c. 7. 3 Constancy in the state of Grace, against all condemnation, notwithstan­ding al infirmities or afflictions, within or without them that are in Christ, c. 8.
    • [Page 193]2. More Remote cause of justification viz. Predestination where, of
      • 1. The Jewes rejection, described,
        • 1. By the cause thereof, Gods pleasure, the Jewes unbeliefe, c. 9.
        • 2. By the signes and effects thereof, their blindnesse c. 10.
      • 2. The Jewes Restauration, and of the remnant to be saved, c. 11.
  • 2. Practicall and Hortatory, inciting to good-works, and duties; either,
    • 1. Generall, towards God and man, c. 12.
    • 2. Speciall duties, either in 1. Things necessary, towards Superiours, c▪ 13▪ 2 Things indifferent and Arbitrary, towards inferiours, and the more in­firm in Faith, c. 14. &, c. 15. ver. 1. to 14.
• III. A conclusion of the whole Epistle, consisting of 1 Excuses about his freedome in writing to them, his not coming to them; and other advertisements touching his pur­pose of seeing them, and his desires of their prayers, c. 15. ver. 14. to the end. 2. Commen­dations and Salutations, c. 16.

I Corinth:

THe first Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the CORINTHIANS.

So denominated from the Penman thereof, Paul (of whom in Epistle to the Romanes) and from the object to whom he wrote it, viz. The Corinthi­ans; or the Church of God at Corinth, 1 Cor. 1.1, 2. CORINTH was an emi­nent City of Achaia (which Achaia by an Isthmus was annexed to Greece, neer to Athens) seated in an Isthmus, or a little tract of Land betwixt two Seas, the Ae­gean and Ionian Sea, A most famous Mart, very populous, and flowing with wealth, it was Lumen & decus totius Graeciae. Cic. pro leg. Manil. i. e. The Light and glory of all Greece: yet very infamous for luxury and multitudes of vices. Once utterly destroyed by L. Mummius the Roman Consul; but af­ter for the opportunity of situation re­stored to its ancient splendour by Au­gustus. [Page 195] D. Pareus in prolegom. in I ad Corinth. Paul coming from Athens to Corinth, laid the first foundation of a Church there, 1 Cor. 3.10. He was the [...]r Spirituall Father that begot them, 1 Cor. 4.15. Converting, by his prea­ching, Crispus and Sosthenes chiefe Ru­lers of the Jewish Synagogue there; and many other Corinthians; among whom Paul continued preaching, a yeare and six Moneths; God assuring him by night in a Vision, that he had much people in that City. Act. 18.1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 17. And this Church of Corinth grew one of the most eminen [...] Churches for all manner of spirituall gifts, 1 Cor. 1.5, 6, 7.

When and where this Epistle was written, See in the Table before E­pistle to Romanes. As the Epistle to Ro­manes is set first for Doctrine of Faith: So this is set second for Doctrine of Church-government, excellently hand­led therein.

Occasion of writing this Epistle, seemes to be twofold. 1. The infor­mation that Paul had from them of the House of Cloe, of the many and wofull [Page 196] distempers that infested the Church of Corinth after Paul's departure, as 1 Schismes and Divisions 1 Cor. 1.11. &c. 2 Many notorious scandals, as Lusts, Incest, Covetousnesse, Law-suits, &c. 1 Cor. 5. & 6. 3 Idolatrous Communion with Infidels in their Idoll-feasts, 1 Cor. 8. & 10. 4 Vncomely habits in publique As­semblies, 1 Cor. 11.3, to 17. 5 Propha­nations of the Lords Supper, 1 Cor. 11.17. to the end. 6 Barbarous confusion in their publique Church-Assemblies, 1 Cor. 14. And 7 finally such Epicure-like profanesse, as to deny the Resurrection and eternall life, 1 Cor. 15.12, &c. 2. The writing of some of the Corin­thians unto the Apostle for satisfaction in some particular cases, as 1 about Mar­riage. 2 About Things sacrificed to Idols. 3 About Spirituall gifts. 4 About Pro­phesying. And 5 about charitable Collecti­ons for the Saints in Iudea. 1 Cor. 7.1.

Scope. The Apostle therefore in this Epistle principally endeavours, To apply healing medicines speedily to all the evils and maladies that began to grow in that Church; and to give them satis­factory Resolutions in all the particulars, [Page 197] wherein they craved his advise from the Lord.

Generall parts. In this I. Epistle to Corinthians, consider

• I. The exordium or Preface to the whole Epistle, c. 1. v. 1. to 10.
• II. A Treatise of severall subjects, accord­ing as the present state and necessity of the Church required, in respect of their present corruptions abounding; and Paul's Resoluti­on in some doubts propounded. Herein therefore the Apostle,
  • 1. Sharply taxeth their Schismes and divi­sions about their Ministers, and their diversity of gifts, as eloquence, &c. for which some factiously admired one, some another, c. 1, 10. to c. 5. Herein note 1. An emphaticall ex­hortation to unity, c. 1.10. to 14. 2. Paul's tacit clearing himselfe from being any cause of these divisions among them, either 1 By His Baptism, he baptizing very few, and none in his own name, v. 14. to 17. or 2 By his Preaching amongst them, for he prea­ched Christ crucified, not with wise­dome of words to entice them, but in demonstration of the spirit and pow­er to save them, yet his doctrine was farre above the reach of carnall men c. 1, 17. to the end and, c. 2. 3. He [Page 198] shows why he preached to thē so plain­ly, because they were carnal, c. 3, 1. to 5. 4. That their Teachers should be no such cause of divisions; They are but Mini­sters, can do nothing without God, and therefore he warnes their Teachers to take heed that they build upon Christ the foundation; and people not to admire mens persons, c. 3, 5. to the end. 5. He directs them what account to have of him and his Ministry, and how little cause they have to prefer their o­ther eloquent teachers before him, c. 4.
  • 2. He severely reproveth divers notori­ous scandals amongst them. As 1. Their suffering of the incestuous person among them, who should have been delivered to Sathan by their Church-Governours, c. 5. 2. Their covetous and quarrelsome law-suits even before Infidels, c. 6, 1. to 12. 3. Their for­nications, which they counted as indif­ferent things, c. 6.12. to the end.
  • 3. He resolveth their doubts or questions propounded to him, touching
    • 1. Marriage, and therein concerning
      • 1. Conjugall benevolence, c. 7.1. to. 8.
      • 2. The unmarried and widowes, v. 8, 9.
      • 3. Divorce, v. 10. to 25.
      • 4. Virgins, v▪ 25. to the end.
    • 2. Idolothytes, or things sacrificed to Idols, shewing that they ought not [Page 199] (under pretence of Christian liberty,) eat to the scandal of their brethren, c. 8: as he preached without wages (which yet were due to him) that he might a­void the calumny of his Antagonists; and became all things to all men to gaine them. c. 9. By other arguments he condems eating things sacrificed to Idols, as being idolatry, or communion with devils, and inconsistent with com­munion with Christ in his supper, c. 10. & c. 11.1.
  • 4. He directs and endeavours to reforme their practice in divers particulars. 1. How men and women are to be­have themselves in point of their out­ward Habits, in publique Assemblies, c. 11, 2. to 17. 2. How the Lords Saints ought to be managed and recei­ved c. 11. v. 17. to the end. 3. How all spirituall gifts are to be employed for promoting the Churches profit and preserving the unity of the mysti­call body, c. 12. beyond all which gifts, grace, as love, &c, is much to be pre­ferred; yea gifts without grace are as nothing, c. 13. 4. How they should prophecy, (the woman still keeping silence in their Churches) c. 14.
  • 5. He condemnes and confutes the pro­phane errour of them that denied the Resurrection, c. 15.
  • [Page 200]6. He instructs them about the Collecti­ons for the Saints at Jerusalem, [...]c. 16, 1.2, 3, 4.
• III, The Conclusion of the whole Epistle, with certain advertisements about more private affairs, exhortations to certain duties, and sa­lutations, c. 16.5. to the end

II Corinth.

THe II. Epistle of Paul the Apo­stle to the CORINTHIANS, So called from Paul the Penman of it. (of whom see before in Epistle to the Ro­mans) and from the parties to whom he wrote, viz. The Church at Corinth, (of which see in I. to Corinth.) and to all the Saints in all Achaia, 2 Cor. 1.1. pro­bably there being many Saints in that Province, who could not so safely and conveniently meet in Church-As­semblyes, but were dispersed up and down by reason of the turbulency of those times. Calvin in loc.

When this Epistle was written, see before in the Table.

[Page 201] Occasion of this Epistle seems to be, those Calumnies and aspersions cast upon Pa [...]ls words and actions by false Apostles and other his adversaries after his former E­pistle; they charged him with l [...]vity, that he came not to them according to his premise: with pride and tyrannicall seve­rity, because of the incestuous person: with less [...]ning the authority of the law: and that however he was glorious in his letters, yet in person he was but base, &c. Paul therefore wipes off these aspersi­ons, & shows that he wrote not his for­mer Epistle to them for any such ends, but for promoting of their salvation. So that this Epistle is for most part of it Apologeticall, viz. Pauls Apology against his adversaries calumnies, and this the end and Scope of it; as al­so to testify his love to them, and to prevent his having sorrow from them, when he should come unto them. 2 Cor. 2.3, 4.

Principall parts. are

• I. An introduction or Exordium to his E­pistle, c. 1, 1. to 8.
• II. The substance of his Epistle, containing a Treatise Apologeticall and Hortatory.
  • 1. In the Apologeticall or excusatory part of he Epistle.
    • [Page 202]1. He purgeth himselfe both from the charge of l [...]vity and temerity that he came not to them according to his promise, 1 Cor. 16.2. to 8. And of severity in the case of the ince­stuous person, showing them the true causes of his absence, wherein (to clear himself from severity, &c,) he inserts his exhortation to them, touching the restoring and comfort­ing of the incestuous person, excom­municated according to his former Epistle, but now repenting c. 1, 8. to the end, and c. 2.
    • 2. He commends and magnifies his mi­nistery to them, 1 Partly from the effect it had on them, Converting them, c. 3, 1. to 6. 2 Partly from the subject matter of his ministry, viz. The Gospel farre surpassing the law in glory, c. 3, 6. to the end. 3 Partly from his undaunted con­stancy in preaching the Gospel, not­withstanding all afflictions thereup­on incident unto him, those afflicti­ons working for him a far more ex­ceeding and eternall weight of glo­ry, c. 4. His assurance of which glory he demonstrates upon divers grounds, c. 5.
  • 2. In the Hortatory part of the Epistle, He exhorts the Corinthians, and beseecheth them
    • [Page 203]1. To walke worthy of the Gospel, and not to receive the grace of God in vaine, and this is done more Generally, c. 6, 1, to 14. More specially by a­voiding the fellowship of insidels and idolaters, c. 6, 14. to the end, and c. 7, 1.
    • 2. To beare him like affection in receiving his doctrine and exhortations, as he beares towards them for their repent­ance; and kindnesse to Titus, c. 7, 2. to the end.
    • 3. To a liberall contribution, to the poor Saints at Ierusalem, and in Iudea; and this by many emphaticall Arguments, c. 8, and c. 9.
    • 4. To behave themselves with such du [...]i­full obedience to his doctrine and mi­nistry, that he may have cause to use lenity and gentlenesse towards them, and not be put to exercise that severi­ty against them which he intended a­gainst some, c, 10. whereupon (that he may vindicate himselfe and his A­postleship from contempt in their eyes, who preferred the false Apostles be­fore him) he enters upon a necessita­ted and forced commendation of him­selfe and his Apostleship by many con­siderations, c. 11. and c. 12.
• III. The Conclusion of the whole Epistle,
  • 1. With Comminations of severity and [Page 204] sharpnesse, which he will use towards them, if they repent not, c. 13, 1. to 11.
  • 2. With valedictory exhortations and salu­tations, c. 13. v. 11, 12, 13, 14.

Galatians.

THe Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the GALATIANS. So intituled from the Penman Paul, who wrote it: and from the Churches in Galatia to whom he wrote it. Gal. 1.1, 2. Galatia, so called from Galli, i. e. The French, that came and inhabited there, who called the countrey after their name. That they were French, all agree; but from what part of France they came, is lesse evident; see Calvin's judgement herein, Calv. in Argum. Epist. ad Galat. Galatia was an ample Province of A­sia Minor, neer to Phrygia, into which anciently entred a people from Gallia of Europe, and seated themselves betwixt Bithynia and Cappadocia, as is testified by Strabo. l. 12. Iustin. l. 25. ab initio. [Page 205] Livi. l. 8. decad. 4. Plin. Nat. Hist. l. 5. c. 32. The more principall cities in the Province of Galatia, (as Appianus in Chronolog. fol. 44. notes) were these Synopa, Pompriopolis, Claudiopolis, An­cyra, (the Metropolis, famous for an ancient Councel there,) Laodicea, Anti­och and Nicopolis, D. Pareus in Com. in Gal. 1.2. Paul with Silas and Timothy, travelled through the region of Galatia once, but were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, Act. 15.40. and 16.1, 2.3.6 But afterwards he went over all the Countrey of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples, Act. 18.23. In which countrey of Galatia, in most of the fa­mous cities, Paul had planted famous Churches of Christ, as is conceived, Gal. 1.8. &c.

Occasion. It seemes by the current of the Epistle, that after Pauls departure from Galatia, having planted the Gos­pel there: there came among them false Apostles and corrupt teachers, who endeavoured to disgrace Paul's Apostle­ship among them, and to pervert the purity and simplicity of the Gospel a­mong [Page 206] them, and to pervert the purity and simplicitie of the Gospel of Christ, by mixtures of legall doctrines: urging the observance of both morall and ceremoniall law, and particularly of circumcision, as necessary to Justifi­cation; so mingling and blending to­gether Law and Gospell, works and faith, Iudaisme and Christianisme: tending dangerously to the subversion of that Church.

Scope. Hence the Apostle yearning o­ver these Churches, writes this Epistle to them, to recover them out of this errour in that fundamentall point of Iustification: to convince them of Iustification by faith on­ly; to demonstrate unto them the nature and use of morall and ceremoniall law: and incite them to a holy Christian Conversation.

Principall parts of this Epistle, to this end, are,

• I. An Exordium, preface, or entrance in­to the Epistle, wherein he notably asserts the divine authority of his Apostleship, a­gainst false Apostles denying it, c, 1, 1. to 6.
• II. A Treatise containing matters, Re­prehensory, Informatory or doctrinall, and Hortatory▪
  • [Page 207]I, Reprehensory, wherein he sharply tax­eth them that they had so soon fallen from the Gospell doctrine of Justification by faith, which he had preached to them, to an opinion of Justification by the works of the law, c. 1, 6. to c. 3, 1. To this end that he may more fully convince them of their er­rour in forsaking the Gospel which he prea­ched, he shewes, after his serious obtestati­on, 1. How he had his doctrine from God, who called him to preach to the Gen­tiles, c. 1, 11. to 16. 2. How faithfully he had preached the Gospell committed to him, withstanding all legall mixtures in point of Justification, c. 1, 16. to c. 3, 1.
  • II. Informatory or Doctrinall, wherein he asserts and proves the doctrine of Justifica­tion by faith alone, and not by legall works, by many Arguments, c. 3, 4. As for ex­ample, because
    • 1. They received the spirit not by preach­ing of the law, but by preaching of faith, c. 3, 1. to 6.
    • 2. Abraham the father of the faithfull was justified by faith; consequently so must his faithfull seed be justified whether Jews or Gentiles, c. 3, 6. to 15.
    • 3. The heavenly inheritance is not by law, but by promise, therefore of faith, c. 3, 15. to 19. And here by way of prolepsis to prevent objections, he shews what was the use [Page 208] of the law before Christ, and why the cere­moniall law is abolished at Christs comming; c. 3, 20. to c. 4. v. 12. And he lenisies the sharpnesse of his former rebukes, by signi­fying his humble, modest and tender carri­age towards them, c. 4, 12. to 21.
    • 4. The very testimony of the law it selfe condemnes this Justification by the works of the Law, as he evidences in the Allegory of Hagar and Sarah, c. 4, 21. to the end.
  • III. Hortatory, here the Apostle exhorts them 1. Constantly to persist in their Christian Liberty from the ceremoniall law, c. 5, 1. to 13. 2. Not to abuse their Christi­an liberty, v. 13. 3. To severall generall duties of Christianity, c. 5, 14. to c. 6, 11.
• III. A Conclusion of the whole Epistle containing, 1 A Testification of his love unto them, in writing to them with his own hand. 2 A commonefaction against false teachers. 3 An opposition of his owne example against that of the false Apostles, he preaching the Gospel sincerely, walking accordingly, and being willing to suffer for it; and his 4 Valedi­ction, c. 6, 11. to the end.

Ephesians.

THe Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the EPHESIANS. So denomi­nated from the Saints at Ephesus to whom Paul wrote, Eph. 1.1. EPHE­SUS was a city on the shore of the Ioni­an sea, looking towards the west of Asia Minor, of old a city of great traffique, but much addicted to magick Arts, and to superstition, there being the Tem­ple of the great goddesse Diana, Act. 19, Paul came to Ephesus at first, and reasoned with the Jewes in their Syna­gogues, but tarried not there at that time, because he hasted to keep the feast at Ierusalem, Acts 18, 19, 20, 21. After that he came a second time to Ephesus, and continued there preaching and dis­puting for two years and three moneths, and so planted a famous Church there, Act. 19.1, 8, 10. &c. 1 Cor. 16.9, till by the uproare at Ephe­sus he was necessitated to depart, Act. [Page 210] 20.1. yet after his departure into Macedonia, Act. 19.1, 2. he committed the care and inspection of the Church at Ephesus unto Timothy, 1 Tim. 1.3, 4. &c. And Paul being afterwards at Miletus, called thither the Elders of Ephesus, exhorting and encouraging them in their charge, knowing they should see his face no more, Acts 20.17. to the end. After Timothy, it is supposed Iohn the Evangelist was Bi­shop of this Church.

When and Whence this Epistle was written, See in Table before Epistle to Romans.

Occasion of Pauls writing to the E­phesians, was not Schismes and Scan­dals, as in the Church of Corinth; nor false doctrine supplanting justification by faith, that fundamentall point, as in the Church of Galatia; But the Apo­stles singular tendernesse and provident care of this Church, (he being not now farre from his death,) lest they should faint or be discouraged by his bonds at Rome, and be weary of the Gospel through the Crosse.

Scope, To encourage the Ephesians to [Page 211] constancy in faith and piety, and growth therein, notwithstanding all his or their tribulations for the Gospel.

Principall Parts, To this end, are▪

• I. The Inscription or Exordi [...]in of the E­pistle, c. 1, 1, 2.
• II. The Body of the Epistle being Doctri­nall and Hortatory.
  • 1. Doctrinall, wherein he laid down Gods benefits to them and us, or the causes of salvation.
    • 1. Gods eternall and free Predestina­tion of us to adoption in Christ, through faith, c. 1.
    • 2. Redemption by the bloud of Christ, and effectuall vocation by his grace, c. 2.
    • 3. Publication of the riches of Christ by the Gospel, especially by his mi­nistery to the Gentiles. c. 3.
  • 2. Hortatory, wherein by way of grati­tude for former benefits, he stirs them up to divers Christian duties, which are either,
    • 1. More generall and common to all Christians, c. 4. and c. 5, 1. to 22.
    • 2. More speciall and peculiar to some particular relations, as to,
      • 1. Husbands and wives, c. 5.21. to the end.
      • [Page 212]2. Parents and children, c. 6, 1. to 5.
      • 3. Masters and servants, c. 6, 5. to 10.
• III. The Conclusion of the Epistle, where­in he encourages them to be strong and constant against all temptations, through the help of the compleat Armour of God, described; showes why he sent Tychi­cus to them, and so concludes, c. 6, 10. to the end.

Philippi:

THe Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the PHILIPPIANS. So intituled because written by Paul to the Saints, Bishops and Deacons at Philippi, Phil. 1.1. PHILIPPI was the name of two cities, viz. one in Thessalie, at first cal­led Dathos, but after Philippi from Philip of Macedo who repaired it. Alsted. Prae­cog. Theol. l. 2. c. 124. Another a city of Macedonia, situate in the confines of Thracia, in the fields whereof Pompey was overcome by Caesar; and after [Page 213] Brutus and Cassius, by Anthony and O [...]a­vi [...]s. This latter Philippi, is here meant to this Philippi, Paul came, being war­ned by vision to go into Macedonia, Act. 16.9. to the end of the chapt. Here Lydia and the Iailor were converted, and Paul here laid the foundation of a slou­rishing Church, Calv. Argum. in Ep. ad Philip.

When and Whence this Epistle was written, see in former Table, &c.

Occasion, the Church at Philippi sent their bounty to Paul now Prisoner at Rome, to support him and supply his wants there, by Epaphroditus their Pa­stor, who doubtlesse coming to Paul, disclosed to him the spirituall stare of that Church, whereupon Paul writes this Epistle from Rome, by Epaphrodit us Phil. 2.25.

Scope. To confirme the Philippians in faith and Godlinesse, to warne them against Seducers, and to testify his thankfulnesse for their bountifull remembrance of him, in his distresses.

Principall Parts, to this [...]nd are

• [Page]I. An Exordium or Preface to his Epistle, c. 1, 1, 2.
• II. The Substance of the Epistle, wherein he
  • 1. Confirmes them in the faith, by Promi­sing to them Gods perfecting grace, Praising their zeal, Testifying his love to them, Removing the Scandall of the Crosse, and Intimating his great desire for the furtherance and joy of their faith, c. 1, 3, to 27.
  • 2. Exhorts them to Piety, viz. to bearing the Crosse, unity, humility of minde, and purity of life, c. 1, 27. to c. 2, 19.
  • 3. Commends their faithfull Ministers, Timothy and Epaphroditus, c. 2, 19. to the end.
  • 4. Warnes them of the false Doctrine of false Apostles, that would mingle works with faith in Justification, op­posing against them his owne example, desiring the Philippians to imitate him, c. 3.
  • 5. Encourages them in divers particular and generall duties, c. 4, 1. to 10.
  • 6. Gratefully commemorates their bounty to him, c. 4, 10. to 21.
• III. The Conclusion of the Epistle, with sa­lutations and a valediction, c. 4, 21, 22, 23.

Colossians

THe Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the COLOSSIANS. So intitu­led from the Colossians to whom Paul wrote this Epistle, to the Saints and faithfull Brethren in Christ, which are at Colosse, Col. 1.2. These Colossians were not that people dwelling in Rodes (called Colossians from that huge Co­lossus or Image of the Sunne 70 Cubites high, there erected: But rather those inhabitants of Colosse a chiefe City in Phrygia in Asia Minor, neere unto Hie­rapolis and Laodicea; as Hierome and Chrysostome thinke. And this E­pistle it selfe seemes to intimate thus much, wherein he mentions Epaphr [...]s his zeale for them at Colosse, Laodicea, and Hierapolis, Col. 4.13. Bids them sa­lu [...]e the brethren in Laodicea, ver. 15. and that this Epistle be read in the Church of the Laodiceans, ver. 16. Now Laodi­cea and Hierapolis are neere Colosse, but [Page 216] farre distant from Rhodes, as learned writers import. Xenophon in 1. de expedit. Cyri; writes, That after he entred into Phrygia, he went streight [...] i. e. Vnto Colosse a City of universall re­sort, rich, and great. Euseb. in Chro­nic. saith, That three Cities of Asia, La­odicea, Hierapolis and Colosse fell with one and the same earthquake. And Plin. in Nat. Hist. l. 5. c. 32. Seates not Co­losse in any Iland, but among the Cities of the Continent.

When and whence this Epistle was written, see in the former Table.

Occasion. Epaphras fellow-labou­rer with the Apostles, had in Colosse with other Ministers planted a Church. The Faith preached to the Colossians was impugned, Partly by some converted out of Iudaisme who urged the Ceremo­nies of the Law as necessary to Salvati­on, confounding Christ and Moses to­gether: Partly by some converted out of Gentilisme, who obtruded Philoso­phicall subtilties upon them, counting the simplicity of the Gospel too much below wise men, and so blended The­ology [Page 217] with Philosophy, The Apostle therefore being prisoner at Rome, writes to them to instruct and stablish them in the true Doctrine of the Gospel taught them by Epaphras against all the impo­stures of false Teachers.

Scope. To shew, That all hope of mans Salvation is grounded in Christ alone, and that therefore we should fully rest our selves in the Faith of Christ, and live ac­cording to Gospel Rules, rejecting all Mo­saicall Ceremonies, and Philosophicall spe­culations.

Principall parts. In this Epistle are,

• I. The Preface, containing, 1. The Inscrip­tion, c. 1.1, 2, 3. 2. The Entrance into the Epistle, wherein he commends their Faith and other graces, and wishes their growth therein, v. 3. to 12.
• II. The body of the Epistle consisting of mat­ters Doctrinall and Practicall.
  • 1. Doctrinall, where he, 1. Describes Iesus Christ and his benefits most lively▪ that he is the true sonne of God, head and Saviour of his Church most al-suffi­cient, c. 1.12, to c. 2.8. 2. Confutes Seducers that obtruded on the Colossi­ans either Philosophicall notions, or Mo­saicall [Page 218] antiquated Ceremonies, c. 2.8. to the end.
  • 2. Practicall, where he instructs and ex­horts them in Practicall duties either 1. Generall, common to all Christians, c. 3.1, to 18. 2. Speciall, peculiar to some Relations, Husbands, Wives, Pa­rents, Children, Masters and Servants, c. 3.18. to c. 4.2. where he annexes some generall exhortations ver. 2. to 7.
• III. Conclusion of the whole Epistle, con­tayning some private Affairs and Salutati­ons, c. 4.7. to the end.

I Thessal:

THe first Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the THESSALONIANS. So denominated, because written by Paul to the Church of the Thessalonians. 1 Thes. 1 1. And they from their City Thess. which was the Metropolis or mother City in Macedonia, Scituate on the edge of the Macedonian shore: Anciently it was called Thermae, and thence the Thermaick Haven. Suidas. Some give this reason of the [Page 219] change of the name; Philip King of Macedonia in a memorable Battle in these parts overcame the People of Thessaly. For monument of which Victory, the neighbouring City was re­edified and enlarged, and named Thessa­lonica; as it were, [...] i. e. put the victory to another. It was sold by Andronicus to the Venetians, but they did not long enjoy it; for it was; as other parts of Greece, quickly possessed by the Turks. Is now a famous Empory for Indian Marchandice, (but under the Do­minion and Idolatry of the Turks) known by the name of Saloniki. Maginus in Geograph.

In Thessalonica God pleased to plant a Church by the Ministry of Paul and Silas, converting both Jewes and Greeks. See the History of it, Act. 17.1. &c. There the unbelieving Jewes mov'd with envy, raised tumults a­gainst Paul and Silas, and also against the Saint [...] that entertained them, Iason &c. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. So that Paul and Silas were glad to fly away by night to Berea ver. 10.

Occasion (as may appeare from Act. [Page 220] 17. And 1 Thes. 2. & 3, 1.2,) was this. Paul being forced by tumults to depart from Thessalonica, and fearing least the Church there newly collected should be hazzarded through feare of troubles and persecutions; and going to Athens, he sends Timothy back to confirme the Thessalonians in the Faith, and report their stare to him. Where [...]on Timo­thy informing him of their constancy notwithstanding persecutions, and of all their affaires, from Athenes Paul wrote this Epistle to them for their encourage­ment. when this Epistle was written, see in Table above.

Scope. To encourage the Thessaloni­ans both to constant perseverance in Faith and Grace received, notwithstanding all tribulations befalling him or them; As also to make progresse and go on therein un­to perfection.

Principall parts, To this end are,

• I. The Inscription of the Epistle, c. 1.1.
• II. The substance or Subject matter of the Epistle is Hortatory. He Exhorteth,
  • I. To constancy and perseverance in the Faith, c, 1.2. to c. 4. Whereunto he urges them.
    • [Page 221]1. From the consideration of God; rich grace bestowed on them by the Apostles Ministry, and the generall fame thereof in the Churches of Christ, c. 1.2. to the end.
    • 2. From the graciousnesse of the instru­ment whereby they were converted, viz. Paul whose Boldnesse, Sincerity, Meeknes and Amiable behaviour to them is declared c. 2.10. to 13.
    • 3. From their own experience of the efficacy of the Doctrine of Faith, c. 2.13. to the end.
    • 4. From the Apostles care and tender­nesse over them, who (though he could not come himselfe to them, yet) sent Timothy to them to comfort and establish them, c. 3.
  • II. To progresse in grace towards perfecti­on therein 1. In generall, c. 4.1, 2, 3.2. In particular, he exhorts them to cer­taine duties (wherein perhaps they were Defective, or Endangered) as 1 Chastity, c. 4.4, 5. 2 Justice, ver. 6, 7, 8. 3 Brotherly love, ver. 9, 10. 4 Care of quiet and peaceable living together in Christian Society, ver. 11, 12. 5 Moderation of sorrow and lamentati­on for the dead in Christ; declaring what shall become of the Dead, what of the Living at Christs second coming, v. 13. to the end. After this he meets [Page 223] with that curious question that might be moved, but when shall these things be? Shewing it shall be sudden, though the particular time when, is not known; therefore they should alwayes be pre­pared, c. 5.1, to 12. 6 Due respect to the publique Ministry over them c. 5.12, 13. 7 And he shuts up his Exhor­tation with an heap of Christian duties concisely couched together, ver. 14. to 23.
  • III. The conclusion of the Epistle, with Sup­plications for them, Salutations, and Vale­diction ver. 23. to the end.

II Thessal.

THe second Epistle of Paul the Apo­stle to the THESSALONIANS. So stiled for the Reason above. When and Whence this Epistle was written, See in former Table.

Occasion seems to be some informa­tion, or Reports which the Apostle had received; touching their Persecutions for the Gospel; Touching false teach­ers, who insinuated to them (perhaps [Page 222] taking occasion by some passages of the former Epistle about Christs second coming) that Christs second coming wo [...]ld be speedily, in that age; and touching exorbitant walking of some, in idlenesse; Church-discipline mean while sleeping. The whole current of the Epistle intimates this occasion.

Scope. 1 To comfort the Church of Thessalonians against all Persecutions for Christ. 2 To informe them of their mi­stake about the second coming of Christ, that it could not be presently. And 3 to exhort them to divers Christian du­ties.

Principall parts, to these ends.

• I. Inscription and salutation, c. 1.1, 2.
• II. Body Of the Epistle, being
  • 1. Consolatory against all sufferings and persecutions c. 1.3. to the end.
  • 2. Monitory, warning them against that erroneous Doctrine which any false Teachers might suggest unto them, [...]s if Christs Second coming were at hand: wherein he prophetically assures them that before Christs coming, there will be an Apostacy, and a Revelation of An­tichrist that man of sin, c. 2.
  • 3. Hortatory, wherein he peremptorily [Page 224] prescribes Reformation of certain cor­ruptions in manners & practice among them, interlacing divers sharp reproofs thereof. Because he deales somewhat sharply with them, 1. He premiseth an insinuative preface wherein, 1▪ He begs their prayers. 2 Perswades him­self confidently of their obedience. 3 And Prayes for them, c. 3.1. to 6.2. He prescribes the Reformation of two evils, viz. 1 The remissenesse of Church-discipline towards inordinate walkers, ver. 6. to 11. 2 The neglect of manuall labour by some contrary to the Apostles Rule, ver. 11. to 16.
• III. The conclusion of the whole Epistle, with Supplications, Salutations and Valediction, ver. 16. to the end.

Thus farre of Pauls nine generall Epi­stles, written to whole Churches: Next come to be considered Pauls foure particular Epistles, directed to certaine particular persons, viz. Two to Timo­thy, and one to Titus about affairs Ecclesi­asticall; and one to Philemon about mat­ters Oeconomicall. Those Epistles to Timothy and Titus, Augustine would have him that is a Teacher in the Church to have alwayes before his [Page 225] eyes▪ Augustin. de Doctrin Christian. l. 4▪ c. 16.

I Timothy

THe first Epistle of the Apostle Paul to TIMOTHY. So denominated from Timothy to whom Paul wrote.

TIMOTHY Is a Greek name; Signifies, An Honourer of God. Pro­bably his Godly Parents desired he might be such an one when they gave him this name: and he proved an ex­cellent instrument of Honour to God both in Doctrine and conversation, accor­ding to the happy Omen and presage of his name. He is supposed to be of Ly­caoni [...], in Asia. His Father was a Greek, his Mother a Jewesse who be­lieved, Act. 16.1. her name Eunice, daughter of Lois his Grandmother; both sincere believers, 2 Tim. 1.5. From a child they trayned him up in the Scriptures, 2 Tim. 3.14, 15. Whence Paul is perswaded that the like Faith [Page 226] dwelt in him, as did in his mother and Grandmother, 2 Tim. 1.5. His Father being a Greek, he was not Circumcised after the custome of the Jewes, but be­ing come to maturity, Paul circumcised him, for the gaining of the Jewes by his Ministry, Act. 16.3. And having good commendation of him by the bre­thren of Lystra and Iconium, Paul made him his companion in travels through­out the Churches, Act. 16.2, 3, 4. &c. Sometimes Paul sent him as a Messen­ger to the Churches; whereupon Paul makes such an honourable mention of him and his workes, Act. 19.22. Rom. 16.21. 1 Cor. 4.17. And 16.10. Phil. 2.19, 20, 21, 22. 1 Thes. 3.2, 6. Gives him divers excellent Titles, cals him his brother, 1 Thes. 3.2. Heb. 13.23. His beloved son and faithfull in the Lord, 1 Cor. 4.17. His natural son in the Faith, 1 Tim. 1.2. His dearely beloved sonne, 2 Tim. 1.2. The Mini­ster of God; and his fellow-labourer in the Gospel of Christ, 1 Thes. 3.2. His work-fellow, Rom. 16.21. Yea Paul joynes Timothy with himselfe in the inscriptions of divers Epistles [Page 227] to the Churches, that so he might both commend Timothies worth and authori­ty to the Churches, as also propound him as an exemplary pattern to all faith­full Ministers. See 2 Cor. 1.1. Phil. 1.1. Col. 1.1. 1 Thes. 1.1. 2 Thes. 1.1. Philem. 1. At last after many tra­vels with Paul by Sea and Land, Paul returning into Asia committed the care of the Church of Ephesus to him, whom he knew to be so able and trusty, 1 Tim. 1.3. &c. Which he happily taught, and governed about fifteen yeers; but at last more grievously inveighing against the Idolatrous worships of Diana; under Nero the Christians cru­el Enemy, he was slain of the Gentiles with Arrowes and Stones, as is testi­fied by Eusebius Hist. l. 3. c. 14. Some thinke that his bones, together with the reliques of Andrew and Luke were translated to Constantinople by Constantine the Emperour. As Hie­ronym. and Nicephorus.

When this Epistle was written, see in the Table above.

Occasion and Scope. The Apostle being to depart into Macedonia, left Ti­mothy [Page 228] at Ephesus, that he might prevent unsound Doctrine, and ordaine Elders for that Church. Compare Act. 20. 1 Tim. 1.3. &c. That therefore Timo­thy might the better know how to be­have himselfe in that Church in all Ec­clesiasticall affairs, he writes to him this Epistle, not knowing how long he should be absent from him. 1 Tim. 3.14, 15. So that this Epistle may not unfitly be stiled▪ S^t. Pauls Directory for right mannaging of the Office of the Ministery in the Church of God.

Principall parts, to this end; are

• I. The Inscription of the Epistle, c. 1, 1, 2.
• II. The matter or Substance of the Epistle, which is chiefly by way of practicall instru­ction or direction. He directs Timothy,
  • 1. Touching [...]aith how to maintaine a­gainst the teachers of the Law, the truth of the Gospel wonderfully committed to Paul) notwithstanding all impediments, and to adde to faith a good conscience, c. 1, 3. to the end.
  • 2. Touching Ecclesiasticall worship, for whom they should pray, c. 2.1. to 8. How men and women should behave themselves in prayer, and in publick as­semblies, [Page 229] c. 2, 8. to the end.
  • 3. Touching Church officers. 1 How Bi­shops and Deacons with their wives ought to be qualified, c. 3 1. to 14. To which he annects, the end or Scope of his writing this Epistle to Ti­mothy, viz. That he might know how to governe the Church, the house of God, the pillar of truth, giving an Epitome of Gospel-truth, c. 3, 14. to the end. which he amplifies by a Propheticall prediction of the Apostacy, from the faith which should come to passe in the latter times, c. 4.1. to 6. 2 How Timo­thy should behave himselfe both in his doctrine and conversation, c. 4.6. to the end. How in private reproofs, c. 5, 1, 2. How towards widows, c. 5, 3, to 17. How towards Elders▪ c. 5, 17. to the end. What duties he should teach servants, and how he should car­ry himselfe towards them that teach o­therwise, and count Gaine godlinesse, c. 6. to 17. And how he should in­struct rich men, c. 6, 17, 18, 19.
• III. The Conclusion of the Epistle, exhort­ing Timothy to keep that which was com­mitted to him, and to avoid prophane and vaine bablings, and oppositions of science, &c. c. 6, 20.21.

II Timoth:

THe second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to TIMOTHY. So denominated from Timothy to whom Paul wrote. A Description of this Timothy, see in for­mer Epistle.

Occasion. The Apostle having left Timothy at Ephesus to take care of the Church there, 1 Tim. 1.3. when he departed from the Elders of Ephesus, af­ter he had called them to Miletus, and given them charge of the flock, they all wept sore, Acts 20.36, 37. probably, Timothy was one of those that powred out tears, 2 Tim. 1.4. and perhaps the Apostle, that he might comfort Timothy lamenting him, intimated some hopes of his returne unto him, 1 Tim. 3.14. But Paul meane while being carried a­way captive to Rome, and by his bonds hindred from coming againe to Ti­mothy, thought it necessary by this E­pistle to stablish and comfort him, both [Page 231] against the Apostles sufferings and mar­tyrdome approaching as also against all the pressures and persecutions of the Church, & that he should be moved by none of them, to desert or neglect the faithfull, keeping of that excellent treasure of truth, committed of trust to him, 2 Tim. 1.8, 13. and 2.1, 2, 3.4. and 4.1, 2, 5, 6. &c. and that they might more effectually be com­forted in one another, he desires him to come shortly to him, 2 Tim. 4.9. that so they might take their last farewell one of another. For this was Pauls last Epistle (as his Swan-like Song) a little before his death, 2 Tim. 4.6, 7.

Scope, To stirre up and strengthen Timothy, to constancy and fidelity, in dis­charge of his ministeriall office, and the keeping and asserting of the truth, deposited and committed of trust to him; against all the present dangers and persecutions impen­ding him or the Apostle for the same, in these perillous times.

Principall parts. to this end are

• I. An Inscription of the Epistle, c. 1, 1, 2, together with an insinuative patheticall [Page 232] proem, testifying his singular affection to Timothy, v. 3, 4, 5.
• II. The substance of the Epistle, which is chiefly Hortatory and Consolatory. Herein he,
  • 1. Exhorts and encourages him to con­stancy and faithfulnesse in all the work of the Ministry committed to him, notwithstanding all the Apostles afflictions endured for the truth, all the troubles Timothy might incurre in defence of the truth, and the unfaithful­nesse of some revolting from the truth, c. 1, 6. to the end, and c. 2.
  • 2. Prophetically forewarnes him of the perillousnesse of the last dayes, especi­ally by reason of wicked hypocrites and Seducers, c. 3, 1. to 14.
  • 3. Most earnestly incites and charges him to be constant in the faith, according to the Scriptures which he knew from a child, and to be instant in preaching the word, against all discouragements, after the Apostles example, who had finished his course, and now shortly was to receive his Crown, c. 3, 14. to c. 4, 9.
• III. Conclusion of the Epistle, with 1 Some particular directions, c. 4, 9. to 16. 2 Nar­ration of his owne affairs, v. 16, 17, 18. 3 Salutations, v. 18. to 22. and 4 Valedicti­on, v. 22.

Titus.

THe Epistle of Paul to TITUS. So intituled from the name of the per­son to whom he wrote, Tit. 1.1, 4. Titus is evidently a Greek name, ei­ther derived from [...] Titus, i. e, A Dove; (as Ionah in Hebrew hath his name from a Dove,) or rather from [...] Tio i. e. to honour, esteem, &c. thence [...], Titos i. e. Honoured; a fit name for him, that was truely honoured both by God and man. Titus was by Nation a Grecian, a Gentile, & uncircumcised probably till his death, Gal. 2.3. yet effectually converted by Paul to the faith, hence called his naturall sonne after the common faith, Tit. 1.4. yea he cals him his Partner and fellow-helper. 2 Cor. 8.23. and his brother, 2 Cor. 2.13. having en­joyed him as a companion of his travels, Gal. 2.1. a comfort in his sorrows, 2 Cor. 7.6. and having used him as a Legate or messenger unto divers Churches, [Page 234] and betrusted him with the Collections for the poor Saints in Iudea, 2 Tim. 4.10. 2 Cor. 8.6, 16, 17. Paul having planted a Church in the Isle of Creta, now called Candy, he left Titus there behind him to finish the work, appoint­ing him to set in order things that were wanting, and to ordaine Elders in every city, Tit. 1.5. and there it is thought, he died and was buried.

Occasion and Scope, Paul having left Titus in Creet to order things wan­ting, &c. in the Church now planted there, and perceiving that in his absence false Teachers, erroneous in judgement, and scandalous in life, crept in, seeking to de­stroy the faith, by mingling Christ and Moses together, to disturbe Church-Go­vernment planted, and to disjoyne the pra­ctice from the profession of piety. Paul therefore sollicitous for the Church, writes this Epistle to Titus, both to strengthen and gaine Authority to his ministery there against all contempt; as also to direct him, how to order and stablish things wanting in the Church, how to represse distempers and dis­orders arising, and how to demeane himselfe, both in doctrine and conversation, towards [Page 235] severall sorts of Persons.

Principall parts to this end

• I. An Inscription, c. 1, 1, to 5.
• II. Substance of the Epistle, (of like na­ture to the I. To Timothy) wherein he
  • 1. Declareth for what ends he left Titus in Creet, c. 1, 5.
  • 2. Directeth him in reference to these ends.
    • 1. What qualifications are requisite in Bishops, or Elders both for life and doctrine, c. 1, 6. to the end.
    • 2. How Titus should accordingly approve himselfe in the ministry, both in his doctrine and life, and that towards both aged men and women, as also towards servants, c. 2. and generally towards all Chri­stians, how he should teach them to behave themselvs, both towards ma­gistrates, and mutually towards one another, backing the same with [...]o­gent Arguments, c. 3, 1. to 12.
  • III. A Conclusion of the whole Epistle consisting of more private directions, sa­lutations, and his Apostolicall valediction, c. 3, 12. to the end.

Thus of Pauls Epistles written to parti­cular persons about Ecclesiasticall affairs. Now of his Epistles written to particular [Page 236] persons, yea to a Church, Philem. 1.2. about Oeconomicall or Houshold affairs. viz.

Philemon.

THe Epistle of Paul to Philemon. So called because peculiarly and in the first place directed to him, Philem. 1.2. PHILEMON, as some thinke sounds like an Hebrew name, and signi­fies, The mouth of bread, so denoting his beneficence and bounty relieving them with bread, &c. that were poore and needy, See v. 7. Hieron. Others ra­ther taking this Etymon to be uncertain, count Philemon a Greek name, signify­ing Kissing, from [...] Philema. i. e. A kisse, So intimating his kindnesse.

This is not that ancient Comick poet, called Philemon, which Paul seems to have read, by some expressions in his Epistles, as 1 Tim. 2.12. and 5.23. Tit. 2.3. The fragments of which poet are extant, collected by Henr. Steph. [Page 237] But this Philemon is supposed to be by Countrey a Phrygian, as Theophylact. and in particular a minister of the Church at Colosse, an eminent towne in Phrygia. Paul here cals him fellow-la­bourer, Phil [...]m. v. 1. viz. in preach­ing the Gospel; and a Partner, v. 17▪ compare Philem. v. 1, 2. with Col. 4.17, He is called a Bishop by Anselme, an Evangelist by Hierom. And here is mention of the Church in his house, v. 2. Probably, Philemon was converted or much edified by Pauls ministry, from that intimation, v. 19. was deare to Paul ▪ he cals him brother v. 7, 20. his dearly beloved. v. 1. He is com­mended for his faith in Christ, and boun­tifull love to all the Saints, vers. 5.7. Though rich, yet is suspected to be sornewhat too covetous, from that ex­pression, v. 18, 19. We find no men­tion of him in Scripture, but only in this Epistle.

Occasion. Onesimus servant to Phi­lemon, had much wronged him in pur­loyning his goods, (it is probably thought he stole some money from him) and so ranne away from him to [Page 238] Rome, where (providence so ordered things,) hearing Paul preach he was converted, and ministred to Paul in pri­son. But Paul understanding the cause of his depar [...]ing from his Master, sends Onesimus back again to his master with this Epistle, perswading him to forgive him, and entertaine him again.

Scope. To reconcile Onesimus, now converted, to Philemon his master, whom he had much wronged formerly, being un­converted, and had runne away from him.

Principall parts, of this most ele­gant and patheticall Epistle, to this end, are

• I. The Preface or Exordium to the E­pistle, containing 1. The inscription, v. 1, 2, 3. 2. The Apostles Gratulation at Phile­mons faith in Christ, and liberall love to the Saints, v. 4. to 8, hereby he indears both himselfe and his request to Philemon.
• II. The Proposall of his request to Phile­mon, more generally, and after more parti­cularly, viz. that he would againe receive Onesimus, whom he had sent to him, v. 8. to 13.
• III. Cogent Arguments, pressing this re­quest, (every word almost being an Argu­ment) some of which are couched in the Pro­posall [Page 239] of his request; As 1. Onesimus is con­verted, v. 10. 2. Now he will be a profi­table servant, v. 11. 3. Onesimus was dear to Paul ▪ as his own bowels, v. 12, 4. Pauls prizing Onesimus his service, v. 13.14. 5. Providence seemed so to over-rule his departure by converting him in the interim, as if God would prepare him for constant service, v. 15. 6. He is now not a servant, so much as a brother in Christ, v. 16. 7. Paul that makes this request, is Philemons Part­ner, v. 17. 8. Philemon shall not loose by receiving him, v. 18, 19. 9. Paul shall reap the fruit of sweet refreshing in the grant of this request, v, 20.
• IIII. The Conclusion of the Epistle, con­taining 1. Pauls hope of Philemons grati­fying him. 2. His request to prepare him­selfe a lodging. 3. Salutations. 4. And the Apostolicall valediction, v. 21. to the end.

Hitherto of the Epistles written to the II believing Gentiles, and all by Paul: Now of the Epistles written to the belie­ving Iews by severall Apostles.